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  • Nigeria will be great again, Owoseni assures

    Nigeria will be great again, Owoseni assures

    The Visioner, African Jerusalem Christian Ministry, Ibadan, Prophet Gideon Owoseni, has said the nation will be great again despite current economic challenges.

    He stated that the nation has potentials to be a leader among other nations, adding it will soon regain her glory.

    Speaking at the Correspondent Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Councils, the cleric said all Nigerians have major roles to play for the country to move forward.

    He cautioned those making evil predictions about the country to desist.

    He said: “My presence here at the press conference is to express my feelings about the nation. I am the Visioner of African Jerusalem Ministry. This will be a great advantage for the whole of Africa.

    “Nigeria will still be great. We should not be discouraged about the situation now. Three people are destroying the country, the religious leaders, politicians and the journalists.

    Read Also: Makinde reappoints Owoseni, ex-Oyo NLC chair, others as special advisers, board chair

    “People who are making evil predictions, do not listen to them again. Nigeria will still be peaceful. Let us say the truth. The masses should understand that Nigeria is a God’s country. Those who are making evil predictions about Nigeria should be cautioned.

    “Journalists, the role you play are enormous. Journalists always investigate but you do not investigate again. You are not working the way you work before.

    “They said Tinubu, Abacha and Buhari did not perform well. What role did the religious leaders play? I beg all of you to please promote peace. I see light as the future of Nigeria. There is a need for Nigeria to be be liberated.

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  • I am retiring to my farm, says Owoseni

    •As police pullout 12 senior officers

    Former Lagos Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni yesterday said he would devote his post retirement time to nurturing and growing his farms.

    Owoseni stated this during an interview with reporters at the Police Collage Ikeja, where he, 10 other Commissioners of Police (CP) and two Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) were pulled out of service.

    It was gathered that the 12 whose pulling out held in Lagos were among 55 cops from the ranks of AIG to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) all officers of Cadet ASP/Inspector Course 12/84 and 28/84 who retired from the service after spending 35 years.

    Those pulled out in the grand ceremony together with Owoseni were AIG Abdul Bube, AIG Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, CPs Agyole Abeh, Joseph Agaji, Gbemisola Akinpelu, Bello Ahmed, Abdullahi Ibrahim, Bello Yahaya, Adekinte Ademoju, Wakili Maye, Fave Semili and Ahmed Magaji.

    Expressing gratitude to God for a successful career, Owoseni said he had no regrets to have served the nation as a policeman.

    He said his career was driven by passion and commitment urging officers still in the system to imbibe the culture of selfless service.

    “I owe so much gratitude to the almighty Allah to have taken us through this journey from January 1, 1984 till date. We are going home hail and hearty. God also raised us to the level we attained in service to see that we contributed our quota to the growth of this nation.

    “Every day is a trying moment for us in the police. It is like fighting daily asymmetric war. You wake up in the morning and you do not know who is watching you from the corner. Many people live their homes for work and did not come back.

    “So, I will say everyday came with its own trials and challenges but I thank the almighty Allah who saw us through.

    “I advise those in service to be more dedicated and loyal to the people of Nigeria. They should recognise the fact that without the people, there would be no police. It is a service to humanity and so we should understand that the people are our masters and not the other way round.

    “Once they are able to subordinate themselves to the society and realise it is the people who pay their salaries, then the masses will come out to help them.

    “With my experience I will say Nigerians are fantastic. They are not difficult. We only need to earn their confidence and everything will work out well.”

    Asked his retirement plans, Owoseni said: “I am a farmer and will be going back to my farm.”

    Congratulating the retirees, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris said they served the nation with dedication and selflessness.

    Idris who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) Abuja, Peace Ibekwe prayed that God will reward them for their sacrifices to the nation.

    “President Muhhammadu Buhari sends his goodwill message. It is important to note that the Nigeria Police Force salary had been upgraded. I wish to say congratulations again. God bless you and God bless the nation,” he said.

    In his remark, Chairman Police Service Commission (PSC) Musiliu Smith advised the retirees not to fall victim to scammers who would present business ideas to them thinking they have money.

     

  • No mosques, church attacks in Benue – Police

    The Benue State Police Command has described rumours of attacks on four mosques and another invasion of a church as deliberate falsehood.

    The state Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, said nothing of such happened in the state, adding that such rumours could cause breakdown of law and order.

    Urging the public to disregard the information, Owoseni acknowledged that it was a difficult period for people of the state and Nigerians generally because of violent attacks in different parts of the country.

    He reiterated that the violent crimes had nothing to do with religion, ethnicity or political alienation, urging the public to report suspicious persons to the police through 07058344757 or 08066006475.

    He said: “The Benue State Police Command would like to advise the public to disregard information being circulated that four mosques were set ablaze in Makurdi by some hoodlums.

    “Similar information is being circulated that another church was attacked by bandits at Agana Village in Mbaloh Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area of the State.

    “These are nothing but falsehood, believably meant to cause break down of law and order in the state. It is indeed a difficult period. “However, acts of insurgency being witnessed lately have nothing to do with religion, ethnic or political alienation. Therefore, in order to overcome the ongoing security challenges, the collaboration of all is required.

    “The command appreciates the calmness and understanding of the good people of the state. We appeal that criminal elements should not be allowed to cause any civil disturbance to achieve their selfish interest.”

  • Herdsmen kill five farmers in Benue

    Benue State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, on Monday confirmed that five farmers have been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the state.

    Briefing journalists at the state police command headquarters in Makurdi, Owoseni said the killings took place in Agatu, Guma and Makurdi local government areas of the state.

    He said the herdsmen killed three persons in Olegobiudu, Agatu LGA,  on Sunday night.

    Thousands were also rendered homeless by the attackers.

  • Owoseni denies withdrawal of Special Forces from Benue

    Owoseni denies withdrawal of Special Forces from Benue

    The Benue State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, has debunked reports that the Special Forces had been withdrawn from the state.

    The social media was awash with news of withdrawal of the Special Forces deployed last month by the Inspector-General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris, following farmers/herdsmen clashes in parts of the state.

    But Owoseni said the joint operation, headed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Josak Habila, was still active in the state, adding that the IG has continued to reinforce same.

    He said: “It is not true that the Special Forces have been withdrawn from the theatre of operation in Benue State. Rather, the Inspector General of Police has continued to reinforce the command with personnel and material resources as it becomes operationally expedient.

    “With the reinforcement, the command has been able to increase its visibility in the state. This is aimed at encouraging speedy return of displaced persons to their communities.

    “While the situation is relatively calm, the police will continue to partner well meaning members of the society and sister security agencies to ensure security of life and property.”

     

  • Hoodlums kill seven in Benue

    Hoodlums kill seven in Benue

    The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said on Wednesday that seven people have been killed in Gboko by “criminal elements.”

    He also said several people have been arrested in connection with the killing and brought to the state police command in Makurdi for interrogation.

    He refused to reveal the number of suspects arrested so far.

    Addressing journalists at the command headquarters, Owoseni said the victims were attacked at a motor park in Gboko.

    He said the victims were set ablaze by the hoodlums.

    “It is a pure act of criminality which has no ethnic or religious coloration. Those behind the dastard act will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law of the land,” Owoseni said.

    The police commissioner said Governor Samuel Ortom has visited Gboko for on the spot assessment and a dust- to- dawn curfew has been imposed on the town.

    He warned that anybody found wandering between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in Gboko would face the law.

     

     

  • Owoseni out, Edgal in as Lagos CP

    Owoseni out, Edgal in as Lagos CP

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Owoseni yesterday handed over the headship of Lagos Command to acting Commissioner Imohimi Edgal.

    Owoseni was on Tuesday transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), Abuja.

    According to the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), the handing over took place at 3:30pm at the headquarters in Ikeja.

    He said: “The Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris has ordered the posting of Ag CP Imohimi Edgal to Lagos State Police Command as the new Commissioner of Police.

    “Ag/CP Edgal has taken over and resumed in official capacity as the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command with immediate effect.

    “The Command would like to state that at no point in time did the former CP Lagos State refuse to disobey the lawful directives of the IGP Ibrahim Idris by handing over to his successor.

    “CP Owoseni wishes the officers and men of the command all the best under the leadership of the new Ag/COMPOL Edgal.

    “He urged them to offer his successor the same loyalty and commitment they showed him during his tour of duty in the command and to continue to make Lagos peaceful.”

    Continuing, Famous-Cole said Edgal had a quick security brief with all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officer (DPOs) in preparation for the holidays.

    “He also told Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to not confine their officers and men to the barracks for effective policing during the festive period,” he said.

  • Owoseni: I’m still Lagos CP

    Owoseni: I’m still Lagos CP

    LAGOS State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni yesterday said he was not aware of the appointment of a new police commissioner for the state.

    Owoseni told reporters at the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja that he was yet to receive any directive on a new police commissioner in the state.

    There were speculations late Tuesday night that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Operations, Imohimi Edgar, had been named the acting Police Commissioner.

    Owoseni, was said to have been moved to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    But the police chief said the development was news to him.

    “When we get the information, we will let you know,” Owoseni told reporters in reaction to reports of his removal which was published by some online media organisations.

    Owoseni spoke in his capacity as Lagos Police Commissioner at a conference on security challenges in health institutions at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos mainland.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that some online media organisations had reported that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has appointed a new police commissioner for Lagos State.

  • Why woman was arrested, by police chief Owoseni

    Why woman was arrested, by police chief Owoseni

    Lagos Police Chief Fatai Owoseni yesterday denied that a woman was arrested after picking up a missing four-year-old girl.

    He urged the public to stop acts that could pit the people against security forces.

    A story written by Anuoluwapo Eso and shared on Facebook by a banker, Akinmade Boluwaji, accused the police of arresting Sister Happiness, a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Glory Worship Centre, who found a missing child by the Ifako canal on July 20, and took her to the church.

    The report titled: “Police is not our friend” alleged that the church headed by Pastor Tope Akinbola took the missing child to Alakara Police Station, which has children and juvenile centres.

    Owoseni, who invited the parties when the matter was brought to his notice, expressed dissatisfaction at the extent some people go to gain public sympathy.

    According to him, the woman was arrested because she never took the child to the church directly as alleged.

    He said despite being aware that the child had gone missing, the woman never told anyone, not even her employer that she saw a missing girl and took her to Alakara Police Station.

    The police chief said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ifako smelt a rat when the woman came forward after the girl’s guardians allegedly received an anonymous message, demanding ransom for her freedom.

    He said: “I am amazed at the things some people do to gain public sympathy. Why should anyone go to that extent just to paint the police bad? When I invited them, all the parties, including the Baale of the community came to my office and it was discovered that the issue was not the way the writer painted it.

    “Even the pastor they came with was begging on his behalf because we could have arrested him for peddling falsehood. What actually happened was that the woman works in that neighbourhood and she saw the little girl one morning.

    “Instead of asking around to find out where she came from, she took the child to her house and left her there from that morning till about 9pm when she returned from work. By that time, they had started looking for the child.

    “She then took her to the church and from there to Alakara Police Station. She never stopped going to work and so, it is expected that she would have heard people talking about the missing girl. She never told anyone, not even her employer that she found a little girl and took her to Alakara Police Station.

    “The Baale and the community were looking for the girl and they reported to the police. Then, after about six days, the woman told someone that she found a little girl and she was taken to Alakara Police Station.

    “By the time she was saying it, the child’s guardians had received an anonymous message demanding money for her release. So, was the DPO wrong to suspect foul play?

    “Okay, the woman was arrested and the writer contacted an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), as he claimed, who spoke with the DPO and she was granted bail. She was handed over to a surety who would produce her whenever she was required because the matter was to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti for investigation.”

    Contacted, Eso declined comments on the issue, telling our reporter that “the matter has been settled and the woman released.”

  • Owoseni to Nigerians: Speak out to prevent suicide

    Owoseni to Nigerians: Speak out to prevent suicide

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Owoseni has said suicide can be prevented if victims’ families speak out on what pushed them to the action.

    Owoseni spoke at the Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference 2017 of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba (FNPHY).

    The theme was: “No health without mental health: break the silence” and the sub theme, “Role of psychopharmacology in suicide prevention”.

    Owoseni urged people to break the silence on why people commit suicide. This, he said, would help identify the causes of suicide and mental disorders which could lead to suicide.

    He said: “The more we talk about people committing suicide, the more we would be able to get the solution. Mental disorder is a challenge that could lead to suicide but, we need to come out of our shell, be realistic and families must put stigmatisation aside when it comes to suicide.

    “Whoever commits suicide has done it and nothing can be done about it. It is the victim’s family members that can know the major causes of the suicide. If people like these would be realistic and say the cause of the suicide, or if those that have attempted to commit suicide would come out and say the reality of the cause, we would be able to break the silence, stop the challenges and investigation can come up.

    “Let suicide survivors come and talk about their experiences. Many of us think that suicide is only linked to spiritual or traditional issues, but, it could be depression, mental illness or some other things which are not known. Victims’ family must come out of the stigmatisation and say the cause of the death of their family member, because they are the only ones that can have the facts about the matter.”

    Owoseni cited examples of people he interacted with after they attempted suicide, saying several reasons were responsible for the action.