Tag: Police

• No clash between IGP, PSC over retirement of police officers

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Commissioner of Police, (CP) Abayomi Shogunle to head the Special Intervention Squad (SIS); Elections Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Safe School Protection Squad. 

Police Service Commission (PSC) Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, also on Friday said that the directive by the IGP to stay action on the recommendation of the PSC to retire police personnel who had attained the age of 60 years of age and or spent 35 years in service but still in service was not confusing.

On the appointment, IGP described it as a strategic move aimed at bolstering internal security and swifter responses to violent crimes.

The IGP has also appointed CSP Chima Ogarashi as the new Force Marine Officer (FMO).

Egbetokun said the current exercise was part of the initiative to improve security and combat crime along the inland waterways. 

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The new SIS head, CP Shogunle, is a highly experienced officer in the department of operations, Public Relations, and certified in several other various capacities. 

“He will lead the SIS in addressing various security challenges and also serve efficiently as the Head of Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and the Safe School Protection Squad.

“CSP Chima Ogarashi, taking on the role of FMO, will oversee one of the critical sections of the Force with his experience in maritime security and policing and enforcement of maritime laws.

“These key appointments came at a crucial time as the Force is set to unveil 25 newly acquired gunboats and initiatives to acquire more maritime safety equipment aimed at improving security operations on our waterways across the country. This strategic asset acquisition is a proactive approach of the Nigeria Police to ensure the safety of lives and property, as well as fostering confidence in maritime safety. 

Read Also: Major shakeup in police as IGP appoints CP Shogunle to head SIS 

“The Inspector-General of Police reassures members of the public of the Police Force’s commitment to responding effectively to any security threats. The Force remains steadfast in its mission to create a safe and more secure environment for all citizens.”

No clash between IGP, PSC over retirement of police officers    

 The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier recommended that Police personnel who had attained the age of 60 years of age and or spent 35 years in service but still in service should go on retirement.

But according to a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated February 5, 2025, read, “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay in action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.”

 Explaining the IGP’s directive, the PSC Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani told our correspondent on Friday that the directive of the IGP was not confusing.

Ani said Egbetokun’s comment for ‘further directive’ does not mean that he rejected the commission’s decision.

Last week, PSC’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani said the commission’s order followed a review of its earlier stance at the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, allowing force entrants to use their date of enlistment instead of their initial appointment date.

The commission cited the inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon spending 35 years in service or reaching 60 years of age as reasons for its decision.

The PSC, however, clarified that it lacks the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

 Reacting to the IGP’s order, some retired Police officers including Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIGs, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIGs and Commissioners of Police, CPs, insisted that the PSC directive was in line with civil service procedures.

Ani, while reacting to the development further said: “We have conveyed this to the IGP. Following the signal you are referring to. They mentioned that the IGP said they should hold on for further directives, and I don’t think it contradicts our decision, because there may be something he wants to put in place. They showed up for further directives, and I don’t see this as him rejecting the commission’s decision.”

All efforts to get the reaction of the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi were futile as all calls and messages put across to him were not responded to.

Meanwhile, a retired Assistant Inspector–General of Police (ACP) who pleaded anonymity said the rule of law should take its cause.

He said there should be no personal interest in the issue.

“The IGP and PSC should abide within the law and not allow sentiments to play out,” he added.

The police in Edo State have rescued Elisha Jeremiah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, who was kidnapped on January 29, 2025 while travelling to Anambra State. 

He was seized along Okhuesan-Ewohimi Road in Edo with other passengers, including 

Ayedele Ebenezer of Ogbidi Road, Uromi and Useni Inusa. 

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) announced this  on Tuesday night.

Read Also: Police confirm abduction of seven travellers in Ondo

Yamu said: “Following the kidnap of the travellers, operatives of Ubiaja Divisional Police Headquarters, in a joint operations with other tactical teams, immediately went on the trail of the kidnappers. 

“The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, ordered additional deployment of Police Mobile Force personnel to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators. 

“The team, acting on intelligence today (February 4) at about 1530hrs, mobilised to the bushes around Ugbebor, in partnership with local hunters and vigilance members. This effort paid off, as the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled, when they sensed that the operatives were closing in on them.”

The PPRO also assured that the command was committed in its resolve to rid Edo of all forms of crime.

A syndicate allegedly specialised in the theft and sale of newborn babies have been smashed by operatives attached to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos.

Eight suspects identified as Rita Ibezim, Sunday Ochim, Sunday Okputu, Faith Sunday, Chinaza Echelibe, Ngozi Ifekwuna, Helen Nwakuba and Bada Adeniyi were arrested in different areas of Lagos State.

The police team led by CSP Ngozi Braide also rescued five between ages one and six with most of sold to those they considered their parents when they were one-week-old.

The rescued kids were identified as one-year-old Marvelous Obi, three-year-old Promise Ifekwuna, one-year-old Somtochukwu Onyemaechi, three-year-old Chibuzornma Onyemaechi and six-year-old Praise Ibezim.

Read Also: Mikel Obi recounts father’s kidnapping ordeal during World Cup

According to the investigating team, two of the children were rescued in Imo State in the custody of a caregiver employed by one of the buyers who lives abroad.

Giving details at a press conference held weekend, AIG Adegoke Fayoade said the breakthrough followed an intelligence report received on January 8 about the activities of a notorious child trafficking syndicate.

Fayoade who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ajao Adewale, said the intelligence revealed that the syndicate specializes in buying and selling newborn babies, toddlers, as well as children of various ages.

Fayoade said Rita Ibezim served as a supplier and middle woman; Sunday Okputu was a supplier of children and usually kidnapped infants from hospitals, churches and other places, and Chinasa Echelibe was a caregiver employed by the syndicate who nurture these infants before their delivery to prospective and final buyers.

“The team led by CSP Ngozi Braide had so far recovered a total of five beautiful children who were bought and trafficked at one time or the other. These children’s real identities had been messed up by these wicked traffickers who always change their identities as soon as the buying and selling is completed,” he said.

Continuing, the AIG explained that Marvellous Obi was sold to Mrs. Ibezim when he was a week old, adding that the woman resold Marvellous to one Ken Obi and Appulus Marina Oluchi, currently residing in Italy.

He said the Italy based couple kept the child in the custody of Echelibe, an alleged caregiver for the syndicate.

“We also have another Promise Ifekwuna who is three years old but was sold by Sunday Okputu through Mrs. Ibezim Chioma to Mrs. Ngozi Ifekwuna sometime in 2021. Mrs. Ifekwuna Claimed to have paid the sum of N500,000 for the purchase of the little boy.

“Another one is the case of one year old Somtochukwu Onyemaechi who was painfully sold by his biological mother, Faith Sunday, 22, in September, 2024 to an unknown individual through Mrs. Ibezim Chioma and the supplier Sunday Okputu.

“The boy was sold at N1,500,000 to someone who resides within Alausa in Ikeja but was eventually recovered on January 29, 2025 in Owerri, Imo State.

“The little Somtochukwu was found in the care of one Nwakuba Helen Chinyere, who stated she was just a nanny employed by her younger sister Caroline Enwereji who resides in California, USA, with her husband but was aware that the boy was bought and paid for.

“In the custody of Mrs. Nwakuba Helen Chinyere on the day she was arrested in Owerri was three-year-old Chibuzornma Onyemaechi, who she claimed was brought to her as a newborn baby by the same sister resident in the USA.

“Meanwhile, the final but not the least is one six year old Praise Chukwudi Ibezim, who was bought by the prime suspect herself Mrs. Chioma Ibezim at the rate of N800,000. She claimed that she bought the boy at that price when the boy was just one week old in Mbaise, Imo State.

“Investigation further revealed that the supplier of these children by name Sunday Okputu can go to any length in making sure he satisfies his prospective buyers. He does not mind stealing any unattended child at any place because as soon as he receives a request from Mrs. Ibezim to supply a child he could do anything to make sure that he delivers. Usually he asks his buyers for specifications before he swings into action of making it available for them,” said Fayoade.

The Nation reports that all the children were handed over to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, represented by the Commissioner, Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu and other senior officials.

The Commissioner applauded the police for dismantling the network, assuring that the children would be given the needed care while efforts would be made to either reunite them with their real families or get them adopted by qualified and verified persons.

However, Mrs. Ibezim, who’s a teacher in Lagos, denied she was doing it as a business, claiming she only contacted willing sellers to prospective buyers in need of children.

The woman who said she didn’t have a child of her own, told reporters that she bought her now six-year-old son as a newborn from a lady who got pregnant in her village in Imo State.

“I don’t have a child of my own. My husband has been seriously sick. I got Praise when he was a newborn and I paid N800,000. There was a lady in my village who was pregnant and didn’t want the child. So, I offered to take the child as mine and he has been with me since then.

“Honestly, I did not do any of these as a business. I was just helping them. I did not make any money from the two I midwived. One is my fellow teacher who needed a male child, there was a pregnant lady Sunday introduced us to and she too didn’t want the baby. She paid N500,000 and it was the mother who handed the baby over to her directly.

“The second is the child of Sunday Faith who Mr. Sunday again brought them and said they wanted to sell the week-old baby.”

Mrs. Ifekwuna, also a teacher, said she was desperate for a male child and that was why she told her colleague, Ibezim to get one for her since she already got hers.

She said her only daughter was 22 years and her husband was not around when she got the child, adding that she paid N500,000 to the mother who prayed for her and the boy.

She said the biological mother was unable to fend for herself and the baby, adding that she initially helped them to clear the hospital bill of N150,000 when the boy was born and didn’t make any requests until a week later when the new mom brought the baby to her by her.

Also, Faith Sunday claimed she sold her baby because she couldn’t take her of him, adding that he was sick and she didn’t want him to die since she couldn’t afford to treat him.

She claimed that she was told by Sunday Ochim that the buyer paid N800,000, not N1.5 million, adding that he bought her a phone and then give her money to take care of her needs when she requested.

She claimed she came to Lagos in 2019 on the invitation of her father who failed to show up at the bus station upon her arrival, and had refused to see her since then.

Faith claimed she became homeless with her child and sought shelter at Sunday Ochim’s where she was eventually convinced by him to give the child up for sale.

But Ochim insisted Faith knew it was N1.5million and that she was the one who spent the entire money. Ochim claimed that he contacted her relatives prior to the sale of the baby but they were not forthcoming, adding that her dad warned him not to call his phone again.

Things took another turn when he traveled to their village in Cross River States only for the villages to descend on her for being a child trafficker.

He was said to have escaped being lynched and fled to Lagos where he decided to file a complaint with the police.

The police commands of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, Delta, and some other states have begun the enforcement of the third-party motor vehicle insurance in line with the directive of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

All vehicle owners, the police said, are required to possess a valid third-party Insurance policy before operating on public roads.

The police advised those without any form of insurance to get insured immediately to avoid penalties.

A statement yesterday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the insurance is a mandatory policy designed to protect road users from financial losses in case of accidents.

Read Also: Masari: more TETFUND interventions coming

Adeh said: “It covers the damages caused to another person’s vehicle, property, or bodily injury resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle. This policy ensures that accident victims receive necessary compensation while reducing the financial burden on vehicle owners.

“The FCT Police Command warns that non-compliance with this legal requirement will attract strict enforcement measures. The enforcement is part of efforts to ensure adherence to road safety regulations and protect all road users.”

Also, Adeh said Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu directed officers assigned to carry out the enforcement to be professional, courteous, and firm.

She added: “The general public is urged to cooperate with the police as this enforcement is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all road users in the FCT.

• RCCG holds 2025 second thanksgiving

The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) world-wide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to vote for God’s covenant to make things better for the country.

He said God is merciful and would always filfil His promises.

Adeboye spoke yesterday during the second thanksgiving service for the year at the RCCG headquarters The Throne of Grace in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

The eminent cleric ministered on the topic: Covenant Keeping God, in which he also prayed for market women, traders and market associations.

Read Also: ‘A living dog is better than a dead lion’ – Pastor Adeboye urges Nigerians to be thankful

He said: “A covenant can be likened to a contract binding on the two sides with spelt out recompense for anyone who breaks the stipulated condition.

“However, the difference between a covenant and a contract is that a covenant is sealed with blood and death is the recompense for any breaker.

“Anyone who is deceived into entering into a covenant with any occult group because of a promise of false security or blood money that will cut the victim’s life short, also eventually faces the threat of death, if he or she dares to come out, let alone break the covenant.”