Tag: Police

Edo State Police Command said it has deployed 7,825 personnel across all areas where by-election will hold in seven local government areas of the state.

It said the personnel were deployed to ensure a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for the conduct of the by-election.

A statement by Edo Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, said the personnel were drawn from Zone 5 Headquarters, the Edo State Command, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Intervention Squad (SIS), and the Election Monitoring Team from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja. 

The statement said the massive deployment was aimed to providing adequate security before, during, and after the elections as well as guarantee safety of voters, electoral officials and materials, while maintaining law and order.

Read Also: Oyo police unveil security plan for Ibadan North bye-election

The Edo Police Command also imposed restriction of movement from 12midnight of Friday to 6pm on Saturday, in all areas where elections would be conducted. 

“This measure is to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or breach of peace during the electoral process.

“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, appeals to members of the public to comply with this directive, noting that only those on essential duties with valid identification will be allowed passage.

“The Command warns that any individual or group found violating the restriction order, or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election, or undermining the peace, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

As part of efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property during and after the August 16 bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Commissioner of Police CP Femi Haruna has announced what he described as “actionable security measures” to guarantee a secure electoral process.

Speaking alongside other security commanders in the state under the aegis of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), CP Haruna emphasised that safe elections require collaboration, commitment, and strict adherence to the rule of law. He assured that security operatives are united in their resolve to uphold these standards.

Flanking the CP at the briefing were the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. R.A. Adelakun; Air Commodore S.A. Adeyanju, Commander 655 Nigeria Air Force Station, Ibadan; Major A.T. Adekoya of the Nigerian Army; and other top security officials.

Among the measures outlined, CP Haruna stated that no quasi-security organisations, including state-backed groups, will be allowed to participate in Saturday’s bye-election. 

He also reiterated that all electoral laws remain in effect, warning that campaigning or displaying political insignia at polling units and wards on election day will not be permitted.

He stressed that the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited around polling units and wards to maintain decorum and order, adding that no uniformed personnel will be allowed to escort aspirants to cast their votes at polling units or wards on the day of election.

He noted that in preparation for the electoral exercise, the Committee held a series of consultations with strategic security stakeholders to assess and affirm their readiness. 

CP Haruna said, “We want to inform you about the significant steps that have been taken by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the Oyo State Police Command to ensure a secure, free, and fair election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election. 

“This election is set to take place in just 72 hours, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, following the unfortunate passing of the esteemed representative, late Hon. Olaide Aderemi.

Read Also: Circular Road: Oyo begins payment of N100m compensation to property owners

“In preparation for this critical electoral exercise, ICCES has held a series of consultations with strategic security stakeholders to assess and affirm our readiness. 

“We recognize that conducting a safe election requires collaboration, commitment, and adherence to the rule of law, and we are resolute in our collective resolve to uphold these standards.

“Today, we undertook a symbolic signing of the Peace Accord among participating political parties and aspirants. 

“This Accord serves as a binding commitment for all parties to maintain peace and good conduct during and after the election, while firmly discouraging any forms of electoral violence. The following key resolutions were agreed upon:

“That no quasi-security organizations, including state-backed groups will be permitted to participate in Saturday’s bye-election.

“Enforcement of Electoral Laws: All electoral laws remain in force. There shall be no campaigning or display of political insignia/logos at polling units and wards on the day of Election.

“Alcohol Ban: The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited around polling units and wards to maintain decorum and order.

“Uniform Personnel Restrictions: No uniformed personnel shall escort aspirants to cast their votes at polling units or wards on the day of election.

“Ban on Inducements: The distribution of financial inducements or any form of coercion to influence voters is strictly forbidden.

“Violence Prevention: Anyone found in possession of any instrument of violence within or outside the voting area will face strict legal action and prosecution.

“Movement restrictions: There will be restrictions on movement from 12 mid-night on the election day till 5pm within Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan South West, and their adjoining boundaries to ensure safety and security.

“Residents can expect a significant deployment of security presence throughout the event. Our measures will include high-octane convoy patrols, intermittent shows of force, intelligence-driven raids, stop-and-search operations, and continuous surveillance across the metropolis.

“We urge parents, guardians, and community leaders to play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of this electoral process. We ask that you discourage your children, wards, and protégés from being used as tools for violence or disruption. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will attract legal consequences and sanctions.

“We are committed to the success of a peaceful electoral process and urge all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities to protect democracy in our state. Together, we can ensure that the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election is conducted without fear, violence, or intimidation.”

…firearms, ammunition recovered 

A suspected armed robber has been killed during a gun fight with operatives of the Lagos Police Command, The Nation has learnt.

The suspect identified as Blessing was said to have been shot around 1:30pm on Thursday at the Abule Egba area of the state.

It was gathered that operatives had gone to the Katangua dumpsite on followup investigation following the arrest of one Yakubu Adamu, 43, who made useful confessional statements to detectives.

Blessing, it was gathered, opened fire while sighting the operatives who also responded in like manner, leaving the suspect wounded.

Read Also: Army confirm explosion, fire at barracks in Ogun 

He was said to have been rushed to Oke-Odo General Hospital for medical intervention but was oronoucned dead by the doctor on duty.

According to the police, an AK47 rifle with five rounds of ammunition; a locally made single barrel pistol and four cartridges were recovered from the gang.

Contacted, Lagos Command spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased suspect had been evavuated to the mortuary for autopsy.

A 32-year-old car dealer,  Nicholas Olabomi, on Friday appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court over an alleged N10 million car purchase fraud.

The defendant, of undisclosed address, was charged with two counts bordering on fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, the defendant committed the offences in July 2024 in the Oke-Ado area of Ibadan.

He alleged that Olabomi fraudulently obtained the sum of N10 million from one Awotunde Awolola, under the pretext of procuring a Toyota Venza for him, but failed to do so.

Read Also: Police arrest pastor for flogging children during spiritual cleansing in Rivers

Akinloye alleged that the defendant converted the money to his own personal use.

He said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Chief Magistrate,  Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N3.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner, while the other must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case until Nov. 26 for hearing.

(NAN)

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a commercial motorcyclist, also known as ‘Okada rider’ Benson Alaba, and six others over the abduction of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Other arrested suspects include Wasiu Ogungbemi (42), Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20), and Yusuf Muhammed (23).

Recall that Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in AAUA’s Department of Education, was abducted a fortnight ago by armed men who laid an ambush at his Supare-Akoko residence as he returned from work.

The assailants fired sporadically before whisking him away and later demanded N100 million ransom, which was later negotiated down to N7 million.

He was released after nearly a week in captivity.

Police spokesman in the State Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest of the seven suspects in a statement issued on Thursday to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

Ayanlade, a deputy superintendent of police, said Alaba, 45, who routinely conveyed the victim to work, allegedly spied on his movements and visited his home on August 4 under the guise of requesting a handset.

This, the police spokesman said, was a ploy to create an opening for the gang to strike.

He revealed that one of the suspects, Ogungbemi, allegedly provided the handset used to contact Eleyinmi’s family for ransom negotiations.

“This was later confirmed to be a calculated ploy to study the victim [Eleyinmi] activities and create an opening for the syndicate. Shortly after his departure, other gang members moved in and abducted the AAUA staff.

Read Also: ‘Baby bonus’; Stop ‘Okada epidemic’

“Further inquiry revealed that Ogungbemi Wasiu (42 years) of Okeruwa, Ikare, provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family to demand a ransom of ₦5,000,000.

“Although he claimed the handset was lost on 2nd August 2025, he failed to report the loss to the police, a deliberate omission that aided the criminal enterprise.

“His role was critical in maintaining communication between the kidnappers and the victim’s relatives, thus facilitating the ransom negotiations,” the statement read.

The police revealed that investigation also linked the remaining five suspects: Shaibu, Abdullahi, Bature, Baba, and Muhammed – all of Agopanu in Owo, Owo LGA of the state as members of the team who physical execution of the kidnapping of Eleyinmi.

According to the police, the suspects’ roles ranged from surveillance to communications and field execution, pointing to a coordinated kidnapping syndicate.

It added that eyewitness testimony confirmed that the suspects, acting in concert with Alaba and under the operational facilitation of Ogungbemi, “participated in forcibly abducting the AAUA staff member and directly demanding the ransom from the family” after his abduction.

“The seamless coordination between Benson Alaba’s surveillance, Ogungbemi Wasiu’s communication support, and the aggressive role of the five field operatives clearly points to a well-organised kidnapping syndicate.

“In reality, their apprehension was the result of carefully coordinated follow-up operations based on credible intelligence, and not during any alleged ransom-sharing activity,” the police added in the copy of the statement.

It added that Eleyinmi is receiving treatment at the AAUA Health Centre, while police continue efforts to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

The Police Command in Anambra has detained a suspected 63-year-old woman, Ngozi Muotuanya, over alleged involvement in inter-state child trafficking. 

The suspect was arrested by police operatives attached to Oba Division, following credible intelligence. 

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Awka. 

“In a decisive move to unravel the mysterious disappearance of children in the state, especially in Oba and its environs, Police Operatives attached to the Oba Division on Aug.11 acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Ngozi Muotuanya, a female from Awkuzu-Oba, aged 63-year-old.

 “Preliminary investigations revealed that sometime in 2024, the suspect allegedly stole a one-year-old male child, in Minna, Niger and sold him to an unsuspecting member of the public in Anambra.

Read Also: Police detain five for armed robbery, terrorism in Minna

“The said suspect later resold the child to another person. However, on Aug.4, the receiver, upon realising that the child had been stolen, returned him to the principal suspect.

“The suspect, in turn, allegedly abandoned the child at an unascertained church in Minna, where he was rescued by the leader of the Igbo community in Minna,” he said.

 Ikenga stated that the command has forwarded information regarding the child’s custodian in Minna to the Niger State Police Command.

He said that police would facilitate possible recovery and reunification with the child’s parents, as well as to take other necessary actions.

 He added that the suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution.

(NAN)