Tag: IGP

…affirms non-negotiable commitment to gender sensitivity in appointments

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Yetunde O. Longe as the first female Force Secretary.

Egbetokun said the appointment furthers the vision to ensure gender inclusivity and equality in all aspects of appointments and operations within the Nigeria Police Force.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “Longe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.

Since she was appointed a Cadet ASP on March 3, 1990, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence across various capacities within the NPF.

Read Also: IGP to speak on managing internal security crisis in Nigeria Monday

“She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology, which has significantly contributed to her proficiency in crime management and investigation. Her professional development is further enriched by her participation in advanced courses such as the Advanced Detective Course and Intermediate Command Course at Police Staff College Jos, and the Protection of Civilians course in Italy.

“Throughout her illustrious career, AIG Longe has held several key positions including Administrative Officer, Crime Officer, Commandant in Lagos, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Corporate Investment at the NPF Cooperative; Area Commander in Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both Bauchi and Lagos States, and DCP Admin at Zone 2, Lagos. Prior to her new appointment, she was Commissioner of Police for the Port Authority Police, Eastern Command, Port Harcourt, and later Assistant Inspector General of Police in the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja”.

The IGP reiterated that gender sensitivity in police appointments and operations remains a non-negotiable principle as his administration is poised to promote gender equality and empower female officers to attain leadership positions within the Force.

Egbetokun emphasized that the inclusion of women in strategic roles is crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the Police Force assuring that the Force will continue to foster an inclusive environment where merit and capability are the primary criteria for advancement, irrespective of gender.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has appointed an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Yetunde Longe as its first female secretary.

Read Also: IGP condemns alleged extortion of officers over promotion

A statement issued by the force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja, said she was appointed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in furtherance of the vision to ensure gender inclusivity and equality in all aspects of appointments and operations within the force.

Details shortly…

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has frowned at the reports of alleged extortion and unethical conduct surrounding the ongoing promotion interviews for Inspectors aspiring to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Such behavior, the IGP, said undermines the core values of the police force and will not be tolerated.

A statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force is gravely concerned by reports of alleged extortion and unethical conduct surrounding the ongoing promotion interviews for Inspectors aspiring to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. 

Read Also: IGP’s wife to parents: educate your children

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun strongly condemns any form of corruption in the promotion process and urges all officers to report any instances of misconduct promptly and directly to the IGP through the dedicated hotline at 09077120194 or to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) at 08037168147.

“In light of these allegations, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability in all promotion procedures. 

“Any officer found engaging in corrupt practices for personal gain will face severe disciplinary measures. All officers are urged to maintain ethical standards and work collectively to uphold the integrity and credibility of the Police Force”.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun says the force will abide by whatever decision the Federal Government  will take on the issue of State Police.

Egbetokun disclosed this on Monday in Lagos State, through the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South-West, Mr Abiodun Alabi, who was on a working visit to the state.

He said the force decided to explain  its stand in view of many opinions and views the matter had generated.

The police chief advised  officers and men to continue in their job as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution.

Egbetokun charged the men to be disciplined, hard working, respect  human rights, and carry out their duties in the best professional ways.

He warned the personnel against misuse of firearms, stressing that such should be used responsibly in strict accordance with  the law.

Read Also: IGP to speak on managing internal security crisis in Nigeria Monday

On the mental and physical health of the men, the I-G said the officer in Charge of Police Medical had been given orders to carry out mental and psychological test on personnel for better performance.

Egbetokun said the force was already working with some consultants on befitting accommodation for the officers and men, stressing that very soon, the personnel would access their own homes.

The police chief warned his officers and men against rivalry with other security agents, stressing that Nigeria police alone cannot provide the needed security for Nigerians.

He charge them to always work harmoniously with other security agencies, with a view to providing  good security for all Nigerians.

On cultism in Lagos state, Egbetokun urged the men to be proactive by reaching out and engaging the youths in the areas of their command to lecture them on the dangers of cultism.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos state, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, who welcomed the DIG to the command, said  all  security architecture put in place in  collaboration with stakeholders had brought down  crime rate in the state.

“It is, however, gratifying to note that since the introduction of people centered, collaborative and co-operative, crime prevention strategies by the commissioner of police,  crime and criminal activities in the state has reduced drastically.

“The strategies adopted include: prevention strategies e.g. (intelligence raids of criminal hideouts, cordon and search) etc. intelligence led policing.

“Use of modern technology device(s) (scientific aid) to track down dangerous criminals e.g. kidnappers, armed robbers, car hijackers etc. Extensive and Intensive Patrol and Community Policing Strategy amongst others,” he said.

The police boss in Lagos re-assured the visiting DIG that the current tempo in crime fighting would  be sustained until the state is rid of all criminal elements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DIG was in the command in  Lagos,  as first state in the  South-West on  his working visit.

He will be visiting six states in the region, a visit ordered by the I-G for all DIGs to carry out on-the- spot assessment in all commands.

(NAN)

•Family crisis escalates, husband mentally ill

A distraught mother, Mrs. Chinwe Obichere, from Achi Mberi in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State has pleaded with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to intervene and release her 26-year-old son, Stanley Obichere, a medical student detained in Abuja.

Mrs Obichere told newsmen in Owerri, that Stanley was arrested three weeks ago in Enugu State where he is undergoing his horsemanship and taken to Abuja on trumped-up charges orchestrated by her sisters-in-law.

The family is embroiled in a bitter feud over properties and assets, with the sisters-in-law allegedly using their influence to manipulate the police against the Obichere family.

She claimed that her sisters-in-law, led by one Patience, and others are behind the harassment and detention of her son.

Mrs Obichere alleged that her sisters-in-law have subjected her to slavery and human rights violations since she married into the family.

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She accused them of taking advantage of her husband’s mental health challenges to seize control of his property.

“Despite the intervention of the traditional ruler of Achi Mberi, HRH Eze Vitalis Achilike, the harassment has continued. In a shocking turn of events, the sisters-in-law even convinced the Bishop of our church to seize my tithe card to further isolate me.”

As the family crisis escalated, Mrs Obichere said: “I am calling on the IGP to investigate the matter and release my son from detention.” She also appealed to the authorities to put an end to the harassment and violations her family has suffered.

 ÓNÚRÚBE, a human rights organization, has condemned the weaponization of the Guzape Police Command against the family.

The case has sparked a wider debate about inheritance rights and the role of women in property ownership in the community.

The convener of the group, Marjorie Ezihe, has demanded justice for the Obichere family and an end to the weaponization of the police against them.

“Chinwe Obichere, has been a victim of harassment, having been arrested and detained multiple times on allegations of threatening his aunts. His mother, Chinwe, has also been targeted for abuse and violations by her sisters-in-law since she married into the family, ” she said.

Efforts to get a response from those behind the harassment failed as they did not pick up their phones.

However,  one  Njoku, who later answered her calls, said that she did not know who Mrs Obichere was and that she had no brother named Emmanuel Obichere. When pressed further, she said, “The case is with the Inspector General of Police in Abuja. I don’t know what to say again.”

Contacted on the phone, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Ibrahim DG, said that the police authorities have summoned the parents, lawyers, and others involved in the case to Abuja on Tuesday. “I am the IPO, we have summoned the parents, including the lawyers and others in the matter to Abuja on Tuesday,” he said.

A distraught mother, Mrs. Chinwe Obichere, from Achi Mberi in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, has pleaded with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to intervene and release her 26-year-old son, Stanley Obichere, a medical student, detained in Abuja.

Mrs Obichere told newsmen in Owerri that Stanley was arrested three weeks ago in Enugu State where he is undergoing housemanship and taken to Abuja on trumped-up charges orchestrated by her sisters-in-law. 

The family is embroiled in a bitter feud over properties and assets with the sisters-in-law allegedly using their influence to manipulate the police against the Obichere family.

She alleged her sisters-in-law, led by Mrs Patience Okafor, Mrs Nkechi Ukanwa, Mabel Njoku and Bassie Njoku, are behind the harassment and detention of her son.

Mrs Obichere alleged her sisters-in-law have subjected her to slavery and human rights violations since she married into the family. 

She accused them of taking advantage of her husband’s mental health challenges to seize control of his property.

“Despite the intervention of the traditional ruler of Achi Mberi, HRH Eze Vitalis Achilike, the harassment has continued. In a shocking turn of events, the sisters-in-law even convinced the Bishop of our church to seize my tithe card to further isolate me,” she lamented.

As the family crisis escalated, Mrs Obichere said: “I am calling on the IGP to investigate the matter and release my son from detention.” She also appealed to the authorities to put an end to the harassment and violations her family has suffered.

 ÓNÚRÚBE, a human rights organisation, condemned the weaponisation of the Guzape Police Command against the family.

The case has sparked a wider debate about inheritance rights and the role of women in property ownership in the community.

The convener of the group, Marjorie Ezihe, 

demanded justice for the Obichere family and an end to the weaponisation of the police against them.

“Chinwe Obichere, has been a victim of harassment, having been arrested and detained multiple times on allegations of threatening his aunts. His mother, Chinwe, has also been targeted for abuse and violations by her sisters-in-law since she married into the family, ” she said. 

Read Also: IGP drags lawyer, others to court for alleged N29m fraud

Efforts to get a response from Mrs Okafor, Ukanwa and Mabel Njoku failed as they did not pick up their phones. 

However, Mrs Bassie Njoku, who later answered her calls, said that she did not know who Mrs Obichere was and had no brother called Emmanuel Obichere. 

When pressed further, she said: “The case is with the Inspector General of Police in Abuja. I don’t know what to say again.”

Contacted on the phone, the investigating police officer (IPO), Ibrahim DG, said that the police authorities have summoned the parents, lawyers and others involved in the case to Abuja on Tuesday.

 “I am the IPO, we have summoned the parents, including the lawyers and others in the matter to Abuja on Tuesday,” he said.

The office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has dragged a lawyer, Everestus Ugwuowo and three others to court over allegation of defrauding a woman of N29 million and forging documents to sell a house in Abuja.

In the amended charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/121/2018 presently before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police is the complainant

The I-G, in the amended 11 counts dated and filed on April 29, 2019 by ACP Simon Lough, SAN, also joined Umar Sanda Adamu, Usman Audu and Adole Christopher Oche, a staff of Bureau of Public Procurement as 2nd to 4th defendants respectively.

The defendants, who were arraigned in 2018 and granted bail, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

They were alleged to have committed the allegations in connivance with Damian Audu, Joseph Omale, Kingsley Awodi, now at large on or about September 2017 in Abuja.

In count one, Ugwuowo, who is said to be practising under the name Evaruth Solicitors, was alleged to have conspired with others to commit felony by obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006.

In count two of the charge, they were alleged to have, while acting in concert and with intent to defraud Mrs Grace Awajash Dauda, forged letters of authority to sale; consent to assign House 11, 62 Road, Gwarimpa Estate with No. FHA/OCE/GWA II OWU C; Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment.

Read Also: Major shake-up as IGP appoints AIG Longe as Force Secretary

The letters were purported to have been signed by Grema Mohammed Umar with three Federal Housing Authority (FHA) receipts, letter of offer, letter of allocation, letter of checking in of owner occupiers in respect of the house.

These were alleged to have been used to deceitfully collect the sum of N29 million from Mrs Dauda on the pretence that they had authority to sell the property.

“And having collected her money, you shared it among yourselves, when you know or had reason to believe that you do not have the authority to sell the house and all the documents you gave to her were forged.

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006,” it read.

In count 10, the lawyer was accused to have issued Mrs Dauda a UBA dud cheque number: 77703052 on December 1, 2017, for the sum of N29 million “in repayment of the money you deceitfully collected from her

“Which was presented for payment on the 6 December, 2017 and returned dishonoured for lack of sufficient funds In your account.”

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1) of the Dishonoured Cheque Act CAP Dil LFN 2004.

Upon resumed hearing in the matter, the 1st prosecution witness (PW1), Ismaila Bana, after his evidence, was cross-examined by Ugwuowo’s lawyer, Patrick Otsima.

Bana, an in-law to nominal complainant, while being cross-examined, told the court that Ugwuowo only gave Mrs Dauda photocopies of the house documents for verification at FHC.

Although the 2nd defendant (Sanda Adamu)’s lawyer, Ebuka Aneke-Agu,’did not cross-examined the witness, the PW1 was also cross-examined by the 3rd defendant’s lawyer.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until July 22 for trial continuation.

(NAN)

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 21, asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to carry out a comprehensive mop-up of all arms, ammunition, AK-47s, cutlasses, and other weapons in the possession of herders and individuals and to prohibit the public from carrying such arms and weapons.

The House also urged the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of State Security Service, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to comb Yagba forests and secure the immediate release of kidnapped victims, and bring to justice all kidnappers that have made the forest their home.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance by Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to identify and profile all persons living in obscurity within the Yagba in the interest of the security of the area in particular and the country in general.

The House called for the setting up of a comprehensive security Strategy, in collaboration with stakeholders to address the root causes of the insecurity and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area which but said was renowned for its peaceful nature but has tragically devolved into a hotbed of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

Moving the motion, Abejide informed his colleagues that on May 7, 2024, gunmen numbering about 10 invaded a community in the constituency dressed in black and abducted a prominent businesswoman, Bukky, and a male customer after shooting sporadically, causing panic and fear among the residents.

He attributed the incident to the regrettable failure of the relevant authorities to uphold their constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and properties of the constituents, leaving them vulnerable to such incessant attacks, killings, kidnappings, and violations perpetrated by armed groups.

He said comparable violent attacks and kidnappings have been occurring every week in the area, including the abduction of one David Joseph as well as the ambush and brutal killing of two persons at Ogbe Community in Yagba West Local Government Area of the State by herdsmen armed with sophisticated weapons.

He said more than 6 persons were kidnapped within the space of 48 hours around Isanlu, in Yagba East LGA, and 3 others were murdered between Idofin and Isanlu in an attempt to escape from the kidnappers.

He alleged that these attacks are perpetrated under the pretext of migration by cattle herders, lots of whom are non-Nigerians who infiltrate farms and forests in the area, engaging in kidnapping, killing, raping, and maiming of indigenes.

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According to him, these armed groups are not known to the indigenous people of the land, do not live civilized lives, and have adopted a hostile existence completely at variance with the local culture and way of life, creating a divide within the community.

He said the people who do not own weapons, now live in fear of the heavily armed men who have forcibly seized their farmlands, causing serious famine due to the inability of the people to go to farm or access their agricultural lands.

He expressed concern about the seeming inability of the security agencies to address the systematic takeover of farmlands belonging to the people of Yagba Federal Constituency, allowing private individuals to carry arms in broad daylight.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), for its efforts in promoting unity and social cohesion.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, May 8, on the 40th anniversary of PCRC by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, extends warm felicitations to the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) as they mark their 40th anniversary with a series of commemorative events, including a Dinner/Gala Night and a Grand Finale.

“The PCRC has been an invaluable partner to the Police fostering mutual trust, understanding, and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve. Over the past four decades, the PCRC has played a pivotal role in promoting community-oriented policing, enhancing public safety, and advancing the shared goals of peace and security.

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“The IGP commends the dedication of the PCRC members, volunteers, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to strengthen police-community relations and build safer communities across the country under the leadership of Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan. Their efforts have not only improved the effectiveness of our policing but have also promoted harmony, unity, and social cohesion.

“As the PCRC celebrates this significant milestone, the Inspector General of Police assures that the Force will continually work hand-in-hand with the Committee and other community stakeholders to address emerging challenges, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.”

…As Nigeria host Interpol’s 10th African Working Group Cybercrime meeting for African heads of cybercrime units in Abuja

The Inspector–General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, April 29, expressed worries that cybercrime has become a serious threat that is affecting governments, businesses and individuals.

Lamenting, Egbetokun said the rise of cybercriminal activities poses significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.

He said urgent steps are needed for everyone to adapt swiftly and collaboratively to effectively combat the threats.

The IGP said this at the opening ceremony of INTERPOL’s African Working Group Cybercrime meeting for African heads of cybercrime units in Abuja.

He noted that the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime through the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) and the construction of a world-class Cybercrime Fusion Center equipped with the most modern state-of-the-art forensic facilities.

The force, the police boss said, has equally invested largely in capacity building and development of expertise in cybercrime investigation with the largest collection of globally certified cybersecurity experts and investigators in SubSahara Africa.

He noted that the NPF National Cybercrime Center has been deeply involved in the global fight against cybercrime through robust collaboration with both national and international partners leading to groundbreaking successes.

IGP said: “We have successfully dismantled several notorious and hitherto evasive cybercrime syndicates and malicious networks in joint operations with INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate, the FBI and other partners”.

He said: “It is with great pleasure and honour that I welcome you all to the beautiful city of Abuja for the INTERPOL Working Group Meeting for African Heads of Cybercrime Units. This gathering signifies our collective commitment to combating cyber threats that transcend borders and threaten the safety and security of our citizens.

“In today’s interconnected world, cybercrime has become a persuasive and evolving threat, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. The rise of cybercriminal activities poses significant challenges to our law enforcement agencies, requiring us to adapt swiftly and collaboratively to effectively combat these threats.

“Cybercrime is a global menace that requires the synergy of the entire global law enforcement community as no nation can do it alone. While assuring you of our willingness to deepen the relationship with our partners, I encourage you to leverage the inherent capabilities and resources of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center in our joint effort to effectively combat the evolving Cybercrime trend.

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“I commend the efforts of all participating countries in prioritizing cybersecurity and fostering partnerships to address this global challenge. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to enhance our capabilities in investigating and preventing cybercrimes, safeguarding our digital infrastructure, and upholding the rule of law.

“l urged us all to engage in productive discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies to address emerging cyber threats effectively. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a safer and more secure cyberspace for our citizens and future generations. I specially extend my gratitude to INTERPOL and all participants for their dedication to combating cybercrime.”

The Vice President for Africa, INTERPOL Executive Committee, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Garba Umar (rtd) said the 4-day meeting will be crucial to identify the 2024-2025 regional operational strategy to address cybercrime connection in Africa.

However, Umar said the efforts have to become sustainable to achieve concrete and long-term results.

He said: “We need people and resources, supporting INTERPOL initiatives in the fight against cybercrime. Let me appeal to this august house to strive for a collective awareness of our duty as authorities responsible for the security and well-being of our respective populations, and to recognize the added value that we represent for INTERPOL whose mission is to make the world a safer place”.

Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, said there is a need for international cooperation to fight cybercrime. 

The federal government, Gaidam said, is deeply committed to the fight against cybercrime and all forms of crime in Nigeria.

The minister who was represented at the occasion by a director in the Ministry, Mrs. Bola Aderele, said the meeting should develop strategies to stay ahead of cyber criminals and protect our communities from harm.

About 56 countries are presently at the meeting which will last for 4 days at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.