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Tag: IGP

  • IGP Usman Baba accuses politicians, others of attacking INEC offices

    IGP Usman Baba accuses politicians, others of attacking INEC offices

    The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has revealed that politicians and other prominent personalities of being behind the incessant attacks on offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in different parts of the country.

    Deputy Inspector-General, Department of Operations, Dandaura Mustapha, represented the IG of Police at the floor of the  House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating attacks on INEC assets across the country.

    Similarly, the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, warned that the continued attacks on assets belonging to the electoral umpire could frustrate the 2023 general elections.

    Baba noted that the Nigeria Police Force, being the lead agency in internal security and elections generally, was always at the receiving end, stating, “Whatever happens, it is the duty of the police to protect here and there.

    “The campaigns commenced and what we realised initially was inter and intra-party disputes. We realised that members of political parties were destroying billboards, posters and campaign offices in some parts of the states. We quickly alerted the commissioners of police in charge of the commands and gave them a clear directive that it is the right of every political party to go to all the nooks and crannies of society and campaign. It is a constitutional right, so on no account does a state governor or any state actor should prevent political parties from moving about to do their campaigns.

    “We now come to the immediate attacks on INEC facilities. Of recent, the ones that took place in Osun and Ogun, then last week in Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu; it is a well known fact that in the South-East geopolitical zone, we have issues of secessionists – the IPOB and ESN. These groups are bent on stopping elections from taking place in the South-East. They have been attacking our personnel; they have been retrieving arms from members of the security agencies, not only the police but the military and other paramilitary organisations that are there. They have been doing it, especially now that the embargo on campaigns has been lifted.

    “The election is approaching very fast and they are putting much pressure to see that this election does not hold in the South-East geopolitical zone.

  • JUST IN: Court quashes order sentencing IGP to 3-month imprisonment

    JUST IN: Court quashes order sentencing IGP to 3-month imprisonment

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, set aside its order committing the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to three-month imprisonment for contempt.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling, said that there was evidence before the court that the I-G had substantially complied with the court’s earlier order directing the reinstatement of Patrick Okoli, who was compulsorily retired as a police officer.

    Justice Olajuwon, therefore, agreed with the submission of counsel to the I-G, Simon Lough, SAN, praying the court to void the Nov 29 committal order.

    The judge consequently declared that in view of the development, the application by Mr Baba “is worthy of sympathetic consideration.”

    “In view of the substantial compliance with the order of the court and the assurance of ensuring full compliance, the order committing the applicant, Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, is hereby set aside,” she ruled.

    Mr Olajuwon had, on Nov 29, convicted Baba and sentenced him to a three-month jail term for failing to obey the Oct. 21, 2011 judgment of a sister court presided over by Justice Donatus Okorowo, reinstating Okoli.

    Mr Okoli was compulsory retired in 1992 while serving in the Bauchi State Command as a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, by the Police Council (now Police Service Commission, PSC, which claimed to have acted under Decree 17 of 1984, a decision the court voided in the October 2011 judgment.

  • Police arrests POS fraudsters, cautions public on internet banking

    Police arrests POS fraudsters, cautions public on internet banking

    The Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, has called on users of online banking platforms to be vigilant with regard to their personal information, so as not to become victims of fraudsters.

    Baba also urged all citizens and residents in the country, as stakeholders in ensuring maximum security, to report all suspicious cyber activities.

    This is against the background of recent operations by the National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which led to the arrest of the trio of Sanmi Ayodeji (29 years), Felix Oluwaseun (24 years), and Adeleye Oluwaseun (32 years) for fraudulently transferring over N16million from a Point of Sale (POS) account.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NPF spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects signed up on a POS platform known as Tmoni Technologies Company using their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and those of their friends and relatives without their consent.

    “They proceeded to open valid wallet accounts with Tmoni, manipulated the company network security system, and fraudulently transferred funds to the tune of N16.1m from the Tmoni platform to various online accounts from where they made subsequent withdrawals, ” the statement alleged.

    The suspects were eventually arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, by operatives of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, after an official complaint was lodged by the financial controller of the Tmoni platform.

    Upon their arrest, the suspects were found in possession of several mobile phones, POS machines, SIM cards, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cards, and one Toyota Matrix car with registration no. KUJ 548 CN which they confessed was bought with proceeds of the crime, according to the police.

    The suspects will be charged to court as soon as possible, the Police.

  • BREAKING: Court sentences Police IG, Usman Baba to 3-month imprisonment

    BREAKING: Court sentences Police IG, Usman Baba to 3-month imprisonment

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, sentences the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Usman Baba, to a three-month imprisonment over alleged refusal to obey a sister court judgment reinstating a police officer, Patrick Okoli, who was compulsorily retired back to work.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling on the contempt proceedings filed by Okoli’s lawyer, Arinze Egbo, also warned Baba against non-compliance with the earlier court judgment.

    Justice Olajuwon warned that if the I-G failed to purge himself of the contempt, he shall be liable to another three months jail-term.

    Okoli, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/637/2009, had sued the I-G as a sole respondent in the matter.

    The plaintiff, who prayed the court to order for his reinstatement, said he was unlawfully retired in 1992 by the Police Council, presently known as Police Service Commission (PSC), while serving in Bauchi State Command as a chief Superintendent of police, among others.

    He said his compulsory retirement, under Decree 17 of 1984, was illegal.

    Justice Okorowo, in a judgment delivered on Oct. 21, 2011, gave an order of mandamus compelling the respondent (I-G) to do his duty according to law.

    He directed the I-G to comply with the orders of the PSC, as contained in their letter of 5th May, 2009 (with Ref. No. PSC/CSP/01/11/295A), directing him to reinstate the Okoli into the Nigeria Police Force and to present for the recommendation of the commission, the I-G’s recommendation for the promotion of the applicant from 2013 to date, among others.

    However, following non-compliance with the judgment, Okoli’s counsel, Mr Egbo, filed Forms 48 and 49 supported by affidavit before Justice Olajuwon, praying the court to convict and sentence the I-G for failure to obey court judgment delivered by Justice Okorowo on Oct. 21, 2011.

    The lawyer urged the court to grant their application on the grounds that the I-G disregarded a memo of legal advice by the PSC advising the him to take cognisance and obey the court judgment.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Olajuwon held that Baba, whose attention severally and through different quarters has been brought to the orders of the court, mandating him to give effect to the directives of the PSC had not denied having the knowledge of the orders.

    The judge said he had blatantly refused to carry out the order of the court.

    “This court has bent backwards over and over again for the respondent.

    “This Court even ordered that the Assistant Chief Registrar (Litigation) write to the respondent to inform him of the pendency of this matter, which he did and the proof of receipt of same in the office of the respondent is before this court.

    “it is unfortunate that the chief enforcer of the law is one who has deliberately refused to comply with the same law.

    “It is important to state that obedience to orders of court is fundamental to the good order, peace and stability of a nation.

    “It is a duty which every citizen, who believes in peace and stability of the Nigerian state, owes the nation and the court has a duty to commit the individual who has failed to carry out the order of the court for contempt, so as to prevent the authority and administration of law from being brought to disrespect and to protect the dignity of the court,” she said.

    According to her, court orders are not to be obeyed at the whims and caprices of the respondent and the rule of law is only supreme when parties, no matter the status, obey the court order.

    “The terms of the Orders of this Court are clear and unambiguous.

    “This court Is satisfied that the respondent (presently and those before him) has had proper knowledge of the Orders of this Court, there is no denial of such knowledge and the receipt of Forms 48 and 49.

    “The respondent filed a counter affidavit, was duly represented in court by different counsel, who stated how they had written several legal opinions which were not attended to.

    “The refusal and failure of the respondent to comply with the orders of this court has been proved in this case.

    “The respondent in this case, the Inspector General of Police, in the person of Usman Alkali Baba, is to be committed to prison and detained in custody for a period of three month or until he has obeyed the order of this court, made on the 21st October, 2011, in all things that are to be performed, whichever period is shorter.

    “If at the end of the three months, the contemnor remains recalcitrant and still refuses to purge his contempt, he shall be committed for another period and until he purges his contempt,” Justice Olajuwon ruled.

  • Just In: IGP holds closed-door meeting with 18 political parties ahead 2023

    Just In: IGP holds closed-door meeting with 18 political parties ahead 2023

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, is currently in a crucial closed-door meeting with the leadership of the 18 registered political parties in Abuja.

    At the opening session of the meeting, the IGP stated that the meeting between the Nigeria Police Force and strategic leaders across national security and intelligence agencies and the leadership of all the 18 registered political parties in the country became necessary in order to arrest the manifestation of political violence being witnessed in the last few days across the country.

    According to the IGP, this meeting became expedient following a noticeable trend within the national political space which, if not promptly addressed, could evolve into a potent threat to not just our national security but the electoral process.

    “Drawing from the experiences of the past, electoral violence both in the process leading to an election as well as the fall out of elections has always constituted the most dangerous threat to our democracy”, he said.

    He stated that, most of the recorded violent incidents or threats often result from political extremism, misinformation, intolerance, wrong political orientation, hate speeches, incitement, and, most importantly, the desperation of strategic actors within the political field who often place their parochial political ambitions over and above national security interests and our nation’s stable democratic order.

    He explained that such actors, usually give a wrong direction to their party faithful, arm them, re-orient them and encourage them to resort to the use of threat, violence, and other extra-legal means to frustrate competing political parties and impose their own faulty perception of politicking”.

    Details later…

  • Security Alert: We’ve restored confidence, hope in Abuja -IGP

    Security Alert: We’ve restored confidence, hope in Abuja -IGP

    The Inspector General of Police Usman Baba says security agencies have successfully restored confidence and hope among residents of Abuja and its environs following earlier notice of terror threats issued by some embassies in the country.

    Baba stated this when he addressed State House correspondents during the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team on Thursday in Abuja

    He dismissed the assertion that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies did not take the alarm raised the embassies serious.

    He, however, stated that the terror alerts raised by the embassies were blown out of proportion.

    “Government has never dismissed it as alarm but we only said it was blown or made in such a way that our people became apprehensive to the situation or to the way it was done.

    ”The embassies have their own responsibilities to their citizens and they can make their advice and the government has not dismissed what has happened because they have also informed us of what they foresee as threats.

    “And we on our parts have also looked at what they put as threat as something that has been with us and efforts are being made daily to see they those threats are mitigated or prevented from happening and that is what has been happening in Abuja and all over the country.

    “Sometimes, these threats or things happen but nobody has dismissed it as mere alarm and a lot of efforts have been made, like you said to douse tension.”

    The I-G further disclosed that some arrests had been made in connection to the security threats in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs, saying the suspects would soon be arraigned before the courts to face justice.

    “Yes, actually arrests have been made for those, we believe are planning to commit crime in whatever form and we have done that arrest and as at when due.

    ”Those arrested will be charged to court by any of the services that have them.”

    On the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Baba appealed to politicians and other stakeholders to co-operate with the police in ensuring smooth conduct of the exercise.

    He, therefore, reminded all political parties and actors to always abide by the laid down rule and regulations guiding the conduct of rallies and campaigns.

    ”There are laid down means, ways and procedures to do rallies and campaigns.

    ”On our part, we have gone out to appeal to politicians to play the game by the rules. And at the same time allow us to regulate political processions, campaigns and rallies, to avoid clashes and so forth,” he said.

  • TERROR ALERT: IGP releases emergency numbers to public

    TERROR ALERT: IGP releases emergency numbers to public

     

    The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, Thursday night released emergency numbers nationwide with a view to avert any attack by the terrorists.

    Baba said the Nigeria Police Force is working in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure the safety of all residents within the country.

    He maintained that there is no imminent or impending attack on the nation’s capital as raised by the United States.

    The IGP emphasized this while charging all Strategic Police Managers in charge of Commands and tactical formations within the country to beef up security in their respective jurisdictions, especially in the FCT.

    According to a statement by the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP similarly directed that all emergency numbers across the country should be activated to full capacity for a 24/7 prompt response.
    Adejobi said the police also ordered that the combatant officers and men should be on standby to respond in case of emergency situations and distress calls.

    The statement added, “Residents within the FCT are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence and persons to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.”

    The IGP, however, allayed the fear of residents.

  • Prof. Zainab Abiola: Attack on policewoman is a direct threat to national security – PSC

    Prof. Zainab Abiola: Attack on policewoman is a direct threat to national security – PSC

    The Police Service Commission, PSC, has condemned the alleged attack on Inspector Teju Moses, a female Police Orderly attached to Prof. Zainab Abiola, describing it as a direct threat to national security

    In a statement on Friday in Abuja, PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani. said the alleged assault on the police officer was a calculated attempt to ridicule the Nigeria Police Force and what it stands for.

    He called for immediate investigation and prosecution of all characters involved in the alleged assault of the policewoman and urged the police authority to review the operations of the Special Protection Unit (SPU).

    The PSC spokesman said the call was to ensure that only few Nigerians who genuinely deserve such protection were given the service.

    Prof. Zainab Abiola: Attack on policewoman is a direct threat to national security – PSC
    Prof. Zainab Abiola

    “The Commission frowns at the abuse of Police Orderlies by Nigerians who now use them as status symbols or convert them to house helps who clean, cook or do menial jobs.

    “With the security problems ravaging the nation, there is an urgent need to free many Police Officers loitering in private houses and following big men around,” he said.

    Ani called on the police hierarchy to quickly put a stop to the practice and concentrate in the policing and protection of vulnerable Nigerians.

    Recall that the Inspector general of police, IGP, Usman Baba, had ordered the prosecution of the Mbaise-born academic (Prof. Zainab), an Abuja-based lawyer, for assaulting the police orderly.

    The statement said, “The IGP has directed the express prosecution of the arrested suspects who are currently in Police custody, as the preliminary investigation shows overwhelming evidence of culpability on the part of the Professor and her domestic staff.

    “The IGP has equally tasked the investigative team to ensure that the fleeing suspect is arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.”

    Prof. Zainab Abiola: Attack on policewoman is a direct threat to national security – PSC
    Prof. Zainab Abiola

    The Police disclosed that the incident occurred on Tuesday following the refusal of the orderly, Inspector Teju Moses to carry out menial and domestic chores at her residence, which contravenes her professional ethics.

    Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “Assault on woman police: We have arrested the woman professor and her staff since the date of the incident, the matter is getting the necessary attention it deserves. FCT Command will charge d case to court asap. It is condemned in totality. We will still update you shortly.”

  • IGP orders prosecution of female professor over alleged assault of policewoman [VIDEO]

    IGP orders prosecution of female professor over alleged assault of policewoman [VIDEO]

    Following a reported chores imbroglio between a female Abuja-based lawyer, Professor Zainab Abiola, and her orderly, Inspector Teju Moses, who was assaulted by some staff of the former, the Inspector general of police, IGP, Usman Baba, has ordered her prosecution.

    On Tuesday, Professor Zainab allegedly assaulted her orderly (Inspector Teju) in Garki, Abuja.

    Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi made this known in a statement issued on Thursday.

    According to Adejobi, the professor alongside her domestic staff Rebecca Enechido and a male suspect currently at large assaulted the policewoman.

    The spokesman said Baba strongly condemned the assault, adding: “Zainab Duke, an Mbaise born activist, grievously assaulted her orderly in company of some accomplices on Tuesday 20th September, 2022 at her residence in Garki, Abuja, due to the refusal of the orderly to breach professional ethics by carrying out menial and domestic chores at her house.

    Chores palaver: IGP orders prosecution of female professor over alleged assault of policewoman

    According to the statement, “The IGP has directed the express prosecution of the arrested suspects who are currently in Police custody, as the preliminary investigation shows overwhelming evidence of culpability on the part of the Professor and her domestic staff. The IGP has equally tasked the investigative team to ensure that the fleeing suspect is arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

    “It is pertinent to clarify that the suspect, Prof. Zainab, who name-drops the IGP, his family members, and other officers in the top hierarchy of the Force has no acquaintance with the Police in any form as erroneously peddled on social media.”

    The statement said the IGP has ordered the withdrawal of all police personnel attached to the professor.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the  IGP expressed consternation at the fact that an individual who claims to be an advocate for Human Rights could stoop so low as to violate the rights of another individual, a police officer tasked with ensuring her protection.

    It was gathered that Professor Zainab is also a human rights activist.

    Watch video below:

    https://twitter.com/i/status/1572673053179662336

  • I-G deploys new CPs for Kano, 2 other states

    I-G deploys new CPs for Kano, 2 other states

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba has ordered the deployment of new Commissioners of Police (CPs) for Kano, Zamfara and Enugu states.

    The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the CPs affected by the deployment were Abubakar Lawal, Kano,  Kolo Yusuf, Zamfara and Ahmed Ammani, Enugu State.

    Adejobi said the deployment of Lawal to Kano State followed the retirement of the former CP, Samaíla Dikko.

    He said Lawal, a native of Daura in Katsina, holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and had served in various capacities since his commissioning as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1990.

    The police spokesman said Yusufu, the new CP in charge of Zamfara hailed from Niger and holds a Bachelor of Law Degree and is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association.

    He said Yusufu also holds a Masters Degree in Crime Management and Prevention and a Doctorate in International Relations.

    Adejobi said the CP had served in various operational capacities including as Officer in Charge of Anti-Robbery Squad in various states; Commander, I-G Crack Squad and Coordinator, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

    He said Yusuf also served as the Commander Technical Intelligence Unit and Special Tactical Squad under the Force Intelligence Bureau.

    Adejobi said, Ammani, the new CP for Enugu state hailed from Katsina and holds a first Degree in Hausa and Islamic Studies from Bayero University Kano and Post-Graduate Certificate in Corruption Studies from Hong Kong University.

    He said the new Enugu state CP also holds a Master of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

    He had served as Divisional Police Officer in various divisions within Nasarawa State and as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Ondo State.

    Adejobi said the I-G charged the newly deployed CPs to hit the ground running in the areas of crime-fighting, public cooperation and safety.

    The I-G called on the public to support and cooperate with the new Police helmsmen to enable them perform optimally on their mandate.

    The police spokesman said the postings were with immediate effect.