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Tag: Police

  • SSPTI knocks rights group’s petition against Delta Police 

    SSPTI knocks rights group’s petition against Delta Police 

    The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has faulted a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, by the Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO) over the lingering traditional dispute in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, describing it as premature, misleading, and without substance.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, and made available to journalists in Warri, SSPTI condemned what it termed “a deliberate attempt to smear the image of the Delta State Police Command” by the petitioner, Mr. Victor Ojei, popularly known as Wong Box, who also doubles as the YNRO Coordinator.

    According to the group, it was improper for Ojei, who hails from Ubulu-Uku and reportedly aligned with one of the factions in the communal crisis—to file a petition under the guise of human rights advocacy, while being an interested party in the dispute.

    “We find it very disturbing that Mr. Ojei is using the cover of a civil society platform to unduly pressure the police into tilting their neutrality in favour of one camp in the Ubulu-Uku crisis,” the statement noted.

    The body expressed surprise at the attempt to drag the Delta State Police Command into the internal traditional affairs of Ubulu-Uku. According to the body, it was “shocking” that Victor Ojei’s group tried to link the suspension of the Onishe (traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku to the police.

    Read Also: Four die in Police, hoodlums 15-hour Anambra gun duel

    “The question is: was it the police that removed him, or were the police involved in the process of his decision making that led to his suspension to have been so accused, the body queried, 

    Continuing, it said : “It is a common knowledge that matters of succession and discipline within the traditional council remain the exclusive prerogative of the Ubulu-Uku traditional authorities”.

    SSPTI also faulted the claim that the Delta Police Command deliberately kept the petition “in view,” stressing that routine procedures must be observed before investigations into such sensitive matters can commence.

    “Our findings show that the interval between when the petition was submitted and when YNRO rushed to the IGP was extremely short, noting that the allegation of deliberate frustration by the police does not hold water, as the petition must go through well-established processes before action can be taken,” Alozie stated.

    The group further warned against attempts to politicize or hijack traditional issues under the guise of human rights advocacy, urging stakeholders to allow security agencies to carry out their duties without intimidation or bias.

    “Matters of traditional authority and communal disputes are often complex and sensitive. What the Ubulu-Uku community needs now is peace-building, not unnecessary distractions or media campaigns to blackmail the police,” the statement concluded.

  • Police seal off Edo NLC secretariat

    Police seal off Edo NLC secretariat

    • Labour inaugurates Monday Igbafen Caretaker Committee for state

    Operatives of Nigeria Police Force have sealed off Edo State Secretariat of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), otherwise called Adams Oshiomhole Labour House.

    Similarly, the main gate of University of Benin (UNIBEN) was beefed up with police personnel.

    Suspected thugs were seen loitering at the secretariat.

    A police armoured personnel carrier was deployed in the secretariat.

    Heavy security at the Labour House and UNIBEN main gate was to bar inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of Edo NLC.

    But the inauguration was held at another venue in Benin City and Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in.

    It was gathered that NLC leaders had gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat for the inauguration, but put it off due to security report.

    Some NLC leaders from neighbouring states, who were scheduled to attend the inauguration at the Labour House, expressed regret that they could not access the secretariat.

    Comrade Augustine Igben from Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed when he was not allowed entry into Edo Labour House.

    “I felt embarrassed about the whole thing. How can the police barricade Labour House when there is no war? It is a labour issue. They should allow Labour to settle the issues themselves.

    “I was not allowed entry. Where am I going to pass through? There were lots of security personnel. I also saw some civilians mixed up with them.”

    The leadership crisis rocking Edo State chapter of NLC deepened yesterday, as its national leadership inaugurated Prof. Igbafen as chairman of the Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of Edo NLC.

    But Comrade Bernard Eguakhide insisted that he remained the interim chairman of NLC in Edo State.

    The inauguration of Prof. Igbafen was scheduled to hold at the secretariat of the Edo NLC at Ikpoba Slope, but the secretariat was sealed off by security personnel.

    Read Also: INEC dismiss ADC claim on CVR pre-registration exercise

    Prof. Igbafen and the Inauguration Committee led by Comrade Oluwole Adeleye moved to the Secretariat of  Academic Staff Union of Universities at the University of Benin, but security report made them to relocate to another venue where the inauguration was conducted.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Comrade Oluwole said the intervention in Edo NLC affairs was to sanitise the union.

    Oluwole said it was not acceptable for Comrade Eguakhide to make himself chairman of Edo NLC without the knowledge of the national body.

    He said: “We are aware of what is happening in Edo NLC since last year. The former chairman was involved in political activities. Ordinarily, it was the vice chairman that was to take over, but we were surprised the auditor took over and announced himself as the chairman. It is unacceptable.

    “We called them for a meeting and we realised everybody is selfish. Everybody wants to be chairman.

    “We are also unaware of the activities of the government. We are law-abiding citizens.”

    He urged the Caretaker Committee to bring all members together and reunite  Edo NLC.

    ‎Comrade Egwuaghide said he emerged as caretaker chairman of the Edo NLC after 43 affiliate unions gave him their nod.

    He accused the Comrade Joe Ajaero-led national NLC leadership of causing trouble in Edo NLC by flouting Edo State House of Assembly resolution.

    ‎According to him, “from the directive and the letter sent by the national secretary, it stated that they are coming to inaugurate a committee. We have been here since morning. Other workers have been here.

    ‎‎”We have not seen anybody that comes into this place to inaugurate any committee. So, we feel there is nothing that has happened again.

    ‎‎”In all, I, Comrade Egwuakhide, remain the authentic chairman of Edo NLC.”

    ‎‎Reacting to reported plans to inaugurate the Caretaker Committee inside UNIBEN, the institution’s management said it was averse to the use of the school’s facilities in its two campuses for any political or union event, including meetings and rallies without approval. 

    It directed officials overseeing its facilities not to entertain any request or application for the use of such facilities for purposes inconsistent with the mandate of the university as an academic institution.

    Spokesman for the institution, Benedicta Ehanire, in a statement, urged leaders of staff and students unions in the university to avoid any gathering not approved by the management.

  • Police arrest eight over forged NIMC websites

    Police arrest eight over forged NIMC websites

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested eight suspects for allegedly creating 14 fake websites of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    The police said 13 of the fraudulent sites have already been pulled down.

    Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Isuku Victor, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing reporters at the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NCC) in Abuja.

    Isuku said: ” The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre, has recorded a significant breakthrough in a high-profile cybercrime investigation involving unlawful access to a critical national information infrastructure (CNII).

    “This milestone follows a formal petition submitted to the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, by the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), alleging unauthorised access, distribution, and commercialisation of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of Nigerians.

    “During this specialised investigation, the NPF-NCCC uncovered a sophisticated syndicate operating through multiple illicit online platforms, illegally interfacing with the National Identity Database (NIDB).

    “The actors behind these heinous acts, one Hamzat Luqman and Babalola Tolani Sulaiman, were subsequently arrested in Kwara and Lagos States, respectively. Hamzat Luqman, a software developer, created and hosted the domain “goverify.com.ng” on behalf of Tolani for commercial verification purposes. He is also responsible for three other domains hosted for the same purpose”.

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    He said further investigations also led to the arrest of other threat actors, including Nura Bello (a software developer), Ibrahim Abubakar, linked to “idfinder.com.ng”, Shuara Kehinde Maroofdeen, Abubakar Hamisu, Abdullahi Salisu, and Ashiru Sani.

    Isuku added: “The NPF-NCCC was able to achieve this great feat through the use of Digital Forensic techniques, which aided in identifying threat actors and domains involved in the unlawful sale and verification of NIN-linked PII.

    “These domains have, however, been successfully deactivated. Other domains used to perpetuate these cyber intrusions include: verifymynin.com, trioplus.ng, goverify.com.ng, idfinder.com.ng, verify4me.com.ng, subpoint.com.ng, verify.datashop.com.ng, championtech.com.ng, anyverify.com.ng, kremtech.com.ng, nikeverify.humanity.com.ng, inventures.com.ng.

    “Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other shadow perpetrators who engage in illegal distribution, commercialisation and unlawful access to Government databases and dismantle syndicates responsible for carrying out cyber-related offences.

    “The Inspector-General of Police has again reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership to combating all forms of cyber-crimes, safeguarding national digital assets, reinforcing data privacy laws, and protecting the integrity of citizen identification data”.

  • Lagos police arrest kidnap suspect, rescue minor

    Lagos police arrest kidnap suspect, rescue minor

    Operatives attached to the Special Squad I, Lagos Police Command, have arrested one Chigozie Michael Clement, 32, for allegedly kidnapping a seven-year-old child. 

    The suspect’s arrest followed a complaint filed by the child’s father at Alapere Division on August 25.

    The man had reported that his son was taken away from his house without his consent. 

    According to him, his painter was behind the alleged abduction of the child. 

    Shortly after, the suspect called the victim’s mother, demanding N7,000,000 in order to release the child.

    Read Also: Police honour six officers for outstanding service in Oyo

    Following the report, the case was transferred to the Special Squad I for a discreet investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspect on Wednesday, August 27, at Ijegun. 

    Police said the seven year old child was rescued unhurt from a locked room where he had been held captive and has reunited with his family. 

    “The suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he kidnapped the child to raise money for personal family needs. Investigations are ongoing to uncover possible accomplices and evidence, and the case will be charged to court accordingly.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh reassures Lagos residents that the command will continue to deploy all available resources to combat crimes,” spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a statement. 

  • Police arrest eight over forged NIMC websites

    Police arrest eight over forged NIMC websites

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested eight suspects for allegedly creating 14 fake websites of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    The police said 13 of the fraudulent sites have already been pulled down.

    Read Also: Senior Advocates honour top police officer for outstanding performance in Delta

    Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Isuku Victor, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing reporters at the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NCC) in Abuja.

    Details shortly…

  • Police honour six officers for outstanding service in Oyo

    Police honour six officers for outstanding service in Oyo

    The Police Command in Oyo State on Thursday honoured six Police officers for their exemplary dedication, commitment and outstanding service for the month of August.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six officers were presented their commendation certificate by the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, during the monthly gathering of the command.

    The honoured officers are: ASP Innocent Egaji, Insp Obayomi David, Insp. Kazeem Ogunbiyi, Insp. Esther Samuel, Insp. Samson Oduola and STW Oloyede Temitope.

    Addressing newsmen after the presentation, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the commendation was in line with the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Kayode Egbetokun’s directive to further encourage police officers.

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    Osifeso said that the commendation which was on monthly basis would motivate them to always put in their very best while on their various duty posts as well as keep the police’s flag flying.

    He said that it would also serve as a means of encouragement to those who had been found wanting in one way or the other to brace up, face challenges and do what was expected of them.

    Osifeso urged other officers to continue to be professional, adding that they might be recognised for commendation one day.

    Speaking on behalf of those honoured, Insp.  Innocent Egaji, appreciated God as well as the management of the police command in the state for the commendation.

    Egaji restated their commitment to do more for the command, Nigeria Police Force and the country as a whole.(NAN)

  • BREAKING: Police seal off Edo NLC secretariat 

    BREAKING: Police seal off Edo NLC secretariat 

    Police operatives have sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) otherwise known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House.

    Also, the main gate of the University of Benin was beefed up with police personnel.

    Some suspected thugs were also seen loitering around the secretariat.

    A police armoured personnel carrier was deployed to the secretariat 

    The heavy security at the Labour House and the UNIBEN main gate were to bar inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo NLC.

    But the inauguration held at another venue in Benin City and Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn-in.

    It was gathered that NLC leaders had gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat for the inauguration but put it off due to security report.

    Some NLC leaders from neighbouring states scheduled to attend the inauguration, at the Labour House, expressed regret that they could not access the secretariat.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Edo NLC ignores Assembly, inaugurates Caretaker Committee

    Comrade Augustine Igben from the Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed when he was not allowed entry into the Edo Labour House.

    He said: “I felt embarrassed about tbe whole thing. How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war. It is Labour issue. They should allow Labour settle the issues themselves. 

    “I ws not allowed entry. Where am I going to pass through.There were lots of security. I alsaw some civilians mixed up with them.”

  • Police rescue five kidnap victims, neutralise five suspected kidnappers in Kebbi, Abia

    Police rescue five kidnap victims, neutralise five suspected kidnappers in Kebbi, Abia

    Police operatives have rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised five kidnappers in gun duels in Kebbi and Abia States. 

    They also recovered arms and ammunition belonging to the gangs during the operation. 

    Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said on Tuesday that the operations werr in furtherance of efforts to bolster internal security and protect the lives and property of citizens

    Adejobi said: “In Kebbi State, it will be recalled that on 27th July, 2025, a group of armed kidnappers stormed Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area and abducted three (3) individuals: Muhammad Nasamu Namata, aged 25; Gide Namata, aged 20; and Hamidu Alhaji Namani, aged 35. 

    “Intensifying rescue efforts, Police operatives alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, which led them to Shanga Hills, where the kidnappers were tracked and engaged. 

    “During the encounter, the criminals were overwhelmed in a fierce gun duel and fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds leading to the successful rescue of the three (3) kidnapped victims.

    “In a separate operation in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on 15th August, 2025, police operatives attached to the State Command on routine patrol around Dankade Village in Ribah District encountered a group of armed bandits and engaged them in a gun duel. 

    “Two victims, Tukur Bello, aged 26, and Isyaka Abubakar, aged 25, were rescued unhurt.

    “The duo were kidnapped on 9th August, 2025, while grazing their cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State. 

    “They have since been reunited with their families shortly.

    “In Abia State, Police operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed a kidnappers’ den at Umuiku Obete Village in Ukwa West LGA. 

    “The criminal gang, which had been terrorizing residents and commuters along Umuozo Village and Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road, engaged the operatives in a gun duel upon sighting them. 

    “However, the superior firepower of the operatives proved decisive, resulting in the neutralization of five members of the notorious gang. 

    “A thorough search of the scene led to the recovery of 6 AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, 5 handsets, 3 cutlasses, 5 operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, 1 polo charm, and 1 double-barreled long gun. 

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    “Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has lauded the commitment of the officers involved in the operations urging them to sustain the tempo and intensify the ongoing onslaught against criminal actors across the nation.

    “The IGP has again assured members of the public of the continued resolve of the Force to combating crime in all forms and to maintain law and order across the country”.

  • Police retirees plan fresh protest over pension scheme

    Police retirees plan fresh protest over pension scheme

    A coalition of retired senior police officers has announced plans to stage what it called the “Father of All Peaceful Protests” on September 29, in Abuja.

    The retired police officers are demanding their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The group, under the aegis of the Association of Retired Police Officers under CPS, said it resorted to protest after years of failed engagements with government agencies, including the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

    A memorandum signed by the group’s Protest Committee Chairman, Elder Greg Amayo, and sighted by The Nation alleged that the retirees have been subjected to untold hardship under the CPS.

    They insisted that only a full withdrawal from the scheme would address their plight.

    According to the committee’s recommendations, the protest will start at the gates of the National Assembly and go on indefinitely until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assents to a Bill granting their exit from the scheme.

    The retired police officers directed state chapters of the group close to Abuja, including Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Kaduna, and Kwara, to mobilise large numbers of participants.

    At least 30 retirees are also expected from the Abuja metropolis, while other states were tasked to send no fewer than 10 members each.

    To fund the protest, each state chapter is mandated to contribute N100,000 to a central purse, with individual members advised to donate a minimum of N3,000. Retirees were also urged to seek financial support from friends, well-wishers, and serving officers.

    The planned protest includes the hiring of canopies at the protest ground, provision of cooking utensils, mats, and sleeping materials, as well as placards with concise messages. State chapters are also to produce protest banners for display.

    Read Also: Oborevwori releases N10bn to clear backlog of pension in Delta

    The protest organisers stressed that the demonstration would be led by retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mannir Lawal Zaria, who headed their last protest.

    Rejecting proposals advanced by the IGP and PENCOM on pension reform, the retirees vowed to remain at the protest ground until their demands are met.

    “We shall not leave the scene even if the bill is passed by the National Assembly until the President signs it into law,” it said.

    The group concluded its memo with a pledge of unity, declaring: “Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta.”

    The planned protest is coming after the directive by President Tinubu on the expedited rollout of the free healthcare access initiative for low-income retirees under the CPS- a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.

    The President, in an August 6 statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanugu, called for the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, which would provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

    According to the statement, the President also mandated PENCOM to urgently resolve the longstanding police pension issue, emphasising that members of the police force who serve and protect the nation deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.

  • Police retirees to block National Assembly over pension scheme

    Police retirees to block National Assembly over pension scheme

    A coalition of retired senior police officers has announced plans to stage what it described as the “Father of All Peaceful Protests” on September 29, in Abuja, demanding their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The group, under the aegis of the Association of Retired Police Officers under CPS, said it resorted to protest after years of failed engagements with government agencies, including the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

    A memo signed by the group’s Protest Committee Chairman, Elder Greg Amayo, sighted by The Nation, alleged that the retirees have been subjected to untold hardship under the CPS.

    They insisted that only a full withdrawal from the scheme would address their plight.

    According to the committee’s recommendations, the protest would commence at the gates of the National Assembly and would be indefinite until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assents to a bill granting their exit from the scheme.

    The organisers directed state chapters close to Abuja, including Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Kaduna and Kwara, to mobilise large numbers of participants.

    At least 30 retirees are also expected from the Abuja metropolis, while other states were tasked to send no fewer than 10 members each.

    To fund the protest, each state chapter is mandated to contribute ₦100,000 to a central purse, with individual members advised to donate a minimum of ₦3,000. Retirees were also urged to seek financial support from friends, well-wishers and serving officers.

    Read Also: Police retirees protest in Edo, demand exit from contributory pension scheme

    The plan includes the hiring of canopies at the protest site, provision of cooking utensils, mats and sleeping materials, as well as placards with concise messages. State chapters are also to produce protest banners for display.

    The committee stressed that the demonstration would be led by retired Chief Superintendent of Police Mannir Lawal Zaria, who headed their last protest.

    Rejecting proposals advanced by the IGP and PENCOM on pension reform, the retirees vowed to remain at the protest ground until their demands are met.

    “We shall not leave the scene even if the bill is passed by the National Assembly until the President signs it into law,” the committee said.

    The group concluded its memo with a pledge of unity, declaring: “Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta.”