The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Zubairu Muazu.

  • Police: why we disrupted ‘free Lagos’ rally

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu yesterday said the ‘free Lagos’ campaign held at the Ikeja Airport Hotel was disrupted because the organisers did not inform the command about the gathering and were faceless.

    The organisers of the rally, Orange Movement, had alleged that policemen tear-gassed them, alleging that they were hoodlums.

    Among the conveners of the event were former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

    Afenifere spokesman Yinka Odumakin and Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi were yet to arrive the venue before the incident.

    While some participants had already sat inside Oranmiyan Hall where the event was to hold, it was gathered that others were prevented by a detachment of armed policemen mobilised to the scene from entering the hall.

    In the ensuing drama, the policemen fired several shots to disperse the crowd. People ran helter-skelter.

    At a briefing with reporters yesterday, Muazu confirmed that he was the one who gave the order that the group be dispersed.

    He said the command had to take proactive measures to prevent a crisis similar to the one which occurred at Okokomaiko on Wednesday during which hoodlums attacked innocent people.

    The police boss said although citizens had a right to organise peaceful protest, they should notify the police in writing, adding that the Public Order Act was still being enforced.

    He said: “It is against the law for anyone or group of persons to organise any public procession without getting approval from the police.”

     

  • Police: no tribe under threat in Lagos

    •Command to prosecute suspected ballot box snatcher  •We’ve tightened security’

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu said yesterday that no ethnic group was under threat.

    He urged people to disregard fake and provocative posts on social media alleging that Igbo traders were being prevented from going about their businesses.

    Muazu assured Lagosians that the state was peaceful.

    He briefed reporters that security arrangements had been reviewed following few cases of violence recorded during and after the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The police boss warned those circulating provocative posts on social media to desist, stressing that the command would identify, isolate and bring them to justice.

    “One serious issue the command is contending with is the fake news being circulated on social media, alleging that there is a plan by hoodlums to attack Igbo traders in Lagos, especially at Oshodi and other prominent markets.

    “We are not only debunking such rumours, we are also taking steps to reassure the Igbo community and other residents of their safety. We have deployed our special force in streets, markets and volatile areas.

    “We have convened town hall meetings in the last few days. Yesterday (Wednesday), we met Igbo trading community led by Eze Ndi Igbo of Oshodi, Hausa community, Yoruba community and others.

    “Let me restate that Lagos is peaceful. Lagosians are peace loving people. There is no ethnic group or community under threat. Our patrol and surveillance have been intensified. We have reviewed and redoubled our strategies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the governorship and house of assembly elections on March 9.

    “I urge Lagosians to go about their lawful activities peacefully. They should support the police to serve them better by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious movement or person to the police through our emergency numbers.

    “Let me use this medium to sound a big warning to initiators and distributors of fake news. We will identify you, isolate you and bring you to justice,” he said.

    Muazu said the principal suspect in the Okota election disruption, Demola, who was pelted with stones by a mob, would be prosecuted.

    He confirmed that the suspect had been discharged from hospital and was being treated as the principal suspect, saying the police would get the names of other suspects from him.

    “He was the principal suspect in that incident. He sustained injury and has been treated.”

    The police commissioner said the command had learnt lessons from the way the hoodlums, who disrupted elections at Okota, operated, adding: “We will not allow such incident again.”

    He said the restriction of movement during the governorship and house of assembly elections would be total, noting that motorcycles and tricycles would not be allowed near polling units.

    Muazu said the command would hold meetings with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and members of motorcyclists association today to ensure they do not allow themselves to be used by any troublemaker.

  • Why we dispersed ‘free Lagos’ rally, by Police

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Thursday explained the ‘free Lagos’ campaign at Ikeja Airport Hotel was disrupted because the organisers did not notify the police about the gathering and were faceless.

    Organisers of the rally, Orange Movement, had alleged that policemen deployed to the venue had tear-gassed them, alleging they were hoodlums.

    Among the conveners of the event were former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); Spokesperson Afenifere Group Yinka Odumakin and Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, who were yet to arrive the venue at the time of the incident.

    While some participants had already seated inside Oranmiyan Hall where the event was to hold, it was gathered that others were stopped by a detachment of armed policemen mobilised to the scene from entering the hall.

    In the ensuing drama, the policemen fired several shots to disperse the crowd with people running helter-skelter within the premises.

    At a briefing with reporters on Thursday evening, Muazu confirmed he ordered dispersal of the group.

    According to Muazu, the command had to take proactive measures to prevent an accident similar to the spontaneous celebration by hoodlums at Okokomaiko on Wednesday that resulted to violence.

    Read Also: No tribe under threat in Lagos– Police

    He said that although citizens have right to organise peaceful protest, they are to notify the police in writing, adding that the Public Order Act was still being enforced.

    The police chief said information was received a rally the police were not informed of, adding that following Wednesday”s incident, he prevented a possible breakdown of law and order by hoodlums.

    He said: “It is against the law for anyone or group of persons to organize any public procession without getting approval from the police considering the tense situation in the state.”

  • No tribe under threat in Lagos- Police

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Thursday said no ethnic group or tribe was under any threat in the state.

    He urged Nigerians to dismiss fake and provocative posts on social media alleging that Igbo traders in Lagos were being prevented to go about their businesses, assuring that the state was peaceful.

    The police chief spoke at a briefing with reporters on Thursday evening where he also assured that security arrangements have been reviewed following few cases of violence recorded in the state on Election Day at Okokomaiko on Wednesday.

    Muazu also warned those circulating such provocative posts to desist, stressing that the police would identify, isolate and bring them to justice.

    “One serious issue the command is contending with now is the menace of fake news circulated on the social media, on a plan attack on Igbo traders in Lagos especially, in Oshodi and other prominent markets by hoodlums.

    “The command did not only debunk such rumours but took practical steps to reassure the Igbo communities and all other residents of Lagos State of their safety.

    Read Also: Police to strengthen security in Lagos

    “We made massive deployments of our special force to streets and markets as well as vulnerable areas.

    “We equally arranged town hall meetings over the last few days. Yesterday (Wednesday), we met with Igbo trading community led by Eze Ndi Igbo of Oshodi, Hausa community and Yoruba Community and others.”

    He added: “Let me reemphasis that Lagos State is peaceful and Lagosians are peace loving people.

    “There is no tribe or community under threat in any part of the state. Our patrol and surveillance are intensified.

    “We have reviewed and redoubled our strategies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections come March 9.

    “I call on Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses and to continue to support the police to serve them better by being vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the police through our emergency numbers.”

    The police chief said the principal suspect of the Okota election disruption who was pelted with stones by a mob would be prosecuted.

    He confirmed that Demola had been discharged from the hospital and was being treated as principal suspect, adding the police would get the names of other suspects from him.

    The commissioner also said that the command had learnt lessons from the way the hoodlums who disrupted elections in Okota operated, adding that they would not allow such incident again.

    He said the restriction of movement during the governorship election would be total and that no motorcycles, tricycles will be allowed near polling units.

    Muazu explained the hoodlums did not come at once and came from different directions, adding they parked their motorcycles close to the polling unit and once they noticed they had a sizeable number, attacked voters.

    He said the command would hold meeting with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and also members of motorcyclists association on Friday to ensure they do not allow themselves to be used by any trouble maker.

  • Lagos is peaceful; come out and vote, CP tells residents 

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has again appealed to residents to come out today and exercise their franchise, assuring that nothing would disrupt the peace and security in the state.

    Muazu gave the assurance after a meeting with all heads of security agencies in the state held at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

    According to the police chief, security had been adequately deployed across the state to ensure a peaceful conduct of the exercise, security of lives and properties.

    A statement released by the spokesman for the command, Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), appealed to residents to contact emergency numbers- Control 1: 08127155132 and 07035068242; Control 2: 08127155150 and 08065154338

    Control 3: 08127155071 and 08063299264- in case of any distress.

    Oti said: “The CP restates that the command, as part of its commitment to a peaceful conduct of the polls, has adequately deployed men and officers to different parts of the state.

    “He assures Lagosians that the command in collaboration with other sister agencies has put in place all the necessary security measures to ensure that the exercise is free, fair and credible.

    “The CP says eligible voters have no cause to entertain fear or feel intimidated in performing their civic duty, urging them to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner.

    “He warns violence-minded people to steer clear from engaging in acts capable of truncating the election, noting that whoever is caught will face the full weight of the law.”

  • Lagos CP assures residents of peaceful polls

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has again appealed to residents to come out on Saturday and exercise their franchise, assuring that nothing would disrupt the peace, security in the state.

    Muazu gave the assurance after a meeting with all heads of security agencies in the state held at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

    According to the police chief, security had been adequately deployed across the state to ensure peaceful conduct of the exercise, security of lives and properties.

    A statement released by the spokesman for the command Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) appealed to residents to contact emergency numbers- Control 1: 08127155132 and 07035068242; Control 2: 08127155150 and 08065154338 Control 3: 08127155071 and 08063299264- in case of any distress.

    Oti said: “The CP restates that the command, as part of its commitment to a peaceful conduct of the polls, has adequately deployed men and officers to different parts of the state.

    “He assures Lagosians that the command in collaboration with other sister agencies has put in place all the necessary security measures to ensure that the exercise is free, fair and credible.

    “The CP says eligible voters have no cause to entertain fear or feel intimidated in performing their civic duty, urging them to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner.

    “He warns violence-minded people to steer clear from engaging in acts capable of truncating the election, noting that whoever is caught will face the full weight of the law.“

  • Lagos CP warns ballot box snatchers, others

    .Says no area will be left unpoliced

     

    Lagos State Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on  Thursday issued stern warning to ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders to have a rethink or face the wrath of the law.

    Muazu gave the warning at his maiden interaction with reporters since assuming duties at the new police boss in the state.

    According to him, the command would stop at nothing to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and convicted, reminding residents that the earlier deployment of 30,000 security personnel for the exercise would be maintained.

    On the preparedness of the command to deal with such issues, Muazu said: “Our men have the ingredients of the Electoral Act. They have been well trained on what is expected of them before, during and after the elections. So when anyone who snatches a ballot box is caught, they will be tried in court and punished according to the law.

    “I want to assure you that the Police in collaboration with other security agencies under the umbrella of Inter-Agency consultative committee on this election is ready come Saturday.

    “A very robust operation order to cover deployment of security personnel for the elections is on ground, so we will ensure there is a safe and secure environment for electorate in Lagos to go and cast their votes without fear and intimidation.”

    He said the command had emplaced an election plan that covers before, during and after the exercise, stating that intelligence arm of security agencies had been deployed to gather evidence in case of prosecution of arrested suspects.

    Confirming recent cult clashes in the state, Muazu assured residents such clashes would not hamper the peace of the polls, adding that arrests have been made and suspects would be prosecuted.

    “In the last two weeks, we have had cases of clashes between rival cult groups in areas like Oworonshoki, Somolu, Bariga and Fadeyi. We are working round the clock to ensure there is peace. We want to assure Lagosians that we will make sure that these few cases we have had will not surface during the election.

    “I want to assure all Lagosians that this year’s elections are going to be well secured and so, they should come out and vote. There will be constant patrols and pin-down patrol points.
    “Arrests have been made in the cases cited and investigations are ongoing. All suspects would be charged to court soon.“

  • Police to deploy air assets, sniffer dogs for polls

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has said the command would deploy air assets for constant patrols during the elections.

    He stated this during an interview with reporters at the Command headquarters in Ikeja, adding that there was no anticipation of violence in the state.

    According to the police chief, the command was fully prepared for the exercise and has a robust operation order in place.

    “We have aerial patrols even before the elections. These patrols are going to continue.

    “We do not anticipate any violence anywhere but we have made adequate arrangement just in case we have any.

    “The command is fully prepared for the election. On my arrival in the command I met a robust operation order in place which I went through and was satisfied everything was in place. Now, this operation order has divided Lagos into various commands and formations and all have been adequately planned for.

    “We have not left anywhere unmanned. From INEC offices to the polling units and then collation centers, everywhere is going to be fully manned by security operatives.

    “We are working in collaboration with other security agencies in Lagos State. I want to assure you that all flash points have been protected.

    “Electorates should come out enmass and cast their votes without fear of anything. Adequate security has been provided for each voter at his polling unit to cast his vote,” he said.

    Meanwhile, The Nation gathered that

    the K-9 (dog) unit of the police would be fully engaged during the exercise especially in areas notorious for drug peddling and related crimes.

    At the state headquarters yesterday, a detachment of operatives including those from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Anti-bomb and Intelligence Bureau were seen jumping into trucks and buses for movement to their assigned communities and local governments.

    Asked why they were excited, some of the operatives confirmed to The Nation that they have received theit allowances. It was gathered the other ranks (Corporal to Sergeant) received N30,000 and above which were paid directly into their accounts.

  • Police to deploy air assets, sniffer dogs for polls

    ….We have received our allowances, motivated, say operatives

     

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has said the command would deploy air assets for constant patrols during the elections.

    He stated this during an interview with reporters at the Command headquarters in Ikeja, adding that there was no anticipation of violence in the state.

    According to the police chief, the command was fully prepared for the exercise and has a robust operation order in place.

    “We have aerial patrols even before the elections. These patrols are going to continue.

    “We do not anticipate any violence anywhere but we have made adequate arrangement just in case we have any.

    “The command is fully prepared for the election. On my arrival in the command I met a robust operation order in place which I went through and was satisfied everything was in place. Now, this operation order has divided Lagos into various commands and formations and all have been adequately planned for.

    “We have not left anywhere unmanned. From INEC offices to the polling units and then collation centers, everywhere is going to be fully manned by security operatives.

    “We are working in collaboration with other security agencies in Lagos State. I want to assure you that all flash points have been protected.

    “Electorates should come out enmass and cast their votes without fear of anything. Adequate security has been provided for each voter at his polling unit to cast his vote,” he said.
    Meanwhile, The Nation gathered that the K-9 (dog) unit of the police would be fully engaged during the exercise especially in areas notorious for drug peddling and related crimes.

    At the state headquarters yesterday, a detachment of operatives including those from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Anti-bomb and Intelligence Bureau were seen jumping into trucks and buses for movement to their assigned communities and local governments.

    Asked why they were excited, some of the operatives confirmed to The Nation that they have received their allowances. It was gathered the other ranks (Corporal to Sergeant) received N30, 000 and above which were paid directly into their accounts.

  • Police to deploy air assets, sniffer dogs for polls

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has said the command would deploy air assets for constant patrols during the elections.

    He stated this during an interview with reporters at the Command headquarters in Ikeja, adding that there was no anticipation of violence in the state.

    According to the police chief, the command was fully prepared for the exercise and has a robust operation order in place.

    “We have aerial patrols even before the elections. These patrols are going to continue.

    “We do not anticipate any violence anywhere but we have made adequate arrangement just in case we have any.

    “The command is fully prepared for the election. On my arrival in the command I met a robust operation order in place which I went through and was satisfied everything was in place. Now, this operation order has divided Lagos into various commands and formations and all have been adequately planned for.

    “We have not left anywhere unmanned. From INEC offices to the polling units and then collation centers, everywhere is going to be fully manned by security operatives.

    “We are working in collaboration with other security agencies in Lagos State. I want to assure you that all flash points have been protected.

    Read Also: Police arrest two with specimen ballot papers

    “Electorates should come out en-mass and cast their votes without fear of anything. Adequate security has been provided for each voter at his polling unit to cast his vote,” he said.

    Meanwhile, The Nation gathered that the K-9 (dog) unit of the police would be fully engaged during the exercise especially in areas notorious for drug peddling and related crimes.

    At the state headquarters on Friday, a detachment of operatives including those from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Anti-bomb and Intelligence Bureau were seen jumping into trucks and buses for movement to their assigned communities and local governments.

    Asked why they were excited, some of the operatives confirmed to The Nation that they have received their allowances. It was gathered the other ranks (Corporal to Sergeant) received N30,000 and above which were paid directly into their accounts.