Nigeria charges protesters with treason

Nigeria on Monday charged 10 people with treason and conspiring to incite the military to mutiny following last month's nationwide demonstrations that saw thousands take to the streets to protest against a cost of living crisis.

The protests were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces and Amnesty International said at least 13 people were killed. Security forces denied using lethal force.

The 10 men were arraigned in the Abuja Federal High Court and entered a not guilty plea. They face the death penalty if convicted, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said.

State prosecutors said in court papers seen by Reuters that the protesters intended to destabilise Nigeria and "conspired together to commit felony to wit, treason".

Prosecutors also laid five other charges against the accused under the country's penal code, including inciting the military to mutiny, burning government buildings and disturbing public peace.

Lawyers for the protesters sought their release on bail, which was opposed by the state. The court will make a ruling on Sept. 11 when their trial is expected to begin.

Amnesty urged the government to unconditionally release all the people arrested during the protests. It said the trial was meant to unlawfully justify detaining protesters.

"These are blatantly trumped-up charges that must be immediately withdrawn," said Isa Sanusi, director for Amnesty International Nigeria.

Nigerians blame economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu, in office since May 2023, for economic hardship, worsened by double-digit inflation after the currency was devalued and the cost of petrol and electricity rose.

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

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DNA Testing Surge in Nigeria: Yoruba Record Highest Number of Tests

A new report from Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing center in Lagos, reveals a significant rise in DNA testing across Nigeria. The report, released on September 1, covers data from July 2023 to June 2024.

The findings from Smart DNA show a high rate of paternity uncertainty, largely influenced by the increasing trend of migration, commonly referred to as “japa.”

The report indicates that 27 percent of paternity tests returned negative results, meaning that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question.

The report also notes that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship are conducting DNA tests as part of the process for their children’s emigration paperwork.

Regionally, the report highlights that 73.1 percent of DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a significant disparity between the Mainland (67.5 percent) and the Island (32.5 percent).

Ethnic group data from the report shows that the Yoruba accounted for 53 percent of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3 percent, while the Hausa made up just 1.2 percent.

Elizabeth Digia, Smart DNA’s operations manager, commented on the findings: “The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. These trends reflect broader societal shifts that require further discussion and research. The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about the accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.”

By Halimat Shittu, The News Digest

Eniola Bolaji Clinches Nigeria’s First Medal at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Nigeria has secured its first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, thanks to a stellar performance by 18-year-old Eniola Bolaji.

Bolaji captured a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event, defeating Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana in a dominant 2-0 victory on Monday at the La Chapelle Arena.

In a match that lasted just 24 minutes, Bolaji overpowered her Ukrainian opponent with identical 21-9 scores in both sets.

Her commanding performance in the third-place match marks a historic achievement, as she not only secured Nigeria’s first medal at this year’s Games but also solidified her place as one of Africa’s rising stars in para-badminton.

Bolaji’s journey to the podium has been nothing short of remarkable. On Sunday, she became the first African athlete to reach the semi-final of a badminton event at the Paralympic Games, after defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 in the quarter-final.

Despite her dreams of gold being dashed in the semi-final by China’s Xiao Zhuxian, Bolaji’s determination remained unshaken as she stormed back to claim the bronze.

The young para-athlete had dedicated her participation in the Paris Paralympics to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics. Bolaji had vowed to honor his memory by winning a medal at the Paralympics, a promise she has now fulfilled.

As Nigeria celebrates Bolaji’s achievement, attention now turns to other athletes who will compete later in the Games.

Flora Ugwunwa is set to compete in the final of the F54 women’s shot put, hoping to add to Nigeria’s medal tally. Additionally, Kayode Alabi and Isau Ogunkunle are scheduled to take part in the round of 16 in the men’s table tennis event.

With Bolaji’s triumph setting the tone, Nigeria’s athletes continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination on the world stage, bringing pride and inspiration to their nation.

By Chioma Kalu, Arise