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Tag: Police

  • Police: no tribe under threat in Lagos

    •Command to prosecute suspected ballot box snatcher  •We’ve tightened security’

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu said yesterday that no ethnic group was under threat.

    He urged people to disregard fake and provocative posts on social media alleging that Igbo traders were being prevented from going about their businesses.

    Muazu assured Lagosians that the state was peaceful.

    He briefed reporters that security arrangements had been reviewed following few cases of violence recorded during and after the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The police boss warned those circulating provocative posts on social media to desist, stressing that the command would identify, isolate and bring them to justice.

    “One serious issue the command is contending with is the fake news being circulated on social media, alleging that there is a plan by hoodlums to attack Igbo traders in Lagos, especially at Oshodi and other prominent markets.

    “We are not only debunking such rumours, we are also taking steps to reassure the Igbo community and other residents of their safety. We have deployed our special force in streets, markets and volatile areas.

    “We have convened town hall meetings in the last few days. Yesterday (Wednesday), we met Igbo trading community led by Eze Ndi Igbo of Oshodi, Hausa community, Yoruba community and others.

    “Let me restate that Lagos is peaceful. Lagosians are peace loving people. There is no ethnic group or community under threat. Our patrol and surveillance have been intensified. We have reviewed and redoubled our strategies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the governorship and house of assembly elections on March 9.

    “I urge Lagosians to go about their lawful activities peacefully. They should support the police to serve them better by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious movement or person to the police through our emergency numbers.

    “Let me use this medium to sound a big warning to initiators and distributors of fake news. We will identify you, isolate you and bring you to justice,” he said.

    Muazu said the principal suspect in the Okota election disruption, Demola, who was pelted with stones by a mob, would be prosecuted.

    He confirmed that the suspect had been discharged from hospital and was being treated as the principal suspect, saying the police would get the names of other suspects from him.

    “He was the principal suspect in that incident. He sustained injury and has been treated.”

    The police commissioner said the command had learnt lessons from the way the hoodlums, who disrupted elections at Okota, operated, adding: “We will not allow such incident again.”

    He said the restriction of movement during the governorship and house of assembly elections would be total, noting that motorcycles and tricycles would not be allowed near polling units.

    Muazu said the command would hold meetings with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and members of motorcyclists association today to ensure they do not allow themselves to be used by any troublemaker.

  • Why we dispersed ‘free Lagos’ rally, by Police

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Thursday explained the ‘free Lagos’ campaign at Ikeja Airport Hotel was disrupted because the organisers did not notify the police about the gathering and were faceless.

    Organisers of the rally, Orange Movement, had alleged that policemen deployed to the venue had tear-gassed them, alleging they were hoodlums.

    Among the conveners of the event were former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); Spokesperson Afenifere Group Yinka Odumakin and Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, who were yet to arrive the venue at the time of the incident.

    While some participants had already seated inside Oranmiyan Hall where the event was to hold, it was gathered that others were stopped by a detachment of armed policemen mobilised to the scene from entering the hall.

    In the ensuing drama, the policemen fired several shots to disperse the crowd with people running helter-skelter within the premises.

    At a briefing with reporters on Thursday evening, Muazu confirmed he ordered dispersal of the group.

    According to Muazu, the command had to take proactive measures to prevent an accident similar to the spontaneous celebration by hoodlums at Okokomaiko on Wednesday that resulted to violence.

    Read Also: No tribe under threat in Lagos– Police

    He said that although citizens have right to organise peaceful protest, they are to notify the police in writing, adding that the Public Order Act was still being enforced.

    The police chief said information was received a rally the police were not informed of, adding that following Wednesday”s incident, he prevented a possible breakdown of law and order by hoodlums.

    He said: “It is against the law for anyone or group of persons to organize any public procession without getting approval from the police considering the tense situation in the state.”

  • No tribe under threat in Lagos- Police

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Thursday said no ethnic group or tribe was under any threat in the state.

    He urged Nigerians to dismiss fake and provocative posts on social media alleging that Igbo traders in Lagos were being prevented to go about their businesses, assuring that the state was peaceful.

    The police chief spoke at a briefing with reporters on Thursday evening where he also assured that security arrangements have been reviewed following few cases of violence recorded in the state on Election Day at Okokomaiko on Wednesday.

    Muazu also warned those circulating such provocative posts to desist, stressing that the police would identify, isolate and bring them to justice.

    “One serious issue the command is contending with now is the menace of fake news circulated on the social media, on a plan attack on Igbo traders in Lagos especially, in Oshodi and other prominent markets by hoodlums.

    “The command did not only debunk such rumours but took practical steps to reassure the Igbo communities and all other residents of Lagos State of their safety.

    Read Also: Police to strengthen security in Lagos

    “We made massive deployments of our special force to streets and markets as well as vulnerable areas.

    “We equally arranged town hall meetings over the last few days. Yesterday (Wednesday), we met with Igbo trading community led by Eze Ndi Igbo of Oshodi, Hausa community and Yoruba Community and others.”

    He added: “Let me reemphasis that Lagos State is peaceful and Lagosians are peace loving people.

    “There is no tribe or community under threat in any part of the state. Our patrol and surveillance are intensified.

    “We have reviewed and redoubled our strategies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections come March 9.

    “I call on Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses and to continue to support the police to serve them better by being vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the police through our emergency numbers.”

    The police chief said the principal suspect of the Okota election disruption who was pelted with stones by a mob would be prosecuted.

    He confirmed that Demola had been discharged from the hospital and was being treated as principal suspect, adding the police would get the names of other suspects from him.

    The commissioner also said that the command had learnt lessons from the way the hoodlums who disrupted elections in Okota operated, adding that they would not allow such incident again.

    He said the restriction of movement during the governorship election would be total and that no motorcycles, tricycles will be allowed near polling units.

    Muazu explained the hoodlums did not come at once and came from different directions, adding they parked their motorcycles close to the polling unit and once they noticed they had a sizeable number, attacked voters.

    He said the command would hold meeting with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and also members of motorcyclists association on Friday to ensure they do not allow themselves to be used by any trouble maker.

  • Ogun APC rally: Police arrest six suspects

    Six persons suspected to be among those who caused trouble during the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) rally in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have been arrested, the police said yesterday.

    This was contained in a statement by spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP).

    He said Olaoye Tunde, 40, Bashiru Alli, 40, Ayoola Muyiwa, 50, Yakubu Wahab, 28, Opeyemi Omiyefa, 31, and Akeem Biliaminu, 38, have been arrested and are being prosecuted at a Chief Magistrates’ Court II, Isabo in Abeokuta.

    Oyeyemi said: “The ugly incident of February 11 during the APC presidential campaign has been viewed with all seriousness, as any act of that nature under any guise will not be tolerated.

    “The command is taking this opportunity to warn anybody who may have the intention of fomenting trouble to stay clear of Ogun State, as such person or group will be dealt with according to the law of the land.”

    He said Police Commissioner Ahmed Illiyasu praised the people of the state for comporting themselves during the elections, adding that the peaceful conduct of the exercise showed high level of political maturity, tolerance and enlightenment on the part of the people.

    “On our part as an institution saddled with the responsibility of protecting life and property, we wish to reiterate our commitment to the provision of security before, during and after the remaining elections coming up on March 9.

    “Since another round of campaign has begun, the command appeals to politicians to play the game in accordance with laid down rules and regulations, as any act of violence, thuggery and hooliganism will not be tolerated.”

  • Three killed, policemen injured as youths clash in Lagos

    …Police arrest 37, avert another clash

    Three persons were on Wednesday feared killed and many others including policemen injured after violence broke out at Alaba Rago in Lagos.

    It was gathered that violence erupted at Okokomaiko before noon when youths in their hundreds stormed the express in celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration as winner of last Saturday’s presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    According to sources, the youths armed with cutlasses and bottles sang songs of victory from Alaba Rago and marched towards Okokomaiko blocking the entire expressway and challenging other road users.

    They were said to have resorted to violence at Okokomaiko, where they attacked traders and vandalised their shops as ‘punishment’.

    A woman who identified herself as Blessing said: “They came from Alaba Rago and were celebrating President Buhari’s victory. They were also shouting Sai Baba and marching towards Okokomaiko.

    “But as soon as they got to Okokomaiko, they started destroying traders’ wares and this made the traders to run for fear of their lives.

    “The hoodlums marched to the Okokomaiko Police Division and the officers there triedbto stop them but they were violent. They attacked the officers and injured some of the policemen.

    “We heard gunshots and later news started flying that they killed one of the policemen. This issue has been on since morning. Parents ran to schools to take their children.

    “Vehicles were not moving on this busy road because they also burnt tyres. It was terrible. It was the army that later came and restored peace.

    A meat seller Sule condemned the violence, lamenting that it made it impossible for him to ply his trade.
    “I am from the north and those who caused this issue are also from the north. I have not sold anything since morning. What will I do with all this meat now?” Sule lamented.

    A motorcyclist said policemen made some arrest when they got to the scene, but alleged that those arrested were innocent bystanders and not the perpetrators of the violence.

    At the time of this report, policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and soldiers were still at the scene. An RRS helicopter was also hovering the area.

    Meanwhile the police averted a clash between hoodlums in Lagos Island Wednesday morning after a faction made to obstruct traders from opening their shops.
    It was gathered that some hoodlums had stormed Oluwole, Nnamdi Azikwe, Tinubu, Bamgbose and Alli Streets around 9am, accusing traders of not voting their preferred candidates during the last election.
    They were however confronted by another faction who found their actions to be provocative and in bad taste.

    It was gathered that both faction engaged in a heated brawl and were close to attacking each other when policemen from Area A Command intervened.

    Contacted, police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) said 37 suspects were arrested at the Alaba Rago incident, adding that investigation had commenced.

    Oti confirmed the hoodlums attacked police vehicles and injured personnel who made to take them off the highways.

    He said: “Some youths blocked the highway and information was sent to the police. Policemen on traffic control duty were deployed and they tried to get them to leave the road but they attacked the policemen. Some policemen sustained injuries. Reinforcement was dispatched to the scene and 37 persons were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.

    “There was no crisis at Lagos Island. What happened was that hoodlums were about to confront themselves and policemen were quickly deployed to avoid any incident.“

  • Excavator operator ‘absconds’ with N126.8m Swamp Buggy

    An excavator operator, Samuel Okon, who allegedly absconded with a Swamp Buggy Machine valued at N126, 800,000 was on Wednesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Okon, 36, was arraigned by the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) Force Headquarters, Obalende, Lagos before Mr Y. O. Aro-Lambo on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obstruction of policemen on lawful duty.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh said Okon committed the offences on December 31, 2016 at May Fair Garden, Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    He said Okon was hired by Black Apple Ltd, Lekki, to carry out excavation work at Lekki with the Swamp Buggy.

    Okon, after finishing the work, did not return the Swamp Buggy to Black Apple but secretly began working with another contractor with the Swamp Buggy.

    The court heard that the company tried to reach Okon on phone but his lines were switched off. He never returned to the office.

    Mameh said: “The company reported the matter to the police, which, sometime last year, tracked Okon to his home in Ajah and arrested him.

    “Last June 28, the FIB granted Okon adminstrative bail pending conclusion of investigation, after he brought his flatmate, Opara Mark, as his surety and fulfilled other conditions.”

    Okon allegedly absconded afterwards.

    The police, last July 18, charged Mark before Magistrate Aro-Lambo on two counts of aiding Okon’s escape and obstructing the course of justice.

    Opara pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.

    Mameh said in the course of Opara’s trial, Okon’s phone number became active and the FIB tracked his line and found his hideout, following which he was arrested and arraigned.

    Opara’s case was subsequently discontinued.

    Mameh told the court that Okon’s conduct infringed sections 174b, 280, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Okon pleaded not guilty.

    His counsel, Mrs. Helen Ibeji applied for his bail “in the most liberal terms.

    “The defendant has no previous criminal record and has credible sureties willing to stand for him,” Ibeji added.

    In a bench ruling, Magistrate Aro-Lambo granted Okon N2million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The sureties must be owners of landed property in Lagos and have a credible source of income, among other conditions.

    He remanded Okon in prison custody pending the fulfillment of the bail and adjourned till April 3.

  • Police confirm 29 killed, houses razed in Kajuru

    The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdur-Rahman has confirmed that, no fewer than 29 persons lost their lives in the Tuesday morning gunmen’s attack on Karmai village in Kajuru local government.

    The Police Commissioner who stated this at a press briefing in Kaduna also said 40 houses were burnt down in attack.

    According to the CP, “I feel obliged to brief you on the recent sad incidence at Kajuru Local Government Area. On Tuesday, at about 0530hrs, there was an attack on Karmai village near Maro by some unknown bandits who entered the Community and started shooting sporadically which resulted to the death of twenty nine persons including one police personnel who was part of the team that was ambushed while responding to the distress call made by the attacked community. The attackers also torched about forty houses in the community,” he said.

    The Commissioner of Police said that he had gone round all the communities at the axis along with the Garrison Commander 1 Division of the Nigeria Army Brigadier General O.J Akpor and other Senior Police and Military Officers for On-The-Spot Assessment visit to build confidence in them, where he enjoined them to live in peace with one another and to sympathize with the affected community.

    “I also held peace meeting with the community stakeholders and assured them of adequate security. Thus, we have deployed more troops to fortify security within the general area,” he added.

    CP Abdur-Rahman said that the Inspector General of Police IGP Adamu Mohammed is saddened with the ugly incident and has condoled the families that lost their loved ones in the dastardly attack.

    He used the medium to appeal for peace and to assure members of the public that the command was doing everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice.

    “Hence, people should not take law into their hands.

    “I want to thank the good people of Kaduna state and the media for their continued support to the Command in our effort to fight crime to its barest minimum in the State.” He stressed.

  • Police tighten security at INEC office

    The security in and around the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was yesterday tightened by armed personnel from the police command.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that besides the security tightened on the commission’s premises, Aba Road where the office is situated is also under heavy security.

    NAN observed that two out of the four-carriage way were closed to traffic, while security personnel lined up along the remaining two lanes in use, controlling traffic.

    Read also: APC, UPP candidates reject Ondo election results

    The development created traffic jam, causing difficulty for people, especially commercial drivers who diverted to other routes in the metropolis.

    The development has resulted in fares hike.

    Efforts to reach the police spokesperson by NAN correspondent to find out issues leading to the air-tight security proved abortive.

  • Police to embark on anti-cultism campaign

    The police command in Enugu State has said that it will soon begin a state-wide campaign against cultism across the state.

    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, a Superintendent (SP) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu yesterday.

    Amaraizu added the campaign would be done in partnership with the Nigeria Policing Programme (NPP).

    He said the campaign was part of measures put in place by the command for a continued peaceful and secured environment.

    The police spokesman said it would also create a robust police-public relationship with relevant stakeholders to stem the tide of cultism in the state.

    He said: “The state command will be holding its community-based campaign on cultism and other social vices in the state beginning from Thursday.

    “The state-wide community-based campaign as supported by one of the police partners – NPP – will take place across the three senatorial zones in the state namely: Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu West senatorial zones,” he said.

    He added that the campaign was designed to expose the inherent dangers of cultism and related crimes.

    Amaraizu said the campaign would provide support system for youth/students and reform repentant members of cult groups.

    He said it would also provide a platform for information sharing among schools, communities and law enforcement agencies.

    “The campaign will have the presence of traditional rulers, community leaders, students, youth groups, heads of schools, artisans, clergy as well as state intervention lead of NPP in Enugu, Mr Solomon Akpanufot, “ he  added.

     

  • Police arraign two teenagers for alleged burglary

    The police yesterday arraigned two teenagers at an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged burglary.

    The defendants, Yusuf Olaniyi, 18, and the other, a 15-year-old boy, were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on burglary, conspiracy and theft.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fagboyinbo Abiodun alleged that the defendants committed the offences on February 20, at about 10am, at Eleyele area, Osogbo.

    He said the defendants conspired and burgled the house of Ilesanmi Benjamin, stealing one plasma television set worth about N44,000.

    Read also: Down with kidney failure, defrauded by family friend

    He added that the duo also stole a stabiliser valued at N15,000, before they were apprehended.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 516, 411, 451 and 383 punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

    The plea of the defendants was not taken.

    Magistrate Mrs. Rofiat  Olayinka ordered that the defendants be kept in police custody,  pending the determination of the real age of the 15-year-old boy.

    The case was adjourned till March 1.