TheNewsGuru

Tag: Officers

  • Customs dismiss officers linked to arms importation

    The Nigeria Customs Service has dismissed some of its officers who were found culpable in the importation and clearing of arms into the country earlier this year. The officers were found to have illegally released the container load of arms illegally, after collecting bribes.

    The officers’ dismissal was confirmed last weekend by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Customs Service; My Joseph Atah.

    Even though he gave no further details about the dismissed officers, our sources hinted that they might be some of those who were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos recently.

    The officers are Mahmud Hassan, Oscar Okafor, Donatus Achinulo, Matthew Okoye, said be at large, and Salihu Danjuma.

    They were alleged to have conspired to import 661 pump action rifles into the country from Turkey through the Apapa Port in Lagos, using a 40-feet container, which they falsely claimed contained steel doors.

    To facilitate the illegal importation, the accused allegedly forged a number of documents including a bill of lading, a Form M and a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report.

    It was gathered that the accused allegedly forged a bill of lading issued at Istanbul on January 9, 2017, claiming that it was issued at Shanghai, China.

    In the forged bill of lading, they allegedly filled “steel door” as the content of the container instead of rifles.

    It was alleged further that they offered a bribe of N400,000 to an official of the Nigeria Customs Service attached to the Federal Operative Unit to influence the said officer not to conduct a “hundred per cent search on the 40-feet container with number PONU 825914/3.”

    The prosecution also alleged that the first accused, Hassan, corruptly gave N1 million to government officers at the Apapa Port in order to prevent the search of the container by Customs officials.

    The Customs PRO however explained that it was those involved in the first case that have been dismissed, adding that officers implicated in the second case involving importation of 440 pieces of riffles at Tin Can Island Port have only been suspended.

    On the officers, the Customs PRO said: “I can tell you that the officers involved in the arms scandals both the one that happened at Mile 2 and the one at Tin- Can have been dismissed and the suspects are facing prosecution. The whole cases of the arms are still in court this is the much I can tell you for now. All the suspects are under prosecution”.

  • Behave yourselves, I have zero tolerance for corruption – IGP warns officers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, on Wednesday warned officers of the force to shun corruption and abuse of citizens’ rights or face sanctions.

    Idris gave the advice at the opening of the training of police officers on the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Abuja.

    The training was organised by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies.

    “Let me use this opportunity to advise you to shun corruption and the abuse of the rights of citizens while performing your duties.

    “This administration has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of human rights, “he said.

    He said that any officer caught engaging in corrupt practices and other unwholesome acts would be punished in accordance with the law.

    “I assure you that your welfare as police officers is paramount and I must do everything possible to meet up with it, “he said.

    He enjoined the participants to make good use of the training to improve their day-to-day operations in their stations and formations.

    The inspector-general said that the training was aimed at inculcating in police officers across board, the need to police in accordance with the Act.

    “This will eliminate all forms of illegal conducts that are not in conformity with our creed, “he said.

    He noted that unlawful arrest, prolonged detentions without order of court among others, had given rise to judgments against the police.

    Idris restated that the police under his administration would operate within the rule of law and respect for rights of Nigerians.

    The President, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, called on the Federal Government to adequately fund the police for optimum performance.

    He also said that there was need to recruit more personnel to enhance the operations of the police in all nooks and crannies of the country.

    Akinseye-George urged the National Assembly to give the Police Trust Fund bill before it, speedy consideration.

    He said that the centre was ready to collaborate with the police toward the development of a modern Police Act.

    The president said that if given the required resources, the police would check corruption and insecurity in the country.

    He noted that the police was central to the effective implementation of the ACJA.

    The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, who was represented by Justice Emmanuel Agim, said the training sought to improve the capacity of police officers.

    She said that to effectively enforce the law, police officers must have the moral will.

    Bulkachuwa said that enough money must be spent on training and investigation for good end-result, adding that investigations in the country were associated with more problems.

    She advised that thorough investigation should be carried out before arresting a suspect.

    “Lack of fund for investigation will force a police officer to sit in his office, “Bulkachuwa said.

     

  • Shekau lied, none of our officers are under his captivity – Borno State command

    Shekau lied, none of our officers are under his captivity – Borno State command

    The Nigeria Police Force has rubbished claims by the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau that some policewomen were under the sect’s captivity.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Shekau had on Tuesday released a 10 minutes video where he claimed that several female officers were abducted​​ during​ sect’s attack on a joint police/military convoy near Maiduguri​ on June 20.

    Reacting, however, the Borno State Police Command described the footage as false, saying none of those paraded in the video are officers of the force.

    The command in a statement by its PRO, DSP Isuku Victor, insisted that no police woman was in custody of the insurgents.

    He said “for avoidance of doubts, and to put records straight, there are no Police women under Boko Haram terrorist’s captivity as claimed by the sect leader.

    “The Command wishes to reiterate as contained in an earlier Press Briefing by the Commissioner of Police, CP Damian A. Chukwu, on 20/06/2017 that: Police lorry with Reg. No. NPF 2677 D was carted away. Occupants comprise personnel, relations and burial party for late Sgt Rahila Antikirya.

    “Driver of the Police lorry, Sgt Kubura Mwada, was shot and injured on his back. He was able to jump down from the lorry and escaped.

    “Personnel missing are Inspr Fatsuma Sale and Cpl Abubakar Haruna. There is no evidence in the video clip indicating that they are in the captivity of the sect.

    “Other occupants of the lorry are either relations or sympathizers of the deceased, and were all reported missing in the earlier press briefing. They took advantage of the space in the lorry conveying personal effects of the deceased Police woman and joined the burial party.

    “The Command, therefore, wishes to advise media organisations and the general public to disregard the claim(s) in the video, as well as social media reports as they are not a true representation of that unfortunate incident.”

     

  • IGP orders immediate promotion of Abba Kyari, 34 others for arresting Evans

    The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has approved the special promotion of policemen who participated in the arrest of Lagos most wanted kidnapper, Duneme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the billionaire kingpin was arrested in Lagos on Saturday, June 10 while preparing to travel out of the country. The arrest was carried out by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and led by ACP Abba Kyari.

    It was gathered that 35 operatives from the IRT, 11 from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) and one person from the IGP monitoring section, were involved in the elevation.

    In a memo signed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of welfare, Posi Ajunwa, 29 sergeants were promoted to rank of Inspector, while three Corporals were promoted to the rank of Sergeant with effect from June 16, 2017.

  • UNIOSUN fracas: NAF sets up committee, vows to deal with erring officers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its attention has been drawn to reports that some of its personnel were involved in a fracas on the campus of the University of Osun (UNIOSUN) at Ipetu Ijesha, Osun State.

    Olatokunbo Adesanya, Director of Public Relations and Information, in a statement on Wednesday, said while the NAF highly regrets the entire incident, it was not a reflection of what the military arms stood for.

    “The NAF is a highly professional force that does not condone or encourage the violation of anyone’s human rights”, he said.

    “The general public is invited to kindly note that the NAF has already commenced formal investigations into the reported unfortunate incidence.

    “At the end of the investigations, Nigerians are assured that any NAF personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate laws”, he added.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that for the second time in a week, officials of NAF on Wednesday stormed the students’ hostel, assaulting and brutalising many of them.

  • Stop unlawful arrest, detention of innocent Nigerians, IGP warns officers

    Stop unlawful arrest, detention of innocent Nigerians, IGP warns officers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has warned personnel of the force against unlawful arrests and detention of innocent Nigerians.

    Idris gave the warning at a meeting with Commissioners of Police and above in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He directed all commissioners of police in the states to ensure close supervision of operations of all units in their commands to avoid this unpleasant situation.

    “You should ensure close supervision of operations of all units stationed in your commands,” he said.

    The IG said that all police units in the state were under the supervision of the commissioner who supervised activities of the command.

    He expressed concern over the conduct of some police officers who were arresting suspects and detaining them without recourse to thorough investigation.

    Idris attributed the recent achievements recorded by the police to the synergy between it and other security agencies in the country.

    “Police is having a robust synergy with other security agencies, this is seen in operation jointly carried out by the police and the security agencies,” he said.

    He said that such joint operations had resulted in the arrest of 18 suspects and recovery of cache of arms in Benue.

    The police boss assured that the notorious leader of the gang, Gana, who was still on the run, would be apprehended and brought to justice.

    He said that the suspect under-declared the arms in his possession during the amnesty given to militants in the state.

    “We seized arrays of arms from him, what he declared during the amnesty programme was to fool Nigerians,” he said.

    He urged command commissioners to give field commanders maximum support to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

    Idris said that more area commands would be established in the states to address the issue of stagnation of personnel in the commander cadre of the force.

    In a related development, the IG has decorated 11 newly-promoted commissioners of police and one Assistant commissioner of police.

    The beneficiaries are: CP John Amadi, CP Undie Adie, CP Olugbenga Adeyanju, CP Patrick Garba, Joseph Agaji and CP Akinpelu Olajumoke, among others.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Police Service Commission had on Feb. 23, promoted 11 DCP to the rank of CP.

  • Bail is free, don’t offer money for it – CP tells Nigerians

    Bail is free, don’t offer money for it – CP tells Nigerians

    The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Rabiu Yusuf, has warned officers and men against demanding for money or any form of favour before granting bail to the suspects.

    Yusuf also cautioned them against illegal investigation of cases, unlawful detention of suspects and prolonged detention, saying that they should respect human rights in the course of all investigations.

    The police chief spoke at a lecture/ parade with officers and men working at State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Divisional Crime Officers and Investigation Police Officers (IPOs) in the state.

    Yusuf, according to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya, said that the era of bribery and corruption was over in the police circle.

    “Nobody should accept or demand money or any form of favour for bail.

    “Any senior police officer found to be engaged in corrupt practices will be queried and sent to the Force Headquarters for disciplinary action.

    “Inspectors and rank and file found wanting will be sanctioned appropriately,” Yusuf said.

    He urged them to exhibit professionalism and diligence during investigation by collating all relevant evidences and witnesses and forward the case files to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for Legal advice where applicable.

    Yusuf urged the Legal/Prosecution Department to ensure diligence and logical prosecution of cases in the Court of Law and that cases should be judiciously followed up to gain conviction of criminals.

  • ‘You must exhibit commitment, responsibility to duty’, IGP tells officers

    ‘You must exhibit commitment, responsibility to duty’, IGP tells officers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has said that the police management would not hesitate to sanction any policeman, who deviated from the norms of the force.

    Idris, who gave this warning on the occasion of the decoration of newly promoted officers in Abuja on Friday, said the measure would serve as a deterrent to others.

    The promoted officers are: the Acting Commissioners of Police; Don Awunah, the force spokesman, Bello Ahmed as well as Afiz Inuwa and Garba Umar.

    Others are the Acting Deputy Commissioners of Police, Abuh Sani, ACP Adamu Bakori, ACP Kolo Yusuf, ACP Abba Kyari and SP Abdulkareem Abdullahi.

    He said that the promotion was one of the motivational incentives to honour officers, who had distinguished themselves in their various duty posts.

    “I implore you to wear your new ranks with a deep sense of commitment to duty, responsibility and humility,” he said.

    He added that the promotion was a launch pad for greater challenges and efforts to accomplish organisational goals.

    Idris directed departmental heads, zonal and state commands, formations and units to reactivate the reward system within their powers to deserving officers.

    The IG said that tremendous successes were recorded in technical support as well as fighting corruption and professional misconduct in the force.

    “These achievements are a result of the collective efforts of these senior officers, whose devotion and conduct have been exemplary.

    “These successes were facilitated courtesy of an effective administrative structure at the force headquarters,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the officers, Ahmed promised that they would redouble their efforts in discharging their responsibilities.

    “We shall continue to do our best as we discharge our responsibilities.

    “I assure you that we will not let you and the nation down, we will match our words with action,” he said.

    He noted that policing business was tasking and demanding.

  • Army recover corpses of 15 soldiers, officers declared missing in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said it had recovered corpses of “one officer and 15 soldiers’’ earlier declared “Missing in Action” during an operation to dislodge the Boko Haram insurgents from Gashigar Area in Borno on October 16, 2016.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor, disclosed this at a weekly review of Operation Rescue Final at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.

    “The corpses were recovered along Kamadugou River line area in Maiduguri.

    “Among the recovered corpses was that of Lt.-Col. K Yusuf, the former Commanding Officer (CO) of 223 Tank Battalion.

    “They have since been buried in Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery with full military honours,’’ Irabor said.

     

    NAN

  • BREAKING: Police dismiss six officers attached to Governor Wike

    BREAKING: Police dismiss six officers attached to Governor Wike

    The Nigeria Police Force, NPF on Friday dismissed an Inspector and five sergeants attached to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike over alleged misconduct.

    The affected police personnel, ex-Inspector Eyong Victor, ex-Sgts. Peter Ekpo, Oguni Goodluck, Orji Nwoke, Okpe Ezekiel and Tanko Akor were dismissed over alleged misuse of fire arms during the just concluded legislative rerun in the state.

    The dismissed operatives were said to have disobeyed senior officers by preventing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from moving election results of Emouha polling unit to the appropriate collation centre, an action that contravenes the provisions of Force Order 237.

    Parading the ex-police officers on Friday in Abuja, the Force spokesperson, Donald Awunah said the behaviour of the recalcitrant operatives was a breach of directive and its unacceptable.

    According to Awunah, the recalcitrant operatives in the course of discreet investigations were found to have disrespected directives, compromised and engaged in unprofessional acts.

    He said, “These aforementioned police personnel while in the convoy of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on the date of election on December 10, 2016 misused the firearms in their possession contrary to the provisions of Force Order 237.

    “The personnel became overzealous, took laws into their hands and opened fire, causing panic in the crowd.

    “They joined in storming the Port Harcourt City Council Secretariat and prevented the movement of election results of Emouha polling unit to the appropriate collation centre designated by INEC, in flagrant disregard and disobedience to senior police officers present at the venue.

    “They will be prosecuted under the Electoral Act to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “Their actions are capable of bringing the entire Nigeria Police Force to disrepute and portray the Force in a very bad light as a lawless organization not guided by the rule of law.”