In April this year, officers of the Nigerian Police Force reportedly arrested about 100 women in Abuja clubs and paraded them as sex workers. According to the reports, not only were these women innocent but police officers proceeded to rape many of them.
The news caused such an uproar at the time and led to online and offline protests calling out the police and demanding the release of the arrested women.
But the raids continued. Shedding more light to these inhumane acts, a recent report released earlier this week tells the stories of six victims of the unlawful arrests.
You've heard of the #AbujaRaid earlier this year. What you probably haven't heard of is the role of a certain "Hajiya Safiya" in the ongoing targeted harassment of young women in Abuja.
My investigative story for @NewsWireNGR.https://t.co/ac5ZjPS2XG
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) October 31, 2019
Apparently, theΒ Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) is behind the arrests, in conjunction with Hajiya Safiya Umar, Acting Secretary of the Abuja’s Social Development Secretariat (SDS).
Incase you were wondering who Hajiya Safiya is;
https://twitter.com/lagosboygang/status/1189920913812283392?s=20
These;
https://twitter.com/ukejeihuoma/status/1190003176889552904?s=20
Yes. It is worse. I was abducted and also sexually violated in the #AbujaRaids 3 times. #AbujaRaid
— Dorothy Njemanze (@dorymanze) October 31, 2019
Reactions
I have lived in Abuja almost all my life, never have we experienced the level of harassments – a woman along with her two months old son was abducted by this agency and detained for βcausing nuisanceβ. Thank you @DavidHundeyindke this #AbujaRaid Investigation. This must end https://t.co/2J2yTjPsJ8
— Mercy (@AbangMercy) October 31, 2019
βThey brought out two girls from the van and asked for money, those that didnβt have money were all raped by the police, anyone that paid was allowed to go and from the van…β #AbujaRaidhttps://t.co/0iM0Ahwvwg
— Kiki Mordi (@kikimordi) October 31, 2019
The stories of young women detailed in the #AbujaRaid are so heartbreaking to read and a reminder of the work we all have to do in ensuring that women can exist in Nigeria.
Illegal arrests, extortion, rape, sexual assault and law subversion.
Read more ππΎhttps://t.co/wmDKHOBx5N pic.twitter.com/uDb8chCQC3— S.T.E.R Initiative (@StandtoEndRape) October 31, 2019
Why are women being victimised? For how long is #AbujaRaid going to continue? Why does #AbujaRaid only target women? Why #AbujaRaid?@PoliceNG are accused of raping victims
The Untold Story of the AEPB, Abujaβs Uniformed Female Harassment Unit – https://t.co/Y3hiCLga5P
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) October 31, 2019
Crazy stuff
https://twitter.com/SavvyRinu/status/1189890433108848642?s=20
So being a woman & being alone in a hotel room in Abuja is now a crime as youβll be dragged out of d hotel by a certain govt agency,labeled a prostitute &get detained afterwards.
9ja,really?Abeg where we dey use leg waka go again?#AbujaRaid is extremely an inhuman act!
STOP IT!— Angela Eguavoen (@angelaeguavoen_) October 31, 2019
Imagine checking into your hotel room, settling in, hearing a knock on your room door, you open to find out what's going on only to be dragged out into a van by men in uniform. Branded a prostitute and illegally arrested
This is not fiction.This is happening in Abuja#AbujaRaid
— FOLA FOLAYAN (@TheFavoredWoman) October 31, 2019
The #AbujaRaid has been happening for years and even after protests a few months ago and high level engagement with government officials by high stake development partners, those raids did not stop. I heard about a raid as recent as 4 weeks ago.
— . (@FakhuusHashim) October 31, 2019
Why Hajiya Safiya? Why?
https://twitter.com/SavvyRinu/status/1189890433108848642?s=20
The fact that the person behind the #AbujaRaid, that has caused many girls to be raped and abused is a woman who claims to be preaching decency is so head scratching. We have some really sick people in power and Hajiya Safiya is one of them.
— Sam (@ilynem) October 31, 2019
Hajiya Safiya Umar, you will be brought to the altar of justice somehow, someday, somewhere. We will not forget…. #AbujaRaids
— The Undying Poet (@judgebushx) November 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/oluwa_oladapo/status/1190164014820679680?s=20
Other reactions
Consider this:
1) SARS is harrassing young men mostly cos of their dressing
2) Hajiya Safiya harrasing ladies cos of their dressing
3) NG Army warning the country to "dress responsibly"Are we in a Sharia State?
— βKachi Fortune | CyberKach (@unclekach) October 31, 2019
All of this just because women have decided to take hold of their lives and do as they please for themselves ? Might as well just tell us not to breathe since this nation wants control over our lives #AbujaRaid
— Ebele (@ebelee_) October 31, 2019
https://twitter.com/jaysonrogue/status/1189879532699951105?s=20
I don't know who needs to hear this but your religion is not a constitution for all of humanity.
Make no mistake, Hajiya Safiya Umar is just one of the millions of Nigerians who share the same mindset that moral policing is necessary for nation building.#AbujaRaid
— CYBER DOBERMAN (@Baldilocks__) October 31, 2019
Read more reactions here.
ASUU rejects IPPIS
In April this year, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rejected the plan of the federal government of Nigeria to enlist its members on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), designed for selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government, describing it as a forceful and dubious trap.
The government warned members of ASUU to enlist on the payroll system before the end of October 2019 or face the consequence of not being paid salaries.
The union is not opposed to accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds, but would oppose any method that βviolates ASUUβs agreement with the government.β https://t.co/MwpCnfYpWQ #ASUU #Nigeria #IPPIS
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) October 25, 2019
The union threatened to embark on a nationwide strike
ASUU threatens nationwide strike over IPPIS | TheCable https://t.co/e5lvpr7ASD pic.twitter.com/9RDePAR9xV
— TheCable (@thecableng) October 28, 2019
Check this;
Just as I tweeted earlier on. OAU and UNILORIN back the FGN on IPPIS and wonder why ASUU is taking the curious stance of opposition.https://t.co/OYpXwuSvRy
— Madam President (rtd) Iyabo Arinola Ifeoma Awokoya (@iyaboawokoya) October 28, 2019
Watch this;
For those who truly want to know the facts behind ASUU/FG scuffle as regards IPPIS, read this thread of a recent engagement between @AjuriNgelale (FG) and Dr Dapo Asiru (ASUU)
What is the FG trying to do? π pic.twitter.com/oQicnx8eNM
— Banqie (@AdeBanqie) October 29, 2019
Find the full thread here.
Reactions
βASUU opposition to IPPIS is an open endorsement to corruption in the Nigeria University system, as the IPPIS platform will not allow employment of workers at will without compliance to due process on employment.β β Accountant General of the Federation @NigeriaGov https://t.co/XIL9RbBIXQ
— Tolu Ogunlesi, MON (@toluogunlesi) October 29, 2019
ASUU does not want the Govt to centralize their Salary thru IPPIS but they want Lecturers to Harass Students for Grades. They are happy with Students lives getting ruined by Lecturers, they want to Strike to Delay Students from Graduating for Selfish Reasons.
A Disgrace..
— Safehouse Empireπ (@OfficialNewNig) October 28, 2019
ASUU rejected TSA, the FG doesn't have control of revenues generated in its universities, thanks to ASUU.
ASUU again rejects IPPIS..ASUU wants to dictate to the FG how to pay salaries to its employees. Where in the world does this happen?
— Dr. Toks π¦ (@fimiletoks) October 27, 2019
There is no justification whatsoever for ASUU to resist been captured under the IPPIS scheme. Some of us that came out of the system know how rotten the system is. Whatever excuse ASUU is giving is balderdash. Any willing ASUU member can take me on this
— Dr. Ben Gbenro (@bengbenro) October 28, 2019
Students worried about another ASUU strike
ASUU should Joh nitori oloun and not embark on strike o π
— βPelumi (@Pelumi_FP) October 28, 2019
ASUU please let me go before you embark on any strike. Just 4 days more….
— Daniel Komo (@Dhannyblaze) October 28, 2019
IPPIS must stick!
Sex for marks, sell marks, sell handouts, sell assignments, sell elections, collect multiple pay, give no education to students and still make sure they don't graduate as at when due.
ASUU is rotten. #IPPIS must stay.
— Boom Shakalaka (@BoomSha34093605) October 30, 2019
ASUU was mute when #SexForGrades was trending.
ASUU didn't condemned #SexForGrades.
ASUU didn't show solidarity and support for ladies that are victims of #SexForGrades.
But ASUU is now vocal because FG is trying to introduce IPPIS. ASUU is also part of the problems in Nigeria.— Uncle AJ (@UNCLE_AJALA) October 29, 2019
Dear FG/@MBuhari,
I plead with you NEVER to agree to ASUU's request not to be enrolled on IPPIS.
Tertiary education cannot be funded by FG and its major arm ASUU refusing to be accountable.
Corruption must not win. You either be on IPPIS or RESIGN.
Regards
Concerned Citizen— Banqie (@AdeBanqie) October 28, 2019
President Buhari is paid from IPPIS, as are judges. IPPIS hasnβt fixed their retirement ages at 60 years. The military is on IPPIS. They have allowances and foreign duty. But letβs continue to be held hostage by ASUU and to prioritise political interest over National interest.π
— Dr Joe Abah, OON (@DrJoeAbah) October 28, 2019
In ASUU’s defence
https://twitter.com/OlumideSamuel_/status/1189885573680500747?s=20
I am not supporting #ASUU strike actions, as they always do. But let me share this.
On why the IPPIS software should be modified before Lecturers are enrolled.
— Muhammad Malumfashi (@m_malumfashi) October 28, 2019
Memes
Seeing ASUU trending when you wake up in the morning is really unhealthy π¨ pic.twitter.com/jG4gzMpZVy
— Bensonπ«₯ (@Oluwatosin_IO) October 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/0Danick2/status/1188928566521729030?s=20
Me thinking on what is making asuu trend when I'm almost rounding up my final semester exam #ASUU pic.twitter.com/pY3CdE1RAa
— Emma Nuel (@Nuel4victory) October 28, 2019
A rare group photo of ASUU lecturers! pic.twitter.com/QgWmriTRi6
— Orezi Mena (@Thecreativemena) October 28, 2019
Update!
BREAKING: ASUU suspends proposed strike overΒ IPPIS https://t.co/48XQJyE0XZ
— Daily Trust (@daily_trust) October 31, 2019
Read other reactions here.
Kumasi girls VS Accra girls
This week, Accra and Kumasi Twitter battled it out on which of the two Ghanaian cities has the best girls, using the hashtag #KumasigirlsVSAccragirls. Here are few tweets from the trend.
For Kumasi girls
How Accra girls move from one relationshipto another #KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls pic.twitter.com/dNFXO3KcpB
— Kobby Morant π₯½ (@KobbyMorant) October 31, 2019
When Accra girl comes outta a poolπ€£π€£#KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls pic.twitter.com/E2CNilPBrN
— PYπ Bhim (@peewye10) October 31, 2019
Kumasi girls are wife material
Accra girls are dating material #KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls
— Nsawam Michael Scofield πͺ (@OkwasiaBiNti) October 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/KwabenaWann/status/1189617110294683648?s=20
ForAccra girls
But honestly, this argument is not necessary because Kumasi ladies are not on twitter… They think it is a name of food joint in Accra. ππππ#KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls
— scofield wills (@scofwilly) October 30, 2019
I asked one Kumasi girl if she knows Ashongman and she said they were never taught that topic
I don't blame her though π#KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls
— ANGEL TOPEDO (@ThoughtPillow) October 30, 2019
I told my Kumasi friend about this ongoing issue on Twitter and she is asking me how much I paid for gate fee.
Ahπ€£π€£π€£π€£π€£π€£#KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls pic.twitter.com/MULXWJ9Ge9— Obomengniibaa Nana Akua (@CallmeAkua) October 31, 2019
What Kumasi girls use in relaxing their hair VS what Accra girls use in relaxing their hair #KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls pic.twitter.com/ZuuqzuJ5qZ
— DJ ALBERTπ§π¬ππ©πͺ (@NiiAborhey) October 31, 2019
Other reactions
Floods den things dey go on in Ghana but ghana youths dey discuss #KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls God abeg, when you dey blow trumpet! πͺ
— Noel π¬π (@noelhimself) October 30, 2019
The real issue on the ground is…the girls leaving in Accra are not from there but from other regions…If you want to compare rather compare Kumasi girls then the chokor or Labadi borla beach girls…Period#KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls #PureDrive
— λλ (@_1_NANA) October 30, 2019
Floods den things dey go on in Ghana but ghana youths dey discuss #KumasiGirlsVrsAccraGirls God abeg, when you dey blow trumpet! πͺ
— Noel π¬π (@noelhimself) October 30, 2019
So who started this #KumasigirlsvrsAccragirls thing? Ghana problem no dey here oo eii.π
— MR.LAW (@the_law_himself) October 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/iamKomlah/status/1189604165573599232?s=20
Read more reactions here.
The curious case of Mompha
Last week, we heard news that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Ismaila Mustapha, a social media celebrity popularly known as Mompha. He was reportedly arrested in Nigeria after he fled Interpol in Dubai.
Alleged Internet fraud, Money Laundering: EFCC Arrests Ismaila Mustapha, a.k.a Mompha
Β
The EFCC, Lagos office, has arrested a renowned Social Media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha for an alleged involvement in internet related fraud and money laundering. pic.twitter.com/i7oTTjtS1l— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) October 22, 2019
EFCC’s investigations into Mompha’s criminal activities led them to uncover some shocking details and Mompha’s alleged Lebanese associate, Hamza Koudeih.
Mompha, a supposed Bureau Du Change Operator, who has been arrested for a Scam in Nigeria, has 51 bank accounts in the country. pic.twitter.com/8fEDJcwqLX
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) October 29, 2019
Mompha and his Lebanese Collaborator, Hamza Koudeih are involved in a N33 billion ($91.2 million) Money Laundering/Scam case. pic.twitter.com/344SY3oTLW
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) October 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/SubDeliveryZone/status/1189116951920107521?s=20
Reactions
Mompha done enter serious problem. The worst part is Interpol is still on stand by to pick him up.
— Isima (@IsimaOdeh) October 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/theDamorela/status/1189142408530923522?s=20
https://twitter.com/cwethein/status/1189173428944887809?s=20
https://twitter.com/PH_Prinx/status/1189117784330035201?s=20
These
https://twitter.com/london_used/status/1189127447792496640?s=20
https://twitter.com/ChuksNoble4/status/1189129218141118468?s=20
https://twitter.com/QdPaper/status/1189116935319052293?s=20
How much is Hamza’s rent again?
https://twitter.com/__Mbah/status/1189273071364005888?s=20
A suite for 1.8b yearly Chaai EFCC and lie !!
Who would even pay 1million a Day? ?
Na Jesus build the Hotel? ?#Mompha pic.twitter.com/gOXCo3dGRW
— Superstar DJ Eazee (@ThisisEazee) October 29, 2019
β¦1.8 Billion just to RENT a suite yearly?
Haaaaaa!! Mompha ππ½ββοΈππ½ββοΈππ½ββοΈππ½ββοΈππ½ββοΈ
Guys, Forget O!
Money dey, Where Γ© deyβΌ pic.twitter.com/w3LXsIgDKp— π Tokunbo Oshisanya (@Stunner_Guy) October 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/Daybor/status/1189175578278150144?s=20
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/Misterkobz/status/1189146265436803072?s=20
Mompha has 51 different accounts used for crime and in all his quotes on Instagram are about how God was making ways for him and how grateful he was.
God has suffered.
— etoro (@etoro111) October 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/ObongRoviel/status/1189153072888668160?s=20
Guy: Eye of the gods, I want to do juju thatβll make me rich like Mompha
Babalawo: *Consults the gods* My son, Ogugu the keeper of wealth has 2 words for you
Guy: Okay baba, what is it?
Babalawo: Insufficient funds
— Four-eyed Edo Boyβ’ (@Alex_Houseof308) October 29, 2019
Read more here.
Extra!
- Read flag is trending on Twitter. Read hilarious tweets from the trend hereΒ and here.
- The Nigerian Supreme Court dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s appeal over the 2019 presidential election result. Read reactions here.
- Nigerian Singer Dice Ailes sparked controversy with his new music artwork. Read reactions here.
Featured Image Source: Women Africa
