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Category: Security

JUST IN: Activist arrested after exposing police brutality

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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested activist Comrade Abiodun Olamide Thomas, also known as “Horlarmidey Africano,” following her vocal criticism of police brutality and misconduct.

According to reports, Olamide was abducted early Friday morning from her home in the Somolu area of Lagos after the police apprehended her brother the previous day to track her location.Sources reveal that after the arrest, Olamide was taken to the Alade Police Station before being transferred to the State Command in Ikeja, where she is currently being held.Her daughter, fearing for her safety, managed to senda distress message to theTake-It-Back Movement(TIB) group.According to Sahara Reporters, Olamide had previously raised concerns about her safety, especially after ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, allegedly targeted her due to her outspoken criticism of the police.

She had been vocal against Adejobi’s press statements and his attempts to discredit protest movements, especially after the October 20, 2024, #EndSARS memorial protest where she was allegedly brutalized by police.In an earlier interview with SaharaReporters, Olamide said she had not committed any crime other than her activism and participation in protests.She revealed that Adejobi had falsely accused her of bullying people online, including himself, and had mobilized the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to track her down.Olamide also shared experiences of police harassment, including being bullied by officers on her social media platforms.

She also condemned the police for arresting people linked to her, including Mr Lanre Shotunde, under the pretext of trying to locate her.

FCT CP OLATUNJI DISU PAYS COURTESY VISITS TO SISTER SECURITY AGENCIES

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…harps on synergy and collaboration between law enforcement agencies

By Ebinum Samuel

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, psc, on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, undertook a series of familiarization visits to key security stakeholders in Abuja. He visited the Commander, Guards Brigade, Commander 053 NAF Camp, The Commandant NSCDC, The State Director of Security and the Commander Naval Unit, Abuja.

The courtesy visits are a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration among security agencies within the Federal Capital Territory. During these engagements, CP Disu emphasized the importance of fostering inter-agency cooperation, enhancing synergy, and building mutual understanding to effectively address the uprising security challenges facing the FCT and its environs. CP Disu highlighted the significance of strong partnerships among security agencies in ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the FCT.

SP Josephine Adej, the image make of the command disclosed that the CP extends his gratitude to heads of all the sister security agencies for their hospitality, pledging his continued collaboration in the pursuit of a secure and peaceful FCT.

NIGERIA POLICE RECHARGED TO DELIVER ON CORE MANDATE-ARGUNGU

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-says Government has put in place enduring mechanism to ensure Nigeria is free of crime

By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has declared that a properly motivated Police Force remains the bedrock of a safe and progressive Nigeria.

He disclosed that this has been the battle cry of the Commission as it “strenghtens its oversight powers on the Nigeria Police Force”.

The PSC Chairman said the present Government has put in place enduring mechanisms to ensure that in no time Nigeria will be free of crime and criminality but noted that “Nigerians are expected to play their own role since security is everyone’s business”.

DIG Argungu who was Chairman of the 2024 Annual lecture series of the People’s Security Monitor which held today, Wednesday, December 11th 2024, at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, Maitama Abuja, said although it is unfortunate that our nation has faced security challenges in all fronts, “it is a development that is not peculiar to us but a ravaging global menace that is threatening global peace and development “.

The PSC Chairman was represented at the occasion by the
Head of Press and Public Relations and Spokesman of the Commission, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani. He noted that in Nigeria, the present Administration has devoted time and resources to fight this battle, adding “I can assure you that we are winning the war”.

According to him “Our Policemen are daily being exposed to trainings and Government’s at all levels have continued to empower our Officers and Men with the provision of essential security gadgets and materials .”

DIG Argungu said the Commission has also ensured that promotions in the Force are timely, predictable and based on internationally accepted principles of fairness, seniority and availability of vacancies.

He added that the Commission has also continued to weed out Police Officers who have failed to meet the minimum standard required of an average Nigeria Police Officer. ” while we dangle the stick, we also spread the carrot as motivation for greater performance ” he explained.

DIG Argungu said the Commission is committed to upholding the greatest standard for serving Police Officers and has launched a zero tolerance for Corruption in the system with the whistle blowing Policy recently put in place”.

He thanked the Organizers for finding him worthy to chair the occasion and declared that “I would always identify with any person or group that is genuinely concerned and interested in finding solutions to our security problems. ” I am a retired senior Police Officer and had joined the Police Force on personal conviction and desire to serve my nation and not by accident or coercion. ” I believe in one Nigeria, a nation full of promises and blessed with abundant human and material resources, a nation of great opportunities

PSC APPROVES POSTING OF OLANREWAJU OGUNLOWO AS CP OGUN STATE

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The Police Service Commission has approved the posting of CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo from Kwara State as the new substantive Commissioner of Police Ogun State.

CP Ogunlowo takes over from CP Abiodun Alamutu who has retired from the service of the Nigeria Police Force .

The Commission’s approval has been communicated to the Inspector General of Police for implementation in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.

Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, congratulated the new Ogun State Command Commissioner and advised that he should use his new office to ensure that Ogun State is properly policed where law and order are maintained and crime and criminality drastically reduced.

DIG Argungu said the Commission will continue to support the Police in any way possible to ensure a safe environment for Nigerians.

PSC CHAIR AT THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY SAYS OLD LAWS AND REGULATIONS HAVE BECOME UNCERTAIN AND OBSOLETE, MAKES CASE FOR INNOVATION AND PROPER USE OF ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has called for innovation and proper use of electronic evidence and other modern devices in our nation’s legal system.

DIG Argungu said violation of human rights has taken a new dimension in this 21st century, stressing that the key challenges and threats are mostly the current passive and obsolete criminal justice system, lack of rebalanced criminal justice system in the area of victimology.

The PSC Chairman spoke at the International Human Rights Day 2024 with theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right now: All Humans are born free and equal in Dignity and Rights” that held today, Tuesday, December 10th 2024 at the Nigerian Bar Association National Secretariat Auditorium, Central Business District, Abuja.

He noted that there is a glaring lack of innovation and proper use of electronic evidence and other relevant devices.

According to Ikechukwuu Ani, PSC spokesman, DIG Argungu lamented that the old laws and regulations “appear to be uncertain and obsolete and also, it is becoming harder for the regulations to keep up with technology. “It is doubtful that new languages in law could anticipate the cleverness of technology”

The PSC Chairman said there was need at “this hour of 21st century and fourth Industrial Revolution, for “all Lawyers and Judicial Staff to have training in recognition of offences committed through computer and how electronic evidence can be obtained and preserved” stressing “we should also bear in mind that an old-fashioned way of long-hand writing in taking court proceedings is already obsolete and ineffective in today’s world”.

DIG Argungu also noted the conflicts of procedural laws in the area of disposal of exhibits in cases disposed off in law courts.

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.”