OUR STAFF

ISA SANUSI

Executive Director

Isa Sanusi joined Amnesty International Nigeria in 2016 as the Media and Communications Manager, managing the organizations major campaigns, advocacy and media relations across all areas of Amnesty International’s human rights work. Before joining Amnesty, Isa was a journalist with the BBC World Service for ten years, serving as presenter and producer of both radio and television programmes. He was also a News Editor with Abuja based Daily Trust newspapers. He managed and delivered human rights campaigns on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and gender justice. He also led research and advocacy works on conflicts and human rights education.   

Isa was appointed Executive Director in July 2023. Since joining the organization, he has led the Amnesty International Nigeria team with an emphasis on human rights crisis response and promoting human rights through research and digital campaigns. 

He obtained B.A. English from Bayero University Kano and an M.A. Journalism from Birkbeck College University of London. He also attended the leadership program at King’s College London.  

BENEDICTA OFILI

Finance and Office Manager

Benedicta is a seasoned finance and operations leader with over two decades of multi-sectorial experience driving organizational efficiency, compliance, and strategic growth across the NGO, corporate, and financial sectors. She currently directs Amnesty International Nigeria’s financial stewardship, strategic resource allocation, and operational risk management across donor-funded portfolios, fiscal planning, and audit processes while ensuring adherence to international accountability standards and national regulatory requirement. 

Benedicta is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), and Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), combining technical proficiency with strong leadership and people management skills. Her ability to translate strategic goals into measurable outcomes has positioned her as a trusted advisor in advancing organizational impact. She has a proven track record of building robust financial systems, leading audits, and fostering collaborative relationships with donors, government agencies, and civil society organizations. 

Benedicta holds an MBA in Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a B.Sc. in Accounting from Delta State University. She brings analytical rigor, operational excellence and a commitment to building financial compliance and sustainable climate finance governance to protecting human rights and driving long-term environmental resilience. 

BARBARA MAGAJI

Programs Manager

Barbara manages research, human rights education, and youth and activism programmes. She is a human rights advocate with years of experience in promoting the rule of law, human rights, gender advocacy, justice reform, and CSO accountability.  

She is a fellow of the Justice Initiative and Coady Institute and has an LL.M in Human Rights (International Justice Specialization) from Central European University.  

Barbara has worked on judicial accountability and engaged with citizens on court observation and justice actors to ensure protection of detainees’ rights, inter-agency collaboration, and strengthen service delivery.  

Until joining Amnesty International, Barbara worked in different capacities with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Partners West Africa Nigeria, Justice Initiative Fellow of OSJI, and Advocats Sans Frontieres France. She has also consulted with RESDAL on gender in the security sector, UN-Women on Conflict Related Sexual Violence, UNDP on Human Rights Due Diligence in Nigeria, REDRESS on Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Legislation, and Justice for All on police external accountability.  

DOOSHIMA TSEE

Media and Communications Manager

Dooshima Tsee leads media strategy, communications, digital and offline advocacy campaigns at Amnesty International Nigeria. She brings over a decade of strategic communications leadership across the humanitarian and development sector in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.  

Before joining Amnesty, Dooshima held senior leadership positions with Catholic Relief Services, including Regional Communications Manager for Southern and East Africa, where she led storytelling teams across 16 countries and advised on global communications strategy. Earlier in her career she managed behavior change communications and digital consumer marketing with the Society for Family Health, Nigeria, supporting HIV and malaria prevention advocacy nationwide.  

Dooshima holds an M.Sc. in Sociology from Benue State University and a certificate in Women’s Leadership for Community Development from St. Francis Xavier University, Canada. 

OMILABU JOHN

Protection and Security Advisor

John has over 15 years of professional experience in security and risk management within the humanitarian and development sector. He has worked extensively with international non-governmental organizations operating in complex and high-risk environments, supporting teams to manage operational risks while ensuring the safety and security of staff and partners.  

His expertise includes security risk assessments, crisis and incident management, security strategy development, capacity building and the integration of safety and duty of care considerations into organizational operations. John has a strong track record of advising senior leadership and field teams on effective risk mitigation approaches that enable safe programme delivery while maintaining humanitarian access.  

He holds a master’s degree in security and risk management from the University of Leicester and is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), a globally recognized certification awarded by ASIS International.  

John is passionate about strengthening security management practices within the non-profit sector and supporting organizations to operate responsibly and effectively in challenging environments.   

MAURICE CHUKWU

Civil Rights Researcher

Maurice is a human rights lawyer and researcher with more than fifteen years of experience documenting human rights violations and supporting campaigns for justice and accountability. He leads Amnesty International Nigeria’s investigations into unlawful killings, police abuses, restrictions on civic space, protest crackdowns, and conflict‑related violations. His work brings together field research, evidence gathering, and legal analysis to produce reports that inform campaigns, advocacy, policymaking, and public awareness.  

Maurice has carried out field investigations and authored major reports at Amnesty International Nigeria. He has also contributed Nigeria’s chapters to several editions of The State of the World’s Human Rights. His work extends to research on litigation and the death penalty.  

Maurice is a Chevening Scholar and holds an LL.M. in International Human Rights Law (Distinction) from Brunel University London, where he received the Thomson Reuters Law Prize for Best Graduating Student and the Professor Kaikobad Memorial Prize for Best Dissertation. His peer-reviewed publications address counterterrorism, international criminal justice, children’s rights, and the protection of marginalized workers.  

He continues to advance human rights through research, litigation, and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels.  

USMAN ABBA

Researcher

Usman is a researcher and multimedia journalist, media and communications expert, conflict management consultant, and community engagement specialist with over a decade of experience working in conflict-affected areas across the Lake Chad region (Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad). Through investigations, analyses, feature stories, video documentaries, photography, reports, and podcasts, Usman covers humanitarian crises, human right violations and abuses, conflict, development, and peace-related issues in the region.  

His impactful investigative reporting and research have earned major international recognition and support, including a nomination for the prestigious True Story Award and grants from the Pulitzer Center. He has also been awarded several competitive fellowships and honors that celebrate his commitment to human rights documentation, storytelling, and in-depth reporting from high-risk, complex environments. 

With a First-Class M.A. in Community Development and Social Welfare and a First-Class B.A. in Adult Education/Public Administration, Usman combines strong academic grounding with extensive field experience.  

LUKMAN MOHAMMED

Senior Finance and Admin Officer

Lukman is an accounting and finance professional with extensive experience in financial management, reporting, and internal control systems. In his role with Amnesty International Nigeria, he supports the financial control of the organization’s operations by preparing balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and payment vouchers while ensuring adherence to organizational policies and regulatory requirements. Lukman works on statutory reporting, payroll preparation, management accounts, budgeting, and financial analysis to support effective resource allocation. He also ensures compliance with tax and statutory obligations, supports donor-funded project management, and contributes to audit preparations and financial reporting processes.   

Lukman holds a B.A in Accounting from the University of Ilorin and is currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in Finance and Investment at Ahmadu Bello University, while also working towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification.   

DEBORAH GODWIN

Executive Assistant to the Director & Team Administrator

Deborah Godwin is a data and policy professional with over five years of experience working at the intersection of research, operations, and public policy.  

Her professional experience spans programme administration, research support, and operational management within the nonprofit and policy sector. She has developed skills in data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, proposal development, and organizational administration.   

Deborah supports programme coordination, administrative systems and procurement/logistics processes while contributing to the effective delivery of organizational activities.  

Her professional interests focus on using data and research to strengthen health systems, improve public policy outcomes, and support evidence-informed decision-making, particularly in low-resource settings.  

She holds a B.Sc. in Physiology from the University of Benin and a Diploma in Data Science, Project Management and extensive training in Monitoring and Evaluation.  

ANNE CHUKWUNWIKE-OWARA

Membership and Supporter Engagement Officer

Anne designs engagement structures and communities that help people feel part of something bigger and stay part of it. She works at the intersection of engagement strategy, systems, and social marketing automation to scale how people connect to social causes.  

Before joining Amnesty International Nigeria in 2022, she worked across media, communications, and marketing, leading initiatives that strengthened visibility, delivered fundraising campaigns, improved donor experiences, and deepened audience engagement.  

At Amnesty, she has driven youth-focused programmes that brought in a new generation of activists and contributed to key institutional milestones. She expanded the paying-member structure, the organisation’s transition to a fully-fledged national section, and its inaugural Annual General Meeting.  

Anne holds a M.A. in Communication and Language Arts and is PMP certified. Beyond work, she enjoys music, discovering great pizza, and curiosity-led adventures.  

MICHAEL CHRISTIAN

Social Media and Communications Officer

Michael is a strategic communications professional with a passion for creative projects and collaborative teamwork. He bridges the gap between creative endeavours and organisational success through thoughtful storytelling and results-driven communication. He is adept at translating ideas into meaningful impact across the development and communications space.  

Driven by a strong commitment to human rights and development, Michael has built a career within the development sector that aligns professional expertise with purpose. He leads and supports communications initiatives that amplify human rights advocacy, strengthen public engagement, and shape compelling narratives that centre people and impact. His work spans content strategy, media engagement, digital storytelling, campaign support, and multimedia production, all aimed at driving awareness and action on critical human rights issues.   
With a strong enthusiasm for strategic communications and storytelling for social impact, Michael thrives on surpassing challenging goals and making a tangible difference through effective, human rights-centred communication.   

When Michael isn’t crafting communications copy, he is cooking, reading fiction or working out.   

AONDOAKURA ABIEM

Activism and Growth Officer

Abiem Aondoakura John is a community development professional and human rights activist with more than ten years of experience in research, advocacy, and program implementation across Nigeria. In his role with Amnesty International Nigeria, Abiem leads youth mobilization and develops innovative activism strategies aligned with global human rights priorities. In this role, he drives initiatives that expand civic participation, strengthen grassroots movements, and enhance the impact of campaigns through dynamic approaches.  

Previously, he worked as a Research and Campaigns Assistant with Amnesty International Nigeria, contributing to high-level human rights research on conflict, displacement, and enforced disappearances.  

Abiem’s broader experience spans program management, peacebuilding, gender advocacy, and academia. His work reflects a strong commitment to advancing human rights, amplifying youth voices, and promoting inclusive, evidence-based development interventions.     

TOCHUKWU UDUOGU

Finance and Compliance Officer

Tochukwu Uduogu is a dedicated finance professional and chartered accountant with over a decade of experience in Accounting. He plays a key role in ensuring financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and strong financial management practices within Amnesty International Nigeria, supporting financial reporting, compliance, and organizational financial oversight.  

Known for his commitment to continuous growth, Tochukwu enjoys learning new things and expanding his professional and personal knowledge. 

He holds a B.A. in Accounting from Enugu State University of Science & Technology and is a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).    

HELEN ADAH

Human Rights Education Officer

Helen leads the development and implementation of programmes that promote human rights awareness and civic engagement among young people and communities. She designs innovative and participatory learning initiatives that strengthen rights literacy and empower individuals to understand, claim, and defend their rights.  

In this role, Helen shapes the organization’s human rights education strategy and develops training programmes and learning resources that support educators, students, youth leaders, and grassroots actors across Nigeria. She works closely with partners and stakeholders to expand access to human rights education through creative learning approaches.   

With a background in communication and certifications in monitoring and evaluation, programme management, and data analytics, she brings strong skills in programme coordination, learning design, and impact monitoring to support results-driven human rights education and civic engagement initiatives.    

SAMSON ABOBARIN

Digital Campaigner

Samson supports the design and delivery of Amnesty International Nigeria’s advocacy campaigns focused on justice reform, accountability, and the protection of human rights.  

He has contributed to campaign strategy, stakeholder engagement, and digital mobilisation efforts, particularly on initiatives addressing prolonged pre-trial detention and systemic challenges within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. His work supports national advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening public engagement and influencing institutional response.  

He has a strong interest in the role of technology and data in advancing human rights, improving access to justice, and strengthening institutions.  

Samson holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and as M.Sc. in Information Systems and Innovation Management, focusing on the strategic use of technology to drive organisational transformation, digital innovation; both from the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. He is also certified by Google in Digital Marketing and Project Management, demonstrating practical expertise in managing digital initiatives and effective project delivery.    

JUBRIL MARTINS

Front Desk and Admin Officer

Jubril is a dedicated administrative operations professional with over 7 years of experience in professional administrative support and day-to-day humanitarian and development sector office operations. He is the first point of contact for visitors, volunteers, supporters and staff, demonstrating excellent communication, professionalism, and a welcoming attitude that reflects positively on the organization.  

Jubril manages front desk operations, coordinates office communications and supports administrative processes to maintain an efficient work environment.  He skilfully handles correspondence, scheduling, record keeping, facilitating consistent logistics and supply chain management, and coordinates facility maintenance and office resources.  

ZOE CHINEDU

Intern

Zoe has a passion for supporting organisations and people meaningfully. She has worked with international organizations, non-governmental organisations, and private institutions where she has honed skills in administration, public diplomacy, and program management. She is a poet and through her art lends her voice in advocacy for various societal issues.  

In her role with Amnesty International Nigeria, she supports volunteer and supporter engagement and provides essential support in coordinating program activities.    

OLUWATOBI ADEOYE

Intern

Oluwatobi is a results-driven development professional with over five years of experience managing and implementing multi-sector programs across Nigeria. A graduate of Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan, he combines strong analytical skills with an unwavering commitment to social justice and the protection of human rights.  

Throughout his professional journey, Oluwatobi has coordinated complex stakeholder relationships, designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and delivered measurable program outcomes in challenging environments.  

His career spans youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health rights advocacy, digital communications, and organizational development with several organizations. In his role with Amnesty International Nigeria, Oluwatobi supports the promotion and defence of fundamental rights and freedoms for all people.      

 AUWAL IBRAHIM MUSA (RAFSANJANI)

Board Chair

Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) is a Political Science graduate from Bayero University Kano-Nigeria, with many international courses undertaken in addition to this degree. He is a Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Policy and Legislative Advocacy Activist interested in positive transformation of Africa with many years experience in the areas extractive revenue transparency, legislative and policy.

He is the Chairman Board of Trustees and Standing Representative of Amnesty International (Nigeria), the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International (Nigeria). Auwal is also the Chairman Advisory Board of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA) Nigeria as well as the current chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), a former General Secretary of the West African Civil Society forum (WACSOF)and chairman Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC).

Furthermore, he was the coordinator representing the Sub African region on Civil Society Coalition on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption coordination-committee.

Before he became the Executive Director of CISLAC, Mr. Auwal had worked with the Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) as a Programme Officer where he led projects on Community Development and Human Rights. He then moved to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), during this period he led projects on diverse areas on Legislative /Policy Advocacy, Local Democracy, Good Governance, Constitutionalism and Development.

Auwal has gained considerable experience on training programmes and has also written many articles as well as being a regular public commentator of Newspapers, Radio, TV e.g. Al-Jazeera, CNN, BBC, NTA, AIT, TVC, Channel TV, VOA, Radio Germany, Radio France and Radio Iran, FRCN etc, both in Hausa and English languages.

He was a delegate at the National Conference in Nigeria 2014 representing Civil Society Groups.

Mr. Auwal on the International level serves as the Executive Director Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Global in USA, registered in the United State, in compliance with the requirements of Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Law, with registration number N000696972, on 14th October, 2014.

ADESINA OKE

Board Secretary

Adesina Oke is a seasoned legal practitioner and human rights advocate with a long-standing commitment to justice, equity, and democratic governance in Nigeria. His activism dates back to his university days, where he emerged as a prominent student union leader deeply involved in struggles for academic reform and broader socio-political change. He actively participated in several student-led movements, including the “Babangida Must Go” protests, which formed part of the wider agitation that contributed to Nigeria’s transition toward the short-lived Third Republic.

Following his involvement in these pro-democracy activities, he was arrested and detained by the military regime for over a month. Upon his release, he faced expulsion from the university on allegations he challenged as unfounded and procedurally unfair, resulting in his eventual reinstatement through legal action. Although he regained his academic standing, the ordeal cost him a year of his academic progress.

Upon being called to the bar and commencing legal practice, his commitment to human rights advocacy deepened significantly. He has since represented students in cases involving unjust suspensions and expulsions, and has been actively involved in defending organized labour and civil liberties. He has worked closely with labour institutions including the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, contributing to legal support for workers’ rights and industrial justice.

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and has also been associated with several leading human rights organizations, including the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, as well as Friends of Armed Forces Widows (FAFOW). Currently, he serves as Secretary to the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria, a leading global human rights organization.

Over the years, he has received multiple recognitions and awards from both the student movement and organized labour in acknowledgement of his enduring contributions to human rights advocacy and social justice.     

CYNTHIA MBAMALU

Board Treasurer

Cynthia Mbamalu is a human rights and women’s rights advocate with nearly two decades of experience advancing democracy, political inclusion, legislative reform, and electoral integrity across Africa.

A lawyer with an LLM in Comparative Constitutional Law from Central European University (CEU), she co-founded Yiaga Africa and serves as its Director of Programs, leading bold, on-the-ground initiatives in democratic practice, gender equality, and electoral integrity in Nigeria and beyond.

She has led and participated in election observation missions across multiple African countries and the United States, and spearheads #WatchingTheVote — a data-driven, citizen-led initiative for election accountability. As a founding leader of the Not Too Young To Run movement, she helped secure a landmark constitutional amendment in Nigeria lowering the age requirement for contesting elections, opening the door for a new generation of political leaders.

A certified community organizer, she leads the Community Organising Programme for young people in Nigeria and West Africa, she mentors emerging civic leaders, and hosts ‘The UnAmplified’ — a podcast on democracy, human rights, and development in Africa.

Her leadership training spans Harvard Kennedy School of Government, CEU, UNISA, and the University of Cape Town. She currently serves on the Board of Amnesty International Nigeria, where she holds the position of Board Treasurer.

REV. BASSEY NNIMMO

Board Member

Nnimmo Bassey is executive director of the ecological think-tank, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and member steering committee of Oilwatch International and is on the executive committee of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, among others. He was a co-recipient of the 2010 Right Livelihood Award also known as the “Alternative Noble Prize”, and now serves on the Board of the Foundation. In 2012 he received the Rafto Human Rights Award. In 2014 he received Nigeria’s national honour as Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his environmental activism.

Bassey has authored books on the environment, architecture and poetry. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of York, United Kingdom in July 2019. In 2023 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by York University, Canada and the Wallenberg Medal from the University of Michigan in 2024.    

IER JONATHAN-ICHAVER

Board Member

Ier Jonathan-Ichaver is a social entrepreneur based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is founder of Sesor Empowerment Foundation, a disaster relief organisation which supports internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

Before founding Sesor, Ier worked with the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) Nigeria as a private sector fundraising specialist and with UNICEF Switzerland as a corporate alliances specialist. Ier has worked in the NGO sector including with the Centre for Values in Leadership Nigeria, in banking, advertising and in Christian ministry.

A justice advocate, Ier campaigns for women, children and displaced persons rights and is a member of #FixPolitics, an initiative aimed at fixing Nigeria & Africa’s politics.

She is a member of the Steering Committee for the Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities, an NGO network committed to preventing and responding to mass atrocities. She also sits on the advisory board of SBM Intel, Nigeria’s leading geopolitical intelligence platform and is a Trustee of the Nigeria Association of Shotokan Karate.

She is a published author and a recipient of Inspiration FM’s Public Service Recognition Award (2017) as well as MBC International Bank Alumni Group Greatest Social Impact Award (2014) and was recently a 2025 Civil Society Visiting Fellow at the Toronto Metropolitan University researching IDP and refugee housing.

Ier is a pioneer student and alumna of the SPPG’s Public Leadership Certificate Programme and has also attended several training programmes on leadership, fundraising, negotiation and microfinance, the latter being with the Boulder Institute of Microfinance. Ier holds a master’s degree in Political Management from the George Washington University and a first degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

AISHA IBRAHIM

Board Member

Aisha Ibrahim is a lawyer, human rights defender, and public speaker dedicated to advancing justice, equality, and good governance. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019, she has established a strong reputation for using her legal expertise and advocacy to influence reform in Nigeria’s justice and human rights landscape.

Aisha has worked with organizations such as UNICEF, Save the Children International and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), offering legal advisory, research, and stakeholder engagement support on governance, democracy, and justice sector reform.

Her dedication to justice extends beyond advocacy into direct legal action. She has represented and facilitated the release of wrongfully detained persons and minors, and consistently engages in community-based interventions that promote access to justice and rehabilitation.

In recognition of her sustained contribution to human rights and governance advocacy, Aisha was appointed to the Board of Amnesty International Nigeria in 2024 — the youngest to serve in that capacity. She continues to use her platform to advocate for accountability, legal reform, and policy shifts that protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians. She holds an LL.M in International Law from Baze University, Abuja, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.