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Tag: IGP

  • IGP bans arbitrary arrests, phone searches, youth harassment by police

    IGP bans arbitrary arrests, phone searches, youth harassment by police

    …reacts over Kemi Badenoch’s comments

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive banning arbitrary arrests, harassment of youths, and the checking of mobile phones by police officers across the country. 

    The directive follows rising concerns over police misconduct, particularly after recent comments by the United Kingdom opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, on police abuses in Nigeria. 

    It was gathered that the directive was sent to all state police commands, emphasizing the need to curb human rights violations and restore the Nigeria Police Force’s reputation. 

    The document, signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, warned that erring officers and their supervisors would face severe penalties if the unlawful practices continued. 

    The memo, which has been circulating on social media and was sighted by The Nation, also referenced the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a stark reminder of the consequences of police misconduct.

    Read Also: IGP orders tight security nationwide to curb crime during yuletide

    The protests, fueled by widespread grievances over police brutality, resulted in significant destruction, loss of lives, and a severe erosion of public trust in law enforcement. 

    The message, titled: “Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention,” reiterated that youth harassment, phone seizures, and unnecessary detentions at checkpoints must cease immediately.

    It further emphasised that command commissioners and supervisors would be held accountable for any violations, with monitoring units set to enforce compliance.

    This development comes just days after the UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, publicly accused the Nigerian police of corruption and using their guns to steal from citizens.

    Badenoch alleged that officers stole her brother’s shoe and wristwatch, reigniting discussions about law enforcement misconduct in Nigeria. 

  • IGP orders tight security nationwide to curb crime during yuletide

    IGP orders tight security nationwide to curb crime during yuletide

    Ahead of the festive season, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the strategic deployment of police personnel in key locations across the country to enhance security and curb criminal activities.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the initiative aims to address traffic issues, highway robberies, and other crimes typically associated with the yuletide period.

    He said the deployment focused on highways, urban centres, and recreational hotspots, with an emphasis on increasing police visibility and deterring criminal activities.

    The IGP has assured Nigerians that these measures are designed to ensure a safe and secure environment during the celebrations.

    In line with these efforts, the Nigeria Police Force recently recorded significant breakthroughs in combating crime.

    Read Also: JUST IN: PSC approves Olanrewaju Ogunlowo as Ogun Commissioner of Police

    On December 10, 2024, officers from the Lagos State Command apprehended four suspected robbers—Akeem Alabi, Adewale Sogbesan, Emmanuel Izeagbe, and Francis Okoko—linked to a robbery syndicate operating around Costain, Lagos.

    Similarly, on December 6, 2024, police operatives in Anambra State arrested a suspected armed robber, Miracle Mwakaloi, in Awka.

    The suspect’s interrogation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles from his residence.

    The IGP emphasized the Force’s dedication to maintaining public safety through proactive measures such as heightened patrols and community engagement.

    Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities promptly.

    The Inspector-General also assured the public that the police presence during the festivities would remain professional and law-abiding, with a clear focus on creating a crime-free holiday season.

    For emergency or suspicious activity reports, citizens are urged to contact the Nigeria Police Force or other law enforcement agencies.

  • Reps to IGP: Increase surveillance in FCT to halt one-chance operators

    Reps to IGP: Increase surveillance in FCT to halt one-chance operators

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies to enhance surveillance within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to curb the activities of one-chance operators. 

    In a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), the House urged the Nigeria Police to collaborate with banks and FinTech operators like Opay and MoniePoint to prioritize one-chance cases.

    It directed that these institutions provide timely information about account owners linked to such crimes, freeze suspicious accounts, and apprehend the perpetrators. 

    The lawmakers also called on the federal government to shut down illegal and unauthorized loan companies that criminals exploit for fraudulent activities. 

    Additionally, the House urged the FCT Minister to maximize the use of Abuja Urban Mass Transit buses, currently underutilized at their premises, to provide residents with a reliable transportation system. It recommended extending their operations until 9:30 pm daily to meet the commuting needs of residents.

    Leading a debate on the motion, Osawaru said the heinous operation of One Chance and Kidnappers in FCT, Abuja has left their victims in a sorry state due to severe torture on them and their bank account emptied simultaneously at gunpoint.

    According to him, the perpetrators used alleged magical powers to hypnotize their victims and take them to an unknown destination, where the money in their different bank accounts is emptied with the use of POS and other money transfer devices, and at the same time, inflict pain/injuries on them, rape their female victims and push them out of a speed moving vehicle afterward.

    He expressed concern that the victims of this despicable act and bank account used for this criminal purpose seem to be difficult to track or trace, due to lack of synergy between the security agencies and Banks.

    He alleged that banks have always been unwilling to help customers and do a proper investigation on their own with the excuses of waiting for police extract or affidavit or other requirements that could be frustrating coupled with the money involved in the process which the victims whose money was stolen may no longer afford.

    Read Also: Reps seek more funding for defence agency

    He said there exist CBN directives mandating all bank operators to ensure that the individual or corporate accounts of every customer are linked to their NIN and BVN, which means every transaction done within and outside the bank could be traced.

    The Edo lawmaker stressed that in most cases the phone numbers and bank accounts of their victims are used to borrow money from illegal and unauthorized loan apps of the companies in Nigeria, thereby incurring humongous debt which their victims must offset afterward.

    He said: “On a daily basis cases of such abound including that of our children/relatives, staff, secretaries etc and if nothing urgent is done to curb the activities of one chance in the FCT, Abuja and other states in general, and its perpetrators brought to book, FCT may not be safe for every one of us to stay”.

  • Major shake up as IGP orders deployment of zonal AIGs, AIG FCID Annex

    Major shake up as IGP orders deployment of zonal AIGs, AIG FCID Annex

    • PSC sacks 19 officers over misconduct

    Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday  ordered the immediate posting of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) as heads of Police Zonal Commands of Zones 1, 4 and 9, and also a new AIG to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

    The order covers the deployment of the AIG Suleiman M. Yusuf as AIG Zone 9, Umuahia; AIG Ahmed Ammani as AIG Zone 1, Kano; AIG Zachariah Fera as AIG Zone 4, Makurdi and AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo as AIG FCID Annex, Lagos.

    Egbetokun said the posting comes after the retirement of some of the AIGs who were previous heads of the Zonal Commands and the recent promotion of the former AIG Zone 1, DIG Ari Muhammed Ali and his appointment as the DIG Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The IGP urges the new AIGs to ensure, strict supervision, diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encourages them to key into the police reform plans viz-a-viz projection of policing ethics and professional conducts.

    “The IGP further charges the officers to checkmate all forms of misconduct and ensure officers exhibit peak professionalism, aiding the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general”.

    Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission (PSC), has approved the dismissal of   19 senior police officers comprising 10 Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents and one Superintendent.

    The Commission also approved the reduction in ranks of 19 other senior police officers, one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents,  two Deputy Superintendents and thirteen  Assistant Superintendents.

    Read Also: CDHR demands IGP Egbetokun’s intervention in Delta land dispute 

    Two Assistant Inspectors General of Police also received some punishments, one, punishment of reprimand for refusal to carry out lawful instructions and the other, letter of warning for negligence.

    A statement issued yesterday  by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said: “The Police Service Commission rose from the last segment of its first Plenary Meeting in Abuja, with far reaching decisions on one hundred and nine (110) Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM), and twenty  three (23) Appeals and petition cases with thirteen (13) court judgements seeking for compliance.

    “The Commission had earlier considered and  approved recommendations on several promotion matters which had since been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

    “The Plenary Meeting was chaired by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni and had DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner and Secretary to the Commission,  Chief Onyemuche Nnamani also present.

  • Major shakeup as IGP orders deployment of zonal AIGs, AIG FCID annex  

    Major shakeup as IGP orders deployment of zonal AIGs, AIG FCID annex  

    …charges officers to curb misconduct, ensure professionalism

    The Inspector-of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday ordered the immediate posting of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) as heads of Police Zonal Commands of Zones 1, 4 and 9, and also a new AIG to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

    The order covers the deployment of the AIG Suleiman M. Yusuf as AIG Zone 9, Umuahia; AIG Ahmed Ammani as AIG Zone 1, Kano; AIG Zachariah Fera as AIG Zone 4, Makurdi and AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo as AIG FCID Annex, Lagos.

    Read Also: CDHR demands IGP Egbetokun’s intervention in Delta land dispute 

    Egbetokun said the posting comes after the retirement of some of the AIGs who were previous heads of the Zonal Commands and the recent promotion of the former AIG Zone 1, DIG Ari Muhammed Ali and his appointment as the DIG Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja. 

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The IGP urges the new AIGs to ensure, strict supervision, diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encourages them to key into the police reform plans viz-a-viz projection of policing ethics and professional conducts.

    “The IGP further charges the officers to checkmate all forms of misconduct and ensure officers exhibit peak professionalism, aiding the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general”.

  • IGP reaffirms commitment to accountability, transparency in policing

    IGP reaffirms commitment to accountability, transparency in policing

    …orders standardization of police forensic processes and procedures

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday, December 3, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to upholding accountability and transparency as key pillars of effective policing.

    Speaking at the National Summit on Police Accountability held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on December 3, 2024, Egbetokun stressed that these principles are essential for fostering public trust and improving community safety.

    He described police accountability as a cornerstone of democratic policing and called on stakeholders to work collaboratively toward creating a more effective and trustworthy law enforcement system.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “Since assuming office the IGP has implemented significant measures to enhance internal oversight and promote accountability, including the expansion of the Complaint Response Unit, the reorganization of the IGP Monitoring Unit, and improved Public Engagement, among others”.

    Present at the event was Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of the Ministry of Police Affairs, who was effectively represented by Mrs. Bolanle Aderenle, the Director of Inspectorate. Also in attendance were DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu mni (Rtd), the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, the representative from the UNODC Country Office – Nigeria, along with numerous other distinguished guests.

    The Inspector General of Police further emphasized the essential nature of collaboration in achieving effective police accountability, asserting that the police cannot fulfil this responsibility in isolation.

    The IGP called upon citizens to engage actively in the accountability process, highlighting that a transparent and inclusive strategy will help to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the community.

    In another development, the IGP has reiterated the readiness of the force to restructure and standardize the forensic processes and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of police investigations and criminal prosecutions.

    Read Also: Shettima tasks NCP on maximising value of national assets

    This commitment was emphasized by the IGP during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and a group of Police Crime Scene Investigators who have undergone comprehensive training in the aspects and principles of forensic investigations.

    Adejobi said: “This initiative reflects a proactive approach by the police force to adapt to the evolving landscape of criminal activities and leverage advanced forensic techniques to enhance the overall efficiency and credibility of police operations and judicial outcomes.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a culture of accountability, dedicated to building a system where every officer, regardless of rank, upholds justice and equity, and where every citizen can hold the police accountable, ultimately transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a world-class institution esteemed for its excellence and trusted by all.”

  • New mandatory police training courses begin Jan 2025 – IGP

    New mandatory police training courses begin Jan 2025 – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, said on Tuesday that the force had developed special training programmes focusing on policing ethics, professional conduct and re-orientation courses.

    “These programmes are mandatory for all officers from the recruit constables to the superintendent starting January 2025,” Egbetokun said in Abuja.

    He spoke at the National Summit on Police Accountability, with the theme “The external, internal, and stakeholder’s accountability strategies and mechanism of the Nigeria Police Force/Services”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was organised by the Police in partnership with Cleen Foundation and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

    Egbetokun said that the training courses were to enhance effective policing and accountability.

    “The Nigeria police force is committed to enhancing the training and retraining of its officers,” he said.

    The police chief said the force had also partnered the society for peace study and practice to train its officers on alternative dispute resolution, peace building and conflict resolution mechanism.

    Read Also: Kogi boat disaster: IGP orders investigation

    He said that officers were required to attend refresher courses and other training programmes sponsored by zonal and international partners.

    Mr Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, said that effective policing required more than just enforcing the law but also adherence to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights by police officers.

    Dr Etannibi Alemika, the guest speaker at the summit, said it was crucial to have an independent police force in order to enhance accountability and effective policing.

    (NAN)

  • Kogi boat disaster: IGP orders investigation

    Kogi boat disaster: IGP orders investigation

    • By: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Olaide Oyelude, Lokoja

    Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has ordered immediate investigation into the boat mishap that occurred in Kogi State.

    The mishap, which occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involved over 160 passengers, with 24 rescued and others still unaccounted for.

    In response to the tragic incident, the IGP yesterday directed the Force Marine Officer to lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the mishap.

    The aim, Egbetokun said, is to identify contributing factors and develop actionable strategies to prevent similar occurrences on the nation’s waterways.

    He said the investigation will also provide insights into improving the overall safety and emergency response systems for water transport across the country.

    A statement issued yesterday  night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, deeply commiserates with the Government and people of Kogi State, particularly the families affected by the boat tragedy on the 29th of November, 2024.

    Read Also: IGP kicks against bill on police exit from pension scheme

    “The IGP further assured the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large of the unwavering commitment of the Police Force in coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the swift rescue of missing passengers. Resources and operational modalities have been activated to intensify search and rescue efforts.

    “Additionally, the IGP calls on waterway operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders to work closely with the Force Marine Department in adopting and enforcing critical safety measures to protect passengers and operators alike.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in enhancing safety on waterways, ensuring justice for victims, and mitigating future risks through strengthened collaborations and proactive measures.”

  • Deploy security personnel to Edo communities to safeguard lives, Reps tell IGP, DSS

    Deploy security personnel to Edo communities to safeguard lives, Reps tell IGP, DSS

    The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and Director General, Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy security personnel to communities in Edo state to safeguard the lives and property of the people.

    The House also tasked the security agencies to investigate the killings of innocent persons in communities in Itsukwi, Imegba, Okpekpe, and Imiakebu communities in Etsako East local government area of Edo state to fish out those behind the act.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) the House called for financial assistance to those whose farmland was destroyed by the attackers to enable them to prepare for the farming season.

    Leading a debate on the motion, Osawaru reminded the House that Section 14 (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) provides that the people’s security and welfare shall be the government’s primary purpose.

    He said: “Section 17 (b) of the Constitution provides that the sanctity of the human person shall be recognised and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced; governmental actions shall be humane.

    “Also, Chapter 4 of the nation’s Constitution in Section 33 (1) provides that “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

    Osawaru said every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person” and accordingly, “No person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.”

    Read Also: Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    He disclosed that “on Monday, October 28, 2024, herdsmen invaded Ugbereke, a popular farmland known for its fertility, and destroyed completely the yam plantation of a youth leader in Itsukwi community (Ward 9, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State), Mr. Samuel Igbeneghu.

    “On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, three farmers by the names Umuagene Obey, Emuesugheli Obi and Ogbitabu Imoudumhe (all from Okpekpe community in Ward 10, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were ambushed on the way to their farms and brutally murdered by suspected herdsmen.

    “On the same day, the killers made their way to Ugbereke, and killed one Undyar Aondongu, male, while at five women were beaten and left to flee with various degrees of injuries.

    “If the federal government fails to take the necessary steps to protect the lives and property of the people; acute hunger owing to food scarcity would be the natural consequence, not just for the people of the area but the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and by extension, Edo State as a whole.”

  • Court orders IGP, PSC to pay Police Constabularies four-year salary arrears

    Court orders IGP, PSC to pay Police Constabularies four-year salary arrears

    A National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to pay Police Constabularies about four years of salaries arrears owed them since 2021.

    In a judgment on Wednesday, Justice Rakiya Haastrup directed that each of the Constabularies be paid N54,566 per month from January 2021 to May 2024.

    Justice Haastrup gave the orders in a judgment on a suit filed and prosecuted for the Constabularies by their lawyer, Sebastian Hon (SAN).

    Besides the salary, Justice Haastrup equally ordered that letters of employment and certificate of engagement be issued to the Constabularies having trained them, provided them with uniforms, and boots and lawfully deployed them to the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

    The plaintiffs, who were trained and engaged in community policing through intelligence gathering had through their lawyer, Sebastine Hon SAN sued the police for refusing to pay them their monthly stipends despite making them serve the nation diligently for the past four years.

    Contrary to the claims of the Police that the services of the Constabularies were voluntary, the plaintiffs claimed and tendered documents showing that at the time of their engagement, the police had agreed to give them monthly stipends commensurate to the basic allowance of a Constable in the Nigeria police force.

    The Constabularies alleged that the action of police in denying them the stipends was not only lawful but had put their lives in jeopardy as they could no longer meet with basic needs of life.

    They therefore urged the court that having been lawfully engaged by police, they are entitled to the monthly stipends to enable them to perform their duties effectively and diligently.

    Besides, they claimed that due to the hazardous nature of the jobs, seven of their members had already died.

    In her judgment, Justice Rakiya Haastrup agreed with Senastine Hon SAN that the plaintiffs have established that there is a contractual agreement of employment relationship between them and the police.

    The Judge held that based on the agreement, the plaintiffs are entitled to the monthly stipends for their job.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: Court reserves ruling on suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s deputy eligibility

    Justice Haastrup noted that the exact amount to be paid as stipends was not fixed by the police, but held that each of the plaintiffs was entitled to a basic allowance of N54,655 monthly pending when the IGP will fix their monthly allowance.

    The judge also ordered the IGP to fix the amount due to each of the plaintiffs within two months of delivery of the judgment.

    She further ordered that the Constabularies be issued with letters of appointment having trained them, equipped them, issued them with uniforms and identity cards and deployed them to the states of the federation and the FCT.

    Responding to the judgment, and counsel to the Constabularies, Hon appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the IGP to pay the Constabularies owing to the services they are rendering to the country.