The police in Niger State arrested 194 suspected criminals for banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in one month, it was learnt yesterday.
Commissioner of Police Zubairu Muazu, who paraded the suspects, added that 21 victims were rescued from the kidnappers.
“The ariel surveillance and ground raids culminated into harvest of arrests and recovery of assorted weapons. 194 suspects were arrested; 24 of them are most wanted kidnappers and cattle rustlers. 612 cattle were recovered.
“Weapons recovered include five AK 47 rifles with 648 rounds of live ammunition, 21 single barrel guns with 249 cartridges, one revolver rifle, five revolvers short guns, six Ghana-made pistols, one locally-made pistol, nine dane guns, axe, bow and arrows and knives,” Muazu said.
No policeman was killed during the onslaught on criminals.
Tag: Police
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Police parade 194 criminals in Niger
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Police shouldn’t abridge Nigerians’ right to protest, says Soyinka
Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday berated the Police for attempting to stifle the planned nationwide protest slated for today against policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration which are causing hardship to the people.
He advised the police not to abridge the right of Nigerians to embark on the planned nationwide protest, describing the attempt by the police “as a huge disappointment, a disservice to the cause of democracy”.
Hip-pop artiste Innocent Idibia, also known as 2Baba, who was at the vanguard of the protest, called it off citing “security challenges”.
In a statement yesterday and titled, “Again at risk-The rights of lawful assemblage”, Prof. Soyinka said he has sent a message to the inspector general of police (IGP), through the Lagos State Police commissioner, urging him to respect and safeguard the constitutional rights of the people to freedom of expression, adding, “I hope that, even at this eleventh hour, legality and the democratic imperative will prevail”.
Soyinka noted that from the beginning, the organisers had cited quite an extensive list of areas of concern and demands for urgent attention from the Buhari administration.
“I do not know of any citizens of civilized community who do not subscribe to the fundamental right of the freedom of expression in any form, as long as it is peaceful, and non-injurious to humanity”, he said.
The Nobel laureate said he found “the Police attempt to reverse the hands of the democratic clock more appalling at a time when open demonstrations are taking place all over the world against the policies of a recently elected president of the United States, whose democratic formula this nation allegedly serves as Nigeria’s adopted model. Across numerous states of that federated nation, ongoing at this very moment, is the public expression of rejection of a president’s policy that has also pitted the Executive against the judiciary. We have heard of no preventive action by the police, nor arrests of demonstrators”.
He recalled that “efforts, both under military and civilian orders, have been made in the past to stifle the rights to freedom of expression by Nigerian governments including those of Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo, Sanni Abacha, Goodluck Jonathan….and now again, Buhari? These efforts have been, and will always be resisted. It is a moral issue, as old as settled humanity. It has been settled in other parts of the world. Nigeria cannot be an exception, not as long as her citizens refuse to accept the designation of second, even third-rate citizens”.
Soyinka described the latest attempt by the police to stifle the planned protest “as a deep embarrassment, and a national shame” at a time when one of the largest gatherings of humanity is taking place in one of the former totalitarian states of Eastern Europe – Romania.
“Its size has been assessed as the largest in former Eastern Europe since the fall of the Berlin wall. It was triggered by the state attempt to water down the criminal code against Corruption, and has has brought out hundreds of thousands of people into the streets and stadia, day after day, until the much awaited announcement of the withdrawal of the obnoxious decree. This should resonate within the current Nigerian governance that has made the anti-corruption crusade its mantra”, he recalled.
He contended: “The battle for the right of lawful assembly of citizens in any cause, conducted peacefully, has been fought and won several times over. It is time that this contest is gracefully conceded. It must be consolidated by its routineness as a choice of action at the front of any people’s democratic participation.
“This battle has been won legally, constitutionally, and even morally. It enjoys near global acceptance as one of the means of actualising the protocols of a people’s Fundamental Human Rights,” he added.
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Gunmen shoot police officer in Ondo
A policeman, Corporal Michael Olujimi, was shot yesterday by unidentified gunmen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olujimi, who is battling for his life, was found in a pool of his blood, about 5:30 am.
It was gathered that Olujimi was to resume at the Okitipupa Police Division in Ondo State.
A sympathiser, who pleaded for anonymity, told NAN the gunmen mistook the policeman for someone else.
“He was going to the station when the incident happened. We met him in a pool of his blood and we called the station,” he said.
The Divisional Police Officer, Oluwole Ojo, said he could not comment as he had not been briefed.
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Residents, police bicker over driver’s death
Residents of Omi Adio in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, may have a showdown with the police, following the death of a commercial driver, Tirisimiyu Oladosu, a few metres to a police check point on the Ibadan-Abeokuta Expressway.
Security has been strengthened around the station to prevent a break down of law and order.
An eyewitness said the accident occurred about noon on Saturday.
“The victim was crushed to death by an oncoming commercial bus with registration number Lagos AKD 07 XP.
“The deceased parked his bus with registration number DGB 620 XA by the road and crossed to meet the policemen at the check point .
“As he was returning to his vehicle, an oncoming commercial bus knocked him down. He died on the spot.”
The body was released to the family by the police and has been buried.
Members of the community are blaming the police for the death.
But the police have denied the allegation, saying the accident was not caused by officers.
The spokesperson, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said: “The accident was not caused by the police. The accident happened after a police stop and search point.
“The victim reportedly parked along the road to check a mechanical fault and was about entering his vehicle when he was knocked down.
“The police assisted in taking him to the hospital. The other driver has been arrested.”
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Remains of late Rivers CP arrives Lagos
The remains of the late Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr Francis Odesanya, on Saturday arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odesanya died on Jan. 31 in India where he had gone for medicare.
The remains of the late police chief arrived aboard an Emirates Airline aircraft at about 4.30pm.
It was received by the the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, the Lagos Airport Police Commissioner, Mrs Victory Menta, and the consignee, Dr Adegboyega Oke.
Spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed to NAN that the remains of the deceased was later deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) , Ikeja.
The late Odesanya joined the Nigeria Police Force on Feb.2, 1986 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent
He assumed office as the 37th Police Commissioner in the state on July 28, 2016, taking over from DIG Folunso Adebanjo.(NAN)
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Police, Tuface reach truce on protest
The Lagos State Police Command yesterday rescinded its threat to stop the anti-government protest slated for Monday by pop star TuFace .
The two sides met yesterday and resolved to modify their hard line positions,according to
Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni.
Owoseni explained that the police were concerned about the safety of residents of Lagos , including the protesters and would not want anything untoward to happen to them.
He said: “We had a meeting with the protesters and we explained to them why we advised against the protest. A pro-government group wants to protest that same day and we don’t want a situation where there would be friction.
“We also don’t want hooligans to hijack the process and injure the protesters.
“ After explaining to them, they said they will go back and discuss with others. They said if they decide to go ahead, they won’t demonstrate but would assemble at a point and read their demands.
“That notwithstanding, we have resolved to provide security for them. It is our responsibility and we won’t shy away from it. We will ensure trouble makers do not hijack the process.”
The Presidency also declared that it has nothing against the protest and that Tuface and other Nigerians are entitled to express themselves in peaceful protests.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. Laolu Akande said on his Twitter handle that the Buhari Administration ”will not prevent Nigerians from expressing themselves in peaceful protests, it’s a fundamental right of the people.”
He added: “No govt has ever laid out the kind of Social Investment Prog, the Buhari govt is now running across the nation, that will touch millions.”
Meanwhile,Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti has denied insinuations that he is against the TuFace protest.
Kuti made the clarification via his Twitter handle when he posted: “Contrary to reports I DID NOT blast 2face. I saw a report pic below saying protest was kicking off @ d Shrine I said I was NOT INFORMED.
“B4 protest date was changed it was meant 2kick off d Shrine I said I was weary as y wud a protest b announced @ d Shrine wtout my knowledge.
“I mean I wasn’t informed It sounds fishy to me Next I will hear the Shrine has been closed for disturbances”.
According to Femi, the eldest son of late Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, 2Baba is a friend of the Afrika Shrine and he would never tell him off publicly.
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Police, CBN begin arrest of Naira abusers
The Nigeria Police Force and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)have disclosed that they would embark on nationwide arrest of whoever defaces the Naira.
The CBN lamented that there is an increase in the rate of abuse of the Naira which contravenes Section 20 and 21 of the CBN Act.
Section 20 and 21 of the CBN Act stated that whoever sells, buys, sprays and squeezes the Naira would be imprisoned for six months or given an option of N50,000 fine or both.
This was disclosed in Abuja by the Commissioner of Police in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Muhammad Mustafa during a joint briefing with senior directors of the CBN.
Already, the police have arrested two members of staff of the CBN and two others who were caught in the act of defacing the Naira.
Those arrested are; Iliyasu Musa, Awua Felix, Mercy Otuma and Abdulwahab Kusa.
The CP said: “The CBN Enforcement Committee on the abuse of the Naira in collaboration with the FCT Police Command carried out a raid at Dei-Dei, Jabi and other locations within the FCT which were used for illegal trading and hawking of Nigerian currency, an act contrary to Section 20 and 21 of the CBN Act, 2007.
Explaining why they embarked on the raid, the CP said it is part of the effort of the Committee to enforce provisions of sections of the CBN Act, 2007.
He said: “The offence of selling, buying, spraying and squeezing of the Naira attracts six months imprisonment or an option of N50,000 fine or both as penalty upon conviction.”
The police said it recovered the sum of N1,713,200 during the raid.
The CP also said that the suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation adding that the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation.
Also speaking, the Ag. Director on Corporate Communication, Isaac Okorafor said:
“This is just the very first this year. The efforts are going to continue just to let Nigerians know that it is an offence and abuse of our national sovereignty to squeeze, hawk, spray, dance or write on the Naira. It is an offence and we are pleading to Nigerians that they should try to respect the Naira because it costs a lot of money to print and it is also an insult on our nation.
The operation would also go to wedding halls and do not be surprised when couples will be arraigned. We will also extend it to other banks in the country because this is a battle we must win”.
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Breaking: Police ask Tuface, others to shelve protest rally
Nigerian pop star, Tuface Idibia and other groups planning to hold rallies for or against the government in Lagos and other states have been asked to shelve their plans by the Police.
In a statement on Friday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, the Police Headquarters said it is in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups were planning to hold a counter protest on the same days at the same places as that of the Tuface Group.
If the various planned protests are held as scheduled, the Police said there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property.
The statement reads: “Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regard to the planned protest/demonstrations, and as the lead security agency in the country, is fully aware and recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen (including Tuface and his group) to assemble and move freely in any part of the country.
“In this regard, the Force is also cognizant of its constitutional responsibilities of taking any proactive/preventive security measures in the interest of public safety, public order, public morality or public health and for the purposes of protecting lives and property, as well as the constitutional rights and freedom of other citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force is currently in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups are equally planning to hold a counter protest/matches on the same days at the same places/cities as the Tuface Group.
“If these various planned protests/demonstrations are held as scheduled, that there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property.
“To this end, the Nigeria Police Force deems it imperative to issue this press release that Innocent Idibia (a.k.a Tuface) and his group are hereby advised strongly to shelve their planned peaceful protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security.
“That the other opposing groups are equally advised strongly to shelve its planned counter protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security.
“That the Nigeria Police Force is prepared to employ every possible legal means for the maintenance of law and order; and for the protection of lives and property.
“Consequently, members of the public, parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other interest groups are strongly advised to prevail on their children and wards, followers and adherents not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order.”
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Police nab notorious kidnap kingpin in Enugu
The Police in Enugu have arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Christian Akpan, also known as “Mayor’’ in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday.
Amaraizu said Akpan was arrested through “a well-structured operation borne out of intelligence information’’.
He said the kidnapper was pinned down on Feb. 2 in his hideout within Sunrise Estate axis of Emene community, near Enugu.
“The Enugu State Police Command will not relent in its efforts to ensure a safe and secure Enugu State,’’ he said.
The police spokesman said that the suspect had been helping police in their investigation.
“The investigation is centering on some kidnap operations in which he was involved, especially the one he allegedly perpetrated on Dec. 2, 2016.”
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Community fetes Enugu police image maker
The saying that a prophet is not respected in his community was disproved recently when the Itungwa community in Obingwa local council of Abia State honoured its son, the spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, a Superintendent of Police.
The well-attended occasion was witnessed by many including the indigenes of the community in diaspora. The ceremony was held at the community’s civic centre which also featured the unveiling of scholarship programme to indigent students of the community.
The community described Amaraizu as a proud son, decent and fine police officer, a good ambassador and a role model for the youth of the community. “He has distinguished himself in both the police job and sports activities,” the community credited Amaraizu.
According to the President of the Itungwa Peoples Assembly, Hon Emeka Awuda, “Amaraizu has distinguished himself in the police and in sports growth and development thus proving that a prophet can be known by his community and I urge other youth and individuals to be upright and embrace good virtues at all times in order to always connect and impact on mankind for the development of the society just as Amaraizu is doing.”
The Traditional Ruler of Itu Ahiafor Ukwu community who graced the occasion, HRH Eze Appollos A.Orji a reired Deputy commissioner of police, described Amaraizu as a man with many parts and with burning desire to turn around things positively and challenge other youth to be good ambassadors of their communities despite all odds.
The chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Hon Amaechi Sunday Hanson, thanked God for the the occasion, pointing out that the event has shown that whatever one is doing, the person should know that he is being watched and charged the youth to always strive to distinguish themselves positively and be good ambassadors of the community, local government, state and the entire nation.
Amaraizu in his reaction expressed his satisfaction on the gesture and thanked the entire community pointing out that such recognition and honour was always a propelling factor to put in his best and never to derail. He also thanked the Almighty God for “revealing the mystery to His mere children.”
Highlight of the event was the formal presentations of footballs to the community at the playing ground as a mark of commitment to set the ball rolling in terms of football development from the field where Amaraizu started his football career.