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07/30/2026

As the world marks the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I join the global community in calling for stronger collective action against the evolving crime of human trafficking, particularly the growing threat of forced online scamming.

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) remains steadfast in advancing prevention, strengthening institutions, protecting victims, and promoting international cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks.

Through our initiatives, including the Nigeria Child Protection Compact (CPC) Readiness Assessment and Strategic Framework, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no child, woman, or man is exploited, and that communities are empowered to stop trafficking before it begins.

Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik
Secretary-General, IHRC Corporation / ICA

07/29/2026

*World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - 30 July 2026*

Tomorrow, the world commemorates the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme: "Trapped Behind the Scam."

The IHRC Corporation Mission in Nigeria urges all Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Officials to actively monitor, document, and report activities commemorating the Day across their respective states. Where possible, participate in events organized by government agencies, civil society, and development partners, and submit photographs, videos, and brief reports for national documentation and media publication.

As we advance the Nigeria Child Protection Compact (CPC) Readiness Assessment and Strategic Framework (2027–2032) in strategic partnership with NAPTIP, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting children, preventing trafficking, and strengthening community action against exploitation.

Signed:

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah
Head of Diplomatic Mission
IHRC Corporation Mission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria

07/16/2026

*IHRC's Ambassador Bags 2026 African Game Changers Award*

The Head of Diplomatic Mission, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corp. / INTERPOL Center USA) Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, has been honoured with the 2026 African Game Changers Award and officially inducted into the 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium.

The recognition was conferred on him on Tuesday in Abuja by Fresh Facts Magazine, in collaboration with the African Network for Accountability (ANFA), Ghana, for his contributions to humanitarian service, human rights advocacy, peacebuilding, and transformational leadership across Africa.

According to the organisers, Ambassador Duru's profile will be featured in the 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium, where his story will serve as an inspiration to current and future generations of African leaders.

Reacting to the honour, Ambassador Duru dedicated the award to the leadership and members of the International Human Rights Commission - IHRC Corp., while paying special tribute to the Secretary-General of the Commission, Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik.

He described the recognition as a call to greater service rather than a personal achievement, adding that the vision of the Commission's continues to inspire its global humanitarian mission.

Quoting the Secretary-General, Ambassador Duru said: "What we do today, we do for generations."

He noted that the philosophy remains a guiding principle for IHRC's work in promoting human dignity, justice, peace, and sustainable development across communities.

Ambassador Duru reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Commission's mandate in Nigeria and beyond, stressing that the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to serve humanity with integrity, compassion, and excellence.

The award was presented and signed by Dr. Monday Iyke Ojomah, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Fresh Facts Magazine.

Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications
IHRC Nigeria Mission

06/25/2026

*Video: Ekiti Voter Alleges Vote Buying, Calls for Credible Electoral Process*

At , a voter, Mrs. Oke Adenike, has raised concerns over alleged vote-buying activities and the conduct of some election stakeholders, urging Nigerians to protect the integrity of the electoral process. She spoke with IHRC News during the Commission's ongoing INEC-accredited media coverage of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Mrs. Adenike alleged that some political actors attempted to influence voters through monetary inducements and other forms of pressure during the election.

According to her, the prevailing economic hardship facing many Nigerians makes some voters vulnerable to inducements, a situation she said poses a threat to the credibility of democratic elections.

She maintained that elections remain one of the most important avenues through which citizens can influence governance and leadership outcomes, urging voters to remain committed to exercising their civic rights according to their conscience.

"I rejected every form of inducement and voted according to my conscience. At this point, Nigerians must continue to believe in the democratic process and allow God to perfect the outcome," she stated.

Mrs. Adenike further expressed concern over what she described as the partisan conduct of some individuals assigned to observe the electoral process, urging all stakeholders to uphold neutrality and professionalism throughout the exercise.

IHRC News could not independently verify the allegations at the time of filing this report. However, the comments reflect concerns raised by some voters regarding electoral conduct and public confidence in democratic processes.

Election activities at Polling Unit 8 and surrounding areas monitored by IHRC correspondents remained generally peaceful, with voters continuing to exercise their franchise in an orderly atmosphere under the supervision of electoral officials and security personnel.

IHRC News will continue to monitor developments across the electoral process and provide factual, balanced, and objective reports from the field.

Reported by:
IHRC News Election Desk, Ekiti State

06/18/2026

INEC Accredits IHRC for June 20 Electoral Exercises

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation, also known as INTERPOL Center USA (ICA), has announced the successful accreditation of its media platform - IHRC News, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe and report on key electoral processes scheduled for June 20, 2026, across Nigeria.

The accredited elections include the Ekiti State Governorship Elections, Enugu North Senatorial District Bye-Election, Rivers South-East Senatorial District Bye-Election, and Nasarawa North Senatorial District Bye-Election.

Speaking on the development, the Head of Diplomatic Mission, IHRC Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, described the accreditation as a significant milestone in the Commission’s growing contribution to democratic governance, civic accountability, and electoral transparency in Nigeria.

According to Ambassador Hezekiah, the accreditation recognizes IHRC’s expanding role as an international human rights and media institution committed to promoting credible democratic processes through responsible election observation, public information dissemination, and objective reporting.

He noted that the participation of accredited media organizations remains a critical pillar of democratic elections, helping to strengthen transparency, public confidence, accountability, and integrity throughout the electoral process.

“The accreditation granted to IHRC Nigeria by INEC represents more than an institutional recognition. It reflects the importance of independent media observation in promoting transparent, peaceful, and credible elections. Through our accredited media personnel, we shall contribute professionally to information sharing, electoral awareness, and objective observation in accordance with established electoral guidelines,” Ambassador Hezekiah stated.

He further explained that IHRC Corporation, with its international headquarters in Washington, D.C., United States of America, continues to advance global principles of human rights, democratic participation, rule of law, and institutional accountability across various jurisdictions.

“As political activities continue to build towards the 2027 General Elections, every effort aimed at strengthening public trust in democratic institutions becomes increasingly important. Credible elections are fundamental to sustainable democracy, peacebuilding, and national development,” he added.

He also congratulated the accredited IHRC personnel selected for the assignment. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, ethical reporting, and respect for electoral regulations throughout the exercise.

The Commission expressed confidence that collaborative efforts among electoral institutions, media organizations, civil society groups, security agencies, and citizens will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic journey and promote public confidence in the electoral process.

Signed:

Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications
IHRC Nigeria

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