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Tag: Inspector- General of Police (IGP)

  • Why I retained Arase as IGP – Buhari

    Why I retained Arase as IGP – Buhari

    Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari Thursday explained why he decided to retain outgoing Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase when he assumed office on May 29, 2015.

    The President who spoke at the public presentation of a publication “Cascade of Change: A Decade Of Liberal Thoughts” authored by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said Arase’s dossier and his intellectual capacity in the field of operations was enough to convince him to allow the former IGP to finish his tenure and retire gracefully from the Police Force.

    Buhari who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina quoted Arase as saying that it was very strange for him to have been invited for a farewell dinner in his honour at the Abuja State House on Monday, June 20.

    According to him, the recent practice has been to be sacked on the pages of Newspapers.

    But quoting President Buhari on why he retained Arase till the end of his tenure, Adesina said: “When it was the turn of the President to speak, he explained why he kept Arase as IGP.

    “He said, he saw the quality of his mind and he saw the quality of things, he had written. You know Arase has many publications to his credit and he also saw his capacity as an operation person and he decided to keep him till his tenure expired”.

    Adesina said the President appreciates sound mind and intellect, adding that Buhari said Arase expressed fears that he expected that he would be sacked before the end of his tenure.

    His words:  “While he (Arase) was speaking at the dinner, he told the President that it was very strange for him to have been invited for a farewell dinner, because, what we know in Nigeria is that, you are sacked on pages of newspapers.

    “Arase, also had the fear that, since, he was inherited by Buhari’s administration, he was not sure that he would be retained; so every day, he had the trepidation that he would hear that he had been removed.”

    Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said his administration has succeeded in laying a strong foundation that would propel the State to emerge as a globally competitive City-State, adding that the next line of action was to consolidate on the gains made so far to deliver on first class infrastructure and economic growth.

    He said the State has the privilege of housing the largest collection of media houses in Nigeria, saying it was an indicator to the fact that every journalist, editor, columnist and blogger has a role to play in the development of the State.

    Ambode while commending the author of the book said it would no doubt go a long way to enhance knowledge as well as shed more light on issues of public discourse and enrich policy design and implementation process.

    He said Mr. Ayorinde’s contributions and participation as the arrowhead of the media and strategy team during his gubernatorial campaign was instructive to what the State Government could achieve if members of the team are on the same page.

    He urged Nigerians to enrich their personal libraries with the book, just as he called on spirited individuals and corporate organisations to purchase copies and endow the libraries of tertiary institutions in the State for the benefit of the students who are the future of our society.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba said in the last one year, Governor Ambode has silently embarked on massive transformation of the State.

    He also commended the swiftness in which the Governor attends to issue of infrastructural renewal, saying many testimonies abound that Governor Ambode is a silent achiever, adding that such was what governance should be all about.

    On his part, a public commentator and development expert, Professor Pat Utomi recalled the early days of Governor Ambode in office when he was criticized by many as lacking the capacity to lead the state, adding that his response then was “you got to think, plan and act,” adding that he was happy that the Governor has proved him right.

    In her goodwill message, former Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, Dr. Doyin Abiola said she was proud that Lagos has always been a centre of excellence producing people of excellence.

    She said: “I have never met the Governor and I have never had any discussion with him but from what he has been doing so far, it was clear that he was prepared for the job and he has been moving from step to step.

    “I have always wondered how Lagos survived when the Local Government allocation of the state was withheld by the Federal Government. I could not understand it and it was said that Governor Ambode successfully managed the account of the state at that time and so I want to commend them for the good works they are doing and urge them to continue.”

    The public presentation of the book was also witnessed by dignitaries including the Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu 1, former deputy governors of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro who represented Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Princess Sarah Sosan, representatives of Oyo and Osun State Governors, as well as the crème-de-la crème of various national dailies, including Chairman Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Editor, The Nation, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, among others.

  • Journalists, others barred as Ese gives evidence in camera

    Journalists, others barred as Ese gives evidence in camera

    Journalists and parents of Ese, Rose and Charles Oruru, were Wednesday denied access to the courtroom following the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa to take the minor’s evidence in camera.

    The court’s judge, Justice Njiya Ngajiwa delayed Wednesday’s proceeding for about four hours to enable it dispense with other matters scheduled for the day before handling the case involving the minor.

    Ese was brought to the court under heavy protection by security operatives who shielded her from journalists.

    As at 4pm, the minor was still undergoing cross examination by lawyers to Yinusa Dahiru, his alleged abductor, who reportedly impregnated her.

    Only lawyers representing Dahiru, who is facing a five-count charge in the case between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Dahiru and the prosecution were allowed inside the chambers.

    Dahiru, a Kano indigene is standing trial for abduction, illicit intercourse, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of the 14-year-old Ese.

    The prosecution was led by Mr. Kenneth Dika, Deme Pamosoo and Joy Wokpe of the International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA), a non-governmental organisation,

    The defendant, Dahiru, aka, yellow, was represented by Mr. Kayode Olaosebikan, Abdul Mohammed and Oyebiyi Towo.

    When asked how he felt when he heard that Ese gave birth, Dahiru insisted that Ese was his wife.

    “I don’t want to talk, but she’s my wife,’’ he told journalists, before the prisons officials who accompanied him shut him up.

    But Charles and Rose were obviously angry that they were not allowed into the chambers.

    They waited outside the court premises while their daughter’s evidence was being taken.

    Ese who recently gave birth to a baby girl is still in the protective custody of the Bayelsa state police command.

  • Lawyer petitions NHRC, IGP over arrest, detention of client

     

     

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase and the chairman Police Service Commission (PSC), have been petitioned by a lawyer, Chuka Obele Chuka, following the unlawful arrest and detention of his client Ifeanyi Agazie.

    Though, the suspect had been released, but the counsel alleged that he had been summoned again to report at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun state after the Anambra state police commissioner had released him on bail.

    Agazie a student of federal polytechnic Nkekde, Imo state, it was gathered was arrested by the (SARS) in Ogun in May, 2016 when he visited a factory where he worked two years ago as casual.

    His visit to the place, Chuka claimed in his petition, was to solicit for educational assistance from the owner of the company, but he ended up being assaulted and bundled into an unmarked bus hired by the team of policemen.

    During his arrest, the policemen had allegedly, seized his wallet said to contain the sum of 1,300 naira. ATM card and West African examination council scratch card from the suspect.

    However, the counsel was urging the IGP and the NHRC to direct the federal (SARS) to withdraw the said invitation as according to him, it constitutes a continuous infraction of his clients’ right under the constitution of the land, adding, he had no business going back to Abeokuta.

    Already, the matter had been taken to Ihiala High Court in suit No. HIH/MISC.618/2016 where Justice J.I Nweze gave orders that the suspect’s properties should be returned to him by the policemen who arrested him.

    Also, the court ordered that the respondents (Police) are hereby restrained from arresting or detaining the applicant on the basis of the same facts and complaints which gave rise to the suit, pending the determination of the suit.

    But Chuka Obele Chuka, had raised the alarm that the invitation of the suspect to Abeokuta in Ogun state by the (SARS) was to flout the court order, which according to him had become the norm in police quarters.

  • Biafra day celebration: Police arrest 12 agitators in Rivers.

    Biafra day celebration: Police arrest 12 agitators in Rivers.

    Men of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), of the Rivers state Police command on Monday disrupted the peaceful match by members of Ralph Uwazurike-led Movement For the Actualization of the Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOP), at
    Obigbo, in Obigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    The Biafra agitators numbering over 200 were on a peacefulmatch along the streets of the LGA to mark their annual “Biafra Day”, when the men in five truckload double crossed them and ordered them to stop.

    After brief explanations by the agitators and some phonecalls by the leader of the team, their banners, some members Identity cards andapron, especially
    those marked “Biafra Red Cross” were removed from their owners (body and necks), and taken away by the Police.

    Twelve of the members were also arrested, including the middle aged woman, and six members of the band
    (music), group who were playingband for them as they matched and danced. All the musical instruments were
    alsoseized.

    The agitators who did not struggle with the Police during the arrest expressed surprise that the Police could interfere with their peaceful exercise, which did not in any way affect traffic in the area. The leadership of the group said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Obigbo Police station knew about the match. They expressed concern that they did not know where their members were taken to.

    They called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase to direct his men to release their members and return all their properties seized as soon as possible, insisting that MASSOB is a non-violent Movement that preaches peace. Reacting shortly after the incident, the Zonal Administrator, Rivers South, Sunday Kalu Amuzie said, “Today is a very big day to all Biafrans around the World, we are marking the anniversary of the Independence of Biafra. It is being celebrated across the globe.

    “But our activity today was somehow disrupted by Men of the Nigerian Police who interfered in our peaceful street
    match program and arrested 12 of our members including a woman and members of our band. The arresting Police officers also made away with our banners, members Identity cards,
    apronsand band instrument, but we neither struggled with them nor reacted to their action.”

    Asked if he knew about the subsisting ban on all forms ofstreet match by the state government, said: “We were not informed, moreover, we were on a peaceful street match pass, to create awareness of the Biafra Day celebration, June 30, every year and not to make or
    create any troubles.”

    Also asked if the state Commissioner of
    Police was aware ofthe exercise, said, admitted that he was not informed but that the DPO Obigbo Police station was
    somehow informed, since it was a non-violent exercise. The group’s state Director, information and publicity, Anukem Anthony recalled that Biafra Day celebration was revived 17 years ago by their Leader, Uwazurike, and has since them been celebrated without any hitch on this date (June 30).

    He condemned the arrest of their members by the police, and called for the IG’s quick intervention. The Spokesman of the state police command Ahmad Muhammad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police was unable to react to the incident as at press time. He said that he was yet to be briefed.

  • Agatu killings: Benue demands N100b compensation

    Agatu killings: Benue demands N100b compensation

    The people of Benue State are asking for N100b compensation for the attacks on Agatu area of the State by unidentified Fulani herdsmen that led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

    As a solution to the clashes arising from cattle grazing in the State and other parts of the country, the State government is insisting that cattle ranching is the only solution to the clashes.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, who said President Muhammadu Buhari directives in March led to a flurry of activities, however disclosed that 18 people have been arrested in connection with the Agatu attacks.

    He however disclosed that the police was yet to gather enough evidence to prosecute the suspects.

    Thursday at the continuation of a House of Representatives  public hearing on Agatu killings by unidentified Fulani herdsmen, the IGP told Committee on Police Affairs that efforts were made to put in preventive measures after interactions with governor Samuel Ortom and town hall meetings held with communities in Benue and Nasarawa States over the incidents.

    While he affirmed that security reasons would not allow him to divulge some sensitive information publicly,  Arase said the police was willing to work with vigilante groups, while beefing up the Benue State Police Command with intelligence, more personnel and technology.

    However, in his presentation, MUT President General, Edward Ujege said about 500 people were killed in the attacks while asking for N100b in compensation.

    Ujege, who said the attacks were deliberate and professionally executed, lamented the deterioration of relationship with the Fulanis that had barely 50,000 herds of cattle in 2010 but by 2016 having more than a million in the State.

    Saying that the herdsmen attacks took place in 14 out of 23 Local Government Areas of the State, Ujege also aleged that chemical weapon might have been used by the herdsmen that have killed thousands since the outbreak of the attacks.

    He said: “The herdsmen have ransacked whole communities in Benue and other parts of the country, plundered, killed and chased everyone out; and are now comfortably settled on these lands.

    “Between 2015 and 2016, 101 persons had been killed, 6650 others were displaced andproperties worth N8, 335,664,000.00 was destroyed by the herdsmen in four local councils in the state namely: Buruku,Logo,Tarka and Ukum.

    “Fulani herdsmen have invaded and occupied portions of 11 out of 14 local government areas constituting 78 percent of TIV speaking areas as follows: Guma and Gwer West LGAs 75 percent of the wards have been invaded and occupied while in other LGAs 25 percent of the wards are being occupied.

    While he disregarded suggestions for grazing routes, Ujege said cattle ranching is the solution, adding that cattle rearing should be treated as a private business.

    The Deputy Governor, Benson Abonu said the issue of herdsmen attacking communities should not be treated with levity because “There is more than meet the eye” over the issue going by the manner of execution the attack.

    According to him, the attacking herdsmen were seen in black uniforms.

    He said the State government has only one position on the solution to the issue, which iscattle ranching.
    Number of those killed in the incidents however varied with MUT puttng it at 500, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) puts its own figure at 300 in its presentation while the IGP said the police can only find three.

    The Committee however tasked the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to step up its responsibility by identifying Fulanis that aren’t Nigerians.

    The Committee also want the attacking herdsmen to be recognized as terrorists to enable the State subject them to the laws of the land.

    Representatives of Miyetti Allah failed again to attend the second day of the hearing before it was adjourned indefinitely.

     

  • Agatu killings: Dambazzau, Arase absence stalls investigation

    Agatu killings: Dambazzau, Arase absence stalls investigation

    The House of Representatives has asked the Minister of Interior, Gen Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd) as well as the Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Solomon Arase to appear before its Committee on Police Affairs Thursday.

    The House may be forced to apply the instrumentality of the law to compel the state officials should they fail to comply with the directive, the summoned officials were warned.

    The invitation followed the failure of the Interior Minister, the IGP, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major Gen. Buratai as well as the Director General of the Department of State Services  (DSS), Musa Daura among others to appear before the Committee for a public hearing on the attack of some Benue communities by unidentified Fulani herdsmen.

    The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the representatives of Fulani herdsmen were also absent at the hearing yesterday.

    In attendance were only officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Tiv socio-cultural association, Mdzough U Tiv (MUT).

    The leadership of the House expressed disappointment that the exercise that took great efforts to put together was met with such nonchalant attitude by some of the stakeholders.

    A visibly disappointed Chief Whip, AL Hassan Doguwa, who represented the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara regretted that most critical stakeholders failed to show up for the hearing.

    “If need be, here may be a need to revert to the constitutional powers conferred on the House to compel the absentee government agencies to attend the hearing and participate fully.

    “It is disheartening to the House to see that agencies that were particularly affected by the subject at hand were not here,” he said.

    Chairman of the Committe,  Haliru Jika, earlier in his remarks said the alarming influx of unidentified herdsmen into Benue State and the consequent threat to peace, life and property could not be overlooked by the House.

    “The problems caused by the Fulani herdsmen and the communities where the graze their herds has assumed a hydra-headed dimension seeking immediate solution.

    “The work of Committee is not to witch hunt but to seek facts and report back to the House,” he said.

    With the dismal attendance, Jika was forced to adjourn after a short execusive session of the Committee as he  willing to continue the hearing after MUT made its presentation.

    However, with several members of the Committee insisting that nothing would be achieved without the presence of the IGP in particular due to the sensitivity of the situation, the hearing was put off after the presentation of the Tiv group, MUT.

    MUT lamented the deterioration of relationship with the herdsmen that had barely 50,000 cattle but now having more than a million in the State.

    The group also alleged that chemical weapon might have been used by the herdsmen that have killed thousands since the outbreak of the attacks.

    “883 persons were killed in 2014 with 23324 displaced and properties worth N31.4 billion destroyed.

    “101 persons were murdered in Buruku, Logo and Tarka LGA in 2015 with 6650 displaced and properties worth N8.3 billion displaced.”

    The group also rejected the proposed grazing routes for cattle as a solution to the problem, “The cattle herdsmen go about with are not government cattle, so tax payers’ money should not be used to establish ranches for the Fulani.

    “Those who have cattle/livestock must find the funds to buy land where they can afford and establish ranches for their livestock,” the group noted.

     

  • Herdsmen: IGP orders CPs to convene town hall meeting

    Herdsmen: IGP orders CPs to convene town hall meeting

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase has directed State Commands Commissioners of Police (CPs) and the FCT to immediately convene town hall meeting in their respective State Commands.

    The meeting is expected to address the misinformation, anxiety and animosity being generated in relation to the current security challenges associated with local communities and herdsmen.

    The IGP also directed all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands (AIGs) to personally oversee the process in order to ensure urgent compliance.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole.

    The IGP who stated that the proposed meetings be held at State and Area Commands as well as at Divisional levels, explained that it will enhance the process of reassurance policing and need for peaceful coexistence and sensitivity of each community’s value, space and interest.

    The forum would have traditional rulers, community leaders, public officials, religious actors, youths bodies, local vigilante groups, women/market associations, Police Community Relations Committee, other sister security agencies, professional bodies, media, State and non-State actors as participants.

    While reassuring the public of the Force’ commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians, Arase urged the citizen to put their differences aside and courageously continue to support the Police in the face of current security challenges confronting the country.

     

  • Killings: Homicide investigators despatched to Rivers

    Killings: Homicide investigators despatched to Rivers

    • As spy Police Officers get new uniform

    Experts in murder case investigation in Nigeria have been dispatched to Rivers state to investigate the various killings in the state.

    Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase disclosed this in Port Harcourt the state capital on Monday.

    Arase was in the state for the formal launch of the new uniform for Supernumerary Police (Spy Police), officers organized by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

    He said the team of investigators from the Force headquarters, Abuja are in the state to take over the investigation into the killings to ensure that the culprits, irrespective of who, were punished in accordance with the law.

    The security Boss condemned the spate of killings in parts of the state and the country in general and described as unacceptable the high rate of killings and illegal arms possessions in the state and country and assured residents and citizens alike of the security agencies’ determination to ensure that hoodlums, (cultists, robbers, kidnappers), among others do not take over the states.

    “It is unacceptable that people should take laws into their hands, this is not a Hordecians state where might is right and I have told the Commissioner of Police, we must go after whoever takes the life of anybody and ensure the person is treated according to the law.

    “Again, the proliferation of firearms in the system is not acceptable not only in Rivers state, but across the length and breadth country, this is also a reflective of the international environment. It is a global thing, but we will make sure that we did not allow a group of criminals to overwhelm the state. I assure the people of this country that we are going to clamp down on them and bring them to book.”

    “For those alleged of masterminding the killings in the state and those on the police invitation lists are being investigated. I have dispatched a team of homicide investigators from Abuja to come and take over the investigation in the state. As you know, when things like this happen there is usually different perspective to it.

    “I have always taken a stand that Police is supposed to be apolitical m and if we are going to be apolitical, we must be professional in our approach in investigating these matters that is why I have deployed the team to take over most of these cases and ensure they are professionally investigated.

    No fewer than 12 persons, including a family of four, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in Ula-Upata and Edoha Communities of Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state last weekend. The Police confirmed the death of all four persons.

    The bodies of some of the victims were reportedly missing, but their heads were said to have been seen floating in a nearby river.

    The state commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo assured that the criminals would be tracked soon, but assured that normalcy has returned to the communities as security has been beefed up in the area.

    Kimo appealed for release of timely information to the police just as he urged community members to organise community policing vigilante groups to man their communities.