The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police chief

  • Businesswoman arraigned for ‘defrauding’ police chief of N20m

    A businesswoman, Omirafe Taiwo, who allegedly defrauded a retired Assistant Police Commissioner, Noah Adeosun, of N20 million, has been arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Taiwo, 39, whose address is unknown, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, issuance of dud cheque and stealing.

    She denied the charges.

    The prosecutor, Friday Mameh, said the accused and others at large conspired and committed the offences at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, between April and September 21.

    He alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained N20 million from the complainant under the guise of selling a building to him.

    Mameh alleged that on June 29, the accused issued a dud cheque for N20 million in favour of the complainant.

    According to the prosecutor, when the cheque was presented, it was dishonoured due to insufficient funds.

    The offences contravene sections 287, 314 (1) (2) and 321 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Counsel to the accused Mr. Jude Ozemoya urged the court to release the accused to him, promising to produce her in court throughout the trial.

    “The accused is my client. I know her well. I will make sure she attends proceedings,” the lawyer said.

    The Magistrate, Olanike Olagbende, cautioned the counsel to ensure the accused is produced in court, threatening to put him in the dock instead.

    She released the accused to Ozemoya and adjourned the case till December 5.

  • How hotels, night clubs, others aid crime, by police chief

    The Police in Lagos have  warned operators of night clubs,  hotels and other hospitality outfits to henceforth put in place internal security measures  to check drug peddling and criminalities.

    Actin Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal gave the warning at a meeting with stakeholders in the hospitality industry at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

    Edgal said intelligence report indicated that there was increase in drug abuse among youths and minors.

    The Police chief was quoted in a statement by the force’s image maker, Folarin Famous-Cole, that the act poses danger to the promotion of  government’s proposed night economy.

    He said there had been many initiatives and programmes geared towards ensuring a 24-hour economy in the state.

    Despite the successes recorded in recent time, there were grey areas which must be jointly tackled by both police and operators in line with his principle of community policing and security partnership, he said.

    Edgal said: “One of such areas is the issue of drug peddling and abuse. Intelligence report at my disposal reveals that there is increased drug abuse in most of our night clubs, lounges and beaches. Young men and women freely use narcotic substances at times in those areas to the knowledge of the operators but they are doing nothing about it. This is wrong. The scourge of drugs and its attendant effects aside dangerous to health is criminal activities. The ease with which our youths are getting access to drugs is worrisome and our meeting here today is to send a very strong signal to operators that it is not going to be business as usual.”

    The CP said it had also been observed that some hotels now give rooms to minors and also sell alcoholic drinks to them, while under-aged girls were also being allowed to use such establishments for prostitution.

    “In addition, we also have the issue of criminals hibernating and having save haven in all our beaches, hotels, clubs, lounges these days. The last intelligence report I received indicates that young men now move around these establishments armed. This is very dangerous for the security of the state. We have it on good authority that some of these establishments are used as meeting points to plan crimes before,” Edgal said.

    He said police have the capacity to arrest any operator found aiding criminal activities, but the will continue to engage the stakeholders in line with the principle of community policing and security partnership to tackle the menace frontally.

    Going forward, the CP said it was compulsory for operators to now install basic security gadgets such as Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and metal box detectors, among others to cover their establishments.

    The CP also set up a 10-man Committee headed by the Managing Director of Farm City Lounge in Lekki, Mr Lanre Carew to come up with a comprehensive blueprint on how to strengthen security in the hospitality industry, especially how to put a stop to drug peddling and armed bandits.

    The committee has two weeks to submit its report.

  • Police chief pledges to arrest priest’s killers

    Imo State Police Commissioner Chris Ezike has said = the command is determined to apprehend the killers of Rev. Cyriacus Onunkwo.

    The police chief told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the command had begun their investigations, which would eventually unmask the culprits.

    NAN reports that some suspected kidnappers abducted the priest at the popular Banana Junction in Orlu Local Government Area last Friday.

    Onunkwo was a priest in one of Catholic dioceses in the state before he was killed by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums.

    During their search, the police discovered his abandoned body in Orsu Local Government Area.

    The police commissioner described the incident as “inhuman and aberration” to human existence.

    He said: “How can anybody think of kidnapping or murdering a priest who is ordained to serve God?

    “I am very optimistic that we will soon apprehend the culprits and bring them to book. This is my assurance to the Imo State government, the family of the victim and the public.”

    Also, Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday described the killing of Onunkwo as “senseless and wickedness”.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor said the kidnappers would pay for their evil act.

    He directed Ezike to track down those behind the abduction and killing of the priest.

     

  • Police chief escapes as car rams into river

    Police chief escapes as car rams into river

    A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at Zone 11 of the Assistant Inspector General Office simply identified as Kunle yesterday escaped death after his Nissan Almera ran into River Gbodofan in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
    The DSP, who was driving the red car marked JS 891 AAA (LAGOS), was said to have lost control after running into an 18-passenger commercial Mazda passenger bus about to pick a passenger.
    A passenger in the bus, Yinka, said they were coming from Offa in Kwara State and heading to Ondo-Oore in Ondo State.
    According to him, the bus driver had stopped few meters away from the bridge to pick a passenger when the car suddenly veered off track and rammed into them before going into the river.
    The two occupants of the Nissan car, the police officer and a woman, were said to be coming from the pull out ceremony for the Zone 11 AIG that just retired at the Osogbo City Stadium.
    The duo who sustained serious injuries was immediately evacuated to the hospital by an ambulance.

  • National Theatre a security threat, says police chief

    National Theatre a security threat, says police chief

    The National Theatre in Lagos has become a security threat, according to Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.

    The police chief raised concerns over the state of the country’s pride during a visit to the edifice.

    He said: “How could they have left this bush to grow like this? Is there no somebody that is responsible for this place? I expect that they should know that not clearing a bush like this exposes residents to security risks, as hoodlums can capitalise on the situation to dispossess residents and passersby of their valuables.”

    A visibly disturbed Owoseni was forced to seek the attention of those in charge of the edifice.

    He declined journalists’ requests to join him in meeting the management.

    The situation on ground has also become worrisome for people within the premises.

    A trader said: “the area has now become a security risk and a clear danger to lives and property in the neighbourhood. There is still need to light up the whole area and the overgrown weeds should be cut.

    “Most of the area boys around now use the place as toilet at night. Everywhere smells during the day. As you can see that it is now a think bush which doesn’t befit this place apart from the hazard it poses to the residents.”

    A man who declined mentioning his name said: “For government to sanitise the place, let them start by securing the place because there are fears that the people go through the place at their own risk except the issue of security is taken care of.

  • Rivers police chief Odesanya dies at 56

    Rivers police chief Odesanya dies at 56

    •Wike mourns

    Rivers State Police Commissioner Francis Odesanya has died.
    He was 56.
    The police chief passed on at India’s Sterling Hospital at Ahmedabad-Gujarat after an illness.
    The news of his death jolted officers and other ranks because not many knew he was ill.
    Force headquarters spokesman Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said Inspector- General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris condoled with Odesanya’s family.
    He said: “With a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, IGP Ibrahim Idris regrets to announce the demise of a serving Commissioner of Police for Rivers State Police Command, who passed on at the age of 56 after a brief illness at Sterling Hospital in Ahmedabad-Gujarat, India.
    “The late commissioner of police enlisted into the Force on February 1, 1986, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and rose through the rank. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations, as well as Finance and Administration before he was promoted and posted as Commissioner of Police for Rivers State on July 20, 2016, a position he held until his sudden demise on January 31.
    “The IGP and his management team, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force wish to commiserate with the Odesanya family of Ikenne, Ogun State, the government and people of Ogun State, on the demise of their illustrious son, CP Francis Mobolaji Odesanya.
    “May his soul rest in peace and may the Lord grant his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
    “A condolence register has been opened at the reception of the Force Headquarters in Abuja and Rivers State Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt for the personnel of the Force and the public.
    “Burial arrangements will be announced after consultation with the family.”
    Also, Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday mourned Odesanya.
    The governor condoled with the Police High Command, officers and men of the state police command on the death of the police commissioner.
    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, he prayed God to grant Odesanya family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Court to police chief: place convicted oil magnate under watch

    Court to police chief: place convicted oil magnate under watch

    Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, yesterday ordered the Lagos State commissioner of Police to keep a convicted oil magnate, Ada Ugo-Ndagi, under watch pending her transfer to prison.
    The judge also ordered the medical directors of Havana Hospital, Surulere and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to swear to an affidavit, stating her health status.
    Justice Okunnu gave the orders as Ugo-Ndagi failed to appear in court yesterday for sentencing.
    The court, on Friday, convicted Mr Walter Wagbasoma and Ugo-Ndagi, chairman and managing director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, and their company for N754 million subsidy fraud preferred against them by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
    At the resumed proceedings yesterday, Ugo-Ndagi, through her counsel, Mr. Y.A Kadiri, told the court she was in hospital.
    Ugo-Ndagi, on Friday, slumped and fainted when Justice Okunnu was about to sentence her.
    Wagbatsoma, who is the first defendant, was not in court.
    He was arrested in Germany for alleged involvement in a multi-million pounds sterling transaction, and in jail in the United Kingdom (UK).
    Kadiri added that Ugo-Ndagi was rushed to Havana Hospital, and placed on life support and oxygen.
    “The prison officials were with her throughout Friday and on Saturday she was referred to LUTH where she is currently receiving treatment,” Kadiri said.
    The lawyer presented a medical report from Havana Hospital, and informed the court they were trying to get LUTH’s report.
    Counsel to EFCC Rotimi Jacobs reminded the court of some developments in the matter.
    Jacobs recalled that the first convict, Wagbasoma, told the court earlier he was on admission at National Hospital, Abuja.
    He said Wagbatsoma was discovered to be in Germany, although his international passport was with the chief registrar.
    “We are aware that the convict was at Havana where the prison officials and some EFCC operatives kept watch over her. The prison officials were however not comfortable with the private hospital and she was transferred to LUTH on request,” Jacobs said.
    Jacobs, however, added that as at Friday, Ndagi was in stable condition, and asked the court to pronounce sentence in the absence of the convicts.
    But Justice Okunnu observed there was a lacuna in the law regarding sentencing in absentia.
    She reserved sentencing and ordered the commissioner to keep Ndagi under watch.
    “The medical report presented by the second convict must be accompanied by an affidavit which must be filed today. The medical Director must also swear to an affidavit stating her exact medical condition,” she ordered.
    The matter was adjourned till Wednesday for sentencing.

  • How Plateau monarch was killed, by police chief 

    How Plateau monarch was killed, by police chief 

    •Governor appeals for calm as youths protest 

    The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of four people in Monday’s attack on the ruler of Bokkos Local Government, the Saf Ron Kulere, Lazarus Agai.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in his office, Commissioner of Police Oladunjoye Adekunle, said: “The late monarch was returning from his farm where he took labourers to work when the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle. The driver lost control and the vehicle ended up in a ditch.

    “Four persons died – the chief, his driver, who is also his son, his daughter in-law, and his police orderly. Five persons in the car sustained injuries.”

    The monarch was rated the oldest ruler in the state, having spent over 40 years on the throne.

    The bodies have been deposited at the morgue of the State Specialist Hospital, Jos.

    Governor Simon Lalong appealed to youths and the people of Bokkos to remain calm as investigation has begun.

    The protesting youth mounted road blocks at the entrance to Bokkos, preventing motorists from plying the council headquarters. Security agencies were also not allowed access to the community.

    Lalong, who summoned an emergency security meeting at the Government House, appealed to the aggrieved youth not to extend their anger on innocent citizens and travellers.

    A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Emmanuel Nanle, said: “The governor received with heavy heart, the news of the murder of the Saf Ron Kulere, Lazarus Agai.

    “Following this sad incident, security agencies swung into action to unravel the identity of the culprits, while also ensuring the maintenance of law and order.

    “The government is pained by the unfortunate wave of the murder of rulers in Bokkos, and assures citizens that it is determined to work together with peace-loving citizens to secure and sustain the peace on the Plateau.

    “Be assured that the government is on top of the situation and is avowed on fishing out enemies of the peace that has returned to the state.

    “The government appeals for calm, and urged the people not to engage in acts capable of aggravating the situation. He said they should volunteer information to aid the  investigation.”

    Reps call on IGP to find, punish culprits

    •‘We’re endangered species’
    •Senator Jang condemns murder

    The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to arrest and punish killers of the Saf Ron Kulere, Lazarus Agai.

    While the House is set to investigate the murder, it has urged security agencies to deploy men in the area to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

    The resolution followed the passage of a motion of urgent national importance by Solomon Bulus Maren. He noted that the murder “is one too many that has occurred in the area since the advent of this administration”.

    “First, it was the Makai Forof Dah, Ali Magaji, sometime in January; the second was the District Head of Manguna, Saf Annong Adake. The worse is this,” he said.

    The lawmaker lamented there has been no security intervention to either stop the killing or bring the culprits to book.

    “This wanton killing and unwholesome act of terrorism by mischievous people should be tackled with greater intensity than Boko Haram scourge. If not checked, security in the area, and indeed Plateau State, might degenerate and could escalate.”

    Maren noted that the deceased was a peacemaker and mentor, who related freely with all.

    The Plateau State caucus in the House said they have become endangered species because of the Federal Government’s indifference to the killing in the state.

    At a briefing at the National Assembly yesterday, members, including Edward Pwajok, Solomon Maren, Timothy Golu, urged the Federal Government to act before the matter spirals out of hand.

    Former Governor Jonah Jang condemned the murder.

    Senator Jang, representing Plateau North, described the attack on the monarch as gruesome.

    A statement by his media aide, Clinton Garuba reads: “It is with sadness and a grieving heart that Senator Jang received the murder of the Saf Ron Kulere, Sir Lazarus Agai, by yet again suspected herdsmen.

    “This is indeed a painful loss, not just to him and the people of Bokkos, but the country, especially coming at a time when our state is going through a challenging time and his experience and core values are aptly needed.

    “My prayer is that the Lord grants his soul eternal repose and his family the strength to bear this loss.

    “The senator calls on security agencies to unmask the perpetrators of this act and bring them to justice, while urging the people to remain calm.”

  • Police chief counsels youths on terrorism

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni has counselled  youths to be positive change agents.

    He said this while delivering a lecture titled: “Youth and terrorism” to pupils of over 50 schools at a career guidance and counselling programme organised by Goge Africa Foundation (GAF) and the Federal Ministry of information and Culture at the National Theatre, Lagos.

    Owoseni said: “We need to guide our youths, who are vulnerable citizens so that they will not be used as agents of terrorism. All of us can be change agents. Make the right choice when people are in distress.”

    Condemning last week’s Maryland violence in the state, he said: “Take an example of what happened at Maryland, even after one of the street hawkers had been knocked down by a vehicle, rather than people helping the security agents to quickly remove the corpse from the road, the street urchins seemed to be jubilant, going on the streets to destroy things, including BRT buses that were provided by government for the good of the people.”

    The Commissioner also blamed the economic downturn, including electricity failure, unemployment, and inflation, among others, on acts of terrorism.

    He said: “Why do you think your mothers use the money they should use to buy you new clothes and other things to buy fuel, and some parents don’t have jobs, and we are experiencing so many economic setbacks? It is because terrorism leads to economic and infrastructural setbacks.”

    Owoseni counselled the pupils to embrace education, fear of God, parental guidance and moral values to become productive adults.

    Meanwhile, co-founder of GAF, Mrs Nneka Isaac Moses, said the annual event was meant to build innovative and creative spirit in children from a young age.

    She advised parents to guide but not choose careers for their children, rather harness and enhance their God-given dreams.

    On creativity and innovation, Nollywood actor and comedian, Basorge Tariah Jnr, charged the pupils to shun procrastination, time wasting and laziness, but embrace hardwork and be entrepreneurially minded.

    Other topics discussed at the event were digital media and youth education; and Nutrition and your health.

  • Residents to police chief: come to our rescue

    Some Lagos residents yesterday complained of what they called high armed robbery and cult killings rate.

    On a phone-in radio programme monitored by our reporter, callers from Ikotun, Maryland and Ikorodu claimed that they were at the mercy of the hoodlums.

    They lamented the police inability to arrest the situation despite Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s huge investment in security.

    They called on Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni to ask his men to wake up.

    According to them, the 10-minute emergency response crime is not complied with by the officers.

    Some residents of Ikotun alleged that the armed robbers have taken over their streets.

    A caller, Segun Adesola, said the local vigilantes on the streets were nowhere to be found whenever the robbers struck.

    “We beg Governor Ambode to come to our aid by providing effective security for us in Ikotun. This is getting too much,” he said.

    Another caller said last Thursday around 9:30pm, armed robbers in a black Nissan Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) began robbing from Costain to Ikorodu Road, during a traffic standstill. Two persons were shot and many motorists robbed, he claimed.

    Corroborating the story, Taofeek Olohuniyo said passengers inside a BRT bus almost flew out of the vehicle for the fear of being attacked.

    Olohuniyo said: “I was in a BRT bus which I joined from Onipanu. As we were approaching Maryland underground tunnel, we met a standstill of vehicles while some individuals left their cars and started running for their lives.

    “Our driver had to stop immediately. We saw a black SUV few distance away with its lights on. On realising that it is a robbery, passengers started panicking and the atmosphere turned rowdy. Some beckoned on the driver to open the doors while some objected to it. Some were of the opinion that he should reverse but that is somehow difficult as the bus was filled to the brim.

    “The armed robbers fired and our driver was utterly confused on what to do after opening the doors and closing them back, he left his cubicle to join us as we waited amidst fear. After like 10 minutes, the SUV sped off, people rushed back to their cars while some went to sympathise with the robbery victims before our driver drove off.”