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  • Olatunji Disu assumes office as FCT CP, vows zero-tolerance to criminality

    Olatunji Disu assumes office as FCT CP, vows zero-tolerance to criminality

    The new Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu on Monday, October 7, warned that his tenure will not tolerate any forms of crime and criminality in the nation’s capital.

    Disu gave the warning in Abuja while addressing officers and men of the command on his resumption as the 32nd CP.

    Acknowledging the security challenges facing the FCT, the CP promised to remain committed to the foundation of enhancing the security situation mechanism instituted by his predecessors.

    Disu also promised to prioritize community policing, intelligence gathering, technology integration, training and development and public engagement to achieve the needed result.

    He said: “It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as the new Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Inspector General of Police for entrusting me with this critical responsibility.

    “As I assume this role, I am acutely aware of the security challenges facing the FCT and the foundational work laid by my predecessors to maintain relative peace. I am committed to building upon this groundwork and enhancing our efforts to significantly improve the security situation in our territory.

    “To those who seek to disrupt the tranquility of the FCT, I send a clear and resolute message: my tenure will be marked by a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of crime and criminality. We will not waver in our commitment to safeguarding our community, ensuring that law enforcement is both effective and respectful of the rights of all citizens.

    “I also aim to strengthen our partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Together, we will foster trust and collaborate on innovative strategies to address the security concerns that affect our residents. Your insights and feedback will be invaluable as we navigate these challenges together, and we will actively encourage feedback from members of the public to refine our approach.

    “In addition, we will prioritize the following key areas: Community Policing: We will enhance our community policing initiatives to ensure that our officers are more visible and accessible, fostering a sense of safety and trust among residents.

    “Intelligence gathering: Strengthening our intelligence-gathering capabilities will be crucial in preemptively addressing potential threats and criminal activities.

    “Technology integration: We will leverage modern technology to aid our policing efforts, utilizing tools such as data analytics and surveillance systems to enhance our operational efficiency and response times.

    Read Also: UPDATED: CP Disu vows to nab killers of Rivers community leader

    “Training and development: Continuous training for our officers will be emphasized to ensure they are equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge in modern policing.

    “Public engagement: We will actively engage the public through town hall meetings and outreach programs to create a stronger bond between the police and the community.

    “To the general public, I urge your support and active participation in our policing efforts. Policing is a collective responsibility, and together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for all”.

    The new FCT police boss was the immediate past Rivers State Commissioner of Police.

    Disu took over from Benneth Igweh who was promoted to an Assistant Inspector- General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone 7. 

  • How we rescued hotelier after family paid N25m ransom, by CP Disu

    How we rescued hotelier after family paid N25m ransom, by CP Disu

    Rivers State Police Command has rescued a popular hotelier, Mr. John Sunny, who was reportedly shot three times before he was whisked away from his home at Artillery in Port Harcourt, by gunmen.

    The police said the kidnappers refused to release the victim even after his relatives paid ransom in dollars worth about N25million.

    Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu spoke yesterday in his maiden New Year briefing at the Command Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

    He said: ”The victim was kidnapped on December 19, 2023 at his home in Artillery, Port Harcourt by these hoodlums. The victim is a popular hotelier.

    “The hoodlums shot him three times in the leg before he was abducted. His family did not tell the police or other security agencies. They (victim’s family) decided to pay the ransom that was demanded by the kidnappers.

    “The total sum of about N25 million in dollars was paid to these kidnappers, but they refused to release the victim. It was at that juncture that the wife of the victim informed the police. That was precisely on December 30.

    Read Also: How we rescued kidnapped popular Rivers hotelier after family paid N25m ransom – CP Disu

    “The police of the C4i Intelligence started to work on it. Earlier this month our men had an encounter with them, but these kidnappers escaped.”

    CP Disu said when they noticed that the police had identified the kind of vehicles they used in their operations; the kidnappers took the vehicles to a mechanic workshop to change the colours.

    He said: “They changed the colours, but we have recovered the two vehicles. On Monday night, on the discovery of the location where the victim was kept, we decided to embark on a rescue operation of the victim today (Tuesday).

    “At about 0700 hours, officers of the command went to their hideout at Agbonchia-Oyigbo forest in Eleme Local Government where they kept the victim since then.

    “The operation was successful, the victim was rescued alive and one of the kidnappers, while exchanging fire with officers, was injured and is undergoing treatment.

    “The victim has been taken to hospital and is undergoing treatment. We recovered one AK-47 rifle from the kidnappers and two magazines loaded with 44 rounds of live ammunition and the two operational vehicles used to torment the public.

    “The vehicles are one RS 315 and RS 330.

    “The peculiar thing about these kidnappers is that they have been the ones collecting their ransom in food flask.

    “They demand their ransom in dollars and ask it to be put in food flask. Those who escaped we know how to get them.”

  • CP Disu’s order leads to arrest, arraignment of wanted cult leader in Rivers

    CP Disu’s order leads to arrest, arraignment of wanted cult leader in Rivers

    The Rivers state police command has arrested a suspected murderer and Iceland cult leader, Bariku Amanyie, 35, popularly known as Lawyer, who is said to be terrorising the Eleme area of the state.

    It was gathered that the arrest of Lawyer happened a few days after the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered all tactical units and divisions to apprehend all wanted criminals on the watch list of the Rivers Police command.

    A statement signed by the state’s Police Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest, saying that Barikui, who hails from Kaanii in Khana Local Government Area of the state had been on the wanted list of the Police since December 31, 2021.

    Barikui and five other members of his gang were said to have murdered one Mr Lioneda Lebari.

    The statement said: “On the fateful day, the deceased was tracked by the gang after withdrawing his annual savings of NGN150,000 from a local thrift collector. He was tracked to the Oil-Mill junction, where he was attacked by Barikui and his gang and stabbed multiple times. He was left to die of his wounds while they fled the scene of the crime”.

    The suspect, before his arrest, was said to have been in hiding and switching hideouts regularly to evade arrest.

    Read Also: ‘How CP Disu stopped robberies in Rivers community’ 

    The statement added: “However, on Friday, December 20, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police responded to a tip-off and apprehended the suspect in his hideout at Eleme.

    “Among the items recovered from the suspect were locally made pistols and items suspected to be charms.

    “The suspect has confessed to the crime and has been charged on a two-count of murder and cultism. Investigations are still on as the Police get closer to apprehending other members of the murderous gang.”

    Disu expressed his satisfaction with the promptness of the men of the Rivers State Police Command in dealing with suspects on the police watchlist.

     He charged them not to relent in the campaign against crime as the command had begun gaining ground on criminality in the state.

    He vowed that the command would ensure that other members of the gang that murdered Mr. Lebari would be brought to justice soonest.

    He also seized the opportunity to assure law-abiding residents of Rivers State that the Police would continue to give their utmost best to make the state as peaceful as possible.

  • ‘How CP Disu stopped robberies in Rivers community’ 

    ‘How CP Disu stopped robberies in Rivers community’ 

    Residents of Elelenwo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have hailed the Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Disu, for halting incessant armed robberies in their area.

    It was gathered that on December 1, 2023 the state police command received a formal complaint from a victim, who was robbed of his belongings at Odani junction in Elelenwo by a group of armed men.

    The robbery was said to be one too many, as the residents had reported similar operations within the same period by the gang to the command.

    Police spokesperson SP. Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed yesterday that CP Disu immediately tasked the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to flush out the armed robbers from the area. 

    Iringe-Koko said: “In response to the police chief’s directive, the unit carried out stop-and-search operations and placed the area under surveillance.

    “These crack operations led to the arrest of Azubuike Orji, 27, an indigene of Arochukwu in Abia State, who claimed to be a bus conductor. 

    “The suspect, who was released from the Nigerian Correctional Service a few months ago, was arrested with a locally made pistol. He confessed to working for the leader of the armed robbery syndicate, Anthony Augustine, revealing that his specialty in the gang was peddling drugs and servicing guns.”

    Iringe-Koko said through intelligence-led policing, an auxiliary nurse, who turned out to be the wife of the armed robbery gang leader was arrested. 

    “Further interrogations led to the discovery of a seven-room brothel located in Odani, Elelenwo that served as a hideout for members of the syndicate.

    “On December 10, 2023, the gang leader, Anthony Augustine, 22, was arrested at Green City Estate in Odani, Elelenwo, amid widespread jubilation from residents, as he and his gang had been a terror to the community. 

    “Items recovered from the suspect include an iPhone XX, suspected packs of marijuana, POS machines and locally-made pistols.”

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    The statement said the leader confessed to running the brothel as a guise for his underworld activities. 

    Iringe-Koko said: “Further investigation showed that he was involved in a case of murder and robbery and had recently been released from a correctional centre.

    Investigations are ongoing as the police seek to arrest other members of the syndicate.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Rilwan Disu, celebrated the efforts of the men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and encouraged residents of Rivers State to promptly report crime as it happens to enable the police apprehend criminals and nip crime in the bud. 

    “He also warned the public against buying used items, especially phones, regardless of how cheap they are, saying such purchases can lead to more significant problems.

    “He advised youths to desist from seeking to make wealth, using dishonest means, as they will be at the mercy of the law when caught.

    “He reiterated that the police command will not stop pushing to apprehend every suspect on the command’s wanted list and to rid the state of crime.”

  • We will end accidental discharge in Rivers – CP Disu

    We will end accidental discharge in Rivers – CP Disu

    The Rivers state police commissioner, Olatunji Disu, has promised residents of the state that there will be no more incidents of accidental discharge.

    Disu spoke at the Arms Handling and Musketry competition held at the Counter Terrorism Unit(CTU) Training School in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

    He said the training was in line with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s vision to train and retrain  officers for efficient service delivery. 

    He said the programme scheduled for three weeks, would have operatives trained in arms handling and Musketry.

    He said: “We are here to witness the training that has been going on for the past three weeks. The officers have been here to do what they have been doing annually to brush our professionalism, which is arms training and arms handling. Today we have concluded the training exercise.

    Read Also: CP Disu denies alleged assassination attempt on Rivers factional Assembly speaker

    “Arms handling is one of the most important aspects of policing because it has to do with life and death. During this this training, we taught them safety and control; and how they should handle their firearms. Our firearms are important tools of our trade, so we will ensure that we train our officers again and again.” 

    Disu said the operatives were taught the most important law of firearms handling contained in the Fourth Order 237.

    He said: “Most importantly, we need to build trust between us and the community, those we are protecting know that we are proficient with the firearms that we are carrying. We do not want people running away from us because we are carrying firearms. We want them to know that we have been trained to handle their firearms. 

    “We also want to reduce that recurring language of accidental discharges. I can assure you that with the level of training the officers have undergone for the past three weeks, that will be a thing of the past,” he assured.”

    Disu, while reacting to the condition of the training school, expressed optimism that the IGP would revamp all police training schools across the country.

    He said: “The IGP has said again and again, that he has intention repairing all police training institutes, and I have had a visitation from the IGP who had been here to see what we have here and has assured us that in the nearest future, this place will be put to better use.”

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  • CP Disu denies alleged assassination attempt on Rivers factional Assembly speaker

    CP Disu denies alleged assassination attempt on Rivers factional Assembly speaker

    The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has debunked the alleged assassination attempt on the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edison Ehie.

    Ehie, the former House leader of the state legislative assembly became the factional speaker during the Governor Siminialayi Fubara impeachment saga of last month.

    He, however, raised the alarm on Monday, November 19, over an assassination attempt on his life allegedly led by two senior police officers serving in the state.

    In the statement signed by one Ken Uchendu, the assassins were fully armed and ready to kill him but were overpowered by a team of security detail attached to him.

    The incident reportedly happened at his residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Sunday, November 19.

    The statement further alleged that the scene was recorded by close circuit Television (CCTV), camera in his house.

    It said: “At about 11 pm on Sunday the 19th day of November 2023, a group of Armed thugs and rogue Police Officers led by one SP. Irikefe London Owen, a superintendent of Police attached to the CTU B 3 RSV and CSP Salihu Masalachi attacked the private residence of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie, DSSRS, fully armed with the intention to assassinate Mr. Speaker and his family.

    Read Also: Don’t build on wetlands, Lagos warns developers, residents

    “However, the thugs and rogue Police Officers led by the two above-named police officers in Rivers State were vehemently repelled in a gun battle by the official security details attached to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie, DSSRS.

    “It is imperative to note that the armed rogues and officers were properly and fully captured by CCTV footage in the residence, which shall be made available to all media Houses, including CNN, Aljazeera, and other National and International media outlets for the records.”

    He threatened the mother of all protests against the Police if they continue to promote violence and bias in the state, and called on President Bola Tinubu to hold men of the Nigerian Police responsible should the state be thrown into crisis anytime.

    He said: “Let it be on record that Rivers people, boys, girls, women, men including the aged shall in our numbers occupy the streets stark naked in a demonstration against the Nigerian Police and those sponsoring violence in Rivers State, no matter how highly placed, Rivers people will resist them.

    “Finally, should there be a breakdown of Law and order in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu should hold the above-named Officers, the Rivers State Police Command, and their sponsors in Rivers State responsible.”

    However, reacting to the claims, Disu noted that preliminary investigations did not suggest any ill intentions by the police instead, it was a usual police routine convoy patrol in parts of the capital city that was not targeted at Ehie or any other person.

    The CP said: “The preliminary investigations we have done so far, this morning, have not revealed any assassination attempt, all I knew was that Police officers were on patrol, convoy patrol.

    “It is a routine thing and then we have made frantic efforts to get across to the leader to give us any information he has so that we can include it in what we already have. So far so good, nothing to worry about.

    “My plead to him and every other person is if there is any complaint, my number is going to be made public, they should call me quickly and I will quickly look into it. For now, I haven’t gotten anything like that.”

  • Kagame, Disu urge alliance for Africa’s digitalisation

    Globacom’s Executive Vice Chairman Mrs Bella Disu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have said the digitalisation of Africa is the solution to the continent’s regional integration and economic growth.

    They spoke during a meeting held on the sideline of the 2019 edition of Africa CEO Forum, which kicked off in Kigali, Rwanda yesterday.

    They agreed that the deployment of digital technology will help to fast track the continent’s march towards economic prosperity, and that Globacom, the digital solution provider, would be of immense support in driving the digitalisation of the continent, especially through the Glo 1 international submarine cable.

    Kagame also commended the success Globacom has made over the years.

    The Glo EVC on her part, said the carrier could help Africa achieve a digitalised economy through its international submarine cable, Glo 1, as well as digital solutions such as mobile money, artificial intelligence (AI), e-health, smart cognitive learning and smart energy.

    “I commend President Kagame for his exemplary leadership and for the tremendous success Rwanda has achieved under him. Like President Kagame, I have no doubt that greater integration will lead to continental growth and a more prosperous Africa. Globacom is committed to Africa’s economic renaissance,” Mrs Disu said.

    President Kagame had while declaring the forum opne, called for “open, responsive and accountable governance” on the continent. He said the private sector was critical to growth because of its ability to “envision on what needs to be changed to achieve desired improvement in the private and public sectors”.

    Speaking later when she chaired a session on: Women in Business on the opening day of the forum, Mrs Disu applauded Rwanda’s policy of 50 per cent female representation in appointments as a good model. She also called for more gender parity on the boards of companies.

    “There are no two ways about it, women must continue to advance. After all, we make up more than half of the world’s population. My charge to women is to keep climbing the career ladder. Climb it anxious. Climb it confidently. But just keep climbing. And when you get to the top, because you will – give a helping hand to the women coming behind you – this is how we grow,” she said.

    Dignitaries at the opening session of the Forum included Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé,  Ethiopian President, Sahle-Work Zewde; Cote d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly; Prime Minister of Rwanda, Édouard Ngirente, President of Congo Democratic Republic, Felix Tshisekedi.

    It was also attended by over 1,800 leading decision makers in the private and public sectors from different parts of Africa and beyond.

     

  • I prefer Ronaldo to Messi – Disu

    I prefer Ronaldo to Messi – Disu

    Tunde Disu, a former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says he prefers Cristiano Ronaldo to his Ballon d’Or rival, Lionel Messi.

    Disu made the disclosure in an interview on Friday in Lagos after Ronaldo emerged winner of the 2017 Ballon d’Or award.

    Ronaldo emerged winner of the prestigious award for the fifth time to draw level with Messi. The Portuguese was honoured at a gala night at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

    It was a back-to-back win for the 32-year-old, who helped his country to win the UEFA European Championship in 2016.

    The fast-paced striker also scored 12 UEFA Champions league goals and 25 goals in the Spanish La Liga.

    He had previously won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018 to make it the fifth time.

    “Watching both players on the field is something you will ever enjoy, especially their dedication and efforts at bringing success to their various clubs.

    “For me, I see Ronaldo as a more complete player and I will go for him anytime because he is dangerous on air and can use both legs effectively.

    “Ronaldo on the field will always show signs of eagerness; he wants victory and is ready to play. He has that exceptional drive needed in every player.

    “Dedicated players in the mould of Ronaldo and Messi are not common at all. Although we have someone like Neymar of Brazil but his time has not come.’’

    Read also: Lagos J-League proud of Ndidi’s success at Leicester – Disu

    Disu advised other players to take up the challenge from Ronaldo and Messi to help their clubs attain the height which both players had achieved.

    “I am not surprised at their dominance in football for 10 years now. They merit all the awards and they are undisputable. Who has come closer to what they have achieved individually?

    “For both players, they helped their clubs achieve a great deal. See their commitment on the field of play and their goals which have helped their clubs win laurels.

    “Both players are world-class which we may not be able to replace now, it is a challenge other players must rise up to. They need to be on their level.

    “I expect other players to be game changers just like Ronaldo and Messi, let them help their clubs win their local league and champions’ league.  Players like Hazard should also step up,’’ said Disu.

    NAN

  • Disu warns Super Eagles against Indomitable Cameroon

    Disu warns Super Eagles against Indomitable Cameroon

    Former Nigerian international and current boss of the Lagos branch of Players Union, Taju Disu, has advised the Super Eagles to take upcoming double header against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon very serious.

    The first leg of the crucial qualifier is billed for August 31st in Uyo according to Disu would determine the fate of Nigeria towards qualifying for the Russia World Cup.

    “The first leg in Nigeria is crucial and must be taken seriously by coach and players. There will not be room for excuse should Nigeria lose that match. A win will help us face the second leg in Yaoundé positively but a loss with be devastating,” stated the captain of defunct Abiola Babes.

    The Nations Cup qualifying loss to South Africa, he noted, has exposed the Super Eagles:  ” Cameroon will come here with the mind to beat us, because South Africa recently took away three points here. It is a morale booster to them and so, we need to beat them at their game.”

    Disu thus advocated for a blend of old and new in the Super Eagles while evaluating the new-look team under Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr.Nigeria tops the Group B Africa World Cup group with 6 points followed by Cameroon with two points.

  • Lagos requests IGP to unravel killers of Disu

    Lagos requests IGP to unravel killers of Disu

    Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Adeniji Kazeem has given a record of his achievements within the last one year in office at a media briefing as part of the activities marking the one year in office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. ADEBISI ONANUGA and MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO report.

    Stakeholders in the justice sector gathered in Lagos last week to receive the report on the activities of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, in office as part of the programmes to mark the one year in office of Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.

    The programme, which held at Bagauda Kalto Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, provided opportunity for the Attorney-General to explain why no one has been held for the killing of the late Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Tajudeen Disu, which occurred in October, last year.

    Kazeem disclosed that the state government has requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP)ý, Solomon Arase to take over the investigations into the killing of the late Disu.

    The request, according to him, was contained in the government White Paper and part of the  recommendations of the five-man Tribunal of Inquiry headed by Justice Olasuyi Olateru-Olagbegi (rtd.). The tribunal looked into the cause of the October 12, 2015 civil disturbances during which Disu, who was on a peace mission in the area, was shot dead.  He said the IGP is expected to order investigations and unravel the killers of Disu.

    The Attorney-General, who hinged the success of Governor Ambode in office within the year on law reforms, law and order, among other legislative initiatives, announced the formation of a Special Task Force, under the Prohibition of Land Grabbers Law, to curb land grabbing activities, protect investors and maintain law and order in the state.

    He disclosed that the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) established to encourage Lagosians’ embrace of mediation as opposed to litigation, recovered N783,310,670  on behalf of parties, meditated on 21,941 cases and resolved 20,994 out of 36,105 matters referred to it within the last one year.

    Kazeem disclosed that the Mobile Courts, recently established by state government, has successfully prosecuted 1,107 violators of traffic and environmental law offenders within three months of operation. He said the courts, which were established as Special Offences Court, are to facilitate prompt and immediate trial of traffic and environmental offenders and are vested with powers to sit at any convenient place close to the scene of the offence being tried by it.

    He said the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) also facilitated the collection of N98 million as compensation on behalf of complainants it attended to in the last one year.

    According to him, the OPD handled 5,322 matters on behalf of indigent Lagosisians and represented them in 2,467 cases in various courts.

    He said the Directorate for Citizýens Rights successfully treated 1,965 human rights cases and recovered N16,248,400 on behalf of numerous complainants.

    In line with its resolve to fight crime, he said the state government has commenced the process of establishing a state owned DNA Forensic Laboratory, adding that when completed, it will not only resolve crime matters, but health issues.

    Kazeem, who stated that the state has always taken the lead in legislation and law reform initiatives, reiterated government’s readiness to continue to ensure that every citizens of Lagos State has access to justice.

    He also stressed that government will continue to sustain working partnership with stakeholders in the justice sector to ensure that the state remains a haven of safety and security for every resident

    He said the executive arm of government’s legal draftsmen and the Ministry of Justice have actively participated and cooperated with  the state House of Assembly in amending existing laws and enacting news ones adding that they have all  been assented to by the Governor.

    “The landmark achievement of the Ministry of Justice within the past one year are indicative of the people-oriented theme of the governor’s agenda, which include the establishment of mobile courts, access to justice, fight against domestic and sexual violence as enactment of laws that provided the springboard for improving and promoting socio-economic activities,” Kazeem said.

    “In the past one year, our Ministry has maintained the tradition of keeping our dear state in the vanguard of the Rule of Law, Constitutionalism and Good governance,” he said.