oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | civil rights, human rights, immigrants, islam, politics
As Nigerian Muslims celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan with millions around the globe, the Islamic human rights group MURIC (Muslim Rights Concern) has called for an end to the persecution faced by Nigerian Muslims.
The organization asserts that Nigerian Muslims continue to live under occupation until they receive all their civic rights, which should encompass, among other things, declaring the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) a national holiday similar to how 1st January is observed annually.
The statement was made in an Eid al-Fitr message issued on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by the organization’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads:
As Nigerian Muslims celebrate alongside millions across the globe marking the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan season, our warmest wishes go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
As Ramadan is thought to begin with forgiveness, flourish in the middle with blessings, and conclude with liberation, we urge an end to all forms of oppression against Nigerian Muslims.
We argue that Nigerian Muslims have faced continuous subjugation from the time of the British invasion of the Sokoto Caliphate through Sultan Attahiru’s final battle in 1903. Based on current circumstances, this domination may persist unless these individuals receive full civil rights, which should encompass, among other measures, recognizing the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday akin to how 1st January is observed annually.
We would like to highlight to the Federal Government that its role has significantly contributed to the ongoing oppression of Muslims in this nation due to its neglect in designating the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday, similar to how 1st January is observed annually.
We insist on equality. The Hijrah holiday is an integral part of our God-given basic human rights. It’s disappointing that only some states have recognized the Hijrah holiday, while the federal government remains indecisive. How can the federal government grant a national holiday for Christians on January 1st but fail to do so for the Islamic holiday of 1st Muharram in most regions? Shouldn’t fairness apply universally? Is Nigeria solely considered a Christian nation?
Nigerian Muslims feel they are being regarded as a subjugated populace. It seems reminiscent of events from 1903, which serve as a stark reminder of past conquests. They perceive themselves as being treated as inferior citizens.
We call for equality and fairness. January 1 holds the same significance as the first day of Muharram when promoting interfaith harmony. Now is the perfect moment to address this issue. Given that over eight states have acknowledged the importance of the first day of Muharram and designated it as a public holiday, this strengthens our argument even at the federal level. Consequently, there’s no logical reason for a Muslim-Muslim ticket to hold back from freeing Nigerian Muslims who have endured prolonged religious discrimination.
FG might grasp MURIC’s perspective once it recognizes the prolonged nature of the challenge they face. In earlier times within this nation, Muslims were unable to attend ‘Id (Salah) prayers since the colonial administration didn’t recognize it as a holiday. As a result, Muslims had no choice but to go to work or school instead of observing their holy day.
There was a period when Maulud Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary) was not acknowledged, while the celebration of Jesus’ (Peace Be Upon Him) birthday had been recognized since the 1914 consolidation. Is this fair?
We have consistently had to fight for liberty step by step. We fought individually first for Id al-Kabir, then for Id al-Fitr, and subsequently for Maulid! Even now, we continue to struggle for 1st Muharram. When will freedom come? When?
Even though the British Christian colonial authorities who stripped the ‘subjugated’ Muslim population of all their civic freedoms departed in 1960 and 1963, subsequent Nigerian administrations have not managed to liberate the Muslims.
“We have reached our limit. We refuse to live under subjugation. The present government needs to grant freedom to the Muslim community. We insist that the upcoming 1st Muharram, 1447—corresponding to Friday, June 27, 2025—be declared a nationwide public holiday.”
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oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | immigrants, immigration, news, politics, politics and law
The arrest of a Filipino individual who has resided in the U.S. for five decades highlights the significant change in immigration enforcement policies during the Trump administration, according to analysts.
The arrest of a 64-year-old
Philippine
A long-time green card holder who has resided in the U.S. for 50 years has sparked concern within Filipino and Asian-American groups regarding the stability of their immigration standing.
Onlookers indicate that this case underscores the significant change in U.S. immigration enforcement policies during President Trump’s administration.
Donald Trump
, where even legally registered immigrants are now vulnerable to being ensnared in politically driven enforcement measures. Scholars specializing in law have cautioned that the swift progression and extensive reach of these initiatives—frequently justified under ambiguous legal premises—are undermining longstanding safeguards for fair treatment under the law.
Officials of the US
Immigrations
On February 28, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Lewelyn Dixon, aged 64, when she was arriving at her residence in Seattle, Washington, following a visit to the Philippines.
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Her niece, Emily Cristobal, informed local media that she was in the Philippines for several weeks prior to being detained, and her family only learned of the situation involving her on March 2nd.
Officials did not disclose to Dixon’s family the reason for her detention; however, her attorney, Benjamin Osorio, suggested it might be linked to an earlier embezzlement conviction from 2001. For this offense, she received a sentence of serving 30 days in a halfway house and was also ordered to pay a fine of $6,400.
Osorio mentioned that Dixon had traveled internationally before without any problems.
James Zarsadiaz, who leads the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program at the University of San Francisco, informed This Week in Asia that Dixon’s case has sparked worries among Filipinos and other lawfully residing Asian immigrants in the U.S., questioning if their proper adherence to the immigration procedures provides them with adequate safeguards.
Overall, when looking beyond racial boundaries, people express some worry regarding the magnitude and pace of these Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. However, it remains uncertain how laws and procedures will play out since the judicial system presents an obstacle to what the Trump administration aims to achieve, as stated by Zarsadiaz.
“There is significant fear among the Filipino community due to the swift and substantial implementation of Trump’s mass deportation initiative,” stated the chairperson of Filipino progressive alliance Bayan USA, who requested anonymity under the pseudonym Andan Bagoyo.
Bagoyo informed This Week in Asia that his organization had been gearing up their campaign network to protect migrant workers in key US cities well before Trump secured the election victory.
He mentioned that his organization thought Dixon had been detained because her case was seen as an easy target to fulfill detention quotas.
No matter their standing, the Trump administration is portraying migrants who strive to support their families as criminals and villains.
Andan Bagoyo, who serves as the chairperson of Bayan USA
“No matter their status, the Trump administration is portraying migrants as criminals and villains merely because they are attempting to support their loved ones,” he stated.
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and a political science professor at Adelphi University, Vincent Wei-cheng Wang, described Dixon’s situation as “especially troubling,” since her detention in February violated two significant unwritten rules.
“Initially, green card holders, despite lacking the full legal rights of U.S. citizens, were granted greater flexibility compared to non-citizens. She acquired her permanent residency through lawful methods — following the process outlined by the Trump administration,” he explained.
Wang further stated that Dixon’s embezzlement from many years back, for which she had made amends through repayment and completed her sentence, was insignificant compared to the image Trump often portrays of Venezuelan criminals.
Earlier this month, Trump commanded the deportation of numerous Venezuelans due to supposed connections with gangs, referencing the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
Wang cautioned that the haphazard approach of Trump’s enforcement could lead many legal immigrants in the U.S. to feel insecure and might prompt some to pursue citizenship.
Grey area
Nevertheless, the typical immigrant had little to be concerned about, according to Filipino-American immigration lawyer Jath Shao.
Shao described Dixon’s situation as “a grey area” since she had already atoned for her wrongdoing.
He stated that even though arrests have increased because of ICE quotas established by the White House, the Trump administration did not actually deport more individuals compared to Joe Biden’s administration.
“However, the deportation process will require several years of legal proceedings,” he noted.
Shao mentioned that over 1,100 Filipinos are at risk of deportation — a figure that remains relatively minor when contrasted with the approximately 4 million Filipino-Americans residing in the United States.
As of 2022, approximately 1.7 million Asian individuals reside in the United States without documentation. According to Pew’s estimations for that same year, there were around 725,000 undocumented immigrants from India, 375,000 from China, 110,000 from South Korea, and 130,000 from the Philippines.
Dixon’s case is not isolated. There has been an uptick in incidents where Asian immigrants have reportedly become targets for ICE agents, including a 21-year-old student at Columbia University.
Yunseo Chung
And activist Mahmoud Khalil — who were detained following their participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Attorneys representing Chung submitted a legal complaint on Monday aiming to prevent deportations and halt what they described as “a systemic approach of focusing on individuals linked to demonstrations supporting Palestinian rights” for immigration enforcement actions.
A federal judge decided in
favour
Regarding Chung, who relocated to the United States from South Korea when he was seven years old, and obtained a temporary restraining order preventing the government from holding him back.
Trump “is trying to sidestep immigration law in the cases of
Mahmoud Khalil
Yunseo Chung, and others,” Shao stated, noting that the present government was trying to rationalize these deportations by resurrecting an outdated law that had previously been employed to detain Japanese-Americans during World War II.
Bagoyo highlighted the necessity of addressing the “good immigrant versus bad immigrant” rhetoric promoted not only by US authorities but also by Filipino officials like Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez and Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Eduardo de Vega.
Romualdez stated on Tuesday that “a significant amount” of undocumented Filipinos have been held and are being prepared for deportation, though he chose not to provide exact numbers.
At the same time, De Vega minimized the significance of the deportation of 24 Filipinos from the U.S. during Trump’s tenure, stating that this group was a small fraction compared to those Filipinos who resided there lawfully. She also noted that these deportations occurred under the Biden administration’s watch.
Trump and immigration
Even though Trump prioritized immigration as a key campaign topic during last year’s presidential election, Wang noted that “not many predicted the extent and intensity of the enforcement measures.”
He noted that Trump played a role in fostering an overall anti-immigrant sentiment by bypassing proper legal procedures in deportation proceedings.
He noted that his portrayal of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, particularly when compared with the lenient approach during the previous Biden administration, clearly struck a chord with a significant segment of American voters.
Nevertheless, despite “increased worry among Filipinos regarding immigration,” those who cast their votes for Trump in November were not expected to withdraw their backing of him, according to Zarsadiaz.
“If you were Filipino and supported Trump, then in their view—regardless of your ethnicity—they approve of detaining those who are undocumented or have a ‘shady’ history. This aligns with why they voted for him,” he stated.
Wang cautioned that although Dixon’s case “could have a intimidating impact on the Asian-American community: No one feels secure, and an error made years ago might return to cause trouble.”
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oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | immigrants, immigration, migrants, news, poland
Poland
has temporarily prohibited immigrants from seeking asylum as part of an effort to ‘regain control’ over its boundaries.
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, declared that the right to seek asylum would be temporarily halted for 60 days due to a surge in arrivals.
Belarus
border.
Exceptions will be granted for unaccompanied children, expectant mothers, senior citizens, individuals who are not feeling well, and those facing a genuine threat of significant injury.
The two-month restriction will be implemented immediately, Tusk stated last night.
Polish authorities have asserted that the Russian government has
coerced its neighbor Belarus into channeling migrants toward their shared frontier
to undermine the EU stability.
Warsaw has put up a five-meter tall barbed wire fence along a significant portion of the border after a steady flow of immigrants tried to cross over.
Video surfaced over the weekend showing 280 migrants.
trying to enter Poland from Belarus
.
The team successfully cut an opening in the fence using a cutting torch and then proceeded to go through one at a time.
Nevertheless, they are swiftly caught by soldiers arriving in armored vehicles, who stop them from proceeding and then focus on repairing the fence.
The Polish President, Andrzej Duda, allegedly showed reluctance towards approving the suspension due to concerns that it might impact refugees coming from Belarus.
Nevertheless, authorities have ensured that individuals who genuinely face risks will retain the ability to seek asylum.
Duda stated yesterday: “Today, I made the decision for what is called the asylum act to be implemented. I signed it as I feel it is essential to enhance the safety of our borders.”
‘The crucial aspect is to protect the Polish frontier and the Polish entities responsible for safeguarding it.’
Since taking office at the end of 2023, Tusk has aimed to strengthen control over Poland’s boundaries.
He stated that the contentious bill will be a step towards reclaiming ‘Poland’s border control’.
When announcing the proposals, he stated: “Should anyone wish to visit Poland, they are expected to adhere to Polish standards, embrace Polish traditions, and strive for integration.”
‘The native culture can feel endangered when there are an excessive number of individuals from different backgrounds.’
Since 2021, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland have
witnessed a significant increase in individuals unlawfully entering their country from Belarus and Russia.
The nations have blamed both Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for
arming migration as a tactic to undermine the European Union stability
.
More than 15,000 individuals sought asylum in Poland during 2024, marking a 72 percent increase from the previous year and representing the highest yearly total since 2016.
Following Ukrainians, the highest number of applications last year came from Belarusians, totaling 3,663 asylum seekers, followed by 823 Russians.
Next comes Ethiopia with 515, Eritrea with 505, and Somalia with 486.
The passage across this area has been perilous for numerous migrants, as nearly 100 documented fatalities are believed to be below the actual number.
Poland’s actions have faced considerable scrutiny, with Human Rights Watch stating that they contradict Poland’s international and EU commitments. They also warn that these measures might ‘completely close off the Poland-Belarus border,’ where Polish officials allegedly carry out illegal and abusive expulsions.
They have similarly called for the EU to initiate legal proceedings against Poland after the implementation of the law.
But Tusk dismissed this in October, saying: ‘Nobody is talking about violating human rights, the right to asylum, we are talking about not granting applications to people who illegally cross the border in groups organised by Lukashenko.’
In February, the Polish authorities announced their decision not to participate in the European Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, an initiative designed to handle the influx of refugees into member states.
As per the accord, states had the option to relocate a specific quota of migrants, make a monetary contribution, or offer operational assistance to facilitate resettlement.
Nevertheless, both Poland and Hungary have objected to this measure, intended to hold legal force over every single EU nation.
Tusk stated, “Poland will not enforce the Migration Pact if it means accepting more immigrant quotas within the country.”
We are prepared to work together with all parties to safeguard Europe against unlawful immigration. Nevertheless, Poland will not assume any further responsibilities. We have already shouldered more than anybody would have anticipated only a short time ago.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, acknowledged that Poland has taken in more than its fair share of Ukrainian refugees following the Russian invasion of 2022.
Other countries within the EU are similarly
implementing measures to restrict the privileges of those seeking asylum.
Finland has barred all migrants from entering through its Russian border since 2023, whereas newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
pledged to halt all unauthorized migration across Germany’s terrestrial boundaries upon taking office
.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, immigrants, immigration, migrants, news
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that over 956 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
This accomplishment was made possible by the joint efforts of the International Organization for Migration, Nigeria, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally DisplacedPersons.
A statement released on Monday by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, outlined specifics regarding the evacuation. It revealed that the repatriation occurred through six separate flights from January to March 2025. According to this information, the groups included 683 women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants.
As stated, the evacuation occurred on January 28, February 11, 19, and 25, along with March 4 and 18. The largest group of people returning, totaling 176 individuals, was noted for the expedition on March 18.
The statement read: “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, says over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone.”
“The breakdown shows that 683 of them were females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. The returnees were brought back home in six tranches from January to March 2025.”
The six journeys encompassed numbers 152 on January 28, followed by 145, 180, and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively. Additionally, the counts of 144 and 176 were recorded on March 4 and 18.
The statement revealed that more than 15,000 Nigerians have successfully returned home from Libya as part of an ongoing evacuation initiative led collaboratively by the Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since the start of this effort.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the commission’s ongoing caution to Nigerians about avoiding illegal migration via dangerous paths such as Libya.
“Given the sensitive political climate in Libya, we repeatedly advise Nigerians to steer clear of using Libya as a route to Europe; this applies not only to Libya but also to other unauthorized pathways,” she cautioned.
She similarly encouraged Nigerians to explore lawful and secure routes for migration, highlighting her worries about the disturbing pattern of certain individuals who have been returned opting to undertake the dangerous trip once more following their rescue.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
She highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation with governmental bodies, NGOs, the press, and various stakeholders to enhance public awareness about the risks associated with illegal immigration.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, estate law and wills, estate planning, immigrants
Thousands of abandoned inheritances uncover hidden narratives of African immigration, prosperity, and familial connections forsaken.
Every year, thousands of individuals pass away in the UK without having a will or designating their closest relatives, including numerous Nigerians and other African nationals. As a result, their assets such as properties and savings often go unclaimed.
The United Kingdom government’s most recent update to their registry of abandoned estates lists more than 170 instances linked to people born in Africa, with Nigerian nationals representing a substantial number of these cases.
A Legacy Lost
For numerous immigrants, the UK transformed into a second homeland—an area brimming with opportunities enabling them to accumulate wealth, buy properties, and establish new lives.
Nevertheless, when someone passes away without a will, their possessions typically get categorized as “bona vacantia” (unowned property). This then places these assets under the guardianship of the Crown.
Often, families in Africa are not aware of these estates, resulting in a perpetual loss of assets.
Instances such as those of Adenike Adebiyi, who passed away in Hackney, London, in 2004, or Solomon Adekanmibi, who died in Colchester, Essex, in 2021, underscore the ramifications of passing without a will.
Without any known relatives or lost paperwork, these individuals’ assets stay unclaimed, and their life stories might be overlooked.
Why It Matters
This observation highlights a significant problem: numerous African households remain uninformed about their family members’ monetary circumstances overseas.
Frequently, migration interrupts communication, and lacking proper documentation means the assets accumulated abroad stay unreachable.
The loss extends beyond finances; it also runs deep culturally and emotionally. Estates left unclaimed embody countless family stories, ties, and the challenges faced by immigrants who established new lives across lands.
The Challenges
Lack of Awareness:
Many households in Nigeria and various other African nations do not know about their family members’ assets overseas or the process for claiming them.
Genealogical Gaps:
The data offered in official documents frequently lacks completeness. Take for instance the UK’s unclaimed estates list; numerous listings here do not include comprehensive family backgrounds or details about close relatives.
Cultural Hesitations:
Across numerous African societies, talking about death and drafting wills is seen as taboo, causing people to hesitate when it comes to organizing how their assets should be distributed.
A Call to Action
Governments across Africa, along with community groups and legal experts, should work on increasing public understanding of this matter.
Here are some actions that can be taken:
Promoting Will Creation: It’s essential for migrants living abroad to receive education on the significance of writing wills to safeguard their possessions.
Genetic Assistance: African families may receive support in locating undiscovered inheritances via collaborations at either a local or an international level.
Public Education Initiatives: Both social and conventional media outlets can emphasize the significance of estate planning and provide families with accessible resources.
How to Verify the List
The British government keeps an Unclaimed Estates List available to the public, which gets refreshed every day.
Family members have the option to browse through the list using criteria such as surname, city of birth, or additional identifying details to explore possible claims.
Final Thoughts
To numerous Nigerians and African individuals residing in the UK, their abandoned estates signify not only financial assets but also narratives of migration, resilience, and self-identity.
By tackling this increasing concern, families can restore their traditions, ensuring that the legacy of those who moved as part of the diaspora will not be lost.
This is the most recent daily update for March 24, 2025. Please review the following list.
HERE
.
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oleh admin | Mar 3, 2025 | ancient history, archaeology, culture, history, immigrants
A study suggests that the people behind the construction of the famous Stonehenge may have been Black individuals.
Scientists from the University of Ferrara have reconstructed data from 348 ancient genomes collected throughout Eurasia.
Italy
Which indicates that nearly all Europeans had dark skin up until about 3,000 years ago.
With Stonehenge, located just beyond the town of
Glastonbury
, estimated to be built approximately 5,000 years ago, experts suggest that we can infer the constructors likely had dark complexions.
Up until approximately 1,700 years ago, most Europeans had darker complexions, according to the researchers behind the study. They also noted that many ancient Greeks and Romans as well as the Britons responsible for constructing Stonehenge possessed dark skin, eyes, and hair.
The research indicates that the transition towards fairer skin, due to migration to higher latitudes and increased consumption of vitamin D, occurred at a pace slower than earlier believed.
Experts are still unsure why the change from darker to light skin was so slow.
Nevertheless, scientists think that farmers might compensate for vitamin D deficiencies in their diet using readily available sources like milk and meat.
Specimens for the research were collected from the British Isles and continental Europe.
Russia
, central
Asia
and the Middle East.
Dr. Silvia Ghirotto, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Ferrara in Italy, who headed the research, shared her insights.
The Telegraph
Through the analysis of ancient DNA from 348 people over a period of 45,000 years, we pieced together a detailed image where pale skin colour appeared intermittently during the initial stages of human habitation in Europe.
‘Their forefathers possessed dark skin up until quite recently.’
‘Since Stonehenge was constructed during the shift from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age, and considering the frequent occurrence of dark-skinned individuals we identified from that time even in Northern Europe, it is probable that the people who built Stonehenge had darker complexions.’
Stonehenge is a significant emblem of British heritage. While mostly inaccessible to direct contact for tourists, who can no longer touch the stones, people still have the opportunity to stroll around the ancient monument from a slight distance.
The entire monument, currently in ruins, is oriented toward the sunrise at dawn and the sunset during the winter solstice.
During the solstice times, big groups often gather at the monument because it serves as a sacred site for Neo-Druids, Pagans, and various ‘nature-based’ or ‘ancient’ faiths.
Nonetheless, English Heritage allows entry during the summer and winter solstices as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes.
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