TheNewsGuru

Tag: NPF

  • Abba Kyari in custody: No stone will be left unturned – NDLEA

    Abba Kyari in custody: No stone will be left unturned – NDLEA

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed wanted super cop, Abba Kyari is now in its custody and that no stone will be left unturned in investigating the matter.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja made this known in a statement on Monday.

    Babafemi made this known shortly after the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) said it has arrested Kyari and handed him over to the anti-narcotic agency.

    “Few hours after he was declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA over his involvement in a 25 kilograms Cocaine deal, the Nigerian Police Force has handed over the suspended DCP Abba Kyari, the erstwhile Commander of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigerian Police Force, to the anti-narcotic agency.

    “Five of the wanted suspects namely: DCP Abba Kyari; ACP Sunday J. Ubua; ASP Bawa James; Inspector Simon Agirgba and Inspector John Nuhu were driven into the National Headquarters of NDLEA in Abuja at about 5pm on Monday 14th February to formally hand them over for interrogation and further investigation.

    “The Agency wishes to assure that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that all suspects already in custody and those that may still be indicted in the course of investigation will face the full weight of the law at the end of the ongoing probe”.

  • BREAKING: Frank Mba hands over to Olumuyiwa Adejobi as Force PRO

    BREAKING: Frank Mba hands over to Olumuyiwa Adejobi as Force PRO

    The Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba has handed over the duties and responsibilities of the Force Public Relations Department to his Deputy, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who takes charge of the Department with immediate effect.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement released by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Admin Officer, Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    This change of baton follows CP Mba’s nomination by the Inspector-General of Police for the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.

    Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Ibadan where he studied Archeology and Geography (Combined Honours).

    He also holds a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the same University, and was the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the Ogun State Command from 2008 – 2016

    Adejobi was also the PPRO Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, in 2016 and PPRO Lagos State Police Command between September, 2020 and August, 2021.

    The statement reads in part: “CSP Olumuyiwa is an experienced communicator and image manager who has achieved great strides in his previous appointments.

    “He is a member of several professional bodies and associations which include: Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); International Public Relations Association (IPRA); Pointman Leadership Institute, USA; International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), USA; and the Institute of Corporate Administration, Nigeria.

    “CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi can be reached on cell phone number 08037168147 while he seeks support from all and sundry as he discharged his duties”.

  • How Service Comm uncovered armed robbers trying to join police

    How Service Comm uncovered armed robbers trying to join police

    The Police Service Commission has uncovered some confirmed armed robbers trying to enlist into the Nigerian Police Force.

    The Commission’s Chairman, Musliu Smith, disclosed this during a one-day sensitisation and town hall meeting on the ongoing police recruitment exercise in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

    Smith enjoined Nigerians to alert the relevant authorities whenever they notice a not-so-good person joining the police force.

    He said, “Part of the challenges the commission discovered during recruitment exercises from 2019 was the academic challenges of the applicants which is a sad reflection on the society.

    “If our responsible and upright young ones are discouraged from joining the police, where are we going to source for the police officers of our dreams?

    “Police and policing are a noble act and deserves the best of the society to join and change the narrative on the issue of internal security of our nation.

    “We must raise the alarm if we notice not-so-good persons applying to join the police. There have been cases of robbers finding their way into recruitment camps.

    “We must all come together as a community to ensure only the best apply for and are recruited into the Nigeria police.”

  • Popular life coach, Buchi narrates ugly experience in hands of police

    Popular life coach, Buchi narrates ugly experience in hands of police

    …they took our ATMs, withdrew our money – Buchi

    …I can’t even talk, I’m traumatized – Buchi

    Life coach, feminist and TEDx speaker, Solomon Buchi has narrated an ugly experience he was made to suffer in the hands of men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Buchi as saying the ugly incident occurred on Tuesday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    According to the life coach, his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card and that of his kid brother were taken from them and funds withdrawn from their bank accounts by the yet to be identified police officers.

    Sharing the ugly experience via Twitter, Buchi tweeted: “I and my kid brother were kidnapped by the Police in Abuja around Wuse 2 couple hours ago, after eating at Kilimanjaro at Ruby Center. They swiftly doubled crossed our bolt ride, brought out guns and asked us to follow them into their car which wasn’t a police vehicle.

    “On getting in, they asked where we’re from, I stated that were Igbos from Imo state, they immediately said that we’re members of IPOB, they squeezed us into their car, they were 5 police men! They started harassing us, at this point, I had a severe panic attack.

    “I asked them to please give me water to take my meds(thankfully I was with it) they asked what I do for a living, I told them I’m a writer, and they stated that I’m a yahoo boy. They said we should get ready to get to the station, I told them that I wanted to call my lawyer.

    “They were furious. They asked if I’m based in Abuja, I told them I came for the holiday, and they asked where I stay and how much I am paying, I told them I stay at a shortlet apartment and well, they ransacked my phone and saw the convo with my manager and saw how much I paid.

    “They asked how I could afford such amount of money. All these while, they’ve taken us to outskirts of Abuja. By the way, they handcuffed us and pushed us into the boot. I nearly choked because I am claustrophobic and I had to take double dose of my meds.

    “They wanted to tase us. They ransacked my brothers phone and called him a yahoo boy because of his crypto ish. They drove so far from Abuja, I mean, two hours! I was so scared because these guys had guns and threatened to kill us.

    “They began asking how many accounts we have and how much in there. They forced us to open our bank apps, and told me to bring 1.5m. I was already having severe panic attacks and needed to take my other meds at home. I told them I didn’t have that amount of money.

    “Long story short, they took our ATMs and withdrew 500,000 Naira out of 617000 that I had in my account. They withdrew my kid brothers 50K. I begged them that it was my upkeep money for my stay but they went physical on me, slapped me and asked me to use the 117K for myself.

    “By the way, they stopped at a junction, and one took off his police uniform and went to withdraw the money using a POS! They also wanted to transfer our crypto. Man, I can’t even talk. I’m traumatized. After everything, they drove us back to town (Utako where I stay…)

    “They looked for a dark place, unlocked the handcuffs and gave us our phones and cards. They took my new AirPods and valuables. Phew. This wasn’t the plan at all. I felt so invaded and highly abused.

    “500K out of 617K in my account. Just like that? I was squeezed in the boot; I nearly passed out. They threatened to kill. They said they work for the IG of police. When the dropped us off, all I saw BWR 127Q0 as plate number. Not sure of the last two letters though.

    “They were actual policemen, they had their walkie-talkie and I could hear security comms, but I think it was planned because they paid my Bolt driver off and told him to go and kidnapped my kid bro and I. I have never experienced anything close to this. I’m literally shaking.

    “I have no words, I need time to understand this. My hard earned money. I was abused on all fronts”.

    TNG reports the NPF was yet to address the matter at the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba on the matter proved abortive.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian police officer elected INTERPOL’s vice president

    BREAKING: Nigerian police officer elected INTERPOL’s vice president

    A Nigerian police officer named Garba Baba Umar has been elected as the Vice President for Africa of INTERPOL, the international organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Garba is an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and has been described as one of Nigeria’s finest criminal investigators.

    AIG Garba was elected INTERPOL’S Vice President for Africa on Thursday at the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly currently holding at the Halic Congress Hall, Istanbul, Turkey.

    A professional strategic police manager with over thirty (30) years policing experience both at national and international levels, he polled the highest number of votes in the elections.

    Until elected INTERPOL’S Vice President for Africa, Garba was the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Nigeria.

    Being INTERPOL’S Vice President for Africa, Garba is now also an Executive Committee Member of the International Criminal Police Organization.

    With this appointment, which will span through a period of 3yrs, AIG Garba is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in coordinating INPERPOL operations targeted at ensuring a safer world for people and communities across the African continent.

    TNG reports Nigeria’s delegation to the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly was led by the Minster of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, ably supported by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba.

    The other members of the delegation are: the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (represented by the Naval Provost Marshal).

    The 2021 General Assembly, which has in attendance 470 Police Chiefs, Ministers and Senior Law Enforcement Officials from the 195 INTERPOL member countries, seeks to identify areas where the organization can reinforce the global security architecture and enhance collaboration against national and transnational crimes.

  • #FindTordue: NUJ storms force headquarters, demand release of missing journalist

    #FindTordue: NUJ storms force headquarters, demand release of missing journalist

    Protest erupted on Monday in the heart of Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT) as executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) filed out in their numbers to demand the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to expedite actions for the safe return of missing journalist, Mr Tordue Henry Salem.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Tordue, a reporter who covers the House of Representatives for the Vanguard newspaper has been declared missing since October 13 and since then, nothing has been heard of him or his whereabouts.

    Chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, who led the peaceful march to the NPF headquarters, said that a law abiding citizen should not go missing just few metres away from the force headquarters without any reasonable response from the police.

    Mr Ogbeche called on the NPF to do everything possible to ensure that Tordue is found and returned alive. He presented a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali, demanding actions and accountability for the safety of journalists, and the rescue of the missing colleague.

    According to the NUJ FCT Council chairman, 48 hours after fellow colleagues who cover the House of Representatives realized Tordue had disappeared, a report was immediately incidented at the House of Reps Police Division.

    He further revealed that this was followed by a petition to both the office of the IGP and that of the Director General of the Department of State Security by Tordue’s employers- Vanguard Media Ltd.

    “Mr. Tordue Henry Salem of the Vanguard Newspapers went missing on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 right in front of the Total Filing Station less than a 100 meters from the Force Headquarters.

    “48 hours after fellow colleagues who cover the House of Representatives realized he had DISAPPEARED, a report was immediately incidented at the House of Reps Police Division. This was followed by a petition to both your office and that of the Director General of the Department of State Security by his employers- Vanguard Media Ltd. This is outside calls by the leadership of the NUJ to senior officers of the Police.

    “It is regrettable to note that 12 days after Mr. Tordue Henry Salem DISAPPEARED, nothing much has happened to indicate whether he is alive or dead; whether he is captive of the State, a non-state or an alien,” the petition reads in part.

    The NUJ FCT Council thus demanded that the case be transferred to a special unit of the police under the office of the IGP, and that the NPF hold a confidential briefing with the family of Tordue, the leadership of the Union and his employers to calm frayed nerves.

    Meanwhile, in his remarks, IGP Baba, who was represented by Force Public Relations officer, Frank Mba revealed that the case of the missing journalist was already with them and that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

    Receiving the petition on behalf of the IGP, Mba assured that the missing journalist would be found. He also acceded to the demands of the Union.

  • Fresh petrol crisis looms in South East as IPMAN withdraws services

    Fresh petrol crisis looms in South East as IPMAN withdraws services

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to withdraw their services from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) loading depot in Enugu.

    The National President of IPMAN, Alhaji Sanusi Fari, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, in Enugu, added that the directive was in response to an alleged attack and invasion of the IPMAN secretariat in the Enugu depot, on Thursday, by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The president said that the invasion and attack were carried out with impunity and against a subsisting court order.

    “Sequel to this ugly development, the National Executive Committee of IPMAN has resolved and directed the withdrawal of our services at Enugu loading depot with immediate effect.

    “This will stop our services to members of the public in Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi from Sept. 17 until the police illegality is reversed,” Fari said.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu Command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, denied that operatives of the command blockaded or attacked the IPMAN secretariat in Enugu.

    Rather, Ndukwe said that detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Abuja, were on an investigation trip to the IPMAN office to serve the association’s members invitation over a court matter.

    Recall that the South-East had been grappling with an acute shortage of petroleum products, following a strike by petroleum tanker drivers in the area.

    The situation had increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the area as a litre currently sells between N250 and N300 in most petrol stations.

  • Cybercrime: NITDA urges police to protect legitimate IT business pros

    Cybercrime: NITDA urges police to protect legitimate IT business pros

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to protect legitimate IT business professionals in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NITDA especially urged the NPF to allow young Nigerians with genuine IT businesses operate freely.

    The Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, made the call on Wednesday when he paid a working visit with the management team of the agency to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, in Abuja.

    Inuwa said that there were innovations being initiated by Startups across the country which was impacting positively on the digital economy agenda of the country.

    “The critical role of Start-ups in our journey towards a Digital Nigeria cannot be overemphasised.

    “However, some tech Start-ups have reported being harassed by some Law Enforcement Agencies, with some having their IT systems confiscated.

    “This has negatively impacted on their business operations as well as the economy.

    “NITDA maintains a database of genuine Start-ups with verifiable business ventures and duly registered with the agency and access to such a database can be granted to the Force when need arises,” he said.

    Inuwa also said that in spite of genuine individuals running their IT businesses, there were cyber criminals that engage in cyber attacks, while there are private and public organisations that violate data in their possessions.

    He recalled that NITDA in January 2019 established the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) to ensure that citizens’ data were protected.

    He added that they would collaborate with the NPF to ensure that public and private organisations complied with the provisions of NDPR.

    Inuwa said the enforcement would ensure that citizens’ personal information was protected, tackle the menace of cybercrimes and encourage safer use of Internet among individuals, public, and private organisations in the country.

    “Cybersecurity has become very essential in today’s world where the society is more reliant on digital technology than ever before; and the sophistication and relentless attacks of cybercriminals are incomparable.

    “There is apparently no sign that this trend will slow down anytime soon and there is need for the collaboration between NITDA and the Force to tackle the menace through ensuring that organisations protect the personal information of all citizens at their disposal,” he said.

    He decried that individuals, private organisations, government establishments, the Military and paramilitary have all been targets of online attacks due to high rate of data leakage on the internet.

    “Reports from our cybersecurity monitoring platforms have indicated that activities of cybercriminals have increased exponentially; data leakage that can lead to identity theft are now being posted on social media and even auctioned for sale on the dark web.

    “It is important to note that this is a global phenomenon, nations around the world are reporting increased numbers of cyber espionage, Business Email Compromise Scams, Identity theft, among numerous other cybercrimes,” Inuwa said.

    The director-general added that the agency was strengthening its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) to provide support for Ministries, Departments and Agencies in addressing Cybersecurity incidents.

    He further stated that the agency publishes Information Assurance Guidelines for MDAs towards ensuring that they implemented the minimum controls required to safeguard their information assets.

    Inuwa also said that the enactment of the NDPR further ensured that personal data of data subjects were protected, adding that mechanisms are in place to ensure that violations to the regulation were investigated and sanctions applied where necessary.

    He recalled that the Federal Government had in April 2006 issued a circular directing all MDAs planning to embark on IT projects to obtain clearance from NITDA and subsequently re-enforced by another circular issued in August 2018.

    Responding, Alkali appreciated NITDA and assured it of the Force’s support towards realising the agency’s mandates.

    He reiterated the need for synergy and collaboration with NITDA, stating that no organisation can effectively operate without leveraging digital technologies and NITDA being the IT regulator in the country, was central to the activities of the Force.

  • Iskilu Wakili: Nigerian police indicted in terror ravaging Yorubaland

    Iskilu Wakili: Nigerian police indicted in terror ravaging Yorubaland

    A civil society organisation known as International Alliance for Justice and Peace (IAJP) has indicted the Nigerian police while condemning the arrest of four members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).

    Recall on Saturday, 6th March 2021, the men of OPC effected the arrest of one Iskilu Wakili, a notorious leader of a violent gang that has unleashed terror on the people of Ibarapa for many months, paralysing economic activities and leaving many residents maimed and dead, and billions of property destroyed in his wake.

    IAJP in a statement released by Dr Seun Kolade congratulated the men of OPC for their exceptional courage, the CSO said is matched only by great discipline in their latest intervention in the Ibarapa area of Oyo state.

    The statement reads: “The OPC completed this operation without any bloodshed to the alleged gang leader and members, even in the face of utmost provocation in which gang members shot several times at the OPC members.

    “In carrying out this operation with such exemplary discipline, the OPC has not only inspired hope among the long-suffering residents of the beleaguered community, it has also laid down a high standard for cooperation between citizens and police and security forces in the collective effort to tackle the menace of gang violence and terrorism across Yorubaland.

    “Tragically however, we are horrified to hear reports that men of the Nigerian police have arrested four members of the heroic OPC team that commendably and impeccably effected the apprehension of the deadly Wakilu and his men!

    “This alleged act is an outrageous assault on the sensibilities of all men and women of good will, not only across Yorubaland but anywhere in the world! It is an established and acceptable principle of law that citizens have the right to, and are in fact encouraged to apprehend individuals or individuals who have committed or are in the process of committing indictable or felonious acts, the likes of those Wakilu and his men have been accused.

    “Citizen arrest, especially when carried out with utmost regards to the requirement of the law as exemplified by the men of the OPC in this present matter, is not only commendable, it is also a charitable community act that should be encouraged.

    “We call on the police high command to investigate this reported incident, as it undermines the working synergy that should exist between the police and neighbourhoods’ security stakeholders. It also validates the perception that the Buhari-led Nigerian security forces are outdoing themselves to confirm long held suspicions that it is complicit in the campaign of terror currently ravaging Yorubaland.

    “If not convincingly rebutted, it would essentially further set a dangerous message that restraint and cooperation with security agencies is not a viable option for law abiding citizens who only want to live their lives in peace.

    “It is now imperative and urgent for the security forces to correct this impression taking hold among the populace before peoples’ minds are closed up on the growing image of security agencies as champions of terror.

    “The minimum action required to address this negative impression is not just to either convincingly rebut the accusation, or mete out the right punitive actions on the officers responsible for this breach of the rules of official engagement, infringement of the fundamental rights of citizens to arrest offenders of the law, and worsening of optics for an already discredited government, but to immediately expedite action on the prosecution of Wakili and his gangs!

    “Finally, we strongly believe that this well-coordinated engagement that had culminated in this bloodless arrest brings to the fore the need to further legitimise local security initiatives of communities. It reinforces the need to adopt a multi-tier policing system in our national security architecture if we were any determined about restoring our territorial integrity”.

  • UPDATED: Maina lands Nigeria from Niger Republic after arrest [See photos]

    UPDATED: Maina lands Nigeria from Niger Republic after arrest [See photos]

    A former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abulrasheed Maina has been returned to Nigeria from Niger Republic to face his ongoing money laundering trial.

    Maina, who was arrested in Niger after jumping bail, was received by men of the Nigeria Police Force at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday.

    The aircraft carrying the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team landed at the Airport at 2.15 pm.

    Mr. Maina is standing trial for alleged money laundering to the tune of 2 billion naira.

    Speaking with journalists, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Interpol said Mr Maina was brought back to Nigeria on the directive of the IGP, Mohammed Adamu.

    Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday granted permission to a lawyer, Mr Ademola Adedipe, for permission to withdraw from the N2bn money laundering case involving the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team.

    Adedipe, who was appearing for the second defendant in the case, Common Input Property and Investment Ltd, a firm said to be owned by Maina, had hinged his decision to quit the case on the grounds that his brief had not been perfected by the client.

    But Justice Okon Abang had on November 25, 2020, turned down the application by the lawyer to quit the case.

    The judge, in declining the application for withdrawal at the previous proceedings, said the application had yet to arrive the court file from the registry.

    But acknowledging the application on Thursday, the judge issued an order discharging the lawyer from the case.