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Tag: Mohammed Adamu

  • Polls: 323 arrested nationwide for electoral offences – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police ( IGP ) Mohammed Adamu has disclosed that no fewer than 323 suspects have been arrested for electoral offences across the country.

    The suspects he said, following various electoral offences committed in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Read Also: IGP condemns attacks on police officers

    The Police chief also revealed that the Force lost two of its personnel during the election while several others were attacked and assaulted.

    The IG noted that a Police Team will liaise with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute electoral offenders.

     

    Details shortly…

  • IGP condemns attacks on police officers

    ACTING Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has condemned attacks on policemen across the country.

    A Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) was attacked in Brass, Bayelsa State, on Sunday and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was also attacked at a collation centre in Umuahia, Abia State.

    The police boss, in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force spokesman, ACP Frank Mba, who described the attack as unprovoked”, ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of persons involved.

    The IGP also said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack on a police officer in Umuahia.

    The statement added: “The IGP, who described the incident as unwarranted and unprovoked, warns that under his watch, such brazen acts of impunity will not be condoned.”

    The IG, who said the attacks on the personnel of the Force shows the risk involved in policing, called for support from stakeholders.

    “These attacks have once again highlighted the risks and hazards inherent in policing our clime, and the need for stakeholders and government at all levels to continue to support the officers and men of the Force in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

    He also praised Nigerians, who identified with the Force by denouncing the actions against the police officers performing their legitimate duties.

  • IG orders probe of assault on DCP in Bayelsa

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered assessment of the alleged assault on a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) by suspected political thugs in Twon Brass, Brass Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bayelsa State Command, Butswat Asinim, said the IG sent a high-powered delegation headed by the Deputy Inspector of Police (DIG), Fredrick Lekanu, to probe the incident.

    He said the IG asked the team to unveil the identities of persons connected to the incident, arrest and prosecute them.

    Butswat said: “On 24th February 2019, political thugs numbering over four hundred stormed the Government Jetty at Brass Island and assaulted a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who was deployed to supervise the elections in Bayelsa East Senatorial District.

    “This conduct is viewed as a gross affront to the constituted authority and the laws of the land.

    “The DIG, while addressing senior officers at the Bayelsa State Police Command condemned the act in its entirety and in line with the instructions of the Inspector general of Police, ordered for the identification, arrest and prosecution of all those connected, no matter how remote, their proxies and sponsors.

    “The DIG, stated that the IGP was miffed by the the ugly incident, but appreciates the conduct displayed by the officers in the face of obvious provocation.

    “DIG Fredrick Lakanu fdc, also ordered for reinforcement of officers to flash points areas in the State to forestall any break down of law and order and urge the members of the public to be law abiding and not to be tempted to take the laws into their hands”.

  • Breaking: We’re more than ready, INEC assures

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has assured it is more than ready for the rescheduled general election starting tomorrow.

    Its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said all arrangements have been put in place for commencement of the exercise.

    He also declared only those with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be able to participate in the exercise.

    The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu also assured eligible voters, observers and INEC officials of their security.

    Read Also: INEC moves sensitive materials to Bayelsa LGAs

    Adamu stressed that no armed security personnel will be allowed at the polling units.

    He doused the fears of voters, saying the force will be professional during the exercise.

    Details shortly…

  • Polls: IGP orders tight security nationwide

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered nationwide tight security ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly election.

    The IG also directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGs) deployed to the geo-political zones to ensure adequate coordination and supervision of security personnel deployed for the elections.

    Adamu also charged the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police to beef up security in their Area of Responsibilities.

    He also warned officers deployed nationwide to remain apolitical and non-partisan adding that he will not tolerate any form of impunity or unethical conduct on the part of any personnel.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday by the Force Spokesman, ACP Frank Mba.

    The statement reads: “In view of the Presidential/National Assembly Elections scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, 23rd February, 2019, the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered a water-tight and robust security arrangement in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “In this vein, the IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector Generals of Police already deployed to the six geo-political zones of the Country to ensure adequate security presence, coordination, supervision and implementation of security strategies for the election in all Polling Units, Registration Area Centres (RACs), Super RACs, Collation Centres, INEC offices, Government and critical National Infrastructures, flash and vulnerable points across the States of the federation.

    “Similarly, the Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) in the 12 Zonal Commands and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been directed by the IGP to beef-up security in their respective areas and to work closely with the Senior Police Officers deployed on election duties to the three senatorial districts and form part of security management base for each State.”

  • Army cautions personnel on politics

    The Nigerian Army has again warned its personnel against involvement in politics.

    Also yesterday, the Inspector-General (IG) of Police Mohammed Adamu, warned troublemakers, especially ballot box snatchers to perish the idea of disrupting the rescheduled polls.

    The Army described as untrue the allegation that its officers were involved in Rivers State politics.

    Sounding the note of warning in a statement in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, the army warned its personnel and officers to stay away from political campaigns or escort of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) for political missions.

    Col. Musa said it had become imperative to make the army’s position known considering the fact that members of the public might be misled to believe the unsubstantiated allegation of the involvement of a military officer in the Rivers state saga.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to an allegation of involvement of one of its officers in politics in Rivers State which was found to be untrue.

    “The Nigerian Army would have ordinarily ignored such baseless insinuations but for the unsuspecting members of the public who may be misled to believe the unsubstantiated allegations of political involvement of a military officer.

    “The Army has made it sufficiently and consistently clear that none of its personnel will be involved in political campaigns,  escort of VIPs for political missions and above all, aiding or supporting any political party as has been circulated in official circulars and statements.

    “Although a detailed press statement has been released, the need to further make the position of the Nigerian Army clearer is therefore imperative.

    “Our Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct have not assigned any political role to the Army in this regard. The Army’s involvement starts and ends with the provision of a peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of 2019 General Elections.

    “The Nigerian Army strongly believes that the Citizens, like responsible media, have complementary constitutional roles to play, especially towards ensuring national security, information management, peace, and safety of Nigerians.

    “The Army will continue to achieve and sustain constructive engagement, obedience to the rule of law and obedience to constituted authority at all time in the spirit of civil-military relations.

    “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has consistently called on soldiers to uphold the tenets of military professionalism and be guided by the rules of engagement and the constitution of Nigeria toward sustaining a responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    “Therefore, any insinuation or assertion against this open declaration is not only mischievous but politically motivated with the intent to tarnish the reputation of the Army which has been built on discipline and obedient to civil authorities under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff.

    “Members of the public are therefore urged to always ignore information attributed to the Nigerian Army that are contrary to its core values of professionalism, respect for others and open declaration on the rules of engagement.”

    The IG told Nigerians that the Police have been mobilised to deal with anybody planning to snatch ballot boxes or make trouble during the elections.

    He gave the warning in a chat with reporters after the security meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting had reviewed security situation in the country, especially towards the general elections.

    IG Adamu assured that the police were ready to protect every eligible Nigerian to exercise his or her civic responsibility.

    “Anybody that tries to disrupt the elections by engaging in ballot boxes snatching, he said, would have himself or herself to blame,” Adamu said.

    He also said that any act of thuggery and touting during the polls would be met with grave resistance.

    The IG said: “Today, members of the security community and intelligence community came and briefed Mr. President on the security situation in the country.

    “We deliberated on the consequences and came up with the resolve to further provide adequate security within the country so that the electorate will come out and cast their votes without any fear of molestation.

    “Every Nigerian is encouraged to come out on the Election Day and cast his or her vote without any fear of molestation. The security personnel are ready and prepared to protect everybody.

    “Anybody that feels that he can come out and disrupt process should have a rethink because that situation will not be allowed. If you plan and allow yourself to be used as touts, whatever happens to you, you will take it.

    “Ballot snatching, ballot buying, thuggery will never be allowed, anybody that is planning to snatch ballot boxes or planning to be used as a tout, will have his or herself to blame on the Election Day. So, you better don’t allow yourself to be used.”

    The directed officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent (ASP) upward earlier deployed for election duty to return to their bases.

    This followed the recall of officers from leave in a signal released by the Force Secretary.

    Sources told The Nation that the directive was not unconnected with the need to ensure adequate security before, during and after the general elections.

    “Though election was postponed, we were still asked to ensure security at all INEC offices and facilities. We have been at INEC since Friday. Only officers from the rank of ASP and above were directed to return to their bases.

    “We have been guiding INEC election materials until on Monday that they eventually moved them all to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “There are fears that some criminally-minded people and thugs sponsored by politicians might want to disrupt election, so, the need to have enough hands ready.

    “There have also been pockets of violence like in Kano, Akwa Ibom and remember that Boko Haram also attacked some communities in the morning of the Election Day. All these have been analysed and those at the top arrived at the conclusion that any policeman or woman currently on leave be called back.”

    But some Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives said they were yet to receive their election duty allowance, an issue The Nation gathered.

    A sergeant who said he was yet to receive the N35,000 duty allowance, told our reporter that a signal was sent yesterday requesting that the names and account details of all those affected be forwarded to the force headquarters.

  • Polls: IGP warns troublemakers

    The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu on Tuesday warned politicians and other Nigerians that it is fully prepared to deal with anybody planning to snatch ballot boxes or make trouble during the forthcoming elections.

    He gave the warning while briefing State House correspondents after security meeting Presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting had reviewed security situation in the country, especially towards the general elections.

    Adamu assured that the police is ready to protect every eligible Nigerian to exercise his or her civic responsibility.

    Anybody that tries to disrupt the elections by engaging in ballot boxes snatching, he said, would have himself or herself to blame.

    Read Also:  IGP vows to end scourge of jungle justice

    He also said that any act of thuggery and touting during the polls will be met with grave resistance.

    He said, “Today, members of the security community and intelligence community came and briefed Mr. President on the security situation in the country.

    “We deliberated on the consequences and came up with the resolve to further provide adequate security within the country so that the electorate will come out and cast their votes without any fear of molestation.

    “Every Nigerian is encouraged to come out on the election day and cast his or her vote without any fear of molestation. The security personnel are ready and prepared to protect everybody.

    “Anybody that feels that he can come out and disrupt process should have a rethink because that situation will not be allowed. If you plan and allow yourself to be used as touts, whatever happens to you, you will take it.

    “Ballot snatching, ballot buying, thuggery will never be allowed, anybody that is planning to snatch ballot boxes or planning to be used as a tout, will have his or herself to blame on the Election Day. So you better don’t allow yourself to be used.” he said

  • Polls: IGP warns troublemakers

    *Says ballot box snatchers will face grave consequence

     

    The Acting Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Mohammed Adamu on Tuesday warned politicians and other Nigerians that it is fully prepared to deal with anybody planning to snatch ballot boxes or make trouble during the forthcoming elections.

    He gave the warning while briefing State House correspondents after security meeting Presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting had reviewed security situation in the country, especially towards the general elections.

    Adamu assured that the police is ready to protect every eligible Nigerian to exercise his or her civic responsibility.

    Anybody that tries to disrupt the elections by engaging in ballot boxes snatching, he said, would have himself or herself to blame.

    He also said that any act of thuggery and touting during the polls will be met with grave resistance.

    He said, “Today, members of the security community and intelligence community came and briefed Mr. President on the security situation in the country.

    Read Also: We are ready for Saturday elections, APC boasts

    “We deliberated on the consequences and came up with the resolve to further provide adequate security within the country so that the electorate will come out and cast their votes without any fear of molestation.

    “Every Nigerian is encouraged to come out on the election day and cast his or her vote without any fear of molestation. The security personnel are ready and prepared to protect everybody.

    “Anybody that feels that he can come out and disrupt process should have a rethink because that situation will not be allowed. If you plan and allow yourself to be used as touts, whatever happens to you, you will take it.

    “Ballot snatching, ballot buying, thuggery will never be allowed, anybody that is planning to snatch ballot boxes or planning to be used as a tout, will have his or herself to blame on the Election Day. So you better don’t allow yourself to be used.” he said

  • Restriction of movement during elections illegal – Adegboruwa

    Activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has said there is no legal basis to restrict movement during elections.

    He said cited a Federal High Court judgment, which nullified the restriction of movement during environmental sanitation, saying the verdict’s principles ought to apply during elections.

    Adegboruwa recalled the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu had announced that there would restriction of human and vehicular movements for 12 hours from 6am to 6pm due to the elections, which were later postponed.

    He said it was beyond the IGP’s powers to forcefully keep people at home because of elections.

    According to him, there is no law in force in Nigeria authorizing such unlawful restriction of movement.

    “The Federal High Court had occasion to pronounce on a similar illegal directive in the case of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Esq. v. Inspector-General of Police & 5 others in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1690/2014.

    “In that case, the applicant, a legal practitioner, was on his way to honour an invitation as a guest speaker of Channels Television for an early morning programme on June 29, 2013, being the last Saturday of the month.

    “He was accosted by policemen and LASTMA officials at the Ketu end of the Third Mainland Bridge, where the road had been barricaded on account of some compulsory three-hour environmental sanitation programme declared by the Lagos State Government.

    “The applicant was denied free movement and was arrested and detained briefly but later released.

    “Being dissatisfied with the action of the policemen, the applicant instituted an action at the Federal High Court to challenge his arrest and denial of his right to move around,” the senior lawyer said.

    Read Also: Elections: APC UK wants INEC reviewed, reformed

    According to him, in striking down “this odious practice”, Justice Mohammed Idris (now of the Court of Appeal), held that restriction of movement on account of environmental sanitation was illegal.

    The judge held: “Consequently, the restriction imposed on the applicant and other peace loving residents of Lagos State during the environmental sanitation day without a law prescribing such restrictions is unjustifiable and a gross infringement of the right to personal liberty and movement of the Applicant and the court so holds.

    “Everyone high or low must be prepared to justify his acts by a reference to some statute or common law power which authorises him to act precisely in the way in which he claims he can act.

    “Superior orders or state necessity are not defence to an action otherwise illegal.”

    Adegboruwa said the IGP did not appeal against the judgment, “yet he proceeded to hold people down at home on February 16, 2019, contrary to the express order of injunction granted by the court in this case against any repeated illegal practice of keeping citizens indoors.”

    “We will, therefore not condone or agree with any attempt to restrict people’s movement illegally, on February 23, 2019 or indeed any other day, by reason of elections,” Adegboruwa added.

  • Police deploy four CPs for elections in Ekiti

    The Ekiti State police command on Friday said three Commissioners of Police have been deployed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu to monitor Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in the State.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, who disclosed in Ado Ekiti on Friday, said the Commissioners, whose names were withheld, would monitor each of the senatorial districts of the state.

    Ikechukwu added that the police have also devised new techniques to checkmate vote buying, revealing that plain-clothed operatives will be deployed to all the 2,195 polling units to arrest the perpetrators.

    “The operatives will mingle with voters and from there have the knowledge of those engaging in this electoral offence”, he said.

    Ikechukwu disclosed that the security details of Very Important personalities, including politicians in the state have been withdrawn, with the exception of that of Governor Kayode Fayemi and his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi.

    The Command spokesman stated that three security men will be deployed to each of the polling units to secure the staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and both sensitive and insensitive materials to be used for the conduct of the elections.

    Read Also: Ekiti residents protest killing of farmer by suspected herdsman

    “The security arrangements have been made in such a way that there would be no room for security lapses. Three security men comprising police, NSCDC and immigration officers will man each of the polling units.

    “As of now, three police Commissioners are on ground to work with CP Asuquo Amba. Each of them will man the three senatorial districts to enforce compliance to restriction of vehicles, except those on essential services and to make sure that no one circumvents the laws of the land regarding these elections”.

    Ikechuckwu stated that the Special Tactical Unit of the Police Force will be deployed to each of the 16 local government areas of the state to attend to emergency situations that could undermine the conduct of the polls.

    “These are armed unit of the police who will be on standby and they are to tackle cases of violence, attempted ballot snatching and ballot stuffing. They would also help in putting politicians who may want to demonstrate abuses at check”, he said.

    He added that Special Protection Unit of the Command have been deployed to provide protection for international and observers and other groups accredited by INEC to monitor the election.

    He said policemen are already on ground in all the INEC offices across the state, including the headquarters in Ado Ekiti to prevent cases of arson.

    “CP Amba and other top officers will also monitor these elections and our hotlines are on. We are on ground to entertain complaints from the members of the public.

    “We are on ground to ensure that we have credible elections. In having credible election, violence and other infractions that could mar the process must be checkmated and that is what we are here to enforce not to interfere in electoral matters”.