Metro
Police Invite Activist Who Accused Officers of Raping Sex Workers, Say She Won’t be Detained
The Police in Abuja have invited a woman for questioning after she accused officers of raping suspected commercial sex workers with sachet water nylons.
Dorothy Njemanze, an Abuja-based women’s rights activist, raised the allegation on social media on Thursday. It came as police and social development authorities intensified their crackdown on alleged sex workers across the federal capital.
Abuja Police Commissioner Bala Ciroma told PREMIUM TIMES the activist was only asked to turn up at the FCT police headquarters to assist detectives with information about officers responsible for the gruesome abuses.
“The allegations are too grievous for our institution to ignore,” the police chief said. “We hope the woman will have useful information that will aid our investigation.”
Mrs Njemanze said she learnt from some of the women arrested and profiled as prostitutes that officers traded the women’s release for sex.
“We learnt that some of the women were raped with sachet water nylons because there were no condoms left,” Mrs Njemanze told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday evening.
The police invited her because she had put out a video and wrote posts on her social media handles alleging the incident earlier this week.
“I will be honouring the commissioner’s invitation on Thursday (today) morning,” she told PREMIUM TIMES. “We are partners in progress.”
Mr Ciroma said he looked forward to receiving Mrs Njemanze on Thursday, and she will not be detained no matter how the invitation turned out.
Out on a limb
Dozens of women have been arrested at night clubs in major parts of the city within the last two weeks. They were accused of “offences” ranging from prostitution to indecent dressing, despite social media outrage that some of the women might have been hanging out with male acquaintances or even alone.
At least 70 women were arrested in a joint raid by the police and Abuja social workers between April 29 and 29. The arrests were in addition to dozens of women who were taken into custody at Caramelo, a famous gentleman’s club in the posh Utako neighbourhood.
The Nigerian Constitution is silent on commercial sex activities, but there are subsidiary legislation in some local jurisdictions that prohibit such acts. After the purported invasion of Abuja by young women repeatedly made headlines in 2011, there were rumours that Ike Ekweremadu was sponsoring a bill to legalise the commercial sex work in the country. The Enugu senator, who became the deputy senate president in 2015, however, denied the reports at the time.
The police summarily arraigned some of the women at an improvised courtroom, but many were reportedly freed amidst unclear circumstances. Some of those convicted received up to six months’ imprisonment, while a few others were slammed with fines.
Even though the clubs were filled with both sexes, only women were arrested. This has elicited allegations of gender-based violence against women, which could render them even more vulnerable than they had been.
‘No vagina is safe in Abuja’
Mrs Njemanze said she had been gathering evidence about the alleged rape of women with sachet water nylons, but her personal experience sufficed to conclude that officers were capable of committing such acts.
“When I was arrested in 2012, my breast and buttocks were terribly fondled by some of the officers,” Mrs Njemanze said.
She made headlines that year after being arrested for alleged prostitution. She sued the Nigerian government at ECOWAS Court and won. The court determined that her rights were violated because she was arrested only because she was out at night.
“In most cases of prostitution, you will have a man and a woman,” Mrs Njemanze said. “If you arrest only the woman and profile her as a prostitute, then it becomes gender-based violence.”
She said only 10 of about 70 women who were arrested last week were arraigned before a mobile court near the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
“Police officers freed most of the women after they were given sex and money,” Mrs Njemanze said.
She said she will demand a review of the circumstances under which the most of the women were released without charges — including an interview of all the officers that took part in the arrests and some of the freed detainees.
‘Just plead guilty’
Mrs Njemanze said one of the major concerns she would raise with Mr Ciroma will be about officers’ “unethical practice” of ensnaring suspected prostitutes into admitting their guilt.
“Whenever they arrest women at night clubs, be they strippers or commercial sex workers or whatever, they usually ask them to just plead guilty in their kangaroo court so they could be fined for a small amount rather than sent to jail,” she said.
The officers use the tactics to avoid the responsibility of proving that the women were actually prostitutes as required in criminal proceedings. Only a few of victims of discriminatory police arrests know their fundamental rights as Nigerian citizens, she added.
“I respect the commissioner because he has been proactive against sexual and gender-based violence,” Mrs Njemanze said. “But the officers have failed to emulate his professionalism.”
Premium Times
The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has intensified its campaign against period poverty, calling for collective action to ensure that no girl is denied education, dignity, or opportunity because of menstruation.
The call was made during the commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day held at Isolog College, Akute, Ogun State, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The event, themed, “The Pad Bank Movement: Ending Period Poverty Together” brought together students, teachers, partners, advocates, and community stakeholders to promote menstrual health awareness and support for girls.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation, Theresa Moses, described menstruation as a natural biological process that should never be a source of shame or a barrier to education and personal development.
According to her, period poverty remains a major challenge affecting thousands of girls across Nigeria, forcing many to miss school, withdraw from social activities, and sometimes resort to unsafe alternatives due to a lack of access to sanitary products.
She explained that the Foundation established the Pad Bank Movement as a sustainable solution to ensure girls have access to menstrual products whenever they need them.
“The Pad Bank is more than a storage facility for sanitary pads. It is a symbol of hope, dignity, inclusion, and empowerment. It ensures that no girl has to suffer in silence because of her period,” she said.
Moses disclosed that the Foundation has reached and impacted more than 10,000 girls and women across schools, rural communities, and underserved areas through menstrual health education, advocacy campaigns, sanitary pad distribution, and empowerment programmes.
She called on schools, governments, corporate organizations, parents, and development partners to support menstrual health initiatives and establish Pad Banks in schools to help eliminate period poverty.
Addressing the students, she encouraged girls not to feel ashamed of menstruation, emphasizing that it is a sign of growth and health.
“Your period should never stop you from achieving your dreams. Speak up when you need support, ask questions, and take pride in who you are,” she advised.
A major highlight of the programme was an educational session delivered by Mrs. Amina Omoike, a media expert and life coach on the topic, “Ending Period Poverty Together.”
Omoike described menstruation as a normal biological process experienced by women and girls worldwide and urged participants to reject harmful myths and misconceptions associated with periods.
“Your period is not a sickness. It is not a punishment. It is not something that should stop you from achieving your dreams,” she told the students.
She explained that period poverty goes beyond the inability to afford sanitary pads and includes a lack of access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, accurate menstrual health information, and social support.
According to her, period poverty can result in school absenteeism, reduced confidence, health risks, anxiety, and social isolation among girls.
“There are girls who stay home for several days every month because they have no menstrual products. Imagine missing classes every month through no fault of your own,” she said.
Omoike urged girls to learn about menstrual health, ask questions without fear, support one another, and share accurate information. She also called on parents, schools, and communities to create supportive environments where menstruation can be discussed openly without stigma.
She concluded with a message of encouragement:
“Never let your period make you feel less valuable, less capable, or less intelligent. Your period does not define you. Your character, your dreams, your talents, and your determination define you.”
The Foundation also recognized the invaluable contributions of its corporate partners and sponsors whose support contributed significantly to the success of the event.
Leading the list was ProStar Sports International, a fast-rising Nigerian sportswear and sports equipment manufacturer founded by Ambassador Paul Maduakor. The company is renowned for producing premium sports products, including the ProStar Evolution Ball, breathable jerseys, custom sports kits, and high-quality sportswear. Beyond manufacturing, ProStar is actively involved in grassroots sports development, sponsoring youth sporting events and local tournaments across Nigeria. The company has also built a reputation for supporting social impact initiatives, including menstrual health awareness campaigns and youth empowerment programmes. As part of its support for the programme, ProStar Sports International provided customized jerseys for team members and volunteers of the foundation.
The Foundation also acknowledged the support of BL Consulting, a Lagos-based financial services and business support firm established by accounting and finance professionals. The company provides both virtual and on-site services to businesses, helping organizations improve efficiency and growth through bookkeeping, financial reporting, tax administration, payroll management, inventory management, and other accounting solutions. BL Consulting’s commitment to business development and community support was commended during the event.
Also recognized was Vitabaites Foods, a growing Nigerian food processing company known for producing crunchy and nutritious Kuli-Kuli products enjoyed by consumers across different communities. The company continues to support initiatives that promote community well-being, youth development, local food production, and entrepreneurship.
The Foundation further appreciated its media partners for consistently amplifying messages around menstrual health, girls’ empowerment, and the fight against period poverty.
According to Theresa Moses, the media remain critical stakeholders in breaking the silence around menstruation and educating communities on the importance of menstrual health and hygiene.
The management of Isolog College, Akute, was equally commended for providing a conducive platform for the programme and for demonstrating commitment to the education, health, and overall well-being of young girls.
According to the Foundation, the support received from these organizations reflects the growing recognition that ending period poverty requires collaboration among schools, businesses, civil society organizations, the media, and community stakeholders.
Beneficiaries described the programme as impactful, educational, and empowering, with many students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about menstrual health and hygiene.
The Federal government has intensified border screening, disease surveillance and emergency response measures nationwide as part of efforts to prevent the possible importation of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), currently circulating in parts of East and Central Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in a statement on Tuesday by its Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, said it has activated enhanced preparedness protocols across the country, including stricter screening procedures at airports, seaports and land borders.
According to the ministry, arriving travelers are now subject to temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, while health declaration forms, travel history assessments and risk-based screening procedures are being reinforced at designated points of entry.
The ministry also disclosed that isolation, secondary screening and referral mechanisms have been strengthened for travelers showing symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers.
It added that coordination has been expanded among immigration, aviation, maritime and border management agencies to improve early detection and response.
The heightened measures have become imperative following reports of outbreaks of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease in parts of the East and Central African region, raising concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission.
Despite the alert, the ministry reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.
As part of surveillance efforts, the ministry said Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities have been strengthened nationwide, alongside expanded community-based and event-based surveillance systems.
It said public health alerts and rumours are being actively monitored and investigated, while continuous epidemiological assessments are being conducted in collaboration with regional and international health partners.
To boost emergency response readiness, the ministry said specimen collection and transportation systems for viral haemorrhagic diseases have been enhanced, while laboratory biosafety and biosecurity measures are being reinforced.
Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have also been placed on alert, with Rapid Response Teams at national and sub-national levels ready for deployment if necessary.
Healthcare facilities have been directed to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases and comply with established reporting procedures.
The Ministry added that healthcare workers, surveillance officers and other frontline personnel are undergoing continuous preparedness training, while infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced in health facilities nationwide.
It urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid misinformation and rely only on information from recognised public health authorities.
Members of the public were advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic persons, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health authority.
The ministry assured it would continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as necessary.
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed a deadly night shooting in Gwan-Ajang village of Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, saying five people were killed.
Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said officers of the Gindiri Division received a distress call at about 9:22pm on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and immediately mobilised to the scene.
He explained that the attack occurred while residents were gathered for a social event.
“We got a call of a shooting that happened around Gwan-Ajang village, and we mobilised men to stabilise the situation.
“From what we gathered, some members of the community were having an occasion or a party when they suddenly heard sporadic shooting,” he said.
According to the PPRO, officers arrived to a grim scene.
“When our men got there, they met some persons in pools of their blood. As I speak to you, five of them were confirmed dead,” Alabo stated.
He added that the location of the incident, which lies between Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs, sometimes leads to differing reports on where the attack occurred.
“Depending on where people are telling the story from, some say Barkin Ladi, others say Mangu,” he added.
Alabo further said the Commissioner of Police had already issued operational directives to the deputy commissioner of police 9n charge of operations.
He also confirmed ongoing joint security operations.
“Our men are there, and we are working with Operation Enduring Peace, who have also made deployments. Calm has been restored, and we are looking forward to making some arrests because we have good intel,” he added.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, gave a higher casualty figure, saying at least seven people were killed in the attack.
“At least seven persons have been reportedly killed in another armed invasion by armed Fulani gangs at about 9:30 p.m. in Gwan-Ajang village,” Tengwong alleged.
He added that more than 10 others sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Community sources further alleged that the attack came after a period of relative calm in parts of Plateau State, claiming that killings had reduced until after the conclusion of political party primaries ahead of the next general elections, an assertion not independently verified by authorities.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing, while patrols and surveillance operations continue in the area as efforts intensify to apprehend those responsible.
