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Tag: Police

  • The need for treatment of accident and gunshot victims without police report

    The need for treatment of accident and gunshot victims without police report

    The continual refusal of hospitals in Nigeria to accept and treat gunshot victims and accident victims without a police report should be stopped as a matter of national priority. Urgent treatment should be given to victims, while the Nigerian Police Force is immediately alerted and the police report is secured. This is to save lives and avoidable life-threatening injuries of victims, which should no longer be the case in Nigeria. 

    The refusal of such emergency treatments by hospitals is despite the approval given two years ago, by the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force (IGP), Mr. Kayode A. Egbetokun, in October 2023, that all accident and gunshot victims should be provided with prompt and compassionate treatments at hospitals without a Police report.

    This is especially given the fact that the IGP’s approval is in line with the enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017, which stipulates that all healthcare practitioners should prioritize the immediate care and stabilization of such patients based on the criticality of the timeliness of medical intervention in saving lives.

    The Need for Enforcement of the Existing Law:

    However, it is worth noting that the above-mentioned Act does not cover accident victims. In addition, despite the existence of the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Act, which was signed into law in 2017, hospitals and medical practitioners still turn their backs not just on gunshot victims, but also on accident victims that need urgent medical attention. Interestingly, so far, there have not been any consequences of refusal of hospitals or medical practitioners to comply with the provisions of that law, which would have sent the signals that compliance is key. Also important is the fact that the majority of Nigerians are not even aware that such a law exists, so that they can take legal action against hospitals or medical practitioners that refuse to comply with the law. Because the Act is very clear with regard to non-compliance, for example:

    •Section 9 of the Act stipulates that, “A person who commits an offense under this act, which leads to or causes substantial physical, mental and emotional damage to the victim, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not more than 15 years and not less than 5 years without the option of fine”.

    •Section 11 of the Act also stipulates that; “Any person or authority, including any police officer, other security agent or hospital who stands by and fails to perform his duty under this act which results in the unnecessary death of any person with gunshot wounds, commits an offense and is liable to a fine of N500,000.00 or imprisonment of a term of 5 years, or both”

    The above sections are germane to the consequences of non-compliance with the law, when and if not applied. Therefore, the IGP’s approvals also require follow-up actions that will ensure the sensitization of the public about the existence of this law on one hand and the enforcement of the law on the other hand; otherwise, the IGP’s directive will remain rhetoric. In the case of the bad/ wicked medical practitioners, there should be consequences for refusing to give treatment in such accident emergencies.

     Therefore, I urge the IGP, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Ministers of Health, other relevant agencies of Government, Civil Society Organizations, other critical stakeholders to embark on massive sensitization of the public all over the Country to know about the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017, its provisions and action process of ensuring that the law works for the people.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Why we arrested Omoyele Sowore in Court — Police

    Urgent Need for Legislation on Protection of Accident Victims

    There is a gap in the Act, of the non-inclusion of Accident victims or the non-enactment of a law to cover accident victims, which should also be addressed as a matter of national priority. 

     As it is today in Nigeria, there are no prudential guidelines or laws that guide the actions of medical practitioners and hospitals with regard to the treatment of accident victims without a Police report. Even when the Police report is presented (mostly after long and difficult processes), during which a lot of lives are lost, the hospitals are either rightly or wrongly reluctant to treat such emergencies with the dispatch and respect they deserve. In some pathetic cases, the hospitals outrightly refuse to provide such interventions to Nigerians and indeed any other person who requires urgent medical attention, which is against their professional oath and code of conduct.

     It is worthy of note that there are currently no laws that assist medical practitioners to treat such critical accident emergencies without fear of negative consequences from the Police or other law enforcement/ security agencies.

     Therefore, I am of the opinion that the gap can be catered for in the interim by a Presidential intervention using an Executive Order. This will place a high premium on human lives.

    To the Doctors, Nurses, and Other Medical Practitioners:

    The attitude of some of you should change. The majority of our medical practitioners have a high sense of empathy, compassion, duty, and professionalism. I have come across great Doctors, Nurses, and medical practitioners in Nigeria who practice with a high sense of responsibility, professionalism, humanity, and fear of God. But, sadly, there are also some horrible Doctors, Nurses, and medical practitioners, and what is worrisome is that the number of these wicked practitioners is increasing daily. I hope that the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional organizations in the health sector will deal decisively with the bad ones amongst them in order to fully restore/ sustain, and upscale the respect of this noble profession.

    Full immunity and protection should be given to first responders, hospitals, doctors, and all medical practitioners who provide any form of intervention to save the lives of accident and gunshot victims. In other Countries, such people and/ or establishments are heroes, but in Nigeria, in many cases, kind and honorable people mostly end up being treated as criminals, or aiders and abettors of criminals, fugitives/ suspects, and may even face prosecution simply because they followed their basic instincts and tenets of attempting to help and save lives. The situation is so bad that people simply drive by or walk by victims of accidents or gunshot wounds, because of the fear of dire consequences. Those people who want to help but are not able to do so, out of fear of negative repercussions, are also impacted because most of them become permanently psychologically scarred by the horror of the flashes of the bodies and faces of the victims they abandoned while in need of urgent help. Most of such well-intentioned/ well-meaning people live the rest of their lives struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), which manifests in so many horrible mental and physical ways. We should not allow such sordid situations to continue by acting swiftly and properly. After all, nobody knows the situation he/ she or their loved ones may someday find themselves in.

    Hence, Civil Society Organizations and all well-meaning Nigerians should play key roles of sponsoring relevant bills, supporting the bills, attending public hearings and making contributions, passing laws, and ultimately signing into law the laws that will give more legal backing and effect to this critical need to save the lives of accident victims to avoid avoidable loss of lives and livelihoods.

    A humble request and advocacy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an Executive Order:

    Your Excellency, Mr. President, with profound respect, and on behalf of Nigerians, I seek that succor can come by way of an Executive Order, as a critical interim measure, pending a full process of legislation, for doctors, medical practitioners, and hospitals to accept and treat accident victims without a police report. 

    Provisions could be embedded in the Executive Order, such that criminals, fugitives, or suspects should be treated, while ensuring that relevant agencies of government move swiftly to ensure that justice is still done after the provision of the treatment. For example, in the case of accident victims who are not covered by the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017; as soon as victims are received, a prudential guideline should be activated to inform all the relevant law enforcement agencies, for example, the Nigerian Police Force so that if the patient is a suspect or crime or criminality or a wanted criminal, he/ she will be arrested and secured in the hospital, while treatment/ medical intervention is being provided, and he/she faces prosecution after discharge from the hospital or facility and continue with case of persecution. Other risk management mechanisms could be provided in the guidelines to ensure that criminals or terrorists are not given cover to escape justice.

     Thank you, Mr. President.

    May Almighty God Continue to Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Police exit contributory pension scheme

    Police exit contributory pension scheme

    • Retired personnel to earn 85% of total emoluments as minimum pension
    • Reps pass Bill to exempt force from CPS

    The House of Representatives has passed into law a Bill seeking to remove members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The new law, titled: “A Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Police Force Pension Board,” is meant to ensure an effective administration of pension and gratuity for the personnel of the force.

    It exempts them from the application of the contributory pension scheme (CPS) under the Pension Reform Act and provides that police personnel would be paid 85 per cent of their total emoluments as pension.

    The law is to establish a uniform set of rules, regulations, and standards for the administration and payment of retirement benefits of retired personnel of the police force and ensure that every personnel who served in the force receives their retirement benefits as and when due.

    The Bill is currently awaiting concurrence in the Senate before it will be sent to the President for assent.

    When assented to by the President, the law will exempt NPF personnel from the CPS by amending Section 5(1a) of the Pension Reforms Act 2014 and adding the NPF to the section.

    The section lists the categories of persons to be exempted from the CPS to include members of the Armed Forces, the intelligence and secret services of the federation. It will now include the Nigeria Police Force.

    The law establishes a Nigeria Police Pensions Board to be headed by a Director General who shall be a serving police officer not below the rank of an Assistant Inspector of Police (AIG) and a Secretary who will also be a senior police officer who must have been called to the Nigerian Bar with not less than 10 years post-call experience.

    The board is expected to take over the payment of gratuity and pension of retired police officers from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and cause the adjustment of their pension and gratuity to be commensurate with the provisions of the law.

    Read Also: We’re working with DSS, Police, Army to prevent ‘terror attacks’ in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa assures

    It will also be responsible for the payment of pension and gratuity to all personnel of the NPF as well as pay compassionate gratuity, death benefits, and entitlement of deceased police officers and men to their next of kin.

    Section 14 of the Bill reads: “There shall be charged on and paid out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, all such sums of money as may be granted by the Federal Government by way of pension and gratuity in accordance with this Bill.

    Section 15 provides for circumstances in which pensions may be granted, stating that no pension or gratuity shall be granted under this Bill to any personnel except on his retirement from the force after serving for 35 years or attaining the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.

    It also states that pension will be paid on voluntary retirement after serving for not less than 10 years; on compulsory retirement under the provisions of Section 16(1), on compulsory retirement for the purpose of facilitating improvements in the force, so that greater efficiency or economy may be affected and at any time on medical evidence to the satisfaction of the Medical Board that he is incapable by reason of any infirmity of mind or body of discharging his duties and that such infirmity is likely to be permanent.

    Section 17 of the law, which provides for the minimum and the maximum pension, states that “a pension granted to a personnel under this bill shall not be less than 85 per cent of his total emoluments”.

    It also states that: “For the purpose of this secrion, an additional pension granted in respect of injuries shall not be taken into account, but  where the personnel is granted such an additional pension under the Bill, the amount so granted, together with the remainder of his pension under this Bill shall not exceed 100 per cent of highest pensionable emoluments at any time in the course of his service.”

    In Section 19, the law provides that “where a personnel dies within five years after retirement, his next of kin shall continue to be paid for a period which shall expire at the end of five years from the date of his retirement, the same pension which the deceased personnel was receiving prior to his death, and if the next of kin so elects, the balance of his pension at his death may be paid immediately to the next of kin or designated survivor.

    The law also provides for the payment of gratuity to the family of a deceased personnel, in addition to what the law calls the death gratuity, while the pension payable shall end after five years after the death of the personnel.

    Section 21 provides that “a pension or gratuity granted under this Bill shall not be assignable or transferable or liable to be attached, sequestrated or levied upon for or in respect of any debt or claim whatsoever except for the purpose of satisfying a debt due to the Federal Government or by an order of court for the payment for a periodic sum of money.”

  • Police assure safe, secure environment

    Police assure safe, secure environment

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment before, during, and after the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

    He urged officers to remain professional, disciplined, and neutral while upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force throughout the electoral process.

    Orutugu gave the assurance during an operational tour across Police Area Commands to assess officers’ readiness for the election. During the visit to Onitsha Area Command, he inspected operational formations, police posts, and checkpoints to ensure personnel were alert and well-equipped.

    “We are fully prepared to provide adequate security before, during, and after the election. The safety of lives and property remains our top priority,” the CP said.

    He also commended the cooperation of sister security agencies and other stakeholders, urging residents to remain law-abiding and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

    Meanwhile, security agencies in the state have pledged to work in synergy under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) framework to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.

    Read Also: Police charge 13 with public disturbance, others over pro-Nnamdi Kanu protest

    The pledge was made during a Situation Room meeting held at the Police Command Headquarters, Awka, hosted by the CP. Agencies represented included the Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NDLEA, NIS, Fire Service, and Correctional Service.

    Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel, Orutugu said the engagement provided a platform for strategic review and coordination of security arrangements, intelligence sharing, and effective deployment ahead of the election.

    “Security during elections is a shared responsibility that requires professionalism, neutrality, and dedication,” he noted.

    The CP added that a Situation Room has been established at the Command Headquarters to serve as a central hub for real-time monitoring, coordination, and response to security developments during the poll.

  • Police meet stakeholders over DSS terror alert in Ondo communities

    Police meet stakeholders over DSS terror alert in Ondo communities

    Amid an alarm by the Department of State Services (DSS) over an imminent terror attack on some local communities in Ondo State, the Police Command has convened a high-powered security meeting with stakeholders as part of its strategy to forestall any security breach.

    Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday in Ikare and Iwaro Akoko, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, said there was a need to prevent any breakdown of law and order in line with the proactive policing strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

    Lawal explained that the meeting, which had in attendance traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its State Chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo, was aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public.

    Read Also: Kogi/Ondo: Okai commends DSS on proactive intelligence gathering

    He lauded the stakeholders for their cooperation and commended the officers and men of the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifices in ensuring the safety of residents.

    The Ondo police boss reiterated the command’s determination to deepen community policing and sustain proactive engagement with all stakeholders.

    “The interactive session is to strengthen mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community,” he said.

    Lawal reaffirmed the command remains committed to the IGP’s vision of proactive, intelligence-driven, and citizen-focused policing that guarantees lasting peace and security across Ondo State.

    He also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continuous support to the command in maintaining peace and order.

    Demonstrating his accessibility and leadership by example, the CP shared his contact number with attendees, urging them to reach out directly with credible information to support police operations.

    Representatives of the farmers assured the command of timely and accurate information to aid operations while traditional rulers highlighted the importance of border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi States in curbing cross-border threats.

    Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, alongside other socio-economic groups, lauded the CP for his fairness, inclusivity, and people-oriented policing approach.

    They reaffirmed commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property.

  • We’re working with DSS, Police, Army to prevent ‘terror attacks’ in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa assures

    We’re working with DSS, Police, Army to prevent ‘terror attacks’ in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa assures

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on the residents of the State to remain calm and not panic over reports of a possible “terrorist attack,” assuring that his administration is working closely with all relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

    Aiyedatiwa, in a statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said his administration was in constant communication with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Army to forestall any form of security breach in the state.

    This comes after a leaked memo from the DSS indicated that suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) were planning coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and neighbouring Kogi State.

    The confidential memo, dated October 20, 2025 to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, warned that intelligence reports had confirmed plans by ISWAP operatives to strike simultaneously at selected locations in the two states.

    Signed by H.I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, the memo identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North West LGA and Owo town in Owo LGA of the state among the potential targets.

    According to the document, the terrorist group had already commenced surveillance on “soft targets” in the affected areas, urging the military to heighten security vigilance.

    “The groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations. Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation,” the memo stated. 

    But Aiyedatiwa said his government was already aware of the security alert and had taken proactive steps to safeguard residents, especially those in border communities.

    Aiyedatiwa said security has been beefed up across the state, particularly in identified flashpoints, while surveillance and intelligence gathering efforts have been intensified.

    “The Ondo State Government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is in constant contact with security agencies and is taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so that Ondo State can remain one of the safest states in the country,” the statement reads.

    The Governor further advised residents to avoid panic, go about their normal activities, and report any suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.

    “Once again, we appeal to residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking laws into their hands, and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state,” it added.

    The statement clarified that the leaked memo was part of routine intelligence-sharing among security agencies and government authorities, describing such communications as a standard practice in preventing threats.

    “These intelligence reports often contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used in joint operations by security agencies to enhance vigilance and take proactive measures,” it noted.

    The government reaffirmed that the state government and security operatives were fully engaged in ensuring that the safety and peace of the state were not compromised.

    “The public can be assured that these reports are being acted upon, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security,” the statement said.

    “The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats.”

    The alert comes three years after suspected ISWAP militants carried out a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Owo, killing more than 40 worshippers during Sunday mass.

    In recent months, security experts have voiced concerns over the spread of terrorist activities into parts of southern Nigeria, after years of insurgent violence that had been largely confined to the country’s Northeast. 

  • Protest: Police charge Kanu’s lawyer, brother, 10 others

    Protest: Police charge Kanu’s lawyer, brother, 10 others

    Thirteen protesters were yesterday charged by the Police for their roles in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday.

    Among them were Aloy Ejimakor, the lawyer of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and Prince Emmanuel, a sibling of the key agitator for Biafra.

    Others  charged in two separate First Information Reports (FIR)    are Joshua Emmanuel, Bishop   Anyalewechi,  Okere  Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and

    Chima Onuchukwu.

    While the first 12 suspects, including Ejimakor and Prince Kanu,  are listed in one of the FIRs, Onuchukeu is listed as the sole suspect in the other.

    Both FIRs were signed by Adedayo Adekunle, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

    The 13 were charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of an order promulgated by a public officer, inciting disturbance and disturbance of public peace.

    The police said the offences are contrary to sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.

    The FIRs read:

    READ ALSO: A new leaf?

     *That on 20 day of October 2025, you (1). Barrister Aliyu Ejimakor, (2). Prince Emmanuel Kanu, (3). Joshua Emmanuel, (4). Bishop Wilson Anyalewechi (5). Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, (6). Clinton Chimeneze, (7). Gabriel Joshua, (8). Isiaka Husseini, (9). Onyekachi Ferdinand. (10). Amadi Prince, (11). Edison Ojisom, and (12). Godwill Obiama, all male adults of FCT Abuja were arrested by a team of security agents in different locations within FCT(Federal Capital Territory) while involving yourselves in inciting disturbance, and breach of public peace in disobedience to a court order, denying other citizens the freedom of movement, disrupting free flow of traffic while chanting war songs and requesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is undergoing lawful trial at the Federal High Court in a manner that threatens national security.

    ‘’You thereby committed the above-mentioned offences.

     *That on 20th day of October, 2025, you Chima Onuchukwu male adult of Ebonyi State, was arrested by a team of police officers at Gate 8, Aso Villa, FCT Abuja, while carrying placards written, “Free Nnamdi Kanu” and inciting disturbance, and breach of public peace in disobedience to a court order, and denying others citizens the freedom of movement, disrupting free flow of traffic while chanting war songs and requesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is undergoing lawful trial at the Federal High Court in a manner that threatens national security.

    ‘’You thereby committed the above-mentioned offences. ‘’

    Ejimakor in post on his  X  handle. alleged that the   Magistrate declined to hear their submissions but insisted that they should remain in Kuje Prisons till Friday.  

    The post reads: “I am safe and sound but still under custody at Kuje Prisons. The magistrate refused to listen to our submissions. He insisted on remanding us till Friday and got his way.”

    Ejimakor also alleged that the authorities deliberately took the case to the court in Kuje instead of any of the other available Magistrate courts in the FCT.

    “For context: Keep in mind that they bypassed several Magistrate courts in town and headed to this one in Kuje,” he stated.

    Nnaemeka Ejiofor, another Kanu lawyer, said the suspects were not arraigned because they demanded that the case be stood down to enable them to meet with their lawyers.

     Ejiofor said the suspects have filed bail applications but have been unable to serve the police.

    Earlier yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer  Benjamin Hundeyin said on a television programme that  Ejimakor, Prince and the others were detained after attempting to access restricted areas during the protest.

    “We arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer because they insisted on entering restricted zones. Others were also picked up near the Transcorp area for the same conduct,’’ Hundeyin added.

    He restated that the police would not condone any action capable of breaching public order or disobeying lawful directives.

    PCRC hails professional handling of protest

     Also yesterday, the leadership of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) commended the Police for the professional and constitutional manner in which they managed the protest.

    Its National Chairman, Ibrahim Olaniyan, said in a statement that ‘the swift and measured response’ of the Police in ensuring law and order during the protest reflected the renewed professionalism, restraint, and respect for human rights under the current Police administration.

    The committee also welcomed the move by the Police to prosecute the arrested demonstrators within 24 hours, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

     The PCRC also commended residents of the Southeast    for their ‘’maturity, restraint, and understanding that the resolution of the Nnamdi Kanu issue can only be achieved through lawful, political, or judicial means—not by force or confrontation.’’

    Normalcy returns to Abuja

    Normalcy returned to the FCT yesterday after the protest that disrupted movements and businesses

    But the heavy presence of police and other security personnel witnessed on the streets on Monday was still noticeable.

    A little scare took place near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in  Utako when a combined team of soldiers and police personnel fired tear gas canisters at a crowd they saw there.  

    Our correspondent observed that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were barricaded.

    Security operatives blocked entry to Unity Fountain, the protest take-off point, and denied access to motorists and pedestrians.

    Heavily armed personnel patrolled the area, leaving both Unity Fountain and the Three Arms Zone inaccessible.

    The protest was convened by activist  Omoyole Sowore to press for he release of the IPOB leader who is facing terrorism trial after his arrest in Kenya in 2021. 

  • Raise IT budgets for courts, Police efficiency

    Raise IT budgets for courts, Police efficiency

    The commendable success of the police in tracking and arresting the participants in the despicable armed robbery and home invasion which led to the occupant falling from the balcony rather than face a terrible ordeal and certain death caused by young aggressive very evil men. It is reported that some were arrested en route another robbery. Thank goodness or we could now be reporting on another murder. Congratulations to the police everywhere!

    Only the police will be able to tell us, after interrogation, how long they have been robbing and killing without being detected, investigated seriously or detected or even arrested during their years of criminal existence in and around Abuja and Zamfara. Hopefully, this interrogation will lead to further arrests and solving of other older unsolved cases. Could this be because past victims did not have the massive social media and mainstream media reach and political backlash leverage surrounding the wickedly motivated attack and murder of or sadly deceased ARISE TV journalist?

    We know that the nation is facing under-policing made worse because the police is severely overstretched with a sizable percentage of active service personnel allocated to ‘VIP GUARD DUTY’, some guarding handbags while elsewhere for example seven were killed in a Kaduna attack in the last few days. It would be a resounding achievement by the police and army if the attackers of these more recently murdered Fellow Nigerians, the  latest ‘Kaduna Seven’, as yet unnamed and without social media clout, are also arrested ‘with immediate effect’ by a similar police and military operation.

    Too many crimes are let go unless the victims’ relations escalate the matter and often have to fund parts of the investigation process themselves. Exactly how much is allocated to each police station for crime reporting and investigation. In most cases even paper and pen are required from the victim’s family for writing statements and ‘transport money’ moving around is standard. This brings down the value of our many well trained highly capable hard-working police in the eyes of the citizenry. We must make adequate provisions for all police to do their best work in all their cases and not just for certain cases.

    Nigeria is supposed to be recruiting 30,000 new policemen and women. There are many stories swirling around the coming of state police and ‘local knowledge’ benefits and the ‘political abuse/private state governor or LGA chairman’s army’ dangers. We await the political conclusion and subsequent positive results on both issues -recruitment and state police.  

    But then we are still in Nigeria, a country in which judges are still forced to personally record cross-examination and opinions in handwriting in court when most of the rest of the world has stenographers, computers, in court live video recordings and even INSTANT SPEECH-TO-TEXT FACILITIES – available on your phone now! These are to quickly accumulate and confirm accuracy of case-related legal information transmission. Is there a conspiracy against modernising the court system in Nigeria?

    Is there a group that wants to keep justice slow and unsteady with cases taking years, some up to 20-30 years?  We are in a country with 200,000-250,000 lawyers and many more at the cutting edge of international law practice while living abroad and with approximately 700 SANs. In spite of this massive legal brain power, the citizens suffer under the agonisingly slow court system clearly demonstrating ‘JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED’. There are annual hugely expensive NBA meetings all dedicated to assessing and improving the self-acclaimed ‘Learned Profession’, though many other professions dispute the justice and legality of this ‘self-crowning with cerebral excess’.

    Read Also: IDS, ActionAid partner to deepen fight against poverty in Nigeria

    The citizens expect, no demand, a unity between the traditional red, silk and black robes and assorted wigs, seen in court, to spearhead modern police station legal procedures and a smoother, more efficient, less daily expensive court recording procedure backed by the NBA. Many lawyers are in the National Assembly, NASS, and the corridors of political power and can collectively improve the judiciary budget.

    The judiciary budget is for an independent branch of government and should advance the cause of justice delivery nationwide, not just in Abuja.

    The training of personnel or recruitment of IT staff and computerisation of evidence taking  for all police stations and courts across Nigeria should be top of the agenda of the Tinubu government, state governments and LGAs, Body of Benchers, judges committees, SAN and NBA.  The citizens are tired of waiting for ever for justice.

    In contrast politicians always get what they want. The politicians get the police as guards, needed by the rest of us. The politicians get quick decisions on election matters at special short-lived  ‘Election Tribunals’ while citizens’ cases take years ‘or till death’. Politicians have ridiculous multi-million naira monthly incomes while the citizens get a pittance as minimum wage.   IT IS TIME THE CITIZENS GOT BETTER RECEPTION IN POLICE STATIONS, SHORTER TIME IN COURT AND ANOTHER FREE AND FAIR ELECTION LIKE 1993.   

    For too long Nigeria has tolerated, fought, lost gallant personnel and JTF members and witnessed resurgence of Boko Haram, bandits, terrorists and some violent herders with poorly sustained repercussions and many rehabilitation strategies copycatting but outdoing the Nigeria Delta militants settlements programmes.

    We must curb these dangers before the election for 2027-2031 when the police will again be spread too thinly to counter the evil political elements strategizing now to fight Nigeria and INEC, with ballot rigging and violence.

    Nigerian citizens@65 deserve better!

  • Police charge 13 with public disturbance, others over pro-Nnamdi Kanu protest

    Police charge 13 with public disturbance, others over pro-Nnamdi Kanu protest

    …Remanded in Kuje prison 

    The Police have charged 13 individuals with various offences, including public disturbance over their alleged involvement in Monday’s protest intended at compelling the Federal Government to release the detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    Those charges in two separate First Information Report (FIR) are:

    Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Joshua Emmanuel, Bishop Wilson Anyalewechi, Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma and Chima Onuchukwu.

    While the first 12 suspects are listed in one of the FIRs, Onuchukeu is listed as the sole suspect in the other. Both FIRs are signed by Adedayo Adekunle, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

    The 13 are charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of order promulgated by public officer, inciting disturbance and disturbance of public peace.

    The police said the offences are contrary to sections 152, 114,and 113 of the Penal Code Law.

    The FIRs read: 

    *That on 20 day of October, 2025, you (1). Barrister Aliyu Ejimakor, (2). Prince Emmnauel Kanu, (3). Joshua Emmanuel, (4). Bishop Wilson Anyalewechi, (5). Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, (6). Clinton Chimeneze, (7). Gabriel Joshua, (8). Isiaka Husseini, (9). Onyekachi Ferdinand. (10). Amadi Prince, (11). Edison Ojisom, and (12). Godwill Obiama, all male adults of FCT Abuja were arrested by a team of security agents in different locations within FCT while involving yourselves in inciting disturbance, and breach of public peace in disobedience to a court order, denying other citizens the freedom of movement, disrupting free flow of traffic while chanting war songs and requesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is undergoing lawful trial at the Federal High Court in a manner that threatens national security.

    You thereby committed the above mentioned offences. 

    *That on 20th day of October, 2025, you Chima Onuchukwu male adult of Ebonyi state, was arrested by a team of police officers at gate 8, Aso Villa, FCT Abuja, while carrying placards written, “Free Nnamdi Kanu” and inciting disturbance, and breach of public peace in disobedience to a court order, and denying others citizens the freedom of movement, disrupting free flow of traffic while chanting war songs and requesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is undergoing lawful trial at the Federal High Court in a manner that threatens national security. You thereby committed the above mentioned offences. 

    One of the lawyers in Kanu’s legal team in his ongoing terrorism trial, Nnaemeka Ejiofor said he was aware that the suspects were taken before a Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Kuje on Tuesday.

    Ejiofor said the suspects were not arraigned because they demanded that the case be stood down to enable them meet with their lawyers.

    The Magistrate stood the case down but later ordered that the suspects be remanded in Kuje prison and adjourned till October 24 for their arraignment. 

    The lawyer said they have filed an bail application for the suspects but have been unable to serve the police as required.

  • Police nab three suspected drug peddlers in Jigawa

    Police nab three suspected drug peddlers in Jigawa

    The police in Jigawa have apprehended three suspects for alleged drug peddling in the state.

    This is contained in a statement by the spokesman of the command, SP Shiisu Lawan, on Tuesday in Dutse.

    He said operatives of the command apprehended the suspects on Oct. 18, at Garki, Fagam and Maigatari during a coordinated intelligence-led raids across the state.

    The spokesman said the suspects (names witheld) had been on the police wanted list for allegedly involving in the distribution of illicit substances in the state.

    Lawan said the command seized 23,944 illicit drugs during the raids, adding that two of the suspects hailed from Kano State and Niger Republic.

    Read Also: Police arrest robbery suspect disguised in NYSC uniform

    “This significant seizure marked one of the largest anti-drug operations in recent times in the state, and underscored the commitment of the command to rid communities of dangerous drugs that continue to destroy lives, especially among the youth,” he said.

    He said the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

    “The Jigawa State Police Command remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of all citizens through proactive and intelligence driven operations.”

    (NAN)

  • Police arrest robbery suspect disguised in NYSC uniform

    Police arrest robbery suspect disguised in NYSC uniform

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old man, Chinecherem Ugwuagu, who allegedly disguised himself in a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform while attempting to escape after a robbery operation.

    Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect was apprehended on October 11 by officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

    Recovered from the suspect were a Carter motorcycle, an imitation gun fashioned from a body lotion container wrapped in cloth, clothes, a bank ATM card, and other items believed to have been stolen.

    READ ALSO: Alleged forgery: Anyanwu signed letter before Govs, Saraki, Aliyu, others – PDP

    Police investigations revealed that Ugwuagu had, earlier the same day, allegedly broken into a house at 9th Mile in Udi Local Government Area, where he used the fake gun to threaten and rob the victim of the recovered items.

    He reportedly put on the NYSC uniform in an attempt to evade security checks while fleeing the scene.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the arrest.

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime in the state and urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to aid policing efforts.

    The police said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.