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Tag: NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

  • CUPP, others demand immediate release of Sowore

    CUPP, others demand immediate release of Sowore

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigerian Police.

    In a separate statement, Thursday in Abuja, Arewa Youth Ambassadors also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore.

    CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that Sowore’s arrest was unconstitutional and must not be allowed to stand.

    Ameh noted that Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was entitled to freedom of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution.

    He said the law guarantees the right to hold opinions and share ideas freely, without fear or interference from any authority.

    “This arrest is a clear abuse of power and violates the principles of justice and accountability enshrined in our Constitution,” Ameh stated.

    He added that the police must explain the reasons behind Sowore’s arrest to the public.

    “Denying him bail is unjustifiable and reflects a dangerous use of power aimed at suppressing dissent,” he said.

    Ameh insisted that Sowore must be released immediately and unconditionally, or charged to court if there is any legitimate case.

    He further questioned how someone could attain the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police within just 10 years of service.

    Such a rapid promotion, he argued, raises valid concerns about systemic corruption and favouritism within the police structure.

    Ameh called for a public inquiry to ensure fairness and transparency in promotions within the Nigerian Police Force.

    He said using the police to harass or silence citizens should be condemned by every well-meaning Nigerian.

    “Accountability is our collective duty, and we must resist any attempts to stifle free speech,” he added.

    Ameh urged the Nigerian Police to uphold the rule of law and stop serving as a tool for oppression. 

    In a statement signed by their National Coordinator, Yahaya Abdullahi, Arewa Youth Ambassadors berated Sowore’s continued detention.

    The group therefore gave the federal authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release Sowore or face protests across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According the group, Sowore’s arrest was part of a pattern of harassment, alleging that state institutions were being misused to suppress dissent.

    Nigerian Anchor checks reveal that as of this Friday morning, Sowore remains in detention at a police facility in Abuja.

  • James Bamidele, 65, 2 others docked in Abeokuta for forging CBN document

    James Bamidele, 65, 2 others docked in Abeokuta for forging CBN document

    Three men were on Friday arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court, Isabo for allegedly forging a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) document.

    The documents were those for recording enrollment and employment details.

    The defendants, James Bamidele, 65, Joseph Awolope, 29, and Sesan Adebayo, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count  charge of conspiracy and forgery.

    The prosecutor, SP Henry Obiaze, told the court that the defendants conspired and committed the offences sometime between July 2024 and March.

    Obiaze alleged that the defendants forged a CBN enrollment letter dated March 1, with reference numbers 005/1529 and 005/1429, with which he used to defraud several job seekers.

    He also said the defendants allegedly forged an appointment letter dated July 22, 2024, with reference number 009/CBN/Vol.2/GDS, to defraud several job seekers.

    According to him, the offences contravene Sections 516, and 467 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Olubanke Odumosu-Akeba, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N2.5 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

    She ordered that one of sureties must be a traditional ruler, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

    The Magistrate added that the defendants must submit their international passports and passport photographs to the court

    She, however, held that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre, pending the perfection of their bail, and adjourned the case until April 24 for hearing

  • Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

    Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

    Kayode Egbetokun, IG of Police has appointed Abayomi Shogunle as the head of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Chima Ogarashi as the Force Marine Officer (FMO).

    The decision aims to strengthen security operations and tackle crime, especially along the country’s waterways. 

    The announcement was made on Friday, February 7, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    Shogunle, an experienced officer in operations and public relations, will also oversee Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, as well as the Safe School Protection Squad. 

    Ogarashi will manage maritime security, ensuring effective enforcement of maritime laws.

    These appointments coincide with the launch of 25 newly acquired gunboats, along with plans to obtain more equipment to boost security on the waterways. 

    The move is part of the Nigeria Police’s efforts to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country.

  • Police nab four in Gombe for vandalising electrical transformers

    Police nab four in Gombe for vandalising electrical transformers

    Four individuals have been arrested by the Gombe State Police command for allegedly damaging electrical transformers in the city of Gombe.

    The Spokesman of the command,  ASP Buhari Abdullahi said this while parading the suspects on Friday in Gombe.

    He said the suspects allegedly vandalised and removed armoured cables from power transformers in the area.

    “On Wednesday about 3 pm, information from one Abubakar Sulaiman of Hayin Kwari Misau quarters, Gombe Local Government Area that some groups of boys were sighted with armoured cable suspected to be have stolen around Hayin Kwari Misau quarters.

    READ ALSO: Good governance is required to end terrorism – CDS

    “On receipt of the information the Divisional Police Officer led patrol team to the scene where four suspects were arrested in connection to the case,” he said.

    He said the police recovered 20 meters of 300mm armoured cables, and 20 meters of 500 mm armoured cables.

    Abdullahi said preliminary investigation showed that the items were stolen from transformer 1 & 2 at Gandu quarters in the metropolis.

    He enjoined the residents to be vigilant and protect public assets in their domains, as well as report suspicious persons and movements to security agencies.

    The spokesman said that operatives of the command detained 21 other suspects for alleged criminal conspiracy; theft, possession of dangerous weapons, kidnapping, robbery, culpable homicide, among others.

    According to him, the suspects will be charge to court upon completion of investigations.

    He reiterated commitment of the command to tackle crimes, protect lives and property in the state.

  • PSC sacks two erring officers, punishes 6 others

    PSC sacks two erring officers, punishes 6 others

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed two Assistant Superintendents of Police for misconduct and corruption, among other offenses.

     This decision came during the commission’s recent meeting at its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.  

    In addition, six other officers faced disciplinary action, with their ranks reduced. These included two Superintendents demoted to Deputy Superintendents, one Deputy Superintendent lowered to Assistant Superintendent, and three Assistant Superintendents reduced to Inspectors.  

    READ ALSO: Good governance is required to end terrorism – CDS

    The PSC also reprimanded 10 senior officers for unauthorized disclosure of secrets and other misconduct. Nine others received formal warnings, while one Deputy Commissioner was exonerated after an investigation.  

    The meeting also approved several promotions within the police force. 

    These included elevating 11 Commissioners to Assistant Inspectors General, 16 Deputy Commissioners to Commissioners, and over 2,300 other officers to higher ranks.  

    The PSC chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, emphasized the need for discipline among officers to ensure effective law enforcement. The decisions have been communicated to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

  • Police Intensify Crackdown on Kidnapping and Robbery, Rescue 13 Victims

    Police Intensify Crackdown on Kidnapping and Robbery, Rescue 13 Victims

    The Nigeria Police Force has reinforced its operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, and related crimes, yielding notable results in recent days. 

    Through targeted efforts in various states, officers successfully rescued 13 kidnapped individuals and apprehended multiple robbery suspects while recovering a cache of weapons.  

    On December 27, 2024, officers in Kwara State stormed a hideout in Idofin-Igbana, freeing 13 hostages after a confrontation with the kidnappers, who fled with injuries.

    ALSO READ: Carter Understands Power, He Knows The Beauty Lies in Not Using It

     The following day in Lagos, police intercepted two individuals at Pinnacle Depot, Lekki, discovering firearms, including a double-barrel rifle and 90 cartridges.

     In another operation at Ikeja GRA, three suspected robbers were arrested, and weapons, including a locally made pistol and cutlasses, were seized.  

    The Inspector-General of Police has assured the public of the Force’s continued efforts to curb criminal activities and ensure community safety. Investigations are ongoing, with suspects facing prosecution soon.

  • Reps Move To Allow FRSC Officers Carry Guns

    Reps Move To Allow FRSC Officers Carry Guns

     The House of Representatives has moved forward with a bill aiming to establish a special armed squad within the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

     The proposed amendment to the FRSC Act of 2007, sponsored by lawmakers Abiodun Derin Adesida and Olaide Lateef Muhammed, passed its second reading.

     It seeks to grant FRSC officials greater authority in road traffic management and safety, including clearing road obstructions and educating the public on proper road use.

    The bill also proposed enhanced benefits for FRSC officers holding the rank of Deputy Corp Marshal, covering retirement packages and related privileges.

     Additionally, the legislation would give the FRSC exclusive control over road traffic administration and safety management.

    In a related development, the House approved a motion by Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, encouraging the FRSC to integrate more technology into its operations. 

    The motion recommended the use of automated traffic enforcement systems and advanced analytics to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. 

    The matter has been forwarded to the House Committee on FRSC for further review.

  • President Tinubu Condemns Violence In Rivers

    President Tinubu Condemns Violence In Rivers

    Gov Fubara expresses reservations about the manner of President’s intervention

    President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.  

    In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.  

    He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.  

    President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.  

    While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

    President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

    He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.  

    According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.  

    Gov Fubara, Angio Briggs express reservations

    Reacting to the President’s intervention however, Governor Siminlaye Fubara and Niger Delta Environmental Rights activist, Angio Briggs berated the manner of the President’s intervention.

    Speaking on a Channels TV programme last night the duo wondered why the President singled out Governor Fubara’s name while leaving out the name of the alleged traducer.

    Ms. Briggs rhetorically asked who are the political leaders President Tinubu referred to but couldn’t call their name(s)?

  • Army arrests suspected killer of FUNAAB student kidnapped in Lagos

    Army arrests suspected killer of FUNAAB student kidnapped in Lagos

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of one Adeleye Ayomide, as the suspect responsible for the death of a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Idowu Christiana.
    The deceased was abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road, Lagos State, on Monday, August 19, 2024.
    A family source who spoke with PUNCH Metro on condition of anonymity earlier disclosed that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N3 million before they could release the student.
    However, after several pleas, the abductors accepted N350,000 which was sent to their account but they refused to free the kidnapped student.
    When contacted on Thursday, the spokesperson, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lt-Col. Olabisi Ayeni confirmed Ayomide’s arrest via a telephone interview with our correspondent.
    Ayeni said the suspect was arrested by men of the 174 Battalion, saying, “Yes. I am aware about the issue. We arrested him and the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army will be handing him over to the Lagos State Police Command today, so you can liaise with them for further information.”
    Confirming this, the spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, wrote on his X handle Thursday, “23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye has been handed over to #LagosPoliceNG by 9 Brigade #HQNigerianArmy. The handover took place today, September 5, 2024, at about 1400hrs. Investigation is ongoing.”
    Also, on Thursday, the Student Union Government president of FUNAAB, Ibrahim Adeyemi, confirmed Christiana’s death to one of our correspondents in a telephone conversation, saying, “The union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.”
    Christiana’s death has continued to attract reactions from concerned Nigerians, especially users of the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).
    Checks on X by our correspondent revealed that some users had pointed accusing fingers at Ayomide for Christiana’s death.
    The hashtag #JusticeForChristiana is one of the top trends on Nigeria’s X domain, with over 90,000 posts as of the time of filing this report.
    An X user, Tommy, tweeting as #Tommyjr277, in early Thursday, stated, “Our friend, Christiana is dead, a Funaabite; was abducted by this Ayomide, a student of Philosophy in OOU, Ogun State. We want justice for our friend. The suspect is reportedly at 174 Battalion in Ikorodu. We demand justice. He must face the wrath of the law.”
    One tweep, Man of Letters, with the username #Letter_to_Jack, tweeted on Wednesday night, affirming that the suspect was held at the 174 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
    He also noted that Ayomide confessed to the deceased’s father and the military operatives to have killed and buried the victim, according to “detailed reports from trusted sources.”
    His tweets, among others, read, “Armed by this information, operatives began investigation into the suspect whom they observed to have a mutual relationship with Christiana Idowu, especially judging by Instagram posts as they both commented on each other’s pages. With all these information at hand, the operatives began to track down his cell phone activities and text messages.
    “The cell phone tracking led them to his parent’s house, somewhere in Ikorodu. Operatives then got confirmation of his presence in the building through active tracking of his mobile device. Immediately, gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army 174bn swooped in on the suspect to conduct an arrest. After the arrest, damning evidence were seen with the suspect and this includes the victim blue ITEL A56 with IMEI:35230**.”
  • Protest: Police Withdraw Personnel Assigned Private Duties

    Protest: Police Withdraw Personnel Assigned Private Duties

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    As days of nationwide hunger protests, slated to take off in August, draw near; Nigeria Police have notified public officers that private security personnel assigned to them would be withdrawn.

    Nigeria Police said the withdrawal was necessary due to the urgent nature of the nationwide protest. 

    Police added that the personnel assigned would be needed to augment the capacity and capability of police personnel needed for the nationwide protest.

    The memo from the Commanding Officer – No2 Squadron, Police Mobile Force, Nigeria Police, Keffi Street, Lagos – was published by former chairman of Nationa Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu.

    Signed by CSP Okon Moses – Second in Command, No2 Squadron, Police Mobile Force, Keffi Street, Lagos; the memo titled “Notification of temporary withdrawal of personnel for national assignment” said sufficient officers are needed to dominate the public space ahead of and during the protest.

    It read: “In view of the planned nationwide protest, it becomes imperative to temporarily withdraw some of the personnel attached to you in order to muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.

    “This is part of the proactive necessary measures to enhance the operational capacity and capability of the squadron and your understanding in the above regard is highly solicited.

    “Accept as usual the assurances of the esteemed regards of the Commanding Officer, Please.”