The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police station

  • Fire razes police station in Anambra

    A police station in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been burnt by hoodlums suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    It was alleged that some detainees were freed while some vehicles were also burnt.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums beat up policemen on duty, shouting ‘no referendum, no election in Biafran territory”.

    Police spokesman Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said there were no casualties.

    Read also: Police deploy 55 CPs in states

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, had visited the scene and investigation was on.

    “It’s a fire incident for now until otherwise proven through investigation. The Commissioner of police is presently at the scene for on-the-spot assessment. He has ordered the DC Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to conduct investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.

  • Fire guts Police station in Anambra

    Anambra Police Command has confirmed that its station at Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area was gutted by fire at about 2.30 a.m. Thursday, Feb.14.

    A statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed and made available to the newsmen on Thursday in Awka noted that cause of the fire was yet to be unraveled.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Ajali fire incident was coming about six days after articulated vehicle carrying petrol caught fire at Amawbia roundabout, Amawbia near the state police headquarters.

    Mohammed said the explanation became imperative against insinuations that the fire was set by unscrupulous elements.

    He said that thorough discreet investigations by police had commenced, adding that the true cause would be made public later.

    Read Also: Hoodlums set party vehicles ablaze in Anambra

    The PPRO said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mustapha Dandaura, had gone for on the spot assessment of the scene.

    Mohammed hinted that the CP had ordered the DC Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

    He assured the people that more details would be released on the incident in due course.

  • Ilupeju residents demand police station, general hospital

    Some residents of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) yesterday appealed to the Lagos State Government for additional police station, a secondary school and a mini stadium.

    They also called on the government to upgrade their primary health centre to a General Hospital.

    The residents made the appeal at the 4th edition of the Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by the House of Assembly.

    It was held simultaneously in all the 40 state constituencies. The theme of the meeting was, Towards a peaceful and credible election.

    At the Fountain of Life Gardens and Park, Ilupeju where those in Mushin Constituency I gathered, the residents, who turned out in large number, thanked their representative, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso for her effective representation.

    They also hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for constructing more inner-city roads in the area.

    They listed the roads as Coker, Ogunji, Olateju, Town Planning, Ayantuga, Damigoro and Araba, among others.

    Responding, Tejuoso promised to lobby the government to upgrade the Kajola Primary Health Centre to a General Hospital.

    On the stadium request, she said there was no place big enough to accommodate such project.

    She urged the community leaders to look around for large space, saying “if we find a suitable place, the government will embark on the project.”

    She said Adeleye Primary School will be upgraded to a secondary school.

    According to her, the moribund police post on Lisabi Street will be reconstructed and the government will engage the authorities to make it a station.

    The essence of the stakeholders’ meeting, Tejuoso said, was to have the residents input in the state’s budget.

    The meeting, she said, was also to educate residents on voter’s education to avert crisis during next year’s general elections.

    She warned the youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs during the poll.

    “Your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is your power, not thuggery. Shine your eyes when casting your votes to elect credible people that would give your communities the desired changes they deserved.

    “On our own part, we have delivered our electoral promises and we hope you will replicate our gesture with your votes. Many of our youths have gained employments in both private and government establishments. Our empowerment programmes have lifted many out of poverty,” she said.

  • RCCG spends N3m on police station

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Israel Assembly, Lagos Province 2, has spent over N3 million to  pave the premises of Alausa Police Station in Ikeja, with interlocking stones.

    Pastor in Charge of the Province, Pastor Yemi Lebi, represented by Pastor Tope Abenu, said it was good to have a chance to make the environment more conducive for policing work.

    “We do not take you for granted and we thank you for receiving us well. RCCG is a church that has a vision to give back to the society. The church is into corporate social responsibility (CSR), to help the society; we go into the society to make a difference.

    “We go to markets, communities, prisons, hospitals and we are in a police station.  We go with things to make life better for others and to give hope. We also go to schools and give scholarships to indigent pupils, among other things. We also feed the hungry and we teach people how to make a living. When people have what to do to make a living, criminality will reduce. We rehabilitate drug addicts to reduce the job of the police,” he said.

    The Acting Area Commander, Area F Ikeja, John Ajigidi thanked the church for the gesture.

    “I am surprised and happy. The gesture is going to be of immense contribution, because other people, churches and non-governmental organisations will now see the police as their friend,” Ajigidi said.

    He urged his colleagues to use their discretion in carrying out their activities.

    “You should not collect illegal money from anyone; you should sometimes let them go on warning. Why do you arrest Okada riders and collect money from them.  I know there is a ban on Okada on major roads and streets, but not all of them commit the offence purposely.  When you tell them to pay N10,000, it is not fair. In the police, discretion is allowed; there are some certain things you can overlook. Some people carry expired papers unknowingly, you can sometimes warn them and let them go,” he said.

     

  • Two arraigned for ‘drinking alcohol’ in front of police station

    Two arraigned for ‘drinking alcohol’ in front of police station

    Two men, Wole Broad, 49 and Wale Oludare, 40, have been arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly drinking alcohol in front of a police station.

    They were accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by drinking alcohol in front of Akinpelu Police Station,  Oshodi, Lagos.

    They are facing a two-count charge of felony and breach of the peace.

    Broad, living at 17, Olakunle Ajibade Street, Ojota, is self-employed, while Oludare, a labourer, resides at 8, Akinpelu Street, Oshodi.

    The duo conspired to commit felony by conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace, the prosecution alleged.

    The prosecutor, Rachael Williams, told court that the accused committed the offences on March 1 about 11:55 pm at 5, Akinpelu Street, opposite Akinpelu Police Station.

    “The accused drank alcohol in front of Akinpelu Police Station after the commissioner of police had warned that on no account should anyone operate a beer parlour around any police station,” Williams said.

    According to her, the offences contravene sections 57 and 412 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The Magistrate, Mrs. L. Y. Balogun, granted them bail at N5, 000 each with one surety.

    She adjourned the case till March 16.

  • Two men docked for drinking alcohol in front of police station

    Two men docked for drinking alcohol in front of police station

    Two men, Wole Broad, 49, and Wale Oludare, 40, were on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly drinking alcohol in front of a police station.

    The two men were also accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by drinking alcohol in front of the Akinpelu Police Station at Oshodi, Lagos.

    They are facing a two-count charge of felony and breach of peace.

    Broad, residing at No.17, Olakunle Ajibade St., Ojota, is self-employed, while Oludare, a labourer, resides at No. 8, Akinpelu St. in Oshodi.

    The duo conspired to commit felony by conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace, the prosecution alleged.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Rachael Williams, told court that the accused committed the offences on March 1 at about 11.55 p.m. at No. 5, Akinpelu St., opposite the Akinpelu Police Station.

    “The accused drank alcohol in front of Akinpelu Police Station after the commissioner of police had warned that on no account should anyone operate a beer parlour around any police station,” Williams stated.

    Read Also: Man jailed three months for stealing books

    According to her, the offences contravene Sections 57 and 412 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Our reporter gathered that Section 57 prescribes six months imprisonment for offenders.

    The two men, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Magistrate, Mrs L. Y. Balogun, granted them bail in the sum of N5, 000 each with one surety each in like sum.

    She adjourned the case until March 16.

  • Gunmen free criminals at police station

    Gunmen free criminals at police station

    Ten gunmen have invaded a police station in Lemu, headquarters of Gbako Local Government of Niger State.

    They freed criminals held by the police.

    The Nation learnt that the hoodlums came in two Hilux pickup vans. They shot sporadically into the air to scare away people.

    It was gathered that the gang invaded the Divisional Police Station and released criminals.

    A source said the gunmen might raided the armoury.

    The Police Commissioner, Mr. Dibal Paul Yakadi, was said to have rushed to the community when he heard the news.

    The government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

    Members of vigilance groups have been mobilised to apprehend the gunmen.

    Announcing the curfew, Council Chairman Mr. John Taman, described the invasion by the gunmen as bad and unacceptable.

    He said everything would be done to apprehend them.

     

  • IG kicks as Senate closes National Assembly police station

    IG kicks as Senate closes National Assembly police station

    Inspector General (IG) Ibrahim Idris has protested alleged illegal closure of the Police Division at the National Assembly.

    Idris, in a letter dated September 19, 2017, said the sealing and closure of the police division was effected on September 12, 2017.

    The police boss, in the letter, entitled: “Re: Sealing and closure of Nigeria Police National Assembly Division”, said the action was tantamount to a criminal act, especially when it was not ordered by any competent court.

    The letter, which was personally endorsed by the IG himself, was addressed to some high-ranking persons at the National Assembly.

    The protest letter reads in part: “I am constrained to bring to the attention of the Chairman, National Assembly and President of the Senate, the sealing and closure of the Nigeria Police National Assembly Division since September 12, 2017 till date (seven days now).

    “Preliminary inquiries initiated upon getting this report revealed that one Ibrahim Ndako – Sargent-At-Arms of the National Assembly and personnel on the said date evicted the duly posted Divisional Police Officer and staff from the police station in full glare reportedly on the instruction(s) of one M.A. Omolori – Clerk of the National Assembly and sealed the office(s).

    “Pursuant to this, on September 17, 2017, I directed the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command in whose jurisdiction the National Assembly is domiciled to meet with the said M.A. Omolori – Clerk of the National Assembly and ascertain the circumstances that led to what is manifestly and unlawful action. Regrettably, this entreaty was bluntly rebuffed.

    “No reason(s) prior to and after the closure has been formally conveyed to any formation of the Nigeria Police or to the Office of the Inspector General of Police in this regard even as at the time of this correspondence…

    “Furthermore, it is also necessary to indicate that this action of evicting public servant in the course of performing their lawful duties and sealing an office domiciled in a public building complex devoid of an express order from competent court is tantamount to a criminal act punishable under the Criminal Code and Panel Code of Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The implications of this action in the light of current agitations now emanating from different parts of the country negatively impact directly on the security of the National Assembly Complex, the numerous members and staff of parliament domiciled therein as well as members of the general public; an outcome, which may no doubt escalate to a serious challenge to National Security.

    ‘Consequently, I have initiated a formal investigation to determine the background and circumstances leading to this unfortunate and unprecedented development; the outcome of which will be conveyed to your distinguished office for information accordingly.

    “While appreciating your tremendous support towards the successes of the Nigeria Police Force, accept as always the assurances of my highest regards, please.”

    A reliable source, however, said the development the IG complained about may not be unconnected with the “unceremonial removal of the police DPO attached to the National Assembly.”

    According to the source, “the DPO was unceremoniously redeployed for no just cause and without recourse to the management of the National Assembly”.

    It was also learnt that the redeployed DPO was a course mate of Senator Isa Hamma Misau with whom the IGP has issue with.

    The source said it was discovered that the police boss planned to redeploy all course mates of Misau from the Police Headquarters and other sensitive places.

    The senator’s course mates, the source said, may have been believed to be feeding the lawmaker with information to attack the IGP.

  • Joy, happiness as community gets police station

    Joy, happiness as community gets police station

    It was a memorable day for the people of Ugboju community in Benue State when they trooped out to witness the inauguration of a well-furnished Police Station built by the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Ambassador Dickson Akoh.

    Many believe crime-fighting efforts in the community and neighboring communities will now receive a boost with the new Police Station.

    Akoh, who also presented an Hilux van to the police, said security in the community would be enhanced.

    He also called on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to further secure the country.

    His words: “Today I was elected as the President of the Ogbojo Community Secondary School Old Boys Association. In this community we have lived peacefully and Fulani are here and when ever organised ceremony, the first people I entertain is the Fulani people. We condemn what the Fulani are doing but people should not take advantage of the fact that they are causing trouble somewhere and be hustle to them. This Police Station will serve this community and will help reduce the rate of crime because we all know the importance of a Police Station in a community.

    “Since I was given birth to till now my father retired from the Army and I came to this village we have never had any case of Fulani clashing with the locals. We should also encourage ourselves to be more hospitable to people. If Nigerians can travel to other country and get elected into offices, then I see no reason we should not live together in peace.

    “I want Nigerians to know that security is key to any development and as such, the greatest gift Nigeria have gotten in the last five years is the capture of Boko Haram and the taking over of Sambisa forest.

    ”The security agencies have made the festival period merrier than before when it was a threat and we all know that a threat to any part of the society is a threat to every Nigerian

    ”We celebrate and appreciate the doggedness of the Armed Forces and the commander in chief of the Armed Forces President Mohammadu Buhari. They deserve accolades from all Nigerians considering the terror that has been unleashed on Nigerians by Boko Haram in the years past, with many lives lost.

    “The capturing of the territory is also a warning signal for other agitators in Nigeria that there is no where you can defeat government. For other agitators they must know that constructive dialogue is the only way out. People should also help the security agencies in this regard to achieve success. Part of the function given to the Peace Corps of Nigeria now is neighborhood watch. In the bill it states that every street now should be watched by Peace Corps.

    The Commandant however appealed to the Federal Government (FG) to motivate other security personnel, while urging for medals of honour to be awarded soldiers who have fought tirelessly to capture Sambisa.

    “As practiced in advanced societies, the chief of army staff deserves the highest honour and I recommend such for him while also encouraging the FG to motivate other security personnel, and those soldiers who captured Sambisa forest deserves medals of honour. Some streets should also be named after the gallant and young men who fought day and night to secure the hideout of Boko Haram,” he urged.

    His Royal Highness, the Obande of Ugboju, Chief Solomon Apochi, who led the Ugboju traditional council in Oturkpo Local Government Area of Benue State, to the event, praised Akoh for building a modern police station for Ugboju community. He urged the Federal Government to fix the bad roads in the area so that farmers could convey their products to the market.

    The police station, he said, would further curb crime in the community.

    The House of Assembly member representing Adoka/Ugboju constituency and Chairman of appropriation in Benue State House of Assembly, John Adam Okloho, stressed the importance of policing as he commended Akoh for building the police station.

  • Robbers attack police station in Ekiti State

    Robbers attack police station in Ekiti State

    Panic has gripped residents of Ido-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, following a bloody attack on the town’s police station by a 40-man armed robbery gang on Friday night. A police inspector was killed while the station’s armory was looted by the suspected robbers. The robbers, who stormed the station at about 7.20 pm, attacked the station with dynamite which shattered facilities into smithereens.

    The robbers, on gaining access into the station, opened fire on the Inspector who later died of the injuries he sustained in the attack. Few policemen were on duty at the station at the time of the attack, so the robbers met little or no resistance. The hoodlums also ransacked all the rooms in the police station in search of policemen and weapons.

    Policemen were in mourning mood when reporters visited the station as they grief over the killing of the Inspector. One of the officers at the station who asked not be named, disclosed that some of the robbers drove recklessly into the station while other members of the gang scaled the fence and headed straight to the armory.

    The source said: “They drove in recklessly and took over the entire police station. Some even scaled the fence and took strategic  positions. They shot into the air sporadically and destroyed virtually every room. Our suspicion was that they case to loot the armoury because that was what they first attacked after demobilizing our men. In fact, they emptied the entire place.”

    On whether the suspects might have invaded the station to free some suspects, the source replied: “That is not true because nobody was detained in the cell as at the time they incident took place.”

    Efforts to speak with Ekiti police command spokesman Alberto Adeyemi was not successful as his mobile phones were switched off, but one of the policemen at the Ido station confirmed that Adeyemi visited earlier in the day to obtain first hand information.