The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police detain alleged killer DPO

    Police detain alleged killer DPO

    Lagos State Police Command Wednesday detained the Divisional Officer (DPO) of Ijeshatedo, Mohammed Yakubu for allegedly killing a fashion designer, Jamiu Ayoade.

    Yakubu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) was detained after the state government commenced an investigation into the incident that occurred Sunday night.

    This is just as residents alleged Ayoade was the third person the DPO has killed, claiming that the other two occurred at two other streets in the area.

    The police had earlier denied the DPO nor any cop fired a shot, a position a senior police officer blamed on the lie Yakubu told the Commissioner Fatai Owoseni.

    He said: “The DPO even lied to the Commissioner of Police that some cultists engaged themselves in a battle of supremacy and that he went to the scene following a distress call to his office. He said he went to the place to disperse the hoodlums. He said as at the time he arrived the scene and left, nobody was killed and that he was surprised to hear that somebody was shot.

    “Following the DPO’s briefing to the CP, he challenged the deceased’s family to produce the body of their son  who was shot, but, the family had burried him according to muslim rites.

    “With media reports on the killing, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris ordered the CP to personally visit the scene. The CP sent some under cover policemen who visited the house and he was shocked with the revelations from witnesses.

    “He immediately ordered the arrest of the DPO, who is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti.”

    Owoseni, who confirmed that the DPO was in detention, said he would be prosecuted if found culpable.

    Owoseni disclosed that he has visited the area and met with the families of the

    He said: “I told you that we were investigating and we have sent undercover policemen to the family of the deceased and the scene of the incident. We spoke to many people. We now have true version of the story contrary to what the DPO told us.

    “The police under the leadership of the IGP operate in a manner that all actions must be in tandem with democratic principles and respect for human life. We would not condone any act of impunity. All those that are adorned with police uniform and get involved in impunity are not part of us.

    “The DPO is under investigation. If we find out that he is not one of those officers that belong to the new Nigeria Police the law will take its course. The DPO has been taken into custody. I have met with the family of the victim and we found out that it was imperative that investivation be carried out.

    “The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCIID, the Area C Commander and the Commander X Squad have started the investigation. I’ll leave no stone unturned and we would not sweep the matter under the carpet.

    “As soon as evidence is put up, the officer or whoever committed the act of impunity would face the wrath of the law.”

     

  • One killed as youths fight over a girl

    One killed as youths fight over a girl

    …Police arrest eight

     

    A young man was at the wee hours of Wednesday killed and several others injured after youths from two streets clashed over a girl.

    The incident occurred at Abule-Oki, a boarder street between Agege and Iyana Ipaja.

    It was gathered that the factions had engaged in a free for all on Tuesday morning such that they blocked the expressway.

    Trouble stated after a girl from Iyana Ipaja was molested by suspected cultists when she went for a party at Elere.

    The angry victim, it was gathered, went to her base and informed the youths there, who got angry and went for reprisal.

    They were said to have thrown bottles across the road, forcing motorists to park their vehicles until the arrival of policemen.

    Not satisfied, the groups resumed their fight around 12am, where the late victim was said to have been hacked.

    Policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Area M Command were said to have gone to the scene where eight suspects were arrested.

    A man who witnessed the previous fight said the youths were armed with cutlasses and that they also smashed windscreens and snatched people’s bags.

    He said: “Their movement on the old Abeokuta expressway created huge panic as passersby ran for their dare lives.”

    Police Commissioner Fatai owoseni confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased’s body was recovered.

    He said: “The command received a distress call around 11pm on Tuesday that some youths were engaging themselves in a free for all. One person died in the clash while eight other were arrested.

    “Preliminary investigation conducted by the police revealed that a lady who resides at Iyana-Ipaja area had attended a party at Elere. While at the party, she was attacked by some youths in the area. When she got back to her base at Iyana-Ipaja she rounded her ordeal to those in her area who immediately embarked on a reprisal attack.

    “As at 2am yesterday when the situation as brought under control, a body was recovered. This brings to question the moral of those involved in the fracas. The command will soon hold meeting with stakeholders and leaders of political parties in the area ahead of the Local Government Election on the need to have a free and fair election that is without fracas. We have done it before and we promise to do it again. Anybody or group of persons arrested for actions likely to cause a breach in the peace in the state will be made to face the wrath of the law.”

  • Police in Delta probe death of commander

    The police in Delta are investigating the murder of the Ughelli Area Commander, ACP, Usman Ndanbaba, by unidentified persons,  the Commissioner of Police, Mr  Zanna Ibrahim, has confirmed.

    Ibrahim spoke on Tuesday in reaction to the news of    the killing of Ndanbaba on Sunday night.

    He said the command was investigating the attack and would ensure that the culprits were brought to book.

    The Delta Command of Nigeria Police was on Tuesday thrown into a  mourning mood over the death of Ndanbaba, the  Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, said.

    Aniamaka said  “the whole command is saddened by the news and there is nothing we can do about it now.”

    The late police officer was allegedly shot by unidentified persons on Sunday night while he was returning from an outing at about 8p.m in his car.

    A source said the officer was trailed by his attackers and shot at the roundabout opposite the palace of  Ovie of Ughelli on Isoko Road.

    He was allegedly shot twice at close range, following which he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he died.

  • LG elections: Lagos CP condemns violence at party’s mock primaries

    LG elections: Lagos CP condemns violence at party’s mock primaries

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday urged members of political parties eschew violence ahead of the July 22 local government elections.

    Owoseni made the appeal at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja while meeting with state chairmen and secretaries of the parties.

    He said the meeting was called as a result of fracas which occurred in Surulere during mock primaries of a political party which claimed the life of a victim.

    The police commissioner said it was also for proper interaction between the political parties and the police, to be able to nip in the bud any untoward incident.

    “The incident that happened last week is a pointer that political activities in Lagos are no longer cordial as they used to be.

    “This is Lagos where everyone has taken each other as brothers. I’m surprised to see an incident where someone had to lose his life.

    “I see no reason why political activities should lead to the death of one. I thought we had gone beyond do or die politics.

    “If we, in the process of wanting to get power kill people, then who do we govern when we eventually get the power?

    “You will help us more if you don’t bring tension into political activities by giving us more time to fight criminals who are after our families.

    “If you are going to make the few policemen we have follow politicians, it doesn’t make any sense. We need to lay good examples,” he said.

    Mr Olubolaji Osinowo, State Secretary, Labor Party (LP), expressed the hope that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) would be fair to all parties, to avoid any form of violence.

    Mr Funsho Ologunde, State Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), also urged the electoral body to provide adequate forms to enable everyone who had aspiration to obtain them.

    According to him, failure of the electoral body to do so is one the reasons why violence occurs during elections.

    Comrade Fatai Ibuowo, State Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP) urged the police to be neutral during the primaries and the elections to avoid violence.

    He also identified the fees charged by LASIEC  for forms as a vexed issue which was causing tension and hould be reconsidered.

    “LASIEC is charging fees for the collection of forms which is supposed to be free. The police should please intervene to prevent any form of violence.” he said.

    Mr Lanre Ogundare, State Secretary, Accord Party commended the police on its efforts during the party’s primaries which were peaceful.

    NAN reports that Owoseni subsequently gave the party representatives numbers to call whenever they need police assistance.

    He advised them to inform the police of their activities at least 72 hours in advance.

  • Three killed, scores injured in renewed Ebonyi, C/River boundary crisis

    Three killed, scores injured in renewed Ebonyi, C/River boundary crisis

    At least three persons from Ndiagu Okpotiumo in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi state have been reportedly killed following  attacks by hoodlums suspected to be working for a nearby community in Obubra local government area of Cross River state.

    Also over twenty other persons sustained both bullet and matched wounds in the attacks, it was gathered.

    The attackers were said to have invaded the community at about 2pm on Monday and started burning houses and shooting anyone in sight.

    At the time of filling the report, about fourteen victims of the attack who were brought to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki on Monday night were still receiving treatment at the emergency ward.

    It could be recalled that Azuoffia Edda community in Abakaliki LGA were attacked by a neighboring communities in Obubra in Cross River state a month ago over boundary disputes.

    A medical Doctor from the community, Mr. Lawrence Nwangele said he received a call from the people of his community around 4.30pm about the development and they asked him to be on alert that they were bringing victims of the attack to the hospital.

    He explained that a total of 15 persons were brought to the hospital but one of the victims died on arrival. He said the remaining 14 were receiving adequate medical attention in the hospital.

    While some of the victims said they were attacked in their farms, others said they were attacked at their homes by the hoodlums but acknowledged that they have been having land disputes with the cross river people and have lost over seventy persons from incessant attacks.

    A victim, Mr Peter Oche alleged that the attackers invaded the community with sophisticated weapons.

    Another victim, Sunday Ugoru said they were farming when the hoodlums came and started destroying their farms and when they tried to stop them, they started attacking them with guns and marchers.

    Also, Mr Julius, a victim, noted that they have been witnessing series of attacks as a result of the intractable land disputes.

    Police spokesman in the state, DSP Jude Madu confirmed the development and noted that the command has moved in more men to reinforce existing manpower.

    The Spokesman, however, said he was yet to ascertain the number of casualties as a result of the attacks.

     

  • NMA commends Police in Ondo

    NMA commends Police in Ondo

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State Chapter has commended the Police Command in the state for its swift response in recovering member’s vehicle snatched by armed robbers.

    Dr Gbelega Dolani, Chairman of NMA in the state, who made commendation at a news conference on Tuesday in Akure, said the gallant performance of the police was worthy of commendation.

    Dolani said a Honda Accord car belonging to one of its members was snatched on April 30 at gun point in Oba- Ile area of Akure at 3.30p.m but the police recovered it hours after they were alerted.

    Dolani advised residents to always report crime, promptly, to the police to enable them do their jobs effectively and reduce crime to the barest minimum.

    “To us, doctors, this swift and gallant effort displayed by the police is worthy of commendation.

    ‘’We sincerely appreciate this effort of Ondo State Police Command, especially the Commissioner of Police, Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison.

    “From this incident, it shows that with appropriate and timely information, plus adequate security gadget, the Nigeria Police has the capacity to show excellence,” he said.

  • Police arrest soldier’s son, others for robbery

    Operatives attached to the Maroko Police Division in Lekki, Lagos, have arrested the son of a Nigerian Army personnel for alleged car theft.

    Richard Edet, 34, a resident of Block 10, Flat 31, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, was caught with a Honda Accord car marked GWA507AH.

    He was arrested alongside one Auwal Abdullahi, 26.

    It was gathered that both men had military camouflages and accoutrements on them at the point of arrest.

    While Edet was said to have worn a camouflage singlet and army colour cap, Abdullahi wore a camouflage trouser.

    According to a source, the suspects could not explain how they got the vehicle, adding that the papers they provided didn’t correspond with the car.

    Similarly, the operatives led by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abdulmajid Isa, arrested a suspected serial robber, Paul Dauda, 26, who on several occasions burgled homes and shops at Ben Okagbue Mba Street in Lekki.

    Dauda, it was gathered, specialises in stealing expensive lace fabrics, jewellery and other household items, which he sold out at give- away prices.

    A source, who disclosed these, said the suspect was arrested after a guard attached to 19, Ben Okagbue Mba Street reported a case of burglary.

    He said: “The guard said that around 9:00 a.m., he saw the suspect entering the house from the Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling and carted away 11 laces, which were inside a bag.

    “The suspect also took car keys but when he wanted to scale the fence, he was caught because the guard raised alarm. Neighbours came and overpowered him.

    “He was beaten up and searched.  They discovered a toy revolver pistol on him. Police was invited to the scene and he was taken to the station for questioning.”

    Confirming the incidents, spokesman for the state police command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Panti, Yaba, for further action.

  • Police nab auto dealer for ‘killing’ motor boy

    Police nab auto dealer for ‘killing’ motor boy

    •I shot him mistakenly, says suspect

    Ogun State Police Command yesterday paraded a popular motor dealer in Abeokuta, Mr. Olatunbosun Tunde, for allegedly shooting to death a motor boy identified as Rasaq.

    The Nation learnt Olatunbosun allegedly shot dead Rasaq at close range at a car wash in Leme, Abeokuta, using his Avar pump action.

    A source said the suspect took his unmarked Toyota Sienna Car to the car wash, adding that after the washing, he wanted to drive out, but a truck obstructed him.

    The source said the auto dealer, who wore a military camouflage, walked up to the motor boy inside the truck and an argument ensued.

    The boy reportedly said he  would call his master, the driver, to remove the truck.

    It was gathered that a furious Olatunbosun, who was not satisfied with the boy’s explanation, went to his car, brought out a gun and shot Rasaq.

    Police Commissioner Ahmed Iliyasu, who paraded Olatunbosun before reporters at the command’s headquarters at Eleweran, said the suspect killed the victim on April 29 at a car wash about 9:45am.

    He said Olatunbosun fled to Togo, but operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) lured him back to Nigeria and arrested him.

    According to the police boss, “preliminary investigation shows the suspect is a leader of a notorious robbery gang terrorising Abeokuta and its environs. They snatch vehicles, kidnap and impersonate military officers to dupe the public.”

    Iliyasu listed an Avar pump action gun with serial number 15-0083, 43 live cartridges, two camouflage army trousers, one camouflage army knicker and an army jungle cap as items recovered from him.

    The suspect confessed to the crime, but he said it was a mistake.

    He alleged the victim attempted to wrest the gun from him and that during the struggle, the gun went off and killed the victim.

    Also paraded are 10 other suspects arrested for robbery, murder, kidnapping and impersonation.

    They are Yusuf Mustapha, Lekan Lukman, Olamilekan Ibrahim, Sunday Akpabio, Sunny Tijani, Friday Ekepe, Friday Okeifi and three others.

  • Ritual killing of girl in Bayelsa hotel sparks violence

    Ritual killing of girl in Bayelsa hotel sparks violence

    Youths from Biogbolo Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, went berserk Monday following gruesome murder of a young girl identified as Faith in De New Wapo Hotel located in their area.

    It was gathered that tension caused by the activities of the group of aggrieved indigenes forced traders to close their business premises on the affected street and other adjoining streets of Ebis and Green Villa.

    The angry protesters, who were reportedly carrying weapons, chased suspected non-indigenes and vowed to avenge the killing of their kinswoman.

    It was, however, learnt that a detachment of the policemen was sent to the area by the Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba to maintain the peace.

    It was gathered that the suspect identified as a former tenant to the victim’s father, lured the girl into his hotel room on Friday.

    There were, however, different versions of what transpired in the hotel room where the suspect inflicted injuries on the victim.

    One of the narrative said on getting to the room, the deceased girl resisted all the attempts by the fleeing man to have sex with her.

    Provoked by the girl’s behaviour, the suspect reportedly went violent, stabbed the victim three times on her chest and fled.

    But another account said the suspect died Monday, two days after she was attacked by the suspect.

    According to the version, the suspect drugged his victim and cut off her breasts in a desperate attempt to use her for ritual.

    It was, however, learnt that a police van took the victim to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), where she died on Monday morning.

    “The victim lived around the area. Her killing sparked protest by indigenes who carried various weapons. They attacked one guy and chased a lot of people on sight. The whole Green Villa street was closed down”, a source who spoke in confidence said.

    Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, warned people against taking laws into their own hands.

    He said the police had interrogated eyewitnesses adding that efforts were being made to arrest the fleeing suspect.

    He further confirmed that the victim died Monday explaining that the incident was initially handled by the police as assault occasioned by harm.

    He said: “Initially it was treated purely as a case of assault occasioned by harm but now that the girl has died we are now treating a case of murder against one suspect.

    “Though the suspect name sounds as if it is from one area, people should not take laws into their own hands because we don’t know who he is.

    “We have definite picture of the suspect, eyewitness’s account in the hotel that have given us a strong clue.

    “We are in the process of ensuring that the suspect is arrested because after committing the crime he ran away. I know some people are associating to ritual purposes but we cannot conclude”.

     

  • Abia police to name lawyers backing criminals

    Abia State Commissioner of Police Adeleye Oyebade has said the command would soon make public, names of lawyers whose work is to defend robbers in court.

    Oyebade spoke at Osisioma divisional headquarters, during a tour of the 16 divisions under the Aba Area Command. He said for the war on crime to be won, the police must work collaboratively with the judiciary.

    The police chief said he was relocating the command headquarters to the state’s commercial hub to help him have a score card of the activities of his men in Aba and environs.

    He noted that the command is doing all it can to instill discipline and fish out “bad eggs” among its officers and men, saying many of them have been tried, demoted and in extreme cases, dismissed from the service.

    Oyebade urged his men to imbibe the spirit of pro-activeness in crime fighting because of the persistent efforts of hoodlums and criminal elements to beat security intelligence.