ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in its efforts to curb crime, with the arrest of 179 armed robbery suspects, 100 kidnapping suspects, 152 Murder/homicide suspects, 34 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 77 rape suspects and 110 suspected cultists. The Force also recovered 73 various firearms, 310 ammunition of various calibers. Addressing newsmen, on Wednesday, at the FID-IRT Headquarters Abuja, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, this is “testaments to the promise of the Force to adopt improved strategies in the fight against various forms of crimes and criminality across the country.” According to him, the Police was also able to recover 56 stolen vehicles and rescue 22 victims of kidnapping across the country. He said, “On the 2nd of January, 2024 operatives of the Nigeria Police Force highlighted several outstanding achievements including the arrest of Muhammed Kabir ‘m’ 36 years, and other members of his gang including Donald Okpere ‘m’, and Haruna Ibrahim ‘m’. “The gang operates by impersonating military personnel and defrauding victims of millions of naira, using fake alerts after purchasing gadgets and medical equipment. “In addition, the operatives arrested Sunday Okwo Ade ‘m’, Monday Solomon ‘m’, David Emmanuel ‘m’, and Shakiru Badmus ‘m’, who are part of a well-known gang that specializes in stealing motorcycles from farmers in various communities in Lagos and Ogun States. 15 motorcycles were recovered from this gang.” ACP Adejobi however stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to remain steadfast to the core principle of policing which is the safeguarding of the lives and properties of the general populace and creating an enabling environment for the public to go about their daily activities peacefully. “The Force will not relent in its pursuit of criminal elements and ensuring justice is served when due and appropriate as the extant laws of our country have laid out.”
Police
Police Reject Claims Of Killing Hunger protesters, Calls For Apology From Amnesty.
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed allegations made by Amnesty International in its report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” describing the claims as false, misleading, and damaging to the image of the Force. The report, released on November 28, 2024, accused the police of extrajudicial killings during the August 1-10 #hunger protests, claiming that at least 24 people were killed in six northern states. However, the police have refuted these claims, asserting that their findings contradict Amnesty International’s allegations. Addressing a press briefing on the matter on Sunday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said a special investigative panel was constituted to verify the claims. He added that the panel, in collaboration with Commissioners of Police from the affected states, conducted extensive investigations and compiled a comprehensive report detailing the inaccuracies in Amnesty International’s allegations. “Amnesty International is advised to have retrospection on its frequently false reporting on Nigerian’s Law Enforcement activities and reflect on its reporting methodology by ensuring that its reports are accurate and contain a true and fair expression of events that touch on national security and safety of all Nigerians. Accurate reporting of facts is key to the integrity and character of every international organisation and Amnesty International should not be an exception,” Adejobi added. He also said the police would write to demand a retraction of the report as well as a public apology for the alleged inaccuracies. Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force will in due time be writing the Amnesty International to demand a retraction of this report from the public space and with a public apology. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation. We, therefore, urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions.” Reeling out the police findings in Borno, Adejobi said the police didn’t use grenades as claimed by the organisation. He said, “In Borno State, it was established that the protesters were violent, engaging in widespread looting, pillaging, and wanton destruction of public and private property. For example, the Skill Acquisition Centre of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees was looted and vandalised. The warehouse of the World Food Programme, located on Baga/Maimalari Barracks Road, Maiduguri, was also looted, with several items belonging to the international organisation destroyed and stolen by some of the protesters. “Therefore, the claims by Amnesty International that the police threw a hand grenade from a convoy of vehicles into a filling station, killing three persons is a blatant falsehood and leaves right-thinking members of the society dismayed at this reported falsehood by an international agency which ought to act in accordance with international norms and standard of fair and honest reporting of human rights violations in the country.” In Niger State, Adejobi said the claim that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja was debunked in the police findings. Adejobi said the alleged killing of a 21-year-old in Katsina was also found to be unsubstantiated, adding that local sources confirmed that no such incident occurred. Also in Kaduna State, Adejobi said contrary to Amnesty International’s report, no protests occurred in Kaduna on October 1, 2024, and no police killings were recorded. He said instead, an incident involving the Nigerian Army was identified and openly investigated. Adejobi said Amnesty International reported the deaths of two women and a man during protests in Jigawa but the police investigations revealed no such killings, and evidence suggested that the lone fatality was caused by protester violence, not police action. In Kano State, Adejobi said the report alleged 12 deaths in Kano due to police actions, stating that investigations indicated that these deaths resulted from violent confrontations involving looters and criminals, not police activity.
Police Probe Abia Lawmaker Over Alleged Assault On Bolt Driver
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh is currently being interrogated at its Maitama Divisional Headquarters. Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency, was alleged to have assaulted an e-hailing (Bolt) driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. According to a trending video, the lawmaker slapped the driver When he requested the delivery fee, querying if the driver knew who he was talking to. The lawmaker also threatened to make the driver “disappear” without facing any consequences. In a statement on Monday by the command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the police said investigation had commenced into the matter. She added that already, preliminary investigation revealed that Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. Adeh said, “Alexander Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja. “The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja. “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted. The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident. Adeh slammed the lawmaker for bringing the name of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun into disrepute by daring the driver to make calls through to him after slapping him. She said, “After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement. “Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.” Adeh added that CP Tunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. She said, “Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter. “The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”
Police To Train Recruits On Sex Education, Others
Recruits of the Nigeria Police Force will now receive training on topics such as sex education, anti-corruption laws, harassment and gender-based crimes, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, and election security. Other subjects include the core principles of public relations and public speaking, cartography, map reading, human relations, report writing, the Cybercrime Act 2015, combat skills, artificial intelligence, attitudinal and behavioural changes, and public conduct. These topics are part of the new training curriculum approved for all recruits by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. In a statement on Wednesday, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the new curriculum aims to enhance the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the service. He said, “The IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the implementation of a revised training curriculum for all police recruits, a significant step towards enhancing the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force. This new training curriculum, when fully implemented, will prepare the recruits for the challenges they will face while policing a complex society like Nigeria, and how to best perform their duties in line with international best practices. “The revised curriculum introduces a comprehensive range of training topics, which includes: The Police Act 2020, to familiarise trainees with the latest legal framework guiding police operations; The Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, to help trainees understand appropriate social media conduct and the role of social media in policing and communication; computer studies, gender mainstreaming and education, sex education, anti-corruption laws, training on harassment and gender-based crimes, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, election security (Electoral Act 2022), the core principles of public relations and public speaking, cartography, map reading, human relations, report writing, the Cybercrime Act 2015, combat skills, artificial intelligence, attitudinal and behavioural changes, and public conduct.” Adejobi added that the implementation of this revised curriculum aligns with the IGP’s commitment to intellectual and capacity building within the Nigeria Police Force. “By addressing critical areas of training, the IGP aims to improve the recruits’ performance, professionalism, and community-oriented approach, preparing them to effectively discharge their duties within the bounds of the law. “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to continuous improvement and sensitization of its officers, ensuring that they are not only well-trained but also equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the high demands of policing, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to achieve the crime-free society we deserve,” he added. PUNCH
ENDSARS Anniversary: Police Fire Tear Gas To Disperse Protesters At Lekki Toll Gate
Officers of the Lagos State Police Command have fired teargas to disperse protesters rallying to mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest. Videos seen on Sunday morning showed protesters fleeing as the police fired shots. The protesters had converged around 8:30 am at the toll gate with several banners and placards, calling for the full implementation of the reports submitted by various judicial panels of inquiry set up after the 2020 protests. In October 2020, thousands of youths gathered in major cities acro css the country to protest against the constant harassment, killings, and extortion by officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigerian police. The protest culminated at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where several youths were reportedly killed and many others severely injured following the intervention of the Nigerian military. In the aftermath of the protests, judicial panels were established across various states to assess and review the protesters’ demands. However, almost four years later, protest leaders have expressed deep regret that many of the panels’ recommendations remain unimplemented. Speaking on Sunday, one of the protesters, identified simply as Excel, said he fell into the gutter while running from the teargas fired by the officers. “They have started firing teargas at us. I fell into the gutter; I was hit on the head,” he told PUNCH Online. Another protester, Bayo Are, said, “I was hit too. I’m not really injured, just a few scratches on my body. Some people have also been arrested.” When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that there was no confrontation, but the police had to disperse the protesters to prevent traffic disruption at the Lekki Toll Gate. “They were told to disperse, but they were adamant; we had to use minimal force to disperse them,” Hundeyin said.
Four Years After, Police Nab Suspect Who Absconded After Killing Parents In Lagos
A murder suspect, Okhide Michael, who ran away four years and half years after he stabbed his parents, Clement and Toyin Okhide, to death, has been arrested by detectives from Alausa Division of Lagos State Police Command. Thenewsbearer reliably gathered that Michael was apprehended by the detectives at Ikeja Mall beside Alausa Secretariat at about 8:16am on Thursday, October 17. Michael was reportedly sighted by the mall after 11pm on Wednesday, October 16, which was reported to the Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola. The report, it was further learnt, prompted the CP’s directive to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Alausa Division, CSP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, to ensure the suspect’s arrest. A credible source that spoke with Thenewsbearer said that Michael had moving about the Alausa area begging for alms, but was not recognised as a wanted suspect because of his dirty looks. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, saying that an investigation is ongoing. It will be recalled that Michael stabbed his parents to death on February 4, 2020, in their home at Akeem Gbadamosi Street, Ejigbo area of Lagos, and also injured his sister, Mary, before he fled the house. Since then, the Lagos police command had been in manhunt for him to answer for his criminal act. His late father, aged 60, was a lawyer while his mother, who was 50 years old at the time she was killed, was said to be a matron at Isolo General Hospital. Residents told of how Michael had been a student in three private universities but was expelled as a result of his consumption of hard drugs. His parents’ efforts to make him successful in life only ended in their being murdered by him, the residents further said. At the time of the murder, police personnel from the Ejigbo Division, which had CSP Olabisi Okuwobi as the DPO then, recovered the corpses and deposited them at Isolo General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Police Confirm Death Of 90 Persons After Petrol Tanker Explosion In Jigawa, Set For Mass Burial
90 people were confirmed dead, following a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa state. Mr Shi’isu Adam, the Police Spokesperson in Jigawa, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Mr. Adam also said that 50 other persons had been hospitalized for varying degrees of injury due to the explosion “At about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majia Town, Taura local government area of Jigawa, the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and exploded. “The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe when the accident happened,” Mr Adam said. The spokesperson said majority of the victims died because they surrounded the accident scene. “We are worried that despite police warning for people to steer clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts. ”People gathered around the accident scene, that is the reason for the mass casualty,” he said. The spokesperson said that a mass burial of the victims would be held by 9 a.m. on Wednesday. He added that the injured were receiving medical attention at the Ringim General Hospital.
Police Arrest Wanted Alleged Rapist Of TASUED Female Students In Ogun
The Ogun state police command has confirmed the arrest of a 33-year-old man, Olayemi Shedrack who had been on its wanted list, for the alleged r@pe of some female students of the state-owned Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun after robbing them of valuables. In a statement released, the spokesperson of the command, Omolola Odutola, revealed that the suspect was apprehended in Ijagun through useful information from members of the public while trying to blend with the crowd. “Acting on a tip-off, Olayemi Olawale Shedrack, aged 33, was spotted in Ijagun attempting to blend in with the crowd, but his true identity was verified through intelligence sources. The police were promptly informed and he was promptly arrested. Olayemi Olawale Shedrack has been on police trail for his involvement in armed robbery and sexual assault, he was identified as the main suspect in a reported incident of armed robbery and rape that took place on July 21, 2024. During this crime, he and his accomplices unlawfully entered the female Royal villa accommodation area at Tai University of Education in Ijagun. They stole valuable educational items such as laptops, iPhones, sports watches, and cash from female students, and also committed sexual assault before fleeing the scene”she said She said that a preliminary investigation has been launched and the suspect has been taken to the Igbeba police station, Ijebu-Ode for interrogation. “The public can be assured that the suspect will soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation and prosecution. The commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun is aware of the arrest and has ordered the apprehension of Shedrack’s accomplices, he also appeals to the residents of Ijagun to provide credible information to help the police arrest other fleeing criminals” the statement concluded
Tinubu Directs Police To Provide Security To LG Offices In Rivers
President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state. He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions. President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions. President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism. He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy. According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
Rivers State Police Uncover Child Trafficking Ring, Arrest Three and Rescue Infant
The Rivers State Police Command has disrupted a child trafficking operation in the region, apprehending three suspects involved in the illegal activity and rescuing a one -year old male baby. The suspects, according to the police were rounded up on August 25, 2024, at approximately 6:35 a.m, when operatives from the Ubima Divisional Headquarters received a distress call and acted on it accordingly. Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko made the disclosure while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command Headquarters on Monday. SP Iringe-Koko, explained that the mother rescued infant, Queen Orlu, 20-year-old, was found lying unconscious in Omeka Farmland at Ucheabuor community, Ikwerre Local Government of the state with multiple injuries and her intestines protruding from her stomach wound. She noted that investigation revealed that a member of the syndicate identified as Polycarp Uzoma, from Akwa in Ohaji LGA of Imo State, lured the 20-year-old mother into a bush path, where he attacked and left her for dead. She noted that the suspect after attacking the mother and injuring her, stole her baby and sold it to one Happiness Amadi at the sum of N1.4 million. She added that another suspected member of the child trafficking syndicate, Chinyere Ordu, an auxiliary nurse, brokered the transaction and received a part payment of N800,000. The state police spokesperson further revealed that the three arrested suspects during interrogation confessed to the crime, as the police had recovered the deposited sum of N800,000, including a bicycle as exhibits. She added that the rescued baby boy had been reunited with his mother who is currently receiving medical treatment at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Iringe-Koko said, “The suspects and exhibits are in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. “This successful operation demonstrates the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to combating child trafficking and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.” In a related development, the Command also busted a notorious one-chance robbery gang that had been terrorizing residents of Port Harcourt for over two years. SP Iringe-Koko said the one-chance gang usually leave a single space in the commercial vehicle for their unsuspecting victim, who upon boarding the vehicle, they would threaten and waylay unsuspecting he victim off his valuables, leaving anyone them stranded. She explained that a Police team on patrol spotted the gang robbing their latest victim around Garrison flyover on September 4, 2024, at approximately 9pm and immediately apprehended them. She said, “The operatives swiftly apprehended the suspects in their operational vehicle, a purple-coloured Volkswagen Golf 3, with registration number RIVERS -ABU 738 LS. “The suspects are identified as Thaddeus Sunday Ogu, 42, from Orlu Community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State; Chinagorom Eze, 35, from Ekpiga Community in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State; Favour Yusuf, 30, from Plateau State were taken into custody.” She further explained that one of the suspects identified as Ogu attempted to evade arrest and opened fire on Police operatives and as a result, he sustained bodily injuries and was rushed to the Police Clinic in Port Harcourt, where he succumbed to his injuries. Iringe-Koko also stated that during interrogation, the One-Chance gang confessed to the crime and revealed their modus operandi. “They would create a single passenger space in the front seat, while the gang members occupied the other spaces. “They would then threaten and dispossess their victims of their valuables, pushing them out of the moving car. The stolen items would be sold to awaiting receivers, with the proceeds shared among the gang members. “Exhibits recovered from the suspects include:Their operational Volkswagen Golf 3 car; One locally made pistol and One live cartridge, the suspects and exhibits are currently in Police custody as investigations continue.” Meanwhile, Chinagorom Eze, a one chance suspects, who admitted to the crime, told newsmen that she had been arrested for the same crime in Delta State, and was consequently sentenced. She said, “We did not use gun to operate, I have been doing this job for two years I have not used gun. “How we operate is that there be three passengers behind the car and one person in front so we wait for one unsuspecting passenger and when the person enters, one of them will feign distress to distract the passenger while is distracted, the rest will pick the passenger’s valuables and zoomed off. They insisted that the person that they do not partake in vodoo or use arms.” Independent NG