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Tag: Inspector- General of Police (IGP)

  • Corruption allegations: IGP wants court to stop his investigation

    Corruption allegations: IGP wants court to stop his investigation

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has initiated move to block his planned investigation by the Senate in relation to allegations of corruption and unethical conduct leveled against by Senator Isa Misau.

    He has filed a suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to that effect. He listed the Senate and its President, Bukola Saraki as respondents in the suit.

    The IGP, the fundamental rights enforcement suit, seeks among others, an order restraining the committee, set up by the senate for the investigation of allegations against him, from hearing or taking a decision.

    Idris also wants the court to restrain the Senate President and the entire Senate from receiving and discussing any report submitted to it by the committee set up to investigate the allegations against him.

    The IGP stated, in a supporting affidavit, that one Senator Isa Misau, while raising matter of urgent national importance between September and October, 2017 accused him of mounting road blocks across Nigeria with the purpose of extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.

    He added that the said Senator, in the motion, also accused him of collecting illegal fees by way of security protections given to corporate organisations, eminent citizens and oil companies running into billions of naira.

    Idris claimed that Misau accused him of having “unwholesome relationship with female officers in the force.”

    The IGP stated that, “Without the 1st respondent having regard to the relevant constitutional requirements in respect of the 2nd respondent’s role in investigations of allegations, he (Saraki), in reaction to these frivolous allegations, quickly constituted a committee consisting of members of the 2nd respondent to look into the matter.”

  • IGP deploys 500 mobile policemen in Aba

    IGP deploys 500 mobile policemen in Aba

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has deployed over 500 Police Mobile Force men to Aba to restore peace in the troubled city.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Operations, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, on a duty tour to Aba Friday said the I-G wants  peace  restored to Abia State immediately, hence the deployment of the mobile policemen who had assumed duty in Aba.

    “You can see that we have placed security and that the whole place is quiet and our men are on patrol,” he said.

    “For now we are still monitoring, there is no problem. We are on top of the situation.

    “We are working in tandem with other agencies and they are cooperating with us.”

    The city was embroiled in a clash between soldiers and IPOB members in Aba between Monday and Tuesday, prompting Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to impose a curfew on the city.

  • 250 policemen deployed to curb kidnapping, armed robbery on Jere-Abuja road

    250 policemen deployed to curb kidnapping, armed robbery on Jere-Abuja road

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has deployed 250 policemen to Jere-Abuja road.

    The men were deployed to curb cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other crimes on the road.

    The deployment of the operation was launched Thursday by the Deputy Inspector General of Police  (DIG), Habila Joshak at Gami Community, one of the flash points used by the kidnappers and other criminals to perpetrate their acts.

    The Unit deployed comprises; Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force (PMF), and Police Federal Intelligence Bureau.

    The Police said kidnappers and other criminal elements take advantage of the speed limit and rocky areas on the road to attack their victims.

    The operation would be headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olufemi Haruna and would be assisted by CSP Faruk Umaru and SP Olu Arowoshegbe.

    Highlighting why the deployment was done, Joshak said: “I’m here under the directive of the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the kind of operation that is going on on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria road is replicated.

    “We are here to check the excesses of criminality by marauding firearm bearers who stand at intervals to forcefully  stop motorists, kidnap them into bushes and also rob some of their belongings.

    “We came here not because of Sallah patrol but to check crime and we would remain here until this road is safe for members of the public to pass unhindered”

    On the number of men deployed, Joshak said: “The total number of men for this operation is 250 personnel. An Assistant Commissioner of Police Olufemi Haruna and others would be here to supervise the men and ensure that their activities would not lead to extortion or activities that does not conform with our standard procedure.

    “The men would be in ten black spots where crime is incessant because Kidnappers, car snatchers, armed robbers and others take advantage of rocky areas and speed limits on the road to carry out criminal acts”.

    The Police chief while assuring the men of their safety and welfare also warned them not use the deployment as an opportunity to extort money from road users.

    “We have about six tents on this road and more would be installed. We have helmet, bullet proof jacket, rain coat, boat and others that would ensure minimum comfort for you to operate and be warned not to extort road users, if you do, you would be shown the way out.”

  • SERAP seeks more protection for EFCC officials

    SERAP seeks more protection for EFCC officials

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the acting President Pro. Yemi Osinbajo to order the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, to lead the investigation of Wednesday’s attack by gunmen on the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

    The organization emphasized the need to ensure the safety and security of those in the frontline of the fight against corruption.

    It pointed out that the attack amounted to threat to the lives of officials of the commission urged government to bring anyone suspected to be responsible to justice without delay.

    The EFCC had on Wednesday reported attack on its Abuja premises and a death threat to its official, Ishaku Sharu, who heads the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Fraud Section and oversees corruption investigation involving several politically exposed persons. This followed another attack on EFCC investigator, Austin Okwor, who was shot and wounded by unknown assailants in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    In a statement issued Friday by SERAP deputy director Timothy Adewale the organization said, “We stand with the EFCC as it works to carry out its mandates to prevent and combat grand corruption.

    “We condemn any attacks against the agency and its officials which are clearly aimed at harassing, intimidating and stopping them from prosecuting grand corruption cases. We urge the EFCC to remain steadfast to its mandates and not be intimidated by these attacks and threats.”

    The statement further read in part: “SERAP urges Prof. Osinbajo to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Ibrahim Kpotun Idris to immediately improve the system of protection for the officials of EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies.

    “Promoting and ensuring the safety and security of those in the frontline of the fight against corruption is the surest way to demonstrate the government’s commitment to combat the problem and end impunity of perpetrators.

    “The protection, safety and security of anti-corruption agencies and their officials is absolutely critical to fighting grand corruption and holding those in power to account. The absence of enhanced protection and security for the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies could ruin the government’s anti-corruption efforts and weaken citizens’ trust and confidence in its ability to effectively and successfully prosecute grand corruption.”

  • Police detention: Evans knows fate August 29

    Police detention: Evans knows fate August 29

    A Federal High Court in Lagos will on August 29 deliver judgment in a N300million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans, challenging his continued detention by the police.

    Justice Abdul-Azeez Anka fixed the date Wednesday after taking arguments from Evans’ lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje and lawyers for the police.

    The judge dismissed an argument by the police on Tuesday that the suit was not ripe for hearing, as well as the N300,000 punitive costs sought against Ogungbeje for alleged wrongful service, paving way for parties to state their case.

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Commissioner of Police (COP) Lagos State and Lagos State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) are the first to fourth respondents.
    Counsel for both the IGP and the NPF, Henry Obiazi, urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of merit.

    He said the case had to do with murder, armed robbery and kidnapping, which were all capital offences.

    Citing Section 35 (7) of Constitution, Obiazi argued that Evans’ fundamental rights were not absolute, adding that the ‘billionaire kidnapper’ would soon be arraigned by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    “Though the Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen, these rights are not absolute, particularly, when they have to do with capital offences. I urge the court to hold that the application is unmeritorious and dismiss it”, Obiazi said.

    In his submissions, lawyer representing the COP and SARS, Emmanuel Eze, argued that Evans had not shown any cause of action against his clients.

    He claimed that Evans was arrested by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) set up by the IGP and not by any of his clients.

    Eze faulted claims that the applicant was subjected to media trial saying no material fact was placed before the court in that regard.

    According to him, the nature of the offences allegedly committed by Evans was conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping and murder.

    Besides, he alleged that prior to his arrest; Evans was involved in many robberies, including series of attacks on bullion vans where many policemen lost their lives.

    “My lord, it is not up to 90 days that the applicant was arrested. Besides, there is an order of the court for his remand. The applicant is an international kidnapper terrorizing states across the country.

    “I urge the court to dismiss this application with punitive costs so as to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to file such frivolous application in the future”, Eze said.

    But, opposing their arguments, Ogungbeje, urged the court to hold that the respondents had run foul of the law by detaining Evans since last June 10.

    He faulted the respondents’ arguments that a suspect suspected of committing a capital offence can be detained without a court’s order.

    According to him, the assertion may be applicable only at the point where the suspect is seeking bail after his arraignment.

    “The proper thing for the respondents to do is to have the applicant arraigned and then inform the court about the capital nature of the offence upon which he may then be remanded in their custody”, he said.

    After listening to parties’ submissions, Justice Anka adjourned till August 29 for judgment.

    In the suit, Evans, through Ogungbeje, is seeking an order directing the police to charge him to court immediately or release him on bail.

    He said his detention since last June 10 without charge was a violation of his fundamental rights enshrined in sections 35 (1) (c) (3) (4) (5) (a) (b) and 36 of the Constitution.

    For his alleged unlawful detention, Evans wants the court to award N300m damages against the police in his favour.

  • IGP set up panel to probe payment for promotion

    IGP set up panel to probe payment for promotion

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has set up a special Investigation Panel to investigate complaints and allegations credited to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isah Hamma Misau.

    The Senator had alleged that Police Officers pay bribe for special promotion.

    The Panel has upon the directive of the IG invited Senator Misau to provide more details that would assist them to conduct a very discreet investigation into his complaints and allegations, and those of other aggrieved Police officers.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja Friday by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood.

    The terms of reference of the Panel which has two weeks to submit its findings include: “To investigate other complaints, petitions and grievances from Police Officers within the Force and from other members of the public on allegations of giving money for promotion, either special or otherwise.

    “To determine the substance of the complaints, petitions and grievances from aggrieved Police Officers and members of the public on allegations of giving money for special promotion.

    “To determine those who were involved, to recommend appropriate judicial action and other punishments as it is Amaechi sacks Station Manager, Ticket Seller, others for ticket racketeering  in line with the provisions of Public Service Rules Section 030401 (j) (k) and other statutory enabling laws/Acts”.

     

  • IGP dismisses three policemen for illegal arrest, detention

    IGP dismisses three policemen for illegal arrest, detention

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has dismissed three policemen from the Nigeria Police Force for their involvement in illegal arrest and detention of some people.

    The dismissed personnel; AP.No 136005 Inspr. Okelue Nkemeonye, F/No. 355897 Sgt. Braimoh Sunday and F/No. 359928 Sgt. Yusuf Olukoga were attached to Area Command Ijede-Ikorodu under Lagos State Command.

    The personnel who were armed pretended to be Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) harassed their victims and collected N200, 000 from them before they were releaeed.

    In a statement in Abuja Monday by the Officer in charge of Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit  (PCRRU), Abayomi Shogunle stated that the personnel tagged their victims Internet fraudsters ‘Yahoo Yahoo boys.

    Shogunle said investigation revealed that they policemen collected N90,000 through ATM withdrawal and N110,000 through mobile bank money transfer to a third party account provided by the policemen.

    Shogunle said the officers were found guilty and dismissed after they appeared at Orderly Room trial at the Zone Two Command Headquarters, Onikan-Yaba, Lagos.

    He said the Adjudicating officer found them quilty on two charges of offence against discipline as provided for in paragraphs C (ii) Corrupt Practices and E (iii) Discreditable Conduct of the First Schedule of Police Act and Regulations Cap. P19. Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    Giving details of the complaints that led to their dismissal, Shogunle said: “On the 21st June, 2017 the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) received a complaint via WhatsApp number 0805 700 0003.

    The complaint reads: “I went to the bank this morning to deposit money to a Company’s account but there was no network so i deposited the money into my personal account to do the transfer to the account later.

    “When I came out of the bank, a car packed full of some SARS policemen wearing black cloth with anti-robbery squad written at the back. I was told to enter the vehicle with a gun pointed at me.

    “They collected my mobile phone and asked me what I do for a living, I told them that I had just finished my youth service and I am living with my brother and I pointed my brother’s shop for them to stop by and see him because he was the one that sent me to the bank, they refused to wait and they did not allow me to pick my calls and call out.

    The complaint further reads: “I received an alert on my phone with the money I went to deposit. They searched my phone and on seeing the alert, they labelled me a yahoo boy and told me that I would pay them N1Million.

    “One of them slapped me, they drove us around places in Ikorodu,Ijede, Gberigbe, Ibeshe, Igbe, Ikpakodo, Itaelewa, Agric and first gate harassing people, moving them in the car and collecting huge amount from them.

    “They collected N50,000.00 from me but I noticed that each junctions that we reached, people were hailing their leader by his nickname (OJ. Ojewunmi). And one by name Austin slapped me.

    “They picked me up around 9am and dropped me 6pm in the evening after collecting money from me. They also used my account to collect money from the guys that I met in the car and used my ATM to withdraw from them”

    Shogunle said his team was dispatched to Ikorodu where all the three dismissed policemen including AP No. 98199 ASP Bayo Obadia who led the team were apprehended.

    He said preliminary investigation by the Unit revealed that all the allegations contained in the complaint sent via WhatsApp message actually happened.

    “Also the four police officers who were armed on the day of the incident falsely paraded themselves as operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) despite not being posted to SARS by police authorities.

    “Investigation also showed that the officers extorted a total sum of N200,000 from the young men who they tagged “Yahoo Yahoo Boys”, the money was force from them via N90,000 ATM withdrawal and N110,000 mobile bank money transfer to a third party account provided by the policemen. All the extorted N200,000 was recovered by the PCRRU Investigators.

    “All the arrested officers, witnesses and recovered exhibits including the N200,000 cash and printed bank statement of account were handed over to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Lagos for further detailed investigation and necessary disciplinary measures.”

    “The approval of the punishment of dismissal from service as recommended by the Adjudicating officer is part of the outcome of the disciplinary measures ” Shogunle said.

    On what would become of the fourth person in the act, he said: “In the case of ASP Bayo Obadiah who led the team of the infamous men on this unacceptable conduct, an official query was issued to him by the AIG Zone 2 Lagos, both his reply and Query has been forwarded to the office of the Force Secretary, Force Headquarters, Abuja from where it would be proceeded to the Police Service Commission as required by Police Regulations.”

    The IG while commending the Unit assured members of the public that all allegations of professional misconduct reported against any police officer would be treated in line with relevant laws and in keeping to the “Change Begins With Me Champaign” of the Federal Government.

    He also encouraged the public to report cases of police misconduct to the PCRRU for resolution as he is bent on ensuring a more public friendly and corrupt free police force in Nigeria.

     

  • Apapa crisis: Police disown ‘killer’ cop

    Apapa crisis: Police disown ‘killer’ cop

    Lagos Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni Thursday condemned the killing of a truck driver at Apapa, disowning the Sergeant.

    The Sergeant attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) 23, had shot dead a driver, who allegedly stabbed him for insisting that his truck be removed from the bank’s entrance.

    Irked by the driver’s death, his colleagues had gone on rampage, setting two banks ablaze and vandalising properties.

    Owoseni, who visited the scene Wednesday afternoon, told reporters Thursday that the Sergeant acted “on his own” and has been taken into custody.

    He said despite that the policeman was stabbed; the gun given to him was not to be used at will.
    Owoseni said: “It was an unfortunate incident. Like we said before, the policeman in question has been taken into custody and currently being guarded in the hospital because he was stabbed. As of this morning, he was taken to the theatre for surgery.

    “That notwithstanding, the provisions of extant regulations of the police would be applied in dealing with the situation.

    “Without justifying their actions, I think the reaction from the drivers was as a result of bottled up anger. Some of them left their families to load at the port with expectation to return within two days, only to spend one week there.

    “But that does not mean they should take laws into their hands. What they did was brazen lawlessness. We appeal to the public that when things happen like that, the rule of law should be allowed to take its course.

    “The police are at the forefront of cleansing institutional rot and we would continue to do that. No policeman is given a gun to shoot at will. That officer is not one of us. He acted on his capacity as an individual not for the police.

    “The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been very clear on this. He abhors lawlessness and has zero tolerance for cops who do not keep to the tenets of standard policing.

    “I apologise to the public for the act of misconduct exhibited by that policeman. We would continue to ensure training and retraining of our personnel so that they discharge their responsibilities within the ambit of the law.”

    On the extent of damage done to the banks, Owoseni said it would be hasty to give statistics, since the banks were still taking stocks.

    “The banks are in the position to say what the lost. But from my assessment when I visited the place, no staff of the banks was hurt. They quickly evacuated.

    “I can tell you that three vehicles were vandalised, and the banks were partially burnt,” said Owoseni.

    The police chief said persons arrested were being screened so that those innocent would not be punished unjustly.

    He said: “There were some people with legitimate businesses there. Some of them are truck or motor boys that sleep in the park. But there are those who had no business there and only came to take advantage of the situation.

    “They are hoodlums who came to infiltrate the area and get engaged in violence or looting. Those ones would be dealt with. We are still taking stocks and so, we cannot tell you right now, those who have been screened.

    “In mob actions like that, there is every possibility that innocent people would be arrested. We do not want a situation were innocent people would be punished unjustifiably.”

  • Police arrest nine armed robbery suspects in Abuja

    Police arrest nine armed robbery suspects in Abuja

    Operatives of the Inspector General of Police’ (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested nine armed robbery suspects said to be terrorising the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Lawal Peter, 25, Emmanuel Adole 26, Ojuma Onoja, 24, Danjuma Mohammed, 30, Dickson Uche, 21 and Ali Abdul 24 were arrested at Mabushi in Abuja, while Friday Emmanuel, 28, Akaninyena Etukdo, 32, Ikechukwu John, 32, and Joe Effiong, 28, were apprehended in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

    It was gathered that a Samsung Galaxy, an Infinix Hotnote, Nokia phone, gold wristwatch, Toyota Camry 2010 model all belonging to the Pastor and six other stolen vehicles were recovered from the gang. The police also recovered the suspects’ operational house breaking and carjacking tools.

    According to the police, their arrests were made between May 22 and 27 after the IGP, Ibrahim Idris gave a marching order for the gang to be brought to book.

    It was gathered that their arrest became imperative after the gang attacked one Pastor Davies and fleeced him of his Toyota Camry, gold wristwatch and phones.

    Peter, it was gathered, was first apprehended and one of the phones stolen from the victim, an Infinix Hotnote recovered from him. He was said to have led detectives to other gang members.

    In his confessional statement, Adole, a native of Otukpo in Benue State said he sold the Camry N400, 000.

    Onoja, the police said was found with two of the pastor’s phones and the wristwatch.

    They said efforts were on to arrest other fleeing gang members and recovery of more stolen goods.

     

  • IGP seeks support for passage of Police Trust Fund Bill

    IGP seeks support for passage of Police Trust Fund Bill

     

    …To promote 30 policemen in FCT to next rank

     

     

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has called for support from stakeholders and members of the public in the passage of the Police Trust Fund bill.

    There would be a public hearing of the bill on the 11th of July for the bill that is before the National Assembly.

    The IGP also announced his intention to promote 30 police personnel within the FCT for their outstanding performance and dedication.

    Idris also explained that the promotion is a show of appreciation for their dedication since he assumed office in the last one year as the 19th indigenous IGP.

    He disclosed this Friday when he visited the Divisional Police Headquarters in Abuja.

    According to him: “Police Trust Fund bill is before the National Assembly and there would be a public hearing by 11th July. The truth is, police needs funding to buy vehicles, fuel, equipment and to give allowances to our men and I think everybody needs to support the police so that the bill can be passed on time.

    “If the bill is passed, police officers across the federation would be more effective in the discharge of their duties”, he said.

    On the promotion, the Police Chief said: “I want to appreciate our men in the FCT because they have shown rare dedication in the last one year that I have been in office.

    “I want to request that the CP makes some recommendations so that they can be promoted to the next rank. They have made Abuja safe for all of us and we can only show little appreciation for that feat.

    “For doing a good job of providing security for FCT residents, 10 Inspectors would be promoted to their next rank and 20 other Rank and File would also be promoted to the rank.”

    The IGP while charging other officers and men to be professional and disciplined in the discharge of their duties added that they should shun intimidation and harassment of innocent Nigerians.

    He said: “We are meant to protect and serve; we are to protect and serve them and not intimidate them. This is the seat of government, we have major democratic structures here; the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and other very sensitive national organs. So please take your job seriously and be very professional”.