The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NIGERIAN POLICE

  • NFVCB, FVPMAN’s bust of Alaba, a slap on NCC

    FOR decades, any attempt by right owners and law enforcement agencies to raid Alaba International Market Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, in the name of piracy activities was considered a suicide mission.

    I was a witness in 2006, when suspected pirates in Alaba market resisted arrest by mobilizing other marketers who launched a vicious attack on officers of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and men of the Nigerian Police.

    The Police arrived the market with the anti-piracy team of the NCC. They had barely gone 30 minutes into the operation when a suspect dealt a police officer a blow in the face. Another brought out a gun and shot an officer in the leg. Members of the team scampered in different directions as stones, bottles and other dangerous objects were hauled at them. The Police abandoned their lorries in the pandemonium.

    The incident occurred on June 12, 2006, two weeks after former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Adebayo, assured the then Director General of NCC, Adebambo Adewopo, of full Police support.

    The incumbent government of Muhammadu Buhari’s desire to turn the creative industry to creative economy took a serious look at issue of piracy, and after the last Creative Industry Summit, a collaboration was announced between the Police and a special taskforce set up by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. But just before the committee could settle down for work, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) hit a sudden blow on Alaba, by arresting four piracy suspects, and confiscating film titles and replicating machines worth over N50 million.

    The NFVCB raid was carried out by members of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) who constitute an earlier taskforce, set up by the newly appointed Executive Director of NFVCB, Adedayo Thomas, to fight unauthorized distribution, as well as unlicensed and uncensored films.

    It is instructive to note that the chief players in the recent ambush on Alaba include the NFVCB boss; notable film marketer, Gabriel Okoye, aka Gabosky; Chairman of FVPMAN, Emeka Aduah, and film marketer and lawyer, Nobert Ajaegbu.

    “This is the first time I am seeing a very coordinated raid of these intellectual thieves,” a filmmaker noted.

    It is interesting to know that a consistent raid of Alaba, over a period of five days could be successful. It is also curious, as one would imagine that this became successful the first time the NCC was not involved in the operation. This is lending credence to the popular belief that bad eggs in the Commission may have been acting as informants to the pirates. This feat is a slap on the NCC, and an indication that indeed, it is possible to break the ranks of the notorious Alaba market pirates.

    Not only was the NFVCB able to beat the NCC to its game, the former embarked on a ride that could offend the latter’s mandate, by utilizing its mandate on licensing for distribution, classification and censorship to set a pace for possibility.

    With this eye-opener, the NCC and the larger taskforce of the creative industry should move in swiftly to keep the fire burning. The mandate of the NFVCB is not to fight piracy, but fortunately, the pirated works cannot be taken to the agency for censorship or distribution bid. Thus, the pirates are potential captives of the NFVCB. This can only be more interesting, as the offence of the pirate is multiplied.

    With the bad eggs in the NCC in mind, and the need to keep the anti-piracy moves watertight, the fight can only be sustainable, if the NFVCB man is able to identify the bad eggs in his agency and put them where they belong.

    Stakeholders must be wary of divide and rule antics which the pirates have used to keep themselves on top. There is no doubt that they (pirates) may want to infiltrate the anti-piracy team.

    Actors and other popular faces should support this new energy by speaking against piracy and educating fans on the need to patronize original copies of DVDs alone.

    It can only be a win-win situation for the right owners if this energy is sustained, long enough for the pirates, who are enamoured of this business to seek the legitimate way, deploying their financial and material resources to help the surplus that proper distribution require nationwide, and in fact, internationally.

  • Three policemen dismissed for robbing fuel tanker

    Three policemen dismissed for robbing fuel tanker

    The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, said on Thursday that three policemen have been dismissed for hijacking a petroleum tanker in the state.

    Ibrahim said the dismissed policemen are also being prosecuted.

    He stated these while presenting the culprits and 21 other suspects who were arrested for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching, cultism and murder, to journalists in Asaba, the state capital.

    He said the dismissed policemen had served in Edo, Delta and Imo, and had connived with two other people to commit the crime.

    The commissioner said the two people had earlier been arrested, tried and sentenced to prison terms.

    He said the five-man gang confiscated the petroleum tanker which was carrying about 33, 000,000 litres of petrol along Agbor/Benin Expressway, tied up the driver and the conductor and took away the tanker.

    He listed the dismissed policemen as – Sgt. Christopher Onyegho (Ex-F/No.375631), Sgt. Nwakem Enonzim (Ex-F/No.413318) and Sgt. Michael Chimaera (Ex-F/No.441254).

    He said: “During my last briefing I informed you about the three serving policemen who were involved in robbing a petroleum tanker, and were undergoing department disciplinary measures.

    “The department proceeding has been completed and the policemen have been dismissed and arraigned in court.”

    NAN

     

  • Army special school to train Police, NSCDC

    Army special school to train Police, NSCDC

    The Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe, will train “strike forces” which will be deployed in liberated communities in North-East, Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali, has said.

    The personnel of group, according to him, will be drawn from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies.

    The minister, who announced this on Sunday when he visited the school, said that the personnel would be trained under a pilot programme and that deployment would start with Bama town in Borno.

    He said that the arrangement would enable troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, to concentrate on the ongoing clearance operations to flush out the remnants of the terrorists.

    He addressed troops undergoing training in the school, and assured them that the Federal Government would provide necessary equipment that would enable them to flush out the terrorists in the zone.

    Dan-Ali said that the insurgents, who had been weakened, had resorted to ambushes, kidnapping and other sorts of criminality, hence the need to re-strategise the operation.

    He urged the troops to remain united and synergise with other security agencies in the fight against the terrorists.

    He advised them not allow the July 25 incident, when terrorists ambushed and killed some troops and NNPC and University of Maiduguri workers, to dampen their morale.

    The minister said that was at the school to see things for himself, after Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, directed the Service Chiefs, to relocate to the Command and Control Centre, to charge of operation.

    The minister commended the troops for the “good job” they were doing for the nation and participated in the firing exercise along with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

    He used the opportunity to inspect 49 newly acquired combat vehicles, including Armoured Personnel Carrier and gun trucks for the school.

  • I-G warns police commissioners against unprofessional conducts

    I-G warns police commissioners against unprofessional conducts

    The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has warned Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the commands across the federation to be professional in handling criminal cases.

    The force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said Idris gave the warning at a meeting with the Deputy Inspector-Generals (DIGs), Assistant Inspector-General (DIGs) and CPs.

    The inspector-general cautioned them against illegal investigation of cases, unlawful and prolonged detention of suspects.

    He warned that any policeman caught taking bribe before granting suspects bail would be dismissed from service.

    “As you are all aware, bail is free. Always sensitise officers and men in your commands on this because anyone caught violating this act will be dismissed from service.

    “The law as we know is blind. We represent the most visible arm of justice and we must use that power prudently.

    “We must embrace change as the only permanent fixture in life.

    “I expect the highest standard from you. Don’t let anybody buy your conscience but hold on to the ethics. I want you to be very professional,” he said.

    Idris said the era of bribery and corrupt practices in the police circle was over.

    He warned that any senior police officer found to be engaged in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law.

    The inspector-general urged them to change the public perception of the force through their conducts.

    He charged them to be very civil in relating with the public and respect the people’s socio-cultural values.

    He assured them of the Federal Government’s readiness to address the challenges facing the force.

  • Man in court over N20,000 theft

    Man in court over N20,000 theft

    A 29-year-old man, Timothy Adejo, was on Monday arraigned in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing N20,000 and assault.

    Adejo, of Apo village, had pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of joint act, criminal force, assault and theft.

    The Prosecutor, Joshua Ayanna, told the court that the complainant, Mr. Iyiola Owolabi of Apo, reported the matter at Apo Police Station on July 12.

    Ayanna said that the complainant alleged that the defendant, with five others now at large, jointly beat him up and forcefully stole his N20, 000.

    “The incident took place on his way back from work,” the prosecutor said.

    He said the defendant with others at large also stole the complainant’s Samsung cell phone, valued at N10, 000.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 79, 265, 248 and 287 of the Penal Code.

    The judge, Mr. Umar Kagarko, admitted the defendant to N100, 000 bail with a reliable surety in like sum and adjourned the case until Sept. 19 for hearing.

  • Accidents: FRSC seeks improved partnership with police in Imo

    Accidents: FRSC seeks improved partnership with police in Imo

    Mr Joseph Aremu, The new Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps in Imo, has called for robust partnership and collaboration with the state Police Command to check road accidents.

    Aremu made the call on Thursday in Owerri when he visited the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Ezike.

    He described police as a critical stakeholder in highway management.

    Aremu said that the visit was to seek improved collaboration with the police to effectively and efficiently coordinate activities on the highways.

    “FRSC is doing its best to reduce road crashes in the state. We are working tirelessly to ensure that road crashes are completely reduced.

    According to him, the FRSC operatives are sometimes disregarded due to the fact that they are don’t carry firearms.

    “We are often disregarded by road users because we are armless, but with the cooperation of the police, we can track down culprits,” he said.

    He said that FRSC had introduced the “Traffic Offenders Examination Speed limiting Device.”

    Aremu said that the police would play a greater role, especially by further investigating stolen vehicles impounded by FRSC and bringing the criminals to justice.

    Ezike pledged total partnership and support to FRSC.

    “We are ever ready to partner and support your command because your men are doing a great job by saving road users from untimely death,” he said.

    Ezike said police and FRSC had been partnering very well without any friction, adding that he would provide the leadership that would sustain the partnership.

    “FRSC is not known to me to be having any record of friction with the police and we will do everything possible to sustain it.

    According to him, most road users are usually drunk and careless while driving on the road.

    “It is unfortunate that innocent people still die in this nation out of carelessness of drivers, some of them are drunk others intentionally disobey traffic rules and we will fight this together.”

  • Police arraign three for breaking man’s leg

    Police arraign three for breaking man’s leg

    The Police on Thursday arraigned three men- Samuel Moses, Hassan Mohammed, and Fidelix‎ Edohe , in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, over alleged assault, resulting in the fracturing of the victim’s leg.

    The defendants were docked on charges of joint act, assault and causing grievous hurt.

    The prosecutor, Mr Fidelix Ogbobe, told the court that one John Smith of Police Cantonment, Area 11, Abuja , reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on July 9.

    He said the complainant and his brother, Abubakar Yakubu , were on their way home on the said date, and when they got to Garki 2, they attempted boarding a vehicle.

    He alleged that Moses prevented them from boarding the vehicle. ‎

    Ogbobe further said that when Smith insisted on boarding the vehicle, the defendants jointly assaulted him and used an object to hit his left leg and he sustained a fracture .

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 79, 265 and 246 of the Penal Code.

    All the defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N80, 000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until Aug. 30 for hearing.

  • Killing suspected badoos members uncivilised – DIG

    Killing suspected badoos members uncivilised – DIG

    Mr Israel Ajao, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police  (DIG), on Tuesday appealed to  the public to stop killing suspected members of the Badoo cult group terrorising Ikorodu,  Lagos.

    Ajao, Chairman, Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), made the appeal during a  town hall meeting organised by the corps for communities in and around Ikorodu.

    He described the killing of suspected badoo members by a mob as uncivilised.

    “If anyone arrests any suspect, he should hand him  over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.

    “Jungle justice is not the solution to crime and criminality.

    “I, therefore, appeal that such an action should stop. The police in Lagos are doing well and they have all it takes to handle the situation.

    “All they need is information. That is the reason for this meeting. Badoo boys are human beings, they live with us; people must say what they know about them.

    “I want all private security organisations to register with LNSC so that we can work together,“ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional rulers, religious leaders, transporters, traders, the youth,  military, paramilitary  and private security organisation’s attended the meeting.

    The traditional ruler of Imota, Oba Mudasiru  Agoro, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers,  urged security agencies, particularly the police,  to deploy intelligence officers to the grassroots to get information.

    He also urged security agencies to share information, while urging the communities to know people around them.

    Other speakers at the meeting agreed to any measure the government and security agencies were taking to address the badoo menace.

    NAN reports that more than six persons suspected to be members of Badoo cult  have be killed by a mob in Ikorodu in the past two months.More than 200 suspected members of the  group  have been arrested in different parts of Ikorodu after they allegedly killed some innocent persons.

  • Ebonyi trains 190 members of Neighbourhood Watch Group

    Ebonyi trains 190 members of Neighbourhood Watch Group

    The Ebonyi Government on Wednesday in Abakaliki began a one-week training for the 190 members of the Ebonyi Neighborhood Watch Group (ENWG), under the first batch of the training programme.

    Dr Kenneth Ugbala, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Internal Security to Gov. Dave Umahi, who declared open the training, said that the initiative was to enhance the capacity of the members.

    He charged the participants to take the training seriously, explaining that their duty was to assist the police and other law enforcement agencies to curb criminal activities through prompt information and intelligence gathering.

    He warned members of the group against indulging in illegal activities, including carrying of arms and jungle justice against suspected criminals.

    “You are not permitted by law to carry arms or execute jungle justice on arrested criminal suspects.

    “Your duty is to assist the police in areas of information and intelligence gathering on criminal activities that will lead to the arrest of criminals as well as curtail their operations in the state.

    “Government will not hesitate to discipline any member of the group that goes outside of the mandate provided by the law establishing the Ebonyi Neighborhood Watch Group, ” Ugbala said.

    Mr Titus Sumba-Lamorde, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi Command, urged the participants to use the platform to assist the police in the fight against crime.

    The commissioner who was represented by Mr Felix Gani, Deputy Commissioner of Police, charged the trainees to shun acts that could derail the good intentions of the government.

    He commended the state government for its unwavering support to the police in maintaining peace, security, law and order in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 190 participants who where the first batch of trainees were drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state.

  • Police decry rising cases of child rape in Plateau

    Police decry rising cases of child rape in Plateau

    The Plateau Police Command has decried the increasing spate of child rape and molestation in the state.

    “The cases of child rape are on the rise in Plateau; no day passes without an incident,” Mr Terna Tyopev, its spokesman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.

    He said that the number of cases received by the command in the last two months were “scary”,  and described the trend as “unfortunate”.

    “You can imagine a 55-year-old man raping a one-year-old child; or even a case of a 65-year-old man raping a three-year-old child.

    “We find incidences like this very strange. What does an adult want in a one-year-old child?

    “It is unfortunate, really; the ugly trend keeps rising,” Tyopev fumed.

    The spokesman advised parents to take good care of their wards, and stressed the need to monitor minors so as to check the situation.

    “Parents and caregivers must consistently be on the alert. No effort should be spared toward curbing incidences of child rape in Plateau.

    “No parent should totally trust anyone with his child. Nothing should be taken for granted,” he said.

    Tyopev said that the command had put measures in place to contain the menace, and warned those involved to desist as anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.