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Court Orders IGP, PSC To Reinstate AIG Idowu, CPs Igwe, Opara & Others

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria Holden in Abuja, has ordered the reinstatement of the Course 18,19 and 20 officers that were illegally retired by the Nigeria Inspector General of Police, Police Service Commission, PSC, and the Force Secretary with immediate effect.

 

 

The Court in a suit no: NICN/ABJ/28/2025 brought before Justice R.B Hasstrup ordered the immediate reinstatement of the forcefully retired police officers.

 

It would be recalled that the litigants brought the suit through eight of their representatives, ACP Chinedu Emengaha, ACP Victor Chilaka, ACP Egwu Otu, CSP Sylvester Ebosele, CSP Sunday Okuguni, CSP Asuquo Inyang, CSP Kalu Chikozie and CSP Adetu Omoteso.

 

They alleged that they were unlawfully retired from service, without recourse to the due process of the law, stressing that they have not attained the mandatory retirement age.

 

Before the judgement, Justice R.B Hasstrup sets aside the three issues that were before the court for determination of the suit that were resolved in favour of the Claimants against the Defendants

 

“If the Court has the jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The substance of the Suit as it relates to the action of the Defendants via the Circular of 31st January 2025.

 

And the other was the act of the 2nd Defendant via the Circular of 2nd Defendant amounts to sitting on appeal on a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

“Thus the circular is hereby set aside. All the claimants are hereby entitled to the reliefs sought.

 

 

“The Court read it’s judgement and resolved all issues and prayers sought in favor of the Claimants.

 

“The Court has directed the Defendants to recall the Claimants to continue their service/ work accordingly.”

 

Reacting to the judgement, one of Lawyers name withheld said, “This is the first time I am seeing a number one Law Officer saddled with the responsibility of the enforcement of law and order aborting an already implemented court judgment to settle scores without any consequence, this is a clear demonstration of sabotage against the Nation Nigeria.

 

“This actions taken by Police Service Commission and the Police hierarchy is tantamount to a threat to National security.”

Delta Police Chief Harps On Professionalism.. Warns Against Extortion  

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, today, held a strategic conference with officers of the Command at the Police Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Asaba, explicitly aligning the session with the recent conference convened by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. Building on the IGP’s directives, the CP set a results-driven tone for the next operational cycle. He emphasised intelligence-led patrols, disciplined highway enforcement, and unwavering respect for human rights.

 

According to SP Edafe Bright, the spokesman for the Command, Abaniwonda, during his address issued a firm warning to Area Commanders, DPOs, tactical commanders and other officers in the Command, noting that extortion of any form will not be tolerated by the Command under his leadership. This CP opined that Policemen are not allowed to randomly stop people and search their mobile phones, warning that any officer found engaging in this embarrassing act will be decisively dealt with.

 

The CP reaffirmed zero tolerance for extortion, unlawful detention, and excessive force, and directed senior officers to strengthen pre-deployment briefings and post-deployment debriefs. He ordered firm but civil enforcement on highways, and tasked units to deepen intelligence on identified black spots, kidnap and robbery corridors, while maintaining synergy with sister agencies in line with the IGP’s inter-agency cooperation agenda and members of their local communities.

 

 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, assures residents that robust security architecture will be sustained and escalated throughout the “ember months” and festive period. He mandated Area Commanders, DPOs, and tactical commanders to cascade the directives issued today to their officers and ensuring uniform understanding, compliance, and accountability. He further urged residents to remain vigilant and to share credible information by visiting the nearest police station or through the Command’s dedicated distress line: 08036684974.

Security Experts Rate Anambra State Commissioner of Police High

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

At least, two Security Experts, last weekend, commended the Anambra state boss, Livingsten Ikioye Orutugu for proactive policing. The experts who spoke to this reporter at Akwa, the capital of Anambra state revealed that the security situation in the state in the past six months has improved tremendously as coercion and intimidation of the people of the state by hoodlums has been reduced to the barest minimum.

According to one of the experts, Mr Femi Thomas of New Xera security outfit based in Lagos, he’s of the opinion that the asumption of office by Orutugu in less than 10 months, has seen a sharp reduction of crimes in the state.

Thomas said the dark abyss of sit-at-home conundrum occasioned by the activities of hoodlums has been nipped in the bud by Orutugu’s crime fighting methodology. He enjoined the good people of Anambra to give the police chief the needed support so as to restore those glorious days to them in their Light of the nation’s state.

The other security expert, Prince Marcus Okafor of Marca4 Consults, while stressing the important role discipline and anti corruption stance plays in curbing crimes and insecurity, extolled CP Orutugu for his no-nonsense character. Okafor described Orutugu as officer who doesn’t compromise his official position.

 

“Right from his days in Lagos as a gallant mopol commander, everything about him has always being action, action. He hasn’t deviated from this principle ” said Okafor.

PSC Chair Felicitates with Nigerians on 65th Independence Anniversary, says Commission remains committed to reforms that will guarantee an efficient, motivated, and accountable Police Force

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Commission, heartily felicitates with the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of the Nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

 

The PSC Chairman also extends warm greetings to officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, and to the dedicated staff of the Commission, urging them to remain steadfast in their service to their fatherland.

 

He noted that Independence Day is not only a time of celebration but also of sober reflection on the sacrifices made by our founding fathers and the collective responsibility of all citizens to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

 

The Chairman called on Police Officers across the country to rededicate themselves to the principles of professionalism, discipline, and integrity, as they carry out their constitutional mandate of ensuring law and order. He assured that the Police Service Commission remains committed to reforms that will guarantee an efficient, motivated, and accountable Police Force.

 

“As we celebrate our Independence, let us renew our faith in Nigeria and continue to work together in unity and love. The challenges may be daunting, but with resilience and commitment, our nation will continue to thrive,” the Chairman said.

 

The Commission prays for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Armed robbers kill Arise News journalist in her Abuja home

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A news anchor, reporter and producer with Arise News Channel, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has been killed by armed robbers who raided her residence in Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

 

Below is the statement by Arise News on the incident:

 

TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU

 

December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025

 

 

It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.

 

Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.

 

Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.

 

We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.

 

 

 

Hadiza Usman-Ajayi

 

For Management

AIG, 2CPs 11DCPs And 16 ACPs Undergo PSC Compulsory Promotion Exam -Argungu says Officers that fail thrice will be retired

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By Ebinum Samuel     Thirty Senior Police Officers were today, Monday, September 29th 2025, subjected to promotion examination, which is now a prerequisite for promotion in the Nigeria Police Force.   The Officers, according to a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, include one Assistant Inspector General of Police, two Commissioners, eleven Deputy Commissioners, and sixteen Assistant Commissioners out of the 17 invited for the exercise.     The promotion examination took place at Solomon Arase Chairman’s Conference hall, at the 6th floor of the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission.   Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, said the promotion examination was one of the innovations that has come to stay in the career progression of serving Police Officers. He noted that although it is coming late in the day, it was still a good development that is expected to restore the dignity of the Nigeria Police Force.   DIG Argungu explained that any Officer, that fails the examination three times will be retired at that level for obvious incompetence.   He said the world has since embraced the era of skill and noted that Police Officers who want to advance in their career must be prepared to embrace the demands of this era.   The PSC Chairman said the Commission is also giving attention to due diligence to ensure that no dead or retired Officer/s are promoted in error.   Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Justice of the Supreme Court rtd, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, Justice Christine Ladi Dabup rtd, DIG Uba Bala Ringim, rtd, Alhaji Abdulfatah Mohammed, all Honourable Commissioners in the Commission were present at the Promotion examination

Kidnappers demand N20m ransom for female lawyer among 12 abducted passengers

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    The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 12 passengers travelling from Abuja to Benin, Edo State, in a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd.   The incident occurred along the Okene-Auchi Road, a notorious route for highway kidnappings. The bus, with registration number Edo FUG 13 XY, was reportedly intercepted by gunmen who whisked away all occupants into the nearby forest.   Among the victims is a female lawyer, for whom the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦20 million before her release. Subsequently, the DPO Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately mobilised police personnel in conjunction with military and vigilantes in pursuit of the kidnappers.   “In the process, eight victims, including the driver, were rescued while efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining 4 victims and to make a possible arrest of the perpetrators,” he said.   However, Barrister Onyesom Peace Udoka, who was recently called to the Nigerian bar in Abuja, was also one of the 12 persons kidnapped alongside her sister while returning home from her Call to Bar ceremony.   According to the report, the incident happened in Kogi State, on Friday, September 27, 2025, just days after she was called to the bar in Abuja.  

Another Former PSC Chairman Dies, Argungun Calls For Prayers

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Police Service Commission says it received with shock the news of the death of its former Chairman DIG Parry Osayande, an erudite and consummate Police Officer who paid his dues as an exemplary Police Officer and visionary Chairman of the Commission, as the current Chairman, Hashimu Argungu calls for prayers.

 

DIG Osayande, according to Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesman, in a released statement, said Osayande succeeded Chief Simon Okeke, who was the pioneer Chairman of the Commission. Osayande was appointed in April 2008 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

 

His tenure marked rapid growth of the Commission, including the Presidential approval for a Corporate Headquarters for the Commission now standing in the Jabi District of Abuja.

 

DIG Parry Osayande was fearless, focused, and had a Commanding presence, which gave the Commission, a lot of mileage during its formative period.

 

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, said the death of DIG Osayande was a great loss for the Commission. He called on Nigerians to remember the Commission in their prayers in this trying period of losing two of its former Chairmen within a month.

 

DIG Osayande died early today in Benin, Edo state.

Two drug kingpins arrested with consignments of cocaine, heroin, meth in Lagos 

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

As NDLEA intercepts 3 bandits’ suppliers with Colorado, Opioid supplies in Borno, Yobe; destroys 24,146kg skunk in Edo forests

 

Two drug kingpins: Victor Nwosa and Felix Chika Obiegbu have been arrested by operatives of a Special Operations Unit (SOU) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after consignments of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine being prepared for export to Europe and beyond were recovered from their Lagos homes following weeks of intelligence and surveillance on their criminal networks.

While 64-year-old Nwosa parades himself as a successful textile merchant, 49-year-old Obiegbu is known to many as a businessman who is into wine distribution but beneath their outward appearance is their hidden illicit drug business unearthed by NDLEA operatives after months of intelligence gathering on the two syndicates led by them.

At the time they were preparing their consignments for export, NDLEA-SOU operatives who have for months put them under surveillance, swooped on them in different parts of Lagos. Nwosa was arrested on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at his 16 Femi Kila street, Okota home where 4.33 kilograms of heroin and 448 grams of cocaine were recovered during a search of his house. In his case, Obiegbu was arrested on Thursday 11th September at his 5 Shada Shonefun street, Aguda Surulere home where in the course of a search, 2.902 kilograms of methamphetamine were uncovered and seized.

Attempts by suspected suppliers of illicit drugs to terrorists and bandits in Borno and Yobe to move illicit drugs concealed in engine compartment of a Mercedes Benz jeep and a lady’s travelling bag were also thwarted by NDLEA operatives on stop and search operations in the two states.

In Borno, following weeks of intelligence, NDLEA officers on Saturday 27th September arrested Baba Kaka Ibrahim, 26, at Njimtilo village while driving a Mercedes Benz GLK marked JRE 987 AE towards Damaturu road. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 39, 380 pills of tramadol 225mg and exol-5 stuffed in the engine compartment of the jeep.

Same day in Yobe state, NDLEA operatives intercepted a lady Halima Adamu along Damaturu-Maiduguri road, where 39 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 1.4kg were found concealed inside the casing of her travelling bag. A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of another lady linked to the consignment, Habiba Muhammad, at her Baga road, Maiduguri home.

Two suspects: Aliyu Sani, 27, and Yahaya Tata, 26, were on Saturday 27th September arrested by NDLEA operatives along Zaria – Kano road, Gadar Tamburawa, Kano state with 30,030 pills of tramadol seized from them, while three suspects: Friday Elebechi, 35; Tobin Godgift, 30; and Aya Clement, 30, were arrested by NDLEA operatives at Swali jetty, Yenagoa, Bayelsa on Monday 22nd September after 12kg of skunk, a strain of cannabis and 50 Diana AAA cartridges were recovered from them.

A 45-year-old ex-convict Femi Owoeye (aka Do Good) was on Thursday 25th September arrested by NDLEA officers at his 24 Oke-Igele street, Ikere Ekiti home. He was found in possession of 32kg skunk and 10.5grams of tramadol. He had been convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment for a similar drug trafficking offence in 2016.

In Kaduna, a suspect Adedamola Olayeni, 56, was on Monday 22nd September arrested with 404 blocks of skunk weighing 262.6kg at the Abuja – Kaduna tollgate. The consignment was found in his Honda Pilot jeep marked MKA 499 TT, coming from Osogbo, Osun state and heading to Katsina state. Another suspect, Zubairu Haruna, 30, was on Wednesday 24th September found with 506grams of methamphetamine at the Gwantu – Fadan Karshi check point, Kaduna while a follow up operation in Gombe state led to the arrest of the actual receiver of the consignment Babangida Mohammed, 25.

No fewer than 85,100 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from the trio of Dauda Abubakar; Abdullahi Umar and Ismaila Muhammed at Apapa area of Lagos on Monday 22nd September, while NDLEA operatives in Abuja the following day Tuesday 23rd September arrested Opeyemi Ogundipe, 40, with 2.1kg Colorado along Abaji- Gwagwalada expressway.

In Edo state, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 23rd September destroyed a total of 12,115.6kg skunk on 4.846244 hectares of cannabis plantation at Uromi forest in Esan West LGA where two suspects: Ernest Uche, 44, and Felix Mugorga, 31, were arrested and 345.5kg processed substance was evacuated. At Ogu forest, Igueben LGA, no less than 12,031.245kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on 4.438442 hectares of cannabis farm on Wednesday 24th September with 106.1kg processed consignment evacuated. A truck conveying 82 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal with a total weight of 1,025kg was intercepted by NDLEA operatives along Wareke-Auchi road, Etsako West LGA on Friday 26th September while two suspects: Kabiru Abdulahi, 35; and Anas Safiyanu, 20, were apprehended in connection with the seizure.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of RCM Primary School 1, Igboora, Oyo; Champion International Academy, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu; Government Day Secondary School, Babban-Mutum, Katsina; Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Dakata Kawaji, Nasarawa LGA, Kano; Solomon Primary School, Oko Balogun, Epe, Lagos while the Kogi state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Ejeh Ankpa, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu in Ankpa.

While commending the officers and men of the SOU, Borno, Yobe, Edo, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, FCT, Ekiti and Bayelsa Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues nationwide to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency. He noted that “the success of the various operations across the country underscores our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria from illicit substances that threaten public health and national security. Every gram of these dangerous drugs we seize and remove from our streets and communities, reinforces our determination to protect our youths, disrupt criminal networks, and strengthen national security.”

Tinubu has no authority to place INEC chairman, Yakubu, on terminal leave – Falana

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Prominent human rights advocate, Femi Falana (SAN), has stated that President Bola Tinubu has no constitutional right to compel the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to embark on terminal leave.

 

His position follows unverified reports circulating midweek alleging that the President had ordered Yakubu to step aside ahead of the conclusion of his tenure, reportedly as retaliation for perceived disloyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

 

According to the claims, the directive had unsettled INEC operations, with attention drawn to the abrupt cancellation of its quarterly consultations with political parties and civil society organisations, scheduled for Wednesday.

 

Yakubu, first appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020 after Senate approval, is due to complete his second term in October 2025, making him the first INEC boss to serve two terms.

While the presidency has not released an official statement on the matter, the rumour has ignited heated online reactions. On Thursday, Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisted the order was genuine and linked to Yakubu’s imminent exit.

 

However, former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani, dismissed the speculation as “most likely social media entertainment news.”

 

Despite the controversy, Yakubu presided over INEC’s weekly management meeting on Thursday and even approved promotions for junior staff, an indication that the commission’s activities remain intact.

 

INEC’s spokesperson, Rotimi Oyekanmi, meanwhile, urged Nigerians to consult constitutional provisions, pointing out that the law specifies the processes for

appointment and removal of the chairman. Sections 154(1) and 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution state that while the President nominates the INEC chairman with Senate confirmation, removal requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate on grounds of incapacity or misconduct. Section 160(1) further empowers the commission to regulate its own procedures without executive interference.

 

In a statement on Friday, Falana stressed that these safeguards prevent any president from unilaterally sending the INEC chairman on leave.

 

“Unlike other federal executive bodies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, its powers to make its own rules or otherwise regulate its own procedure shall not be subject to the approval or control of the President.

“To that extent, President Bola Tinubu cannot direct the INEC chairman to proceed on terminal leave,” he said.

 

Falana further recalled that in 2015, similar reports circulated about then INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega being sent on terminal leave, which later turned out to be untrue.

 

“We pointed out at the material time that the INEC chairman could not be directed by any authority to embark on terminal leave. It turned out that the President did not give any such directive,” Falana added.

 

(PUNCH)