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Tag: IGP

  • Abducted medical students: IGP to visit Benue police command to get updates

    Abducted medical students: IGP to visit Benue police command to get updates

    The Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, Olumuwiya Adejobi, has said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, will on Monday (today) visit the Benue Command as part of the police effort to ensure the students are released.

    Adejobi stated that the police remain committed to ensuring the 19 student doctors and one medical doctor kidnapped along Oturkpo area of Benue State are released unhurt.

    In a statement on Sunday, Adejobi added that the rescue operation of such a high number of kidnap is tactical. He appealed to citizens demanding updates online to support the police.

    He said, “The police has made a press statement on the matter. I don’t think we should be discussing or updating the public on our efforts and strategies emplaced online. That’s not necessarily.

    “The aim is to rescue them unhurt. And one thing we need to know is that the rescue operation of people with that number must be tactical for many reasons.

    “We update those who are in contact with us, and those involved in the rescue operation. Everyone is concerned about it, reason more men and assets have been deployed to Benue. The IGP is in contact with the command, and he will meet the CP Benue tomorrow (Monday).”

    The 19 student doctors and one medical doctor were kidnapped by bandits on Thursday on their way to Enugu for their Federation of Medical and Dental Students conference.

  • Planned Protest: Organizers reject IGP’s proposal, insist on hitting the streets

    Planned Protest: Organizers reject IGP’s proposal, insist on hitting the streets

    The Organisers of the planned nationwide protest #EndBadGovernance  scheduled for August 1-10 have rejected offers from the  Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for confined protests.

    It was gathered that the organizers rejected the proposal during a meeting with the IGP on Tuesday.

    The IGP had tabled a proposal of confined protest in identified locations and advised against street rallies.

    “It is not advisable to go on street processions because as you are planning peaceful protests, some are planning violence,” IGP Egbetokun cautioned.

    However, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, one of the lawyers for the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups organising the nationwide protests, rejected the proposal of the IGP.

    The Planned protest is slated to begin August 1 and run till the 10th of August, 2024.

  • Just In: IGP finally endorses nationwide protests with a condition

    Just In: IGP finally endorses nationwide protests with a condition

     

    The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

    He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

    The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.

    Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

    “However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

    “To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

    The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.

    By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

    He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

    Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

    “We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.

  • Planned Protest: IGP tells protesters to submit names, location for protection

    Planned Protest: IGP tells protesters to submit names, location for protection

    Ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, police authorities are requesting demonstrators’ details.

    During a briefing in Abuja on Friday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun asked all groups planning to participate in the demonstrations to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.

     

    He stated that the request is to ensure the protest remains peaceful. “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” said the police chief. “However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.”

     

    To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, the IGP asked participants to provide information such as proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, and names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers. He added that organizers should also outline measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements and provide key identifiers to help isolate potential troublemakers.

     

    The IGP reiterated the police’s commitment to deploying adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, emphasizing the need to know specific protest routes and areas to avoid conflicts with other events or activities. He also released guidelines for protesters, urging them to establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any issues and minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities.

     

    “We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights,” the IGP stated.

  • Just in: Human rights activist, Adegboruwa writes IGP on planned nationwide protest, asks for protection

    Just in: Human rights activist, Adegboruwa writes IGP on planned nationwide protest, asks for protection

    Human rights activist Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) has written to the Inspector-General of Police(IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to notify him of planned public meetings, rallies, and processions being organised by a non-governmental body, the Take It Back Movement, all its members, and some other patriotic Nigerians and groups.

    In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, the senior advocate writing as solicitor to the Take It Back Movement stated that the planned rallies will commence from Aug. 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.

    Adegboruwa while reiterating the role of the police during such rallies and protests, urged the IGP to make available the details of any police officer or police team that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.

    More to follow…

  • Planned Protest: IGP told to provide security for protesters

    Planned Protest: IGP told to provide security for protesters

    Ahead of the planned nationwide protest in August, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to provide security for demonstrators.

     

    Angry youths are determined to protest against the country’s current economic hardship. The “End Bad Governance” protest, scheduled from August 1 to August 10, is gaining momentum on social media.

     

    While government officials have urged organizers to cancel the demonstrations, labeling them politically motivated, the TUC insists on protection for the protesters.

     

    During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, TUC President Festus Osifo emphasized that the Police are required by the Police Act and the constitution to ensure security for protesters. He stated that adequate protection is crucial to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums.

     

    “The Police Act also mandates the police to ensure law and order and protect those protesting,” said Osifo.

     

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, governors, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged Nigerians to reconsider the planned “End Bad Governance” protest.

     

    In recent months, food and basic commodity prices have soared as Nigerians face one of the worst inflation and economic crises, fueled by the government’s policies on removing petrol subsidies and unifying forex windows.

  • IGP raises alarm over leaked WhatsApp message circulating on social media, says “it’s not from me”

    IGP raises alarm over leaked WhatsApp message circulating on social media, says “it’s not from me”

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has clarified that he is not associated with a WhatsApp message circulating on social media platforms concerning planned nationwide protests. A screenshot allegedly from the IGP discouraging protests in Lagos State was earlier seen.

    According to the statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasised that the message in circulation, which partly reads: “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”, did not originate from the police.

    The statement further asserts that this message does not reflect the official stance or beliefs of the Nigeria Police Force.

    Adejobi’s statement partly reads: “the message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force.

    We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels”.

    Adejobi assured that the Nigeria Police Force “is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction.

    “We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country”.

    The IGP sternly warned that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents”, are criminal acts and punishable under the Cybercrime law.

  • Edo govt petitions IGP, labels Shaibu, Kabaka over violence

    Edo govt petitions IGP, labels Shaibu, Kabaka over violence

    The Edo State Government has petitioned the Inspector General Police,(IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, over the Thursday, July 18, 2024 breakdown of law and order in the state.

    Earlier, the state government accused Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of the State, of orchestrating the violence under the pretext of executing a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja for which a stay of execution had been filed and an appeal entered.

    In a recent twist of event, the government accused Shaibu of hiring armed thugs to unleash mayhem that resulted in the death of a police inspector, Akor Onuh, in Benin City.

    According to a petition signed by the State Solicitor General, Prof. Faith Osadolor on behalf of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the government said Shaibu, contrary to the rule of law, recruited a throng of heavily armed thugs, including Tony Adun (Aka Tony Kabaka), Daniel Eromosele (Aka Pikolo), Efe Stewart, Joseph Okonigene, Noah Amiolemen Idemudia, among others, resorting to self-help, leading to the wanton destruction within the Benin metropolis and death of a Police officer.

    The Godwin Obaseki-led state government, therefore, urged the Police to thoroughly investigate the matter by inviting Shaibu and other members of his gang, and if found culpable, be brought to book.

    The document is titled, “Request to Investigate a Case of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Murder, Malicious Damage to Property, Breach of Public Peace and Assault Occasioning Harm by Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu and his Cohorts,” and was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 5.

    The petition reads: “Firstly, write to formally express our heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Police Force on the passing of one of your gallant officers, Inspector Akor Onuh attached to MOPOL 45 Abuja, who was a victim of the attack of 18 July, 2024, instigated by a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu.

    “Inspector Onuh was a true hero and dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His bravery and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten by the government and people of Edo State. We beseech God Almighty to comfort the Inspector General and other officers of the Nigeria Police, including the family of the departed officer.

    In addition to the above, I wish to restate, on behalf of the Edo State Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, that on the 18th day of July, 2024, there was a breakdown of law and order which was orchestrated by former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu, under the guise of enforcing a court judgment which is a subject matter of a pending appeal, and to which a motion for stay of execution had been filed and served on him.”

    According to the Attorney General, “The facts leading to this petition are presented in the manner below:

    On Wednesday, 17th day of July 2024, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja delivered a judgment nullifying the removal of Hon. Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

    “The Edo State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was sued as the 3rd Defendant in the said suit, immediately lodged an appeal against the said judgment alongside a motion praying the court to stay the execution of the said judgment. Copies of the Notice of Appeal and Motion for Stay of Execution were served on all parties to the Appeal, including Hon. Philip Shaibu.

    On the 18th day of July 2024, Hon. Philip Shaibu, purportedly in an attempt to interpret and enforce the judgment without awaiting the final outcome of the judicial process and contrary to the rule of law recruited a throng of heavily armed thugs which included one Tony Adun (Aka Tony Kabaka), Daniel Eromosele (Aka Pikolo), Efe Stewart, Joseph Okonigene, Noah Amiolemen Idemudia, Chief Osahon Airhunmwnde (MD/CEO Play House Hotel Ltd), Eric Imariagbe (Aka Baroko), Kelly Okungbowa (Aka Ebo Stone), Lucky Igiebor, Kassy Chukwu, Osarumwense Marvis (Aka Eweanwan), Osasenaga (Aka Osasenaga Ogbe) and others, resorting to self-help with the aid of the aforementioned armed thugs and non-state actors and in an attempt to overreach the final outcome of the Motion for Stay and Interlocutory Injunction as well as the substantive suit.

    He further noted, “In line with their common intention, Hon. Philip Shaibu and his armed thugs invaded the Benin Airport shooting sporadically and thereafter moved into town, attacking road users, destroying vehicles, and other private and public properties.

    “In the wake of their attack on harmless citizens, a police officer was shot dead by the fierce thugs while several other citizens were assaulted and sustained varying degrees of injuries, and even lawyers were attacked at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch.”

    ”The government said it was reliably informed and believes that Hon. Philip Shaibu, the above-named persons, and others conspired with mathematical accuracy to execute with brutal efficiency such that Edo State will become ungovernable by taking over Edo State government house, increasing the level of destruction of the legitimate properties of innocent Edo citizens and continuing their sporadic and intermittent shootings at targeted areas, amongst others.”

  • Elongation: I never lobbied to extend my tenure – IGP Egbetokun reveals

    Elongation: I never lobbied to extend my tenure – IGP Egbetokun reveals

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has denied reports alleging that he has been lobbying the National Assembly to tamper with the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to elongate his tenure and year of service of personnel in the force.

    Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the IGP’s denial in a statement, saying it is vital to clarify unequivocally that the bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution. It is standard legislative practice review and update laws to align with current national realities.

    The proposed amendment seeks to extend the years of service for police officers from 35 to 40 years, and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.

    Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply perturbed by the dissemination of false information across various media platforms, notably the distorted publication by an online media, regarding the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

    The misleading publications alleged that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun personally initiated this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, and has allegedly invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate its passage.’

    Egbetokun decried a situation where certain media outlets and their sponsors had chosen to propagate baseless accusations, ignorantly disregarding the fact that any modification to existing legislation was designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.

    The statement read: “To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one needs only look at the Inspector General of Police steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

    “His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain. It comes from the place of duty rather than benefit.“

    Furthermore, it is important to note that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years, with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of his tenure

    ”Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force called on the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.

    “Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police Reforms.

  • Rivers crisis: IGP condemns killing of policemen, escalated insecurity in Rivers

    Rivers crisis: IGP condemns killing of policemen, escalated insecurity in Rivers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned in the strongest terms the recent outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State, where supporters of two political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, which unfortunately led to the tragic deaths of a Police Officer – Inspector David Mgbada, and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.

     

    In response to these heinous acts, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state and institute thorough investigations into the killing of the Police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence which erupted in the state.

    The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the Police officer and the vigilante member.

    The IGP seriously warned individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of Police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.

    The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents. The IGP extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased Police officer and the vigilante member noting that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be taken for granted.

     

    The Inspector General of Police called on all residents and political stakeholders in the State to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences.