The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police/hunters clash: Farmers’ society disown attackers

    Nigeria’s farmers’ group, Agbekoya Farmers Society, has disowned the hoodlums who attacked policemen at Ogbere Onilanta in Ona-Ara Local Government of Oyo State.

    Rising from its National Executive Council, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Olatunji Bandele, said it was sad miscreants could hide under the society to commit such a criminal act.

    He said the meeting, which was attended by the President-General, Kamorudeen Okikiola, Dr. Ogunlana Adegbenro, General Secretary Salawu Ajibola, treasurer and others frowned at the development.

    Bandele said these miscreants and hoodlums were not registered members of the society, “among them were some bad eggs dismissed from Agbekoya Farmers’ Society”.

    The statement reads: “These people are miscreants and hoodlums, who are not registered members of Agbekoya Farmers’ Society and who have teamed up with some bad eggs who were dismissed from our society.

    “These people were reported to the inspector general of Police through a petition dated September 30, 2015, and copied to the Director-General, Department of State Security, assistant inspector general of Police, Zone II, Osogbo, and commissioner of Police of Oyo State.

    “In view of this, any group of people or criminals impersonating and hiding under the name of Agbekoya to perpetuate crimes should be dealt with accordingly”.

  • Do not panic, police tell Abuja residents

    Do not panic, police tell Abuja residents

    The FCT Police Command has urged Abuja residents to disregard the rumour that some persons have been arrested in some parts of Abuja with explosives.

    This message, which was circulated on most social media platforms, goes thus:”I just got this, don’t know how true, but it’s worth the share and caution: Please, if you know anybody around Mararaba/Nyanya, tell them not to go close to the market or park for today. Soldiers just arrested some suicide bombers along keffi Road now, including children with bombs on their bodies and they confessed some had passed before them”.

    The FCT Command, in a statement by its spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, described the rumours as the handiwork of those who are bent on causing panic.

    The command has also warned residents living around Nyanya, Jikwoyi and Karshi of the FCT that as part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police Force, the force will hold its shooting range practice at the Police Range Ground, Karshi.

    The statement, in part, reads: “The FCT Police Command wishes to enjoin the law-abiding residents of the Federal Capital Territory to discard the rumours making the rounds on the social media that some persons have been arrested at the FCT-Nasarawa Boundary with IEDs.

    “This is the handiwork of distracters who are hell-bent on instilling fear and unnecessary panic in the minds of peace-loving residents”.

    The statement also noted that the CP,  Muhammad Mustafa, has put in place adequate security measures to protect lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory.

    The Commissioner of Police also charged social media handlers to always verify information before circulating it through their respective platforms.

     On the shooting range exercise, the statement said:”We wish to notify residents of the Federal Capital Territory, especially those living around Nyanya, Jikwoyi and Karshi axis that, as part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police Force, the force will hold its shooting range practice at the Police Range Ground, Karshi”.

    The police said that the range practice exercise will hold today from 7:00am to 4:00pm.

  • Do not panic, Police tells Abuja residents

    The FCT Police Command has urged Abuja residents to disregard rumours that some persons have been arrested in some parts of Abuja with explosives.

    The message circulated on most social media platform stated ; “I just got this, don’t know how true but it’s worth the share and caution: Please if you know any body around Mararaba/Nyanya tell them not to go close to themarket or park for today. Soldiers just arrested some suicide bombers along keffi road now now including children with bombs on their body and they confessed some has already passed earlier before them”.

    The FCT Command in a statement by its spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, described the rumour as handiwork of those who are bent on causing panic.

    The Command has also warned residents living around Nyanya, Jikwoyi and Karshi of the FCT that as part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police Force, the Force will hold its shooting range practice at the Police Range Ground, Karshi.
    According to the statement: “The FCT Police Command wishes to enjoin the law abiding residents of the Federal Capital Territory to discard the rumours making the rounds on the social media that some persons have been arrested at the FCT-Nasarawa Boundary with IEDs.”
    “This is the handiwork of distractors who are hell-bent on instilling fear and unnecessary panic on the minds of peace loving residents.
    The statement also noted that the CP, Muhammad Mustafa has put in place adequate security measures to protect lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory.
    The Commissioner of Police also charged social media handlers to always verify information before circulating it through their respective platforms.
    On the shooting range exercise, “we wish to notify residents of the Federal Capital Territory especially those living around Nyanya, Jikwoyi and Karshi axis that as part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police Force, the Force will hold its shooting range practice at the Police Range Ground, Karshi.”
    The police said that the range practice exercise will hold (today) Saturday, 26th November, 2016 from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
    The police urged members of the public are not to panic.
    “Sequel to above, members of the public are enjoined not to panic as a result of the gunshots that will emanate from the range exercise.
    “Residents are also advised to stay away from the area for the duration of the exercise as live ammunitions will be applied”.

  • Police, INEC: We are ready for Ondo poll

    Police, INEC: We are ready for Ondo poll

    The police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday declared their readiness to conduct a hitch-free election on Saturday.

    Former INEC Acting Chairman, Amina Bala Zakari , said effort would be made to avoid an inconclusive election.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said all electoral materials had been distributed.

    He said the commission was more determined to prosecute anyone who violated the Electoral Act.

    Zakari and Agbaje spoke when they briefed international observers, including representatives of the United Kingdom, German and the Netherlands embassies at the INEC headquarters in Akure.

    Residents were seen in last minute shopping as they prepare for Saturday’s polls. The markets and banks were busy.

    Agbaje dispelled rumours that the election had been postponed till December 19. He said the poll would hold on Saturday as scheduled.

    He said sensitive materials were distributed on Thursday and Friday to the local government areas, from where they will be taken to the polling units on Saturday.

    Agbaje said smart card readers had been configured to ensure that voting does not go beyond the stipulated time.

    He said when fully charged, the machines could work for 10 hours.

    The REC said effort was being made to ensure there were little or no hitches.

    Agbaje said accreditation and voting would be done simultaneously which he believes would “help capture more voters.”

    The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Joshak Habila,  said anyone found inducing voters with money would be arrested no matter how highly placed.
    The DIG, who is the ground commander-in-charge of Ondo governorship election, said every arrangement had been made to ensure there were no security breaches.
    Habila is being assisted by two Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Paul Okafor of Zone 11 and E. S. Saha of the Air Wing.
    Each senatorial zone is headed by a commissioner of police.
    The DIG said over 26,000 policemen had been deployed to ensure a smooth election.

  • Police confirm 1 dead, 11 unconscious in Enugu accident

    The Police in Enugu on Thursday said one person died and 11 others lost unconsciousness in an accident that occurred along the Ezeagu community axis of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the accident happened at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

    Amaraizu said that the police had yet to identify and contact the relations or friends of the victims.

    He appealed to members of the public to report to the police any missing person or someone that undertook a journey through the Onitsha-Enugu road that had not returned home.

    “The accident involved an empty luxurious bus and a mass transit company mini-bus loaded with passengers coming from Enugu.

    “It was gathered that both vehicles collided while plying one way which left one person in the mini-bus dead while eleven others are in critical condition.

    “Police intervention saw the conveyance of the injured persons to Ekochin Hospital 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, near Enugu,’’ he said.

    Amaraizu said that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at Our Saviour Hospital Mortuary, 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, near Enugu. (NAN)

  • 11 die as police, hunters clash in Ibadan

    11 die as police, hunters clash in Ibadan

    •Police: only one died

    Eleven people reportedly died yesterday in Ogbere Onilanta in Ona- Ara Local Government of Oyo State as policemen and hunters clashed.
    As guns boomed, residents reportedly fled their homes.
    It was gathered that about 40 local hunters, popularly called “Agbekoya”, exchanged gunfire with policemen and attempted to break into the police armoury.
    Some residents claimed 11 people died, including hunters and policemen.
    But the police said only one person died.
    A source said the fight started when the police insisted on checking the hunters’ convoy.
    The police accused them of over speeding and reckless driving.
    Attempts by the hunters to seize the Ogbere Police station and its armoury was foiled by armed security men.
    Motorists were barred from passing through the area as the road was cordoned off.
    It was gathered the hunters were coming from Lagos to Akanran community for a meeting.
    An eyewitness, who identified himself as Isiaka, said: “The men were coming in some vehicles, including a black Toyota Pathfinder.
    “Some policemen, who were at the checkpoint in front of their station, stopped them and challenged them for driving recklessly. One of the hunters got down and started arguing with the police.
    “He slapped the policeman. Later, we started hearing gunshots. There was shooting from both sides.
    “The crisis was so much that everybody started running to avoid being caught in the fire.”
    Some workers at the Elekuro High School close to the scene reported that some policemen rushed into the compound and removed their uniforms.
    About an hour later, the hunters fled the scene and abandoned their vehicle.
    More policemen and men of the Operation Burst were drafted in the area.
    An Armoured Personnel Carrier was stationed in front of the police station.
    Armed policemen and soldiers were positioned at various locations within the community.
    Police spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu said the shot hunter was only injured.
    His words: “Some robbery suspects, identified as Agbekoya militants in three vehicles, attacked policemen on stop-and-search duty at Ogbere and attempted to snatch a rifle from a policeman.
    “The bandits were repelled. The hoodlums fled, only to regroup and attack the Ogbere Police Station, advancing to the armoury, shooting their way in.
    “The police again repelled their attack and in the process one hoodlum was fatally injured.
    “Two suspects were arrested. The injured suspect died on the way to hospital. Items recovered from the hoodlums include: five cut- to- size locally-made gun, 103 cartridges and assorted charms.
    “A Sports Utility Van (SUV) was seized.
    “The arrested suspects have made confessions and are helping the police in their investigation.”

  • Police parade 14 officers, 45 others for ‘kidnapping’

    Police parade 14 officers, 45 others for ‘kidnapping’

    The police in Abuja yesterday paraded 14 policemen and 45 others for alleged kidnapping, cattle rustling, and others.
    The policemen inlcude, among others, ex-ASP Yuguda Abbah, ex-Sgt Habila Sarki, ex-Diphen Nimmyel, ex-Sgt Yasan Danda, ex-Sgt Abbas Mailalle, ex- Sgt Bwanason Tanko, ex-Sgt Donan James, ex-CPL Idris Salisu, ex-CPL Zakari Kofi.
    Some of the civilians are Mayo Chadi Aliyu, Atiku Ibrahim, Ali Mohammed, Abdulrahman Umar, Umar Daudu, Ibrahim Umar, Ibrahim Mallam, Adamu Lolo, Suleiman Buba, Ahmed Adamu, Gidado Garba, Sani Dan Alhaji, Inusa Mohammed, Mohammed Wari, Mohammed Rabiu, Hammadu Abdullahi, Umar Adamu, Idi Juye, and Yusuf Abdullahi.
    Some items recovered from them are 17 AK 47 rifles, one pump action, one locally-made pistol, 42 empty magazines, 363 rounds of AK 47 live ammunition, 71 K2 live ammunition, and 25 live cartridges.
    Police spokesman Don Awunah said the exercise was to checkmate corruption and misconduct, adding that the success demonstrated the commitment of the inspector general of Police (IGP) to ensure that the police conform to international best practices.
    Awunah said: “Personnel of the force who use their offices to be corrupt are singled out and dealt with according to the law to deter others.
    “The officers who erred were arrested, subjected to internal disciplinary measures and punished according to the gravity of their offences.
    “This unacceptable professional misconduct is categorised as follows – aiding and abetting serious crimes, conspiracy with militants and disappearance of explosives.”
    The spokesman explained that interrogation and confessions of the ex-policemen led to the arrest of principal suspects and recovery of arms and ammunition.

  • Police recover caches of arms in Lagos

    Police recover caches of arms in Lagos

    The police yesterday arrested two army personnel in connection with some weapons discovered in Festac Town.
    Residents of Sixth Avenue alerted the police to the cache of arms and ammunition.
    Policemen including operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) recovered two AK47 rifles, 24 AK47 rifle magazines, a Brownie pistol magazine, ammunition, mask and charms.
    Warrant Officer (WO) Longinus Madu, who is attached to 353 Field Artillery was one of those arrested.
    A source said the soldiers were also being probed for alleged involvement in militants, attacks.
    The suspects, it was learnt, are in SARS custody.
    At 3:40pm yesterday, some army officers were at the command headquarters, probably for the case.
    Owoseni, who displayed the recovered items, said it would have been disastrous if the weapons had been used for the purpose meant.
    He said: “Based on credible information, police operatives stormed Sixth Avenue in Festac and recovered two AK47 rifles, 24 AK47 rifle magazines and a Brownie pistol magazine. An alarming number of 951 7.62mm live ammunition, 110 7.65mm live ammunition, a mask, vehicle number-plates and charms were also recovered.
    “The command is working hard to trace how the arms and ammunition got to the area and to ensure that whoever is connected with that discovery is brought to justice.
    “This is a classical example of police-community partnership. The police in that community have gained confidence of the public that was why they offered information that led to the recovery. The destruction the weapons would have done if the criminals succeeded in their aim would have been disastrous.”
    The command arrested 28 armed robbery suspects and two kidnappers, and recovered 16 guns from hoodlums.
    According to him, four armed robbery suspects died in gun duel with the police during the period.
    A Bereta pistol, three locally made pistols, 1,083 live ammunition with 38 different live cartridges, three axes, three cutlasses and 10 exotic vehicles, among others, he said, were recovered during the period.
    He denied the alleged lynching of a seven-year-old boy for stealing garri at Orile-Iganmu, insisting that no such incidence occurred in the state.
    Giving result of police findings, Owoseni said a decomposing body of an adult between 20 and 25 years was recovered at a canal in Orile, adding that the deceased was an armed robbery suspect, who was mobbed while trying to dispossess a victim of his mobile phone.
    “The deceased and two others tried to rob another person and macheted their victim in a bid to snatch her phone. The gang has continuously operated in that area. Some of them have been arraigned in court but were released on bail.
    “Nemesis caught up with them that day of the incident. It occurred around 4am and no information of the mob attack was given to the police.
    “I condemn in its entirety the mob action and urge residents to report such incidents to the police and have confidence that the right thing woukd be done. People should no longer take the laws into their hands.”

  • Police search Niger for cattle rustlers, kidnappers

    A detachment of riot policemen has been deployed in Shiroro Local Government of Niger State to contain cattle rustlers and kidnappers, it was learnt yesterday.

    Commissioner of Police Zubairu Muazu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the deployment was part of measures to guarantee the people’s safety. He urged the policemen to exhibit professionalism.

    “You must ensure implementation of the operational order designed to end cattle rustling, kidnapping and any security threat in Shiroro and the state.

    “I urge you to demonstrate high sense of professionalism that will pave the way for peaceful co-existence to enable residents move on with their legitimate businesses,” he said.

    Muazu added that the officers must be civil and courteous in dealing with residents and in protecting life and property.

    “People should go about their legitimate businesses as sensitive security measures have been put in place against any form of threat to their lives,” he said

  • Police uncover ‘baby-trading’ syndicate

    the police in Lagos have smashed a syndicate that specialises in selling new born babies.

    Two persons including one Chinenye Amama, said to be the leader of the syndicate were arrested.

    Amama, a resident of 8, Unity Close, Satellite Town, was apprehended around 6am, on November 4, with a new born baby.

    While the recovered baby and her mother were taken to the rehabilitation centre at Mushin, the suspects were taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department  (SCIID) Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

    They were said to have made shocking confessions, including that a popular pastor was behind the illegal trade.

    It was gathered that the usually approach pregnant and struggling women whom they offer money in exchange of their babies when delivered.

    The syndicate was also said to be behind most of the new born babies’ theft across the state.

    Efforts to locate Amama’s residence failed as residents of the street said they didn’t know her and haven’t heard about the incident.

    Police spokesperson Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP) said: “I confirm the case. It’s under investigation. Preliminary investigation revealed that it’s a syndicate that specialises in selling newborn babies.

    “Yes, a big religious leader is fingered but I won’t give you any name until we are done with the investigation. The command is working on the clue to ascertain the religious leader’s culpability.”