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Tag: IG

  • Produce Hudu by March 27 or face contempt charges, Court cautions IG

    Produce Hudu by March 27 or face contempt charges, Court cautions IG

    The High Court of Justice of Adamawa State, sitting in the Yola Judicial Division, has issued a significant court order directing the Inspector General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to arrest and produce Mr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, before the court.

    The order, issued on May 15, 2024, by Hon. Justice Benjamin L. Manji, stems from an ex parte application filed by the State in the ongoing case numbered HC/ADSY/9C/2024.

    The legal proceedings against Mr. Hudu Yunusa Ari began following a complaint lodged by the State on February 20, 2024. The case gained prominence due to allegations surrounding Ari’s conduct during the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State.

    Ari was directed by the court to appear on May 3, 2024, but he reportedly left the courtroom and did not return

    A sworn affidavit deposed by Ishaq Abdullahi Jada, the Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice, Yola, detailed the circumstances leading to the court’s intervention.

    The affidavit, supported by a 17-paragraph counter-affidavit and an exhibit marked “A,” highlighted Ari’s alleged failure to appear before the court despite being summoned.

    According to the affidavit, Ari was directed by the court to appear on May 3, 2024, but he reportedly left the courtroom and did not return. Subsequent efforts to locate him proved futile, with the deponent asserting that Ari’s actions constituted a deliberate attempt to evade justice.

    The application, moved by counsel L.D. Nzadon Esq., urged the court to grant a warrant for Ari’s arrest, emphasizing the necessity of his presence to stand trial for the charges preferred against him.

    Presiding over the matter on May 15, 2024, Hon. Justice Benjamin L. Manji carefully considered the ex parte application and the supporting affidavit. Convinced of the application’s merit and the need for a favorable exercise of judicial discretion, the judge granted the prayers as requested.

    The court issued the following orders:

    A warrant of arrest was issued against the Defendant, Hudu Yunusa Ari.

    The Inspector General of Police was directed to immediately effect the arrest and produce Ari before the Honourable Court on the next adjourned date.

    The matter was adjourned to May 29, 2024, for arraignment.

    The order was issued under the hand of the Hon. Judge and the seal of the court, with a certified true copy signed by Fadimatu Muhammad, the Principal Registrar.

    In a related development, on February 28, 2025, the court revisited the case, granting leave for the service of Form 48 (Notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order) on the Inspector General of Police via substituted means.

    This notice, to be published in two national dailies—Daily Trust and Vanguard Newspapers—warns that failure to obey the court’s directions will result in contempt, potentially leading to imprisonment. The return date for this order is set for March 27, 2025.

    The issuance of the Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Court Order against Ari, pursuant to Order IX Rule 13 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act

    Additionally, an earlier application dated January 23, 2025, from Messrs Nzadon, Laori & Associates, counsel to the prosecution, formally requested the issuance of the Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Court Order against Ari, pursuant to Order IX Rule 13 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.

    The court’s directive underscores the judiciary’s resolve to ensure that individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable under the law. Mr. Hudu Yunusa Ari’s alleged evasion has sparked widespread discussion, with many viewing the case as a test of the rule of law in Nigeria.

    The involvement of the Inspector General of Police on contempt proceedings highlights the seriousness with which the matter is being treated, as law enforcement agencies are now tasked with locating and apprehending the former REC.

    As the adjourned date of March 27th 2025 approaches—pending further updates—the public awaits the outcome of this high-profile case.

    The court’s latest order, effective as of February 28, 2025, further intensifies the pressure on the police to comply, with potential legal consequences looming if the directive is not adhered to.

    For now, all eyes are on the Inspector General of Police to fulfill the court’s mandate and bring Mr. Hudu Yunusa Ari before the High Court of Adamawa State to answer to the charges against him.

  • IGP Egbetokun’s reforms on case transfers, abuse of office a game-changer – Group

    IGP Egbetokun’s reforms on case transfers, abuse of office a game-changer – Group

    The Justice Watch Initiative (JWI) has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his bold and transformative reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    In a statement, the President of JWI, Ilechukwu Obiorah, described the IGP’s recent directives, particularly those addressing indiscriminate case transfers, misuse of police authority in civil matters, and frivolous petitions, as landmark decisions that will reshape policing in Nigeria for the better.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun has once again demonstrated that he is not only a reform-minded leader but a determined and visionary police chief. His insistence on transparency, professionalism, and accountability as the pillars of policing in Nigeria is a strong statement that the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing genuine transformation. These new directives are far-reaching and timely, and we at Justice Watch Initiative (JWI) fully support his efforts to sanitise the system,” Obiorah stated.

    The JWI President lauded the IGP’s stance against the unwarranted transfer of case files, which he described as a practice that has hampered justice delivery and contributed to corruption within the Force.

    “For too long, Nigerians have suffered from the endless shuffling of cases from one division to another, leading to undue delays, waste of resources, and outright frustration for victims. This unwholesome practice has also allowed some unscrupulous officers to exploit complainants financially. By putting an end to this anomaly, the IGP has shown his deep understanding of the issues affecting policing and his commitment to solving them,” he said.

    Obiorah also praised the IGP’s order barring officers from meddling in civil disputes, particularly matters of land ownership, which are often manipulated to serve vested interests.

    “For decades, Nigerians have watched in dismay as the police are wrongfully used to settle civil disputes. This has damaged the credibility of the Force and eroded public trust. By clarifying that the police should not intervene in purely civil matters except where there is a criminal element, the IGP has demonstrated leadership and integrity. His directive that State Commissioners of Police must take full responsibility for all investigations is a game-changer that will ensure greater accountability,” he said.

    The JWI President further commended the IGP’s introduction of stricter regulations on petitions, which now require complainants to declare the authenticity of their claims to curb the rising trend of false and malicious petitions.

    “This is a brilliant step toward ensuring that justice is not weaponized for personal vendettas. Too often, powerful individuals use fraudulent petitions to harass and intimidate innocent citizens, dragging them through unnecessary police investigations. The IGP’s insistence that petitioners must declare the authenticity of their complaints and will be sanctioned if they provide false information is a strong deterrent against such abuse. This move will free up police resources and allow officers to focus on real crimes.”

    Obiorah saluted IGP Egbetokun’s overall commitment to police reform, describing him as a leader determined to polish the image of the Force and make officers work harder in line with international best practices.

    “IGP Egbetokun is not just making speeches, he is implementing real, actionable reforms that will fundamentally change the way policing is done in Nigeria. His zero tolerance for corruption, his push for transparency, and his resolve to hold officers accountable for their actions show that he is a leader with a clear vision and an unshakable commitment to excellence.

    “Under his leadership, officers and men of the Force are now being driven to work harder, more ethically, and with greater professionalism. He is restoring pride in the uniform and ensuring that the Nigeria Police is seen as a force for good, not fear. This is the kind of leadership we need to build a more credible, effective, and citizen-friendly police system in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Justice Watch Initiative (JWI) pledged to continue supporting the IGP’s reforms while urging all police personnel to embrace the changes and work diligently to improve security and justice in the country.

    Obiorah concluded by calling on civil society organizations, legal practitioners, the media and the general public to support the IGP’s transformation agenda, stressing that a reformed police force is critical to Nigeria’s progress and development.

    “We must all play our part in ensuring that these reforms are not only announced but also fully implemented. The Nigeria Police Force belongs to all of us, and we must work together to ensure that it functions as an institution of justice, discipline, and service to the people,” he concluded.

  • IG warns against misuse of police authorities

    IG warns against misuse of police authorities

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr  Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly, matters of land ownership.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Egbetokun said police officers had no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there was an underlying criminal element involved.

    According to him, even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the Commissioners of Police in charge of the state, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.

    The I-G also raised concerns over the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases, and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals.

    Egbetokun said the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force, would no longer be tolerated.

    He said transparency, professionalism and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.

    “In line with this, all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, should handle cases with diligence and integrity.

    “Any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” he said.

    He said the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.

    Egbetokun  said such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved and waste resources.

    “Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he added.

    Egbetokun condemned the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation and vowed to address the issue.

    According to him, moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

    He said the petition must clearly state that the complaint had not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency.

    The police boss said that if it had, it must have been withdrawn before involving the police.

    “Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” he said.

    Egbetokun urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the I-G’s office.

    He said except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.

    The I-G cautioned the public against framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention.

  • PSC clarifies powers over IG appointment

    PSC clarifies powers over IG appointment

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) stated it has no constitutional powers over the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G).

    Mr Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations, have the clarification in statement on Monday.

    Ani explained that the clarification followed calls, messages, and reports about the I-G’s status, which the commission received after its decision regarding the retirement of some officers.

    Recall that the commission directed the immediate retirement of all police officers who had served for 35 years or reached 60 years of age.

    “The commission wishes to clarify that it does not have constitutional powers to determine the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police.

    “The PSC is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

    “Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6(1) of the PSC (Establishment) Act, 2001 are very clear on the commission’s powers.

    “According to the Constitution, the commission is responsible for appointing, promoting, dismissing, and exercising disciplinary control over persons in the Nigeria Police Force, except the I-G.

    “The law is clear about the commission’s mandate, which does not extend to the I-G, who is appointed by the President with advice from the Police Council,” he said.

    Ani stated that the commission, at its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board on Friday, only considered the regularisation of the appointment date for Cadet ASPs and Inspector Force Entrants.

    He clarified that the decision had nothing to do with the I-G or his office. The commission revisited its decision of Sept. 27 and 28, 2017, at the meeting.

    “The decision was that the earlier directive to assign Force Entrants their Cadet appointment date, rather than their enlistment date, contradicted the principles of merging services in the Public Service.

    “It violated Public Service Rule No. 020908(i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age,” he said.

    NAN

  • Edo assembly faults IG on suspension of local security

    Edo assembly faults IG on suspension of local security

    Edo House of Assembly on Thursday faulted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun over the suspension of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).

    The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, said that the security network was established in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    Aiguobarueghian told newsmen in Benin that the security network would continue to protect the people regardless of the IG’s pronouncement.

    NAN that the I-G had on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the activities of the security network till further notice.

    Egbetokun, who warned the security network to stay off the governorship election, said the mandate to secure the election rested on the police.

    Aiguobarueghian stressed that it was only the court of law that could order suspension, ban or void the Edo security network.

    Aiguobarueghian emphasised the importance of ESSN in the provision of security and helping to secure lives and property, especially at the rural areas in the state .

    The lawmaker also recalled how the local security network was of great help during the ENDSARS protest in the state.

    “The Edo State House of assembly, pursuant to its function and powers as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution as amended, had the powers to legislate on maintenance of peace and order in the state.

    “Edo State is among the 23 out of 36 states with internal community police network established to provide security and order.

    ” These functions and powers are clearly provided for by the constitution and cannot be challenged by anybody except through the courts, ” he said.

    According to him, members of the network were not going to participate in the election rather they will be going to the field to vote like every other voter in the state.

  • Police IG suspends e-CMR enforcement

    Police IG suspends e-CMR enforcement

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an immediate suspension of the July 29 plan to commence the enforcement of the e-Central Motor Registry (e-CMR).

    The Force Public Relations Officer,  ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Adejobi said the suspension was to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of the public on the process, benefits and effectiveness of e-CMR.

    The police spokesman said the I-G had urged police officers to desist from requesting for e-CMR certificates.

    According to him, officers found extorting or exploiting the public on the guise of not having e-CMR certificates will be sanctioned.

    Adejobi said the enforcement would be done by only dedicated officers from a date to be announced later.

    He said the e-CMR was designed to address the challenges of vehicle related crimes and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership.

    Adejobi said the registration would help to collate thr data imputed into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.

    “The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets.

    “The e-CMR will prevent multiple registration of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals.

    “It will also, add value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards general security,” he said.

    According to him, contrary to news making the round and insinuations about the e-CMR, the Nigeria Police wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue generating platform.

    He said the platform was an initiative to digitalise policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents.

    The police spokesman therefore, called for the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system.

    NAN reports that on July 13, the IG ordered the enforcement of the digitalised e-CMR as from July 29.

    This, according to the police boss, is to modernise and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, bolstering the nation’s safety and security framework.

    The e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data, designed to support police investigations, and operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

    The transition to a digitalsed system, according to the police, would streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.

  • We’ll adhere to FG’s decision on state Police – IG

    We’ll adhere to FG’s decision on state Police – IG

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun says the force will abide by whatever decision the Federal Government  will take on the issue of State Police.

    Egbetokun disclosed this on Monday in Lagos State, through the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South-West, Mr Abiodun Alabi, who was on a working visit to the state.

    He said the force decided to explain  its stand in view of many opinions and views the matter had generated.

    The police chief advised  officers and men to continue in their job as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution.

    Egbetokun charged the men to be disciplined, hard working, respect  human rights, and carry out their duties in the best professional ways.

    He warned the personnel against misuse of firearms, stressing that such should be used responsibly in strict accordance with  the law.

    On the mental and physical health of the men, the I-G said the officer in Charge of Police Medical had been given orders to carry out mental and psychological test on personnel for better performance.

    Egbetokun said the force was already working with some consultants on befitting accommodation for the officers and men, stressing that very soon, the personnel would access their own homes.

    The police chief warned his officers and men against rivalry with other security agents, stressing that Nigeria police alone cannot provide the needed security for Nigerians.

    He charge them to always work harmoniously with other security agencies, with a view to providing  good security for all Nigerians.

    On cultism in Lagos state, Egbetokun urged the men to be proactive by reaching out and engaging the youths in the areas of their command to lecture them on the dangers of cultism.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos state, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, who welcomed the DIG to the command, said  all  security architecture put in place in  collaboration with stakeholders had brought down  crime rate in the state.

    “It is, however, gratifying to note that since the introduction of people centered, collaborative and co-operative, crime prevention strategies by the commissioner of police,  crime and criminal activities in the state has reduced drastically.

    “The strategies adopted include: prevention strategies e.g. (intelligence raids of criminal hideouts, cordon and search) etc. intelligence led policing.

    “Use of modern technology device(s) (scientific aid) to track down dangerous criminals e.g. kidnappers, armed robbers, car hijackers etc. Extensive and Intensive Patrol and Community Policing Strategy amongst others,” he said.

    The police boss in Lagos re-assured the visiting DIG that the current tempo in crime fighting would  be sustained until the state is rid of all criminal elements.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DIG was in the command in  Lagos,  as first state in the  South-West on  his working visit.

    He will be visiting six states in the region, a visit ordered by the I-G for all DIGs to carry out on-the- spot assessment in all commands.

  • IG deploys helicopter to rescue abducted Kogi varsity students

    IG deploys helicopter to rescue abducted Kogi varsity students

    The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed an helicopter and police security apparatus to rescue the remaining abducted university students in Kogi.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the police command in Kogi, SP Williams Ovye-Aya on Thursday in Lokoja.

    Ovye-Aya said that the police were determined to rescue the remaining students.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) were on May 9 abducted by suspected bandits, who invaded the institution while the students were reading for their first semester examination.

    Although 21 students had been rescued, the remaining had yet to be rescued.

    “In furtherance to the ongoing Rescue Operation and to sustain the onslaught, the IGP deployed the Air Component of Police Security Apparatus well trained for Aerial Surveillance, Monitoring Team as well as Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) to Kogi.

    “The reinforcement is in response to IGP’s unwavering passion about protecting lives and property of all Nigerians especially the safety of our Children in various Schools in the Country.

    “The diligence and indomitable spirit of all the combined Team had led to the rescue of additional seven (7) victims, bringing the total to Twenty-one (21).

    “It is not over until it is over, so we won’t rest on our Oars as all hands will be on deck to ensure all the students are safely rescued and perpetrators brought to deserved justice,’’ he said.

    He added: “Already, the Kogi government as well as the University Community are satisfied with the rescue operations so far and commended the indubitable, unassailable level of cooperation, collaboration and synergy amongst the Security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters in the State.”

    He said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, thanked the I-G for the deployment of the air component, the security personnel, and vigilantes/hunters for their show of patriotism and altruism to the people of Kogi.

    “The CP also appreciates the vibrant pressmen in the state for their show of concern and empathy in the wake of the students’ abduction,” he said.

    ‘’The CP continues to solicit the cooperation, collaboration and solidarity of the good people of Kogi with the police and other security agencies to ensure adequate security of life and property of law-abiding residents of the state,’’ he said.

  • Video of alleged harassment, robbery at traffic not in Nigeria – Police IG

    Video of alleged harassment, robbery at traffic not in Nigeria – Police IG

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun says the video being circulated on social media of alleged harassment and robbery at traffic did not occur in Nigeria.

    The IG, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday in Abuja, ordered the police to fish out the individual or group that circulated the false video, for prosecution.

    The video showed motorists at a traffic stop point being harassed and robbed by five individuals.

    According to him, after conducting a thorough digital forensics analysis, the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has determined that the incident actually took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Egbetokun added that the video was originally posted by an individual from South Africa on April 22 on X social media platform, with the caption suggesting that it was dangerous to travel in Ethiopia without a handgun.

    The I-G said the video was reposted by some mischief makers who alleged that the incident happened in Abuja to misinform the public.

    He said the target was to cause grave panic in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs and send a wrong and counterproductive signal across the country.

    Egbetokun, therefore, ordered for a comprehensive investigation to identify the individual or group responsible for falsely claiming that the incident took place in Nigeria.

    According to him, once identified, appropriate legal actions will be taken to sanction those involved.

    The I-G enjoined the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of videos and news before circulating on social media platforms.

    He emphasised the importance of accurate information dissemination to avoid posting  misleading contents could cause unnecessary fear and panic.

  • Easter: Police IG orders adequate deployment nationwide

    Easter: Police IG orders adequate deployment nationwide

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of police personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats nationwide ahead of the 2024 Easter celebration.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, communicated this in a statement in Abuja.

    The inspector-general also ordered round-the-clock security and protection of public spaces across the country, before, during and after the Easter celebration

    “Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their supervising Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) are directed to deploy personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility (AoRs).

    “Intensive and proactive visibility patrols will be conducted at all worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centres, banks, and other financial institutions.

    “The patrol will also, cover other critical infrastructures and public spaces.’’

    He assured all travellers, visiting their hometowns and other places within the country for the festivities of adequate security, irrespective of the medium of such travels.

    Egbetokun said adequate security arrangements had been made to cover passengers travelling by road, air, waterways, or rail.

    He said deployments had been increased and visibility patrols intensified in all areas including aerial patrol and surveillance.

    The inspector-general felicitated with Nigerians, especially the Christian community, on the occasion of the Easter celebrations.

    He commended citizens for their support and continuous cooperation with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by providing prompt and actionable information to prevent and detect crime.

    “As we commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us come together in unity and vigilance to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to serving and protecting the public.

    “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station/Post,’’ he said.