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  • Police ready for 2019 elections, says IG

    Police ready for 2019 elections, says IG

    The police are ready for the 2019 elections, Inspector-General of Police  (IG) Ibrahim Idris said yesterday.

    The elections will hold in February and March.

    He said: “We are prepared for the elections. We have the men and we have the materials (logistics) to carry out our duties successfully before, during and after the elections.”

    The IG spoke in Lagos after the public presentation of his book: Security and justice: The pathway for peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.

    The 292-page book has 18 chapters and proffers solutions to violence, corruption and other societae menace.

    The police chief said there was need for justice and reconciliation to ensure meaningful development.

    Idris noted that the country’s security challenges would be contained if Nigerians pursued true reconciliation and shunned inflammatory comments.

    “The challenges we are having with these herdsmen have gone down. In Benue, we have 15 units on ground and I have been monitoring their successes.

    “I was in Benue and we have been having stakeholders’ meetings and we have been discussing.

    “Based on that, people have been coming openly to state their problems and it is through this that we can understand each other and reconcile our differences.

    “The role of traditional rulers in this reconciliation process cannot be over-emphasised because most of them have the ears of their people. When you have political disagreement in these communities, these traditional rulers are handy.”

    Dedicating his book to his men, Idris said proceeds from its sale would be used to fund the Security and Justice Initiative, a foundation being established for the promotion of peace, security and reconciliation in Nigeria.

    He said his experience over the years, with the United Nations headquarters in New York, peace keeping operations in other countries and as IG, had “taught me that internal peace is a pivotal element for instituting and sustaining democratic government.

    “I have watched with troubled heart the security challenges confronting this country. The challenges of Boko Haram in the North East, kidnappings and armed robberies, cattle rustling and militancy in virtually all parts of Nigeria.

    “The farmers/herders clashes, assassination for various reasons, conflicts among the divergent communities, which often take dangerous dimensions and occur along the fault lines of ethnic, religious, regional and political differences.

    “These challenges if not properly managed at the pace we are going, coupled with inflammatory and inciting statements will tear this country apart and drag us into unending crises.

    “It is my conviction that when there is security, justice, peace and reconciliation in any nation, civil strife will be avoided. The civil war of 1967 to 1970 perhaps turned out as the first major and catostrophic crisis in the record of our national experience.

    “This civil war occurred based on perceived ethnic and political differences and a feeling of injustice.”

    In attendance were Secretary to Lagos State Government Tunji Bello, Oba of Lagos Rilwanu Akiolu, former Minister of State Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Chairman Police Service Commission Mike Okiro, former IG Sunday Ehindero, former head of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Aderemi Makanjuola,  consulars and high commissioners/ambassadors of about 20 countries. There were also heads of military and paramilitary services.

    Oba Akiolu praised the police chief for the book and blamed the porous borders and unattended forests for the lingering herders/farmers clashes in some parts of the country.

    He called for better funding for the police, noting: “This IG is an exposed and experienced officer and so, he is in a better position to tackle insecurity.”

    The monarch announced his second term endorsement for Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and warned that anyone who contested against him would fail.

    Osoba, an accomplished journalist and former Managing Director of The Daily Times, said the first step to reconciliation was devolution of power, adding that any reconciliation that failed to recognise the need for decentralisation of power would not succeed.

    Makanjuola said: “The book could not have come at a better time. You will find a lot of things that are not new but will also find a lot of solutions you never knew. He touched every facet of the country in the book.

    “I commend the police because before people are scared to go out at night but now, that has changed as people freely move about.”

  • Falana asks IG for information on over 9,457 extra-judicial killings

    Falana asks IG for information on over 9,457 extra-judicial killings

    Activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has asked Inspector-General (IG) Ibrahim Idris to provide the certified true copies of the reports of investigation into the large-scale killings involving over 9,457 persons, which took place in several states of the federation from 2011 to date within seven days.

    He said the request was made under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 in a letter written to the IGP dated February 14, to end official impunity and facilitate the trial of the criminal suspects involved in the illegal killings.

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

    The letter reads: “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.”

  • IG deploys 15 police units, special forces in Benue

    IG deploys 15 police units, special forces in Benue

    •Missing officer safe •Two killed in fresh Fulani attack

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, has deployed 15 more police units, special forces, and technical and intelligence teams to contain further attacks in Benue State.

    Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni spoke yesterday.

    He said: “The Inspector-General is seriously committed to ending the killings in the state and the country. It is that commitment that informed the reinforcement of our command to nip crime and killings in the bud.

    “The IG has continued to support us. As of today, 15 units’ squadrons from 15 states have been deployed to support the existing officers on ground. Police Special Forces, Intelligence and Technical teams were also deployed.”

    Owoseni added that the command has rescued the non-commissioned officer (NCO), who was missing in weekend’s attack on Yogbo, Guma Local Government Area.

    According to him, the officer is “unhurt, his weapon safe, in high spirits and has rejoined his colleagues.”

    The commissioner said that security operatives were able to flush out the mercenaries from the community and hoped to sustain the success.

    He said peace had been restored in Yogbo, adding that the command has deployed forces in “Kwande, Agatu, Gboko, Makurdi, Buruku, Katsina-Ala, Gwer West and Vandeikya councils for proactive measures”.

    Two persons have been killed by suspected Fulani militia in Waku village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Waku village is the country home of Senator Joseph Waku, the chairman, Governing Council, Federal University, Akure, Ondo State.

    Owoseni and Chairman of Guma council Anthony Shawon, who addressed a news conference yesterday, said two people were killed and others sustained injuries.

    Many houses were burnt also.

  • Badoo: IG sets up riot police base in Ikorodu

    The police yesterday inaugurated the Squadron 63 Mobile Police Base in Igbogbo Baiyeku, Lagos outskirts to curb criminal activities in Ikorodu and environs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Squadron 63 Police Mobile Force (PMF), headed by a superintendent of police, was equipped with dozens of combat-ready anti-riot policemen.

    Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris said that Ikorodu had over the years grown to become one of the fastest developing Lagos suburbs with thriving commercial and social activities of emerging cities.

    “Ritual killings, murders, kidnappings, armed robbery and others have become features of Ikorodu and this experience brings the urgent need to strengthen security around Ikorodu and the environs,” the IGP said.

    Represented by Mr Folusho Adebanjo, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (DIG), Idris urged the community to collaborate and support the security unit by providing useful information to curtail insecurity in the area.

    Commissioner of Police Imohimi Edgal said the establishment of the PMF squadron base in Ikorodu would help in reducing crime rate in the area.

    “Community policing and safety partnership is working and I can promise that the year 2018 is going to be more of action and less talk.

    “Squadron 63 is here, in the next one week you will see their deployment and of course crime rate will reduce drastically,” Edgal said.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said that PMF Squadron 63 was established in Igbogbo-Baiyeku to address the security challenges in Ikorodu.

    “Universally, the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizenry. No meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos, fear and uncertainty about safety of lives and property,” he said.

    Represented by Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Tunji Bello, Ambode commended the IGP for his partnership with the state and prompt approval of the base to ensure that criminals do not have a safe haven in any part of the state.

    Chairman, Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area Mr Sesan Daini, praised the police and the state government for establishing the security unit.

    He assured that the community would synergise with the security agency.

  • IG orders re-organisation of SARS nationwide over public complaints

    IG orders re-organisation of SARS nationwide over public complaints

    INSPECTOR General (IG) Ibrahim Idris has ordered that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) be reorganised, following a campaign launched online to end its operations.

    Members of the public had complained online and shared the negative experiences they had with SARS personnel.

    The police boss, according to a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by Force spokesman CSP Jimoh Moshood, also ordered his X-Squad to begin an instant investigation into the allegations and complaints levelled against SARS personnel.

    With the envisaged reorganisation, the anti-robbery squad nationwide will be under the Department of Operations and will be headed by a Commissioner of Police.

    The IG directed SARS personnel to undergo immediate training to bring sanity into the Force.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has observed the recent trends of event in the social media on the #ENDSARSNOW and the controversy being generated by the innuendos from the allegations and other misconceptions as it concerns the operational roles and activities of the SARS, a detachment of the police.

    “Undoubtedly, the SARS have been doing very well in fighting violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings and cattle rustling in the country in the recent time and this has resulted in drastic reduction of incidents of the mentioned violent crimes nationwide.

    “The IG concerned with public interest and the need to reposition the SARS for more efficiency and effective service delivery to all Nigerians and ensure that the SARS operates based on International Core Value of Policing with integrity and make sure the rule of law prevails in the operations  and activities of the outfit, the IG has directed the immediate re-organisation of the SARS nationwide and instant investigation into all the allegations, complaints and infractions levelled against the personnel of the squad across the country by the IG X-Squad of the Force.”

    On some of the measures taken to reorganise the squad, the police said: “In the new arrangement, a Commissioner of Police is now the overall head of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) nationwide under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    “The police zonal commands, state commands and divisions will continue to operate anti-crime units/sections, crime prevention and control squads and teams imperative to prevent and detect crimes and criminalities in their area of responsibilities, and other crack squads necessary to sustain law and order and protection of life and properties in their area of responsibilities (AOR).

    “FSARS will now exist and operate in the state and zonal commands under the Commissioner of Police (F-SARS) at the Force Headquarters.

    “A Federal SARS Commander of a rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of FSARS in state and zonal commands across the country.”

    The IG also directed CPs to comply with the new directive with immediate effect, asking them to warn their personnel not to pose as SARS operatives.

     

    The IG X-Squad has also been mandated to go round the commands and police formations nationwide to ensure strict compliance and apprehend any erring police officer.

    On the training for the personnel, Moshood said: “A new training programme to be organised by the Force in collaboration with some civil society organisations (CSOs), local and international NGOs, and other human rights organisations on core police duties, observant of human rights and handling, care and custody of suspects have been directed by the IG for Federal SARS personnel nationwide with immediate effect.”

    Members of the public, who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any SARS personnel anywhere in the country have also been asked to report through the IG  X-Squad, Force Public Complaint Bureau and Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit for appropriate action.

     

  • Misau’s allegation: Senate panel threatens to issue arrest warrant on IG

    Misau’s allegation: Senate panel threatens to issue arrest warrant on IG

    THE Senate yesterday threatened to issue arrest warrant on the Inspector-General (IG) Ibrahim Idris, if he fails to appear before its ad-hoc committee investigating allegations of abuse of office against him.

    Chairman of the ad-hoc committee Senator Francis Alimikhena gave the threat after waiting endlessly for the IG for a scheduled investigative hearing in the Senate.

    The Edo North senator told reporters that the IG was summoned on October 16 to appear before the panel to respond to allegations made against him by Senator Isah Hamman Misau.

    The panelists expressed dissatisfaction that the Idris failed to appear before the panel.

    Alimikhena noted that instead of appearing before the panel, the IGP, through his lawyer, Alex Iziyon, wrote to the committee informing it that the matter was already in court.

    He said the letter expressly stated that IGP will not appear before the panel because the matter for which he was invited was before the court.

    Alimikhena, who appeared to have been angered by the letter, said nobody, including court, can stop the Senate from carrying out its constitutional duties.

    The lawmaker, who is also Senate Deputy Chief Whip, noted that the separation of powers guaranteed by law made it explicit that the Senate cannot be prevented in carrying out its constitutional duties by any other arm of government.

    He threatened that if the IG fails to appear on November 7th, 2017, the committee would invoke Section 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to compel him to appear.

    Alimikhena who quoted copiously Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, insisted that the IG “will be summoned again and must appear on Tuesday”.

    Misau,(Bauchi central) had while testifying before the probe panel, claimed that Idris purchased two jeeps for the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.

  • Senator ’s trial for ‘peddling injurious falsehood’ against IG begins Nov 28

    Senator ’s trial for ‘peddling injurious falsehood’ against IG begins Nov 28

    THE Federal Government yesterday arraigned the senator representing Bauchi Central, Isah Misau, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja, on charges of peddling injurious falsehood against the Inspector General (IG) Ibrahim Idris.

    Misau is standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on dissemination of falsehood against the person of the IG, the Police Service Commission and the Police between August and October 2017.

    Part of the charges filed before the FCT High Court are: “That you, lsah Hamman Misau of Hamman Misau Residence, Turaki Street, Misau, Bauchi State, on or about  August 10, 2017, at Abuja and other part of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did make a false statement of fact to wit: that police officers pay as much as N2.5 million to get special promotion and posting through the Police Service Commission as published in the Daily Trust Newspaper dated August 10, 2017, knowing that such false statement of fact would harm the reputation of Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun ldris (the serving Inspector-General of Police), the Police and the Police Service Commission and you thereby committed an offence.”

    The defendant was also alleged to have on October 5, 2017, in Abuja, made false statement of fact to the effect that N10 billion was been received monthly by the Inspector General of Police from oil companies, banks and hotels among others and that the allegation was capable of harming the reputation of the IG, Chairman of Police Service Commission Mike Okiro and the Police.

    However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges that were read to him.

    Misau’s lawyer Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) moved an oral application for his bail on the grounds that Section 393(1) of the Penal Code under which the defendant was charged carried a maximum of two years punishment upon conviction.

    “I urge your lordship to admit him to bail on self-recognisance because the essence of bail is to secure the attendance of the accused person,” Obla said.

    He added that Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, expressly makes provision for bail for the defendant.  Obla argued that Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution presumed the defendant innocent and that been a serving senator, he could not run away.

    He said the defendant could not tamper with police investigation since it has been completed. Obla added that Misau could not influence prosecution witnesses, who are said to be serving police officers.

    The prosecution counsel, Mr. Saliu Barkun, did not object to the bail. Barkun said he would leave it to the discretion of the court.

    In his ruling, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court Justice Ishaq Bello said although Obla applied for bail in self-recognisance for the defendant being a serving senator representing Bauchi Central, he would want sureties for the defendant.

    He then granted Misau bail for N5 million and two reliable sureties in the same amount.

    After the ruling was delivered, Justice Bello fixed the trial for November 28 and 29, for the prosecution to call its witnesses.

  • Protect yourself first, IG tells Policemen

    Protect yourself first, IG tells Policemen

    The Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris has described as embarrassing and annoying the recent kidnap of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.

     The DPO, Superintendent of Police (SP) Amos Aliyu was on Sunday kidnapped around his residence at Turin Fulani by unidentified persons.
    Speaking yesterday in Abuja during a meeting with Commissioners of Police and other senior Officers, the IG urged policemen to be careful and protect themselves first.
    Idris also said Commissioners of Police would be vicariously liable if anything happens to any policeman under them.
    He said: “There should be more visibility policing. Policemen should be deployed to flashpoint areas to take care of security because the presence of police in those areas would help in the reduction of crime.
    “We must take the protection of our officers seriously. We have a problem; two days ago, one of our DPOs was kidnapped. How can you be a DPO, you have all the policemen under your Command and then you start driving as if you don’t have anybody.
    “You allow the useless kidnappers to pick you and your orderly, it is very embarrassing. We had the same issue in Zamfara state where an ACP going on leave travelled alone. It is embarrassing. 
    “Utilize the men you have and you must protect yourself first. You can only protect others when you are protected because you are a target.
    “The information we are receiving is that our ACP’s vehicle was abandoned in a bush and he has not been seen which obviously means that he has been kidnapped. How can we be living with such situation? It is becoming an embarrassment. DPOs and other personnel should be careful of their movement.
    The police chief further said: “The CP Niger said there is contact already and they are working on it. Policemen who are protecting others should not allow themselves to be a target. We should be careful in our movement.
    “Our officers have to be concerned about their personal safety first because this issue is becoming an embarrassment. CPs would also be vicariously liable for any policeman that is just picked up like a fowl or anything, it is very annoying.
     
    “We should be careful in our movement. If you notice that an area is not safe, you should deploy men to those areas. We should take their protection very seriously. Our policemen should also be careful with the way they move around.
    On the recent law on kidnapping, Idris said: “Nigeria Police Force is very glad about the law on kidnapping. With the law which is a death sentence for those that would be tried on kidnapping, the spate of kidnapping in Nigeria would be reduced.
    The IG also disclosed that additional policemen would be deployed to join the 17 units who are already on the ground for the Governorship election.
    The IG explained that the deployment which would be massive would ensure a credible election which is slated for November 18, 2017.
    He said: “The major challenges we are having now are the election we would be having in Anambra state and one or two other states.
    “The deployment that would be done would involve all commands. We are going to send directives to all CPs for the mobilization of officers who are the Special Unit and the Conventional police for the election.
    “When you receive the directive, act on them promptly because it is going to be a massive deployment. We don’t have time to delay in our planning and deployment because the election date is too close. It is important for us to prepare so that we can provide personnel and logistics in order for the officers to perform creditably.
    “It is unfortunate that before this election, we had some minor problems especially in the southeast but I believe the challenges have been addressed because we deployed 17 units there and with the additional deployment requested, we are going to take care of security in that location.”
    The IG also hinted on a proper and attractive outfit for traffic wardens and policemen in charge of traffic control. 
    He said: “We must take care of the turnout of traffic wardens and those in charge of traffic control. Their turn out must be white. Their armband and others must be white including their cap. 
    “When you go to a country, some of the things you admire is the turn out of the policemen controlling traffic on the road. It adds a lot to regularization of the country. They should turn out properly and look professional. Our men should take it seriously. Especially in major cities like Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos and, FCT.”
  • IG kicks as Senate closes National Assembly police station

    IG kicks as Senate closes National Assembly police station

    Inspector General (IG) Ibrahim Idris has protested alleged illegal closure of the Police Division at the National Assembly.

    Idris, in a letter dated September 19, 2017, said the sealing and closure of the police division was effected on September 12, 2017.

    The police boss, in the letter, entitled: “Re: Sealing and closure of Nigeria Police National Assembly Division”, said the action was tantamount to a criminal act, especially when it was not ordered by any competent court.

    The letter, which was personally endorsed by the IG himself, was addressed to some high-ranking persons at the National Assembly.

    The protest letter reads in part: “I am constrained to bring to the attention of the Chairman, National Assembly and President of the Senate, the sealing and closure of the Nigeria Police National Assembly Division since September 12, 2017 till date (seven days now).

    “Preliminary inquiries initiated upon getting this report revealed that one Ibrahim Ndako – Sargent-At-Arms of the National Assembly and personnel on the said date evicted the duly posted Divisional Police Officer and staff from the police station in full glare reportedly on the instruction(s) of one M.A. Omolori – Clerk of the National Assembly and sealed the office(s).

    “Pursuant to this, on September 17, 2017, I directed the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command in whose jurisdiction the National Assembly is domiciled to meet with the said M.A. Omolori – Clerk of the National Assembly and ascertain the circumstances that led to what is manifestly and unlawful action. Regrettably, this entreaty was bluntly rebuffed.

    “No reason(s) prior to and after the closure has been formally conveyed to any formation of the Nigeria Police or to the Office of the Inspector General of Police in this regard even as at the time of this correspondence…

    “Furthermore, it is also necessary to indicate that this action of evicting public servant in the course of performing their lawful duties and sealing an office domiciled in a public building complex devoid of an express order from competent court is tantamount to a criminal act punishable under the Criminal Code and Panel Code of Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The implications of this action in the light of current agitations now emanating from different parts of the country negatively impact directly on the security of the National Assembly Complex, the numerous members and staff of parliament domiciled therein as well as members of the general public; an outcome, which may no doubt escalate to a serious challenge to National Security.

    ‘Consequently, I have initiated a formal investigation to determine the background and circumstances leading to this unfortunate and unprecedented development; the outcome of which will be conveyed to your distinguished office for information accordingly.

    “While appreciating your tremendous support towards the successes of the Nigeria Police Force, accept as always the assurances of my highest regards, please.”

    A reliable source, however, said the development the IG complained about may not be unconnected with the “unceremonial removal of the police DPO attached to the National Assembly.”

    According to the source, “the DPO was unceremoniously redeployed for no just cause and without recourse to the management of the National Assembly”.

    It was also learnt that the redeployed DPO was a course mate of Senator Isa Hamma Misau with whom the IGP has issue with.

    The source said it was discovered that the police boss planned to redeploy all course mates of Misau from the Police Headquarters and other sensitive places.

    The senator’s course mates, the source said, may have been believed to be feeding the lawmaker with information to attack the IGP.

  • Lawyer petitions IG, DSS

    A legal practitioner, Hassan Ajibade, has sent save our souls petition to the Inspector General of Police and Directorate of the State Security Service over what he referred to as unabated bloodletting in Ago-Are community, in the Atisbo local government area of Oyo State.

    He said if urgent and appropriate actions were not taken to checkmate brutal attacks on innocent lives by hoodlums, and bring the masterminds of these acts to book, the community may soon degenerate into a theatre of war.

    Ajibade in his petition made available to the media was written on behalf of Taiwo Oladejo, Imran Oladejo,Salami Kazeem Oyewole, Amusat Yisau, Ganiyu Bello Oladeji and Olalekan Olaniyonu, who are all princes of Edu royal house in the community.

    He said instead of waiting for the outcome of the chieftaincy tussle in court, one prince Bodunrin Kofoworola and Alhaji

    Lawal Oyebisi, and their retinue of hoodlums since the month of May last year have wantonly assaulted and inflicted injuries on his clients severally, and have destroyed their properties with reckless abandon.

    According to him, at the beginning of the criminal activities, a letter was written to the Oyo Area Police Commander who intervened, but could not placate the situation.

    He said, “Letters were also written to the Governor, State

    Commissioner of police and the Assistant Inspector General of Police all to no avail.”