EL-RUFAI’S FAMILY PROTESTS SSS DETENTION, ALLEGES TORTURE, MEDICAL NEGLECT. (PHOTOS).

Image
 El-Rufai’s Family Protests SSS Detention, Alleges Torture, Medical Neglect Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has continued to face controversy over his detention, as members of his family and supporters staged a protest in Abuja on Monday over his custody by the State Security Service (SSS). The demonstrators, which included Senator Lawal Adamu and close relatives of the former governor, accused security authorities of subjecting him to psychological pressure and denying him access to medical care despite existing court directives. Speaking outside the SSS facility, El-Rufai’s second wife, Asia, said the family had been living under fear due to what she described as persistent surveillance and security intimidation connected to the case. According to her, the tension increased after El-Rufai appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he was granted bail before the matter was adjourned.  She alleged that despite prior arr...

THIRTY-NINE DEAD IN GAMBIA MIGRANT BOAT SINKING, OFFICIALS SAY. (PHOTO).


 Thirty-nine dead in Gambia migrant boat sinking, officials say


The death toll after a boat carrying Europe-bound migrants capsized off Gambia's coast on New Year's Eve has risen to 39, two government officials told Reuters, as survivors described the vessel as "overcrowded and dilapidated".


Gambia's defence ministry last week put the death toll at seven and said more than 200 people could have been on board.


A total of 112 people had been rescued as of Wednesday, said Sima Lowe, public relations officer for Gambia's Immigration Department, and a senior defence ministry official who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to press.


The migration route used by West Africans trying to reach Spain via the Canary Islands is one of the world's deadliest.


Survivors interviewed by Reuters after being released from hospital in Gambia this week said the boat had been heading for Europe.


Their stories highlight the risks and challenges faced by would-be migrants from West Africa who are often fleeing poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities in their home countries.


"It's ... desperation driving me to risk my life, seeking better opportunities in Europe due to poverty and lack of prospects at home," said Sadibou Fatty, who described the journey as "traumatic".


"I survived the tragedy but lost friends and fellow passengers," he said, adding that, unlike many others on board, he knew how to swim.


Of the 39 dead, 24 were recovered in Gambian territory, while 15 were recovered in Senegalese territory, the defence official said.


Passengers on board included citizens of Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone, the official said.


"My friends in Europe inspired me to take the 'back way,'" said Kajali Camara, another survivor, referring to irregular immigration routes via small boats.


"They're supporting their families back home, and I wanted a better life too," he said.


Gambia's government said it intercepted more than 2,700 would-be migrants in 2025.


During the first 11 months of 2025, irregular migration into the European Union along the West African route fell 60%, according to the EU's border agency Frontex.


The drop is largely due to stronger prevention efforts by departure countries working with EU member states, Frontex has said.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SHAKIRA COVERS WOMEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE,APRIL ISSUE.

THE NEW OONI OF ILE-IFE,WILL NOT EAT THE HEART OF THE LATE OONI-PALACE CHIEFS.

INNOSON GIVES OUT BRAND NEW IVM G5 AND SALARY FOR LIFE TO THE MAN WHO PROPHESIED ABOUT HIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IN 1979.(PHOTO).