The wives of the 36 states’ governors have written a petition to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, demanding the setting up of special offences courts for rape and defilement cases, and for such cases to be charged to the courts and heard without undue delays.
The petition, which was copied the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, also urged him to direct the creation of rape and sexual offences desks in police stations across the country where they do not exist, and that appropriately, trained personnel should be designated to provide timely support for victims.
The petition was signed by Wife of Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; Chair, Northern Governors Wives Forum, Dr. Amina Abubakar and Chair, Southern Governors Wives Forum, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on behalf of others, which was made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday.
The wives of the governors also pleaded with all political, religious and community leaders to speak up against the abuse of women and children.They condemned the levels of violence against women and children in the country, saying: “As mothers, we empathise with survivors of these heinous acts and urge them to be courageous in speaking up no matter how long it takes. We salute them.
“We lend our voices to that of our First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, who recently called for action to be taken on the increasing rate at which women and children are being sexually abused in Nigeria. On a daily basis, we are inundated with cases of defilement (of even babies of six months old), rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment and murders of women and children.
“It is also worrisome that women and children with special needs have also become targets of sexual violence. We note with concern that in spite of the existence of laws at the federal level such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 as well as legislations at state level to protect the well-being of women and children, perpetrators still continue their despicable acts with impunity.
“On the rare occasions when incidences of rape are reported, victims are intimidated and shamed into silence.“We hereby urged the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police to treat rape and defilement cases with the speed and seriousness to ensure justice for victims.”However, they urged the Minister of Health to ensure provision of timely, sensitive and comprehensive medical services to victims of sexual violence.
Tag: IGP
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Governors’ wives write SGF, IGP, demand special court for rape cases
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COZA saga: IGP orders probe of officers who stormed Timi Dakolo's house
The Inspector-General of Police has ordered an investigation of the police officers who delivered the letters inviting the Dakolos to Abuja for interrogation over what was alleged to be ‘falsehood, criminal conspiracy, threat to life and mischief”.
The investigation will ascertain whether the procedure which the Police operatives adopted in serving the letters on Timi and Busola Dakolo on Saturday, 20th July, 2019, was in conformity with Police Standard Operating Procedure and International Best Practices.
According to Police PRO, Frank Mba, the IGP wanted the behaviour of the officers be subjected to rigorous and discreet scrutiny.
The IGP made the order today as he also charged Michael Ogbizi, a deputy Inspector-General to take over the probe of the rape allegation levelled by Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly.
Busola and her husband, Timi Dakolo have been invited to appear at the police headquarters on Tuesday.
In ordering Ogbizi to take over the case, IGP Adamu said he wanted to ensure a speedy, thorough, fair and impartial investigation.
Ogbizi is in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
The DIG is also expected to take over the investigation of the complaint made by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo against the Dakolos in addition to providing a personal supervision to all facets of the investigation to ensure justice and fair-hearing to all the parties, with each case being treated purely on its merit, according to a statement by DCP Frank Mba, the Force PRO.
Armed policemen, in an intimidating manner, stormed the residence of the Dakolos on Saturday in Lekki Lagos, all to hand over letters of invitation to the couple, asking them to report at the police headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Their behaviour was roundly condemned. -
COZA Saga: IGP orders DIG to takeover investigation
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Michael Ogbizi to immediately take over the ongoing investigation into the alleged case of rape.
The IG explained that the order will ensure a speedy, thorough, fair and impartial investigation into the case of rape reported by Mrs Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA).
According to a statement in Abuja by the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the DIG is also expected to take over the investigation of the complaint made by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo against the Dakolos.
The DIG, as part of investigation, will also provide a personal supervision to all parts of the investigation to ensure justice and fair-hearing to all the parties, with each case being treated purely on its merit.
Operatives from the Special Tactical Squad (STS) from Abuja had on Saturday served a letter of invitation on the residence of the Dakolos.
Following criticism that trailed the manner in which the letter by Operatives from STS unit was served on the Dakolos, the Police said: “The IGP has directed that the procedure which the Police operatives adopted in serving Invitation Letters on Timi and Busola Dakolo on Saturday, 20th July, 2019, be subjected to rigorous and discreet scrutiny to ascertain its conformity with Police Standard Operating Procedure and International Best Practices.”
The Police chief while urging members of the public and the parties involved in the cases to remain calm and patient, assured of professionalism in the matter. -
NASS Invasion: IGP restricts protests in FCT to Unity Fountain
From Jonas Ike, Abuja.
The Inspector-General of Police IGP M.A. Adamu has restricted all forms of protests within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to the Unity Fountain, Central Business District, Abuja.
By this directive, intending protesters are requested to steer-clear of all critical national infrastructure, especially the Three Arms Zone and other sensitive security areas. They are however at liberty to assemble and conduct peaceful protests within the Unity Fountain (the authorized protest zone).
The restriction is sequel to series of protests, such as the one on 30th October, 2018 in various parts of Abuja, which brought the Capital City to a standstill, crumbling economic activities and inflicting untold hardship on motorists and the general public. A similar protest during the same month led to the setting ablaze of a Police Patrol Vehicle at Banex Plaza, Abuja, traumatizing innocent citizens.
This year, on the 9thof July, another protest at the National Assembly, Abuja, led to an unprovoked attack on Police officers on legitimate national assignment, injuring nine (9) of them and causing massive damage to public and private property.
In a statement on Wednesday, Force spokesman DCP Frank Mba said that the Force is not unaware of the African Charter on Human Rights, which the Nigerian State has ratified and the Constitutional provisions relating to the fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression, right to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement. It is important however to note that these rights are not absolute and are constitutionally moderated by the genuine concerns for public safety, public order and for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.
He added that it is needless to state that it is within the prerogative of the Police to regulate activities of protesters who have the tendency to cause damage to life and property, particularly to innocent and non-protesting citizens, who also have equal right to exercise their freedom, unmolested by the protesting group.
It is against this backdrop that the IGP seeks the cooperation and understanding of would-be protesters and the general public. He reiterates his call for constructive collaboration between the citizens and the Police in enthroning a new culture of protests devoid of violence and damage to public and private property. -
Fasoranti's daughter: IGP orders overhaul of security structure in SW, SE, SS; insists killers will be brought to book
From Jonas Ike, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu has assured the nation that the killers of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasorantin will certainly be found and made to face the full weight of the Law.
The IGP notes that the Ondo State Police Command, backed by Special Forces and seasoned investigators from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) deployed from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on his directives, have already commenced a massive manhunt for the killers with a view to tracking, arresting and bringing them to justice.
While condemning the heinous and barbaric crime, the IGP, as part of measures to prevent a future occurrence of such incidence, has ordered the total overhaul of security architecture on the highways straddling the Southern part of the country.
In this vein, the Commissioners of Police in the affected States were ordered by the IGP to ensure adequate security arrangement in their areas of jurisdiction (AOR). He equally assures the nation that the Force Headquarters has perfected plans to replicate the special security arrangement powered by “Operation Puff Adder”currently ongoing in Kaduna- Abuja expressway in key highways in the Southern part of the country.
The IGP further reiterates the fact that the Force will not rest on its oars until sanity is restored in every nook and cranny of the country. He therefore calls for calm and support from all Nigerians, especially residents of Ondo State, in aid of the current investigation. -
Contempt: Court orders IGP, Kyari to appear on Sept. 25
Justice Dorcas Agishi of the Federal High Court on Wednesday ordered the Inspector General of Police and Abba Kyari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to appear on Sept. 25 to show cause why they should not be charged with contempt.
The order is coming seven days Agishi failed to produce a suspect in court for trial.
The suspect, Mr Nanpon Sambo, was very reportedly arrested and detained by the police since February 2019, but have not been charged before any law court in Nigeria.
Agishi ordered that the IGP and Kyari must appear before the court on the next adjourned date of Sep. 25.
”The IGP and Abba Kyari are to forthwith produce the accused person in the registry of the court here in Jos immediately for documentation and transfer to Jos Prisons pending the resumption of court from vacation.
“They are to appear before this honourable court on the next adjourned date of this case to show cause why the Court should not visit them with the consequence of contempt for deliberately disobeying its orders, “ Justice Agishi held.
Counsel to Sambo, D.G. Dashe, argued that the judicial powers of the federation shall be vested in the courts to which this section relates, being courts established for the federation”.
“The federal republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice. It is hereby declared that – sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority,” he argued.
According to him, the Nigerian police force is a creation of the law and must at all times act in line with law that the arrest and long detention of his client without charge since Feb. is “unconstitutional.”
He prayed the court to order the remand of his client in Jos prisons pending when the court resumes from vacation to properly consider the circumstances of his arrest and further prayed the court for an order compelling the IGP and Kyari to appear before the court.
“The suspect should be brought to the court registry for documentation and immediate remand in a Jos Prison pending when the court would resume after this year’ judicial annual vacation,” he pleaded
NAN reports that Sambo is being tried for illegal possession of sophisticated fire arms but that shortly after the presidential elections, he was allegedly picked up by masked men of the IRT under the control of Abba Kyari. -
IGP orders manhunt for perpetrators of Bayelsa police station attack
Following the attack on Agudama Ekpetiama Police Station, Yenagoa and the killing of for policemen in Bayelsa State, by unknown gunmen, in the early hours of Monday, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu, has ordered a massive manhunt for the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the IGP condemned the attack which resulted in the death of the Divisional Police Officer, SP Ola Rosanla with three (3) other police officers and left two others injured.
He pledges that nothing would be left to chance towards apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to book.
Meanwhile, the IGP had ordered the immediate deployment of crack detectives from the IGP-Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), the Forensic and Homicide sections of the FCID and Special Operatives of the Marine Police Department to Yenagoa to complement the efforts of the Bayelsa Police Command in carrying out discrete investigation into the unfortunate incident.
The IGP, while paying tribute to the fallen heroes, condoled the families of the four cops who paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland, describing the incident as a classic example of the risk and sacrifices the police were exposed to in their daily task of protecting our homeland.
Adamu enjoined the Agudama Ekpetiama Community and the entire people of Bayelsa State to remain calm and to avail the police with credible information that would help the law enforcement agencies towards apprehending the criminals. -
Indiscriminate killings: Police to start using taser, stun guns for operations – IGP
The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, says the police are in the process of acquiring and deploying less lethal weaponry during operations.
Adamu made this known on Thursday in Osogbo at the inauguration of a Zonal Security Stakeholders’ Forum, a community policing concept for the Police Zone XI comprising Ondo, Osun and Oyo.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the forum was aimed at galvanising the people of the three states toward identifying and partnering with the police to address peculiar security challenges.
The IGP, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, said he had commenced the process of addressing factors that engender conflict and distrust between the citizens and the police, particularly issues bordering on misuse of firearms and sundry abuses of police powers.
“Toward this end, we are in the process of migrating from total dependence on lethal weaponry as first line of police operations toward acquiring and deploying less lethal weaponry such as taser or stun guns.
“Under the new policy, personnel on low-risk policing duties like routine patrols, arrest duties, and civil disorder management will be armed with taser guns or stun guns as a strategic approach toward reducing incidents of fatalities associated with misapplication of lethal weapons by the police when faced with low level threats,’’ he said.
He also ordered that the shift duty structure of the Nigeria Police, which is currently a 12-hour, two -shift system should be reverted to the traditional eight-hours, three-shifts shift standard.
Adamu said the medical service of the police had also been directed to introduce emotional intelligence, stress management and cognitive therapy toward enhancing the psychological and emotional stability of all police personnel while on duty.
He said all these initiatives were directed at closing the trust gap between the police and the citizens as well as create a conducive condition for partnership between them.
Adamu commended the foresight, professional depth and sense of commitment to duty of AIG Adeleye Oyebade, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone XI, Osogbo, for conceptualising and driving the process of inaugurating the stakeholders’ forum.
He said he had initiated actions toward inaugurating a Nigeria Police Community Policing Implementation Standing Committee.
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BREAKING: IGP orders reversal of shift duty structure in police
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has ordered the immediate reversal of the shift duty structure of the Nigeria Police Force.
The shift structure, which is currently a 12-hour, 2-shifts system has been changed to the traditional 8-hours, 3-shifts duty standard.
He said this while declaring open the conference of heads of Police Medical Facilities at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
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#ENDSARS: IGP visits Lagos, vows to prosecute officers involved in extra-judicial killings
The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Adamu on Monday vowed to prosecute operatives involved in extra-judicial killings.
He spoke during a courtesy visit to his office at the Lagos House, Alausa.
He said he came to Lagos State to talk to his men about good behaviour and adherence to the ethics of the profession as well as to address the issue of extra-judicial killings.
He said the recent two incidents of extra judicial killings in the state involving SARS men were unfortunate and uncalled for.
Assuring the officers involved have been arrested and are being tried by the police authorities, he stressed they will eventually be charged to court for prosecution.
“We are to serve the public by protecting lives and property and we are doing this dutifully but the act of few of us is denting the good work the majority is doing,” Adamu stated.
The Acting IGP thanked Ambode for his support to the police in the state, saying that without his support the police wouldn’t have recorded the level of performance and achievements in the state.
Welcoming the Acting IGP and his team, Ambode congratulated him over his new appointment and commended him for the successful 2019 general elections under his supervision.
He said in the past four years of his administration, the police have kept Lagos safe and contributed immensely to the success of one of the tripod of his administration at inception which is security of lives and property.
Acknowledging that the police was under severe pressure and being overstretched because of inadequate personnel, equipment and resources, Ambode promised that the state will continue to support the police to ensure that have the human face to ensure peace in Nigeria and Lagos State.
“Policing Nigeria is a huge challenge but the IGP is up to the task. Whatever we have done we will continue to do more to ensure security and peace,” Ambode promised.