The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stated that President Bola Tinubu has never intervened or imposed any directives concerning the Commission’s activities.

Olukoyede said that the agency has received substantial support from the Federal Government to fulfil its mandate.

He stated that the agency is not witch-hunting anybody but simply trying to ensure that Tinubu’s grand strategic plans for a better Nigeria are achieved.

Speaking via a statement on Friday by the EFCC’s Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewtoale, the agency disclosed that they have enjoyed adequate support from the Federal Government towards achieving its mandate.

The EFCC chairman disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

He said, “Since I was appointed the Chairman of the EFCC, the President has never called me to stop, impose, dictate or prescribe any directive as regards the affairs or activities of the Commission, rather the anti-graft agency has so far enjoyed adequate support needed from the Federal Government towards achieving the mandate of the Commission.”

The EFCC’s boss told the Ooni of Ife that given the autonomy the Commission has gotten so far, the agency will hold political officeholders accountable.

“I can assure Nigerians that the EFCC will stop at nothing to curb if not eradicate corruption in the country and hold political office holders accountable for their activities regarding the management of the resources that are meant to better the lives of Nigerians”

“Let me state this clearly all that I do in the course of discharging my duties as a public servant is not to witch-hunt anybody and not for any personal reasons but to ensure that the grand strategic plans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards a better Nigeria is achieved,” he added.

A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Rivers State has sparked confusion and differing interpretations from supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The ruling, which ordered the maintenance of the “status quo” on two motions filed by Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers lawmakers in case number CA/PH/198/2024, has been claimed as a victory by both sides.

The pro-Wike camp argues that the ruling recognizes Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, while Fubara’s loyalists claim it acknowledges Oko Jumbo as the leader of the three-man Assembly.

The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed the Court of Appeal’s ruling and clarified that the status quo refers to the current situation, which recognizes Oko Jumbo as the leader of the Assembly.

“Court of Appeal refused to grant the prayer to set aside the various actions of Rt. Hon Victor Oko-jumbo as their presumption of correctness of an order of a Court. It held that granting same would be tantamount to determining the appeal at this stage. The Court went on to order that the present status quo should be maintained pending the hearing of the Appeal.

“Ruling on the 2nd Motion which was brought to set aside the Order of interlocutory injunction of the Lower Court, the Court of Appeal refused and dismissed the motion on notice to set aside the Order of Interlocutory Injunction by Honourable Justice C.N Wali decreed on the 29th day of May 2024 and reiterated that the ‘present’ status quo should be maintained contrary to the status quo before the filing of the Suit that was sought by the Appellants.

“The Respondents are to file their Briefs within 72 hours of being served. The case has been adjourned to 20/6/24 for Hearing of the Appeal,” the Commissioner for Information said.

However, Oraye St Franklyn, a lawyer and supporter of Nyesom Wike, countered that status quo means the position of things before the crisis, which was Amaewhule’s speakership.

“Status quo means the position prevailing when the defendant embarked upon the activity sought to be restrained,” Franklyn said citing Fellowes v. Fisher (1976) Q.B.122. at 141B per Sir John Pennycuick, per ANTHONY IKECHUKWU IGUH, JSC (Pp 21 – 21 Paras F – G) Ayorinde v AG of Oyo State SC 1996 to back his claim.

He added: “The Court of Appeal today said Status Quo should remain, meaning the position of things before Amaewhule was taken to court should remain as is.

“Oko Jumbo cannot therefore be seen in public to be presenting himself as Speaker as that immediately amounts to contempt of court.

“He cannot be recognized at State functions and not in brochures. It also means the illegal withholding of salaries of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly ceases forthwith.

“This is what Status Quo means. If they do not comply, they would be in contempt.”

The Court of Appeal has adjourned the case until June 20, 2024, for the hearing of the appeal, and ordered the respondents to file their briefs within 72 hours.

The national assembly is reportedly proposing legislation aimed at sanctioning states that don't comply with the new minimum wage presented by the federal government. 

Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) who spoke to newsmen on Friday, June 14, said the national assembly will ensure the law is seriously watertight that either the state, sub-national or organised private sector that does not comply, will be sanctioned. 

He said; 

“We are going to do a watertight Bill that we are proposing that the President will sign it to ensure that it is strictly adhered to as a law.

“Once it becomes law, we are going to make it watertight, and don’t let us just speculate what is going to be the ingredient that the federal government would be putting into the bill that will be brought by the executive to be submitted to the National Assembly.

“When it comes, whatever is there and whatever is not there, we are going to ensure that it’s going to be watertight; that it’s going to be obeyed by all. And from that, again, when we are talking of minimum wage, is it about federal government alone?

“Because it seems that it is a fight between the federal government and labour. That’s the way everybody is looking at it. So we keep mentioning the federal government, we keep mentioning the President Tinubu and labour.

“But like I said, the National Assembly is going to do this law seriously watertight that either the state or sub-national or organised private sector that does not comply, there is going to be sanction for it.

“When the executive bill comes and then we sit down in the chamber, when we are in the plenary, you know there are going to be opinions. And again we are going to invite not only legislators to talk about it, the organised labour too will contribute into making the law.

“So when that time comes, then definitely, we will all decide what’s going to be the sanction, whoever is not complying with the law because we believe that at the end of the day, the committee that is meeting over arriving at a very acceptable minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

“We believe that government is there, the organised labour itself is there, then the organised private sector is there. So definitely whatever result they come out with, when we make law with that, can anybody now come and talk with a tongue in the cheek? We don’t expect that one.”

On how fast the National Assembly would pass the minimum wage Bill if presented by President Tinubu, Senator Adaramodu said, “If it is possible within 30 minutes, we will do that. So it depends.” 

The senator also said the bill would go through the crucibles and receive speedy passage if the federal government and organised labour reached a consensus on the minimum wage figure.

He added; 

“Definitely, there is going to be an agreement. So once there is an agreement, the bill will come and I don’t think any of the components of the negotiating bodies will oppose the agreed figure at the end of the day. So we don’t have any fear about that.

“You know when you are negotiating, you negotiate from various reasons, parameters and parallels. So at the end of the day, all the lines will converge and meet at a concentric point.

“If immediately after Sallah, the Bill is brought by Mr. President to the National Assembly, it’s going to be dealt with, with the speed of lightning. Yes, we are going to pass it because it is for the benefit of Nigerian workers.”

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, says the Federal and State governments can pay the national minimum wage if looted monies are recovered.

While speaking on Channels TV, Falana said 

“The state governments that are saying they have no money to pay, the money is there. All they need, including the Federal Government, is to muster the political will to collect and recover money either looted or withheld from the federation account,”

Recall that the organised labour and the federal government have yet to reach an agreement on the new minimum wage with the latter rejecting the former’s N62,000 offer. 

During the last meeting held by the Tripartite Committee on the New Minimum Wage on Friday in Abuja, labour reduced its demand to N250,000 from N494,000, while the Federal Government increased its offer from N60,000 to N62,000.

The proposed minimum wage may have to wait until 2 July because the National Assembly is currently in recess. 

A former governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi believes states should determine the minimum wage they can pay.

The Federal Government and labour unions have been locked in negotiations over a new minimum wage for months. While the latter insists on N250,000, the government is offering N62,000.

But Fayemi is advocating a decentralised minimum wage negotiation, arguing that states should determine what they can pay factoring in their peculiarities.

“Every governor has to deal with the issue of national minimum wage. When I was governor and chairman of the governor’s forum, and I believe even till this recent negotiation, is that we should decentralise minimum wage negotiations and allow states to have their own negotiations with their own labor unions whilst the Federal Government conducts its own negotiations because the fingers are not equal,” he said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. 

“This should be decentralised and each state should define in conjunction with their labour unions, with transparency with all the records provided to the labor unions and say, ‘Look, this is what we have, but you are also only five or 10% of our population. We also have another 90% of the population that we must attend to.”

Fayemi believes the talk about a new minimum wage is all about dogma, saying a decentralised negotiation does not mean workers in the state will earn less than those at the federal level.

“What we’re dealing with now is dogma. Labour does not want to hear anything about decentralized national minimum wage and decentralised national minimum wage does not mean that what is paid at the level of the state will be lower than the federal,” the former minister said.

“In the ’60s and the ’50s, civil servants in the western regions used to earn more than federal civil servants.”

‘Cut Your Coat According To Your Size’

The minimum wage talks have continued to trigger reactions from stakeholders across the country.

While the governors insist the earlier N60,000 offer to labour is unsustainable, a human rights lawyer Femi Falana believes the states and Federal Government can pay the minimum wage if they have political will.

In his speech at a dinner to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, President Bola Tinubu promised to pay what the government can afford despite the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insisting on N250,000 as a new minimum wage.

“The minimum wage is going to be what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford, and what I can afford. Cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all,” Tinubu said.

Amid economic hardship, sex workers are utilising social media platforms to conduct their ‘businesses’, defying stigma and embracing digital hook-ups as a means of survival, GODFREY GEORGE writes

Confidence Oge’s room looked unkempt. The online pleasure worker had advertised her services in a TikTok post, calling for men to patronise her online business – online sex work.

A large cream-coloured pleasure toy stood on what looked like a wooden table. An unlabelled bottle of syrup sat nearby. A close look revealed it was a bottle of lubricant.

Wigs, multiple coloured bags, clothes and wrappers were scattered all over the room, forming tiny mounds as she tried to position a camera in front of her.

 After our correspondent came across her profile on TikTok, where she advertised how she could make any man reach orgasm just by having a video call, Saturday PUNCH reporter decided to dig deeper.

 In the video, Oge, wearing a pair of red undies and a black tank top screamed at the top of her voice.

 She held a camera and stood in front of a mirror in an attempt to gain more customers to patronise her.

 She continued in Pidgin English, “Once you pay your money, come to my WhatsApp.

“If you’re a married man, don’t go and meet another girl outside. Come to me. Pay your money. 090511*****.

 “All the whole Nigerian man abroad come. This is what you need. After you suffer finish, this is what you need to cure you. (sic)”

A chat with Oge

 Oge, our correspondent learnt, had been a sex worker for some years but decided to go fully online because, according to her, it is safer and gives her more freedom.

 Now in her late 30s, Oge said she has no regrets.

 Her profile display picture on WhatsApp contact is a picture containing her First Bank account number, and full name, with a short description of what her customers should do after payment is made.

Our correspondent learnt that payment ranges from between N3,0000 to N5,000. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oge used to charge as low as N1000 for her online services.

 Speaking to our correspondent, she said after payment is made, receipt evidence should be sent to her and she would schedule a meeting with her client.

 It would be a video call on WhatsApp that would last between 15 and 20 minutes. It could be a group call or a personal call.

For a personal call, which she terms ‘premium package’, the payment is more. A source, who had patronised her, who identified himself as Ebube, said it costs only N5,000.

 “As of January this year, it was N5,000. She even did some discount for returning customers, and some of us paid N4,000,” Ebube told this reporter.

How online sex works

 Online sex, also known as digital sex, is powered by the internet. It involves nude exchanges, sex chat or sexting, and climaxes into video calls.

 The sex worker teases his or her audience by showing sensitive parts of their bodies. Sometimes, sex toys are deployed to give a feel of intercourse. The audience, mostly called, the receiver joins the video chat and performs some acts of self-pleasure on themselves till orgasm is reached.

Several digital content providers use this method to maintain their lavish lifestyles, as several clients would not mind doubling the fee for preferential treatment and premium content.

For instance, when our correspondent joined Oge’s video chat on Tuesday evening, she was unclad. She was playing with a pleasure toy and making several moaning sounds.

 “I hope you are enjoying it,” she said, twisting her body from one side of the video to the other. When our correspondent disconnected, she chatted him up, saying, “Did you get there?” and went offline for a bit.

 She returned online after 24 minutes and was on another call when our correspondent tried to reach her.

 A male client whom our correspondent traced from TikTok said he had followed the lady from her TikTok days.

 “She has always been on TikTok until the app banned her for posting this explicit content. So, she devised a means to move us all to WhatsApp,” he said, in a short voice note he sent to this reporter and deleted almost immediately.

 Oge is one amongst hundreds of other online sex vendors who hawk sexual intercourse online for men and women to patronise them.

 A popular male blogger (name withheld) was also said to have run an online sex vendor business before he became a media sensation.

Several videos of him pleasuring himself and having subscribers paying to watch his content were recently posted online.

He did not deny the allegation. He even posted it on his official X handle and encouraged his followers to watch the video.

Also, recently, another female media sensation, who also hawked her body online for a fee was exposed as her self-pleasure videos were circulated on social media.

 Although many called her a whore and tagged her a loose woman, several others rallied around her to give her emotional support.

Online advert, physical meeting

Selling sex online is just one of the many ways digital hook-ups work. Many other women, our correspondent learnt, would advertise themselves on social media.

 One, who displayed her picture and phone number on the poster, said she offered different services ranging from actual intercourse to foreplay.

 When our correspondent chatted with her, she gave her location as Igwurita, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and her name as Godsent.

Another, also in Port Harcourt, said she was discreet and would not let anyone know who her client base was.

 “Oga, you have nothing to fear. For this Port Harcourt, nobody know me and nobody go know you. Na Ada George I dey. Whenever you enter PH, call me. I go do you well,” she said.

 In Abuja, a man, simply known as Abuja Area Mama, is also making waves in the online sex business.

 The muscular man, who is always dressed in female attires, claims to be a popular sex worker in the Federal Capital Territory.

 In one of his videos on his TikTok page, he said he had been in the line of business since 2013 and was going to retire when he clocked 40.

 He also claims to make between N100,000 to N500,000 on a very good business day from people who order his services, which range from massages to anal sex, online.

 Another male content creator, who disguises as a cook, is also one person whom our correspondent discovered was into digital ‘hook-up’ services.

 His cooking videos are done with almost nothing on. He also makes many seductive moves when he makes the dishes.

 His commentators on Facebook who are impressed and send a comment are directed into his inbox for further conversation.

 Our correspondent who reached out to him for one of his services was shocked when he sent his account number and asked if our correspondent wanted a physical or online ‘service’.

He also shared some intimate pictures with this reporter when asked for evidence that he indeed was not impersonating anyone.

 There have also been several cases of popular actors accused of selling their bodies online for a fee. Although this claim cannot be substantiated by this reporter, several sources claimed that the entertainment industry was a fertile ground for digital hook-ups.

Apps, platforms

 There are several applications to which Nigerian pleasure workers have successfully migrated.

 One prominent platform that has gained traction among sex workers is the Olosho app.

Designed to help sex workers avoid encounters with law enforcement, this app offers a straightforward registration process accessible through Google’s Play Store.

 Upon registration, users can upload photos and contact information while specifying their state of residence. This enables individuals to connect with potential clients discreetly and efficiently, arranging encounters to fulfil their desires.

 The Olosho app also offers premium membership options, allowing users to access enhanced features for a fee. With pricing tiers catering to different preferences, individuals can choose the membership plan that best suits their needs.

 This flexibility has contributed to the app’s popularity among both sex workers and clients, facilitating seamless transactions and fostering a sense of security for all parties involved.

 Beyond the Olosho app, sex workers are exploring a variety of other platforms to expand their reach and enhance their business operations.

 These platforms range from social media networks like Instagram and Twitter to messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

 By leveraging these digital channels, sex workers can connect with a broader audience and streamline the process of arranging meetings and transactions.

 In addition to traditional social media and messaging apps, sex workers are also turning to specialised platforms designed specifically for adult entertainment and sex work.

 These platforms offer features tailored to the needs of sex workers, providing tools for marketing, communication, and payment processing. By utilizing these dedicated platforms, sex workers can access a range of resources and support services to optimize their business operations.

 The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized the sex industry in Nigeria, offering sex workers new opportunities to conduct their trade and reach clients. However, this digital transformation also poses challenges, including issues related to privacy, security, and regulation.

 As sex workers navigate this evolving landscape, they must remain vigilant and informed, adopting strategies to protect their safety and well-being while maximizing their earning potential.

 A tech expert, Mr Olufemi Tayo, noted that despite these challenges the use of digital platforms has empowered sex workers to assert greater control over their work and livelihoods.

 “By embracing technology, sex workers can operate more efficiently, expand their client base, and access resources and support services to enhance their business operations. In doing so, they are challenging societal norms and stereotypes, asserting their agency, and advocating for their rights within the sex industry,” he said.

The Internet and hook-up

 Throughout history, prostitution has endured, transcending ancient civilizations to persist in contemporary society.

Urbanisation, especially prevalent in developing nations like Nigeria due to rural-urban migration, has fueled its growth.

 In a new parlance, mostly championed by young people, this ‘act’ is now known as ‘hook-up’, where money is exchanged for sexual favours.

 It is obvious that with the coming of several Information and Communication Technologies tools, the prostitution industry has been shaped. Its various forms have been delineated and scrutinised, identifying the underlying causes and contributing factors.

 Several theories are explored, revealing prostitution’s detrimental effects on women’s health and its classification as a form of violence against women.

 Consequences encompass violence, murder, sexually transmitted diseases, theft, and financial exploitation. Consequently, recommendations are proposed.

 Over the past decade, the Internet has brought about significant transformations in the sex industry.

 Sex work has experienced a rapid and unprecedented shift from outdoor and venue-based activities to indoor sex work facilitated by Information and Communication Technologies.

 These changes have made a substantial portion of the industry less visible.

 In Nigeria, the predominant form of sex work occurs within brothels or the private residences of sex workers.

 This shift has also led to a growing number of young students and unemployed graduates engaging in sex work to earn income.

 These individuals often work part-time as prostitutes, call girls, or are sometimes referred to as ‘Aristo girls’,  and their presence is reshaping the strategies employed by sex workers, according to research works by sociologists, Dr Gilbert Terdoo of the Benue State University, Makurdi, and Dr Moses Fegher of the Marist International University College, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya in October 2023.

 A sociologist researcher at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Shagbaor Terungwa, noted that over the past decade, the Internet has brought about significant transformations in the sex industry.

 Corroborating Terdoo and Fegher, she noted that sex work has experienced a rapid and unprecedented shift from outdoor and venue-based activities to indoor sex work facilitated by ICT and the Internet.

 According to her, the intersection of ICT and prostitution involves various aspects where technology and the sex industry interact.

 “The Internet has revolutionized the way sex workers promote their services and establish connections with clients.

 “It has created a digital marketplace for sex work through websites, social media platforms, and classified ads.

 “These online platforms enable sex workers to create profiles and listings, making it more convenient for them to reach potential clients discreetly.

 “Additionally, there are specialized apps and websites tailored specifically to the escort and sex worker industry. These platforms streamline the booking of services, allowing clients to search for escorts, often complete with user reviews and ratings.

 “To enhance the safety and security of sex workers, ICT tools come into play. Mobile applications and online communities serve as valuable resources for sharing information about potentially risky clients or locations.

 “The use of GPS and location-sharing features on smartphones can also serve as safety measures. Digital payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, have gained popularity for transactions related to sex work.

 “These methods provide a degree of anonymity for both clients and sex workers.

 “Online forums, chat groups, and social media communities provide spaces where sex workers can discuss safety precautions, share advice, and offer support to one another. These online communities play a vital role in information exchange and fostering solidarity among sex workers,” she said.

 She also stated that the digital landscape has given rise to legal and regulatory challenges concerning prostitution. Some regions have implemented laws targeting online sex work advertisements or platforms that facilitate sex work, while others have opted to regulate and introduce safety measures.

 Another sociologist who retired as a professor from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ibironke Adetanwa, stated that social media and online sex work have become rampant because of the declining moral standards in the world.

“It is alarming how our children have decided to tow this line of work rather than do honourable jobs where they would not have to hide or sell themselves cheap just to make it,” she said.

 Outlining the various risks, she said the online prostitution industry would not boom if they did not have anyone patronising them.

Hardship increasing sex workers?

 The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, also known as UNAIDS, a global initiative established in 1996 by the United Nations to lead and coordinate the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, stated in 2017, that there were a total of 103,506 sex workers on and offline in Nigeria.

 Stears, in 2020, put the figure at around 176,400 female sex workers alone. This is a huge percentage of Nigeria’s 200 million population.

A Bayelsa State-based legal practitioner, Mrs Tombra Sekibo, stated that sex workers have been facing severe human rights abuses and multiple forms of discrimination in Nigeria.

 She said, “According to the Nigerian Constitution, sex work is not specifically criminalised, however, anyone who ‘benefits from the proceeds of sex work’ may face a jail term. Sex workers can be punished when caught negotiating sex ‘aggressively’ with a client.

 “Sex workers are harassed and punished by law enforcement agencies that apply administrative offences.

“In Northern states, the policing of sex work is so punitive in some cases that it calls for stoning of a woman caught doing sex work.

 “In Southern Nigeria, the activities of “pimps” or madams, underage prostitution, and the operation or ownership of brothels are penalised under sections 223, 224, and 225 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.

 “Even though under Nigerian law, sex work is not decriminalised, the wording is vague if such work is performed by an independent individual who operates on his or her own accord without the use of managers or a brothel.”

 As Nigeria grapples with the removal of petrol subsidy, sex workers find themselves navigating economic hardships amidst the broader financial strain felt across the nation.

 The elimination of subsidies has led to significant increases in the cost of living, placing additional financial burdens on already marginalized communities, including sex workers.

 In response to these challenges, sex workers, our correspondent learnt, are employing various strategies to cope with the economic downturn.

 An executive member of the Oyo State branch of the Nigerian Sex Workers’ Association, also known as Precious Jewels, Sandra Oma, said one such strategy involves diversifying their client base and expanding their services to appeal to a wider range of individuals.

The NSWA, according to its website, is an umbrella network of community-based sex workers’ organisations. NSWA is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation focusing on the health, social, and human rights of sex workers.

 “By offering additional services or catering to niche markets, sex workers can generate alternative sources of income to offset the impact of rising prices and reduced spending power,” she said.

 Furthermore, she added that sex workers are leveraging digital platforms and social media to market their services and connect with potential clients.

 “In an increasingly digital world, online platforms offer sex workers a convenient and accessible way to reach a broader audience and attract new clientele.

 “By establishing a strong online presence and utilizing effective marketing strategies, sex workers can adapt to changing economic conditions and maintain a steady stream of income.

 “Additionally, sex workers are forming support networks and collaborating with their peers to navigate the economic challenges they face. By sharing resources, information, and insights, sex workers can pool their collective knowledge and expertise to develop strategies for financial resilience and sustainability.

 “These support networks also provide a sense of community and solidarity, offering emotional support and camaraderie during difficult times,” Oma said.

 Despite the economic challenges they face, the sex worker added that members of her association were resilient and resourceful, finding innovative ways to adapt to changing circumstances and sustain their livelihoods. By embracing flexibility, creativity, and collaboration, sex workers are demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity and thrive in the face of economic hardship.

Solutions

The rise of online prostitution and sex work, facilitated by digital platforms and social media, presents a complex challenge with profound social and ethical implications. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the root causes and the specific challenges posed by digital spaces.

 In a world entrenched in patriarchal norms, the battle against prostitution presents a multifaceted challenge.

 Merely decrying the practice without addressing the underlying issue of commodifying women’s bodies feels disjointed.

 A sociologist, Mr Haruna Isah, stated that as long as governments tolerate prostitution, violence against women will persist, thwarting efforts to eradicate it.

 “Various strategies can be employed to tackle this complex issue. Prostitution inherently exploits and abuses women, necessitating its outlawing.

 “Simultaneously, it’s crucial to explore alternative avenues to address men’s social and sexual identity issues. Globally, there must be a consensus that prostitution violates women’s rights and dignity, contributing to human trafficking and paedophilia.

 “Recognising prostitution as a form of violence is paramount. Legalising it only perpetuates exploitation. Poverty, particularly among women, is a significant driver of trafficking. Creating legal migration channels while safeguarding the interests of vulnerable groups can help mitigate this issue,” he said.

 In combating prostitution, Isah said prioritising the welfare of women and children over state interests is imperative. The notion of ‘consent’ in prostitution is often illusory, with economic necessity often driving women into the trade. Addressing the erosion of traditional values due to urbanization is essential.

 He added, “Before implementing strategies to combat prostitution, addressing these underlying social and economic factors is crucial. Only then can we develop effective and comprehensive solutions to tackle this complex issue plaguing societies worldwide.”

 Adetanwa, also speaking stated that efforts should focus on addressing the underlying factors that drive individuals, particularly young men and women, into online prostitution.

 “Economic vulnerability or poverty, lack of educational and employment opportunities, and societal stigma around sex work are among the key drivers. Therefore, providing alternative avenues for income generation, such as vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and job placement services, can help mitigate the economic pressures that push individuals toward online prostitution.

 “Additionally, comprehensive sex education programs should be implemented to empower young people with knowledge about healthy relationships, sexual health, and consent. By equipping individuals with the information and skills they need to make informed choices about their sexual behaviour, we can reduce the likelihood of them turning to online prostitution as a means of financial survival.

“Furthermore, there is a need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges posed by digital platforms and social media in facilitating online prostitution.

 “This includes collaborating with tech companies to develop and enforce policies that prohibit the promotion of sexual services and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals on their platforms. Additionally, raising awareness among users about the risks and consequences of engaging in online prostitution, including the potential for exploitation, trafficking, and legal repercussions, can help deter participation in these activities,” she said.

 A senior developmental and clinical psychologist, Mr Usen Essien, noted that it was essential to provide support and resources for individuals who are currently engaged in online prostitution to help them transition to safer and more sustainable livelihoods.

 “This may include access to counselling, legal assistance, vocational training, and job placement services, as well as opportunities for social and economic empowerment.

 “Ultimately, addressing online prostitution requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that tackles the root causes of the issue while also addressing the specific challenges posed by digital spaces.

 “By providing alternative opportunities, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, and offering support for those who are already engaged in online prostitution, we can work towards creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without resorting to selling themselves cheaply online,” he added.

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the lawmaker representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to win the poll.

He stated this on Friday during the unveiling of the APC 2024 Edo Governorship Election Campaign Council committees.

Briefing party faithful in Benin following the reeling out of the headship of the 36 committees within the council, Oshiomhole who is also a former Edo governor, maintained that the party is determined to win the election democratically.

“We want to win this election democratically. No mago mago, no wuruwuru, no violence [cheating]. We campaign for peaceful change of government, that is what democracy is about,” he said.

On his part, the Director General of the campaign council, Senator Matthew Uroghide emphasised that all members of the party are important and must see themselves as aiming for a common goal even if their names are not listed in the campaign council committees.

He also offered listening ears to any party member with questions or problems related to the party or the campaign.

“Please, all of us must work together.  we must work together. if there is any problem, please, come to me. Any party problem, come to me. anything that has to do with this campaign, come to me everybody is important,” he said.

“Senator Oshiomhole has already said it, all of us are in the campaign council, whether your name is there or not, you are a member of the campaign council. So please, we must all work together to win this election,” he said.

A 37-year-old suspected ritualist arrested by police detectives in Ondo state, Yusuf Adinohi, has confessed that he took to the business of selling human skulls to save his sick mother.

Adinohi, who was paraded by the state police command in Akure, was arrested in Isua-Akoko area of the state for being in possession of eight human skulls.

He was said to be coming from Okene in Kogi State and heading to Osogbo in Osun state when he was arrested by security officers at about 11 am at Agbasi Locust checkpoint in Ase area of Isua Akoko, Ondo state.

A team of security operatives in the state, reportedly intercepted a commercial vehicle marked, LKJ 148 AJ, driven by one Kabiru Abubakar with four passengers.

“Upon investigation, the suspect admitted being the owner of the eight dry skulls and said that he was going to Osogbo to deliver the human skulls to another herbalist.

The suspect reportedly named his customers who buy the human skulls from him and their locations
In an interview with newsmen, at the police headquarters in Akure, the suspect said that he has sold seven human skulls at N35,000 each and has made N245,000 from the illicit business.

According to him “ This will be my third time in this business. On the first trip, I sold four, the second time, I sold three and this latest one eight human skulls.

“For the skull, I usually buy it from my friend, Ismaila who usually gets them from burial grounds.
“Before I ventured into this business, I was buying and selling palm oil and cashew nuts, but it was not fetching me much money.

“My mother has been sick, we took her to one hospital in Lokoja and the doctor said we need N2 million for her treatment. So I had no choice but to venture into skull business. My intention was to leave the business once I gathered the money to settle my mother’s medical bills.

“So far, from the seven that I had sold, I’ve made N245,000. I actually sold them to different people.
“I met the buyers on Facebook. He told me that he’s a herbalist.

Speaking, the state police commissioner, Abayomi Oladipo, said that the suspect was apprehended during stop and search security operations at Isua Akoko.

The suspect further confessed that the human skulls were usually handed over to him by one, Imaila living at Oboroke in Okene, and that each head is being sold for between N30,000 and N35,000.
Oladipo said the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID for further investigations.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has shared his insights on Nigeria’s political landscape, casting doubt on the feasibility of regionalism as a solution to the country’s challenges.

Sanusi, in an exclusive interview published by Vanguard, questioned the necessity of a bicameral legislature and the rationale behind appointing ministers from every state, even when not required.

Sanusi began by questioning the necessity of maintaining a bicameral legislature and the practice of appointing a minister from every state, regardless of need. He argued that such practices contribute to bureaucratic inefficiencies and do not necessarily serve the best interests of the nation.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical and political context, Sanusi criticized federal government interference in state matters, particularly regarding traditional and chieftaincy affairs. He stressed the importance of upholding constitutional principles and maintaining a clear separation of powers to ensure accountable governance.

The Emir, drawing from his experiences, highlighted the imperfect yet preferable nature of democracy compared to past authoritarian regimes. He emphasized the need for political leaders to honor constitutional agreements and foster a unified approach to governance, rather than exploiting regional or ethnic identities for personal or political gain.

Addressing the concept of regionalism, Sanusi questioned its practicality in a country marked by diverse ethnicities and historical divisions. He pointed out ongoing conflicts and asserted that further subdividing Nigeria into regions might exacerbate rather than resolve existing tensions. Instead, he called for a more cohesive national identity and governance structure that promotes unity and accountability.

His words, “I think there are several things we can do to address those structures because at the end of the day, if you allow the state governors to run, the thing with devolution is we have 36 states, if only half of the governors are good, at least half of Nigeria has a good government. There is too much power at the centre, too much of the resources. The centre does not do primary education or primary healthcare, and that is where the vast majority of Nigerians are. Shouldn’t those resources come to the state? Instead of everybody going to Abuja, what is happening in Abuja? There are several issues that we need to look at. And also simple constitutionalism and federalism, just even the respect of separation of separation of power. If you take the example of what is happening in Kano today, chieftaincy matter is 100 per cent a state matter.

“…We had a parliamentary system in the First Republic. What happened? At the end of the day, it is the humans that operate the system. People talk about regions. Initially, the regions we had in this country were North, East, and West, and then it became NorthEast and MidWest. Where did the creation called six geo-political zones come from historically? We can keep dividing and subdividing this country and thinking of ourselves, but are we really honest? Are these regions?

“If you go to the Niger Delta, since when did the Itsekiri stop fighting wars against the Ijaw? Since when did we become homogeneous?

“It was the Sokoto Jihad that brought us together. From the Sokoto caliphate, we became Northerners, from Northerners, we became Nigerians.When I was in King’s College, I grew up under Yakubu Gowon in a country where Nigerians were thinking like Nigerians. What happened? Political leadership is the one that exploits regional and ethnic identities as part of the struggle for political office.

“When they get there, they all sit together. If you look at the president’s cabinet, what do you have? You have everybody from every state. You have Christians, you have Muslims, you have Northerners and Southerners. Why are they not fighting one another in there? The elites are irresponsible.

“Don’t think that pandering to these elites by saying the solution is going to a regional system of government. How do we go regional? In Yorubaland, there are Ijebu, Ekiti, Ijesha, Owo, and Egba since when did they become one? Right there between Ife and Modakeke, they were killing each other. It is not about that. It is not a solution. How many parts are you going to slice this country to get a homogenous country? How? With all the intermarriages and education, I am not sure that is a solution, and I think people have this dream that can only be sold by blocking out history.

“We had a regional system in the First Republic. How did it end? We had a parliamentary system in the First Republic. How did it end? I am not talking about the coup; I am talking about the crisis that led to the coup. Before Nzeogu, forget Ironsi. How was the system before they came? Is there any documentary evidence that that system was fundamentally better than what we have?

“We can’t shift responsibilities away from human beings, the people who are responsible for operating the system. If you go to the Senate and the House of Representatives, and you are there for 16 years and you have never passed a bill, you don’t even know that your job is to be a lawmaker.”