The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police arrest suspected killers of ex-FIRS chief’s mum

    •How she struggled to stop robbers from collecting N2m, by witness

    The Edo State Police Command has said it arrested three suspected members of a robbery gang that robbed and shot a retired Magistrate and former Chairman of the Rent Edict Tribunal in the Lagos State Government Judiciary, Madam Grace Onaiwu Omoigui.

    The late Madam Omoigui, the mother of a former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ifueko Okauru, died from complications arising from the injuries she sustained from the bullet wound.

    She was reportedly shot in the thigh after an unsuccessful struggle to stop the suspected robbers from collecting the N2 million cash she collected from a new generation.

    The shooting occurred on October 24 inside a hotel opposite the family’s home at Liberty Avenue in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin, the Edo State capital.

    It was gathered that driver of the deceased, in an apparent move to escape, drove inside the hotel after the robbers shot the tyres of the Toyota Corolla they were .

    When our reporter visited the family’s home yesterday, the vehicle was parked inside the compound. But the security guards on duty said the family was in Lagos State.

    One of the security guard, who did not want his name mentioned, recalled that he was in the compound when he heard sporadic shootings.

    He said one of the robbers stood in front of the hotel as the second was driving while the third was with the late Madam Omoigui.

    The security guard said: “The incident happened three weeks ago. Mama was coming from the bank, but we saw the driver drive into the hotel. There were three of them. We heard when the one standing outside was telling the one arguing with Mama that the money was in a blue bag. This was after Mama had given them the wrong bag.

    “It was that time they shot Mama on the thigh and they took the money. But some fell on the ground. We quickly used another car to rush Mama to the hospital.”

    Police Commissioner Haliru Gwandu said the three suspects had been arrested since October 28 and had been charged to court for robbery.

    Gwandu gave the names of the suspects as Austin Orene, Isaiah Ngbekeu and Esogie Aigbede.

    The police chief said items recovered from the suspects include one double-barrelled cut-to-size gun, two single-barreled cut-to-size guns, assorted handsets, different identity cards, and receipt booklets.

    He said investigations showed that the driver and the security guards watched helplessly as the woman struggled with the robbers before she was shot.

  • Police kill two robbers in Edo

    Police kill two robbers in Edo

    TWO armed robbers were yesterday evening shot dead by men of the Edo State Police Command after a failed attempt to rob a man. The dead armed robbers were part of a four-man robbery gang that trailed a man from Ughelli in Delta State to a new generation bank in Benin City.

    According to Police sources, the suspected armed robbers trailed their victim in a grey colour Toyota Corolla car and cornered him while he was leaving the bank with the sum of N500,000 with which he wanted to purchase a car. The source said the robbers shot their victim in the leg after collecting the money and shot sporadically into the air.

    They were, however, given a hot pursuit by men of Operation Thunder Storm, who were on a patrol in the area. Two of the armed robbers were shot dead during a gun battle with the police at the Evbomore area of Ugbowo, off Ugbowo-Lagos Road, while another member of the gang was arrested. The stolen money was also recovered.

  • Military, police, others walk for peace in Aba

    Military, police, others walk for peace in Aba

    Military and police personnel as well as other stakeholders have walked 15km in Aba, Abia State, to sensitise residents on partnering with security agencies as the Yuletide nears. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    Security agencies view the ember months as particularly troublesome. Crimes tend to rise in those months, peaking in December. That was why the military, police, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and several other para-military organisations staged a walk in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State, to sensitise residents on providing information to security agencies.

    The PCRC took part in the walk alongside the police, Aba Area Command, Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), Immigration, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Customs, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Army from 144 Battalion, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba Unit Command, among others.

    The walk lasted for well over three hours. Participants carried various placards, some of which read: Say No to robbery, Say No to kidnapping, Say No to bribery and corruption.

    The walkers covered such major streets as Azikiwe, Hospital Road, Aba-Owerri Road, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway, Ngwa Road, etc.

    Apart from using the event to create the awareness on the need for members of the public to partner with security in fighting crime in their neighbourhoods, the walk also provided the participants the opportunity to assess the level of their stamina and physical fitness.

    Speaking to newsmen on the purpose and significance of the exercise, the Aba Area Commander, ACP Peter Wagbara described the exercise as timely and worthwhile. He said it was in line with the mandate and directives given to all police commands, divisions and stations by the Inspector General of Police to use all pro-active measures in their areas of jurisdiction to fight and prevent crime and corruption; which is also in line with the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buahri.

    “Apart from keeping with the directives from the IGP and the commissioner of police, CP Adeleye Oyebade of sensitizing members of the public to keep away from crime, the walk illustrates the perfect synergy amongst security agencies and to also assure residents of Aba that the Yuletide is going to be free from crime. It also serves as a health tonic for the participants as they used the exercise to improve their health status; become mentally alert and physically strong to combat and stamp out crime in Aba and its environs.”

    Sir James Uzoma, the Chairman PCRC, Aba Central Police Station (CPS) to use the walk to partner with the police in bringing down the rate of criminality in the society.

    “For years back, the relationship between the police and members of the public has not been cordial, but with this exercise members of the public will now willingly come to join the police to fight crime and to also bridge the gap that has been existing between the police and members of the public.  We equally want the police to see members of the public as their friends, because information from members of the public to the police will go a long way to help the police to fight crime.

    “Secondly, we are coming to the end of the year where the quest for people to make illicit money is on the high side, so, the exercise provides us with the opportunity to tell people and residents of Aba that we don’t want crime and as such discouraging people who want to engage in any form of crime this ember months.

    “The four hours road walk I must tell you has increased our energy and strength because anybody fighting against crime must also be physically fit to pursue armed robbers. This is the first edition and with the support from members of the public, we intend to make it a yearly activity and by so doing, it will bolster the relationship between the members of the public and security agencies in Aba and the state at large.”

     

  • Shiites/police clash

    •It was unnecessary and unacceptable

    Once again, the Nigeria Police Force seems to have misfired, as its men who handled the Shiites procession in Kano acted without subjecting their action to deep analysis that would have shown the implication of their decision for national security. At a time when the country is still recovering from the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, Niger Delta militancy, youth restiveness in many parts of the country, kidnapping, cattle rustling and mindless killings by herdsmen, Monday’s action against the Shiites by the police was one too many.

    Given the spate of religious and communal clashes in the past, we expected that the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, would have devised a means of dealing with such incidents  without lasting negative effects on security. In the Second Republic there was the Maitatsine uprising in Kano State and what was initially regarded as requiring mere police action became a big challenge to the country’s stability.

    It is even more unfortunate that the killing of the Shiites is coming at a time that the Boko Haram insurgency remains a major drain on national resources. Millions of Nigerians, especially in the North East region, have been displaced and thousands of children orphaned by the war have died of malnutrition.

    The Boko Haram crisis started as a child’s play. Their leader, Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, who was then an official of the Borno State government, was arrested and died in questionable circumstances in police custody. The country is yet to recover from the killing as his supporters picked the gauntlet and, supported by enemies within and without, introduced suicide bombing to the country with telling effects.

    It must be realised that the Nigerian State cannot afford another round of bloodletting. There are many political as well as socio-economic challenges rocking the national boat now. The economy remains in a precarious position with the Federal Government trying to secure loans from multilateral agencies to address the economic challenges.

    The Shiite-Police clash could have been handled more maturely as life is sacred and must, as much as possible, be protected by the State.

    If the Shiites chose to embark on an unauthorised procession from Kano to Zaria, blocking the highway as they usually do, unfeeling for motorists, it behooves the police to device means of organising them and ensuring that the protest was at minimal disruption to the activities of other NIgerians. We know the police could say they cannot give cover to the activities of a banned group, but we have said it several times that banning such groups can only drive their members underground, which is even more dangerous.

    Besides, if the procession had to be broken, the use of live bullets cannot be justified since, even by police admission, the sect members, though armed, were not in possession of firearms.

    Apart from being a religious observance, the procession/protest had also been called to press home the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since December, last year. In a similar show of force then, the Nigerian Army had reacted rather unevenly to the daring act of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Kaduna. The state government went ahead to ban the movement and the Federal Government consequently chose to keep the leader behind bars for so long in a clear breach of the Nigerian constitution.

    By these actions, the Federal Government is demonstrating that Amnesty International might be right in its consistent report that our military and the police have often behaved as an Army of Occupation in conflict zones. We expect the Buhari government to take more interest in ensuring that men armed by the state to protect its territorial integrity and ensure that peace reigns act with caution.

    We call for a thorough investigation of the killings, with the culprits brought to book. Similarly, the reports of previous probes of acts of violation of human rights by the police and the armed forces must be made public and white papers released. Nigeria is not a banana republic. We would have thought the security agencies will identify criminals rather than branding everybody in a group as criminals, and dealing with them accordingly.

  • Police re-strategise on security

    The police in Enugu State have said they will re-order their operational strategies to reduce crimes, as the Yuletide approaches.

    Spokesman Ebere Amaraizu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the intention was to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration.

    He said the Police would collaborate with other security agencies and neighbourhood watch groups to keep the communities safe.

    Amaraizu urged the media, community and religious leaders to assist in giving information about crimes to the police.

  • Police rearrest suspect three months after escape from custody

    Police rearrest suspect three months after escape from custody

    A fleeing armed robbery suspect, John Solomon Olugbemi, has been rearrested three months after he allegedly escaped from Ayobo Police Station.
    He was rearrested on Saturday when he led his gang to rob residents of Itele, a boundary town between Lagos and Ogun states.
    The Nation gathered that he been moved to the Ogun Police Command Headquarters in Eleweeran, Abeokuta.
    Lagos Police Command launched a manhunt for Olugbemi last month after he attacked Mr Lukman Abagun, who apprehended and handed him over to the police when he burgled a house in Ayobo.
    Abagun, a 59-year-old retiree of the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, was sleeping when Olugbemi led two of his gang members to his house on October 18.
    The men broke into Abagun’s apartment through the kitchen, grabbed his daughter, Aminat and asked her to lead them to her father’s room. Abagun was macheted on his head, chest and thigh during the encounter.
    The Nation gathered that Olugbemi was released from prison last July after serving four years for armed robbery.
    He allegedly escaped from Ayobo Police Station last August where he was being detained for alleged robbery.
    Lagos police spokesperson Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP), confirmed Olugbemi’s arrest, saying effort was being made to transfer him to Lagos for prosecution.
    She said: “I can confirm the police have arrested the suspect. Lagos Police Command is liaising with its Ogun State counterpart to ensure prosecution. We are working on having Olugbemi transferred to Lagos to face the wrath of the law.”
    In a telephone conversation with our reporter last night, Abagun hailed the police for a “good job”, saying he had been living in fear since Olugbemi and his gang attacked him. He urged the police not to delay the suspect’s prosecution.
    He said: “I am happy to learn Olugbemi is now in police custody. My family members and I can now sleep with our eyes closed. I commend the police for this good job, but I hope they won’t delay the prosecution of the suspect any further.”

  • Cleric charged for sexually assaulting daughter

    The police have accused a Muslim cleric, Alfa Ishaq Gbadegesin, of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter (name withheld).

    The police alleged that Gbadegesin, 43, inserted his fingers in his 15-year-old daughter’s private part and then compelled her to massage his genitals.

    The Nation learnt that a counselor at the victim’s school got wind of the incident after she told her mates. The school later reported the matter to the police.

    Gbadegesin, of No. 8, Humuani Street, Somolu, Lagos was arrested by operatives of Central Police Station, Adeniji Adele, Lagos and arraigned on Tuesday before Mrs A. O. Awogboro of an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    He is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on sexual assault.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Innocent Odugbo told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences at about 4:00 pm on November 7, at his residence.

    He said: “The defendant sexually assaulted his 15-year-old daughter by putting his finger in her private part. He also asked her to rub his penis.”

    Odugbo added the offences contravened Sections 136 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    Gbadegesin pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Magistrate Awogboro granted him N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.

    The case was adjourned till December 14.

  • Police arrest suspected armed robber

    Police arrest suspected armed robber

    The police in Lagos State on Monday arrested an alleged armed robber, Usman Fashola, 29.

    Fashola was caught with a locally made double barrel gun and charms concealed in a polythene bag.

    It was gathered that policemen on patrol along Idumota sighted three men acting suspiciously.

    While two of them escaped, Fashola was apprehended and taken to the station.

    According to the command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP), the suspect confessed that they were on their way to rob a businessman in the market.

    She said: “He said that most of the petty robbery around Idumota were perpetrated by them. He also confessed to be their armourer.

    “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspect be transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Sqaud  (SARS) for discreet investigation.”

  • Police in Niger re-strategise for yuletide

    Police in Niger re-strategise for yuletide

    The police in Niger said on Monday that they have re-strategised their mode of operations for the yuletide to curb all forms of criminality.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Zubairu Muazu, told newsmen in Minna that the command had adopted security methods that would enable the residents to go about their activities without hindrance.

    “All that will be expect from members of the public is to give vital information about bad elements living in their midst,” he said.

    He explained that the command had already adopted sensitive security measures to pave way for a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in all parts of the state.

    He said that operational order had since been issued to area commanders and divisional police officers in the 25 local government areas.

    The commissioner solicited the support of stakeholders in mobilising the residents to volunteer information that could aid the arrest and prosecutes criminals.

    “We are battle ready to confront any form of security threat as long as members of the public are ready to supply us with required intelligence about any form of security threat,” he said.

    He also said that the police would collaborate with other security agencies to provide peaceful atmosphere at all times.

    “With the required information from members of the public, traditional and religious leaders, the police will be everywhere and ensure the protection of lives and property,” he said.

  • Agent accuses police of bias

    Agent accuses police of bias

    An estate agent, Alhaji Mutairu Owoeye, has accused the police of putting pressure on doctors in an Abuja hospital where he is recuperating to discharge him so that he can be arraigned at a magistrate’s court in a land dispute matter at Lekki area of Lagos.

    Last Wednesday, leaders of 15 communities in Ibeju-Lekki protested against his arraignment in court for alleged land grabbing by the police.

    The communities comprising Oko Olomi, Olowu Olomi, Adeba Jagunna, Ita Panpa, Ada Onikonko, Oko Ile, Oke Jigi, Alabula, Seriki Alabula, Alaga, Oko Idi-oro, Idi Ope, Adebare, Abule Baba Adisa and Aiyeteju claimed that the police released Mutairu and his son, Gani, instead of bringing them to court.

    Owoeye said four policemen had been detailed to be at the hospital where he is recuperating, adding that apart from distracting the doctors, the police are putting pressure on the doctors to discharge him.

    He said: “There is no point putting pressure on the doctors to discharge me. Once, I am okay, the doctors will discharge me. They should allow me to take care of my health first. There was no time I encroached on people’s land. I am a registered estate agent like I said before and I don’t engage in illegal business.

    “The communities are using a retired police officer to threaten me. I no longer feel safe because they want to kill me. How can the police say they have bought my return ticket to Lagos? Who provided the money?

    “I bought the land in question from Toll System and I have all the necessary documents. My claims can be verified.

    “If they also have genuine papers on the land, then we will meet in court. The police should stop intimidating me. Once the doctors certified me okay, we will meet in court. Because the communities accused the police of shielding me, the police are now intimidating me.”

    According to him, it is on the same land that one of his workers, Olaewe Adeniyi, was shot by some hoodlums on May 3, while another one, Azeez Osunfunmi, was shot dead on May 8.

    “The incidents were reported at the Lekki Police Station. Adeniyi was admitted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where some reporters interviewed him, while Osunfunmi was buried in Ibadan, Oyo State,” Owoeye said.