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Tag: Precious Igbonwelundu

Police training school graduates 120

The Commandant, Police Training School (PTS), Ikeja, Kayode Egbetokun, has charged newly certified 120 Supernumerary Police Officers (Spy) to be good ambassadors of the institution, respect the laws or face arrest.

Egbetokun, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) stated this at the graduation ceremony of the officers, who underwent six weeks of intensive drills designed and approved for the Supernumerary Police Officers by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), under Section 18(a) of the Police Act.

Egbetokun reminded the trainees that their uniform was a symbol of authority, adding “the warrant card you are carrying confers powers, privileges and immunities of a police officer on you.

“These powers, privileges and immunities are to be protected and must not be abused. The warrant card is not a licence to drive against traffic; it is a charge to protect the law. You are expected to reflect the discipline you have imbibed in this training both in and out of uniform.”

Reiterating that Spy Police Officers were not to bear arms, the Commandant said the graduands were not given arms drill, musketry or weapon handling trainings.

He said: “By law, the Spy Police Officers are recruited and trained for private organisations and public institutions who desire their services. They are by law, members of the Police Force but are not regular police officers.

“The training curriculum is rich in content and adequate to equip the trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to function effectively as Supernumerary Police in their respective organisations.

“A typical training day starts at 6am with physical exercise followed by unarmed combat or foot drill, after which trainees are moved to the classrooms for academic work before returning to the field. They usually have only 30 minutes break until 6pm when the training closes.

“They were taken through courses in professional police, legal, liberal and field studies. At the end of the trainings, an examination, drill test was set followed by the commandant’s interview.

“None of them was found wanting by the board of interviewers. They have been found worthy both in character and learning and have satisfied all requirements for appointment as Supernumerary Police Officers.”

On the achievements of the school since he assumed duty in 2015, Egbetokun said his team has been to raise the bar of professionalism, adding that his leadership has zero tolerance for corruption.

He said the school had organised refresher courses for at least 3,000 officers from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Constable ranks, who he said, had keyed into the Inspector-General of Police’ (IGP) “policing with integrity” vision.

“We have improved on infrastructure. We have improved oj standard and quality of training. We are turning put top quality products. We have inspired confidence and we rely on our integrity.

“The former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni engaged us in giving policemen in the command a special training in ethics and professional conducts with the objective of effecting a change in their attitudes and giving them a positive orientation in line with the vision of the IGP, Ibrahim Idris.

“We have handled this reorientation course with utmost commitment, passion and have recorded huge successes. Over 3,000 of them have been trained with emphasis on values of honesty and transparency, benevolence, expertise and effectiveness.

“The positive feedback we are getting on those that have attended this reorientation courses has been encouraging.”

November 3, 2017
NDLEA faults Police’ drug war

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday faulted the daily raids of drug den by the Lagos Police Comman, noting that it was not targeted at the drug barons.

NDLEA’s Commandant in Lagos, Sulyman Aliyu stated this during a visit to acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, where both agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for better collaboration.

According to Aliyu, raiding the small dealers and drug users was not the solution to drug misuse/abuse by teenagers and youths since the vice was on the rise.

He also faulted the handling of exhibits recovered from the field by policemen, noting that they are most times compromised and invalidated in the prosecution of suspects.

Aliyu said: “We have talked about the grey area. There are some mistakes here and there. If you don’t come closer to the NDLEA, you may not know the kind of operations we do. Let me say it clear that for the six years I have been in Lagos, there was no year we did not seize up to 10 tons of drugs. There is no year we did not prosecute 300 suspects of the about 700 arrested.

“If you are arresting people and the trend of drug is not going down, then you look for another formula. It is only when you root out the major barons, who are the suppliers, that you have peace.

“We have the intelligence. People with the expertise and the police have the manpower that is why we are partnering. The Police Commissioner has acknowledged the areas they made mistakes and promised to work with us. I hope that he keeps to the promise.

“The purpose of this visit is to synergize with the police to fight the menace of drug abuse in the state. I like this type of synergy and we are looking forward to a joint operation with the police to clean Lagos of drugs.”

Earlier, Edgal reiterated his commitment to rout drug peddlers in the state, noting that there was a nexus between drug use and crime.

He said: “During the 11 town hall meetings I have held, the community leaders kept complaining about the issue of drug abuse and I have also observed the relationship between drugs use and crime.

“When people have access to drugs, it emboldens them to get involved in crime. Cultism is also a problem. Where men and teenagers are involved in cult-related violence and narcotic substances are recovered from them, it is enough to draw the attention of the police.

“So it’s in this regard that I decided to meet with you not only to identify major drug peddlers in the state but to gain from your agency’s experience.”

October 31, 2017
BREAKING: Vehicle skids into Lagos lagoon, occupants trapped

A vehicle few minutes ago, plunged into the lagoon by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront, The Nation has learnt.

It was gathered that the vehicle colluded with another before skidding into the water around 10:55pm.

A motorist who witnessed the incident, said local fishermen and officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were already at the scene trying to rescue all occupants.

“There’s a vehicle inside the lagoon. People are trapped in it. The vehicle was heading into Lagos Island. Fishermen and LASEMA are trying to safe the occupants of the vehicle now. May God help them,’ said the source.

General Manager LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu confirmed the incident, adding that he was at the scene for rescue operation and would avail details afterwards.

October 28, 2017
Residents hail LASEMA for emergency numbers awareness

Residents of Lagos West Senatorial District on Tuesday showered praises on the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for educating them on actions to take during an emergency, disaster.

Traders and road users trooped out yesterday dancing as LASEMA launched its road show to enlighten Lagosians about emergency toll-free hotlines, 767, 112 and the need to call the numbers for urgent intervention.

The campaign which kicked off at the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), CAPPA, progressed through Iyana Ipaja to Ijanikin in Ojo, covering the Badagry Express Way, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and terminating at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Aside from the toll-free numbers campaign, LASEMA used the opportunity to educate residents on the need to be cautious, alert to prevent wildfires during Harmattan.

General Manager LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, who led representatives of other stakeholders for the campaign, said it was necessary considering the massive investments Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has made in the sector.

Heavy-duty equipment purchased by the government for emergency services were showcased and firefighters carried out simulations to teach the people how to contain fire outbreaks.

Making reference to the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Tiamiyu said the place was equipped for the receipt of distress calls ranging from accidents, fire outbreaks, collapsed buildings, rape, domestic violence, among others for quick intervention.

Residents with LASEMA campaign team

He solicited the cooperation of residents, particularly, motorists during the campaign, adding that the agency would engage on a roadshow across the state.

He said: “This will help to sensitize the general public on safety and emergency issues, such as the use of the emergency toll-free number and necessary steps to take to avoid emergencies, which most times, lead to unnecessary loss of valuable lives and properties.”

Urging parents to monitor their wards against indiscriminate use of the toll-free numbers, Tiamiyu said necessary disciplinary actions would be taken against those who give false alerts.”

Continuing, Tiamiyu said the campaigned would be embarked on across the state, adding that branded souvenirs would be distributed to appreciate residents.

He said: “We have gone round Lagos West senatorial district today, we will move to Lagos Central and the East senatorial districts; we want to ensure we touch all the nooks and crannies of Lagos.

“The awareness will help to sensitize the general public on safety and emergency issues and the use of the emergency toll-free numbers for necessary steps to take to avoid disasters.

“The code number 112 is limited to Lagos and some bothering communities in Ogun state. 112/767 are popular but we want to get it deeper into the hearts of our mothers’ fathers, uneducated and farmers who do not know about these numbers.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Mrs Adebumi Adekanye, said the campaign was targeted at those at the grassroots in order to prepare them ahead of the Harmattan.

She said: “As the Harmattan weather approaches, we want our people to know that they do not need airtime on their phones to call the lines. It is totally free and can be reached at any time of the day. We are out to prevent, mitigate disasters in the state.”

October 17, 2017
Woman ‘stabs’ lover dead in Lagos

The police in Lagos have arrested a young woman, Hannah Osazuwa for allegedly stabbing her lover, Tomide Akintoye to death.

It was gathered that the incident occurred around 8:00 am, Gowon Estate in Egbeda, shortly after the lovebirds returned from an outing.

The Nation gathered that Osazuwa, who was treated to a lavish weekend in celebration of her birthday, stabbed Akintoye, alias lifeoftomson with a pair of scissors.

The accused

According to a source, the suspect, a resident of Idimu, was cutting her hair with the scissors when an argument ensued between the duo.

“They had a nice weekend together. They were lovers and the guy celebrated the girl’s birthday. But early this morning, they had a disagreement. The girl was using the scissors when they started fighting.

“The guy was using his hand to beat her but she used the scissors and stabbed him on the chest. I don’t know what caused the problem,” said the source.

Family and friends of the deceased took to social media to call out the suspect, demanding justice for Akintoye.

Contacted, the spokesman for the command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said the case would be transferred to the Homicide Department for further action.

October 16, 2017
Police arrest three soldiers, eight others for solar panel ‘vandalism’

The police in Lagos have arrested three Nigerian Army (NA) personnel and eight others for allegedly vandalising solar panels belonging to the Lagos State Government and some telecommunication firms.

The three soldiers said to be attached to the 81 Division of the NA, have since been whisked away by some officers sent by the army.

The eight others- Samuel Ani, 30, Michael Omoregbe, 30, Emmanuel Efosa, 27, Ifedayo Odufoye, 35, (dismissed Air Force officer), Chibizie Nnamani, 34, Festus Maduka, 26, John Nwokeoma, 31 and Chibuzor Chukwu, 23- were paraded alongside 32 suspects arrested for various offences since last month.

It was gathered that the soldiers, whose identities were not given, were promised N150,000 to escort the stolen solar panels and batteries on September 5, before they were apprehended.

According to acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, the ‘armed’ suspects specialised in vandalising government, private properties at Epe, Sangotedo, Elerangbe and Badagry areas of the state.

He said 16 solar panels and 33 inverter batteries were recovered from the gang, adding that a total of 18 cultists and 22 armed robbers were apprehended.

He said seven arms, eight live cartridges, and fake foreign currencies comprising $49,500, €6,000 and £1,500.
Edgal said: “On September 5, at about 2:00 am, seven armed men invaded Okemagba Senior Secondary School, Epe, with three soldiers and a truck marked LND61XQ. They went straight to the solar panel and vandalised 71. They also forced the door of the container, where the inverter batteries and accessories were kept and stole.

“The local police were alerted and they mobilised a patrol team to the scene, where the suspects and three serving soldiers were arrested. Preliminary investigation led operatives of the command to track other suspects to Delta, Anambra and Imo States, where Festus Maduka was picked up in a hotel and he confessed to having received solar panels and inverter batteries from this armed robber.

Confessing to the crime, Ani said he had made about N4 million since he started the business in June.

Ani, who was a bus driver before taking to vandalism, said he recruited the other suspects, including the soldiers into the ‘lucrative business’.

He disclosed that they erased the caveat inscribed in some of the vandalised items before reselling them to end users.

“I used to be a bus driver. It was in June that I started this business. I sell each panel N25,000 to Festus at Arena market. I sell the batteries to him N27,000. I have made like N4 million from it but I used to settle all those involved very well. It was Festus that helped me to get the three soldiers. They knew that the items were stolen that was why the escort fee was high.

“The dismissed Air Officer was also introduced to me by Festus. He has trucks and we needed the truck to carry the panels and batteries we vandalised. They all were aware that the items were stolen. We stole from public schools and telecommunications masts.”

Odufoye, a dismissed Air Officer, denied he was a member of the gang, insisting that he was only contracted for haulage services, which he rendered innocently.

On other arrests made, Edgal said the command on October 8, arrested a gang of suspected armed robbers terrorising Ijede, Ikorodu and robbing innocent citizens.

He said 10 persons were arrested at the gang’s hideout at Egbin in Ijede including the suspected gang leader, Ayinla Azeez, 22, Balogun Yinka, 20, Begusa Oluwasegun, 32, Omolaja Oluwafemi, 29, Godday Samuel, 19, Dennis Ifeanyi, 34, Ogunsanya Yusuf, 27, Odubanjo Akeem, 35, Damilola Ogunbadero, 20 and Dayo Tedunjaiye, 23.

Edgal said: “The all confessed to be Aiye confraternity members. One locally made revolver pistol with five rounds of live ammunition, a locally made cut to size single barrel gun, two locally made single barrel pistols with three live cartridges, a locally made axe and plier were recovered from them.

“On September 12, there was an armed robbery incident at Ajah. One Mary Inedu boarded an unmarked Honda Civic saloon car posing as a cab plying Ajah, Lekki and Jakande areas of the state with unknown hoodlums, who dispossessed her of her phones, ATM card of the victim and pin number. They withdrew money from the account.

“The incident was reported and an investigation has commenced. One Sunday Nwaba was arrested and he was identified by the victim as one of the robbers. Efforts are on to arrest others.

October 11, 2017
Photo news: Vandals den uncovered in Lagos

The Hotel used as Vandalism Den uncovered in Lagos by Navy

October 4, 2017
Breaking: Navy uncovers vandals’ den in Lagos

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have uncovered a hotel used to syphon petroleum products at Abule Egba.

The discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon following a tip-off by residents of the community.

Entrance to the uncovered vandals’ den

It was gathered that the operatives stormed the premises and found that pipes were connected from the hotel rooms directly to the pipeline and a well, which they used as a reserve.

Tankers were said to have frequented the community where the load the stolen product for shipping to Benin-Republic and other neighbouring countries.

Details soon…

October 4, 2017
BREAKING: Police rescue Igbonla school pupils

Operatives of The Nigeria Police have on Friday rescued School students who were kidnapped Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, Lagos State.

The boys were released at Aboto Creek in Ilaje LGA, Ondo State at about 3:30pm.

They will soon be reunited with their families.

Recall that the operatives of the Inspector General of Police’ (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT), on May 31st arrested three suspected members of the gang that kidnapped the six pupils.

It was gathered that IRT operatives led by Abba Kyari, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) arrested the three suspects who left the creek and went to Edo State to visit a gang member who was injured during gun battle with security forces.

Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode had told pupils at a parade to mark this year’s Children’s Day at the Agege Stadium in May, that the government would do all within its power to get the children out of the kidnappers’ den unhurt.

July 28, 2017
We didn’t approve mast on collapsed building – LASIMRA
- Agency condemns illegal installations, to commence audit
The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) on Thursday said it never gave approval for the installation of a telecommunication mast at the rooftop of the four-storey building that collapsed Tuesday afternoon.

LASIMRA’s General Manager, Jide Odekunle stated this during an interview with The Nation at the agency’s headquarters in Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Noting that the mast was installed two weeks ago, Odekunle said the last approval LASIMRA gave for the installation of mast was four months ago.
He said they have commenced investigation to ascertain the owners of the mast, adding that they would face necessary sanctions when unmasked.
According to Odukunle, the agency within two months, derigged 91 illegal or abandoned masts within Ikeja, adding that plans for utility infrastructure audit across the state were underway.

He said: “That mast was illegal. It is not in our database, which means the owners did not even write us for permit. Besides, there is no way we wouldn’t given an approval for a mast on that building which was already defective.

“From our findings, the building was built about 35 years ago and it was already weak before the mast was placed on it. The last approval we issued for mast was four months ago.

“We have identified the type of mast that is. We understand that the people who went for the installation said they wanted to use it for CCTV surveillance. Different companies for masts. For now, we cannot say the particular company or contractor that has that one but we are investigating.

“As of Tuesday, the mast was not carrying any traffic. It has not been powered because the residents refused the mounting of an industrial generator to power it. So, it is difficult at the moment to know the network operator but we will definitely get to the root of it.

“We heard the owner of the building has fled. Someone was collecting money for the installations. Like I told you, we are investigating all these issues.

“A lot of criminal activities go on with the stakeholders. We keep calling and telling them. As a matter of fact, in the last two months, we have embarked on derigging abandoned and substandard masts.

“We started from Ikeja metropolis. We derigged about 91 that were substandard in Ikeja alone. The masts lacked specifications that we expected. From Ikeja, we shifted attention to Etiosa, where we have also been derigging in the past two weeks.

“The issue is, once we discover one that is substandard, nobody claims ownership of it. Since safety of residents is paramount to us, we quickly derig. We have been appealing to stakeholders to apply for permits and follow due process.

“We do not just issue permits, we also regulate utility infrastructure such as mast towels and underground cables. People are not allowed to put masts any how. There are standard procedures that most be followed and specifications that must be met that it why LASIMRA has to be carried along from start to finish.

“For masts on the ground, we test the soil specification, height of the mast and diameter to be sure it is okay and the community has to accept it, otherwise, we would not approve. Then, for rooftops, we conduct integrity test of the building, check the diameter.

“These things happen especially in places like Ojo. Developers go to operators to market their structures once they finish construction and collect money.

“We have been appealing to the public to contact the agency once they see anything they are not comfortable with. Once they see any installation going on and there is no approval permit from LASIMRA, they should contact us. We usually paste notices on installations we approve and we state the contractor, duration of the project and every other important detail for people around to see.

“We are expanding our monitoring unit. We want to have branches at Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe because aside endangering lives, these illegal installations are robbing the state of revenue. That notwithstanding, Lagosians have to assist us in monitoring as well.”

Asked if it was safe to install masts on residential buildings, Odekunle answered in the affirmative, noting that it was recommended global best practice since the height of the structures were far above human heights.

He said: “There is no harm with rooftop mast installation. It is the recommended method globally. The fear about emission of radioactive materials to harm occupants is unfounded because the rooftop masts are way above human height. What should be of concern to us are oil spillage from generators we place on the floor, which penetrate the ground and get to water levels.
July 27, 2017