Tag: Kayode Egbetokun

  • IGP hails CP Uche Henry’s election as head INTERPOL African

    IGP hails CP Uche Henry’s election as head INTERPOL African

    …as 10th Africa cybercrime working Group meeting ends in Abuja

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has felicitated with CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), on his election victory as the Chairperson of the Africa Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Units for the period of 2024-2026.

    The election which was determined by INTERPOL delegates from the quad of Malawi, Cameroon, South-Sudan and Nigeria saw the Nigeria Police Cybercrime coming top, with Cameroon emerging as Deputy Chairperson.

    CP Henry’s appointment follows the conclusion of the 10th Africa Working Group Meeting on Cybercrime for Heads of Units held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel from April 29th to May 3rd, 2024.

    According to a statement issued Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “With over 8 years of experience in fighting Cyber and Cyber-enabled crime, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry brings a wealth of expertise to this critical role.

    “In his acceptance speech, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry expressed his deep honour and commitment to lead the esteemed group of dedicated professionals in combating cybercrime across the continent. He emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among member units to enhance collective efforts in preventing and investigating cybercrimes effectively in Africa.

    Read Also: Nigerian CP Uche emerges head of INTERPOL Africa

    “CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry outlined key areas of focus, including the establishment of specialized Cybercrime Units, investment in technology and capacity building, and legislative support to address cybercrime effectively, amongst others. He stressed the importance of leveraging indigenous technologies to address Africa’s unique socio-cultural challenges in cyber security.”

    The IGP noted that the election of CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry is a clear indication of his dedication and expertise in leading the fight against cybercrime, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent and globally.

    He charged CP Uche, as chairperson of the Africa Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Units, to make significant strides in combating cybercrime and promoting cyber security in Africa, expressing readiness of the NPF to engender salient technological advancements to improve on the existing cyber security system of the force.

  • Cybercrime affecting governments, individuals, businesses, says IG

    Cybercrime affecting governments, individuals, businesses, says IG

    The Inspector–General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed concerns that cybercrime has become a serious threat which affects governments, businesses and individuals.
    According to him, 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 IG spoke at the opening 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, Egbetokun added, has equally invested in capacity building and development of expertise in cybercrime investigation with the largest collection of globally-certified cybersecurity experts and investigators in Sub-Sahara Africa.

    Read Also: NFF, Sports Minister divided over new Super Eagles coach


    He noted that the NPF National Cybercrime Center has been involved in the global fight against cybercrime through robust collaboration with national and international partners leading to groundbreaking successes.
    “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.
    “It is with great pleasure and honor 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…”

  • My views on state police personal, says Egbetokun

    My views on state police personal, says Egbetokun

    Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Ben Okolo yesterday said his comments rejecting state police during a one-day dialogue in Abuja were personal.

    Okolo, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said his views were aimed at stimulating national discourse.

    He said they do not represent the position of the police.

    The AIG said in a statement: “My expression on state police at the session held at Abuja Continental Hotel on 22nd April 2024 is my personal opinion to stimulate the discourse.

    “They are not the views of the Inspector-General of Police or the Nigeria Police Force.”

    Okolo’s comments came after two former Nigerian leaders – Dr  Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar — threw their weight behind state police.

    The AIG had said at the event that the country was not mature for state police.

    He added that apart from leading to multiple command structures, state police could become a political tool in the hands of governors.

    Okolo also said state policing would exacerbate ethnic tension and lead to divided loyalty in the states.

    He said: “It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police.

    Read Also: The APC governorship primary in Ondo

    “State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.

    “There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.’’

    He also argued that states lacked the funds needed for the type of police system the country requires.

    Rather than establish state police across the country, the AIG recommended merging the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission to form departments in the NPF.

    He also said there is a need for a yearly recruitment of about 30,000 police personnel into the force annually to meet the United Nations (UN) requirement for modern policing.

    Jonathan restates backing for state police

    Also yesterday, Dr Jonathan attributed the steady progress recorded by successive governments in Akwa Ibom to the prevailing peace and security in the state over the years.

    He stressed the need for the Federal Government to give serious thought to the institution of state police.

    He spoke with reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Governor Umo Eno in Uyo, the state capital.

    Dr Jonathan was in Akwa Ibom as the head of a business delegation to consult with Eno on the possible establishment of an oil and gas hub for domestic use and the power sector.

  • IG deploys 17 AIGs, 18 CPsin police shakeup

    IG deploys 17 AIGs, 18 CPsin police shakeup

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the posting and redeployment of 17 Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGs) and 18 Commissioner of Police (CPs) with immediate effect.

    The affected AIGs include Yetunde O. Longe to AIG Training; Haruna Gabriel Garba to AIG Armament; Rex Dundun to AIG FCID Annex, Kaduna; Durosinmi A. Olatoye to AIG Zone 2, Lagos; Afolabi Babatunde Adeniyi to AIG Zone 3; Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi to AIG Zone 12, Bauchi; George Chijioke Chuku to AIG Zone 17, Akure; Paul Alifa Omata to AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa, and Yusuf Adesina Akeem, fdc, to AIG Zone 8, Lokoja.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), reads: “The newly posted/redeployed Commissioners of Police include Patrick Atayero to CP EOD; Illiyasu Yahaya Kwarbai to CP Admin. Air Wing; Bello Mohammed Sani to CP Force Provost Marshal; Olorundare Moshood Jimoh to CP Eastern Port; Rose Chollom Dung to CP Welfare; and Olarenwaju Ogunlowo to CP Special Intervention Squad.

    Read Also: IGP orders posting, deployment of 17 AIGs, 18 CPs

    “IGP Egbetokun, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at the Goodluck Jonathan International Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, decorated 35 senior police officers comprising 14 AIGs, 21 CPs with their new ranks amidst cheers from families, friends, and well-wishers.

    “The newly decorated officers include AIGs Yetunde Longe, Haruna Gabriel Garba, Tajudeen Akinwale Abass, Julius Alawiri Okoro, George Chijioke Chuku, and CPs Olanrewaju Peter Ogunlowo, Mohammed Dahiru, Dankombo Faling Morris, and David Iloyanomon,” the statement said.

    Egbetokun congratulated the newly decorated senior officers, stressing the need for the newly posted and redeployed AIGs and CPs to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their assignments.

    He expressed confidence that their ardent impact would boost the endeavor for excellence in the discharge of police constitutional responsibilities.

  • IG orders probe of ‘unprofessional conduct’ of Rivers policemen

    IG orders probe of ‘unprofessional conduct’ of Rivers policemen

    Following allegations of unprofessionalism, kidnapping, name-dropping, extortion and illicit enrichment against some officers of the Rivers State Police Command, Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered swift investigation to unravel the allegations and ascertain its veracity for action.

    He said the Nigeria Police “views these allegations with utmost seriousness.”

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “With the swift intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the officers fingered in a petition by lsrael Joe on behalf of Mr. Atubi Davison are being interrogated by the IGP Monitoring Unit as part of ongoing investigation to unravel the allegations.”

    “As previously stated, the Nigeria Police Force views these allegations with the utmost seriousness and is fully committed to conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

    Read Also: Ripples over mechanic allegedly fortured to death by Rivers policemen

    “To ensure fairness and impartiality, the complainant who made these allegations will be contacted to come forward and cooperate by providing more relevant information regarding the matter.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, cautions the public about fraudulent individuals who always attempt to exploit the reputation of the Inspector General of Police and other senior officers for personal gain.

    “He urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent Senior Police Officers in any dubious activities while reporting such to the NPF and the Force Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) desk in any state of the Federation”.

  • IGP orders clampdown on culprits over attack on security officers in Imo

    IGP orders clampdown on culprits over attack on security officers in Imo

    The Acting Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the arrest and prosecution  of those involved in the killing of security operatives in Imo State.

    The security agents affected comprising police officers, the Military, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were said to be responding to a distress call from the area which turned out to be fake, and targeted at luring them into the ambush.

    Read Also: 134,000 PVCs uncollected in Imo, says  INEC

    The incident, the police said, occurred on Tuesday in Oriagu, Ehime Mbano Area of Imo State.

    According to a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The Nigeria Police Force deeply mourns the recent attack on security operatives in Imo State, an event that has resulted in the tragic loss of precious lives of officers from various security agencies who have been dedicated to ensuring peace and protecting lives in Imo State.

    “This serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices that our security personnel willingly embrace in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has, however, assured the public that the NPF is fully committed to collaborating closely with other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this heinous act while relentlessly pursuing the cause of justice.”

  • IGP sets up panel of inquiry over cadet’s death

    IGP sets up panel of inquiry over cadet’s death

    Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun yesterday set up a 7-man Panel of Inquiry headed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Abiodun Alabi, to probe the death of a cadet at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

    The deceased, Sulaiman Jika, died on Friday, September 1.

    A statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IG gave the panel a four-day deadline to submit the report of its findings and recommendations.

    Read Also: Major shakeup as IGP redeploys Frank Mba, Bala Ciroma, other newly promoted DIGs, AIGs

    He charged the probe panel to carry out detailed and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

    Other members of the panel include the AIG Training and Development, AIG Oyeyemi Oyediran; Force Medical Officer, CP Garba Emmanuel Nzukwen; CP Homicide FCID, CP Fom Pam Joseph, psc(+); CP Training POLAC, CP Patrick Edung; representative of the CP Legal as the secretary, and the Principal Staff Officer II to the IGP, ACP Idris Abubakar.

    The police boss, Adejobi said extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and relations of Sulaiman Jika and the academy community, assuring that he was deeply empathetic to their pain and loss.

    He said the Force would ensure justice was done in the case.

  • Police justify arrest of Kwara Senator

    · Arrest eight persons in connection with shootings

     

    Kwara state police command on Friday justified the arrest of a Senator representing Kwara south senatorial district, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim.

    The command added that the senator, who doubles as the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in tomorrow’s election, was arrested in connection with the bloody shooting on Tuesday in Ojoku, Oyun local government area of the state.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital in preparation for the presidential and National Assembly election, Police Commissioner Kayode Egbetokun said that the shooting incident led to loss of one life.

    He added that in the process six persons were also injured and they are still in the hospital.

    Representatives of army, air force, civil defence corps were in attendance at the joint press briefing.

    He said the Air Force Helicopter have been hovering around the state capital to ensure air surveillance.

    “You have been seeing the Air Force Helicopter moving around. It is in the air for area surveillance it is for your protection. There is no need for any panic,” he said.

    On the arrest of the Senator, he said: “It is true that we have a senator in our custody and his arrest was made in connection with the incident at Ojoku on Tuesday 19th of this month.

    “Don’t forget, a life was lost to that incident. That cannot happen and we just fold our arms.

    “Let me again reiterate our resolve to be fair to all. And I am assuring that no innocent person will be arrested and if in the event that any innocent person is arrested the person will be released immediately.”

    He added: “We are however, jolted by two incidents that happened in the last few days. On Tuesday 19th of this month at the palace of Olojoku of Ojoku an ugly incident occurred.

    “One of the senatorial candidates for the election was in the palace of the monarch for a visit. Unfortunately, armed thugs attacked his convoy.

    “At the end of it one person was declared dead and six people injured. The injured people are still receiving treatment in the hospital.

    “While we were still managing that, yesterday (Thursday) when the Vice President visited us, something unfortunate happened. As the convoy of the vice president left Isale-Aluko the crowd behind was shot at by yet-to-be-identified person.

    “At the end of it two people were injured and they are receiving treatment in the hospital.

    “Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the Ojoku killing and the Isale-Aluko incident. More of these suspects will still be arrested and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law. The arrested are undergoing investigation.

    “Let me add that when carry out arrest, we don’t consider the party those arrested belong to. Criminal suspects are treated as criminal suspects.

    Read Also; Polls: Kwara, Kano, 10 others major flash points, says CCC

    “We don’t even want to know the party they belong. We are security agents. We are neutral and non-partisan and we are resolved to continue to maintain our neutrality.”

    On the use of security agents to harass opposition, Egbetokun said: “That has been the usual rumour. Let me tell you before this election, there was no arrest by any of the security agencies. If the botched election had held no election would have been made.

    “It will be unfortunate for anybody to now consider the arrest we have made as an attempt to intimidate the people in opposition. We don’t know who is in opposition and we don’t want to know.”

  • Gunmen attack APC Senatorial candidate in Kwara

    Kwara Police Command has confirmed that gunmen attacked a Senatorial Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Arch. Lola Ashiru, and his campaign train in Ojoku in Irepodun Local Government area of the state.

    A statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, DSP, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Wednesday.

    The statement quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kayode Egbetokun, as saying that police officers were dispatched to the scene at Ojoku immediately the report of the gunmen attack on Ashiru was received Wednesday evening.

    Ashiru is the APC candidate for Kwara South Senatorial District.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap 70-year-old retiree

    The statement read in parts: “a team of policemen, led by the DPO Ilemona and the Squadron Commander 68 Pmf, Offa successfully brought the situation under control and rescued the candidate unhurt.

    “It said that suspects, who were actively involved in the attack, were arrested and peace was restored.

    “Manhunt for the remaining fleeing suspects had since begun, while discreet investigation of the incident is ongoing.

    “The Command is restating its commitment to the safety of lives and property of the people of Kwara State.

    “While warning sternly that hooliganism, thuggery, unlawful possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons will be met with superior forces and suspects arrested will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “Political party leaders are reminded of the peace accord they signed with respect to political campaigns in the state.

    “The Command is appealing to the victims of this attack and their sympathisers not to result to self-help rather have confidence in the command that justice will not only be done, but will be seen to have been done in this case.

    “The following GSM numbers can be called when in distress before, during and after the elections”, it said.

     

  • I’m in Kwara to discharge my duty with honesty-Egbetokun

    The new Kwara state Commissioner of police Kayode Egbetokun on Sunday said he was in Kwara to discharge his duty with honesty and would not be influence by his past in discharging of his duties.

    Mr. Egbetokun assumed duty on Sunday at the state and expressed hope to have a ‘pleasant’ stay in the state.

    He refused to respond to the series of allegations over his posting.

    Egbetokun warned against spreading falsehood and unsubstantiated allegations, promising to deal with culprits who engage in such tradition.

    The new police boss addressed reporters in Ilorin, the state capital before going into a close door meeting with senior officers of the command.

    He said he was ready to offer protection for those who have been on the streets of Ilorin, the state capital, protesting his deployment, so long as they remain peaceful.

    Egbetokun was optimistic that the command under his leadership will accomplish much given the calibre of officers and men he has met in ground, some of whom he noted have worked with him on different occasions in this trajectory as an officer.

    Said he: “I am excited to be in Kwara, for one reason. I came in this morning and many of the officers I met on ground are men that I have known and I know they have integrity. They are fantastic men that I have met before and I look forward to working with them again.

    “The success of a police commissioner depends on the team that he has to work with. I just feel very much at home in Kwara. All these officers know what I stand for; everywhere I have worked I am committed to excellent service delivery.

    “I am in Kwara to discharge my duty with vigour, honesty and integrity. Where I have worked before doesn’t matter. I believe in the principle of rule of law, fairness and justice. My stay in Kwara will be very pleasant. I am committed to upholding and protecting human rights of the people. However criminal elements will not have a hiding place here; they either decide to change or relocate.

    “I am sure the Inspector General of Police has responded adequately to the issue of my posting and so I don’t have anything to say again on that.

    “Silence they say is golden although sometimes people may mistaken your silence for acceptance of guilt but in his case I know I am not guilty. I will provide level playing field for all participants.

    “I see protests as exercise of  fundamental rights for as long as it remains peaceful. So protesters will always be protected, it doesn’t matter if the protest is against me. So long as you remain  peaceful, you will have my cover.

    “I want to warn; let us all be careful not to spread falsehood, let us be careful not to get used to a culture of engaging in misrepresentation of facts. It is dangerous, it is not good for our country.”

    He expressed confidence that the visit by President Muhammadu Buhari today would be peaceful and also promised that having gone through the operational order for the command.

    He was sure the forthcoming election in the state would be hitch free.