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Tag: Officers

  • Police detain 3 officers for alleged murder of suspect

    Police detain 3 officers for alleged murder of suspect

    The Police Command in Kebbi State has detained three police officers for alleged murder of an arrested suspect in connection with stealing.

    The Spokesperson of the Command, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, made this known in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

    “On April 15, based on a complaint of stolen rims of trailer truck reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Jega, one Abubakar Auwal was arrested in connection with the case.

    “On April 16, at about 6:a.m  while the investigation was ongoing, the suspect collapsed in detention.

    “He was rushed to the general hospital, Jega, for treatment, but died on the same date at about 10:p.m,” he said.

    Abubakar added that based on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet investigation.

    He said three officers were found culpable and are currently detained at the SCID for further investigation, while the Divisional Police Officer in the area has been queried and transferred with immediate effect.

    Abubakar reiterated the force’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in discharging its duties.

    “The wrong actions of few officers do not reflect the values of the Nigeria Police Force, prompt and disciplinary measures are always taken against erring officers to ensure accountability and justice.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to maintaining discipline, protecting the integrity of its operations and fostering the trust and confidence of the people it serves,” the spokesman said.

  • Obstructing officers in the line of duty is a criminal offence – Hundeyin

    Obstructing officers in the line of duty is a criminal offence – Hundeyin

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Lagos State Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, says that obstructing police officers while discharging their lawful duties is a criminal offence.

    Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Saturday in Lagos against the backdrop of a viral video incident at Omole Estate in the Ojodu area of the state.

    The PPRO said that the command had to react and set the record straight on the
    video circulating in social media.

    “In the video, estate security personnel were seen preventing uniformed police officers from gaining access in to the Estate to enforce the law, prevent crime, and ensure security and safety.

    “Which are part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Police Force.

    “The police personnel in the video, after a thorough verification, are not serving with the command.

    “They were clearly personnel on escort and protection duty to the state from other police detachments outside Lagos State, ” he said.

    Hundeyin said that there was a need to educate those involved and the public that obstructing police officers in the discharge of their duties and other statutory responsibilities was not only imprope.

    “But unlawful and punishable under the laws of the land.

    “Police officers are empowered by law to use minimum force as it may be necessary to carry out their lawful obligations in the protection of lives and property, and to ensure safety and security of every Nigerian.

    “These police actions are legal and crucial for maintaining law and order, and therefore any form of obstruction by anyone against a police officer(s) is lawlessness.

    “The police will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on perpetrators and ensure justice to serve as a deterrent to others, ” he said

    According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, was disappointed that the management of Omole Estate could not report the incident to the police.

    “Instead of reporting to the Divisional Police Officer Ojodu or to the CP.

    “They instead, resorted to self-help on social media in order to cast aspersions in the minds of the public on the discharge of the responsibility of the police in carrying out its lawful obligations and duties.

    “As of the time of this release, none of the police personnel in the Lagos Police Command has been identified as any of those in the video.

    “If incident was reported to the police in their locality, the situation would have been different and properly dealt with in accordance with the law, ” he said.

    The PPRO assured Lagos residents that the police would not cover-up any wrongdoing by any of its personnel, no matter how minor or serious the case might be.

    He urged the Omole estate management and residents to always report incident of concerns to the police and also follow-up to see the action taken against such officers, instead of resorting to self-help.

    According to him, the command remains steadfast and has began investigation into the incident and the outcome of the investigation will be made public.

    “The commitment of the police is to ensure justice is served, while upholding integrity in our official duties and other responsibilities.

    “The public is assured that any officer found guilty of high-handedness or abuse of power will face necessary disciplinary measures.

    “We appeal to all residents to continue to cooperate with the police in the prevention and detection of crimes, to ensure a safe and secure environment for all, ” he said.

  • OLD soldier never dies: Army to bridge manpower shortage by engaging discharged officers

    OLD soldier never dies: Army to bridge manpower shortage by engaging discharged officers

    Going by the popular saying in Nigeria, old soldier never dies, here are indications that the Nigerian Army may be currently experiencing an acute shortage of manpower, due to the high number of those who voluntarily retired.

    It was gathered that one of the units badly hit by the development was the Mechanical Engineering Corps.

    Over 1,008 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army in the last four years.

    According to the report, in 2023, the Nigerian Army approved the retirement of no fewer than 59 soldiers.

    Earlier in 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned; in 2021, 127 resigned, and 365 resigned in 2020.

    However, to fill the vacancy, it was gathered that the army was planning to re-engage discharged soldiers.

    In a memo dated October 16, 2024, a copy sighted by an online medium, the mechanical corps lamented that huge numbers of soldiers resigned from the unit.

    The memo signed by Lt Col A. Muhammed urged all commanding officers to reach out to discharged soldiers in the area of responsibilities.

    Over 1,008 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army in the last four years.

    According to the report, in 2023, the Nigerian Army approved the retirement of no fewer than 59 soldiers.

    Earlier in 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned; in 2021, 127 resigned, and 365 resigned in 2020.

    In August this year, 196 soldiers resigned from the Army.

    that one would have to go through before you are allowed to carry weapons. But these people already know. So, for me, it is long due.

    “For me, they should be paid. Whatever budget the army should submit to the Senate, the same way they have been passing all the bills the President has been sending to them, which do not even favour the common man, that same way they should pass that bill. Even if it is N100bn, they should pass it. As long as we would get the results, they should pass it immediately,” he said.

    Similarly, Chidi Omeje, also a security expert, commended the idea.

    He, however, said the success would depend on how it was coordinated and the motive behind the invitation.

    “To me, anything that will add to the impetus to our operation is welcome. I’m very sure that if that is what we are doing, the authorities would have looked at the pros and cons and would have looked at the advantages of activating this reserved list.

    “To me, it is not a bad idea, but as I said, it depends on how it is coordinated, it depends on what exactly is the driving force. If it is to give jobs to ‘the boys’, it becomes a different ball game.

    “But if it is out of an urgency to add to the boots on the ground, to add eyes to the sky, and then to the waters, you know what I mean, then that’s okay,” he said.

  • NAF promotes 4 senior officers to retirement

    NAF promotes 4 senior officers to retirement

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promoted four  Group Captains with special promotion to the exalted rank of Air Commodores for exhibiting unparalleled dedication and loyalty to the service.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the officers, who would also begin their retirement from the NAF forthwith, were decorated with their new ranks in the full glare of their families, friends and colleagues by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

    He said the promotion of the officers, conducted outside the typical promotion timeline, showcased the profound contributions they had made to both the NAF and the nation.

    Among the officers, according to him, is Air Commodore John Opara, honoured for his outstanding performance as an astute administrative officer.

    “The ceremony also highlighted the careers of two NAF Chaplains and Imam, Air Commodores Okechukwu Godson Okoye, David Ajar Ahmadu, and Tahir Bin-Isah.”

    In his remarks, the CAS, Air Marshal Abubakar, commended the officers for their extraordinary dedication and the significant impact they have made on the NAF.

    Abubakar said that Opara’s unwavering dedication and significant contributions were recognised, affirming the belief that ‘delay is not denial’.

    He described the officer as one of the few highly experienced, dynamic and versatile administrative officers who made significant and remarkable contributions to the attainment of NAF’s operational objectives.

    The CAS also said two chaplains and the Iman were responsible for fostering unity and mutual respect across different faiths within and outside the service.

    He said that their commitments to the emotional and spiritual well-being of NAF’s personnel, were acknowledged as a cornerstone of NAF’s moral strength.

    “As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, know that your legacies will endure.

    “The lives you have touched and the positive impacts you have made will continue to resonate within our Air Force family,” he said.

    The CAS also used the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support of their spouses, families, and friends whose unwavering love, patience, and encouragement have been crucial to the success of the officers’ careers.

    He then urged them to remember that their sacrifices have been recognised and their contributions deeply cherished, even as they transition into retirement.

    Earlier, the Chief of Administration (COA), AVM Idi Sani, said that the four officers were found worthy both in character and professionalism to have been promoted by the Air Force Council to substantive Air Commodores, after thorough and rigorous scrutiny.

    Sani said that the promoted officers’ dedication and contributions to the NAF and the nation were highlighted as key factors in their advancement.

    He added that their promotion also reflected the NAF’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence.

  • EFCC officers to face disciplinary panel over alleged assault on woman

    EFCC officers to face disciplinary panel over alleged assault on woman

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has set up a disciplinary panel to investigate two operatives accused of assaulting a woman during a raid on a hotel in Lagos on Thursday.

    Its Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja added that the errant officers were to appear before the panel on Monday.

    Oyewale said that the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, set up the disciplinary team to look into the case of the two errant officers of the commission who allegedly assaulted a female staff of Regional Hotel, Ojo,  Lagos.

    Recall that the officers were sighted in a viral video assaulting the staff of the hotel in an early morning sting operation on Thursday.

    “Olukoyede ordered the arrest of the two officers and has directed them to appear before a joint Disciplinary Team comprising the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee,  APDC and the Department of Ethics and Integrity.

    “They are billed to appear before the Team on Monday July 1, at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission,  Abuja.

    “The team would look into the case of the officers and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken against them,” he said.

    According to him,  Olukoyede stressed that no stone will be left unturned in getting the officers to account for their unprofessional conduct.

  • Police deny releasing 3 officers accused of kidnapping, extorting $3,000

    Police deny releasing 3 officers accused of kidnapping, extorting $3,000

    The Police Command in Rivers has denied reports that it released three officers accused of kidnapping and extorting 3,000 dollars from two victims in Rivers.

    The Spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified the issue in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral publication circulating on social media and online platforms regarding the alleged release of the three officers.

    “The report claims that three officers of the command, who were arrested for abducting and extorting two young men, are now free and have not been prosecuted.

    “The information was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Harrison Gwamnishu, the Labour Party candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly (in the 2023 general elections),” the statement read.

    She said in the statement that contrary to the viral publication, the officers were not released and are providing useful information to address the allegations against them.

    “We want to state categorically that the allegation of their release is untrue, malicious, and misleading.

    “The officers – ASP Doubara Edonyabo; ASP Talent Mungo; and Insp. Odey Michael – are presently detained at the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    “The officers are currently at the SCID undergoing the standard disciplinary process of the police,” she added.

    Iringe-Koko stressed that the officers had recently taken part in an identification parade at the SCID on Feb. 2 about a fresh complaint filed against them.

    The command’s spokesperson, therefore, urged residents to ignore the publication and assured them of timely updates on the outcome of a disciplinary committee that has been instituted to investigate the matter.

    The statement quoted the State’s Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu of condemining fake news and emphasising the virtue of responsible journalism.

    It also quoted him as calling on media organisations to uphold professionalism by delivering accurate information, as the public depends on them for factual news.

    “To this end, the person who tweeted should have sought a reaction from the police before publishing the report, as expected of a reasonable reporter” Iringe-Koko stated.

  • Hoodlums shoot 3 NDLEA officers in Edo

    Hoodlums shoot 3 NDLEA officers in Edo

    Hoodlums have shot and injured three operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo, Mr Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, said in a statement on Thursday.

    Babafemi said that the armed hoodlums blocked and opened fire on the team of narcotic officers deployed to Opuje community, Owan West Local Government Area, following discovery of thousands of kilograms of psychoactive substances stashed in warehouses in the area.

    He said that the drugs were stored for distribution nationwide ahead of the coming Christmas and New Year season.

    The NDLEA spokesman explained that the community has been known to harbour criminal drug lords who cultivate Indian hemp, and “after harvest, build warehouses inside the forest reserves and employ the services of armed youths to protect the warehouses 24/7.”

    Babafemi said that the operatives had credible intelligence that the drug cartels had stocked the warehouses in the forest.

    “Some of the warehouses containing about 6,000kgs of cannabis were first taken down in Ujiogba forest in Esan West LGA last weekend.

    “The NDLEA teams however came under gunfire in the early hours of Monday Dec. 4, when they approached Opuje forest after the armed hoodlums had blocked all access roads in the community.

    “The NDLEA operatives were able to exit the area after over two hours of gun fight with the armed hoodlums.

    “Unfortunately, three of the officers were injured in the attack with one of them shot in the head while some of the vehicles used for the operation were riddled with bullets.

    “The affected officers were rushed to the hospital for treatment while the critically injured one had a major surgery on Wednesday Dec. 6, to remove the bullets in his brain,” he said.

    Babafemi recalled that 11 months ago, armed youths recruited by drug barons ambushed NDLEA officers who were there to destroy massive warehouses and tents storing over 317,417 kilograms, about 317.4 metric tons of cannabis sativa, on Jan. 18, 2023.

    “At least, four suspects: Omoruan Theophilus, 37; Aigberuan Jacob, 42; Ekeinde Anthony Zaza, 53, and Naomi Patience Ohiewere, 42, were arrested in connection with the drugs then,” he added.

    Babafemi said that the drug cartels have invested huge resources, cutting down economic trees in forest reserves and cultivating cannabis on a large scale, running into hundreds of hectares in Opuje community.

    In his reaction to the attack, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa warned those sponsoring attacks on the operatives that they would be brought before the law to reap the consequences of their action.

    Marwa commended the professional conduct of the officers involved in the operation, saying that the incident would not deter the agency from the ongoing offensive against drug barons and cartels.

    ”These are merchants of death bent on destroying the lives of innocent citizens especially the youths for their own comfort across the nook and cranny of the country; we will take them down,” he added.

  • 11 LASTMA officers face disciplinary panel over alleged corruption

    11 LASTMA officers face disciplinary panel over alleged corruption

    Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the arraignment of 12 officers of the agency before a disciplinary panel for various offences bordering on corruption.

    According to reports, out of the 12 officers arraigned, one was, however, found not guilty.

    The acting General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan  Bakare, confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public of Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Mr Taofiq Adebayo.

    Bakare said that the disciplinary action was in line with the agency’s extant rules, as guided by the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

    The acting general manager, who was also part of the disciplinary panel, noted that while 11 officers were found guilty of corrupt practices, one officer was exonerated with the report of the panel.

    According to him, the disciplinary panel, which was statutorily constituted with three permanent secretaries in attendance, adjudicated on the cases of corrupt practices levelled against the 12 officers.

    He said that panel had also forwarded its recommendations to the State Civil Service Commission for ratification, in line with the public service rules.

    Bakare explained that the panel recommended various punishments, ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank to immediate termination of appointment from the state public service.

    “‘Riot Acts to all comptrollers, commanders and zebras of the agency maintain that stiff and severe punishment will continue to be meted out to corrupt officers and men in the efforts to weed the agency of few bad elements tarnishing its image.

    “We, hereby, call on residents, especially the motoring public, to support the agency in the ongoing restructuring by promptly reporting any errant officer via any of the agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597), with proof of evidence.

    “All officers are, hereby, warned to always carry out their duties without fear or favour, but in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority.

    “Any operative caught in the process of bringing the agency or the state government into disrepute shall equally face the consequences,” he said.

    Bakare commended LASTMA officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence and professionalism.

    He, however, warned the motoring public to stop inducing traffic personnel with bribes in order to avoid prosecution, as the law frowned on both the giver and the receiver.

    He also urged motorists to reach out to LASTMA management for complaints and inquiries via its social media handles, including Instagram – ekolastma; Twitter ‘X’ – @followlastma; Facebook – ekolastma and Youtube – LastmaTV.

    NAN

  • Court convicts pipeline vandals charged with killing 7 DSS officers

    Court convicts pipeline vandals charged with killing 7 DSS officers

    An Ikeja High Court on Wednesday convicted two pipeline vandals, Clement Ododomu and Tiwei Monday, charged with killing seven officers of the Department of State Security (DSS).

    The killings occurred on Sept. 14, 2015 at Ishawo Creek, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    Justice Hakeem Oshodi found Ododomu and Monday guilty but deferred their sentencing until Nov. 14 following plea for mercy by their counsel.

    Oshodi found Ododomu guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, murders and possession of firearms.

    He found Monday guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.

    According to him, the claim of defence that the defendants were in Lagos for funeral of their grandmother was a ruse.

    Oshodi held that defence failed to provide essential witnesses to corroborate the claim.

    He, however, held that prosecution was not able to prove that the second defendant (Monday) was guilty of murder.

    Oshodi said that evidence before the court showed that it was one Agbala and the first defendant (Ododomu) who killed the operatives.

    He held that prosecution was able to prove that the two defendants participated in the ambush of the operatives.

    He said: “Upon proper evaluation of evidence before the court, the convicts are hereby discharged and acquitted on counts of two, three, four, six and eight because the prosecution was unable to prove the allegations against them.

    “However, the prosecution was able to prove that the first defendant, Ododomu, is guilty of counts one, five, seven, nine and 10 which border on conspiracy to commit murder, murders, possession of firearms and felony.

    “The second defendant, Monday, is also found guilty of count one and 10 which border on conspiracy to commit murder and felony.”

    Defence counsel, Mr Olusegun Akande, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

    Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, however, urged the court to convict them as prescribed by the section under which they were charged.

    Lagos State Government had submitted that DSS received a distress call from an editor of Sun newspaper (name withheld) on Sept. 14, 2015 about kidnap of his wife at their residence.

    It said that the state command of DSS consequently dispatched a nine-man team to carry out surveillance to ascertain the location of the kidnappers who were negotiating for a ransom.

    Prosecution added that it was reported that in the evening of that day, one of the DSS team members, Mr Martins Ajayi, sent a distress text message to the command headquarters to the effect that the team had been ambushed by vandals and their weapons seized.

    According to prosecution, the convicts committed the offences on Sept. 14, 2015, in Ishawo Creek, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    The convicts were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, murder and illegal possession of firearms, contrary to Section 223 and 298 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

  • HIGHWAY EXTORTION: NDLEA says dismissal, prosecution await erring officials

    HIGHWAY EXTORTION: NDLEA says dismissal, prosecution await erring officials

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it has stringent measures against any form of corrupt act by its personnel while urging motorists and road users in Nigeria to report unwholesome activities by agency officials.

    In an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development, PRIMORG, Wednesday in Abuja, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency has put measures in place to fight corruption internally and will not hesitate to wield the big stick on any staff found culpable of fraud.

    He said officials know that what awaits them is dismissal and prosecution if they are found guilty of extortions and bribes.

    NDLEA’s reaction is coming on the backdrop of an investigative report published by Human Angle Media which alleges that officials of the agency and five other security agencies are extorting money from motorists and road users at checkpoints along Maiduguri highways, Borno state.

    The NDLEA spokesperson, however, insisted that the agency staff are not known for extorting motorists on Nigerian roads because they understand the enormity of engaging in corrupt acts, which attracts both sack and prosecution according to the law. Additionally, agency officials deployed at various checkpoints across Nigeria are trained to do their job professionally.

    “When you see officers of the agency on the highway, their responsibility purely is to check for drugs and not anything else, and so if you’re not trafficking or carrying drugs, you have no business with them.

    “Rather, what people complain about NDLEA personnel on the roads is a delay in time used in searching vehicles which I don’t encourage,” Babafemi stressed.

    On measures to check corruption within the agency, he explained that “NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa set up monitoring units that report to him directly and a taskforce team that investigates activities of personnel and handout disciplinary measures.

    “Public service rules are taken seriously, and this helps make the personnel behave well. Also, recruiting people into the agency is top-notch, and this is to ensure persons of integrity are recruited into NDLEA,” he asserted.

    Babafemi called on Nigerians to assist the agency in spreading the advocacy against the trafficking of illicit drugs and substance use, stressing that many harmful substances are seized from highways, and people are arrested for trafficking drugs now and then.

    He said the agency has been partnering with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at the federal, subnational and local levels in the fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs while expressing readiness and willingness of NDLEA to partner with PRIMORG and other organizations.

    The NDLEA spokesperson urged investigative journalists and other media organizations to concretize their stories with evidence to help the agency take action against personnel indicted.

    On his part, an investigative journalist with Human Angle Media, Ijasini Ijani, said motorists are not able to resist giving money to security officials at checkpoints due to fear of being delayed while alleging that extorting of motorists on the Maiduguri highways is allegedly spearheaded by the Nigerian Army and the Police.

    The report also indicted the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC.

    PRIMORG had written to the NIS and the Nigeria Police Force for their responses to the allegation. At the same time, the Nigerian Army and FRSC failed to turn up for the radio programme despite being notified of the program.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.