The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NIGERIAN POLICE

  • Police fault Saraki on Melaye’s arrest

    The Nigeria Police Force has faulted claims by the Senate President Bukola Saraki on the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye.

    Saraki, in a statement, said alleged the police did not submit a letter of invitation to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    But the Force Spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood on Monday revealed copies of the letter of invitation sent to the Clerk, the medical report of the injured Police officer and pictures of the officer to serve as proofs.

    The letter to the Clerk dated 23rd July, 2018 was signed by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Ali Janga.

    The letter was received on the 24th of July 2018 by the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    It reads in part: “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Attempted Culpable Homicide reported against Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District Zone.

    “You are kindly requested to inform the said Sen. Melaye to report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command through the undersigned on Thursday 26th July, 2018 at 1100hrs to assist Police investigation.”

    The medical report of the injured Police officer, Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, from Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja was signed on 31st of July, 2018 by Dr. Aduloju F.A  on behalf of the Consultant-in-charge of Cardiothoracic  Surgery Unit.

    The Police maintained its operatives with a duly obtained Warrant of Arrest deployed to arrest Senator Dino Melaye in his residence in Abuja will not retreat until Senator Dino Melaye surrenders himself for arrest and investigation.

    Melaye is wanted by the Police for a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Attempted Culpable Homicide, committed on 19th July, 2018, when Senator Dino Melaye and his armed thugs attacked Police personnel; shot and wounded Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) on stop and search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.

    On Saraki’s claim, the Police said: “The claim by the Senate President in the Media that the Police  did not submit a letter of invitation to the Clerk of the National Assembly is therefore incorrect as can be seen on attached letter with acknowledgment stamp of the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja “24 JULY 2018“. Despite this, Senator Dino Melaye bluntly refused to report himself to the Police till date.”

    Moshood also said the Police Officer is yet to recover from the gunshot injury he sustained during the attack and still under intensive medical care in the hospital.

    The Force also said it will ensure a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure the rule of law prevails and that no suspect no matter how highly placed, involved in any criminal matter escape justice. ​

     

     

     

     

  • Former Lagos CP, Owoseni, 9 others pull out from police

    Former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, and nine other senior police officers, were pulled out from the Force on Saturday after 35 years in service.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Owoseni was police commissioner in Lagos from July 1, 2015 to September 1, 2017.

    NAN reports that the retiring officers were pulled out at a colourful ceremony in Lagos amidst cheers by family members, colleagues and other dignitaries.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence Investigation Department (FCIID), Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who represented I-G Ibrahim Idris, commended the retiring officers for their service to the nation.

    “Congratulations to all the retiring senior officers and to their families, we say a big thank you for the support.

    “As you bow out today, the I-G, the entire police and the nation say a big thank you. You have served well and God will reward you abundantly,” she said.

    A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Alapini, who represented Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Musiliu Smith, also advised the retiring officers to be wary of the environment they were retiring to.
    “You are retiring into a new world, the world of the police is different from the world of retirement. A lot of people are waiting for you thinking you have money to invest, you have to be wary and careful.
    “Please, be faithful to your family,” he said.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Oba  Saheed Ademola Elegushi of Elegushi Ikate, commended the retiring police officers for their service to the nation.
    “I know how passionate you are about the country. How you work to keep the country safe.

    “We Nigerians often forget where we come from. Nigeria’s problem has been there for a while and it will take more than four years to solve.
    “It is just for our government to the right thing,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, commended the retiring police officers for their service to the nation.

    “I understand what the police stand for as they have made Nigeria more secure, they are the greatest law enforcement agents,” the monarch said.

    Among the retiring officers were AIG Abdul Bube, AIG Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, CP Agyole Abeh, CP Joseph Agaji and CP Gbemisola Akinpelu.

    Others were CP Bello Ahmed, CP Abdullahi Ibrahim, CP Bello Yahaya, CP Adekinte Ademoju, CP Wakili Maye, CP Fave Semili and CP Ahmed Magaji.

    NAN further reports that 55 police officers of the ranks of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Commissioner of Police (CP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) retired from the force across the country.(NAN)

  • Kebbi Police rescue pregnant woman from kidnappers’ den

    Kebbi State Police command says it has rescued a pregnant woman, Hajiya Sadiya Tsoho, from kidnappers’ hideout in the state.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mustapha Suleiman, who confirmed the release of the victim on Sunday said, the police rescued the victim and no ransom was paid.

    Hajiya Sadiya, wife of Malam Anas Sha’aban, owner of the popular Sha’aban Supermarket in Birnin-Kebbi, was reportedly kidnapped last week by unknown gunmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pregnant woman was kidnapped from her home and taken to a desert area in Mahuta village, Fakai Local Government Area of the state.

    A source who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the suspected gunmen had laid ambush for the husband, Malam Sha’aban at Rafin Atiku Area in Birnin -Kebbi for hours on that fateful Sunday, July 1.

    They were said to have decided to go to his house instead when they did not get him.

    “On getting the house, they only met his pregnant wife, and they kidnapped her. We were told that the kidnappers made contact with the family and demanded for N200 million.

    “Whether they paid the ransom or not is what I cannot confirm,’’ the source said.

    Efforts by newsmen to get the husband for comments were unsuccessful as he was said to be unavailable.

    Suleiman said the woman, who was rescued successfully and in good health, had been reunited with her family.

    He said though none of the kidnappers was apprehended, but the Police were on their trail.

  • IGP charges police officers to be Tactical in crime prevention

    Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has charged officers of the Nigerian police to be tactical in the fight against crime in the country.

    The IGP also directed his officers to respect human rights and dignity in the discharge of their duties.

    IGP Idris gave the charge in Jos Saturday at the graduation ceremony of 44 Chief Superintendent of Police (CSPs) who participated in the Tactical Leadership and Command Course (TLCC)

    IGP said, “The tactical leadership and Command Course is the intermediate among the three executive courses offered by the college. The course which is for Chief superintendent of police (CSPs) draws drawn from various commands and formations across the country is designed for participants to have an overview of the Nigeria police general roles.

    “The course creates an avenue for the juxtaposition of the traditional approach to security and contemporary ways of handling same. It equally provides for thorough and comparative studies on isolated pressing and recurring security challenges with a view of improving the service tactics and successful surmounting such challenges.

    The course, being a leadership-oriented one, is meant to further impact on the participants with required skills to effectively manage their subordinates and prepare them for future leadership responsibilities.

    Having bee trained and equipped with these skills, you are expected to go back to your respective commands and formations and demonstrate your new knowledge in a more effective crime management in a professional ways to reduce crime in our society.

    Earlier in his remarks, Commandant of the College, AIG Dorothy Gimba said, “The police staff college with the support of the force management team under the leadership of IGP Ibrahim Idris has witnessed significant transformation in the areas of academic and infrastructure.

    The commandant informed the participants that to whom much is given, much is expected. She added that the participants were assigned topics of interest on contemporary issues and were expected to proffer solutions to myriads of problems bedeviling the country.

    In his valedictory remarks, course chairman, CSP Yahaya Hassan, assured the IGP and the commandant that the skills acquired in the training will be put to maximum use for the benefit of citizens of the country.

  • Police warns Saraki against interfering with investigation

    The Police on Wednesday expressed shock over the allegation by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris  is plotting against him.

    The Police said the claim was an attempt to divert the Police investigation into the killings of more than 11 innocent people from kwara State and other States of the Federation by the killer squad who operates under the guise of a cult group.

    The Police also warned Saraki not to interfere with investigation, noting that attempts to do so is an offence.

    The Police while justifying  its transferring of  the cases,  highlighted some cases that were transferred from State commands to the Force headquarters.

    It also explained that the transfer was in accordance with Police investigation procedures, adding that the IGP had no vested interest in the case.

    The Police stated its position in a statement on the matter in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to Press Statement credited to the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki  of “Plot against him by IGP”.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is shocked at the unbelievable claims, unverifiable allegations and unfounded accusations being peddled against the IGP by the Senate President, accusing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris of plot and strategies against him to settle scores.

    “The Force therefore wishes to categorically state that, there is no iota of truth in the allegation and false assertion by the Senate President of plot against him by the IGP to implicate the Kwara State Government and the Senate President in any criminal matter.

    “Until investigation is concluded, any person (s) or group(s) who tries to interfere in the investigation process by action or utterances is committing an offence.”

    Giving more insight about the suspects mentioned by the Senate President, the police said:  “To set the records straight, the Kwara State Police Command on the 11th of May, 2018, paraded the following suspects before the Media and the Public, namely;

    Abolaji Safti Ojulari of Kankatu area, Ilorin,  Lanre  Mohammed Soliu a.k.a Askari of Ile Nda Compound, Ilorin, Azeez Moyaki of Moyaki Compound, Gambari Area Ilorin,  Suleiman Babatunde of Gambari Area, Ilorin,  Yusuf Habeeb of Kangile Village, Kulende, Ilorin and Umar Yahaya of Kangile Village, Kulende,  Ilorin.

    “The suspects admitted and confessed before the press and the public to have killed 11 innocent persons in kwara State and other States of the country.”

    The Police said the suspects confessed to have killed their targets on the instructions of their sponsors.

    Names of some of the victims who were killed in cold blood according to the Police are; “Bukola Ajikobi killed on 18/01/2016 at ajikobi Area in Ilorin,  Azeez Lawal killed in February, 2018 at Oja oba area of Ilorin,  Lateef (Surname unknown) killed February, 2018 at Ode Alfa Nda area of Ilorin,  Jamiu (Surname unknown) killed in February 2018 at Idi ape area, Ilorin and One segun (Surname unknown) killed in September, 2017 at kankatu area of Ilorin.

    Others are: “Wasiu (Surname unknown) killed in September 29, 2016 at Shao garage of Ilorin,  Musiliu (Surname unknown) killed in February, 2018 at Shao Area Ilorin,  Bayo Ajia killed in January 18, 2018 at taiwo Road, Ilorin, Another Lateef killed in January 2016 at Baboko Area of Ilorin,  Abbey a student of Kwara Polytechnic killed in April, 2017 at Niger Road, Ilorin and Lanre (Surname unknown) killed on 23rd August, 2015 at Isale Aluko Area of Ilorin.”

    On why the case was transferred to the Force Headquarters, Moshood said : “Consequent upon the public confessions of these vicious and notorious killer squad to the killings in cold blood of more than 11 innocent people in Kwara State and other States of the Federation, the statutory procedure and practice in the Force is that such a heinous crime and capital offence is transferred to the Force Headquarters for further investigation.

    “This is to enable a thorough and discreet investigation into the crime.”

    On whether the IG has any special interest in the case,  the statememt stated: “It is pertinent to state that, there is no vested interest by the Inspector General of Police in the ongoing investigation into the several murders committed by this killer gang, other than ensuring that justice prevails in the matter.

    “Nobody, no matter how highly placed would be allowed to interfere or obstruct Police investigation to pervert the course of justice.”

    On some of the cases transferred to Abuja, Moshood said : “It is also imperative to let the public know that last year, suspects arrested over the mayhem and killings of innocent people in Ile-Ife, Osun State and those arrested in Southern Kaduna crisis in Kaduna State and suspects arrested in connection with Zaki-biam killings in Benue State were all transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation before they were arraigned in court of competent jurisdiction.

    “Therefore, transferring this hired assassin gang masquerading as cultists in kwara State to Force Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation is in accordance with Police investigation procedures.”

    The Police said the statement credited to the Senate President can discourage living victims and deceased families of those who must have been killed by the gang from coming forward to give evidence against them.

    The Police urged members of the public to disregard and the claim of plot by the IGP against the Senate President as a ruse, unfortunate and an attempt to divert Police investigation into the killings of more than 11 innocent people.

    The Force also said it will leave no stone unturned and will do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure justice in the matter, no matter whose ox is gored.

     

  • UN withdraws 108 Nigerian peace-keeping police in Liberia

    The last batch of 108 Nigerian police officers has been withdrawn from the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) after five years of service.

    UNMIL said the remaining 108 Nigerian FPU officers, the last UNMIL uniformed contingent remaining in Liberia, withdrew as part of the UN mission’s termination.

    The batch of 200 Nigerian peacekeepers withdrew from Liberia in February as part of the termination of the mission’s mandate, scheduled on March 30, the mission said.

    “The Nigerian contingent has been deployed in Liberia since UNMIL was first established in 2003.

    Nigeria has been a main contributor of military and police to UNMIL.

    “The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has been a steadfast partner to Liberia for the last 15 years.

    “It has supported security and security sector reform, rule of law, efforts to disarm, human rights and sustainable peace.

    “The Mission will complete its mandate on 30 March 2018.

    “UNMIL was established in September 2003 with 16,475 uniformed personnel to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia, following the conclusion of the Second Liberian Civil War”.

    An official farewell ceremony was held in February in honour of the last departing 689 uniformed personnel – 404 military and 285 police personnel – who had served with the Mission.

    This symbolised the end of UNMIL’s military and police operations in Liberia, more than 14 years after UNMIL was deployed in compliance with Security Council resolution 1509 (2003).

    Nigeria’s Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba is the Force Commander and Head of UNMIL’s Military component of men and women from various countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan and Ukraine.

    Uba was Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army before his appointment as the Force Commander for UNMIL by the former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 9, 2015.

    The Formed Police Unit composed of Nigerian and Chinese personnel and since 2003, 61 contingents from various countries had served in Liberia, UNMIL said.

    According to Uba, the mission’s uniform component military and police have taken greater stride towards strengthening peace and security, rule of law, governance among others in Liberia.

    The Force Commander stated that it was not all roses particularly for the military which had the highest fatalities of 138 personnel while the police lost 21 persons.

    “As we are closing, the memory of those 159 persons and others in the Mission will continue to live in our minds.

    “We will continue to pay special tribute to them and those who contributed to peace and security in Liberia” the Major General said.

    The Force Commander, on behalf of the Police Commissioner Simon Blatchly, expressed their profound appreciation to the uniformed component of UNSMIL.

    The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Farid Zarif, had in his speech, stated that the farewell signified an important benchmark in the history of the UN in West Africa.

    “While my colleagues in uniform are writing the last pages of the peacekeeping operations here, Liberians and their Leaders have started writing the first pages of a brand new chapter in their history.”

    Liberian President George Weah commended UNMIL for its longstanding support to peace and stability, saying the Liberian people will forever remain grateful to them for their bravery and service.

    Weah said: “Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice you have made over the years to keep the peace and stability of our beloved mama Liberia. As you leave us now, we will forever remember you”. (NAN)

  • Police arrest woman for using hot pressing iron, hot water on maid

    The Lagos Police Command said it has arrested a 36-year-old woman for allegedly using hot pressing iron and hot water to inflict injuries on her maid, one Chioma Samuel.

    Spokesman of the command, Chike Oti, told newsmen on Sunday in Lagos that the woman sought to hide the crime by dressing-up the maid to cover the wounds .

    Oti described the incident as another case of man’s inhumanity to man, adding that the girl was assaulted last Wednesday at 47, Ogundana Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said the girl was mentally and physically abused by the suspect by using hot pressing iron to cause grievous injury on the victim’s hands and legs.

    According to the police spokesman, the suspect also poured hot water on the maid which scalded her skin.

    “On Thursday March 8, the woman’s crime against the girl was exposed when she brought her children to a private school located somewhere in Ikeja alongside the maid.

    “Unfortunately for her, the prying eyes of other mothers who came to the same school to drop off their kids, noticed the gaping wounds on the upper and lower limbs of the victim who accompanied the suspect to the school.

    “After questioning the girl, they waited for her Madam who had gone to drop her kids in their different classrooms. When she finished and was about to drive off, she was confronted by these women who nearly mobbed her.

    “They were calmed by some teachers who heard their piercing voices which rented the air. The women told the suspect to take the girl to a hospital or else they would petition the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

    “In spite of their warnings to report her to the authorities, the woman stubbornly came to the school on Friday March 9, accompanied by the child victim whose wounds were manifestly untreated.

    “On seeing that their warnings were taken for granted, the women made good their promise to call the attention of the Commissioner of Police, who  immediately ordered the arrest of the woman,” he said.

    Oti said that investigation into the case was in progress, stressing that the woman would be charged to court on Monday. (NAN )

  • Police arrest suspects after trailing stolen vehicle to Abia

    Police arrest suspects after trailing stolen vehicle to Abia

    The Nigerian Police, Enugu State Command, have arrested three suspects over a stolen vehicle after they were trailed for three months to Abia.

    The command’s Spokesman, Superintendent of Police (SP) Ebere Amaraizu, said this in a statement on Saturday in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said that the feat was achieved by police operatives of the New Haven Division in Enugu.

    The spokesman said that the suspects were nabbed after the police followed a clue gathered through intelligence report.

    According to him, the three suspects are now helping the police in their investigations in connection with the alleged crime committed.

    Read Also:  Police  kill suspected kidnapper in Ogun forest

    “It was gathered that suspects allegedly, on Nov. 1, 2017, snatched and stole a Toyota Sienna car with registration Number LND 388 AS at gun point from the owner at Nnaji Park axis of New Haven in Enugu.

    “The suspects escaped to an unknown destination but never knew that police operatives had been on their trail,’’ he said.

    Amaraizu said that the vehicle had been recovered from the suspects.

    According to him, full scale investigations have commenced into the incident and also on the nefarious activities of the suspects.

     

    NAN

     

     

  • Police kills suspected armed bandit in Zamfara

    Police kills suspected armed bandit in Zamfara

    A police patrol team in Zamfara has killed a suspected armed bandit during an exchange of gun fire with the suspected group of bandits in Bukkuyum local government area of the state.

    This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Muhammad Shehu and issued to newsmen in Gusau on Thursday.

    Shehu said the team was on patrol between kuyambana and Katamfawa villages in Bukkuyum local government area on Tuesday when a group of armed bandits was discovered.

    He said an exchange of gun shots ensued  between the police and bandits and one of the bandits was shot dead while other members of the group escaped in the bush to avoid to avoid arrest by the Police.

    “A locally made gun and one handset were recovered from the fleeing bandits.

    “A lead is currently being followed by the police to track down the remaining members of the gang as some have sustained gunshot wounds”, Shehu said.

    He said the command would continue to rely on credible information from members of the public against all forms of criminals in order to stop criminal activities in the state.

    He urged people of the state to remain calm, law abiding and continue to cooperate with them and other security agencies in an effort to ensure peace and stability in the state.

  • Suggest a winning number for this police

    Suggest a winning number for this police

    A police officer spotted at a bet station at Kappa Junction Oshodi Lagos on Tuesday.

    Police