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PSC orders retirement of police officers over 60 years
- IGP’s continuous stay in office legal, lawful, says AGF
- •Sowore’s claims baseless – Police
The Police Service Commission has ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.

The directive follows controversy over the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun after he clocked 60 years.

The Police and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, have, however, said his continued stay in office is lawful.

A statement on Friday by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said: “The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior Police Officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.

“The Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.

“The Commission has passionately revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the Public service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.

“Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.

“The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, rtd, mni, presided over the extraordinary meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance.

“The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.”

IGP’s continuous stay in office legal, lawful, says AGF

The AGF and Minister of Justice, in a statement, noted that Egbetokun’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on September 4, 2024.

Read Also: CSO, Afenifere youths fault Sowore’s comments on IGP Egbetokun

Fagbemi, however, said that before Egbetokun’s retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.

The AGF noted that, the development had therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.

Fagbemi therefore held that, for the guidance of the general public and for the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allows the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.

Sowore’s claims baseless – Police

Reacting, the Force headquarters refuted the statement recently attributed to Omoyele Sowore, which alleged that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, was illegal.

The police described the claim as baseless, stating that it aims to undermine both the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment and public confidence in the Nigeria Police.

This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Force Public Relations officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is illegal.

“Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.”
February 1, 2025
Police arrest man for allegedly severing deceased stepfather’s head

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a man who confessed to severing the head of his late stepfather on the bidding of the deceased’s biological son.

The suspect, Yusuf Garba, told the police that he dug up the corpse of his stepfather from a grave and cut off the head after the man’s biological son mounted pressure on him to do so.

The Adamawa State Police Command, which apprehended the 55-year-old suspect, said yesterday that he (suspect), who hails from Tappare Kona Uku in Jada Local Government Area, had spoken of the incident comprehensively to police interrogators.

The Public Relations Officer of the state’s police command, Suleiman Nguroje, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the suspect explained that the son of the deceased came to him and demanded the head of his late father for ritual purposes.

He said the suspect had claimed that when his stepfather died, the deceased’s biological son tried to take the corpse to Taraba State for burial but other family members refused.

Read Also: CSO, Afenifere youths fault Sowore’s comments on IGP Egbetokun

The suspect added that a year after the burial of the deceased, the biological son came to him, asked for the deceased’s head and insisted on having it for traditional rites.

“I took a hoe around 4 am, went to the graveyard, dug the grave and cut off the head. I returned home and gave him (the biological son) the head in a polythene bag, and he collected it and left.

“I did that out of fear because the son is a witch and could attack me or my children if I refused to do so,” Garba said.

He said he did that about four years ago, but his stepbrother Benjamin had a quarrel with him and reported the matter to the police.

Nguroje confirmed that the police indeed came into the picture after Benjamin Jatau reported, accusing Garba of digging a grave and cutting the head of a man.

February 1, 2025
Sowore’s claims on IGP Egbetokun’s tenure baseless – Police

The Force headquarters has refuted the statement recently attributed to Omoyele Sowore, which alleged that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, was illegal.

The police described the claim as baseless, stating that it aims to undermine both the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment and public confidence in the Nigeria Police.

This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Force Public Relations officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is illegal.

“Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.

”IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020

“This provision explicitly states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.

”Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that “Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act

“The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination.

“This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country.

“It is crucial for members of the public to be aware that IGP Egbetokun’s status as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police is both legally and procedurally sound.

“The Nigeria Police Force views Mr. Sowore’s unfounded assertions as an attempt to erode public trust and foster confusion regarding the force’s leadership.

Read Also: IGP vs Sowore: Civil society groups back police boss, ongoing reforms to improve policing

“Dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly about the IGP’s standing, has the potential to compromise the security framework of our nation and impede our collective efforts to ensure peace and order.

“The Nigeria Police hereby cautions individuals and groups against perpetuating such unfounded narratives that can mislead the public and jeopardize national security.

“We urge all citizens to focus on objective discussions that advance our shared mission of safeguarding lives and property, rather than indulging in disinformation that may undermine the significant strides we continue to make in maintaining public safety.”

January 31, 2025
FCT police, JTF recover stolen items worth over N1 billion in Pantaka market raid

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command alongside a joint task force composed of other security agencies have raided the shanties and pantakas in the nation’s capital and recovered stolen material from dealers of stolen goods worth N1 billion.

Police said thirty-one suspects were arrested.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, warned Abuja residents to desist from buying stolen items from scavengers who vandalize and steal public properties and sell them at giveaway prices.

Disu who disclosed this while parading the suspects gave the advisory on Friday stating that the invidious criminal activity of scavenging not only poses a significant threat to public safety but also disrupts the provision of essential amenities and jeopardizes critical infrastructure.

He said in a bold move to tackle the menace of vandalism, and theft of public infrastructure, the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike convened a security meeting with the heads of security agencies.

The police boss also stated that this strategic gathering culminated in the formation of a joint task force with a directive ordering the closure of all scrap yards commonly referred to as pantaka markets in the nation’s capital.

According to him, members of the task force include the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services DSS, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Abuja Development Control (ADC).

The Police commissioner also said the coordinated operations of the task force focused on scrap yards, commonly called pantaka markets where scavengers also known as ‘Babanbola’ engage in criminal activities.

The team displaced, evacuated, and demolished makeshift shanties and illegal structures, thereby disrupting the illicit trade and illegal structures disrupting the illicit trade and ensuring public safety.

They also arrested thirty-one suspects out of which sixteen had been charged to court for criminal conspiracy, mischief by injury to public roads, navigable channels, and electrical installations.

The suspects charged to court are Adamu Abubakar, Emmanuel John Eze, Emeka Eziekel, Ahmad Suleiman, Dennis Chiagozie, Ismail Usaman, Victor Ezeokoye, Izundu Fidelis, Alex Okechukwu Eddy, Jonathan R.Obi, Simon Samuel, Mubarak Lawal, Okafor Ekene, Usman Lawal, Shaibu Yahaya and James Edu.

Notable markets raided by the joint task force include Dei-Dei Panteker, Kabusa Panteker, Dei-Dei Outward Lane Panteker, Zuba Panteka, Mpape Panteka, Jabi Panteka and Nyanya Panteka.

Some items recovered by the team include 115 units of the manhole with the inscription ‘Not for Sale’, five motorcycles, a huge volume of cables, to size electric transformer, bundles of cables, a huge volume of fiber optic materials, copper wires and rubber insulators.

Other items recovered were 12 large-size solar panels, large quantities of iron rods (22 mm rods), documents related to vehicles with unverifiable ownership, fake, fabricated Mercedes Benz chassis numbers, industrial solar batteries, solar panels, weighing scales and vehicle rims among others.

The police boss said that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC officials were invited by the joint task team to identify some of these items and they confirmed that the cables and electrical components were vandalized from multiple electricity stations across the FCT.

Read Also: JUST IN: PSC approves retirement of police officers above 60

He added that as a direct consequence of these acts of vandalism several areas including Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, Karu, and surrounding communities have been plunged into total blockout.

He informed that the estimated value of all the recovered items exceeded one billion naira and warned the public to desist from buying stolen items from scavengers and to always verify the origin of goods to acquire.

Disu assured of the commitment of the Police Command to the security of lives and properties of the residents of the FCT and added that the raid is a continuous exercise that would extend to the satellite towns and border areas of the city.

January 31, 2025
Ogun police neutralise five kidnap-suspects

The Police Command in Ogun has neutralised five suspected kidnappers in a gun duel on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Command’s spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola, broke the news in a statement on Wednesday in Abeokuta.

According to Odutola, the Sagamu Area Commander received a distress call on Saturday, at 7:00p.m, from commuters travelling on Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, of an armed robbery near Ilishan.

She explained that the Area Commander mobilised a crack team of officers to the scene.

At the scene, they discovered that a group of unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck.

Read Also: Ogun 2027: ‘I will continue with Abiodun’s legacies’

They indiscriminately opened fire on the passengers, causing widespread panic.

”Three commuters – Bolaji Bilesanmi, 65, Olasunkanmi Idowu, 50, and one Mohammed Salisu – were abducted into the forest from two vehicles.

“The vehicles are a Honda Pilot marked EKY 113 GZ and Honda Accord car with registration number KJA 13 QFA,” she said.

Odutola added that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, directed a covert operation led by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

She said at 4:00a.m yesterday, operatives located the kidnappers’ hideout off the expressway and upon sighting the police squad, the gang engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle.

January 30, 2025
Imo Police arrest Inspector, four suspects over lawyer’s murder
- Army warrant officer on run
The Imo State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a police inspector, in connection with the murder of a lawyer, Mr.Chinedu Nwowu.

The inspector identified as Augustine Odidika was reportedly arrested last Thursday after the incident in Mgbidi Town the previous day.

It was learnt that the inspector had threatened to kill the lawyer, prompting the lawyer to petition the Assistant Inspector-General of Police. However, the petition remained uninvestigated at the time of the lawyer’s murder.

Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Chief Chris Ihentuge, in a statement yesterday said the police informed the NBA delegation, during a visit to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, on Monday of the development.

Read Also: Police recover vehicle stolen at gunpoint in Abuja

“During the meeting, the Bar leaders urged the Police to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were brought to justice. They assured the Police of the willingness of the Bar to collaborate and support the ongoing investigation,” he said.

He said the police also informed the delegation that investigations had started, adding that the case file and suspects had been transferred from the Mgbidi Police Division to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police disclosed that four suspects, including an Inspector of Police, who is also the deceased’s kinsman, have been arrested in connection with the murder. Efforts are also underway to apprehend a warrant officer serving in Enugu who has been implicated in the case,” he added.
January 30, 2025
Imo Police arrest Inspector, four suspects over lawyer’s murder
- Army warrant officer on run
The Imo State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a police inspector, in connection with the murder of a lawyer, Mr.Chinedu Nwowu.

The inspector identified as Augustine Odidika was reportedly arrested last Thursday after the incident in Mgbidi Town the previous day.

It was learnt that the inspector had threatened to kill the lawyer, prompting the lawyer to petition the Assistant Inspector-General of Police. However, the petition remained uninvestigated at the time of the lawyer’s murder.

Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Chief Chris Ihentuge, in a statement yesterday said the police informed the NBA delegation, during a visit to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, on Monday of the development.

Read Also: Tinubu calls for multi-pronged approach to security in Lake Chad region

“During the meeting, the Bar leaders urged the Police to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were brought to justice. They assured the Police of the willingness of the Bar to collaborate and support the ongoing investigation,” he said.

He said the police also informed the delegation that investigations had started, adding that the case file and suspects had been transferred from the Mgbidi Police Division to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police disclosed that four suspects, including an Inspector of Police, who is also the deceased’s kinsman, have been arrested in connection with the murder. Efforts are also underway to apprehend a warrant officer serving in Enugu who has been implicated in the case,” he added.
January 30, 2025
Ogun police neutralise five kidnap-suspects

The Police Command in Ogun has neutralised five suspected kidnappers in a gun duel on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Command’s spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola, broke the news in a statement on Wednesday in Abeokuta.

According to Odutola, the Sagamu Area Commander received a distress call on Saturday, at 7:00p.m, from commuters travelling on Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, of an armed robbery near Ilishan.

She explained that the Area Commander mobilised a crack team of officers to the scene.

At the scene, they discovered that a group of unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck.

Read Also: Tinubu calls for multi-pronged approach to security in Lake Chad region

They indiscriminately opened fire on the passengers, causing widespread panic.

”Three commuters – Bolaji Bilesanmi, 65, Olasunkanmi Idowu, 50, and one Mohammed Salisu – were abducted into the forest from two vehicles.

“The vehicles are a Honda Pilot marked EKY 113 GZ and Honda Accord car with registration number KJA 13 QFA,” she said.

Odutola added that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, directed a covert operation led by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

She said at 4:00a.m yesterday, operatives located the kidnappers’ hideout off the expressway and upon sighting the police squad, the gang engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle.

January 30, 2025
Police recover vehicle stolen at gunpoint in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recovered a black 2013 Toyota Camry with registration number YAB-479BG.

The car was stolen at gunpoint at Nipco Junction, Abuja.

The police said the incident, which occurred on January 20, 2025, at approximately 10:00pm left the victims traumatized but unharmed.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “the development once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“According to the report filed at Trademore Police Station, a young woman and her fiancé were driving home from Lighthouse Estate when they were intercepted by armed robbers in a blue Toyota Corolla. The assailants, brandishing firearms, fired warning shots into the air before ordering the occupants to exit the vehicle, which they subsequently commandeered.

Read Also: Police investigate killing, abduction of two persons in Ondo

“Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trademore Division immediately activated an emergency response. In collaboration with the Command’s control room, all police units, including patrol vehicles, checkpoints, entry and exit points within and around the FCT, were placed on high alert.

“Demonstrating swift professionalism and leveraging advanced digital tracking technology, the stolen vehicle was traced to Zuba within hours of the robbery. Acting on precise intelligence, officers swiftly moved to the location and recovered the vehicle intact. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, who are being actively pursued by the Command’s tactical teams.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the exceptional efforts of the Trademore Division and other officers involved in the operation. He emphasized the importance of installing digital tracking systems in vehicles to aid swift recovery in similar situations.

“In his remarks, the Commissioner reiterated the Command’s resolve to ensure the safety of all residents within the FCT, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. He further assured residents of the Command’s readiness to respond swiftly and decisively to criminal threats.

“The FCT Police Command appreciates the cooperation of the public and urges everyone to take advantage of the following emergency and complaint response lines for timely assistance: 08061581938, 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653

Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192, Public Complaint Bureau: 09022222352″.

January 29, 2025
Police investigate killing, abduction of two persons in Ondo

Ondo State Police Command said it has commenced an investigation into the killing of one Oluwaseun and abduction of two persons in Upenmen, Owo local government area.

A spokesman for the Ondo police, Funmilayo Odunlami, said the investigation into the incident has commenced.

According to witnesses, Oluwaseun was killed by suspected kidnappers.

Read Also: Imo police arrest Inspector, four others over murder of lawyer

The witnesses said the assailants abducted the two persons who were in the company of the late Oluwaseun.

Oluwaseun was said to have attempted to flee the scene but was shot dead while his colleagues were abducted.

January 29, 2025