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Tag: Police

  • Dickson urges police, Misau to stop feud

    Dickson urges police, Misau to stop feud

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has urged the police and Senator Isa Misau to end their feud over allegations of corruption.

    He spoke yesterday when he resumed duty after his vacation.

    Dickson said the allegations were unhealthy to the image of the senator and the police.

    Misau, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, received gratifications from police commissioners and corporate organisations.

    The police responded by declaring the senator a deserter for allegedly leaving the force to contest an election without following due process or getting the right permission.

    But, Dickson expressed concern over the controversy, which, he said, was capable of ridiculing public institutions by portraying the Senate and the police in bad light.

    Describing the two institutions as critical and sacred, the governor insisted that such crisis of confidence could undermine the police and the Senate.

    Calling on Misau to withdraw his allegations against the police, the governor also asked the police to restrain from making further statements on the matter or taking further action against the senator.

    The governor observed that the police had many problems that required the support of stakeholders, including serving and former officers.

    He said such support would help motivate policemen and officers, “who are underfunded but are doing a difficult job in a difficult situation to safeguard the country”.

    Dickson, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, confirmed that he had returned from his vacation after enjoying deserved rest and attending to personal matters.

    The statement said the governor as required by law had transmitted a letter to the State House of Assembly through the Speaker, Konbowei Benson, to notify the lawmakers of his resumption.

     

  • Dickson to police, Senator Misau: stop fighting

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday lamented the prolonged feud between the police and Senator Isa Misau over allegations of corruption.

    Dickson said the allegations were unhealthy and antithetical to the image of the senator and the police.

    The governor spoke on resumption of duty after his vacation.

    Misau, who chairms the Senate Committee on Navy, alleged the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, received gratification from corporate organisations in exchange for security.

    The police responded by declaring the senator a deserter for leaving the force to contest an election without following due process or getting the right permission.

    But Dickson expressed concern at the controversy, which he said could ridicule public institutions by portraying the senate and the police in bad light.

    Describing the two institutions as critical and sacred, the governor insisted that such crisis of confidence could undermine the police and the Senate.

    While calling on Misau to withdraw his allegations, the governor also asked the police to refrain from making further statements on the matter or taking further action against the senator.

  • Family accuses police of obstructing justice over Lagos property

    Family accuses police of obstructing justice over Lagos property

    …Police: Possession was taken illegally

     

    The family of a former Head of Service in Lagos, the late Mr. C.O. Bajulaiye, has accused the police of denying its members access to their late father’s house in spite of a court judgment authorising them to take possession.

    The family had approached the Lagos Magistrates Court in a bid to recover the property from a tenant, a company.

    On May 8, the court ordered the company to give up possession of the property made up of a five-bedroom detached house, a two-bedroom guest chalet, and three-room boys quarters on or before May 10.

    The company was also ordered to pay a “mesne profit” at the rate of N3million on the property located on 8, Agoro Odiyan Street, off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island.

    However, the family, in a petition to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Fatai Owoseni, accused the police of frustrating the enforcement of the judgment.

    The third son of the late Bajulaiye, Segun, said the family, through the court’s Bailiffs, duly executed the judgment, took possession of the property and placed five security men to guard the property after the bailiff took inventory of the things they met in the compound.

    Bajulaiye said they were shocked when policemen from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti stormed the property and arrested the guards.

    “They brought along thugs armed with dangerous weapons and sealed up the property, denying us access,” Bajulaiye said.

    The family added in the petition: “Senior Police officers led by DCP Salami and CSP Asuquo both of Panti, SCID, dislodged us from taking possession and arrested and detained our security guards.”

    Bajulaiye said inscriptions made by the Bailiff on the walls to indicate that possession had been taken were also wiped off, adding that the company’s application for stay of execution of the judgment was earlier dismissed.

    Besides, the family’s lawyers are contending that even if there was an appeal, which they said was not the case, it does not operate as a stay of execution, nor was it also the place of Police officers to pronounce the process of a competent court as unlawful and to supplant them from possession with police might under any guise.

    Bajulaiye said Owoseni, in response to their petition, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID Panti, Bolaji Salami, to ensure that there was no one occupying the house, yet the order was not carried out.

    But, the Police claimed that the family took possession of the house illegally, claiming that the Bailiff executed the order without autorisation from the force.

    The Police also claimed that there was an appeal on the judgment, and that it was investigating the circumstances in which the execution was carried out.

    However, the family’s lawyers have sent a Freedom of Information request to the police, demanding a report of investigation and its reasons for denying them access to the property.

  • Dickson to police, Senator Misau: stop fighting

    Dickson to police, Senator Misau: stop fighting

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, at the resumption of duty after his vacation, on Tuesday lamented the prolonged feud between the police and Senator Isa Misau over allegations of corruption.

    Dickson said the allegations were unhealthy and antithetical to the image of the senator and the police.

    Misau, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, alleged that the Ins‎pector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, received gratification from corporate organizations in exchange for security.

    The police responded by declaring the senator a deserter for leaving the force to contest an election without following due process or getting the right permission.

    ‎But Dickson expressed concern over the controversy, which he said was capable of ridiculing public institutions by portraying the Senate and the police in bad light.

    Describing the two institutions as critical and sacred, the governor insisted that such crisis of confidence could undermine the police and the senate.

    While calling on Misau to withdraw his allegations against the police, the governor also asked the police to restrain from making further statements on the matter or taking further action against the Senator.

    The governor observed that the police had many problems that required the support of all stakeholders including serving and former officers.

     He said such support would help motivate men and officers of the police force “who are underfunded but are doing a difficult job in a difficult situation to safeguard the country”.

    He said: ”Those of us who have passed through the force have a duty to work with the police to make it strong and better. ‎Those of us who have been in and out of uniform owe the organisation the support that it desires from people who have had the privilege to serve the Police.

    “On no account should we denigrate the Police for what we owe the Police is support to enable it overcome the multifarious problems confronting the Police which in my opinion is a critical institution of state”, he said.

    Dickson, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, confirmed that he had returned from his vacation after enjoying deserved rest and attending to personal matters.
    The statement said the governor as required by law had transmitted a letter to the State House of Assembly through the Speaker, Mr. Konbowei Benson, to notify the lawmakers of his resumption.
    He thanked his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) for effectively standing in for him as Acting Governor during the period of his absence.
    He also thanked other members of his cabinet, who continued to work tirelessly for the good of the state.
    Dickson also expressed his appreciation to Bayelsans especially civil servants for their dedication to duty and the support they have been given to his administration.
    The governor reiterated an earlier announcement  that as part of his first assignment upon resumption, he would continue with the commissioning of projects.
  • Updated: Police application stalls judgment in Evan’s suit

    Updated: Police application stalls judgment in Evan’s suit

    The Police on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that it did not authorise any lawyer to represent it in the case filed by suspected kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans.

    The suspected kidnapper, through a Lagos lawyer Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, is praying the court to order his unconditional release from detention or charge him.

    He is claiming N300million as damages for illegal detention and rights violation.

    Justice Abdulazeez Anka had adjourned till Tuesday for judgment after parties argued the case and adopted their addresses on August 16.

    As the case was called for judgment to be delivered, police counsel, Mr. David Igbodo, said he filed a fresh application in which the police claimed it was not given a fair hearing.

    The lawyer, who is the Commissioner of Police in charge of Legal Section at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, represented the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police (first and second respondents).

    He said the lawyer, Henry Obiazi, who earlier argued the case on behalf of the police, was not instructed to represent the IGP or the police.

    In the pending application which was filed on August 21, the police is praying the court to set aside all the “purported” arguments made by Obiazi in the case.

    The Force is also praying the court to set aside the ruling delivered by Justice Anka on August 16 in which he adjourned for judgment.

    Igbodo said the judge adjourned the case without hearing from the first and second respondents, claiming they were not served with the suit.

    Among the prayers in the application is an order granting leave to the IGP and the police to file their counter-affidavits to the suit and for the court to consider their responses duly filed and served.

    “We believe my Lord understands the principle of fair hearing. We are ready to move the application,” he said.

    But, Ogungbeje urged the judge to go ahead and deliver the judgment.

    He said the application was a bid by the police to stall the verdict and should, therefore, be refused.

    “We have not been served with that application. On the 16th of August 2017, arguments were taken from all parties and your Lordship graciously reserved today (Tuesday) for judgment.

    “It is our strong view that this application is calculated to arrest the judgment. The assertion that we refused service of the fresh application cannot be true when judgment has already been reserved,” he said.

    Justice Anka said he could not go on with the judgment in the face of the fresh application.

    He adjourned further proceedings till September 5.

  • Court adjourns Evans’ suit till September 5

    Court adjourns Evans’ suit till September 5

    Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday adjourned till September 5 the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, against the police.

    The court had earlier fixed August 29 for ruling on the matter, but Justice Justice Abdulaziz Anka fixed a new date after the police filed applications seeking to set aside the delivering of the judgment among others.

    Details Later…

  • Dickson urges police, senator to end feud

    Dickson urges police, senator to end feud

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday lamented the prolonged feud between the police and Senator Isa Misau over alleged corruption.

    Dickson, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the allegations were unhealthy and antithetical to the image of the senator and the police.

    Misau, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, alleged that the Ins‎pector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, received gratification from corporate organizations in exchange for security.

    The police responded by declaring the senator a deserter for leaving the force to contest an election without following due process or getting the right permission.

    ‎But Dickson expressed concern over the controversy, saying it was capable of ridiculing public institutions by portraying the Senate and the police in bad light.

    Describing the two institutions as critical and sacred, the governor insisted that such crisis of confidence could undermine the police and the Senate.

    While calling on Misau to withdraw his allegations against the police, the governor also asked the police to restrain from making further statements on the matter or taking further action against the senator.

    The governor observed that the police had many problems that required the support of all stakeholders including serving and former officers.

    He said such support would help motivate men and officers of the police force “who are underfunded but doing a difficult job in a difficult situation to safeguard the country.”

    Dickson said: ”Those of us who have passed through the force have a duty to work with the police to make it strong and better. ‎Those of us who have been in and out of uniform owe the organisation the support that it desires from people who have had the privilege to serve the police.

    “On no account should we denigrate the police for what we owe the police is support to enable it overcome the multifarious problems confronting the force which in my opinion is a critical institution of state.”

    Dickson also confirmed that he had returned from his vacation after enjoying deserved rest and attending to personal matters.

    The statement said the governor as required by law had transmitted a letter to the State House of Assembly through the Speaker, Mr. Konbowei Benson, to notify the lawmakers of his resumption.

    He thanked his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), for effectively standing in for him as Acting Governor during the period of his absence.

    He also thanked other members of his cabinet for working tirelessly for the good of the state.

     

     

  • Residents accuse police of extortion

    Residents accuse police of extortion

    Some residents of Ikorodu yesterday cried out over what they called incessant harassment by the Officer-in-Charge (O-I-C) of Ibeshe Police Post and his men.

    They accused the police of unlawfully arresting them and extorting money from them.

    They complained on their community page on Facebook, Ikorodu Ambassadors, aboutthe incessant arrest of youngsters by policemen. The police, they claimed, accused their victims of being internet fraudsters or moving at ungodly hours.

    They claimed that no fewer than 20 persons were arrested last Friday night, in the latest of such actions.

    But in a swift reaction, police chief Fatai Owoseni said the allegations were being investigated and asked the victims to come forward with their complaints.

    Owoseni said: ”We have been investigating allegations of extortion and policemen found culpable have been meted necessary sanctions. Some of them were recently dismissed and are being prosecuted. The Inspector General of Police has zero tolerance for unprofessional conducts and corruption. Affected persons should be assured that we would get to the root of the matter.”

    Amodu Olorunjedalo, whose brother, Akeem Shobona was one of those arrested, said the policemen collected between N15,000 and N25,000 from each of the victims.

    Olorunjedalo wrote: “The O-I-C of Police Post, Ibeshe needs money. When you actually think you have seen it all, the Nigeria Police will spring up surprises just to extort citizens. Over 30 law-abiding citizens were unlawfully arrested yesterday (Friday) night around Access Bank, Ikorodu Garage, BRT Bus Terminal, Haruna, and Agric starting from 8pm till 11pm.

    “They were packed in the bus like sardines and transported to Ibeshe Police Post. These innocent citizens were forcefully picked, maltreated, severely beaten and threatened at gun point for demanding to know the reason behind their arrest. It was not until they got to the police post that they disclosed to them that the O-I-C, who was seen opposite drinking, needs funds for God knows what. Varying amounts ranging from N25,000, N20,000, N15,000 were collected for bail from them in these trying times. Which way are we going with this notorious police? How long are we going to be subjected to this and many more untoward hardship in the hands of these black sheep?”

    Shobona claimed that he was handcuffed with another victim and driven round Ikorodu from 8pm to 1am before he was taken to the Ibeshe Police Post.

    He said four cops sporting T-shirts with the inscription “Raiders” on the back bundled him into a commercial Vanagon (Danfo) bus.

    The 37-year-old printer said: “I want the Police Commissioner and the Force Headquarters to investigate this matter. I was kept in the cell till around 10am on Saturday when I was released after they had collected the N3,300 I had on me, my sister’s N1,000 and N500 from another guy.

    “I was going home from work when they accosted me. It was around 8pm. I alighted from a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) bus at Garage, Ikorodu and I saw my sister where she was selling food. I stopped to ask her where her mother was that she was the one selling.

    “The next thing, four armed policemen wearing T-shirts approached me and said I should enter their Danfo bus. I asked them why and they said they would beat, shoot me if I refused to obey them. So, I didn’t argue with them and entered the bus.

    “I was the first person inside the bus and they drove me around Ikorodu, picking other victims. We were more than 15 inside the bus and I saw them beat up anyone who tried to resist them. They handcuffed me with another guy. They drove round Ikorodu till about 1am before they took us to the police post at Ibeshe.

    “When we got there, those who had money and didn’t want to enter the cell paid between N10,000 and N25,000 for their release. They searched me and they only saw N3,300. They now said I should write statement for moving around at ungodly hour.

    “After taking my statement, they put me inside the cell. In the cell, I saw about nine people including a teenager, who said he was raided around 6pm at Magbedike, a street behind the Oba’s Palace.

    “He was very young and I picked interest in his case because I was wondering why a kid like that would be locked up in a cell. I have never been to a police station before. I have never been arrested and then, the policemen locked me up for doing nothing! It is shocking.

    “So, those of us who could not raise that much money were locked up and my sister came to the post to bail me. They collected the N1,000 she was holding. They collected my N3,300 they saw while they were searching me and they collected N500 from another guy before they released us around 10am on Saturday.

    “How do they expect poor masses like us to trust the police when they keep mistreating us? Why can’t they go after the real criminals and leave innocent people alone? I was very scared and couldn’t look any of them in the face because they threatened to shoot, beat anyone who tried to identify them.”

  • Police warn drivers, passengers not to collect edibles

    The police in Enugu State have warned drivers and passengers against collecting edibles from strangers, who drug people and dispossess them of their belongings.

    Ebere Amaraizu, police spokesman, gave the warning in a statement in Enugu.

    He said: “The command reminds the public, particularly passengers and drivers of taxi and tricycles, on the need to be security-conscious by being wary of the antics of mischief-makers, who hide under the guise of passengers to wreak havoc on cab and tricycle operators.

    “These mischief-makers drug fruit juice, sachet water, soft drinks and suya (roasted meat), which they give to driver or co-passengers, to express ‘kindness’, with a view to making the driver and co-passengers weak and unconscious, thereby running away with the taxi, or Keke Napep, or belongings of a co-passenger.’’

    Amaraizu said the mischief-makers also acted as chartered passenger(s) to tricycles’ and cabs’ operators, tricking them to either a hotel, supermarket or bar as if they are meeting someone for an appointment.

    “They will order for drinks or suya (roasted meat), including water for the operator to enable him (mischief-maker) finish discussions with whoever he has come to see.

    “The unsuspecting victim most times relaxes and consumes the items and after a while becomes unconscious.

    “The mischief-maker then runs away with the car or tricycle,’’ he said.

    He said the command advised the public to be vigilant not to fall victims.

    “The command, working  with other security agencies and stakeholders, has put measures in place to fish culprits and punish them,’’ he said.

  • DSP absconded, changed name to emerge Senator – Police

    DSP absconded, changed name to emerge Senator – Police

    •Misau denies allegation

    The police yesterday declared Senator Isa Misau, a former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), as a deserter from the force.

    Police spokesman Jimoh Moshood, who addressed a news conference in Abuja, called on other security agencies to step into the matter with the police deserter.

    But the senator told The Nation that the police stepped out of its authority and showed unfairness towards him.

    Jimoh, who read a statement entitled: “Re: Senator accuses IG of cornering N10 billion monthly IGR and taking a bribe to post CPs to juicy states,”  accused Misau of making a fake allegation, forging a purported resignation letter and absconding from duty.

    He claimed that Misau’s real names are Mohammed Isa Hamman.

    He said: “The Nigeria Police Force is constrained once again to react to the media briefing by one Senator Isah Hamman Misau, who has been found out to still exist on the Nigeria Police Force Officers Staff List as AP. No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman on posting to Niger State Police Command on September 24, 2010.

    “Senator Isah Hamman Misau dubiously absconded and deserted the Nigeria Police Force on September 24, 2010 when he was redeployed to Niger State Command and he refused to report, consequent upon which he was queried in line with the Public Service Rules Sections 030301(b)(g) (m)&(o) and  030402 (a)(b)(c)(e)&(w), in addition to the previous queries and disciplinary process he was facing when he refused to proceed on Junior Command Course(JCC) 49/2008 at Staff College Jos between 5th January, 2009 and 19th June, 2009.”

    Jimoh added: “The retirement letter presented to the Journalists by DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman is suspiciously forged and dubiously obtained.

    “The letter, which was dated 5th March, 2014, a period of more than four years after AP No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman (Senator Isah Hamman Misau) deserted the Force is now being investigated by the Force.”

    He added that extant rules under the Police Act and Regulations, the Criminal and Penal Codes, stipulating a deserter as a suspected criminal under the law are applicable to Misau.

    However, in a telephone call to The Nation yesterday, the embattled senator expressed anger over the police allegation.

    He noted that Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Kpotun Idris sought his official assistance at the Senate last week.

    The senator added that the air flight ticket to Morocco and hotel bookings made for him by the IG last week remain unused because he did not understand the motivation behind the gesture.

    “It is wrong for them to say these things because issues of appointment, promotion, discipline and disengagement of officers are the sole responsibility of the Police Service Commission, not the Nigeria Police Force.

    “So, it is wrong for the police to allege that I did not resign properly because I have an official letter from the Police Service Commission on my departure from the police.

    “Moreover, under the Public Service rules, if you want to disengage from the public service, you have two options to fulfil all requirements of the law – either you pay one month in lieu of notice or to give a formal notice of three months.

    “When did they realise that I  am a deserter because even last week, the IG phoned me to assist and talk to the Senate President and Senate Leader concerning kidnappings on Abuja-Kaduna road; I helped the IG arrange the meeting.

    “Also, I have been writing letters to the IG on my letterhead and referring to myself as a retired police officer on the floor of the Senate; the press should ask police authorities about when they realised that I am now a deserter, seven years after leaving the police force.”