Police Archives - Page 3 of 4

Police Deny Sealing PDP Secretariat, Say Officers Deployed To Maintain Order

June 30, 2025 by admin

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has denied reports alleging that it sealed off the Peoples Democratic Party’s national headquarters located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, on Monday. Addressing newsmen, a BoT member, and former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, accused the police of barring members of the Board of Trustees from accessing the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, where they were scheduled to hold a meeting. Tsauri said the operatives informed them they were acting on “orders from above” and that no meetings were to take place within the party premises. However, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command described the reports as “false, misleading, and not reflective of the true situation on ground.” Adeh noted that police personnel were only deployed to the area to maintain law and order in line with their constitutional responsibility of ensuring public safety. She said, “The FCT Police Command is aware of the news making the rounds alleging that the police sealed off the PDP secretariat in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. “The command wishes to categorically state that this information is false, misleading, and does not reflect the true situation on ground. “Police officers were only deployed to the venue to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in line with their constitutional mandate. At no time was the secretariat sealed off by the police. “The Commissioner of Police, FCT, urges media outlets to verify information through the office of the command police public relations officer before disseminating.” Punch

Police Chase Turns Tragic As Stray Bullet Hits WAEC Student In Ibadan

May 20, 2025 by admin

A policeman’s stray bullet has claimed the life of a young student on his way to sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. Eyewitnesses reported that the officer, in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle along the busy Gbagi Market Road, opened fire in an attempt to stop a suspect. One of the bullets allegedly missed its target and struck a schoolboy who was riding on his father’s motorcycle alongside his twin brother. It was gathered that the boy was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. According to bystanders, the deceased and his twin were en route to their examination center at the time of the incident. The sympathizers and market traders at the scene in a protest took the boy’s body to the Oyo State Secretariat. There, demonstrators demanded immediate justice and sought an audience with Governor Seyi Makinde. In a video presently circulating online, security personnel were seen attempting to control the growing crowd, while sympathizers called for transparency, accountability, and urgent reform in police engagement protocols in public places. As of press time, neither the Oyo State Police Command nor the state government had issued an official statement.

Police Teargas Protesters In Rivers, Abuja Over Emergency Rule, Repression

April 7, 2025 by admin

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday morning fired tear gas at protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in a bid to disperse crowds demonstrating against government repression and the state of emergency in Rivers. In Port Harcourt, protesters under the aegis of the Take It Back Movement had gathered at the Isaac Boro Park by 9 a.m. to rally against the controversial state of emergency imposed in Rivers and what they described as the misuse of the Cybercrime Act by law enforcement authorities. The demonstration quickly descended into chaos when police officers arrived at the scene and discharged tear gas, forcing protesters to flee in different directions. Eyewitnesses say some of the demonstrators, including journalists covering the event, were physically assaulted by the officers. Members of the group claim they had duly informed the police of their intention to protest in a letter dated April 3, 2025. The protest in Rivers comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara due to escalating political tensions. Meanwhile, in Abuja, a similar protest in the Maitama area was also forcefully dispersed by police operatives. The demonstrators had gathered peacefully to voice their grievances over rising economic hardship, insecurity, and what they labelled increasing authoritarianism by the federal government. The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” drawing attention to the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act and the broader human rights situation in the country. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among those present in Abuja to lend support to the protest. The nationwide protest was convened by the Take It Back Movement in conjunction with other civil society organisations. In a statement released last Friday, the group’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration aimed to resist “increasing authoritarianism” and demand urgent relief for Nigerians grappling with inflation and insecurity. Similar protests were also reported in Lagos and several other state capitals across the country

Cancel Your Homecoming, Police Warn Natasha

April 1, 2025 by admin

The police have asked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in Kogi State’s Central Senatorial District. Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, stated this in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya. According to the statement, Dantawaye said the rally goes against the state government’s recent ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday. The statement reads, “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State. “The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.” The police also warned against any attempts to defy the directive, saying, “In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.” Despite the ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that she will go ahead with her “homecoming,” stating that she is only returning to the state to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents. Punch

Police Arrest Female Gunrunner, Bandits’ Drug Suppliers

March 18, 2025 by admin

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old woman, Hauwa Sani, for allegedly smuggling ammunition concealed in a palm oil container. The police also apprehended a syndicate transporting hard drugs meant for criminals operating in Yobe State. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. He noted that the arrests were made by the Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad during separate operations. According to the statement, Sani was intercepted along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway on December 23, 2024, while carrying 124 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres hidden inside a five-litre container of palm oil. She allegedly confessed that one Nasiru of Daura had instructed her to deliver the ammunition to Katsina State. The police said further investigations were ongoing. In another operation on February 1, 2025, the FID-STS operatives arrested three suspects—50-year-old Alhaji Usman Yahaya, 27-year-old Joseph Matthew, and 25-year-old Solomon Bala—residents of Potiskum, Yobe State. They were caught transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrup and other hard drugs allegedly meant for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers operating in Yobe and neighbouring countries. The police also busted an arms smuggling ring on February 3, 2025, arresting three suspects—Yusuf Dantani, 24; Usman Labaran, 32; and Musa Mohammed, 23—who were found in possession of 10 AK-47 rifles. Upon interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to dealing in arms and said they had received nearly N4 million for their last batch of weapons. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to dismantling criminal enterprises and ensuring the safety of citizens. We urge the public to support our efforts by providing timely and accurate information that can aid in crime prevention and detection,” the statement added. Punch

Police Deny Reports Of Attack In Wike’s Residence And Riots In Rivers

March 17, 2025 by admin

Police Deny Reports Of Attack In Wike’s Residence And Riots In Rivers.The Rivers State Police Command has said online reports of riots in parts of the state and an attack on the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are false. Recall that the social media was awash with reports that some aggrieved persons had set fire to the residents of the former Rivers State Governor along Ada George in Port Harcourt on Sunday following the political crisis in the state. But the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, described it as a false alarm by mischief makers. Iringe-Koko said there is neither any violence nor an an act of arson on the residents of the FCT Minister, pointing out that the baseless report is aimed at igniting unrest and fear among law-abiding citizens and residents of the state. While warning those behind such false reports to resist forthwith, the state Police image maker said the weight of the law will catch up with them if they don’t need the advice. The statement reads, “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence. “The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents. “There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state. The general public is urged to disregard these unfounded claims, which are clearly intended to cause panic and destabilize the relative peace and security enjoyed by the good people of Rivers State. “Furthermore, the Police Command sternly warns those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder. “The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.” It continued, “The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. “We urge members of the public to rely on credible sources for information and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. Citizens should remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.” Punch

Police Scrap Law Allowing Dismissal Of Unmarried Pregnant Officers – AIG

March 12, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Police Force has abolished regulations that previously mandated the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while in service. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aishatu Baju, who is the most senior female officer in the Force, confirmed this development on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. Baju explained that all discriminatory sections of the Police Act, including Section 127, which was used to justify the dismissal of pregnant unmarried officers, had been expunged in line with ongoing police reforms. She said, “That section, along with any other part of the Police Act that discriminates against female officers, has been removed under the Police Act 2020. “The Inspector General of Police has also introduced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy to ensure full inclusivity and equal opportunities for all officers.” When asked directly whether unmarried female officers would still be dismissed if they became pregnant, Baju responded firmly, “No.” The issue gained national attention in 2021 when a police corporal, Omolola Olajide, was dismissed from the Force in Ekiti State after she became pregnant. The move sparked public outrage, prompting the Nigerian Bar Association to challenge the regulation in court. Although the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the dismissal, ruling that officers were aware of the regulation before joining the Force, the NBA pursued the case to the Court of Appeal in Lagos. In May 2024, the appellate court nullified Sections 126 and 127 of the Nigeria Police Act, effectively putting an end to the policy. With the latest reforms, Baju reaffirmed that the Force is committed to eliminating gender-based discrimination and fostering a more inclusive institution. Punch

Police lied, we paid ransom for traditional ruler’s release – Edo lawmaker

February 11, 2025 by admin

The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has refuted claims that operatives of the State Police Command and other civilian security agencies were responsible for the rescue of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom in the Igueben Local Government Area, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers. Recall that the traditional ruler and five others were abducted by some gunmen on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while riding as passengers on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community. Days after, the state police command claimed that its operatives rescued the monarch unhurt, while thanking vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the state for the support. Also after the police statement, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also claimed that his men rescued the traditional ruler. Speaking on the floor of the assembly on Monday, Eugene said the monarch was not rescued by the police or the state security corps as claimed. The lawmaker stated that the community paid ransom for the release of their monarch. He said, “Mr Speaker, it is interesting to know that during the trying period, I personally informed the security agencies of the kidnapping of the traditional ruler. “The information was for them to see what they could do, but at the end of the day, I want to tell you that the security agencies that I informed were playing hide and seek as if they were doing something, but doing nothing. “At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home, but only for them to come out now and start claiming the glory and taking pictures with him after his release. Some people even went to social media to claim that they were the ones that rescued him. “How do you rescue a person from a kidnappers’ den without the culprit being apprehended? Did they just walk in there to bring the traditional ruler home? If they know the kidnappers, they should show us. “Mr Speaker, I make bold to say that even though they would not want to agree, it took the grace of God for my people to raise the ransom that brought our king back home. So, Mr Speaker, nobody should claim the glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.” The lawmaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistic support provided for security agencies during the period. He, however, urged the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps to brief the House on what the outfit is doing to address the security challenges in the state.

Police Rescue Kidnapped ASP, Three Others In Edo

February 5, 2025 by admin

The police in Edo State have rescued Elisha Jeremiah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, who was kidnapped on January 29, 2025 while travelling to Anambra State. He was seized along Okhuesan-Ewohimi Road in Edo with other passengers, including Ayedele Ebenezer of Ogbidi Road, Uromi and Useni Inusa. Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) announced this on Tuesday night. Yamu said: “Following the kidnap of the travellers, operatives of Ubiaja Divisional Police Headquarters, in a joint operations with other tactical teams, immediately went on the trail of the kidnappers. “The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, ordered additional deployment of Police Mobile Force personnel to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators. “The team, acting on intelligence today (February 4) at about 1530hrs, mobilised to the bushes around Ugbebor, in partnership with local hunters and vigilance members. This effort paid off, as the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled, when they sensed that the operatives were closing in on them.” The PPRO also assured that the command was committed in its resolve to rid Edo of all forms of crime.

Police Arrest 41-Year-Old For Defiling 13-Year-Old In Delta

January 29, 2025 by admin

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 41-year-old suspect for brutally defiling a 13-year-old girl. This was disclosed in a statement released by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on Friday. According to Edafe, the victim’s mother had asked the suspect to watch over her children while she went to the market. However the suspect entered the neighbor’s house and violently defiled the young girl. The statement said, “Parents, be mindful of neighbours you ask to take care of your children in your absence. In Ogborikoko, a woman asked her neighbour, a 41-year-old suspect to take care of her children when she was going to market. “Before she came back, this suspect entered the house of the neighbour, saw her 13-year-old daughter and brutally defiled her. I made a mistake when I said 16 during the interview, she is 13 years old.” Punch