The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Cross-dressing is not a crime, Delta Police PPRO clarifies

    Cross-dressing is not a crime, Delta Police PPRO clarifies

    Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, has asserted that cross-dressing is not an offence punishable by law in Nigeria.

    Edafe made this fact known while responding to a statement by controversial Twitter influencer Daniel Regha, following the arrest of 67 suspected homosexuals at a gay wedding in Warri, Delta state.

    On Tuesday, the Delta State Police Command had detained over 60 people at a same-sex wedding ceremony performed at a Warri hotel.

    Reacting to the arrest report, Regha called out the Police for not arresting popular crossdressers, Bobrisky and James Brown, adding that the police need to make them scapegoats to stop the trend of crossdressing in Nigeria.

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    “Bobrisky, James Brown, Eni & others who champion cross-dressing are still walking free. Until these people are prosecuted, many will continue to emulate.

    “Arresting 100 crossdressers in Delta is one thing, but why ignore their mentors? The police should make an example of ’em,” Regha tweeted.

    Reacting to Regha’s comments, the Delta police PRO, highlighted that the suspects arrested were nabbed for allegedly ‘conducting and attending’ a same-sex wedding ceremony and not for cross-dressing, which is against the law in Nigeria.

    Edafe wrote, “Daniel, get your facts right. They were not arrested for cross-dressing; they were arrested for conducting and attending a gay wedding ceremony.

    “Bring a part of the law that stipulates punishment for cross-dressing or categorise it as an offence.”

  • UPDATED: Police arrest 67 suspected homosexuals in Delta

    UPDATED: Police arrest 67 suspected homosexuals in Delta

    The police command in Delta has arrested 67 persons suspected to be homosexuals in Ekpan Community in Uvwie Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Wale Abass, said this when he addressed newsmen on Tuesday at the Ekpan Police Station.

    Represented, by the spokesperson for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, Abass said that the suspects were apprehended on Sunday by a crack team of police operatives attached to the Ekpan division.

    He said that the suspects were nabbed during a gay wedding which they tagged, “all white party” at a popular hotel off Refinery Road, Uvwie LGA.

    He vowed to prosecute the suspects in line with Nigeria’s anti-gay law which prohibited same-sex marriage in the country.

    “On Aug. 27 at about 9;00 p.m., the patrol team of the Ekpan Police Station, while on a patrol intercepted a male cross-dresser suspect who claimed to be an actor.

    Read Also: Kwara police CP declares man wanted over threat to lives of Isese adherents

    “Upon interrogation, he confessed that he is a member of a certain gay club and that he was on his way to join his fellow members for a gay marriage ceremony.

    “Acting on intelligence gathered, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ekpan division, CSP Aliyu Shaba, raided the hotel where some suspected gay members were holding a gay marriage ceremony,” he said.

    Abass said that the suspects upon sighting the police took to their heels, saying however, that the operatives were able to apprehend 67 of them

    “Same sex marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013 kicked against gay in Nigeria. It is a grievous office.

    “We cannot copy the culture of the Western world and we must follow the rules of our land. Anti-gay law has been passed in Nigeria, no resident of the land has the right to go against the laws of the land.

    “I can guarantee that they will be charged to court. We are not taking it lightly. It is a clear case, though, they are still presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the competent court,” he said.

    The CP urged parents to monitor their wards closely in order to know the type of people they associated with.

    He said that the arrest and subsequent arraigning the suspects in court would served as a warning to others who may want to indulge in the illicit act.

    He said that items recovered at the venue included: one codeine bottle, three cups of refined Canadian loud, five sachets of SK, one sachet of tramadol, four tablets of molly drug, one crusher and gay marriage ceremonial dresses.

    Speaking, one of the suspect, Daniel Pius said he was a fashion designer and not a gay.

    “I am not a gay, I am a fashion designer, I do makeup and other things that relate to female attires,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Police arrest over 100 gay suspects in Delta

    BREAKING: Police arrest over 100 gay suspects in Delta

    The Delta Police Command has announced the arrest of over 100 gay suspects in the State.

    The suspects were allegedly carrying out a gay wedding ceremony in a hotel in Delta state.

    The Command in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, said it would parade the suspects shortly.

    Read Also: Police woman  bags N250,000 reward for rejecting bribe in Onitsha

    It stated: “Delta State Command has arrested over a hundred gay suspects in a hotel carrying out a gay wedding ceremony. We will be going live shortly on Facebook to parade the said suspects.”

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the bill against gay relationships and same-sex marriage in 2014.

    Anyone found guilty of this law can face a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

    Details shortly…

  • Police woman  bags N250,000 reward for rejecting bribe in Onitsha

    Police woman  bags N250,000 reward for rejecting bribe in Onitsha

    A Female police officer has been rewarded by the Anambra State Police Command for rejecting a bribe from a businessman transporting goods suspected to have been stolen.

    The officer, Inspector Charity Oyor, was said to be on duty in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state when the suspect conveying cables offered her the bribe.

    The Nation gathered that the vehicle was passing through the route Oyor was managing traffic when she stopped the driver following her suspicion of the goods.

    The owner of the goods was said to have offered the officer the bribe which she rejected and quickly invited the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area who on arrival discovered the goods were stolen.

    Confirming the report, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police woman got N250,000 as reward from the command for the rare feat.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, had ordered State CID, Awka, to take over the case for investigation to ascertain the source of the cables.

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    He said, “The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has awarded a cash sum of N250,000 to a policewoman serving in Main Market Division, Onitsha.

    “The policewoman, Inspector Charity Oyor, who was on traffic duty in the market on Wednesday, 23rd August, 2023, saw a shuttle bus carrying six heavy bundles of stripped armoured cable suspected to have been stolen driving past.

    “She stopped the driver and inquired about the consignment from the purported owner who, rather than explain how he came to be in possession of the cable, offered her a bribe which she rejected.

    “The Police Inspector put a call across to her DPO Superintendent Joy Chidinma Ikpeama, who led police personnel to the scene and arrested the suspect. The cable was impounded and taken to the station for investigation.

    “At the station, the suspect again offered sum of N500,000 to be allowed to go. This was rejected by the officers. The DPO promptly briefed the Commissioner of Police on the arrest and recovery.”

    Ikenga further disclosed that the CP, while presenting the cash award in his office, commended the DPO for providing good leadership and Inspector Charity Oyor for her uprightness.

    “The CP urged all personnel in the command to always uphold ethics of the profession by refusing to be compromised in the discharge of their duties.

    “The DPO thanked the CP for leading by personal example and said her personnel were inspired by his leadership,” he added.

  • Police read riot act to cultists in Anambra

    Police read riot act to cultists in Anambra

    Anambra State Police Commissioner, Aderemi Adeoye, has vowed to deal with cultists and their sponsors who are disturbing the peace of the state.

    Cult activities are on the rise in Awka and within one week, no fewer than 10 persons have been killed by them.

    In a statement by the Command Friday in Awka, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer Ikenga Tochukwu and made available to reporters, the commissioner warned politicians to stop calling him to release any of them arrested.

    Read Also: Anambra CP vows to deal with cultists, their sponsors over killings

    He described the cultists as murderers, adding that they were not fit to live among decent human beings in society.

    Adeoye stated that those sponsoring the cultists to kill humans like them were cowards who should cover their faces in shame.

    He vowed that the Police Command would come down very hard on the heartless cultists who take pleasure in killing people.

    “Let me  warn that no one should call me to release any cultist arrested in the coming clamp down unless they want to be disgraced, enough is enough.”

    Meanwhile, the CP has ordered an all- out operation against cultists and their sponsors in the State.

    “Let me use this opportunity to assure the good people of Anambra State that their peace and tranquility that has been punctured by the recent cult-related killing in the capital will soon be restored.

    “But I’m soliciting the cooperation of all of you the law-abiding citizens in ridding the society of the menace of cultism,” he said.

  • Police recover 287 stolen containers in Lagos

    Police recover 287 stolen containers in Lagos

    Operatives of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Maritime Command have recovered 287 stolen containers belonging to international shipping companies.

    The operatives also intercepted a 40ft container allegedly loaded with contraband items including mayonnaise smuggled into the country from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The AIG in charge of the Maritime Command, Susan Akem-Horsfall, disclosed this at a press briefing on Thursday in Lagos. 

    Akem-Horsfall said the container which was already cleared by the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, was flagged by the police following intelligence that it wrongly declared its content.

    According to her, two suspects, Obiora Udenkwo and Chika Igwingu were apprehended in connection with the container.

    She dismissed as false, allegations that personnel of the command were blocking already released containers and extorting clearing agents.

    She stressed that the intercepted 40ft container indicated possible connivance between clearing agents, terminals and shipping companies and operatives of other security agencies to release cargoes wrongly and shortchange the federal government of needed revenue.

    The AIG said shipping documents listed that the container was laden with two fairly used vehicles and assorted spare parts only for the police to discover during reexamination that the container was loaded with Mayonnaise, bails of centre rugs, among others.

    She, therefore, appealed to sister agencies to come together and operate on the same page to avoid friction and economic sabotage.

    Reeling out achievements recorded by the command under her watch, Akeem-Horsfall said: “In an attempt to carry out our functions, the following achievements were made within my one month in office: Recovery of already stolen over 287 empty containers for MSC Shipping, Maersk Nigeria Ltd and other shipping companies.

    “One Izuchukwu Udeogu who is a kingpin in the theft of empty containers was arrested and charged to court.

    Read Also: FCT Commissioner of Police deploys officers around building collapse site

    “Secondly, there has been an improvement in our intelligence gathering and the deployment of cutting-edge technology in policing our waterways. This led to the arrest of a 40ft container that is on display here.

    “Acting on a credible information and intelligence, men of the Maritime Police Command on Friday 18th August, 2023 at about 2330hrs, intercepted a 40ft container with number MRSU-5797660,.

    “The information revealed that the container was cleared with forged documents in connivance with allied security agents at the port.

    “The document recovered from the suspects read that the contents of the container are as follows; two used Toyota Hiace buses with chasis numbers TRH2019043526 and TRHU2002467311 and 650 packages of used auto spare parts and engines.

    “Two suspects, Obiora Udenkwo and Chika Igwingu were apprehended and on interrogation, they confessed that there was no vehicle inside the container but it was carrying Robert Soap and that the documents were doctored.

    “The suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

    “On assumption of office, I have written several letters inviting the Comptrollers of Customs at Tin Can Island Port and Apapa port. The Apapa Port Comptroller responded because their Comptroller has just been promoted, the Deputy who was acting for him sent the DC Enforcement who came over and we discussed.

    “But up till now, the Comptroller of Customs Tin Can Port has not responded. I have had meetings with Shippers Council, Terminal Operators and we have discussed areas in which we can all operate on the same page so that work would be seamless, however I am not getting a good response from them. 

    “I have extended an olive branch at them but they are not responding. It’s like there is a conspiracy against the police. 

    The Maritime Police is supposed to be working with the Port Authority Police, NIMASA, NIWA and everything concerning the coastal area of the nation. 

    “You cannot be operating the port in isolation without the maritime police. The NCS is not solely responsible for activities at the port because we are charged with revenue enforcement of their activities.

    “We are charged with all laws of the federation including customs law. Everything that the Police do on the land, the Maritime Police will do it on the waters.

    “I have told them that I operate an open door policy, anything my men are doing wrong, they should feel free to report to me, but I have not been getting this. Rather when i want to investigate a container, they are telling me to write to the Controller of Customs.

    “We can all come together and operate on the same page to avoid friction, we are all sister agencies working towards the same goal. We don’t want economic sabotage.” 

  • FCT Commissioner of Police deploys officers around building collapse site

    FCT Commissioner of Police deploys officers around building collapse site

    In response to the unfortunate incident of a collapsed two-storey building along Lagos Street, by Nsukka Street junction, Garki  Abuja, in the late hours of Wednesday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commissioner of police, Haruna Garba, is presently working with other security agencies to avert break down of law and order.

    A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said: “Police Command swiftly responded to the emergency, dispatching specialized search and rescue teams to the scene to save lives and ensure the safety of all those affected.

    “The Command has deployed every effort to locate and extricate those who are trapped. So far, 20 persons have been rescued from the scene while 2 others unfortunately lost their lives. We are working in close coordination with other relevant agencies, including the Fire Service, Emergency Medical Services, and disaster response teams to streamline our rescue efforts.

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    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Haruna G. Garba, psc, personally visited the site to assess the situation and to extend condolences to the affected families. He appreciated the people for the tremendous support from the community and local volunteers who have come forward to assist in the rescue operation.

    “The CP extends his thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families and urges members of the public to stay clear of the incident area to facilitate the ongoing rescue efforts and to allow emergency personnel work without hindrance”.

  • Police arraign Okada rider for ‘abducting’ Air Force officer

    Police arraign Okada rider for ‘abducting’ Air Force officer

    The Police yesterday arraigned a 27-year-old Okada rider (commercial motorcyclist), Mohammed Amine, before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly abducting an Air Force officer.

    The defendant of no fixed residential address is facing a two-count charge of abduction and breach of peace.

    The prosecutor, ASP Clément Okuoimose, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on August 9 at about 9:40pm in Badagry.

    Read Also: AK-47, other firearms fabricated in Lagos, says CP

    Okuoimose said the defendant allegedly abducted one Reuben Robinson, of 653 Nigeria Air Force, Ahanve, Badagry to an unknown destination against his consent.

    He said the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by taking the complainant to an unknown destination with his TVS motorcycle with registration number BDG 737 QP.

    The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 21 and 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Fadahunsi Adefioye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

    Adefioye adjourned till September 14, for mention.

  • BREAKING: CP orders arrest of police inspector for slapping motorist in Imo

    BREAKING: CP orders arrest of police inspector for slapping motorist in Imo

    The Imo state police commissioner, Muhammed Barde, has ordered immediate arrest of a police Inspector seen in a viral video slapping a motorist along the road in the state.

    The incident which happened in Owerri, the state capital, had elicited reactions from Nigerians, describing it as inhumane act melted out to the victim.

    While responding to a call for the arrest of the erring cop, Barde ordered the immediate arrest of the officer.

    In a statement issued by the public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, on Wednesday, the CP condemned the unprofessional behaviour of the police personnel.

    He ordered that the officer be identified and arrested immediately, saying that the officer’s act was unacceptable.

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    The statement read: ”The attention of Imo State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video with a caption; ”Nigeria Police can Never be Your Friend  Especially the Ones in Owerri”, where a Police Inspector alleged to be serving in Imo State was seen forcefully removing the cap of a young man and slapping him severally on his face. 

    “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Muhammed Ahmed Barde condemns this irritating act in totality as it highly contradicts the professional ethics and code of conduct of the Force. The Nigeria Police Force is a highly disciplined organization and will never tolerate the misconduct of the officer seen in the video.

    “To this effect, the CP has mandated his Monitoring Team to investigate and identify the officer for necessary disciplinary action. More so, the victim is encouraged to call the PPRO Imo on 08148024755 or come to the Police Public Relations Department Owerri and make his complaint.”

    In an update few hours later same Wednesday, the police spokesman announced that the erring police inspector had been identified and arrested.

    Okoye said that the cop was currently undergoing an Orderly room trial.

    The police spokesman added: “The recalcitrant Inspector has been identified, he is currently undergoing orderly room trial after which necessary disciplinary action will be taken against him.”

  • Police confirm one killed in Lagos community

    Police confirm one killed in Lagos community

    The Police have confirmed gunmen killed one person in an incident at No. 14 Sam Fadiya Street in the Abesan Estate Area of Lagos State.

    Agbaje Ismail was confirmed killed by assailants on August 3, 2023 during the incident. 

    “On August 3rd, 2023, at about 03:50 am, a distress call was received by the Division’s Police Command that an attack had taken place at No 14 Sam Fadiya Street in Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos State,” Lagos Police Command confirmed. 

    “After arriving at the scene and securing the area, Nigeria Police Force operatives found that the attackers had shot one Agbaje Ismail.

    Read Also: Police parade 23-year-old man for murder, motorcycle theft in Akwa Ibom

    “At the scene of the attack, his work ID, which identifies him as an employee of Sharpax International Services, and numerous other work-related documents were discovered. 

    “The victim was quickly rushed to Alimosho General Hospital, where on-duty doctors confirmed his death. The family requested that the body be released.

    “The police further said the investigation to apprehend the culprits is still ongoing, and further developments will be communicated in due course,” he stressed.