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Tag: Solomon Arase

  • Lawyer petitions NHRC, IGP over arrest, detention of client

     

     

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase and the chairman Police Service Commission (PSC), have been petitioned by a lawyer, Chuka Obele Chuka, following the unlawful arrest and detention of his client Ifeanyi Agazie.

    Though, the suspect had been released, but the counsel alleged that he had been summoned again to report at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun state after the Anambra state police commissioner had released him on bail.

    Agazie a student of federal polytechnic Nkekde, Imo state, it was gathered was arrested by the (SARS) in Ogun in May, 2016 when he visited a factory where he worked two years ago as casual.

    His visit to the place, Chuka claimed in his petition, was to solicit for educational assistance from the owner of the company, but he ended up being assaulted and bundled into an unmarked bus hired by the team of policemen.

    During his arrest, the policemen had allegedly, seized his wallet said to contain the sum of 1,300 naira. ATM card and West African examination council scratch card from the suspect.

    However, the counsel was urging the IGP and the NHRC to direct the federal (SARS) to withdraw the said invitation as according to him, it constitutes a continuous infraction of his clients’ right under the constitution of the land, adding, he had no business going back to Abeokuta.

    Already, the matter had been taken to Ihiala High Court in suit No. HIH/MISC.618/2016 where Justice J.I Nweze gave orders that the suspect’s properties should be returned to him by the policemen who arrested him.

    Also, the court ordered that the respondents (Police) are hereby restrained from arresting or detaining the applicant on the basis of the same facts and complaints which gave rise to the suit, pending the determination of the suit.

    But Chuka Obele Chuka, had raised the alarm that the invitation of the suspect to Abeokuta in Ogun state by the (SARS) was to flout the court order, which according to him had become the norm in police quarters.

  • Biafra day celebration: Police arrest 12 agitators in Rivers.

    Biafra day celebration: Police arrest 12 agitators in Rivers.

    Men of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), of the Rivers state Police command on Monday disrupted the peaceful match by members of Ralph Uwazurike-led Movement For the Actualization of the Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOP), at
    Obigbo, in Obigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    The Biafra agitators numbering over 200 were on a peacefulmatch along the streets of the LGA to mark their annual “Biafra Day”, when the men in five truckload double crossed them and ordered them to stop.

    After brief explanations by the agitators and some phonecalls by the leader of the team, their banners, some members Identity cards andapron, especially
    those marked “Biafra Red Cross” were removed from their owners (body and necks), and taken away by the Police.

    Twelve of the members were also arrested, including the middle aged woman, and six members of the band
    (music), group who were playingband for them as they matched and danced. All the musical instruments were
    alsoseized.

    The agitators who did not struggle with the Police during the arrest expressed surprise that the Police could interfere with their peaceful exercise, which did not in any way affect traffic in the area. The leadership of the group said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Obigbo Police station knew about the match. They expressed concern that they did not know where their members were taken to.

    They called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase to direct his men to release their members and return all their properties seized as soon as possible, insisting that MASSOB is a non-violent Movement that preaches peace. Reacting shortly after the incident, the Zonal Administrator, Rivers South, Sunday Kalu Amuzie said, “Today is a very big day to all Biafrans around the World, we are marking the anniversary of the Independence of Biafra. It is being celebrated across the globe.

    “But our activity today was somehow disrupted by Men of the Nigerian Police who interfered in our peaceful street
    match program and arrested 12 of our members including a woman and members of our band. The arresting Police officers also made away with our banners, members Identity cards,
    apronsand band instrument, but we neither struggled with them nor reacted to their action.”

    Asked if he knew about the subsisting ban on all forms ofstreet match by the state government, said: “We were not informed, moreover, we were on a peaceful street match pass, to create awareness of the Biafra Day celebration, June 30, every year and not to make or
    create any troubles.”

    Also asked if the state Commissioner of
    Police was aware ofthe exercise, said, admitted that he was not informed but that the DPO Obigbo Police station was
    somehow informed, since it was a non-violent exercise. The group’s state Director, information and publicity, Anukem Anthony recalled that Biafra Day celebration was revived 17 years ago by their Leader, Uwazurike, and has since them been celebrated without any hitch on this date (June 30).

    He condemned the arrest of their members by the police, and called for the IG’s quick intervention. The Spokesman of the state police command Ahmad Muhammad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police was unable to react to the incident as at press time. He said that he was yet to be briefed.

  • Agatu killings: Benue demands N100b compensation

    Agatu killings: Benue demands N100b compensation

    The people of Benue State are asking for N100b compensation for the attacks on Agatu area of the State by unidentified Fulani herdsmen that led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

    As a solution to the clashes arising from cattle grazing in the State and other parts of the country, the State government is insisting that cattle ranching is the only solution to the clashes.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, who said President Muhammadu Buhari directives in March led to a flurry of activities, however disclosed that 18 people have been arrested in connection with the Agatu attacks.

    He however disclosed that the police was yet to gather enough evidence to prosecute the suspects.

    Thursday at the continuation of a House of Representatives  public hearing on Agatu killings by unidentified Fulani herdsmen, the IGP told Committee on Police Affairs that efforts were made to put in preventive measures after interactions with governor Samuel Ortom and town hall meetings held with communities in Benue and Nasarawa States over the incidents.

    While he affirmed that security reasons would not allow him to divulge some sensitive information publicly,  Arase said the police was willing to work with vigilante groups, while beefing up the Benue State Police Command with intelligence, more personnel and technology.

    However, in his presentation, MUT President General, Edward Ujege said about 500 people were killed in the attacks while asking for N100b in compensation.

    Ujege, who said the attacks were deliberate and professionally executed, lamented the deterioration of relationship with the Fulanis that had barely 50,000 herds of cattle in 2010 but by 2016 having more than a million in the State.

    Saying that the herdsmen attacks took place in 14 out of 23 Local Government Areas of the State, Ujege also aleged that chemical weapon might have been used by the herdsmen that have killed thousands since the outbreak of the attacks.

    He said: “The herdsmen have ransacked whole communities in Benue and other parts of the country, plundered, killed and chased everyone out; and are now comfortably settled on these lands.

    “Between 2015 and 2016, 101 persons had been killed, 6650 others were displaced andproperties worth N8, 335,664,000.00 was destroyed by the herdsmen in four local councils in the state namely: Buruku,Logo,Tarka and Ukum.

    “Fulani herdsmen have invaded and occupied portions of 11 out of 14 local government areas constituting 78 percent of TIV speaking areas as follows: Guma and Gwer West LGAs 75 percent of the wards have been invaded and occupied while in other LGAs 25 percent of the wards are being occupied.

    While he disregarded suggestions for grazing routes, Ujege said cattle ranching is the solution, adding that cattle rearing should be treated as a private business.

    The Deputy Governor, Benson Abonu said the issue of herdsmen attacking communities should not be treated with levity because “There is more than meet the eye” over the issue going by the manner of execution the attack.

    According to him, the attacking herdsmen were seen in black uniforms.

    He said the State government has only one position on the solution to the issue, which iscattle ranching.
    Number of those killed in the incidents however varied with MUT puttng it at 500, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) puts its own figure at 300 in its presentation while the IGP said the police can only find three.

    The Committee however tasked the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to step up its responsibility by identifying Fulanis that aren’t Nigerians.

    The Committee also want the attacking herdsmen to be recognized as terrorists to enable the State subject them to the laws of the land.

    Representatives of Miyetti Allah failed again to attend the second day of the hearing before it was adjourned indefinitely.

     

  • Agatu killings: Dambazzau, Arase absence stalls investigation

    Agatu killings: Dambazzau, Arase absence stalls investigation

    The House of Representatives has asked the Minister of Interior, Gen Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd) as well as the Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Solomon Arase to appear before its Committee on Police Affairs Thursday.

    The House may be forced to apply the instrumentality of the law to compel the state officials should they fail to comply with the directive, the summoned officials were warned.

    The invitation followed the failure of the Interior Minister, the IGP, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major Gen. Buratai as well as the Director General of the Department of State Services  (DSS), Musa Daura among others to appear before the Committee for a public hearing on the attack of some Benue communities by unidentified Fulani herdsmen.

    The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the representatives of Fulani herdsmen were also absent at the hearing yesterday.

    In attendance were only officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Tiv socio-cultural association, Mdzough U Tiv (MUT).

    The leadership of the House expressed disappointment that the exercise that took great efforts to put together was met with such nonchalant attitude by some of the stakeholders.

    A visibly disappointed Chief Whip, AL Hassan Doguwa, who represented the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara regretted that most critical stakeholders failed to show up for the hearing.

    “If need be, here may be a need to revert to the constitutional powers conferred on the House to compel the absentee government agencies to attend the hearing and participate fully.

    “It is disheartening to the House to see that agencies that were particularly affected by the subject at hand were not here,” he said.

    Chairman of the Committe,  Haliru Jika, earlier in his remarks said the alarming influx of unidentified herdsmen into Benue State and the consequent threat to peace, life and property could not be overlooked by the House.

    “The problems caused by the Fulani herdsmen and the communities where the graze their herds has assumed a hydra-headed dimension seeking immediate solution.

    “The work of Committee is not to witch hunt but to seek facts and report back to the House,” he said.

    With the dismal attendance, Jika was forced to adjourn after a short execusive session of the Committee as he  willing to continue the hearing after MUT made its presentation.

    However, with several members of the Committee insisting that nothing would be achieved without the presence of the IGP in particular due to the sensitivity of the situation, the hearing was put off after the presentation of the Tiv group, MUT.

    MUT lamented the deterioration of relationship with the herdsmen that had barely 50,000 cattle but now having more than a million in the State.

    The group also alleged that chemical weapon might have been used by the herdsmen that have killed thousands since the outbreak of the attacks.

    “883 persons were killed in 2014 with 23324 displaced and properties worth N31.4 billion destroyed.

    “101 persons were murdered in Buruku, Logo and Tarka LGA in 2015 with 6650 displaced and properties worth N8.3 billion displaced.”

    The group also rejected the proposed grazing routes for cattle as a solution to the problem, “The cattle herdsmen go about with are not government cattle, so tax payers’ money should not be used to establish ranches for the Fulani.

    “Those who have cattle/livestock must find the funds to buy land where they can afford and establish ranches for their livestock,” the group noted.

     

  • Herdsmen: IGP orders CPs to convene town hall meeting

    Herdsmen: IGP orders CPs to convene town hall meeting

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase has directed State Commands Commissioners of Police (CPs) and the FCT to immediately convene town hall meeting in their respective State Commands.

    The meeting is expected to address the misinformation, anxiety and animosity being generated in relation to the current security challenges associated with local communities and herdsmen.

    The IGP also directed all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands (AIGs) to personally oversee the process in order to ensure urgent compliance.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole.

    The IGP who stated that the proposed meetings be held at State and Area Commands as well as at Divisional levels, explained that it will enhance the process of reassurance policing and need for peaceful coexistence and sensitivity of each community’s value, space and interest.

    The forum would have traditional rulers, community leaders, public officials, religious actors, youths bodies, local vigilante groups, women/market associations, Police Community Relations Committee, other sister security agencies, professional bodies, media, State and non-State actors as participants.

    While reassuring the public of the Force’ commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians, Arase urged the citizen to put their differences aside and courageously continue to support the Police in the face of current security challenges confronting the country.

     

  • Killings: Homicide investigators despatched to Rivers

    Killings: Homicide investigators despatched to Rivers

    • As spy Police Officers get new uniform

    Experts in murder case investigation in Nigeria have been dispatched to Rivers state to investigate the various killings in the state.

    Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase disclosed this in Port Harcourt the state capital on Monday.

    Arase was in the state for the formal launch of the new uniform for Supernumerary Police (Spy Police), officers organized by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

    He said the team of investigators from the Force headquarters, Abuja are in the state to take over the investigation into the killings to ensure that the culprits, irrespective of who, were punished in accordance with the law.

    The security Boss condemned the spate of killings in parts of the state and the country in general and described as unacceptable the high rate of killings and illegal arms possessions in the state and country and assured residents and citizens alike of the security agencies’ determination to ensure that hoodlums, (cultists, robbers, kidnappers), among others do not take over the states.

    “It is unacceptable that people should take laws into their hands, this is not a Hordecians state where might is right and I have told the Commissioner of Police, we must go after whoever takes the life of anybody and ensure the person is treated according to the law.

    “Again, the proliferation of firearms in the system is not acceptable not only in Rivers state, but across the length and breadth country, this is also a reflective of the international environment. It is a global thing, but we will make sure that we did not allow a group of criminals to overwhelm the state. I assure the people of this country that we are going to clamp down on them and bring them to book.”

    “For those alleged of masterminding the killings in the state and those on the police invitation lists are being investigated. I have dispatched a team of homicide investigators from Abuja to come and take over the investigation in the state. As you know, when things like this happen there is usually different perspective to it.

    “I have always taken a stand that Police is supposed to be apolitical m and if we are going to be apolitical, we must be professional in our approach in investigating these matters that is why I have deployed the team to take over most of these cases and ensure they are professionally investigated.

    No fewer than 12 persons, including a family of four, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in Ula-Upata and Edoha Communities of Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state last weekend. The Police confirmed the death of all four persons.

    The bodies of some of the victims were reportedly missing, but their heads were said to have been seen floating in a nearby river.

    The state commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo assured that the criminals would be tracked soon, but assured that normalcy has returned to the communities as security has been beefed up in the area.

    Kimo appealed for release of timely information to the police just as he urged community members to organise community policing vigilante groups to man their communities.

  • 359 policemen killed in two years – Arase

    At least 359 policemen were killed on duty between January 2014 and April 2016, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has said.

    Arase stated this at a lecture he delivered at the University of Jos, titled: “Police and Public Partnership in Prevention and Control of Violent Crimes and Conflicts in Nigeria.”

    He said that 272 policemen sustained various degrees of injuries within the same period, adding that the casualties occurred while intervening in civil conflicts.

    The IGP, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the officers paid the supreme price “to enhance community peace and security in the country.”

    He said the killing of police personnel had steadily been on the rise since 2009 due to terrorist attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.

    Arase said police personnel required diverse skills to tackle modern crimes, “especially since criminal elements are arming themselves with more sophisticated arms.”

  • Why Police cannot protect all Nigerians

    Why Police cannot protect all Nigerians

    The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has said that the current number of Policemen in Nigeria is far too inadequate to provided security to all Nigerians coupled with poor funding of the force.
    According to the IG, the size of the Nigerian Police currently put at 305,000 policemen and women is not enough to guarantee the security of all segments of Nigeria.
    The Police Force and other security agencies in the country have come under severe criticism from members of the public over recent spate of attacks and killings of innocent citizens by herdsmen across the country with particular reference to the invasion of Agatu people of Benue state by suspected herdsmen and that of Enugu state.
    The IG, while delivering a public lecture on the topic, “Police and Public Partnership in prevention and control of violent crime and conflicts in Nigeria” at the MultiPurpose Hall of University of Jos on Friday, said the current numbers of policemen and inadequate funding accounts for the inefficiency of the police and its inability to be everywhere in the country.
    According to IG Arase, “The organizational structure of the Force consists of the Force Headquarters, 12 zonal commands, and 37 State commands including the Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria Police Force’s staff strength by 31st December 2015 was 305,000. This is inclusive of 1,331 Cadets currently on training at the Police Academy, Kano as well as specialist branches and civilian support staff.
    “Female officers in the Force constituted 30,854 (9.47%), while there are 127 area commands; 1,130 police divisions; 1,579 police stations, 2,165 police posts, and 1,591 village police posts (NPF Annual Report 2013: 137).
    Speaker further, IG Arase said: “The work of the police in any society is a very difficult, complex and dangerous vocation. The expectations of members of the public in Nigeria are many and varied and exceed the resources and support given to the police. Failures on the part of the police are easily observed and widely reported and condemned while achievements of the police are rarely recognized, applauded and rewarded.
    “Police are in constant contact with dangerous persons and in dangerous situations. In spite of the inherent hostile policing environment and sundry challenges, the Nigeria Police has remained steadfast to its responsibility of guaranteeing the safety of the lives and property of the citizens even at the risk of their own lives.
    “Between January 2014 – December, 2015 a total of 278 police officers paid the supreme sacrifice in the discharge of their statutory Mandate in relation to enhancement of community peace and security, while 194 others sustained varying degree of injuries. Similarly, between January – April 2016, we have lost a total of 72 Police personnel with 78 others injured in the line of internal security duties. Cases of killing of police personnel have increased since 2009 due to terrorist attacks by Boko Haram.
    “Policing in Nigeria is particularly difficult because of several inadequacies. Many scholars and government police reform committees in the country have identified several factors that inhibit police efficiency. Some of the identified problems are:
    Inadequate logistic and resources (especially transportation, telecommunication, arms and ammunition, accommodation, etc.) for police services, Inadequate personnel with training, skill and orientation required for policing a country with complex security challenges,  Inadequate resources for effective law enforcement, intelligence gathering, criminal investigation and prosecution.
    “Other challenges include lack of appropriate police stations, offices, facilities and accommodation, lack of modern forensic laboratory and other technological aid to law enforcement, inappropriate use of arms and ammunitions, absence of reliable and comprehensive criminal database and poor conditions of service, including low remuneration and pension benefits.
    “The challenges notwithstanding, Citizens also have a responsibility towards the police. The police will be ineffective if the citizens constantly disrespect, distrust, assault, insult and antagonize the police. The Constitution, in chapter 2 obliged citizens to assist law enforcement agencies as civic responsibility. Unfortunately, most citizens are either unaware of this obligation or chose to ignore it.
    Arase suggested that, “In order to enhance police efficiency, develop and sustain effective police-public partnership, citizens and communities should appreciate the duties and powers of the police and avoid criticizing them just of the inconvenience arising from law enforcement intended to guarantee public peace and safety and promote the rights and liberties of others.
    “We expect the public to have respect for legitimate authority and laws, parents, religious, traditional and educational institutions should inculcate in children and youth respect for legitimate authorities and laws at all levels of society without shying away from holding those in authority accountable for their actions, decisions and conduct.

  • Arase apologizes to Reps over Kogi Assembly closure

    The Inspector- General of the Police, Solomon Arase, on Thursday said he did not purposely ignore the directives of the House of Representatives to seal the Kogi State House of Assembly.

    Arase, who appeared before an Adhoc committee on the crisis headed by the Majority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila said what occurred was caused by misinformation.

    He said it was not in his character to disobey laid down rules, constituted authority and powers of the National Assembly.

    The IGP said after he had given the order for closure of the Assembly, he directed that some of the security personnel at the complex be redeployed since only skeletal services were taking place at the complex.

    He said: “One of the areas of disagreement was that we were not able to distinguish who were the members and who were the staff of the Assembly and we didn’t want to stop the staff from going inside the complex.

    “The day that they came to sit, it was an oversight. We shouldn’t have allowed them to do that.

    “I am one person that from my pedigree, I hold great respect for constituted authority. I wouldn’t have done anything deliberately to disobey the decision of this honorable House.

    “I am aware of the constitutional authority of this House and wouldn’t have done anything to offend you people in any way.”

    However, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, did not appear before the lawmakers. He sent his Special Assistant 1, Sylvester Imhanobe, to represent him.

  • Photo: 2016 Police week grand finale in Abuja

    Photo: 2016 Police week grand finale in Abuja

    REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT - MINISTER OF INTERIOR, RETIRED LT.-GEN. ABDULRAHMAN DAMBAZZAU (L), WITH THE I-G SOLOMON ARASE DURING THE POLICE WEEK 2016 GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT – MINISTER OF INTERIOR, RETIRED LT.-GEN. ABDULRAHMAN DAMBAZZAU (L), WITH THE I-G SOLOMON ARASE DURING THE POLICE WEEK 2016 GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT - MINISTER OF INTERIOR, RETIRED LT.-GEN. ABDULRAHMAN DAMBAZZAU (M) DECORATING CPL. YEIYAH YELLOW AS THE BEST PERFORMING CORPORAL AT THE MURTALA MOHAMMED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LAGOS DURING THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT – MINISTER OF INTERIOR, RETIRED LT.-GEN.
    ABDULRAHMAN DAMBAZZAU (M) DECORATING CPL. YEIYAH YELLOW AS THE BEST PERFORMING CORPORAL AT THE MURTALA MOHAMMED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LAGOS DURING THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    POLICE COUNTER TERRORISM SQUAD ON PARADE AT THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    POLICE COUNTER TERRORISM SQUAD ON PARADE AT THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    POLICE DOGS AND THEIR HANDLERS ON PARADE DURING THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    POLICE DOGS AND THEIR HANDLERS ON PARADE DURING THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    POLICE RIDER AT THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY
    POLICE RIDER AT THE 2016 POLICE WEEK GRAND FINALE PARADE IN ABUJA ON FRIDAY