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Tag: Misconduct

  • IGP orders arrest of policemen who ran car over a handcuffed man

    IGP orders arrest of policemen who ran car over a handcuffed man

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun has condemned the disturbing incident where a police team ran a vehicle over a citizen on Thursday June 29, 2023 at Ekpoma, Edo State.

    He directed the erring policemen, who have been in detention in Edo State, to report to the Force Headquarters Abuja on Monday for further action.

    A statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reads: “Members of the public, particularly the people of Ekpoma, are implored to remain calm as the present leadership of the NPF will not condone such an act of unprofessionalism and illegality”.

  • I’ll not tolerate misconduct, corruption, abuse of power – IGP warns police officers

    I’ll not tolerate misconduct, corruption, abuse of power – IGP warns police officers

    The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP),Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, has warned men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force that his administration will not tolerate misconduct and abuse of power.

    Egbetokun made this warning after taking over the mantle of leadership from the outgoing IGP, Alkali Baba Usman in Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Acting IGP disclosed that his team will introduce proactive steps to instill discipline across all ranks of the Force.

    “Accountability will be the cornerstone of my tenure as the Inspector General of Police. I am committed to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the Police Force.

    “We will prioritize new ways of recruiting, training, and equipping our officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently, and with excellence and this we will do to the admiration of the people that we serve.”

    While revealing that his administration will hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust, he said: “To regain the trust of the Nigerian people, we will establish a robust internal system to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Police Force. Additionally, we will actively promote a working culture that will encourage officers and citizens alike to report instances of corruption or abuse they may witness.”

    The Acting IGP said that the police force under his watch will be a beacon of integrity and that: “We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

    “Henceforth, every police officer will be selected not only for their skills but also for their compassion, empathy, and commitment to public service.

    “We will invest in innovative ways to foster ongoing training, promoting a culture of continuous learning where we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and the challenges of our times.

    “Furthermore, we will embark on an ambitious and visible program of community policing. We recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the safety and well-being of our communities.

    “To achieve this, we will forge stronger ties between the police and the public, fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.

    “Regular citizen engagement and community interaction programs will create meaningful dialogue and collaboration opportunities.”

    IGP Egbetokun Olukayode noted that the fight against crime and insecurity will receive top priority in his administration.

    “The fight against crime and insecurity will also be a top priority as well as the welfare of our officers.

    “We will strengthen our intelligence-gathering capabilities, bolster inter-agency cooperation, and enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.

    “In the coming days and weeks, we will unveil plans and strategies to secure the nation and build enduring peace across our communities.

    “We are the Nigeria Police Force and we will live up to our constitutional obligation as the primary agency for internal peace in Nigeria. We will be bold about this duty.

    “We will also adopt a technology-driven approach to law enforcement, leveraging modern tools and techniques to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of our resources.

    “New policies to promote the welfare of officers will be implemented in the months ahead. We will provide support structures for our police officers that will cater for their peculiar physical, psychological and emotional needs as law enforcement officers.

    “We will introduce unprecedented well-being programs to strengthen the hearts and minds of every officer.”

    He, therefore, called on Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in what he described as the transformative journey.

    “The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we stand together as a united front. I encourage every Nigerian to embrace civic duty, report suspicious activities, and work hand in hand with the police to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.

    “Let me reiterate my unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law. The Nigeria Police Force, under my leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability.”

  • Trouble for 15 High Court Judges as NJC probes misconduct

    Trouble for 15 High Court Judges as NJC probes misconduct

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up high-powered probe panels to investigate alleged gross misconduct allegations brought against 15 Judges of the Federal and State High Courts.

    The probe panels are to determine the culpability of the Judges in the various petitions filed against them by individuals and corporate bodies.

    A statement by the NJC issued by Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye on Friday in Abuja confirmed that the decision to investigate the alleged erring Judges was taken at the Council’s 99th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

    The decision, the NJC said,  is sequel to the submission of recommendations of three Preliminary Complaint Assessment Committees which considered 66 petitions forwarded to them by the Council from all over the Federation.

    However, the NJC did not name Judges to be probed, their divisions and specific nature of their alleged offences.

    It however revealed that the Council dismissed petitions against 51 Judicial Officers of the Federal and State High Courts for either lack of merit, being subjudice, or being matters for appeal or that the concerned Judge have retired from Service.

    The statement explained that the Council was formally presented with the reviewed Judicial Information Technology Policy which established the general requirements and responsibilities for the Nigerian Judiciary systems and information.

    “The policy provides for guidance of Courts and Judicial Bodies in protecting Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA) of judiciary function and process.

    ”It also stipulates guidance for acceptable use of system, services and technologies as well as provisions for secure storage of judicial data and recovery processes in the event of emergencies or distress.

    “Similarly, It further provides guidelines and incident management policies including Data Centre deployment and use policies.

    “The Scope is intended for all Courts and Judicial Bodies in Nigeria including staff of the Nigerian judiciary, employed or contracted to any Judicial Body handling information that is generated, received, stored, transmitted, or printed.

    “It encompasses all personal or Judiciary identifiable data held in their Courts and Judicial Bodies’ systems and process including supporting mechanisms and technologies for managing such data at rest or in transit.

    “All staff are expected to comply with the policy and associated standard protocols and procedures that have been put in place to support the document.

    “The policy is applicable to all Courts unit, departments of all Judicial Bodies in the Nigerian Judiciary.

    “Council noted appointments of Judicial Officers recommended for appointment at the last meeting who have been sworn –in as Judges of Federal and State High Courts.

    “Reports from Standing and ad-hoc Committees of the Council were also presented at the Meeting as well as notifications of retirement of 16 Judges  and notification of death of a Judge from the Federal and State High Courts”, the NJC said.

  • Police Commissioner disbands tactical squad in Osun

    Police Commissioner disbands tactical squad in Osun

    Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mr Olawale Olokode, has ordered the immediate disbandment of his Surveillance Squad because of unprofessional conduct by its members.

    Police spokesperson in the state, SP Yemisi Opalola, made this known in Osogbo in a statement issued on Sunday.

    “The dissolution is with immediate effect and all personnel attached to the squad are to report to the State Headquarters for redeployment.

    “Investigations have commenced at the State’s Criminal Investigation Department over complaints of unprofessional conduct exhibited by personnel of the squad,’’ she stated.

    Opalola stated also that the disbandment would serve as deterrent to other tactical squads as the Command, under Olokode would not tolerate or condone any act unbecoming of police officers.

    In the statement, Olokode enjoined Osun residents to rekindle their trust in the police, saying they are committed to giving the state improved services that will stand the test of time.

  • [BREAKING] Misconduct: Court orders chairman CCT to appear before Senate panel

    [BREAKING] Misconduct: Court orders chairman CCT to appear before Senate panel

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Yakubu Umar seeking to stop the Senate from probing him on alleged misconduct.

    The Court held that as a public officer administering law, he is answerable to the Senate on moral standards.

    Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo, in a judgment in the suit, ordered the CCT boss to go and appear before the Senate and answer questions on a public petition brought against him by an aggrieved citizen.

    The judge held that his case seeking to stop the probe by the Senate lacked merit and was dismissed.

    The alleged incident happened at the Banex Plaza in Abuja on March 29, 2021.

    The court dismissed Umar’s suit on the grounds that it lacked merit as Umar had no cogent reason to stop the Senate from carrying out its constitutional functions.

    Justice Ekwo held that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution under which the CCT boss sought to be protected by the court did not confer any protection or refuge on him.

    The judge said that as a public officer administering a law relating to the conduct of public officers, Umar had no reason to institute the suit to stop the senate from probing a public petition seeking justice.

    Justice Ekwo also held that the Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal Act 2010 were established by the Act of the National Assembly and as such, Umar was subject to investigation by the National Assembly.

    The judge further said that Section 2 of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act exposed Umar to an investigation by the National Assembly more than any other Nigerian.

    “As such, it will be illogical for him (Umar) to seek to stop the senate probe as doing so will give an impression that he is above the law”.

    Justice Ekwo held that the declaratory reliefs sought by Umar for an injunction against the senate could not be granted because the case lacked merit.

    The CCT Chairman had in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 671/2021, challenged the powers of the senate and three others to investigate him in an alleged assault he perpetrated against a security guard at Banex Plaza in Abuja.

    The four defendants in the matter were the senate, the senate president, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    In the suit filed by his lawyer, Mr. Sunday Edward, Umar asked the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the senate from conducting investigations into allegations of assault levelled against him by a petition submitted to the senate.

    He specifically asked the court to determine whether the alleged case of assault formed part of the matters the senate was constitutionally empowered to investigate.

    He had also asked the court to determine whether the Senate and its committee were competent to investigate or invite him in relation to the investigation of the allegation of assault.

    He asked the court to declare that the purported case of assault that took place on March 29, 2021, did not form part of the matters the senate was constitutionally empowered to investigate.

    He further asked the court to declare that the senate’s moves to conduct an investigation in the matter were unconstitutional and amounted to the unwarranted usurpation of the functions of the police and of the court.

    However, counsel to the Senate, Kafayat Suleyman had urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the senate had powers under Section 88 of the Constitution to investigate alleged misconduct by any public officer.

    On May 4, 2021, Umar, appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition.

    This was in response to a petition submitted against him by Clement Sagwak, a security guard he allegedly assaulted.

    Sagwak had, through his counsel, Timzing Ramnap, petitioned the Senate where he accused Umar of assaulting him.

    The senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang, laid the petition before the Senate on April 29, 2021.

    Umar was summoned by the panel and asked to come to defend himself.

    When he appeared before the committee, the CCT chairman said he had not been served the petition.

    He asked the panel to give him one week to study the detailed petition which was served on him at the session to “enable him to respond appropriately.”

    He was, however, given two weeks to defend the petition against him.

  • 2 LASTMA officers dismissed over misconducts

    2 LASTMA officers dismissed over misconducts

    Two officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, have been dismissed and the rank of four officers were reduced, after they were found guilty of misconducts while performing their duties in the state.

     

    Disclosing this on Monday, the agency’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Filade Olumide, said the management of LASTMA had affirmed that some officers of the agency, who were found culpable of gross misconduct while performing their official duties, had faced disciplinary action in line with the extant rules as guided by the Lagos State Civil Service rules and regulations.

     

    The statement read in part, “LASTMA management added that the Personnel Management Board (Disciplinary) which was held to look into all the reported misconduct of the officers, considered the allegation of bribery, corruption and serious act unbecoming of a public officer levelled against them and found some officers culpable of serious misconduct as stated in the public service rule.

     

    “The agency further averred that LASTMA can only get better, if and when members of the public share their experiences which also include positive ones and provide evidence where applicable of perceived misdemeanours.

     

    “Six officers have faced disciplinary action from September to December 2021, two of the officers had their appointments terminated, while four suffered a reduction in rank along with a reprimand for their various misdemeanours.”

  • Anglican Church dismisses priest over alleged misconduct

    Anglican Church dismisses priest over alleged misconduct

    The Anglican Diocese on the Niger, Anambra, has sacked one of its priests, Lumenkristi Eboh, over alleged misconduct and disobedience.

    The Deputy Chancellor, Sir Ben Uzuegbu, made the announcement on behalf of the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, at a news conference on Thursday in Onitsha.

    Uzuegbu said the priest absconded when he was invited by the Bishop to give explanations to allegations brought against him.

    He added that efforts to restore him to face his work in the church as an ordained priest proved abortive as he continued with his unwholesome lifestyle.

    “The Bishop on the Niger is besieged with lots of petitions against Lumenkristi Eboh. All the petitions border on acts of impropriety and unwholesome conduct not expected of a priest.

    “A panel was set up to look into the allegations and he was placed on suspension while the matter was being looked into. He also refused to make himself available to answer to the petitions.

    “When he knew that the panel was about to submit its report, he rushed to declare that he was resigning from the church.

    “The church has now taken a firm step by withdrawing his licence and dismissing him as an Anglican Priest, so that tomorrow when he calls himself a Reverend or Canon, you will know that he is an imposter.

    “His licence has been withdrawn and he is no longer an Anglican priest,” he said.

    It would be recalled that the Eboh had accused the diocesan authority of high-handedness, harassment, conspiracy and character defamation.

    He accused Bishop Nwokolo of insisting that his Ministry’s registered trustees be altered to include him (Nwokolo) and wife.

    He also accused the Bishop of engaging agents to spread rumours of sexual misconduct and voodooism against him.

    On the alleged Bishop’s insistence to be included as a trustee of the priest’s Ministry, Uzuegbu said the constitution did not make provision for a priest to register a parallel church while serving under the church.

    “The constitution of the Diocese is firm on that fact and every priest with any call is expected to adhere.

    “Also, there are several petitions written by well-meaning female organisations and lawyers on alleged sexual misconduct and voodooism by Eboh.

    “These issues lingered following the Bishop’s patience and tolerance to see if Eboh would repent. Since priesthood is sacred, we did not deem it fit to make it public,” he said.

  • Police dismiss 2 Inspectors in Borno

    Police dismiss 2 Inspectors in Borno

    The Nigeria Police have dismissed two Inspectors serving in Borno for alleged unprofessional conduct.

    They are Insps. Tahir Ali, and Saidu Nadabo, both attached to the 53 Force Mobile Unit, Borno.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of Borno, Mr Abdu Umar made this known in an interview on Thursday.

    Umar said that while Ali was dismissed for allegedly killing an Army Warrant Officer Donatus Vokong, attached to Operation Hadin Kai, Nadabo was dismissed for trafficking 4.5kg cannabis sativa.

    The CP said that Ali allegedly shot and killed the warrant officer with his riffle under the influence of alcohol on Feb. 2.

    Umar said that both the suspect and deceased were attached to a unit at the palace of a traditional ruler in Maiduguri.

    According to him, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12, Mr Audu Madaki, approved that Ali and Nadabo be dismissed after they faced orderly room trial.

    He said that Nadabo was dismissed after being arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 4.5kg substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.

    Umar vowed that any operative in the state found to have breach the code of conduct, and rules of engagement and standard operating procedure would be dealt with accordingly.

    “I have just directed senior officers of the command to arrest any personnel with riffle and is under the influence of alcohol or who engage in gross misconduct,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Uni-Abuja expels 46 students for misconduct

    Uni-Abuja expels 46 students for misconduct

    No fewer than 46 students of the University of Abuja have been expelled by the Senate for their involvement in various acts of misconduct.

    Dr Habib Yakoob, Head, Information and University Relations disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

    Yakoob said that the misconduct was a breach of their sworn matriculation oath.

    He said that five other students were rusticated for one semester while the cases of three others involved in sundry offences would be retried, as seven accused persons were exonerated, discharged and acquitted.

    “Senate at its 175th Regular Meeting held on May 27, considered the report and recommendations of the Students Disciplinary Committee and after due diligence, approved the expulsion, rustication, retrial and exoneration of the affected students.

    “The expelled students cut across several departments, while 15 of the students are in their 400 level, 20 in 300 level, eight in 200 level and three in 100 level.

    “The affected students have been directed to handover any university property in their possession, including identity cards to their heads of departments and units, they have also been advised to vacate the campus immediately.

    “The university authority wishes to restate its unwavering determination to protect its values and strongly warns students to respect and uphold their matriculation oath as they will be held accountable whenever they breach it,” he said.

  • 37 ex-SARS officers face dismissal, 24 others to be prosecuted for misconduct

    37 ex-SARS officers face dismissal, 24 others to be prosecuted for misconduct

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) have received recommendations to dismiss 37 former members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) from service while 24 will be prosecuted for various acts of professional misconduct.

    These were the highlights of the Report of the Presidential Panel on Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad set up by the Federal Government in 2018 to reform the dreaded unit.

    The presidential panel had, among other things, investigated allegations of human rights violations and abuse of office against SARS and recommended reform or restructuring of the outfit.

    Presenting the report to the PSC Chairman, Musiliu Smith, in Abuja on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, called for a speedy implementation of the panel recommendations.

    A statement by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said Ojukwu observed that the PSC chairman has all it takes to deal appropriately with the report of the panel.

    The statement was titled, ‘PSC to partner Human Rights Commission, promises immediate action on report of presidential panel on reform of SARS.’

    “We have come to see a PSC determined to play a leading role in the reform of the Nigeria Police Force,” Ojukwu was quoted to have said.

    Ojukwu said the reform was the most topical issue in the country today, adding that a lot was expected from the PSC.

    He noted that the panel called for and received 113 complaints on alleged human rights violations from across the country and 22 memoranda on suggestions on how to reform and restructure SARS and the Nigeria Police Force in general.

    The statement said, “Ojukwu said at the end of the public hearing, the panel recommended 37 police officers for dismissal and 24 were recommended for prosecution.

    “The panel also directed the Inspector -General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens.”

    Receiving a copy of the report, Smith said the PSC would collaborate and support the NHRC in the promotion of good governance.

    He, however, said that for effective reform of “the much-maligned SARS,” there must be a deliberate effort to select capable, professional and credible people to replace the disbanded outfit.

    The selected officers, he added, must be properly trained and exposed to regular training.

    Smith stated, “There must also be close supervision of the newly selected officers so that the nation will not experience the rot that became the fate of the disbanded unit.”

    Any misconduct, he noted, should be severely and promptly handled.

    The former IG said the government should show more concern on the funding of its vital agencies as they needed robust funding to do their job.

    He also made a case for proper and good accommodation for police officers, stressing that “these officers need good accommodation to put in their best.”