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Tag: Mohammed abubakar

  • Probe arms proliferation in Ekiti, rights group urges IG

    Probe arms proliferation in Ekiti, rights group urges IG

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mohammed Abubakar, has been urged to probe the source of illegal weapons in the hands of non-state actors in Ekiti State.

    In a statement yesterday, the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) said rallies held by some parties were characterised by open display of weapons by young civilians.

    The statement was signed by the NHRC’s Southwest Coordinator, Mr. Habib Falua.

    The NHRC, a coalition of 136 civil rights groups drawn from across the country, has been in Ekiti for three weeks to monitor processes leading to the June 21 governorship election.

    The group described the situation as a “red alert” and urged the IG to investigate the alleged arming of young people by politicians.

    It said: “We have received several reports from residents and locals who are alarmed at the rate of proliferation of arms in rallies organised by political parties linked with the Federal authorities.”

    NHRC said armed young men recruited by politicians torment the local population with arrogance and contempt for the democratic election, adding that the non-collection of over 250,000 voter cards by locals may not be unconnected with the growing public resentment against the election “because its outcome seems predetermined by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.

    It said the armed gangs move from town to town, dropping the name of President Goodluck Jonathan as their godfather and boasting that the election has been worn by the PDP before the contest.

    The group said: “This is a dangerous trend. The President needs to distance himself from this display of open horror. It is worrisome. It may be easy to win an election, but politicians should worry more on how to sustain the peace.

    “The country cannot end the orgy of violence when democratic expressions are suppressed at gun point by officials expected to defend the people.”

    The group said Vice-President Namadi Sambo’s description of the election as war has compounded the situation, adding: “Parents are complaining that their wards are being armed by the ruling party in Abuja. The youths display these weapons openly.”

    It said while the President is mobilising the international community to stem terrorism, some of his critics think his domestic policies appear to encourage state-sponsored terror against Nigerians, “which is certain to fuel rage and bitterness”.

     

  • Nigeria’s police democracy and the Adamawa affair

    Nigeria’s police democracy and the Adamawa affair

    EVEN though President Goodluck Jonathan has finally bowed to opposition and public pressure to shelve his (campaign) visit to Adamawa State, the fallouts from the aborted visit are still reverberating in democratic circles all over the country. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state had apparently been denied use of the commodious Ribadu Square in the state capital, Yola. Unhappy about the denial, the party had complained loudly and even made oblique reference to a breakdown of law and order if the denial was not rescinded. The state government, claiming it had nothing to do with the refusal, suggested that the square had a management committee running it, which should be blamed. Mercifully, everyone was saved embarrassment.

    However, the response of the police to the controversy while it lasted leaves much to be desired. The state’s police commissioner, John Abakasang, wrote an impertinent letter to the governor forcefully suggesting he reverse the denial. In tone, the letter was riling and patronising. Hear him: “…Our state is fragile and we must do all it takes to maintain its relative peace…Your Excellency, you have been known to be a man of peace and not otherwise, these steps (reversal of denial) were necessary so that disgruntled elements do not take advantage of the denial to throw the state into chaos…We believe that the refusal to allow some groups of people the use of the venue for lawful activities and granting approval to other groups to use the same venue could pose more tension than making the venue available for use by every group.”

    A few days later, the IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, also warned politicians to desist from making inflammatory statements capable of worsening terrorism. But it was clear he was referring to the letter written by Adamawa governor, Murtala Nyako, to northern governors alleging genocide against the Jonathan government. The IGP and his men, it is obvious, believe their loyalty is to the president and not to the constitution. This is why they often carry on in the tradition of former military governments talking down to the political class, rather than working in the background, advising the state governments and pre-empting crime. Had they focused more on their constitutional duties rather than imposing on governors and summoning them for dressing down at will, perhaps the anti-terror war would have achieved some success, and crime would be under control.

  • IGP orders probe of DPO over alleged rape

    IGP orders probe of DPO over alleged rape

    The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has ordered investigation into the alleged rape of a female detainee by a Divisional Police Officer in Lagos.

    A non-governmental organization, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRI), had early sent a petition to the IGP over alleged rape of one Miss Idowu Akinwunmi by the DPO of Onikan Police Station, Adekunle Awe, a Superintendent of Police n his office on April 15.

    The victim who informed NOPRIN that she works at ‘Abua Mamaput & Bar’ (makeshift restaurant) at 11, Keffi Road, Ikoyi, said she was arrested by police operatives attached to the division on April 15 at about 1am from her work place over a complaint lodged at the police station by her employer, one Mrs. Pelumi Idowu.

    She was allegedly detained in the cell and at about 10pm, one Inspector Ajiduwe brought her to the DPO office where she was raped.

    The victim alleged that the DPO forcefully had canal knowledge of her without protection in his office and later threatened to send her to prison if she mentioned the rape to anyone.

    Akinwunmi alleged that she was released the next day after the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) one Inspector Taiwo extorted N10,000 from her, adding that she now has severe stomach pains following the said sexual abuse by the DPO.

    The National Coordinator of NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma, noted that if not for the early intervention of the IGP, the matter would  have been swept under the carpet.

    A panel of three senior police officers drawn from the Lagos State Command’s X- Squad, Human rights Section and office of the Public Relations Office had been set up to investigate the matter.

     

  • Easter: Police offer security tips to worshippers, others

    Easter: Police offer security tips to worshippers, others

    The police on Thursday offered personal security tips to both Christian and Muslim worshippers in Friday’s Jumat service and Church services on Sunday and Monday in the various worship centres across the country.

    As part of the security measures, the police urged worshippers to reduce the number of vehicles around worship centres so as to make the task of keeping surveillance on the area easier.

    The police also advised that abandoned and disused vehicles should not be parked within or close to places of worship or residential areas, adding that vehicles parked overnight in those premises must be properly vetted and identified.

    In a statement issued by Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the police similarly directed that empty and disused containers and other forms of receptacle (including dustbins) must be properly disposed or stored far away from the reach of unauthorized persons.

    Members of the public were also advised to keep clean and to look out for strange or suspicious objects in flower pots and flower edges around residential buildings.

    The statement reads: “The police high command also enjoins worshippers to make conscious effort to know fellow members of their congregation, as this will make it easier to know who is a stranger in their midst. Worshippers must be at alert and report all suspicious characters and observations to the police.

    “The worship centres are enjoined to discourage hawking and clustering/loitering within their vicinity before and during worship. Worshippers are equally advised to refrain from entering the worship centres with hand bags, brief-cases and other related items.

    “The Force equally advises operators of motor parks, shopping malls and recreational centres to work very closely with the police and other security agencies as they strive to strengthen general security in their respective facilities.

    “While assuring the public of the Force readiness and commitment towards ensuring a safe and secure environment, the Inspector-General Police, Mohammed Abubakar, wishes Nigerians very peaceful and happy Easter celebrations.”

     

     

     

  • IGP: we’ll bring perpetrators to justice

    IGP: we’ll bring perpetrators to justice

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar said yesterday security agencies will bring to justice perpetrators of Monday’s bomb blast at Nyanya motor park in Abuja.

    Abubakar, who visited the scene of the blast yesterday, urged the citizens and the international community to remain calm and vigilant.

    Over 70 persons were killed in the blast while over 100 were injured in the rush hour blast.

    In a statement by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the IGP said the police and other security agencies were stepping up measures to uncover and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.

    The statement said: “The IGP further noted that security agents have relentlessly worked round the clock with significant success to stave off such attacks on the federal capital and other parts of the country.

    “He, therefore, reassured Nigerians and foreign nationals that security agencies will do anything possible to further strengthen the security within and beyond Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

     

  • Police deploy special forces in Zamfara

    Police deploy special forces in Zamfara

    The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the deployment of police Special Forces in Zamfara State to prevent the escalation of attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

    Over 200 persons were reportedly killed by the herdsmen at Yargaladima village and other communities during a security meeting called by vigilance groups in the community.

    A statement yesterday by Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said the deployment comprised 10 units of the Police Mobile Force; three units of conventional policemen; a unit of counter terrorism personnel; border patrol teams; and Force Intelligence personnel.

    The Special Forces are to reinforce the existing police personnel in the affected areas, with the police air wing providing aerial patrol and surveillance.

    “While commiserating with the families of the victims, the IG urges citizens to cooperate with the Force in restoring peace and security in the area and advised them to be law-abiding as they go about their businesses,” the statement added.

    The police boss was said to have earlier set up a reconciliatory committee headed by DIG Michael Zuokumor with a mandate to reach out to communities and stakeholders in the states that have witnessed similar attacks in recent times.

     

  • Mobile units deployed in Benue

    Mobile units deployed in Benue

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday said four units of mobile police (about 600 men) have been deployed in Benue State to tackle the communal crisis.

    He spoke shortly before a meeting with assistant inspectors-general (AIGs).

    The AIGs are in charge of the 12 zonal commands across the country.

    He said the meeting would review the security situation in states under the zones and adopt strategies to address them.

    “As I talk to you, I have four units of mobile policemen from the headquarters in Benue bush.

    “They are led by the deputy inspector-general (Operations) and commissioner (Mobile Force); they are there to protect innocent people,’’ he said.

    Abubakar named Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kaduna and parts of Zamfara as locations where there were clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

    He listed some challenges in tackling the clashes as difficult terrain, delay in getting information and lack of police presence.

    “These attacks take place in the bush; most of the victims are in the villages and we encounter difficult terrains.

    “Second, information comes to the police late because of network problems; remember, in most of these places, there’s no police station or posts.

    “So, the commissioner in each command has to grapple with how to take policemen to such places and how they will remain there for the duration of their work,’’ he said.

    Abubakar noted that years back, there were grazing areas and routes for herdsmen, adding: “Today, the story is different; no grazing places and no routes; so this is part of the problem.’’

    But he said the situation in the Northeast was getting better due to efforts by the police and other security agencies.

    “On terrorism in the Northeast, I am glad to say the situation is getting much better than before,’’ he said.

    Abubakar said the police had not failed in the fight against terrorism, although he admitted the military had taken the lead.

    “You need to understand the difference between the declaration of war and internal security in Borno.

    “When it comes to war, the military is in the lead; it is not because of the failure of the police. Once there is war, the military takes the lead.

    “In Borno State, we work with the military; where the military finishes its job, the police occupy the place and provide security and allow constituted authorities to exist,’’ he said.

    Abubakar said robbery and kidnapping had declined significantly.

    “You will agree with me that robbery and kidnapping have declined significantly but we won’t take chances,’’ he said.

     

  • Slash in police budget

    Slash in police budget

    •I-G’s complaint should be looked at on its merit so we don’t underfund the force to our detriment

    While defending the budget of the police before the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, the Inspector–General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, forewarned of a possible major crisis in the force unless the Federal Government reversed its decision to cut the personnel budget for it in the 2014 budget. The chairman of the committee, Usman Kurmo, confirmed the cut in the police personnel cost to be about N13bn. Kurmo rightly noted that the cut was surprising as there was no large-scale retrenchment or retirement in the police in the last one year to justify it.

    Now, certain things are not clear in this matter. The IG said the overhead cost of the force was N10.8bn in 2009, N15.5bn in 2010, N 5.5bn in 2011, N8.1bn in 2012, N 7.6bn in 2013 and N6bn in 2014. Now, if the salary cut is actuallyN13bn in 2014, which the IG is complaining about, perhaps, the cut should be seen from the point of view of the total budget approved for the police last year. Also, while it is noted that there was no large-scale retrenchment and retirement from last year’s personnel, no evidence was presented for a large-scale recruitment of staff in 2014. Is it not reasonable for the IG to tell the committee the number of police stations in each state of the country, among others, to support his alarm for shortfall in personnel cost?

    All said however, the police must be properly funded, irrespective of their shortcomings. We understand the IG’s fear about salaries and allowances that might be affected if the shortfall is not redressed, that is if it is indeed a genuine oversight. If his men are not paid their entitlements promptly, this will affect their morale and it does not augur well for discipline and efficiency. Should this be the case, it is Nigerians that will suffer.

    We have not forgotten that some issues cropped up about the police force last year which stunned not only Nigerians but also outsiders. This was the story of how 50 police trainees shared one fish head at police colleges. We were also told of the paltry sums that accrued to each of the police divisions in the country that could not have made them deliver as they had to rely on goodwill to get basic things like papers on which people write their statements at the police stations. In many instances, there is no provision for fuel for patrol vehicles, and so on.

    Much as we are happy that Kurmo has already discussed the matter with the Director-General of Budget of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu, who assured him that the issue would be sorted out, we do not understand why the new integrated salary payment system across all agencies would lead to the shortfall in police budget, among others’, as stated by Okogu. On what basis did the budget office base its assumption that “what is provided for the police will be enough for the personnel cost?” Meanwhile, the IG has complained that the entire N6bn voted for personnel cost could not cover the cost of fuelling the 10,232 police vehicles scattered all over the country alone.

    We hope the matter would be resolved in a way that Nigerians would have value for every kobo they invest in the police force. What we should be concerned about is that the appropriation is well defended. If giving the police more money is what would improve their efficiency, especially at a time the force is overstretched by insecurity, so be it. We no longer want to see a continuation of the system whereby our police officers and men would be at the mercy of good Samaritans. If we want an effective police force, we must be ready to fund it.

     

  • Judge’s absence stalls contempt proceedings against IGP

    Judge’s absence stalls contempt proceedings against IGP

    The absence of Justice Ibrahim Auta, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, again, stalled the contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.

    The court could not go on with the proceedings as earlier adjourned on January 21, because Auta was said to be attending a meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    It would be recalled that the matter was adjourned on the last adjourned date for the same reason.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Auta had issued a contempt of court summons against the IGP, mandating him to appear before the court on January 21, or be committed to prison.

    The absence the judge in court on January 21 had compelled the court registrar, in conjunction with counsel to parties in the case, to fix February 27 for hearing in the contempt suit.

    NAN reports that the summon was sequel to a contempt of court charge (Form 49) filed against Abubakar by a constitutional lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN).

    Falana had submitted that the police boss had “persistently refused to obey court orders and had disobeyed the judgments of three Abuja High Courts.”

    He contended in his submission that the judgments of the courts had stopped the police from interfering with the activities of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN).

    Falana further alleged that the IGP had refused to lift the ban placed by police on the operations of the Peace Corps as ordered by the court since 2009, notwithstanding the said judgments.

    The matter was again adjourned to April 7 for hearing.

     

  • 2014 Budget: IGP faults allocation to police

    2014 Budget: IGP faults allocation to police

    The Inspector-General (IGP) of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, said the Nigeria Police may not be able to pay the salaries of its personnel in 2014 due to a shortfall of N14.4 billion in the personnel cost.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2014 budget defence in the Senate, the IGP said the budget office earmarked N279 billion for personnel cost against N293 billion required to pay the police personnel.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Abubakar lamented the steady decline in budgetary allocations for overhead to the police despite the increasing security challenges it had to contend with.

    The IGP added that the slight increase in the capital expenditure in the 2013 budget was because of the injection of constituency projects.

    He, however, noted that out of the N14 billion appropriated for capital expenditure in 2013, only N10.9 billion was released.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police, Sen. Paulinus Igwe ( PDP- Ebonyi), expressed concerns over the reduction in the budgetary allocation for personnel cost particularly at this time of growing insecurity in the country.

    He said the committee would assist the police in any way it could.