By Olajide Omojolomoju
The trial of Delta State-based human rights activist, Comrade Aghogho Ighorhiohwunu, hits a snag on October 10, 2024, due to the absence of the newly posted judge at the Warri division of the Federal High Court.
Ighorhiohwunu’s case, which began with his June 6, 2022, arrest, involved alleged cyberstalking charges. CompassNG reports that despite being granted bail, prosecutors from the Delta State Ministry of Justice face accusations of unprofessional conduct.
In a separate development, Ighorhiohwunu petitioned the UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations in at New York, USA, and the United Nations Office in Abuja on August 16, 2024, alleging complex corruption and deceit surrounding child trafficking and illegal adoption in Delta State. He had claimed gross misconduct by UNICEF Nigeria’s Child Protection Chief and Representative, submitting evidence, and alleging infractions in the Child Rights Act and Delta State’s adoption law for financial gains by Delta State officials.
Ighorhiohwunu also requested a special task force to investigate and address the alleged child trafficking.
In a related development, the Delta Take It Back Movement has also called on the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, to reconsider amending the Delta State Child Rights Law 2008, citing concerns that the process might undermine children’s interests in the state.
The movement’s spokesperson, Awipi Teduolo, warned that unilateral amendments to cover tracks of infractions of the law would violate international and constitutional obligations, emphasizing that the law requires federal approval for any amendments.
He said, “This proper process involves ratification by the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly approval, and presidential signature.
The Delta State House of Assembly has already passed the bill to amend the Child Rights Law 2008, aiming to strengthen child protection in the state. However, Ighorhiohwunu and the Delta Take It Back Movement urge caution to avoid manipulating the law for personal gains and escalation of a constitutional crisis.
