TheNewsGuru

Tag: IGP

  • IGP reappoints Mba as Force PRO, reshuffles others

    IGP reappoints Mba as Force PRO, reshuffles others

    The acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has re-appointed CP Frank Mba as Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

    He also approved the posting of AIG Hafiz Inuwa as the Force Secretary and member of the Force Management Team.

    Also, Ag. CP Idowu Owohunwa has been reappointed as principal staff officer (PSO) to the IGP.

    The new force secretary, AIG Hafiz Inuwa takes over from AIG Mustapha Dandaura, who has been redeployed to Zone 7 Police headquarters, Abuja.

    AIG Inuwa holds a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA).

    Prior to his appointment as the force secretary, he was the assistant inspector-general of police in charge of Zone-13 Ukpo -Dunukofia in Awka, Anambra State, covering Anambra and Enugu State police commands.

    He also previously served as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Delta and Cross River States, amongst other strategic positions.

    He is a member of the prestigious National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Jos.

    CP Frank Mba, a lawyer and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), is also an alumnus of the University of Dundee, Scotland – United Kingdom, where he earned a Master’s degree in Law.

    An IVLP scholar, he holds a Diploma in Police Strategic Management from the University of Virginia, USA and a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy (FBINA) in Quantico, Virginia, USA.

    He also holds a Certificate in National and International Security from Harvard University, USA.

    A veteran public relations (PR) practitioner, he is being re-appointed as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) and the Image-maker for the Nigeria Police Force for the third time.

    Ag. CP Idowu Owohunwa, the newly re-appointed principal staff officer, holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and Policing from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

    A Chevening scholar, Ag. CP Owohunwa also holds a Diploma in Police Strategic Management at the University of Virginia, USA and a graduate of the globally recognized FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, USA.

    Ag. CP Owohunwa was the PSO-IGP between 2015 and 2016, and to the immediate past Inspector General of Police.

    This re-appointment marks the third time he is holding the position as the Principal Staff Officer to the inspector-general of Police.

    In a similar vein, the IGP has ordered the posting of the following officers; CSP Idris Abdullahi Abubakar as the PSO II to the IGP, SP Isah Abdulhamid as PA-IGP, SP Nura Kabir Hanga as Secretary – IGP, amongst other personal aides.

    The appointments/postings of the senior officers and personal aides take immediate effect.

  • New IGP begs Nigerians to change mindset towards police, promises better security

    New IGP begs Nigerians to change mindset towards police, promises better security

    The acting inspector-general of police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, has said restoring internal security was a main challenge that can be surmounted.

    “However, I call on the citizens to change their mind sets and be prepared to work with us in the interest of community safety and national security.”

    The IGP, who stated this during the handing-over ceremony at the Force headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, said: “the task of restoring the primacy of the Nigeria police in the internal security architecture of the country is the main challenge ahead of us.

    “It is, however, a task that I am convinced we can surmount if we resolve as a people to partner and present a common front against the subversive and criminal elements who are the common enemies of our nation.”

    While promising a better police force, the acting IGP also said: “I am mindful of the yearnings of Nigerians for a policing system that will not only assure them of their safety, but treat them with civility and hold their human rights sacred. I promise to provide the highest possible level of professional and responsive leadership to meet this deserved aspiration.

    “However, I call on the citizens to change their mind sets and be prepared to work with us in the interest of community safety and national security.”

    Speaking on his appointment, the IGP said: “Being appointed to head the largest police force in Africa both in terms of personnel profile and operational jurisdiction is to me, more than a fulfilment of destiny.

    “It is a call to national duty, particularly, at this critical time that our nation is experiencing increasingly complex and pervasive security threats occasioned by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, secessionist agitation and sundry highly organized crimes.

    “Much as the challenge of leading the Force to address these threats in the shortest possible time frame, restore security order, and return our beloved nation to the path of national unity may appear daunting, I am inspired by the fact that from my extensive years of service, I can confidently say that the Nigeria police is endowed with some of the finest, courageous and patriotic officers who, undoubtedly, shall support me to advance the internal security vision of Mr. President.

    “I am also encouraged by the fact that the outgoing inspector-general of police has laid a solid foundation and entrenched a culture of professional efficiency in the Force. These will stimulate me in my capacity as the new acting inspector-general of police, to strengthen our strategies and provide the requisite leadership that will change the narratives in relation to our operational approach to the current security threats.”

  • Imo attack: Fish out perpetrators now – IGP orders reinforcement squads, CP

    Imo attack: Fish out perpetrators now – IGP orders reinforcement squads, CP

    …set up special investigation team (SIT)

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), M. A. Adamu has ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and other Police Tactical Squads to Imo State.

    This is to strengthen security in the State and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the State.

    The IGP gave the directives following the attack on security operatives and formations including the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and the Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in Owerri in the early hours of today, Monday, 5th April, 2021.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued by Force PRO CP, Frank Mbah.

    According to the statement, peliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armoury.

    The armoury is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.

    Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations.

    The IGP, who condemned the attack on the security outfits, has further directed the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and a new Special Investigation Team (specifically set up to deal with cases of incessant attacks on security formation/operatives in the region), to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

    The CP is to harness the security reinforcement squads and other operational assets at his disposal to take the battle to the door-steps of the attackers and prevent any further attack anywhere within the State and its environs.

    The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality.

    The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals.

    He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-ecomomic wellbeing of Nigerians.

  • Easter: IGP orders AIGs, CPs to ensure tight security of public spaces

    Easter: IGP orders AIGs, CPs to ensure tight security of public spaces

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered all Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), State Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure there is tight security of all public places and critical assets.

    This is in line with the IGP’s resolve to ensure Nigerians are safe during the Easter celebrations.

    In a series of tweet on the police handle, “All State Commissioners of Police and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) have been ordered to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel – both covert and overt operatives, and other operational assets to areas of security interest within their respective areas of responsibilities (AoRs).

    “They are also to ensure confidence-boosting, proactive and high visibility patrols are carried out along the highways, motor parks, train stations, airports, worship centres, banks, and other financial institutions while taking adequate measures to provide a peaceful,crime-free, and enabling environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities to thrive”.

    IGP Adamu in addition directed the Commissioner of Police and their supervising AIGs to ensure proper supervision of the men assigned for these assignments.

    He said they must be professional and courteous to law abiding citizens but firm and ruthless to criminals. To this effect, the IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad have been given marching orders to monitor and police activities of police officers policing the highways to ensure respect for the rights of citizens and operational conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Rules of Engagement (RoE) of the Force.

    While felicitating with Nigerians, and the Christian community in particular, on the commemoration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the IGP commended the citizenry for their support and calls on them to continue to cooperate with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by providing timely information that would help in the prevention and detection of crime.

    He assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police will continue to do all within its powers to provide safety and security to the teeming Nigerian population, while once again wishing them happy Easter celebrations.

  • IGP orders full investigation into attack on Benue Governor

    IGP orders full investigation into attack on Benue Governor

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and reported attempt on the life of Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue.

    The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Orton was reportedly attacked on Saturday in his farm at the outskirts of Makurdi, the State Capital.

    Mba said that the I-G condemned the incident and directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of Benue to strengthen and improve security in the state, particularly around the Governor.

    He said that the I-G had also directed the CP to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons indicted in the course of the investigations.

    According to him, to ensure a speedy, thorough and conclusive investigations into the matter, the I-G has ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).

    He said that the deployment was to provide additional investigative support to the Police Command in Benue.

    Mba called for calm and pledged the commitment of the Force to continue to do its best in stabilising the security situation in the country.

    He said that the force would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to advance the fight against violent crimes and other criminal activities across the country.

  • Nigeria’s constitution empowers IGP, Adamu to remain in office till 2024 – Buhari, Malami

    Nigeria’s constitution empowers IGP, Adamu to remain in office till 2024 – Buhari, Malami

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney-General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami have posited the President was empowered by the Constitution to retain Mohammed Adamu as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as long as it suits him.

    They equally argued that the President is allowed by the Constitution to extend the IGP’s tenure as he wishes.

    Their position is contained in the joint response they filed to a suit instituted by a lawyer, Maxwell Opara, challenging, among others, the President’s decision to extend Adamu’s stay as the IGP for another three months from February 1, 2021 when he ordinarily out to retire.

    The President and the AGF, in a counter affidavit, argued that the Constitution conferred the President with executive power to “appoint serving police officer as the Inspector-General of Police in consultation with Police Council.”

    They noted that neither the Nigeria Police Council (NPC) nor the Police Service Commission (PSC) has “disclosed any contrary fact that the second defendant (IGP Adamu) is not a serving police officer.”

    In the joint response, the President and the AGF, who are listed as the first and third defendants in the suit, adopted a similar argument earlier made in details in response to the case by the lawyer to the IGP, Alex Izinyon (SAN).

    In the written submission filed for them by a lawyer in the AGF’s office, Maimuna Shiru, the President and the AGF agreed to rely on the argument by the IGP’s lawyer in answering the plaintiff’s question as to whether the President is empowered to extend the tenure of the IGP.

    They said: “My Lord on the above issue, it is our position that we will be relying and aligning with the argument canvassed by the 2nd defendant’s (IGP’s) counsel as their issue two in paragraphs 1.18 to 1.49 of their written address and we shall be adopting same as ours and urge this honourable court to uphold our argument and dismiss the plaintiff’s case as same is frivolous.”

    They further argued that failed to discharge the legal burden of proof that Adamu is not a serving police officer for the purposes of extension of his tenure in office.

    They added: “The question if the 2nd defendant is still a serving police officer is a question of fact. It is a fact that the Nigeria Police Act 2020 is a subsidiary legislation passed by the National Assembly.

    “It is a fact that the appointment of an Inspector-General of Police is, by the Constitution, conferred on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    The IGP’s lawyer had, in his argument, which the President and the AGF adopted, argued that the tenure of the IGP is not governed by the general provisions applicable to the rest of the police force.

    He noted that by virtue of the relevant laws, the office of the IGP is “quasi-political” and “is conferred with a special status” and “distinct from other officers of the Nigeria Police Force.”

    Izinyon argued that Section 18(8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, as it relates to the provision that “every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier,” is inapplicable to the office of the Inspector General of Police.

    He contended that the IGP, upon appointment, “is only accountable to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Council, and this fact makes his office a quasi-political office with a tenure of four (4) years pursuant to Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.”

    The lawyer added that by the combined effect of Sections 215 and 216 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, his client “can validly function as the Inspector General of Police after midnight of February 1, 2021 in so far as he was a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force during the period of his appointment.”

    He said the four years tenure provided for the IGP in Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, as it applies to his client, would end either in 2023 or 2024.

    “Therefore, if the second defendant’s tenure in office is calculated from January 15, 2019 when he was appointed into the office of the Inspector General of Police, his tenure lapses in 2023.
    “However, if his tenure in office is calculated from 2020 when the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 came into force. his tenure in office ends in 2024,” Izinyon said.

    At the mention of the case on Tuesday, plaintiff’s lawyer, Ezekiel Ugochukwu informed the court that the case was fixed for hearing.
    Justice Ahmed Mohammed however, said the case could not proceed to hearing because NPC was not yet properly served.
    Justice Mohammed faulted plaintiff’s lawyer’s argument that the NPC was served through the President’s office, the president being the head of the NPC.

    The judge said such service on the NPC through the President’s office could not be considered a proper service.

    He also noted that the plaintiff has indicated its intention to file a further reply to the joint response by the President and AGF.
    Justice Mohammed adjourned till March 30 for hearing.

    It is the plaintiff’s contention that by virtue of Section 215 of the Constitution and Section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, IGP Adamu could not validly continue to function as the IGP having retired as a police officer from midnight of February 1, 2021.

    He wants the court to, among others, order Adamu to cease to function as the IGP.

    Opara equally wants the court to declare that the failure of the President and the NPC to name a new IGP on February 1, when Adamu allegedly completed his tenure, amounted to abdication of duty.

    He is praying the court to compel the President and the NPC to immediately appoint a new IGP.

  • #EndSARS : Lagos judicial panel summons IGP, Adamu

    #EndSARS : Lagos judicial panel summons IGP, Adamu

    The Lagos State panel hearing cases of extrajudicial activities and police brutality has summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to appear before it over a case involving one Adewale Adewuyi.

    Chairperson of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi (Rtd.), disclosed this on Tuesday.

    Adewuyi, through his lawyer, Debo Adeleke, had alleged that the police refused to release 26 acres of farmland seized from him since 2013.

    He asked the panel to summon Adamu so that the police could be compelled to release the seized farmland.

    Adeleke said a federal court judgment in 2017 ordered the police to release his farmland located at Age-Mowo near Badagry and to negotiate with him the amount to pay for damages and physical assault.

    He added the police have refused to release the farmland or engage in alternative dispute resolution, despite efforts to compel them to do so.

    Cyril Ejiofor, police counsel, asked that he should be given two weeks to meet with the legal department so that the issue will be resolved.

    However, the chairperson of the panel, ordered that all parties mentioned in the petition, including the IGP should be served summons.

    The case was adjourned till March 30.

  • Just in: Court dismisses motion seeking to stop tenure elongation for IGP Adamu

    Just in: Court dismisses motion seeking to stop tenure elongation for IGP Adamu

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed a motion seeking an order restraining Mr Mohammed Adamu from parading himself as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed gave the ruling following a motion exparte with suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/106/21 filed by Maxwell Opara, a legal practitioner, and argued by his lawyer, Ugochukwu Ezekiel.

    Arguing the motion, Ezekiel told the court that the application was brought pursuant to Section 215, 216 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and provision of the court.

    Opara had sued President Mohammadu Buhari, Mr Mohammed Adamu, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Ministry of Justice as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

    Opara, in the motion dated Feb. 11 and filed Feb. 12, had prayed the court for an order restraining Adamu from parading himself as IGP and an order for abridgement of time within which the defendants should respond to the application.

    However, Justice Mohammed held that since all the defendants had already been served with the originating process in the suit, it would be unfair to grant the exparte motion when the defence had within 30 days to respond to the main suit.

    The judge said such order would be contrary to the provision of the law.

    “The prayer one is hereby refused,” he ruled.

    Mohammed said prayer two of the plaintiff shall be a notice to the defendants.

    Though the IGP was represented by Alex Izinyon, SAN, the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants were not represented in court.

    The judge adjourned the matter till Feb. 24 for continuation of hearing.

  • JUST IN: NBA drags Buhari to court for extending IGP’s tenure

    JUST IN: NBA drags Buhari to court for extending IGP’s tenure

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a suit to challenge the extension of the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that President Buhari had last week Thursday approved a three months extension of the IGP’s tenure having due for retirement on Monday, February 1.

    Meanwhile, the NBA’s Suit with number FHC/L/CS/214/2021 is filed against the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Service Commission, and Mr Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

    The NBA in a statement signed on Friday by its President Olumide Akpata said it is seeking a judicial determination of the constitutionality of the President’s extension of Mr Adamu’s tenure as the Inspector-General of Police for three months after Mr Adamu had, on 1 February 2021, attained 35 years of service as a member of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The NBA said in its view, the President’s extension of Mr Adamu’s tenure by three months is unconstitutional.

     

    See the full statement by the NBA below…

     

    INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE – EXTENSION OF TENURE OF OFFICE

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    In fidelity to the motto of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which is Promoting the Rule of Law, on Thursday, 11 February 2021, the NBA-Public Interest Litigation Committee (NBA-PILC), on behalf of the NBA, commenced legal action at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/214/2021 (the “Suit”) against the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Service Commission, and Mr Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

    In the Suit, the NBA seeks judicial determination of the constitutionality of the President’s extension of Mr Adamu’s tenure as the Inspector-General of Police for three months after Mr Adamu had, on 1 February 2021, attained thirty-five years of service as a member of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The NBA’s decision to take this extraordinary line of action is underpinned by an urgent need, and a sacred duty, to reassert the supremacy of the rule of law in the face of growing impunity and the seeming reluctance of Law Officers in Government to give proper counsel.

    The NBA’s position in the Suit is that Mr Adamu ceased to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force when he attained the milestone of thirty-five years of service. Therefore, the President’s extension of Mr Adamu’s tenure by three months, in the NBA’s respectful view, is unconstitutional.

    In the grand scheme of things, the NBA is wary that the more government officials casually violate the law, the harder it would become to expect citizens to be compliant. Citizens take their cues from their leaders and public office holders who flout the laws of the country that they are meant to uphold will discover sooner or later that their examples will be followed by those that they purport to govern.

    The ubiquity of acts of impunity, especially by those in high public offices, portends an existential threat to the survival of this country and her hard-won democracy. The NBA, now more than ever, is firmly committed to changing this narrative.

    As the outcome of the Suit is awaited, the NBA will continue to condemn and confront lawlessness in any form and from all quarters.

    OLUMIDE AKPATA

    President NBA

  • Buhari’s extension of IGP’s stay in office is within law – Malami

    Buhari’s extension of IGP’s stay in office is within law – Malami

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari acted in accordance with the law in extending the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

    Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Malami said the president acted within the timeframe stipulated by the constitution and exercised his powers to appoint persons into offices subject to confirmation by the Senate.

    The decision of the president to extend by three months, the tenure of the IGP had stirred controversy as many lawyers alleged a breach of Sections 215 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 7 of the Nigerian Police Act 2020, and over alleged breach of the country’s constitution.

    Adamu, who enlisted into the police on February 4, 1986, was due for retirement on February 4, 2021, having spent 35 years in service as stipulated by law.

    But Malami said the argument of the lawyers were not based on facts available to the president.

    “What I am saying in essence is that within the context of official records, within the context of the action taken by Mr President in terms of extension of tenure, the necessary compliance of with the law has been consummated, and the president was and indeed acted within the context of the law,” he said.

    On the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index of 2020, which ranked Nigeria low as 149 out of 180 countries, Malami faulted the ranking as misplaced because it did not take into account, the various recoveries and convictions by the administration.

    He said the president was still studying the report of the Judicial Inquiry into the activities of suspended acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.