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FCT Police recover Toddler two months after being stolen from Port Harcourt, hand child over to parents

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By Ebinum Samuel

FCT Police Command has recovered a todler stolen from his school in Port Harcourt.

Commissioner of Police in charge of the territory, CP Olatunji Disu who handed the child over to his mother today, noted that the baby’s whereabouts was traced with the use of technology.

According to the CP, a dramatic real-life story unfolded recently involving a suspect named Blessing Okoi.

According to him, the incident started on October 31, when Miss Lydia Jonah Gabriel reported the disappearance of her 4-year-old son, Hope Evans, from Community Primary School Azubie in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to school officials, an unidentified woman, later identified as Blessing Okoi, lured Hope away from the school premises at approximately 1:28.pm by offering him biscuits and Boiled Egg.

The woman, who was not known to the school management, managed to leave with Hope unnoticed. The disappearance was only discovered later that evening when the child’s family could not locate him.

Upon realizing her son was missing, Miss Lydia Jonah , alongside family members, visited the school to gather more information.

They discovered that the woman who took Hope was known locally as “Destiny’s mum.” However, upon visiting the residence of Destiny, the family learned that the suspect had hurriedly vacated the premises on the same night, October 31.

According to Disu, “On November 1, 2024, the family revisited the school and spoke with the Headmaster. Several students identified the woman as Destiny’s mother, prompting the family to report the matter to the Trans Amadi Police Station.

“The case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
On suspicion that the suspect may have escaped to Abuja , the younger sister of the victim’s mother came to report the matter at the FCT Police Command where the FCT Police Command Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu ordered immediate investigation.

“Following a detailed investigation, police tracked the movements of the suspect, Blessing Okoi, to Maraba, Abuja. After over two weeks persistent efforts, she was arrested on November 29, 2024, at approximately 8:00.pm, and the four years old Hope Evans was rescued after over two months abduction .

“During questioning, Blessing Okoi initially claimed to be Hope’s biological mother, referring to him as “David Evans.”

“However, her claims were inconsistent with information provided by the victim’s mother who confirmed that her son’s name was Hope Evans, she further presented recent photographs of Hope as evidence of their relationship.

“The suspect, Blessing Okoi confirmed that she actually changed the boy’s name to David and has started calling him so.

“Investigation revealed that the Suspect Blessing Okoi convinced his former lover named Evans that he was the father of the abducted young man. That that was the result of the pregnancy he had for him some years back . The boyfriend accepted the boy as his own.
“Another twist to the case was is that the suspect was found with another young boy whom she claimed was hers but that the father has died.

“The FCT command contacted the mother who arrived Abuja on December 6, 2024.
The Joy of the mother and son knows no bounds as they saw eye to eye after two months and were subsequently reunited in the office of the Commissioner of Police.”

The commissioner of police FCT advised School owners to pay necessary attention to the safety of children put in their care by parents.

He further praised the officers who achieved the feat.

The suspect’s arrest was said to have been achieved through meticulous tracking of her movements and interviews with witnesses.

The child, Hope Evans, was unharmed and has since been reunited with his family after medical attention was given to him by the FCT Police boss.

CP Disu noted that Blessing Okoi remains in
police custody undergoing further questioning and would be charged to court according.

French Govt assures of more support after weeks of special training for NDLEA officers

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Fighting drug cartels requires global partnership, says Marwa

By Ebinum Samuel

After weeks of intensive special operations training for officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, by men of an elite tactical unit of the French National Police, popularly called RAID, the government of France has assured the anti-narcotics agency of more collaboration and support. The assurance was given at the weekend by the French Police Attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Phillipe Crespo when he led the trio of Messrs. Phillipe Barrau, Tony Albaladejo and Cedric Hocquette on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja. The visit followed the conclusion of series of special operations training for officers of Strike Force Unit in NDLEA at the Agency’s Academy in Jos, Plateau state, the third of such trainings in the last two years. Speaking during the visit, Mr. Crespo commended Marwa for the warm reception always accorded the French team and his willingness to collaborate with local and international partners in his determined effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

He said the success of NDLEA’s operations is not only helping to protect Nigerians and Nigerian cities but equally communities in foreign lands through the Agency’s interdiction efforts that had led to huge seizures of assorted illicit drug consignments heading to Europe and other parts of the world. He said as a result, the French government through the French National Police will continue its support and collaboration with NDLEA. He proposed that the growing partnership should be documented in a memorandum of understanding in the new year.

In his remark, French technical expert, Phillipe Barrau praised the diligence, expertise and professionalism of NDLEA officers involved in the three weeks training exercise, adding that both sides had a lot to learn from each other. He commended the support and capacity of the Agency’s Academy, which made the programme seamless and successful. In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to the French government for the support and partnership. “I remember in 2022 when I visited the headquarters of RAID in France on invitation and I made a request for this type of training, I never knew it’s something that will come so fast and this consistent.

Soon after that visit, a team of experts were sent to train our personnel and I am glad this is the third of such exercise. “The drug problem is huge and worldwide, and as such, we require global partnership, collaboration and every bit of expertise we can acquire to confront the drug cartels and put an end to their activities which pose direct threat to public health and the security of countries across the globe. “It is therefore a thing of joy that our collaboration is not just growing at the level of drug law enforcement, but we can see the growing partnership between our two leaders: President Bola Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron; our governments and our countries; this will in no small measure bring great benefits to both sides”, Marwa stated.

He welcomed the proposed MoU and expressed his preparedness to see that the relationship between the two organisations continues to grow.

PSC DISMISSES 18 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS REDUCES THE RANKS OF 19 OTHERS AS IT MOVES TO CURB MISCONDUCT IN THE SERVICE

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission rose from the last segment of its first Plenary Meeting in Abuja, with far reaching decisions on one hundred and nine (110) Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM), and twenty three (23) Appeals and petition cases with thirteen (13) court judgements seeking for compliance The Commission had earlier considered and approved recommendations on several promotion matters which had since been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

The Plenary Meeting was chaired by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni and had DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner and Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani also present.The Commission after rigorous consideration of the Pending Disciplinary Matters before it, approved the dismissal of Eighteen (18) senior Police Officers which comprised ten Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents and one Superintendent.The Commission also approved the reduction in ranks of Nineteen other senior Police Officers, one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents and thirteen Assistant Superintendents. Two Assistant Inspectors General of Police also received some punishments, one, punishment of reprimand for refusal to carry out lawful instructions and the other, letter of warning for negligence.Several other Officers found culpable received different punishments including, severe Reprimand, Reprimand and letter of warning.

Most of the Officers dismissed are also to be prosecuted by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Three pending Disciplinary matters were stepped down with a request for further information from the Inspector General of Police. The Commission also considered 23 Appeals and petitions and nine legal matters/court judgements. The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Argungu said the Commission will henceforth consider Police Disciplinary matters with dispatch so as to free Police Officers who are not found wanting to continue with their career progression and those found culpable to serve their punishments. He warned that the Commission will not spare Police Officers who indulge in civil matters like land disputes, marital issues and rent related disputes. DIG Argungu said the courts should be allowed to do their duties while the Police should pay more attention to criminal matters and threats to life.

Justice System In Nigeria Is Weak and Sick – IGP

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun Thursday said the criminal justice in Nigeria is weak and sick.

Egbetokun who stated this in Lagos at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony charged Nigerians to revive the system.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who represented the IGP said people should stop blaming the police.

He said the police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in this country, saying “We have challenges, we accept, but we will try our best to make sure we have a better system.”

According to Adejobi, “All of us must come together to help perfect criminal justice or justice system administration in Nigeria.”

“The government has make the ACJA 2015 and other laws but the problem we always face is that we always confuse ourselves and full of sentiment”, he added.

“Cyber crime is there since 2015. The provision is there that if you say certain things online is an offence. Nigerians must know that an offence has been committed.”

On the #EndBadGovernance, Adejobi urged lawyers to stop confusing Nigerians on the issue of the arrested minors, saying there is a difference between a protester and a criminal.

He said anyone who is more than 7 year old can be charged to court and be prosecuted for committing crime. “Thank God the President gave them pardon. We would have continue with the case”, Adejobi added.

Recidivism: A Major Threat To Fight Against Insecurity – CRAN

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By Ebinum Samuel

The President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Olalekan Olabulo Thursday identified recidivism as a major threat to the fight against insecurity.

In his opening address at the 2024 annual lecture and award ceremony of the association in Ikaja, Lagos, Olabulo said recidivism which he described as a hydra-headed monster has become a significant source of concern for security agents in Nigeria.

He said the fact that criminals and convicts are recycled, returning to a life of crime after being arrested and prosecuted, is a stark reminder of a failing system.

According to him, “this has not only emboldened criminals but also discouraged security operatives, exposing them to grave dangers from unrepentant criminals. Many security agents have paid the ultimate price, killed, and others injured, after being identified by criminals who found their early out of correctional centres.”

“These criminals mobilised and attacked security operatives, who unknowingly found themselves in the midst of the criminal fray.”

Olabulo noted that the scourge Of recidivism has become a cancer, eating deep into the fabric of society. “It’s a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash its deadly consequences on our collective security.”

“Despite the discouragement, our security agents remain resolute, committed to their duties, and deserving of our commendation”, he added.

“The time for rhetoric is over; it’s time for action. We need to support our security agents, provide them with the necessary resources and protection to do their jobs effectively. We also need to reform our justice system system, make it more responsive to the needs of our society, and ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions. The era of recycling criminals must end; it’s time to put an end to recidivism.”

LASG REVAMPS LASTMA SPECIAL TRAFFIC MAYOR PROGRAMME, INDUCTS HEAD OF SERVICE AND PERMANENT SECRETARIES

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By Ebinum Samuel

In a landmark move to enhance traffic safety and emergency response mechanisms, the Lagos State Government today unveiled the rebranded Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Special Traffic Mayor (STM) initiative. The induction ceremony, hosted at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, formally welcomed the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Shuaheeb Agoro, alongside the Body of Permanent Secretaries, into this visionary programme. The event was chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, in partnership with the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa.The rebranding of the Lastma Special Traffic Mayor (STM) initiative symbolizes the state government’s unwavering commitment to fostering robust partnerships in addressing Lagos’ dynamic traffic challenges.

This initiative is designed to complement the efforts of LASTMA Officers by enhancing traffic management and emergency intervention across the state.Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Sola Giwa highlighted the integral role of public participation in traffic governance. “This rebranding heralds a renewed commitment to empowering citizens and stakeholders to actively contribute to road safety and orderliness. The Special Traffic Mayors will now play a pivotal role in advancing our transportation objectives and fostering a culture of collaboration,” he stated.In his remarks, Mr. Olawale Musa underscored the strategic importance of the initiative in addressing the peculiarities of Lagos’ traffic ecosystem.

He remarked, “The revamped Special Traffic Mayor program aligns seamlessly with our overarching vision of harmonizing public and private sector efforts to mitigate congestion and bolster emergency responsiveness.”Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Olabode Shuaheeb Agoro (Lagos Head of Service) commended the government’s foresight in implementing such a transformative program. “This initiative transcends traffic management; it cultivates a spirit of collective responsibility. I am deeply honored to be part of this groundbreaking endeavor,” he said.The rebranded program is poised to amplify the effectiveness of the Special Traffic Mayors by equipping them with advanced tools, specialized training, and enhanced resources to operate in synergy with LASTMA Officers.

This initiative further cements Lagos State’s status as a trailblazer in innovative traffic management solutions.Distinguished attendees included all Lagos State Permanent Secretaries, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and the Director of Traffic Advocacy and Special Mayor, Mr. Jimmy Awoyemi. For prompt response to Traffic, Safety and Emergency related issues, pls call Lastma toll – free hotline 080000527862.

Lagos Police Command Bags CRAN Award as Police Command of the Year

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Lagos State Police Command has been crowned Police Command of the Year at the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN). The event took place today at the Sheba Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola, the command was recognized for its exceptional crime-fighting achievements and innovative policing strategies.Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Minister of Women Affairs, Honorable Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Olowu of Kuta, Oba (Dr) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude; and Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, also received accolades for professional policing and integrity at the event.CRAN’s annual awards celebrate excellence in security and law enforcement, and the Lagos Command’s recognition underscores its pivotal role in ensuring safety and justice in Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Police probe death of Edo ex-NLC chair at checkpoint

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The police command in Edo has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Kaduna Eboigbodin at a police checkpoint in Benin City.The command Spokesman, Moses Yamu, said the Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, gave the order on Wednesday.Sources said the incident occurred when Eboigbodin was driving with his spouse through Upper Sakponba Road on Monday in Benin City.According to a source, the police stopped Eboigbodin and demanded his vehicle particulars, which he provided.

The source said, however, that a discrepancy in the documents sparked a heated argument, as the police were said to have accused him of driving a stolen vehicle.The source said the policemen allegedly ordered him to drive to their station, which Eboigbodin refused, demanding to know his offence.The situation degenerated into arguments and Eboigbodin who had become infuriated, slumped on the spot.

it was gathered that the police officers fled the scene, leaving Eboigbodin’s wife to rush him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The command spokesman said the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police received with great concern, news of the death of Eboigbodin, former Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress in Edo.

Yamu quoted Ozigi as saying the police would investigate issues of unprofessional conduct in the incident.

According to Iyamu, the CP wishes to use this medium to commiserate

with the widow, family, friends and associates of the deceased over the loss and pray for the repose of his soul.

“The CP noted the cordial working relationship existing between the Police, Civil Society Organisations, NLC and all critical stakeholders in the state and has, therefore, directed the immediate investigation into the incident.

“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails in every situation,” Yamu said.

NAN

POLICE ACADEMY ADMISSION SCREENING: PSC CHAIR SAYS ANY CANDIDATE NEGOTIATING TO PAY MONEY FOR CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED, INSISTS IT MUST BE ON MERIT AND RESPECT FOR EQUITY

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni today, December 4th 2024 led a strong delegation of the Management team of the Commission to the Police Academy Wudil Kano to supervise the commencement of the 2024 Post JAMB admission processes into the higher Institution. The team included DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission.The PSC Chairman who also took a studied tour of the facilities in the Academy directed that any candidate for admission into the University caught trying to compromise the process should be disqualified.DIG Argungu warned that any candidate negotiating to pay money for consideration should be weeded out.He said the exercise must be protected to run on merit, fairness and equity. The PSC Chairman who noticed some complaints on the functionality of the computers in some of the centres directed that the systems should be quickly rectified or changed. He commended the Commandant of the Academy, AIG Abubakar Sadiq for his innovative initiatives especially for the current post JAMB screening.

The PSC Chairman said the Commission will ensure the Academy is run on merit and fairness and that accountability and Transparency must be their watchword.DIG Argungu said the PSC team was in the Academy for the common good of the ongoing post JAMB computer based tests. ” We are here as Stakeholders and I have noticed that the exercise is going on smoothly, there is progress in the process and the Commission will sustain it for the good of the Institution”.The Chairman inspected the facilities in the Academy including the Moot Court , the Clinic, Library, Lecture theatre and screening centres.Ikechukwuu Ani, the Commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, confirmed that the Commandant, AIG Sadiq said the Academy was prepared for the exercise and would ensure there was no hitches.

He told the visiting delegation that the computer test was transparent as the candidates immediately on submission of their answers will receive a computer generated result. He said before leaving the examination hall, the candidates will be able to know their scores.

14, 480 arrested over 2.4million kg illicit drugs seized by NDLEA in 10 months – Marwa. House of Reps Committee assures Agency of more support

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By Ebinum Samuel 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that 14, 480 suspected drug traffickers were arrested between January and October 2024 in connection with the seizure of 2.4 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized by the anti-narcotics agency at seaports, airports, land borders and communities across the country. Marwa stated on Wednesday 4th December 2024 while briefing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs who were on oversight visit to the national headquarters of NDLEA in Abuja.

He said with the record of work done by the agency in the past 10 months, “we can say with certainty that we are on course to beat the performance of the previous three years.” According to him, “between January 1 and October 30, 2024, we recorded 14, 480 arrest of drug offenders, including 15 drug barons. Within the same time, we have been able to secure 2,867 convictions in court. This is far more than what we have achieved in each of the past three years. Our seizures in 10 months amounted to 2.4 million kilograms of illicit drugs, which also surpassed last year’s record. We successfully located and destroyed 547, 378 kilograms of cannabis plantations. Similarly, our drug demand reduction figure is on the positive side. In the past 10 months, the agency counselled and rehabilitated 6, 655 drug users. In the breath, we conducted a total of 3, 064 awareness campaigns and sensitisation lectures in schools, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others, which reached 1, 327, 181 people.” He cited the largest single heroin seizure of 51.90kg in the history of the agency at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February; securing life imprisonment sentences for some notorious drug traffickers; arrest of most wanted drug barons in Lagos and the recent passage of the NDLEA Act amendment bill as some of the milestones of the Agency in 2024. While commending the lawmakers for their support in the outgoing year, Marwa urged them to remain steadfast so that the Agency can achieve more. “In the past three years, we have harnessed and maximised the limited resources at our disposal to achieve impressive results.

We can do more, and we are rearing to do more if given adequate resources. So, I will have to implore you not to relent or become weary of your oversight in ensuring that we are 100 percent mobilised in all our operations. We have come a long way, from an agency that was grossly emasculated due to a lack of resources to a government organ that is now up and doing.” “We are only a short distance away from attaining full strength to achieve all our set objectives that will make Nigeria safe from the scourge of illicit drugs. Pushing us to reach that watershed is very much in your power to do. While we thank you immensely for bringing us this far with your support, we look forward to more of that support that will put us on a pedestal where we will be sufficiently funded to work at our optimal best”, the NDLEA boss added. In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun commended the leadership and personnel of the Agency for their dedication to duty despite the often-challenging circumstances under which they operate. “As we conduct our oversight responsibilities, I assure you of our committee’s unwavering support in ensuring that the NDLEA remains adequately equipped to fulfil its mission. This includes advocating for improved funding, modern tools, and a conducive working environment for all staff”, the lawmaker assured.