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Tag: Ibrahim Idris

  • Falana to IGP: Provide information on extra-judicial killings within seven days

    Falana to IGP: Provide information on extra-judicial killings within seven days

    Lawyer-turned rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has asked the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to provide the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the reports of investigation into the large scale killings of 9,457 persons from 2011 to date within seven days.

    Falana said in a letter dated February 11, 2018 that the request was made under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and aimed at ending official impunity and facilitate the trial of suspects involved in the illegal killings.

    The lawyer said he would proceed to the court to institute mandamus proceedings against the IGP if he fails to furnish him with such information as requested.

    “As this request is made under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, you are required to accede to our request within seven days of the receipt of this letter. However, if you fail or refuse to accede to this request, we shall proceed to institute mandamus proceedings, compelling you to furnish us with the needed information,” he stated.

    Falana noted that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has commenced the prosecution of the terror suspects who were arrested from 2011-2017 by the security forces based on pressures from the human rights community.

    He, however, regretted that while this was ongoing, other armed gangs that had engaged in the mindless killing of thousands of Nigerians including children have not been prosecuted by the respective state governments.

    According to him, this explained why the cold murder of unarmed citizens has continued unabated.

    Falana listed extra-judicial killings that had taken place in the country to include: “ the abduction and killing of 60 security officers in 2013 by a cult group in Nasarawa State; killing of over 2, 000 people in Benue State by herdsmen, militia groups and other armed gangs; killing of 800 people in Mambilia, Taraba State by a militia group in September 2017; killing of 204 people by gunmen in Southern Kaduna in 2016; killing of 347 people by the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State in December 2015 and killing of 150 pro-Biafra agitators by security forces in the South East region from 2013-2017.”

  • Akure’s monarchs decry herdsmen attack on council workers.

    Akure’s monarchs decry herdsmen attack on council workers.

    The lawmaker representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura has criticized the reported attack on Akure South local government workers by suspected herdsmen.

    Besides,the Deji of Akure,Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo expressed displeasure on the impunity of Fulani herdsmen across the country.

    A statement by Alasoadura’s media aide, Dayo Joseph said it was high time the federal government proffered permanent solutions to the problem.

    The lawmaker described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that the incessant attacks by herdsmen were getting out of hand and should be curtailed.

    The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources(Upstream) urged his constituents to be more vigilant and wary of the activities of the herdsmen in the area.

    He urged security agencies to be more proactive on the present challenge in order to sustain peace in the community

    Oba Aladetoyinbo described the invasion as barbaric, provocative and an attempt to stir up trouble in the peaceful Akure Community.

    The monarch wondered why the herdsmen would have chosen to lead their cattle to graze on the farmland belonging to the council if not an attempt to create tension in the community.

    Read Also: Suspected herdsmen sack Akure council workers

    He expressed sadness that no major arrest had been made by the Police since the attack on Chief Olu Falae’s farm, stressing that the arsonists who parade themselves as herdsmen now target the local government as their next point of call.

    The royal father called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to treat the issue of the herdsmen with kid gloves as their activities were becoming unbearable.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo said the people could no longer tolerate the excesses of these herdsmen who according to him, are now making live unbearable with their nefarious attitudes.

    The traditional ruler urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) in the State to take proactive measures in curbing the menace.

    Besides, he appealed the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris and the Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeyanju with other security agents to take more decisive action and ensure that the menace is curtailed.

  • Mother urges IG to probe son’s disappearance from cell

    Mother urges IG to probe son’s disappearance from cell

    A mother, Mrs. Uche Ajuru, has urged the Inspector-General, Ibrahim Idris, to fish out the people responsible for the missing of her son Happiness.

    The 23-year-old secondary school leaver, who was an Okada rider in his Ndele area of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, was reportedly arrested at Ogbakiri junction about 5pm on September 28, 2016 by officers of Rumuji police  Division for allegedly finding the sum of N49, 000 on him.

    He was subsequently detained but suddenly disappeared from the police cell five days after.

    Mrs. Ajuru spoke with reporters in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    Speaking through her lawyer, Mr. Handsome Wogu, she said:   ”My son was arrested at Ogbakiri junction and the only thing they saw on him was N49,000 and a cell phone, which they took from him. He was detained at Rumuji police station. When I got the information I went there and I saw him.

    “When I got there, the Investigative Police Officer in charge, one Mr. Akpante asked me to give them some time to investigate the arrest, which I did.

    “The following day I went back to the station with one of my brothers-in-law who is also a police officer, Mr. Ohaka, who after talking with my son in the cell, went to see the officer in charge of the case(Akpante), who assured him that he was investigating the charge.

    “But Okechukwu Eleonu met me and told me that I should bring N5000 for transportation that he is close to the DPO.

    “He later came back that the DPO said I should pay N60,000 to get my son out of the cell and borrowed money and sold some of my belongings to raise the money. When I gave him the money, I told him that I want to go with him to see the DPO, but he said if I go with him that the DPO will not accept that amount again.

    “But after some days when my son was not released, somebody told me that my son was no more in the cell again. When I got there, it was true. I started asking questions; they said they didn’t know his whereabouts. I searched in all the police stations in the state.

    “I have written the Commissioner of Police in the state on the issue and the matter was taken to the state CID, but because I don’t have money to pursue the matter, it was taken to zone 6 and it was swept under the carpet.

    “A boy, who was in the same cell with him, simply identified as  Wisdom later told me that he saw policemen that came in the night and took my son from the prison, used a white cloth to cover his face and took  him away.

    “The painful thing is that all the policemen and other persons arrested in connection with this case have been granted bail and are walking  freely,  when no one is ready to tell me where my son is.

    “If he is dead, they should tell me and give me his corpse.

    “I am calling on the IGP to give ears to my cry and give me justice in this matter. They want to use the advantage that I am poor against me.”

     

  • Sack IGP Now! Reps tell Buhari

    Sack IGP Now! Reps tell Buhari

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday told the President Muhammadu Buhari to replace the present Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris with a more professional officer.

    The lawmakers were of the opinion that the IGP, due to his utterances, actions and inactions can no longer be trusted to conduct his job in an apolitical manner, and thereby putting the lives of Nigerians in jeopardy.

    Two motions of urgent national importance presented by two members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday culminated in the vote of no confidence on the number one cop.

    The first was by Mark Gbillah, APC Benue titled ” Motion in the derogatory statement by the Police PRO against an executive Governor of a state and the seeming unwillingness of the Inspector General of Police to recognize and enforce a constitutionally enacted law by an executive arm of government,”

    The second motion was by Abubarkar Dannuram with the titled “motion on need to curb thuggery development in political activities in Kano and Nigeria in general,”

    Gbillah’s motion chronicled the inability of the Police Boss to perform up to par in the wake of the killing of 73 indigenes of Benue state and the utterance of the IGP before a Senate committee that the Open Grazing Prohibition Law by the Benue State House of Assembly was responsible for the killings by Fulani Herdsmen and that the state government should scrap the law.

    The motion also spoke of the alleged derogatory statement made by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who called the Executive Governor of Benue State ” a drowning man ” on television .

    The lawmaker thereafter called on the House call on the IGP to apologize to the Benue State Governor over the derogatory statement of the Police PRO and relieve him of his duties immediately, and to mandate the relevant committee to investigate the alleged statements made by the IGP’s and the implications to his ability to superintend the resolution of the killings in Benue and other parts of the country if found to be true.

    But Danburam’s motion which alleged that the Nigerian Police and other security agencies have turned a blind eyes to illegal acts of terror being perpetuated in Kano and other parts of Nigeria was the turning point in yesterday’s critical resolution of the House.

    His prayers were to invite the IGP and Kano State Commissioner of Police to give account of what happened in Kano State and direct them both to provide measure against thuggery in Kano State.

    But this quickly changed when Hon. John Dyegh ( APC Benue ) moved an amendment that it was evident from the slant of arguments, discussions and presentation on the floor that members have lost confidence in the Inspector- General of Police. This, he said, should be one of the prayers of Danburam’s motion.

    The Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara thereafter asked the members if that was what they wanted and all members on the floor responded in the affirmative.

    He subsequently to this to a vote, and the House overwhelming passed a vote on no confidence in the Inspector- General of Police.

  • “Defend Yourselves” – Ortom tells Benue Indigenes.

    “Defend Yourselves” – Ortom tells Benue Indigenes.

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on  the people of the state to brace up to defend themselves in the face of incessant killings by the herdsmen.

    The governor who spoke on a radio programme titled, ‘issue of the moment’ monitored by our correspondent on Tuesday said that it was necessary for them to do it in legitimate way so as not become easy prey to their killers.

    Governor Ortom noted that in spite of the presence of policemen in the state, killings were still on going in the two local government areas.

    He regretted that the statements credited to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris blaming the anti-open grazing law for the new year attacks has rather encouraged the herdsmen to continue with their attack on the state.

    Read Also: Ortom advises motorcyclists against jungle justice in Benue

    He also lamented the inability of the security operatives to stop the killings and arrest the killers as well as the perpetrators of the New Year killings.

    The governor explained that despite the presence of police, the killings in the state was yet to cease, expressing doubt of compromise among those who were supposed to provide security to the people of the state.

    According to him, ‘It is because we are law abiding that is why we are being attacked daily,’ adding,  ‘you need to listen and hear the opinion of the people of the state on the matter.’

    “I think the people should have the right to defend themselves and not make themselves easy prey to be killed in their homes.”

    “So any lawful means you can adopt to defend yourself just go ahead in Benue state. We are not going to wait for the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to do it.”

    The governor commiserate with families of the police personnel who were killed in the cause of carrying out their official duty in the state.

    “It is unfortunate, the Police are dying and the Inspector General of Police is playing politics with the issue.

    “The man should resign because he has failed woefully. He doesn’t have the capacity.

    “There are many good Police officers who can take over that job and perform creditably by turning around the security architecture of this country and make thing work and protect lives and property. That man has no business being the IGP,” Ortom lamented.

  • IGP’s decision to prosecute IBB’s press secretary illegal, says Falana

    IGP’s decision to prosecute IBB’s press secretary illegal, says Falana

    Activist lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has described as illegal the decision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr Ibrahim Idris to prosecute Mr. Kassim Afegbua, the Press Secretary of former President Ibrahim Babangida, for defamation.

    In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, Falana who noted that neither President Muhammadu Buhari nor Babangida has filed any complaint against Afegbua, contended that there was no justification for the action of the IGP.

    Afegbua, according to him, has not committed any offence known to the law.

    “Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the issuance of the public statement by Mr. Afegbua and the denial by General Babangida, it ought to be pointed out that no criminal offence known to law has been committed to warrant the action of the Inspector General of Police. More so, that both General Babangida and President Buhari have not complained that the controversial press statement has defamed them.

    “In fact, if the statement is considered defamatory whoever is injured would have to institute a civil suit where he will be required to put his own reputation in issue”.

    To buttress his argument, Falana cites a related and decided case of the Court  of Appeal.

    “In Arthur Nwankwo v The State (1985) 4 NCLR 228, the Court of Appeal had cautioned public officers in Nigeria to desist from invoking undemocratic laws which were introduced by the earstwhile British colonial regime to harass or intimidate their political opponents. According to Olajide Olatawura JCA (as he then was of blessed memory):

    Read Also: IGP  orders Afegbua’s arrest

    “The decision of the founding fathers of this present Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech which must include freedom to criticize should be praised and any attempt to derogate from it except as provided in the Constitution must be resisted. Those in public office should not be intolerant of criticism. Where a writer exceeds the bounds there should be a resort to the law of libel where the plaintiff must of necessity put his character and reputation in issue.”

    He said; “Since General Babangida has now turned round to insist that he authorised Mr. Afegbua to issue the controversial statement it is hoped that he will be prepared to say so in a criminal court.

    “His testimony will go a long way to destroy the criminal case which the Inspector-General intends to institute against Mr. Afegbua”.

    Falana accused the IGP of defaming Afegbua by declaring him wanted and for portraying him as a fugitive running from the law.

    He advised the IGP to withdraw the statement.

    “It is undoubtedly that it is the Inspector General of police who has defamed  Mr. Afegbua  by  portraying him as a fugitive from the law.  Therefore, Mr. Idris is advised to withdraw the offensive declaration without any further delay”, he stated.

    Falana recalled that Babangida, last Sunday, issued a press statement through his press secretary, Mr. Kassim Afegbua. He noted that in the statement, the former military ruler was said to have advised President Mohammadu Buhari not to participate in the 2019 presidential election.

    He also noted that Babangida, in his characteristic manner, promptly disowned the well publicised press statement and the views ascribed to him by Mr. Afegbua.

    He said since this is not the first time that General Babangida has disowned controversial statements made by him, Mr. Afegbua ought to have been more circumspect in issuing this particular statement.

    “However, notwithstanding that the retired General has dissociated himself from the statement the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris has declared Mr. Afegbua wanted for alleged “character defamation”.

    “By declaring Mr. Afegbua wanted when he has not failed to honour the invitation of the Police, the Inspector-General of police has over reached himself”, he argued.

    Falana however, advised the IGP not to popularise the discredited views of both Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida who, he said, failed woefully to institutionalised democracy, rule of law, human rights, self-reliance and probity during the 20 years that both of them had ruled the country.

  • Attempts to prosecute Afegbua over ‘Babangida’s statement’ illegal – Falana

    Attempts to prosecute Afegbua over ‘Babangida’s statement’ illegal – Falana

    Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, on Tuesday described as illegal the planned prosecution of ex- President Ibrahim Babangida’s media aide, Kassim Afegbua, over a controversial statement he issued on behalf of the ex-President, accusing the present administration of ineptitude, divisiveness and sectionalism.

    In the statement, the former military ruler also advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.

    However, Babangida has disowned the well publicised statement and views ascribed to him by Afegbua.

    Following the ex-President’s denial, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Monday declared Afegbua wanted for alleged “character defamation.”

    But in a statement issued in Lagos, Falana advised the IGP to withdraw the offensive declaration without further delay.

    The rights activist said Idris has “over reached” himself by declaring Afegbua wanted when he has not failed to honour the police invitation.

    “Undoubtedly it is the Inspector General of police who has defamed Mr. Afegbua by portraying him as a fugitive from the law.  Therefore, Mr. Idris is advised to withdraw the offensive declaration without any further delay,” Falana stated.

    Speaking further on the controversial statement and the denial by Babangida, Falana said no criminal offence has been committed by the journalist to warrant the IGP’s action since the two leaders (Buhari and Babangida) have not complained of character defamation.

    He added: “In fact, if the statement is considered defamatory whoever is injured would have to institute a civil suit where he will be required to put his own reputation in issue. In Arthur Nwankwo v The State (1985) 4 NCLR 228, the Court of Appeal had cautioned public officers in Nigeria to desist from invoking undemocratic laws which were introduced by the erstwhile British colonial regime to harass or intimidate their political opponents. According to Olajide Olatawura JCA (as he then was of blessed memory):

    “The decision of the founding fathers of this present Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech which must include freedom to criticize should be praised and any attempt to derogate from it except as provided in the Constitution must be resisted. Those in public office should not be intolerant of criticism. Where a writer exceeds the bounds there should be a resort to the law of libel where the plaintiff must of necessity put his character and reputation in issue.”

    “Since Gen. Babangida has now turned round to insist that he authorised Mr. Afegbua to issue the controversial statement it is hoped that he will be prepared to say so in a criminal court. His testimony will go a long way to destroy the criminal case which the Inspector-General intends to institute against Mr. Afegbua. However, the IGP should be advised not to popularise the discredited views of both Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida who failed woefully to institutionalised democracy, rule of law, human rights, self -reliance and probity during the 20 years that both of them had ruled the country.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • IGP orders Afegbua’s arrest

    IGP orders Afegbua’s arrest

    Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has ordered the arrest of the controversial spokesman of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida should he fail to turn himself up within 24 hours.

    Afegua is wanted for ” issuing a fake statement.”

    Afegbua in the purported statement quoted the former military ruler as saying President Muhammadu Buhari should not seek reelection.

    But the former president denied it and issued another one which he personally signed.

    But Afegbua insisted on the one he issued as the authentic.

    A government source, who does not want his name in print, confirmed that the IGP had ordered Afegbua’s arrest within24 hours.

  • IGP blames Benue, Taraba anti-open grazing law for crisis

    IGP blames Benue, Taraba anti-open grazing law for crisis

    Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, yesterday identified the controversial anti-open grazing laws in Benue and Taraba states as the source of the unending crisis in the two middle belt states.

    The police boss told the Senate joint Committee on Police Affairs and National Intelligence that the enactment of the laws against the opposition of herdsmen was responsible for the problem in the states.

    Idris appeared before the joint committee in camera following the directive of the Senate in plenary that he should be summoned to explain why he failed to comply with the mandate of the upper chamber to apprehend perpetrators of the January 1st mayhem in Benue state.

    Herdsmen suspected to be Fulani swooped on two Benue communities on New Year Day and killed not less than 73 persons.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim, refused to brief reporters after the closed door interface with the IGP.

    Ibrahim insisted that he would only report back to the Senate as directed.

    A source close to the committee, however, said that Idris was categorical that the anti-open grazing laws in Benue and Taraba should be blamed for the continuing killings in the states.

    The source also said that the IGP told the committee that a number of arrests have been made.

    The police boss was said to have told the committee that over 120 people have bee arrested as those behind the crisis in the states.

    Asked whether the IGP wanted the laws scrapped, the source noted that Idris was not categorical on the issue of scrapping the laws in the two states.

  • IGP warns state govts, CPs against arming militia, vigilante groups

    IGP warns state govts, CPs against arming militia, vigilante groups

    …Maintains killing is due to communal clash

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has warned state governments and Commissioners of Police against equipping militia and vigilante groups with prohibited firearms.

    The Police Chief also directed Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands to monitor the activities of state governments as the country enters into a political era. 

    He disclosed this on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during the monthly meeting with Commissioners of Police and other senior officers.

    He said: “Everybody is aware we are entering a tedious and serious period in this country. The political issues are coming up to the fore and I believe as officers, we must gear up in our various locations and responsibilities to ensure that we ensure law and order all over Nigeria. 

    “As police officers, we know our duties. We know some issues that must be considered very seriously because we are coming into a political arena.

    “Commands should be very conversant with arming of militia men or vigilante because before a vigilante group is established by a government, there must be a bylaw which must be passed by the House of Assembly.

    “It is the responsibility of the Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands to study the bylaw and see how it conforms with the constitution and other laws of this country but where through the connivance of some Police officers,  you have a command arming militia men under several leus, I think our officers have to brace up to face these challenges.

    He further said: “No government in this country has the responsibility to approve some prohibited firearms to any Nigerian under any guise.

    “I think it is the responsibility of CPs of Commands to put a close watch to the activities of some of these governments that are arming individuals which is against the laws of this country.

    “All of us are aware of these prohibited firearms, you cannot give approval for any individual to own a pistol or AK47 Rifles. These are prohibited weapons and only the government has the authority to give that approval. 

    “I call on CPs of  various Commands to closely watch the abuse of authority at various levels”,  the IGP said.

    On the killings in Nasarawa and Benue State and the effect of his relocation as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, the IG said the killings have reduced drastically.

    He also maintained that the clashes were communal.

    According to him: “To be frank, I relocated to Benue for about eight days and when I came back,  I left the DIG Operations there. I must say that the incidences in Benue State and Nasarawa State have reduced drastically”.

    On the killing in Gboko, he said: “We had an attack on some travellers in Gboko town, in Benue State where seven fulani people were murdered.

    “Seven of them were travelling from Taraba to Kogi State,  they stopped in Gboko and the youths there, seeing that they were fulani, pounced on them, killed and roasted them.

    “We are investigating that issue now. Our monitoring team have been dispatched to Benue and some arrest have been made in that regard.”

    On the clash being a communal clash, the IGP said : “This issue like I said from the beginning, is communal clash. These are clashes occurring between two members of the community and like I stated in both states, as Nigerians,  we should learn to live together and tolerant of each other.

    “I addressed traditional rulers recently in Port Harcourt and I think they have a lot to do to bring peace and harmony within their community.

    “This country needs leaders that can unite the communities not leaders that create divisions and I think it is high time leaders answer their names and be among those that will bring peace and stability all over the country”, he said.