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PSC CHAIR MAKES CASE FOR DEFINED PENSION BENEFIT PLAN FOR POLICE OFFICERS, calls for review of the current plan for CPs and other ranks

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni has called for a review of the current defined pension contribution plan for Commissioners of Police and other ranks.

DIG Argungu called for the removal of Nigeria Police Force personnel from defined pension contribution to a defined pension benefit plan in line with global best practices.

He spoke today, Tuesday, February 11th 2025 at an interactive session between the Nigeria Police Force Management team and retired Police Officers where he delivered a paper titled “Systematic Systems Review of Global Issues on Retirement, Pension, Remuneration and Compensation Principles and Practices”.

The PSC Chairman noted that during employment/Recruitment interview, the issue of Potential salary and benefits package should be discussed and agreement reached.

DIG Argungu also noted that the significant wage gap between the categories of Police Specialists should be considered in line with the nation’s best practices.

He advised that the Nigeria Police Force scheme of service should be prepared in comparative analysis in the earning of individuals in different workforce of the Nigeria Police Force.

The NPF pension, he added, should have clearly defined organisational structure in line with reality and the situation in the country, stressing that this “will enable them to be effective in performing their statutory functions”.

The PSC Chairman said the Federal Government should regularly review and adjust the salary structure to reflect the current economic realities and inflation rate. This, he noted will help to reduce the wage gap and promote equity in the system.

He called for the introduction of a retention bonus in the work force-merit- based pay system that rewards performance and productivity.

DIG Argungu said this will help motivate Officers to improve their performance and contribute positively to the development of the country.

On the implementation strategies for the recommendation to work, the PSC Chairman said the Nigeria Police Force Management Team and retired Members of the Nigeria Police Officers should set up a high – powered Committee to come up with measures in ensuring the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme to a defined benefit pension plan.

DIG Argungu said the Membership of the Committee should cut across all principal stakeholders such as Ministry of Police Affairs as Chairman; National Assembly Committee on Police Affairs, Member, Retired Police Officers, members; Members of Nigeria Labour Union, members; other Related organisations, Members and Nigeria Police Force, Secretary

PSC CHAIRMAN WRITES IGP, DEMANDS INVESTIGATION OF OFFICERS OF ZONE 7 INVOLVED IN CORTUPT PRACTICES, LAND MATTERS

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, in line with his avowed commitment to purge the Police from meddling into civil matters, has officially written to the Inspector General of Police demanding investigation into the roles of some officers of the Zone 7 Police Command. DIG Argungu is requesting that the Inspector General of Police sets up a competent Committee to conduct further investigation into the activities of the Officer in charge of Legal Unit and the Deputy Commissioner incharge of Operations of the Zone for abuse of office, extortion and gross misconduct contrary to the rules of engagement and conduct of Police Officers.

He said the letter was prompted by a complaint/petition received from one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya against the two officers of the zone who, against repeated warnings, were involved in civil matters and supervised/provided cover in the demolition of the petitioner’s residential property where he had lived for over 15 years.

In the letter to the IGP, the PSC Chairman said that on the 19th of December 2024, the Police and enforcement staff from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, went to the residence of the petitioner, Abubakar Yahaya, “threw away his property and chased his family members out of his residence.”

DIG Argungu disclosed that the enforcement Unit of the High Court led by one Shamsudeen Ubandoma took “the sum of seven hundred thousand Naira (N700,000.00) from the petitioner under the guise or pretence of giving it to the Policemen who came with him for enforcement, so that they won’t come back for enforcement again.”

He said on the 16th of January 2025; “some Policemen with enforcement team from the court, accompanied by one faceless Alhaji Usman Sarki – purported owner of the plot on the said No 75 Lome Crescent, Wuse Zone 7 Abuja, under dispute in court, brought trucks and bulldozers which were used in the demolition of the petitioner’s residence.”

The PSC Chairman, in the letter to the IGP, said the petitioner was arrested by the Officer in charge of Legal Unit, Zone 7 Police Command for criminal conspiracy, trespass and mischief, adding that the sum of one million Naira was collected from him for securing his bail. He noted that the faceless Alhaji Usman Sarki “is not known to the petitioner, as only his lawyers were always appearing on his behalf.

The petitioner claimed that he has been in possession of the said plot of land for more than 15 years without any issue, developed the land and has been in occupation of the residence without any hindrance.

“That it is now very apparent that the demolition of his residence was done solely on the strength of the Police, led by the Officer in charge of Legal Unit, who is meant to be a Police prosecutor but turned into a tool of oppression and aided by the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of Operations who led the Police to demolish the petitioner’s residence without any justification or adhering to the principle of natural justice.

The PSC Chairman said the petitioner’s prayers include; “having been rendered homeless as a result of the act of the Officers-in-Charge of Legal Unit and the Deputy Commissioner incharge of Operations who are the major culprits of this heinous act, that the duo should be investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them, as well as the payment of one billion Naira for the action of the Police, as compensation.

Furious 197 Unceremoniously Retired Senior Police Officers, Bare Claws, Produce Court Documents

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By Ebinum Samuel

The 197 Senior Police Officers, who were unceremoniously retired by the Police Service Commission (PSC) due to the Regularisation Of First Date Of Entry Exercise, are not ready to accept it without a fight.
According to them, the PSC, led by a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Hashimu Argungu, may have taken that stance without knowing of an existing judgement on the same issue.
According to sources, since the 13th of January 2021, the industrial court of Nigeria in Abuja Judicial Division in suit Nos NCIN/ABJ/345/2019 and NICN/ABJ/353/2019 had ruled on it.
According to crimeworld.com.ng, the affected officers, who were part of Force Entrants Courses 18, 19, and 20, were accused of falsifying their service records.
However, court documents reveal that the issue had been settled in their favour by the Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja, with judgments delivered on January 13, 2021, in suit numbers NCIN/ABJ/345/2019 and NICN/ABJ/353/2019.

Despite the court judgment, the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force resorted to self-help, ignoring the court’s decision and perverting justice.
The PSC had issued a directive to the then IGP on the Regularisation Of the Date Of Entry Of Officers Of Force Entrants in Courses 18, 19, and 20 in a letter dated 22nd June 2020.
These officers entered the Force as non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and later acquired higher university degrees.


Upon applying for the Cadet ASP programmes along with their civilian counterparts, where some of the civilians were employees of banks, federal, state and local employees, and attended interviews, they were appointed as Cadets Assistant Superintendent Of Police (Cadet ASP). They were issued fresh appointment letters with fresh dates after the 18 months of training in line with a decision in 1989 reference signal number CE 2710/PS/VOL 3/205 dated 1st June 1989 that NCOs before taking up a fresh appointment as cadet ASP must resign their earlier appointment and start afresh as the date of their first appointment.
This was re-emphasized in the PSC 24th plenary decision in letter no PSC/1524/111/275 dated 25th October 2017 to the IGP to implement.
The Police delay in implementing the decision of the PSC 24th plenary prompted officers concerned to approach the court and judgement was delivered in favour of courses 18,19 and 20 which the PSC directed the police to implement.
The Police in signal number CB:3594/FS/FHQ/ABJ/ VOL 2/244 DTO 291225/07/ 2021 implemented the judgement of the court and the Police Service Commission was communicated on 30th April 2021.
It is not clear whether the present management of the PSC was unaware of this development.
Though the Industrial Court ruled in favour of these officers, the PSC undaunted, proceeded to the Appeal Court for a better interpretation.
At the Appeal court again, the learned justices upheld the decision of the lower court and even fined the PSC N1 million for abuse of the court process; for bringing such a matter that had been duly adjudicated up at the lower court.
Sequel to the Appeal Court judgement, both the PSC and the Police authority jointly agreed to implement the same and recall officers who may have been retired with regards to the ‘Regularisation Of Date Of Entry Exercise’ of the PSC back to their offices.

A signal sighted from the PSC to the police dated June 24, 2020, titled Re: Decision of the Commission’s 24th Plenary Meeting: Regulation of date of first appointed reads thus: “The Commission wishes to refer you to a letter PSC/1524/111/275 dated October 25, 2017, on the above subject matter.
“This is to reiterate that the Commission’s 24th Plenary Meeting held on 27th, 28th September 2017Considered/Complainant forwarded to it by aggrieved police officers if course 18, 19 Police Academic owing to the controversy surrounding their date of first appointment and decided that in line with previous decision taken on a similar matter, all officers with similar situation caused by signal N0. CE2710/ PS/VOL3/205 dated June 1, 1989, who were directed to resign their appointment as NCOs before taking up fresh appointments as Cadet ASP are to maintain the date of their appointment as Cadet ASP on the date of their first appointment.”


Some of the affected officers contended that Argungu was in service when the Police authority got judgment over the PSC on the issue, stressing: “It is alarming that the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force would disregard the rule of law and ignore the court’s judgment. This is a clear case of injustice, and we demand that the authorities take immediate action to rectify this situation.
“How can Argungu-led PSC be talking about this issue that had been settled years back in which the PSC was even fined millions for abuse of court process?
“Is it that he is not privy to files of the court judgements? Most of us affected by the latest directive entered the Force as NCOs as graduates and later we were interviewed and passed.
“After that, we were issued with fresh appointment letters with fresh dates of entry; which means our years as NCOs had been cancelled. The matter became an issue of contention and we went to court and defeated the PSC.
“They even went to Appeal Court and again, we won. The PSC was even fined N1million for abuse of court process.”
Credit: crimeworld.com.ng

Police to reabsorb 92 disengaged officers

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The Nigeria Police Force has agreed to comply with the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, regarding 92 officers who were forcefully retired before reaching the statutory retirement age.

The affected officers, who were members of Course 33, 34, and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy, were retired in 2021 despite not attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 or completing 35 years in service.

Dissatisfied with their forced retirement, the officers challenged the decision in court.

In April 2022, the NICN ruled in their favour, ordering their reinstatement.

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However, the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Secretary of the Police Force allegedly failed to implement the judgment.

Frustrated by the non-compliance, the officers returned to court, seeking a contempt order against the IGP for disobeying the ruling.

Following this, the police directed the affected officers to report to Abuja in August 2024 for documentation, a step believed to be a precursor to their reinstatement.

However, after the documentation process, no further action was taken.

Last week, during a committal proceeding at the NICN, the officers’ lawyer, Mr. Adeleke Agbola (SAN), urged the court to enforce the reinstatement order pending the hearing of the contempt case.

“This is a contempt proceeding. Some urgent issues have arisen since we filed this application. The PSC issued a circular stating that the officers’ initial date of entry into the police force—not their entry into the academy—would be used to calculate their service years.

“ However, the court had ruled that their service years should be calculated from their academy entry date. There is no appeal against this judgment. I urge the court to maintain the status quo until the committal proceedings determine whether there has been a breach of the judgment,” Agbola argued.

Responding, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Ade Adedeji (SAN), assured the court that steps were being taken to comply with the ruling.

He confirmed that the judgment had not been challenged and pledged that the police would abide by the court’s decision.

“We have taken steps to obey the court’s judgment. There is no appeal against it; it is final. The circular in question does not affect the claimants and does not prejudice any party in this matter. All the affected officers have been posted. I give an undertaking that the police will comply with the judgment and uphold the rule of law,” Adedeji stated.

Two drug kingpins excrete 125 wraps of heroin at Lagos, Port Harcourt airports. As NDLEA intercepts Colorado, Loud, Tramadol consignments in gas cylinder, others in Kano, Kogi; seizes Canada-bound opioids

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By Ebinum Samuel

Attempts by two drug kingpins to smuggle into Nigeria consignments of heroin through the Port Harcourt International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, have been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
One of the kingpins who uses dual identities to aid his cross border movements, has a Nigerian passport with his original name: Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus, 30, and that of Sierra Leone with a different name: Kargbo Mohamed Foday. He was intercepted by NDLEA officers with his Sierra Leonean passport on Sunday 2nd February 2025 at the Port Harcourt airport, Rivers state during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight from Doha through Abuja to Port Harcourt.


He was subsequently taken for body scan which confirmed he ingested illicit drugs and thereafter placed under excretion observation during which he expelled a total of 62 wraps of heroin in five excretions, weighing 1.348 kilograms.
Investigation reveals Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus (alias Kargbo Mohamed Foday) alternates his two identities for different drug trafficking missions between Thailand, Pakistan, Iran and West African countries. He claimed to have gone full time into the illicit drug trade in 2017 when his clothing and shoe business went down.


The second kingpin, James Herbert Chinoso, 48, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport on Saturday 1st February upon his arrival from Madagascar via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. After a body scan confirmed illicit drug in his system, he was placed under excretion observation during which he egested 63 wraps of heroin with a total weight of 909 grams.
Chinoso had left Lagos to Madagascar on 26th January 2025 and returned via Addis Ababa after spending a week. He claimed to have gone into the criminal trade after his phone accessories business in Liberia collapsed.


Two parcels of 2.82 kilograms of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis imported from the United States with Lagos as destination were equally intercepted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, at a courier firm in Lagos on Thursday 6th February. In another interdiction operation same day but in a different logistics company in Lagos, anti-narcotics officers intercepted 80 ampoules of pentazocine injection 225grams concealed in cartons heading to Canada.
In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Monday 3rd February arrested the duo of Usaini Salisu and Yahaya Mu’azu, both 23 years old, at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria road, where 15,396 pills of tramadol were recovered from a gas cylinder used to conceal the consignment. In another operation same day, operatives nabbed a female suspect, Choima Okeke, 35, with 27 blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 15kg, at Sabon Gari area of Kano.


A consignment of 12,800 pills of tramadol 250mg going to Shuwarin in Jigawa state, was intercepted by NDLEA officers on patrol along Kabba-Obajana highway in Kogi state on Saturday 8th February with a suspect, Salisu Basiru, 33, arrested. Similarly, no fewer than 65 parcels of Colorado, a strong synthetic strain of cannabis with a total weight of 1.600kg also heading to Jigawa state, were recovered from another suspect, Rufai Hassan, 32 at the same check point same day.


With the same vigour, 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 Saint Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Taangayar Malam Abubakar Bichi, an Almajiri school, Bichi, Kano; Federal Government Girls College, Calabar, Cross River; College of Nursing and Science, Birnin Kebbi; and Meiran Community Junior Secondary School, Abule Egba, Lagos state among others.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA, PHIA, DOGI, Kano and Kogi Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

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ICPC Recovered Over ₦20bn from Ghost Workers’ Pensions in 2024 – Chairman, Aliyu

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The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has revealed that the commission recovered over ₦20 billion siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.Dr. Aliyu explained that the ICPC uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its preventive activities.The ICPC Chairman made this disclosure during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,” an interactive session organized by the ICPC for media executives, in Abuja.He emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress. Highlights of the Chairman’s briefing include but are not limited to the following areas.

Commitment to Due Process and the Rule of Law. According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. This ensures that while the Commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.“Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights. While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity,” he stated.Dr. Aliyu also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.“In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media.

However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised,” he added.Strategic Action Plan and Media Engagement. The ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).“We want our work to be evaluated based on our performance standards, not the need for attention or approval. Our commitment is to provide accurate information without exaggeration or self-promotion. Additionally, we pledge to respond promptly to media inquiries while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines,” he affirmed.Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to implement a Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments.The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level.Call for Media Collaboration. Recognizing the media as a vital stakeholder in the anti-corruption fight, Dr. Aliyu urged journalists to work closely with the ICPC to enhance public awareness and amplify the commission’s programs.In his opening remarks, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, fnipr, a lecturer in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Bayero University, Kano, and a vice president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the ICPC for the initiative, stressed the need for his colleagues to support the Commission’s mission by reporting credible and timely information.Similarly, Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, mni, Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed gratitude for the engagement.

She urged the ICPC Chairman to institutionalize regular interactions with the media to foster greater synergy and collaboration in the fight against corruption.

Drug war: UNODC assures NDLEA of further support, partnership

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Marwa lists fresh drug use survey, NDCMP, test kits, training, others as areas of needs

By Ebinum Samuel

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, of further support and renewed partnership in its ongoing effort to rid the country of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The assurance was given on Wednesday 5th February 2025 when the new Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure led a team of his top officials 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. While acknowledging the leadership role NDLEA plays in drug law enforcement in Africa and particularly the West African sub-region, the UNODC chief said his visit was to re-engage with the Agency on how to cascade the successes recorded at the national level to the states. He said this is because the drug scourge is at the basis of most of the security challenges at the subnational level.

According to him, “It is very important for us to re-engage and re-energize the relationship between UNODC and NDLEA and I think that me coming here today is to tell you I want to re-engage and reinvigorate our relationship so that it serves Nigeria as a whole and also the rest of this sub-region by following your lead. “NDLEA has been our partner and even facilitated our implementation in Nigeria. So, I want a re-engagement of UNODC with NDLEA to see how together we can develop a greater plan to support the remaining implementation of the master plan and going forward, the new stages of engagement with Nigeria. And one thing that we want to look at is how NDLEA can provide increased capacity building to West African member countries so that together we fight this menace and share best practices” In his remarks, Marwa appreciated the global body for its support to the agency over the years while expressing confidence that the new Country Representative will take the existing relationship to a new height. While listing some of the numerous achievements the agency has attained in the areas of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in the past four years with support of local and international partners including the UNODC, the NDLEA boss said the visit by the team provided the opportunity to present before them some of the areas they should consider in their support for the agency. He asked the UNODC to support the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, which is the first in Africa, aimed at providing alternative means of livelihood for cannabis growers. “And so, if we are able to provide an alternative, that would be good for them and for society. And so that’s one of the areas that I would like greater collaboration. We need some support on this. “The drug use survey is another project that we need support. The one published in 2018 is quite stale and we need a re-assessment, and I remember two or three years ago in Vienna, I spoke to the Director of UNODC directly on the need. Happily, now it’s in your sights I understand. So, that’s a most welcome development for us to reassess, to see what is the prevalence now, and what are the new trends and so on and so forth. “The National Drug Control Master Plan is another area of need. The current master plan is 2021-2025. Another one is due. So, that’s certainly one more area that we would work together towards. Then capacity building and training. This is key to our work, because every organization, the bottom-line is the personnel. So, this capacity building has helped us and we need more master trainers. Let me conclude with the tools; we need handy field test kits. You can check and see what’s going to be possible now, what will be possible next year, and so on. Just to help us continue to do the work that we’re doing.”

PSC Appoints New Police Chiefs For Taraba And Anambra State Commands

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Commissioners of Police for Taraba and Anambra State Commands.The Commission approved the appointment of Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere from Abia State as the new Commissioner of Police for Taraba State.

He takes over from CP Peter Oparah while Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu from Bayelsa State takes over the Anambra State Command from Obong Nnache Itam.The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni said the new Commissioners should quickly settle down to their new duty posts and ensure there is no gap that may necessitate a break down of law and order.He charged the new CPs to be dedicated and committed to duty and to assist ensure that Nigeria is freed of the menace of bandits and deviants. He said the Commission will continue to monitor their conduct and assist ensure they succeed in their new duty posts.The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation

Reckless Trailer Driver Loses ControL At Excessive Speed, Leaving LASTMA Officer Injured

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unequivocally condemned the egregious recklessness of a fully loaded trailer driver, whose imprudent speeding and subsequent loss of vehicular control culminated in a devastating accident at the Ojodu Berger axis of Lagos.

The tragic incident transpired while the LASTMA officer was en route to commence his afternoon duty, underscoring the perilous consequences of careless driving on public roads.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the ill-fated trailer, bearing Bauchi State registration number KTG 33 ZZ, originated from Agidingbi by Oba Ogunji Road en route to Omole Junction in the Ogba corridor when the driver, operating at an alarmingly high velocity, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a catastrophic collision.

The sheer impact of the crash inflicted severe trauma on the LASTMA officer, leading to a grievous fracture of his right leg and hand. Upon emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), attending specialists determined that the extent of the injuries necessitated an immediate amputation of his right leg.

In a brazen attempt to evade justice, the culpable trailer driver absconded from the scene. However, through the concerted efforts of security operatives from Ojodu Police Station, in collaboration with vigilant LASTMA officials, he was swiftly apprehended.

Reacting to the tragic occurrence, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, promptly visited the hospitalized officer at LASUTH, vehemently condemning the incident and emphasizing that such a calamity could have been averted had the driver exercised due diligence and adhered to fundamental road safety protocols.

He admonished trailer and truck operators, alongside all motorists, to uphold a heightened sense of safety consciousness, stressing the inestimable value of human life.

“LASTMA officers are not adversaries to motorists; rather, they are dedicated to ensuring that traffic flows seamlessly, thereby fostering economic growth and urban efficiency in Lagos State,” he asserted.

Expressing profound sympathy, Mr. Bakare-Oki extended his sincerest wishes for the officer’s swift recovery, while reaffirming LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring orderliness on Lagos highways.

IGP WARNS AGAINST INCESSANT TRANSFER OF CASES, MISUSE OF OFFICE ..

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By Ebinum Samuel

Defaulting Officers Risk SanctionsThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has raised serious concerns about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transfering ongoing cases and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals. He stressed that these practices which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated.

The IGP has emphasized that transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing. In line with this, he has directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity. He further warned that any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions. The recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorization has been deemed unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources. The IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office. Equally concerning is the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters of land ownership.

The IGP has reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome. The filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation is another issue the IGP has vowed to address. Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness, and stating that the complaint has not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police. Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the Police.

Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that the IGP has urged members of the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the IGP’s office, except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention. He also stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. As part of his commitment to professionalism, the IGP reassures Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability. He calls on citizens to trust the police to deliver justice and to report any unethical practices through appropriate channels. Any officer or individual found misusing the name or authority of the IGP will face severe consequences, including prosecution where necessary.