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Tag: law enforcement

  • Tension in Kano as Sanusi, Bayero plan Friday prayer at palace’s mosque 

    Tension in Kano as Sanusi, Bayero plan Friday prayer at palace’s mosque 

    There is noticeable apprehension among Kano residents as the reinstated Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, is set to lead the two rakat congregational Friday prayers today at the Emir’s palace Friday mosque.

    This announcement was made in a statement signed by Danburan of Kano on Thursday evening.

    The statement invites residents to attend and listen to the sermon to be delivered by Sanusi.

    Similarly, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, invites residents to join him at the emir’s palace Friday mosque to observe the Jumu’at prayer.

    It further mentions that the movement to the emir’s palace mosque begins at 12:30 pm.

    However, the police authorities have yet to comment on the situation to prevent any potential disruption of law and order.

    Effort to contact the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna failed as his mobile phone number was not going through.

  • Nigeria Police unveil cybercrime reporting platform

    Nigeria Police unveil cybercrime reporting platform

    The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled a platform for reporting cybercrime.

    NPF says the platform is in its bid to reinforce its commitment to tackling digital threats.

    The new portal, managed by the NPF National Cybercrime Centre is now accessible with a new site replacing the old site.

    The Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force is pleased to inform the general public of the launch of a new, more robust, and secure domain for reporting cybercrime-related offences as part of the continued commitment to combating cybercrime and enhancing the safety and security of our digital space.

    “The new reporting platform, managed by the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), can be accessed at: [https://nccc.npf.gov.ng/ereport/signin]. This upgraded domain replaces the previous site [https://incb.npf.gov.ng] which must be discarded.”

    The statement stated that the upgraded domain offers enhanced security to protect user information and is user-friendly for efficient reporting.

    Additionally, it featured improved tracking and response mechanisms for timely action on reported cases, and it urged the public to utilize this platform to aid in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria.

    “The upgraded domain includes enhanced security measures to protect user information and ensure confidentiality and is user-friendly for easy and efficient reporting of cybercrime incidents.

    “It also includes improved tracking and response mechanisms to ensure timely and effective action on reported cases.

    “The Inspector General of Police urges all members of the public to utilize this new platform for reporting any cybercrime activities as vigilance and prompt reporting can significantly contribute to police efforts in tackling the menace of cybercrime in Nigeria, and even beyond,” it added.

    It would be recalled that implementing the Cybercrime Act 2015 has been met with different reactions from various quarters.

    The Act will provide a unified legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes in Nigeria.

  • Ajayi Crowther varsity to conduct drug tests for students, staff

    Ajayi Crowther varsity to conduct drug tests for students, staff

    Ajayi Crowther University has decided to subject students, porters, and security personnel to mandatory drug tests, according to a report from the institution’s alumni executive.

    This is coming in the wake of the death of a student who was said to have been beaten to death by some of his colleagues.

    Recall a 200-level Mechanical Engineering student at the institution, Akpo Alex, had, last week, been beaten to death by some of his colleagues. The beating was said to have been occasioned by an alleged stealing of a phone belonging to one of them.

    “He also said that every one of the students, university porters, and securities would be subjected to drug tests, and if they are found culpable, they would be expelled and dismissed with immediate effect,” the school’s alumni executive report signed by its president, Hon Busoye Ogunlade, stated on Thursday, quoting the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo. 

    The report comes after the alumni executive visited the university management to get updates and offer suggestions in the aftermath of the student’s death.

    During the visit, the Ajayi Crowther University vice-chancellor informed the alumni that all individuals involved in the incident, including the suspected perpetrators, a porter, and two security personnel accused of rape, are currently in police custody awaiting legal proceedings.

    “The porter of the same hostel where the incident happened is still in police custody till date. Also, the two securities who were reported for rape are to appear in court today, May 30, 2024,” the report stated.

    In addition to the drug testing measures, the university has increased its security presence on campus, with civil defence officers working alongside existing security personnel.

    The report also mentioned that the parents of the deceased student visited the university and suggested ways to raise awareness among students about proper channels for reporting incidents instead of taking matters into their own hands.

    The alumni executive expressed its commitment to working closely with the university management to uphold the institution’s vision and ensure the safety of students.

    “We told the management that the Alumni as a body would keep working hands in hands with the university to ensure the vision of its establishment is well pursued to the core,” the report stated.

    Earlier, the VC noted that the school has learnt from this incident and has beefed up security and monitoring while encouraging students to report whatever is happening around them to the vice-chancellor and other management staff.

  • BREAKING! Court restrains SSS, Police From Evicting Emir Sanusi 

    BREAKING! Court restrains SSS, Police From Evicting Emir Sanusi 

    A Kano High Court presided by Justice Amina Aliyu has restrained the police, the State Security Service, SSS and Nigerian military from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II.

    The case was filed by the emir alongside the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta.

    Granting the order, Justice Aliyu also retrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers.

  • Soldiers withdraw as Banex Plaza reopens after week-long closure 

    Soldiers withdraw as Banex Plaza reopens after week-long closure 

    After a week of closure, Banex Plaza in Abuja has finally reopened its doors.

     The plaza resumed operations precisely at 2:30 pm today, Monday, May 27th. 

    The reopening comes following a period of enforced closure prompted by clashes between soldiers and traders.

    Reports indicate that the plaza’s reopening was facilitated after traders involved in the earlier altercation with military personnel resolved with the authorities.

    Earlier, the plaza witnessed a dramatic incident where personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police stormed the premises, engaging in physical altercations with passersby and security guards. 

    The action was in retaliation for a previous confrontation between four military police personnel and traders within the bustling electronics and telecommunications market.

  • Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat

    Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat

    An angry mob suspected to be thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), attacked protesters believed to be party supporters from the Edo State chapter who were at the party secretariat to demand Abure’s ouster.

    Trouble began when the anti- Abure protesters stormed the party headquarters in a number of vehicles holding placards and chanting solidarity songs.

    No sooner than some of the protesters stepped out of one of the vehicles that the suspected thugs swooped on the vehicles with sticks and other objects forcing the drivers to zoom off.

    A detachment of armed policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) intervened when the thugs started throwing stones into the nearby Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, in pursuit of reporters who were covering the fracas. 

    The intervention of the security officials prevented the situation from further degenerating. A police vehicle is currently stationed in between the warring factions.

  • Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

    Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

    The Nigerian Army has clarified that contrary to claims, it is not involved in enforcing any court order related to the ongoing Kano Emirate tussle.

    Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified in a statement on X that the troops are not engaged in the emirate dispute.

    He said instead, the Army has taken proactive measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order that might arise from the conflict.

    “The issue of paramount concern to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies is the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state, which could be taken advantage of by adversarial non-state actors.

    “The military would imminently intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police.

    “All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general,” the statement reads in part.

  • Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts have emerged about the Ajayi Crowther University Student who was tortured to death by colleagues recently.

    An activist from Warri Kingdom in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, identified as ‘Lord Of Warri’ has revealed that a student of Ajayi Crowther University killed by fellow students was a prince.

    He identified the deceased student as Prince Alex Timileyi of Warri Kingdom.

    In an open letter addressed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and posted on his X page, the activist called on the governor to ensure those who tortured Alex to death are brought to justice.

    His letter is titled, ‘Regarding the Tragic Murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State.’

    In the letter, he identified the deceased as “the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III CFR, the Olú of Warri Kingdom”.

    He said, “This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

    “While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation.

    “The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal 6hours torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable.

    “No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.”

    He noted that according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts of law, “with both sides having an opportunity to present their case and evidence”.

    He said, “However, the young prince was neither on trial nor was he arrested. Instead, he was beaten to death. He was also the only son of his mother, making this loss even more devastating.

    “Therefore, we urge your office and the security agents in Oyo State to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that justice is served.

    “The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable and face the full wrath of the law. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same.

    “Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your own family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.”

    “Your Excellency, we eagerly await your swift action in bringing the culprits to justice,” added.

    Meanwhile, the university management in a statement credited to its spokesperson, Femi Atoyebi, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said the group of students who assaulted the deceased had been expelled.

    He added that the students had been handed over to the police for prosecution.

    “Contrary to what is trending, the university affirms that there is no cultism in the institution, just as the university has zero tolerance for any sort of anti-societal vices and misconduct.

    “It is important to stress that the expelled students do not belong to any cult group,” Atoyebi said.

  • FG drags 36 state Govs to S/Court, seeks autonomy for LGAs

    FG drags 36 state Govs to S/Court, seeks autonomy for LGAs

    The Federal Government, through the the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN,has dragged the 36 state governors to the supreme court over alleged misconduct in the local government administration.

    Specifically, the AGF is seeking full autonomy for LG as third tiers of government in the country.

    The Governors were sued through their respective State Attorneys General.

    In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF is praying the Apex Court for an order prohibiting State Governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments..

    In the originating summons, AGF is also praying the Apex Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

    The summon personally signed by AGF, seeks an order of the Apex Court stopping governors from constituting Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the Constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratically system.

    It also applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

    The suit is predicted on 27 grounds among which are that the Nigeria Federation is a creation of the 1999 Constitution with President as Head of the Federal Executive arm of the Federation and has sworn to uphold and give effects to the provisions of the Constitution.

    *That the governors represent the component states of the Federation with Executive Governors who have also sworn to uphold the Constitution and to at all times,give effects to the Constitution and that the Constitution, being the supreme law, has binding force all over the Federation of Nigeria.

    * That the Constitution of Nigeria recognizes federal, states and local governments as three tiers of government and that the three recognized tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the Federation Account created by the Constitution.

    *That by the provisions of the Constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system and that the Constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than democratically elected local government system.

    *That in the face of the clear provisions of the Constitution, the governors have failed and refused to put in place a democratically elected local government system even where no state of emergency has been declared to warrant the suspension of democratic institutions in the state.

    *That the failure of the governors to put democratically elected local government system in place, is a deliberate subversion of the 1999 Constitution which they and the President have sworn to uphold.

    *That all efforts to make the governors comply with the dictates of the 1999 Constitution in terms of putting in place, a democratically elected local government system, has not yielded any result and that to continue to disburse funds from the Federation Account to governors for non existing democratically elected local government is to undermine the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution.

    *That in the face of the violations of the 1999 Constitution, the federal government is not obligated under section 162 of the Constitution to pay any State, funds standing to the credit of local governments where no democratically elected local government is in place.

    Fagbemi SAN therefore asked the Apex Court to invoke sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that the State Governors and State Houses of Assembly are under obligation to ensure democratically system at the third tier of government in Nigeria and to also invoke the same sections to hold that the governors cannot lawfully dissolve democratically elected local government coincils.

    The AGF also prayed for invocation of sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that dissolution of democratically elected local government Councils by the Governors or anyone using the State powers derivable from laws enacted by the State Houses of Assembly or any Executive Order is unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.

    A 13-paragragh affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by one Kelechi Ohaeri from the Federal Ministry of Justice averred that the AGF took out the suit against the Governors under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on behalf of the Federal Government.

    The deponent asserted that local government system recognized by the Constitution is a democratically elected local government coincils and that the amount due to local government Councils from the Federation Account is to be paid to local government system recognized by the Constitution.

    The deponent sought to tender during hearing, Daily Post online publication of January 29, 2024 titled “LG Administration; 15 Govs under scrutiny over Constitutional breach”, Vanguard online special report of September 12, 2023, Guardian editorial of January 23, 2024, Premium Times online publication of December 1, 2023, Vanguard online publication of December 1, 2023 and Arise online news of December 2, 2023 to justify the national importance public interest on the issues of autonomy for local governments in Nigeria.

    Hearing on the suit is fixed for Thursday, May 30.

  • ₦19.4 Billion Fraud: Court Grants Sirika, Brother N200 Million Bail

    ₦19.4 Billion Fraud: Court Grants Sirika, Brother N200 Million Bail

    Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday granted bail to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika.

    The bail was set at ₦100 million each, with stringent conditions attached, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against them.

    Both defendants are required to provide two sureties, one of whom must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory, valued at a similar sum.

    In addition to the financial conditions, the court has restricted their travel, stipulating that the Sirika brothers cannot leave Nigeria without prior permission from the court.

    This decision comes after careful consideration of the bail application, with Justice Belgore stating he found no reason to deviate from the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the same court.

    Ruling on the motion on notice for the 1st defendant, Hadi Sirika, the court held that “The prosecution filed no counter affidavit. He is already on administrative bail, he met all the bail applications, he continues to abide by the bail conditions, he has never been convicted of any criminal offence in Nigeria, he is a recipient of National honours, he has an aged mother he is catering for an investigation in the case has been completed.

    “It is my resolution that this applicant deserves to be admitted to bail and I so do.”

    Concerning Sirika’s brother, ruling on the motion on notice, brought pursuant to Sections 158, 156 and 135 of ACJA, where he requested a sole relief (bail).

    The trial judge granted him bail in the same terms and conditions as the 1st defendant (Sirika).

    The Sirika brothers, and the company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, are facing a ten-count amended charge bordering on contract fraud to the tune of ₦19.4 billion.