The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police parade 11 suspected abductors of Sierra Leonean envoy

    Police parade 11 suspected abductors of Sierra Leonean envoy

    •Suspect: we collected N1.5m ransom 

    The police in Abuja yesterday paraded 11 suspects for allegedly abducting the Deputy High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Alfred Claude-Nelson.

    The envoy was kidnapped on June 30 on the Abuja–Kaduna road.

    The suspects were paraded with some of the items recovered from them, including three AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 90 rounds of ammunition and two sets of military camouflage uniforms.

    The police said: “The gang leader, Rabiu Yusuf, 45; Second-in-Command, Garba Abubakar (aka Habu) 27; Yusuf Adamu, 20; Hussaini Musa, 25; Shuaibu Idris, 35 and Usman Bello, 20.

    “Others are: Musa Ali, 45; Muhammadu Abubakar, 30; Suleiman Abubakar, 25; Gambo Ibrahim, 25 and Balarabe Mohammadu, 32.

    Addressing reporters on the arrest and modus operandi of the suspects, the Force spokesman Don Awunah, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said: “This dare devil criminal gang was responsible for the abduction of the Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Alfred Claude-Nelson on June 30, 2016; the Executive Director of Dangote Group and many other high profile kidnaps for ransom in recent times.

    “The modus operandi of these criminal elements includes mounting road blocks on highways while wearing military uniforms, surprise attacks on unsuspecting motorists and relocating from one point to another in the forest with their victims to avoid detection and arrest.”

    Awunah noted that to reduce kidnapping and other crimes, Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris had reorganised the tactical operations teams to tackle criminality across the country.

    On how the suspects were arrested, he said: “The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the IGP, on July 2, carried out tactical surveillance of the Abuja-Kaduna axis and the adjoining states. This coordinated operation led to the arrest of 11 members of the notorious gang, which has been terrorising the Northcentral states; arms and ammunition were recovered from them.”

    The police spokesman said investigations had begun into the matter, adding that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as it is concluded.

    On whether a ransom was paid, Awunah said: “I’m not aware of any ransom being paid. The most important thing is that they have been identified by the victims.”

    Abubakar confessed to have collected N1.5 million ransom for the operation.

    The IGP has directed police commissioners and Technical and Operation commanders to improve the response rate on crimes and criminality.

    Idris, who assured law-abiding citizens of protection of their fundamental human rights, also assured the diplomatic community of their safety and tight security in Nigeria.

     

  • Monarch praises police officers

    Monarch praises police officers

    The traditional ruler of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Kolawole Ilufemiloye has praised the police team in Isolo area of Lagos  State for their ability to reduce crime.

    Ilufemiloye expressed this while felicitating with 24 officers of the Aswani Police Station over their promotion. He pointed out that their hard work and commitment towards responding to crime alerts at any time, has distinguished them  for promotion.

    The monarch, who  commended the leadership role of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station, Akeem Adedeji, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said he (Adedeji) would go places in his chosen career.

    He, therefore, urged them not to relent on their efforts to stem crime in the area because the helpless depend on them to ward off criminals that would harm them   .

    Also speaking, Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Mr. M. A.  Adegboyega said the success story of the station was as a result of the dynamism of the DPO whose agility and tenacity of purpose has rubbed off on his men.

    He said: “Supol Adedeji has set up a standard not matched by any DPO before him. He is an officer whose style of leadership has been inspirational to the entire police force of Aswani division and members of the PCRC  that relate with him.”

  • Controversy as Police free murder suspect in Benin

    Controversy as Police free murder suspect in Benin

    The decision of the police in Benin to free a murder suspect who was arrested and detained over allegations of involvement in the gruesome murder of a 75-year-old woman is generating controversy.

    The suspect ( names withheld) is accused of murdering Mrs. Bessy Egbobamwonyi at her Oseye Street, Off Okunwague Street, Off Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City residence last month.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday, the eldest daughter of the deceased Miss Dorothy Egbebamwonyi wondered why a prime suspect in murder case would be released on bail without proper investigation.

    She explained that the incident occurred on June 19, 2016 as she reported it at Ugbekun police station without any headway, saying “it took another great battle before it was transferred to the State C.I.D at the police headquarters”.

    The deceased’s daughter who cried uncontrollably why explaining the ordeal, said she cannot understand the drama in the police investigation, ,” as they (police) set free one of the suspects yesterday without probing further to know the owner of the cell mobile phone found at the scene of crime”.

    She appealed to the Commissioner of Police in the State Mr Chris Ezike and other well-meaning individual to assist her find the killers of her mother, rather than playing antics with the case.

    Late Mrs Bessy Egbeobamwonyi’s killers broke into her apartment at night, slit her throat, stabbed her severally as they abandoned her in a pool of blood.

    Family sources hinted that the victim four-year-old grandson was sleeping beside her on the same bed when the assailants struck.

    It could not be ascertained at press time whether the four-year-old child was drugged by the killers of her grandmother as he reportedly slept throughout the night.

     

     

     

  • Suspected killer of Police ASP, two others arrested in Rivers

    Suspected killer of Police ASP, two others arrested in Rivers

    The Police in Rivers state Tuesday said it has apprehended one Chimenem, a member of the criminal gang suspected to be killers of three Police officers attached to Rumuolumeni Police Division of the state recently.

    An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Daniel Ofomah and two others were reportedly ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen while on routine patrol in their area.

    The Police have been looking for their killers. The command’s spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), in a statement in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Tuesday alleged that Chimenem and his criminal gang members were responsible for the murder, and that he has already confessed to the crime.

    Omoni in the statement also said that five members of the gang were killed by the police in the confrontation that led to Chimenem’s arrest while arms and ammunitions were recovered.

    He said their criminal hideout was raided by the joint operation of the Police and the Military following useful information from the public.

    He said, “in its resolve to make the state uninhabitable for Armed Robbers and Kidnappers, the state Police command has again recorded a mile stone in crime fighting as the men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit through a tip-off arrested one Chimenem a notorious kidnapper/ armed robber who on interrogation confessed to being among the robbers who recently ambushed policemen that led to the killing of ASP Ofomah Daniel and two others of Rumuolumeni Police Division.

    “Based on his confession, a joint operation by DPO Rumuolumeni, Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and the Military raided a black spot at the Trans Kalabari Road, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt where the hoodlums engaged the men on a fierce gun duel leaving five of them fatally wounded.

    “Consequently, one single barreled shot gun, one cut-to-size single barrel gun and five rounds of live cartridges were recovered from them, as others escaped with bullet wounds. Investigation is on-going at the Anti-kidnapping Unit.”

    The Spokesman also said that five other suspected hoodlums were also arrested in parts of the state same weekend.

    He gave their names and places of origin as, Maduabuchukwu Nwobiri and Chimobi Nwobiri both from Ikem village in Etche LGA of the state. Others are Dickson Egba from Bayelsa and Peter Reuben Akwa Ibom states respectively, as well as one Felix Adewale from Ondo state, resident in Aluu Community in Ikwerre LGA. He was a driver of a criminal gang, their operational vehicle laden with stolen items was said to be also impounded by the police during his arrest.

    They suspects were reportedly apprehended by the men of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), the C4i Unit and joint operation of men of Anti-kidnapping Units of the command in their (Police) and military team.

    They were arrested during separate operations at the weekend.

    Various items including women’s’ bag, containing money and other valuables, fire arms and ammunitions and robbers operational vehicle among others were recovered from them.

    He said investigations are ongoing. He lauded the cooperation of members of the public in crime fighting in the state and called for more valuable information to from them.

    The command reiterates the need for police-public partnership in terms of volunteering information that can lead to the arrest of these marauders and possible recovery of their weapons.

  • Police arraign 22 suspects over Ibadan violence

    Police arraign 22 suspects over Ibadan violence

    Security goes tough following mayhem at motor parks

    Suspected commercial drivers numbering 22 were yesterday arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command for offences bordering on perpetrating violence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The suspects were arrested during violent clashes between members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the city on Friday.

    They clashed at different motor parks, including Iwo Road, Monatan and Agugu.

    No life was lost but several people were injured.

    Among the suspects arraigned at an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan were  Modasiru Muraina, 48; Sikuru Olaiwola, 22; Oyebanji Kabiru, 23; Alade Busari, 28; Lateef Afeez 29; Safiu Abass 25; Tunde Saka 21; Mumini Ganiyu 40 and Ahmed Moshood 25.

    Others are Aminu Saibu, 37; Tunde Ajayi 23; Lukmon Rasheed, 31; Abudulahi Olode 35; Yekini Aliu 26; Akibu Kazeem 40; Muideen Anifowose 27; Mustapha Ogunjide 30, Oladipo Sakiru 53; Sunday Aromolaran 25; Peter Adekunle 34; Adesina Alaba 23 and Raheem Musa 42.

    They were charged with six-count of conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful possession of criminal charms and acts in a disorderly manner.

    The charge sheet shows that the suspects were accused of an attempt to kill one Kazeem Oguntolu, 42, with cutlass.

    The first two counts of conspiracy and attempted murder were, however, not read to the defendants and no pleas were taken for the two charges.

    But the accused persons pleaded ‘not guilty’ to other charges of unlawful possession and acts likely to cause breach of public peace in the metropolis.

    Police prosecutor M. A. Ojeah said the defendants had in their possession criminal charms without lawful and reasonable excuse.

    He added that the offences contradicted Sections 80, 86, 213 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

    Ojeah said the jurisdiction of the court did not extend to criminal offences that carry life imprisonment so the plea on attempted murder could not be taken before the court.

    “The court cannot equally grant bail when a court cannot try such offence in accordance to Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The power to grant bail in such matter is reserved for the high court judges,” he said.

    A counsel to one of the defendants, Mr. John Adejumo, urged the court to strike out all counts, including the one of attempted murder on the grounds that it lacked competence and failed to comply with statutory provisions.

    The magistrate, Mrs. A. F. Richard, adjourned the case till today for ruling on bail application and directed the accused to be remanded at the Iyaganku Police Station.

  • Police arraign 22 suspected commercial drivers in Ibadan

    Police arraign 22 suspected commercial drivers in Ibadan

    Suspected commercial drivers numbering 22 were yesterday arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command for offences bordering on perpetrating violence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The suspects were arrested during violent clashes between members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the city on Friday.

    They clashed at different motor parks, including Iwo Road, Monatan and Agugu.

    No life was lost but several people were injured.

    Among the suspects arraigned at an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan were  Modasiru Muraina, 48; Sikuru Olaiwola, 22; Oyebanji Kabiru, 23; Alade Busari, 28; Lateef Afeez 29; Safiu Abass 25; Tunde Saka 21; Mumini Ganiyu 40 and Ahmed Moshood 25.

    Others are Aminu Saibu, 37; Tunde Ajayi 23; Lukmon Rasheed, 31; Abudulahi Olode 35; Yekini Aliu 26; Akibu Kazeem 40; Muideen Anifowose 27; Mustapha Ogunjide 30, Oladipo Sakiru 53; Sunday Aromolaran 25; Peter Adekunle 34; Adesina Alaba 23 and Raheem Musa 42.

    They were charged with six-count of conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful possession of criminal charms and acts in a disorderly manner.

    The charge sheet shows that the suspects were accused of an attempt to kill one Kazeem Oguntolu, 42, with cutlass.

    The first two counts of conspiracy and attempted murder were, however, not read to the defendants and no pleas were taken for the two charges.

    But the accused persons pleaded ‘not guilty’ to other charges of unlawful possession and acts likely to cause breach of public peace in the metropolis.

    Police prosecutor M. A. Ojeah said the defendants had in their possession criminal charms without lawful and reasonable excuse.

    He added that the offences contradicted Sections 80, 86, 213 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

    Ojeah said the jurisdiction of the court did not extend to criminal offences that carry life imprisonment so the plea on attempted murder could not be taken before the court.

    “The court cannot equally grant bail when a court cannot try such offence in accordance to Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The power to grant bail in such matter is reserved for the high court judges,” he said.

    A counsel to one of the defendants, Mr. John Adejumo, urged the court to strike out all counts, including the one of attempted murder on the grounds that it lacked competence and failed to comply with statutory provisions.

    The magistrate, Mrs. A. F. Richard, adjourned the case till today for ruling on bail application and directed the accused to be remanded at the Iyaganku Police Station.

  • Police rescue kidnapped Ondo monarch

    The Police in Ondo State said yesterday that the abducted Laragunsin of Ode-Iyasan community, Oba Abiodun Oyewunmi, has been rescued unhurt.

    Its spokesman, Mr. Femi Joseph, said the royal father regained his freedom at Gbelegun village, a riverine community in Edo State early yesterday through a combined effort of the marine police, police anti-kidnapping squad and some military officers.

    The monarch was abducted at his palace in Irele Local Government Area by some unknown kidnappers early last week.

    The hoodlums demanded N40 million ransom, but it was not sure if his abductors were paid before he was rescued.

    A member of the House of Representatives from Okitipupa /Irele Federal Constituency, Mike Omogbehin, hailed security operatives for rescuing  the monarch from his constituency.

    Omogbehin described the kidnapping incident as strange in his constituency and Yorubaland.

    In a statement, the federal lawmaker said the timely intervention of the police and other security agencies ensured that the monarch regained his freedom.

    Omogbehin noted that the development had returned calmness to Iyasan, since Oba Oyewunmi was abducted.

    He urged government and security agencies to give priority to the safety of traditional rulers.

  • Lawmakers allege police plot to invade Ekiti

    •‘It’s not true’

    Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly have accused the police of planning to invade the Fountain of Knowledge to arrest top government functionaries and chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Describing the planned invasion as an “assault on democracy”, the legislators, who condemned what they called the “incessant harassment” of cabinet members of the Ayo Fayose administration, Assembly members and PDP members, said it was aimed at gaining power through the backdrop.

    In a statement yesterday by their Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, the lawmakers accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders of being the masterminds of the alleged plot.

    It urged the Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, not to allow the Police under him to be used to truncate democracy.

    Oluwawole claimed that 20 officers that will carry out the alleged Ekiti invasion will be led by one ACP Olusola Oke, urging the acting IGP to resist the pressure of using his men to “cause chaos” in the state.

    But the Ekiti State Police Command has denied the lawmakers’ allegation, saying signals to that effect had not been received from the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    The state police spokesman Alberto Adeyemi said:” I am not aware of that. We are about 5,000 policemen in the command and for 20 policemen to come and invade Ekiti, I regard that as too absurd.

    “We have nothing of such either from the IG or the CP. All we know is that we are on ground and doing our work as required by the law. My brother, there is no truth in that, it is not true.”

    But Oluwawole said: “Harassing PDP members in Ekiti State, government officials and members of the State House of Assembly will not help democracy in Nigeria and the international community should help Nigeria to sustain Democracy by calling the APC-led federal government to order.”

    “Plotters of evil against Governor Ayodele Fayose and his government must know that we in the House of Assembly will not present ourselves to be used against our governor. They should know that even if we are arrested and detained for one year, we won’t collaborate with those plotting evil against Governor Fayose.”

    “If two years after losing a free, fair and credible election and exploring all legal options up to the Supreme Court, some people are still running from the Army, DSS, EFCC and Police, writing frivolous petitions, law enforcements agencies in the country, especially the police should be mindful of turning itself to tool in the hands of those who are obviously out to truncate democracy in Ekiti State.

    “The IGP should rather ask, what is the sense in writing over 100 petitions over an election conducted in just 16 local councils and was adjudged as free, fair and credible even by International Observers, including the United States Government.”

  • Lagos: Police arrest two suspects over attempted attack

    Lagos: Police arrest two suspects over attempted attack

    The Lagos State Police Command said it had arrested two suspected militants, who attempted to attack Igando community, a suburb in the state.

    Spokesperson of the command, Mr. Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday.

    Badmos said that the suspects were nabbed on Thursday and three guns and ammunitions were recovered from them.

    She said that some residents of Igando alerted the police of the attempted attack by suspected militants, who came in a boat through the waterways.

    “Immediately, the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, deployed more men to the area. Two suspects were arrested with some weapons.

    “The security of the area has been beefed up; the command has begun investigation into the attempted attack. The police will find out who they are, where they come from and their mission.

    “We advise members of the public in the area and other parts of the state not to panic as the police are on top of the situation,’’ she said.

     

  • Former IGP Onovo condemns retirement of DIGs, AIGs

    Former IGP Onovo condemns retirement of DIGs, AIGs

    Extols Mbu’s virtues

    A former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ogbonnaya Onovo had condemned the retirement of senior officers by the Police Service Commission (PCS).
    Onovo who granted his first media interview at the Police Staff College, Jos, after the pulling out ceremony of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Joseph Mbu described the trend as dangerous.
    He however extolled the virtues of Mbu, who was Commandant of the college until his retirement.
    According to Onovo, Mbu was an extremely professional officer, who was bold, big and courageous.
    “I came here to felicitate with him on this occasion. He retired in good health and he is going to face new endeavours.
    “Mbu is one officer who is extremely professional in the discharge of his duties. He is bold, big and courageous.
    “Mbu ran and danced where others feared to thread. I think he was the only officer in this dispensation who could look the politicians in the eyes and tell them the truth. Such people are rare to come bye. Nigeria needs people like them to move the force forward.
    “I am happy for him because he is leaving this job with his integrity intact. You might like or hate him but that is not his problem, all he wants is to do his job the way it should be done.
    “He spoke against deploying Mobile policemen to guard VIPs and deploying several policemen to guard politicians which I was also spoke against.
    “Are policemen to guard politicians or the public? Why should Mobile policemen be carrying handbags for VIPs when there are jobs for them to do? We spoke against it but all came to naught,” Onovo said.
    On the retirement of Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) and AIGs, Onovo said: “This idea of Scuttling the careers of policemen is dangerous for the force. The DIGs that were sent away, some of them still have about five years in service. Some of the AIGs have seven years in service.
    “It is not fair. When we joined this job as Nigerians, no one told us we can be sent away by mere whims and caprice of politicians. We were trained both internally and outside. So, all the experiences have gone with the officers. Who do you work with? These are some of the issues.
    “My advice to those still in the service is that they should do the jobs. The police job is sacrificial bit we are not appreciated in Nigeria.
    “Five policemen were killed in the United States and the national flag has been flying at half mast. But 90 policemen were killed on the same day in Nassarawa State and nothing happened.
    “Is it the number of policemen that have died fighting Boko Haram, those killed in the Niger Delta or those shot by armed robbers? How many can we count? Nobody remembers them.”
    In his valedictory speech, Mbu urged senior officers to take the welfare of their subordinates seriously.
    “Give them words of encouragement. Send an officer to visit their homes when they are sick; accompany them when they are bereaved. Consider them for casual leave and off duty.
    “Officers in general should eschew eye -service, be themselves and committed to their duties. Police officers across Nigeria should love one another. How can you be disliked outside and inside too? Avoid petty jealousy and witch – hunt. There’s a difference between being strict and being wicked. Superiors should look for the best in their subordinates and use it.
    “To the Nigerian media and people, please, stop visiting the sins of an erring policeman on the entire force. See the police as partners in progress and encourage them to do their jobs effectively. Be interested in their working conditions and environment.
    “I am proud to be a policeman; to retire as a policeman and if there is reincarnation, I make bold to say I will still be a policeman.”
    Fielding questions from reporters after the pulling out parade, Mbu said he would return to coca farming in his home state, Cross Rivers.
    “I come from the cocoa producing area in Cross Rivers State. We are very rich. In 1980 when I was going to the university I took $3,000. Then it was two Naira to a dollar.
    “I have acres of cocoa farm plus the ones my father left. So, I want to go and concentrate on them. You know I gave the police force my all. I served with all my passion and God used this place as transition. I now have time to secure all the cocoa farms, plant cassava, watermelon palms and plantain. There are alot of things to do and our soil is very fertile.
    “Everyday in the Nigeria Police is very challenging. That is why you kneel down and ask God for his protection before you set out. All my boys know that I dedicate three minutes everyday to pray. I pray for wisdom, favours and courage because fortune favours the brave.
    “That is why whenever a place is hot, they say send Mbu there. You want discipline, send Mbu there. You want results, send Mbu there.
    “So, every officer after prayers should note down the things he intends to do for that day to safe and increase the security of Nigerians. Today is my most memorable day in the force,” he said.