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Tag: Police

  • JUST IN: Police take over Rivers House of Assembly quarters

    JUST IN: Police take over Rivers House of Assembly quarters

    …as pro-Fubara stakeholders call for police neutrality, professionalism

    About 30 armed policemen have taken over all the entrances to the House of Assembly quarters located along the Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

    It was gathered that both the first and second gates to the lawmakers’ estate were safeguarded by the police with about 30 patrol vans used to block the entrances.

    The development came shortly after the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly claimed that the governor was planning to demolish the quarters following his recent surprise visit to the facility.

    But the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had explained that his visit to the estate on Thursday was harmless.

    The governor said: “Is the Assembly quarters not part of my property? Is there anything wrong in going to check how things are going on there?

    “You are aware of the developments. We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people.”

    It was learnt that following the alarm raised by Amaewhule, the anti-Fubara lawmakers including some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) kept vigil around the estate till daybreak.

    Armed policemen were seen barricading the gates on Friday to secure the facility.

     However, the Sim Media Volunteers (SMV) called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to monitor the activities of policemen in the state and ensure they observed the rules of engagement.

    The convener of the group, Frank Kilsi, decried the arrest and intimidation of the governor’s supporters by the police saying the development could lead to anarchy.

    Kilsi, who spoke in Port Harcourt, on Friday, said: “We call on the Inspector-General of Police to rein in his men and exercise restrain by stopping the unnecessary attack or wanton arrest on any of the governor’s supporters, as further harassment could lead to anarchy and breakdown of law and order that may not do our state any good.

    Kilsi appreciated the overwhelming support of Rivers people to Fubara and their decision to stand firm in defence of democracy despite challenges. 

    He said: “We, the youths of the state, under the aegis of SIM Media Volunteers, do hereby emphasize the need for peace, justice and development in Rivers State.

    “We implore all relevant stakeholders such as the citizens, political leaders, traditional institutions, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure that the rights and freedom of the people are upheld and protected at all times.

    Read Also: Abia police commissioner warns against extortion

    “To this end, we would like to acknowledge and applaud the great youths of Rivers State for being peaceful and law-abiding even in the face of provocation”.

    Kilsi commended the governor’s peaceful disposition and commitment to the security of lives and property in the state and asked him to continue on such a path of development.

    He said Fubara’s commitment to the advancement of the state had opened up the space and the state for investors.

    He said: “This is clearly justified by the forthcoming Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit slated as part of the first anniversary of His Excellency.

    “It is obvious that detractors may not acknowledge this bold step that has eluded the state in the past, but with cutting-edge leadership imbued in fortified strategic procedures, our state is about to witness another season of economic prosperity.

    “It is on this note that we want to address the sore losers of the inglorious October 30, 2023 impeachment plot against the governor to stop their callous, mischievous, and barefaced sabotage and evil against the governor and his government.

    “We urge them to desist from every act of thuggery, banditry, and violence as well as subtle connivance with the police to harass, intimidate, arrest and incarcerate followers and supporters of Governor Fubara”.

    Kilsi applauded the sterling leadership of Fubara commending his efforts to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N12bn to N27bn within a year of his administration.

    Describing the feat as unprecedented, Kilsi said it had singled him out amongst his contemporaries as he highlighted other developmental successes in human capital development, quality Infrastructure delivery, provision of the functional healthcare system, revamping of the educational sector, job creation, security and welfare of citizens.

    “These remarkable achievements reflect Governor Fubara’s acumen and steadfast dedication to prudent fiscal management of resources, ensuring equitable and sustainable development of the state.

    “We further seize this opportunity to commend the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his painstaking efforts at actualising the renewed hope agenda for the nation”.

    Kilsi backed the factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Leader, Sokari Goodboy describing their emergence as a welcome development in the journey to liberate Rivers from the bondage.

    He said: “Indeed, true redemption has begun in Rivers State and we shall stand firm as youths of our dear state to support the new leadership of the House and the indefatigable governor of Rivers State.

    We are indeed gladdened by the news of our Leader and Governor of Rivers State rolling out drums to celebrate his one year in office beginning with the commissioning of projects on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

    “In fact, the exercise elates Rivers people because, despite the barrage of attacks and antics of detractors to distract His Excellency from delivering dividends of democracy to Rivers people, he has stunned them and set unprecedented records in the areas of infrastructure, social welfare, and economic development.

    “Having evaluated the people-oriented leadership style of the Governor, which is centered on Rivers first and the growth and development of our dear state, we the youths of Rivers State hereby pass an absolute vote of confidence on the governor”.

  • Police arrest 17 for allegedly operating illegal bureau de change

    Police arrest 17 for allegedly operating illegal bureau de change

    The police have arrested 17 suspected forex hawkers for illegal operation of Bureau de Change in Wapa area of Fagge Local Government Area of the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Usaini Gumel, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Wednesday.

    ” The operation which was led by the Police Command was carried out in Wapa Bureau De Change, Fagge with combined personnel of the Department of Security Services(DSS).

    ” A total of twenty-nine people were arrested out of which 12 were cleared.

    ” We recovered 68,000 CFA, and 30 Rupees (Indian Currency) from them. All the suspects confessed to the offence and will be charged to court.

    ”This operation was carried our to flush out elements who operate illegally in order to disstabilise the foreign exchange market in the country,” he said.

    The commissioner commended the combined operatives for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the success of the operation.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected fake doctor in Ikorodu

    ”The security measures put in place has sent the message that illegal financial activities will not be tolerated, and that those engaging in such practices will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

    He advised all individuals and business operators in the financial sector to operate within the confines of the law, obtain the necessary licenses and always avoid unwholesome practices.

    Gumel thanked the people of the state for their support, cooperation and understanding, and urged them to continue to report any suspicious movement of person(s) or item(s) to the nearest security outfits for prompt action.

    (NAN)

  • Police arraign 24-year-old for alleged possession of pistol

    Police arraign 24-year-old for alleged possession of pistol

    The police yesterday arraigned Abdulateef Giwa, 24, for alleged possession of a locally made pistol.

    Giwa pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Olalekan Adegbite, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 13, at about 4 p.m., at Orita-Aperin, Ibadan.

    Adegbite said the offence was contrary to Section 417(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected fake doctor operating in Ikorodu

    The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwabusayo Osho, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

    Osho, thereafter, adjourned the case till May 22 for hearing.

  • Kidnapping: Police deploy 30 motorcycles, officers to rural communities 

    Kidnapping: Police deploy 30 motorcycles, officers to rural communities 

    …as CP vows to improve security response operations in rural areas

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has deployed 30 motorcycles and personnel to rural communities to enhance security response and operations and combat banditry.

    The deployment, the police said of the motorcycles, painted police colours, was made to aid swift operational response to communities and areas where vehicles may not easily assess or navigate when the need arises.

    Recently, Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, donated 30 motorcycles to the command in his continuous support and responsiveness to the security and safety of residents, which he believed should not be limited to the metropolis but be extended to remote and rural communities in the nation’s capital where bandits and kidnappers have recently turned to hideouts.

    Read Also: Estimated N5bn ransom paid for kidnapping since 2016, says Kalu

    A statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh said: “The commissioner of police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, on May 6, 2024, commenced the deployment of motorcycles and personnel across the rural areas in the Federal Capital Territory to aid security response operations and efforts against banditry.

    “While extending heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Minister, FCT, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, promises to effectively utilize this equipment towards ensuring the safety and security of the residents of FCT. He also urges residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines in reporting suspicious activities through 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.”

  • Police arrest suspected fake doctor operating in Ikorodu

    Police arrest suspected fake doctor operating in Ikorodu

    The Onikan zone 2 police command headquarters in Lagos has arrested Tayo Shakirudeen, the Managing Director (MD) of Skylink Medical Centre in Elepe-Ikorodu, suspected of operating as a fraudulent medical practitioner and using forged credentials.

    Acting on intelligence gathered from the Elepe community regarding the activities of Shakirudeen, a team of detectives, spearheaded by SP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, swiftly moved to arrest the suspect.

    It was gathered that upon his apprehension, a search yielded two suspected forged certificates purportedly from Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun state and the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council.

    Additionally, immovable hospital equipment was seized, and the hospital complex has been sealed pending further investigation.

    In a statement signed by the command’s public relations officer, SP Ayuba Umma, the suspect confessed to electronically fabricating the certificates, admitting that his actual qualification is only a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE).

    Shakirudeen also disclosed that he employed a total of six staff, two of whom are trained nurses, while the remaining four are untrained individuals.

    Read Also: Police vow to arrest killers of traditional ruler in Ebonyi community

    He claimed to have performed three surgeries, including two Cesarean sections and one appendectomy, during his three years of unlawful medical practice.

    The Nation learnt that Shakirudeen has been operating the hospital without the presence of a qualified or certified medical practitioner.

    Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Olatoye A. Durosinmi, has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police promptly.

    The zonal command is collaborating with the ministries of health in Lagos and Ogun states to eradicate such unlawful practices within the zone.

  • Police vow to arrest killers of traditional ruler in Ebonyi community

    Police vow to arrest killers of traditional ruler in Ebonyi community

    The Police in Ebonyi says it will investigate and arrest killers of Mr Umazi Ubani, the traditional ruler of Umuihe Autonomous community in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ubani was killed on Friday night in the area by unidentified assailants.

    Read Also: Two policemen, four others killed in Enugu community

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Joshua Ukandu, told NAN in Abakaliki, on Monday that officers and men of the command had  been mobilised to ensure the assailants were arrested.

    “Right now, we are still trailing the assailants and they must be brought to book,” Ukandu said.

    A resident of the community, Mr Chima Okoro, described the incident as “unfortunate.”

    Okoro said the incident had caused tension in the area saying that markets and shops were yet to open for business.

    (NAN) 

  • Police confirm kidnap of Abia Archbishop, family in Anambra 

    Police confirm kidnap of Abia Archbishop, family in Anambra 

    The Abia state command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked rumours making rounds that an Archbishop of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Archbishop Uka Uka Osim and family members were kidnapped in the state.

    Our correspondent reports that several social media and online media outlets in Abia reported over the weekend that the cleric Osim, along with his wife, Anne and son Roland, were abducted on May 1, 2024, along with three other clergymen in Abia State.

    According to one of the reports, the Osim family and three other priests identified as Azuka Ochu, Moses Okafor, and Anderson Akwazie, were said to be traveling to Awka, Anambra State, for religious duties when armed men intercepted their vehicle at an unnamed location in the state.

    The report further quoted one Bishop Denis Onuoha; the administrator of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in Abia State to have confirmed the abduction of the Archbishop, his family and other clerics of the church.

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    The report which further quoted the Brotherhood administrator, said that he expressed deep concern over the safety of their priests and family members in the hands of their abductors.

    “We are very worried, but we maintain faith in the Almighty Father whom they serve with utmost devotion. We believe He will guide them through this ordeal,” adding that Bishop Onuoha had urged security agencies in both Abia and Anambra States to prioritize the safe rescue of the Archbishop and his companions. 

    But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Sunday while reacting to the news making rounds in the state said: “The Abia State Police Command wishes to unequivocally refute misleading online reports alleging that gunmen on Wednesday, 01/05/2024, abducted an Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim, in Abia State.

    “On Saturday 04/05/2024, some online reports had quoted one Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, as having stated that Archbishop Osim, his wife, son, and three other priests of the religious group were kidnapped in Abia while on their way to Anambra State.

    “Abia State Police Command has investigated the story, and contacted Bishop Dennis Onuoha, who denied stating that the incident occurred in Abia State. 

    “The Bishop confirmed that the kidnapping incident did not occur in Abia but rather in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday 1 May 2024.

    “To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie urges the media, bloggers, and online reporters to always crosscheck their facts by contacting the appropriate authorities before rushing to post. 

    “The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Abia State is safe for all and urges members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear.”

  • Police arrest boy, 19, for allegedly robbing female students in Niger

    Police arrest boy, 19, for allegedly robbing female students in Niger

    The Niger Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old boy who allegedly robbed female students in Bosso Quarters, Minna.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Shawulu Dan-Mamman, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Minna.

    The commissioner said that the suspect who resides at old Kwata area of Bosso in Minna, was arrested at about 3.00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, following a distress call of a robbery operation at the female hostel in Bosso, Minna.

    Read Also: Police arrest 29 suspected kidnappers in Enugu

    He said that on arrival at the scene by the police patrol team, the suspect quickly fled and hid in the ceiling, where he was found and arrested.

    “On his arrest, the following exhibits were recovered from the suspect;
    one sharp knife, seven mobile phones allegedly robbed from the students, two power banks, two ear-pods and a bag.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a notorious armed robber, who was identified to have perpetrated a similar act at Bosso campus second gate around February this year, ” he said.

    According to the CP, the suspect is under investigation and will soon be transferred to SCID for further investigation and prosecution accordingly. (NAN)

  • State police an invitation to nationwide anarchy, says APC chieftain

    State police an invitation to nationwide anarchy, says APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Prince Matthew Agu, has expressed strong opposition to the decentralization of the police, which would ultimately lead to the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

    Prince Agu declared that state police would be a recipe for disaster and bloody communal conflicts in the country.

    Speaking to journalists in Enugu as part of his contribution to the ongoing debate on state police, Prince Agu, a former deputy governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) in the state, said that Nigeria is far premature for a decentralised policing system, especially with weak democratic institutions still the order of the day.

    He said: “Before you can talk about state police, there should have been first full and conscious education and awareness of nationalism and citizenship.

    “Currently everybody perceives Nigeria as an opportunity he can exploit and self-aggrandizement. Democratization of institutions and conscious education on nationalism should be the focus.”

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    “Drawing from my personal experience, in Enugu currently, there would have been a bloody communal war had it not been that a higher hierarchy of the police took over the mess the Enugu state police command created at Obollo-Afor simply for a mere phone call from a former governor”

    Prince Agu insisted that should a state police be established in the current state of affairs in Nigeria, the country must surely witness a conflagration of civil unrest that will be higher than a civil war.

    He noted that the national governance ranging from national, state, and local government has not shown fidelity in the management of existing state institutions such as state electoral bodies, state legislature, and the state judiciary among others.

    Agu noted: “We must first seek democratization of institutions in line with the democratic tenets of democracies as practiced in order democratic climes.

    “For instance, Mr. Trump appointed the Mail director in the US believing he could manipulate his way through his appointee but in the US, institutions are made to be stronger than individuals and that explained why Mr. Trump failed in his assumptions.”

    According to him instead of state police, Nigeria should emphasise increased manpower, training, arming, and equipping the existing police structure and employing more judges with adequate infrastructure for quick dispensation of justice in our judicial system.

  • Police parade mastermind of Kaduna-Abuja train attack

    Police parade mastermind of Kaduna-Abuja train attack

    The suspected mastermind of the March 28, 2022 Kaduna-Abuja train attack, Ibrahim Abdullahi (aka Mande), and his accomplice, Auwal Ayuba, were yesterday paraded by the Police.

    Also paraded were others believed to be terrorising motorists and passengers plying the Kaduna-Abuja Highway and residents within the axis.

    Several ammunitions, including  48 AK-47s, were recovered by the police from the criminals.

    Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who conducted the parade at the Kaduna State Police command headquarters yesterday,  explained that the successes followed painstaking efforts by the  Police.

    Adejoji said that Abdullahi, who before the train attack participated in the abduction of students from Greenfield University in 2021, was nabbed at the Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction in January this year.

    Abdullahi, according to him, confessed to being the leader of the Kaduna-Abuja Highway kidnap syndicate. 

    He said: “On 12th January 2024, police operatives attached to an anti-kidnapping unit of Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), based on credible information swooped in and arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi (aka Mande ) at Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction. The suspect confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorising Kaduna-Abuja highway, ranked among other criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.

    “He had participated in various kidnapping incidents, including the kidnapping incident at Greenfield University. He also partook in almost all the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

    ‘’On 27th April 2024, some vigilante members arrested and brought to the station, one Auwal Ayuba, aged 27, a resident of Kubacha Town suspected of being a kidnapper. After a thorough investigation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping gang and has participated in several kidnappings in Kubacha, Jere, and Katari axis where many victims were kidnapped.’’

    A mild drama, however, occurred when Mande denied participating in the train attack and   Ayuba admitted being involved.

    Ayuba added that after the attack, he was ‘sold’ to a terror group, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP). 

    Mande insisted that he was not the leader of the gang that derailed the train much less being its leader.  He also denied ever knowing Ayuba.

    Eight passengers of the evening train were killed by the attackers, who abducted   62 others.  After family members of some of them paid ransom, the Federal Government secured the release of the others.

    Giving further insight into  the arrest of 278 other criminals and rescue of 158 kidnap victims by the state Police  Command between January till date, Adejobi  explained that  the  strategic initiative implemented by the Force Headquarters  along the  Abuja-Kaduna  Expressway  significantly contributed ‘’to our successes.”

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    A  part of the initiative is the deployment of a helicopter to serve as an escort for trains plying the highway, especially in the evenings.

    Revealing that eight gadgets for night vision for the pilots of the chopper have been purchased, Adejobi added that the Police were set to commence night patrol of the  Kaduna – Abuja and other highways across the country. 

    His words: Adejobi said, ” I am pleased to highlight the significant achievements in our crime-fighting endeavors, with a particular focus on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway corridor, and communities in Kaduna State, spanning from January to date.

    “Notably, I would like to draw attention to a strategic initiative implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which has significantly contributed to our successes.

     ‘’The chopper is  providing aerial support for ground troops from the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies.

    “It has been deployed along the corridor as a proactive measure to prevent attacks and act as a first responder in the event of any untoward incidents.

    ‘’The  Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of I-G Kayode  Egbetokun remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and combat criminal activities across the country.