IGP Suspends Enforcement Of Electronic CMR

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the suspension of the Proposed Enforcement Process on the Electronic Central Motor Registry Registration Process (e-CMR).  The process was initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024. In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the relaxation of enforcement is to allow for massive enlightenment to highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative, which is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles by collating data imputed into the system by vehicle owners, and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen amongst other values. The statement further explained that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform, but an initiative to digitalise policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigerian residents. While urging members of the public to obtain the digitalised CMR certificate online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng, the IGP warned all police officers, to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates, as individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public under the guise of not having e-CMR certificates, will be sanctioned accordingly.

Alleged unresolved murder: IGP sued over failure to release report on Asabe

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja, over failure to release the probe report of an “unresolved murder” case on one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL. Fourteen years after police investigation on Mrs Waziri who was said to have intentionally hit a pregnant woman with her car, the prosecution agency is yet to release the report. According to a petition to the IGP, dated May 2, 2024, by a civil society organisation, Global Integrity Crusade Network(GICN) the police probed the incident but had failed since then to release its findings. In originating summons with suit number FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the, plaintiff prayed the court for an order of granting leaveto the applicant to apply for judicial review by way of Order of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to forthwith release to the Applicant based on the demand letter dated 2nd May, 2024 and attached hereto as EXHIBIT GICN 4 the FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso, with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on or about 30th May, 2010. The suit dated May 29, 2024, sought a declaration that the failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to release the information and documents requested for by the Applicant vide their letter to the Respondent dated 274 May, 2024amounts to a violation of Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and therefore unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal. The plaintiff also prayed the court to declare that that by a true interpretation of Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 the Applicant being a Public Official cum custodian of information at Nigeria Police Force which is a Public Institution within the meaning of Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 is obligated to furnish on request by the Applicant a comprehensive, just and fair information and documents as enumerated in their letter to the Respondent dated 2″¢May, 2024. In the suit, the plaintiff listed the following as facts in support of the grounds of the suit: That Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020gives the Nigeria Police Force power for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged; amongst other duties within or outside Nigeria. “On 2nd May, 2024 the Applicant wrote a letter to the Respondent requesting for acomprehensive and detailed FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORTof the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja on 30 May, 2010. “Till date, the Respondent has failed, refused and or neglected to avail the Applicant access to the information and documents requested vide their letter dated 2″4 May, 2024 which was received at the office of the Respondent on 3” May, 2024. “The 7 (Seven) days within which the Respondent is required by Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act. 2011 to furnish the Applicant with the information and documents sought began to run from 4th May, 2024 and elapsed on 10 May, 2024. “However, the Respondent did not comply with Section 4 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 by giving notice to the Applicant that access to all or part of the information sought will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the Section of the Act under which the denial is made. “Unless and until the Respondent is compelled by an Order of this Honourable Court, he will continue to refuse the Applicant access to the information and documents sought by them from the Respondent. “The failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to give the Applicant access to the information and documents sought is unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal. “The Applicant is aggrieved and hereby applies that this Honourable Court invokes the provisions of Freedom of Information Act, 2011 particularly Section 1 (3) thereof by issuing a Writ of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to allow the Applicant access to the information and documents sought in their letter dated 2 4May, 2024submitted to the Respondent in line with his duty under Section”. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter

Criminal Activities: Police Arrest 298 Suspects In Jigawa

The Police Command in Jigawa has arrested 298 suspects for alleged criminal activities in the third quarter of 2023. This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of the Command, DSP Lawan Shiisu, on Wednesday in Dutse. He said the Police recovered 64 rustled animals, fire arms and rescued six kidnapped victims in special operations conducted within the period under review. Shiisu said the suspects were apprehended for alleged robbery; kidnapping, murder, rape, vandalism, animal rustling, fraud, among others. He listed the suspects to include 25 robbery; 12 kidnapping, 36 murder, 25 rape, 37 theft, 15 vandalism, 17 animal rustling and five over fraud, while 126 others arrested for allegedly belonging to gang of brigands. The Police, he said, recovered one AK-47 riffle; one Beretta pistol, three locally-made guns, 48 live ammunitions, 20 motor vehicles/cycles, and 64 rustled animals. Other items recovered include 560 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and a number of narcotic substances. “The crime prevention strategies adopted by Jigawa Police Command in the ongoing fight against all forms of crimes and criminalities in the state during the period under review, yielded dividends, as the state remained generally peaceful as residents go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation. “This feat was made possible by the proactive measures put in place by the command, whose personnel worked tirelessly to checkmate the activities of criminals for a peaceful atmosphere,” he said. He commended the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Jigawa government and other security agencies for their support to the Command While reiterating commitment of the Command to protect lives and property, Shiisu urged residents of the state to support the Police in the fight against crimes. 

Kogi Community Petitions IGP Over Alleged Mining License Fraud by Village Head

The Orinono Community Centre in Kogi State has lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, the Ejeh of Olamaboro, accusing him of fraudulent mining license acquisition without the consent of the host community. In a petition dated September 20, 2023, titled “Petition Against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, The Ejeh Of Olamaboro Local Government, Kogi State, Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, And Luke Usman,” the community demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. According to the petition, Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, who is not a member of Orinono Community, allegedly forged signatures of some community members to fraudulently obtain a small-scale mining lease without their consent. The lease was granted in his personal name on May 22, 2023. The Orinono Community’s lawyer, Ojonimi S. Apeh Esq., stated that attempts to amicably resolve the dispute had failed. The community claims that Simeon has been resorting to threats, including threats of violence and kidnapping, to maintain his authority as the Ejeh of Olamaboro. The petition highlighted that Olamaboro Local Government Area (LGA) comprises several communities, each with its respective Chiefs (Gagos) and Chiefdoms, pre-dating the creation of the local government and the state itself. Orinono Centre is an ancient community with its own Chief (Gago) and Chiefdom, where coal, a valuable solid mineral, is discovered. Trouble began when the community discovered on August 4, 2023, that their village stream, the sole source of water, was contaminated due to illegal mining activities by Simeon and his security personnel. The Ministry of Mines was informed, which prompted an investigation and a directive to Simeon to suspend further mining activities, a directive he allegedly ignored. Instead, he continued mining and hired more security personnel, causing security breaches in Orinono Centre. The community further claimed that the clandestine activities of Simeon and his security personnel have led to crimes within the community, leaving residents in fear of kidnapping, violence, and assault. The petition also accused specific individuals, including Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, and Luke Usman, of vandalizing properties and destroying farmlands in the community. The Orinono Community Centre called on the IGP to investigate the alleged criminal activities, ensure justice is served, and safeguard the security and well-being of its members.

FG forcefully retires four senior police officers

*Says they failed to voluntarily resign after new IGP’s appointment The Police Service Commission (PSC) has executed the compulsory retirement of four Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) in a notable development that has garnered attention. The Commission, basing its decision on legal statutes and established regulations, made this announcement. This decision was reached following the invocation of specific sections of the law, namely “Third Schedule, Part 1 M, Para A&B of the 1999 Constitution,” and further bolstered by “Section 6 of the Commissions (Establishment) Act 2001, para a, c, d, e, &f.” The high-ranking officers who are affected by this directive include Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Jitiboh, Hafiz Inuwa, and Adeleke Bode. The PSC’s official spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, conveyed this information through a statement. The crux of the matter, according to the PSC, lies in the refusal of the aforementioned Deputy Inspectors General to tender their resignations following the appointment of their junior counterpart, Kayode Egbetokun, as the new Inspector General of Police. This decision was made with the intention of ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the hierarchical integrity within the police force. The action taken by the Police Service Commission not only highlights the importance of adherence to established regulations but also underscores the dynamics that are integral to the internal operations of law enforcement agencies. The move, though significant, is part of the Commission’s efforts to uphold a structured and efficient functioning of the police force under changing leadership dynamics. “In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force. “The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.” It also announced the appointment of four new senior police officers to replace the relieved DIGs. See full press statement below: PSC RETIRES DIGS DAN-MALLAM, JITIBOH, HAFIZ AND ADELEKE, APPOINTS SANI KA’OJE, SOKARI-PEDRO, AYUBA EKPEJI AND USMAN NAGOGO – decision to uphold discipline, discourage status reversal The Police Service Commission in exercise of its statutory powers, pursuant to the Third Schedule, Part 1 M, para A&B of the 1999 Constitution, reinforced with Section 6 of the Commissions (Establisment) Act 2001, para a, c, d, e, &f, has compulsorily retired four Deputy Inspectors General of Police. The affected DIGs are Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Ambakina Jitiboh, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode. In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force. The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General. Accordingly the former DIGs have been mandated to Immediately proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from Friday, 25th August, 2023.The Commission appreciates their immense contributions and efforts towards peace and security of our country and also wishes them well in their future endeavours in retirement. Similarly, the Commission also approved the appointment of four Assistant Inspectors General of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police which would be subject to ratification by the Board of the Commission to replace the retired DIGs. The newly appointed DIGs who are without Pending Disciplinary Matters and/or without any serious medical conditions and health impairments were drawn from the same respective geo-political regions of the retired ones. They are DIG’s Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje; Daniel Sokari – Pedro, Ayuba Ekpeji, and Usman Nagogo. While congratulating them for their elevation to the enviable rank of DIGs, the Commission hopes that their appointment will add value and greater vigour to the efforts of the Nigeria Police in delivering on its mandate. Ikechukwu Ani Head, Press and Public Relations Monday, August 28th 2023

Kogi Guber: Falana petitions IGP, alleges Bello’s plans to eliminate Ajaka

Femi Falana SAN, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun Olukayode, alleging that Governor Yahaya Bello plans to eliminate the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate in the Kogi gubernatorial race, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka. According to the senior lawyer, since Ajaka was nominated as the flagbearer by his party, the incumbent governor has taken it upon himself to ensure that his political party and supporters would not enjoy peace in the state or be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and association.  Falana, in a statement he signed on 12th July, alleges that Bello uses his executive powers to launch a series of violent attacks on Ajaka, his political party and his teeming supporters as they have become victims of unwarranted harassment, intimidation and cheap blackmail. He posited that the illegal actions of the Governor are based on his desperate bid to install his cousin as the next Governor of Kogi State. The petition is following the recent attack on his client while returning from a thank you tour of the state on the 3rd day of June 2023, along with his team of supporters at about 12.30 pm after visiting the palace of His Royal Highness, the Ohimege of Koton-Karfi. The statement further stated that shortly after this incident, Gov Bello addressed his supporters on this incident wherein he referred to himself as a Lion returning to his jungle and our client as an antelope that crossed the part of the lion and threatened to deal with our client the next time he crosses his part. Falana, also revealed that, to follow up the incident, Alaka petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State and requested that the matter be investigated. However, rather than carry out an investigation of the said incident, our client is now being hunted around Abuja by the State Governor. He has dispatched a team of police officers to arrest our client and forcefully take him to Lokoja on trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. The petition reads: “In view of the foregoing, we urge you to cause an investigation into the allegations of threat to the life of our client, attacks on him and his clients, trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. “As a follow up to this incident, our client petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State and requested that the matter be investigated but rather than carry out an investigation of the said incident, our client is now being hunted around Abuja by the State Governor. He has dispatched a team of police officers to arrest our client and forcefully take him to Lokoja on trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony Our client is an Indigene of Kogi State and the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State for the forthcoming 2023 governorship elections in Kogi State.  “Our client’s brief is that since he was nominated by his party as its candidate for the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi State, the State Governor, ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO has taken it upon himself to ensure that our client, his political party and supporters would not enjoy peace in Kogi State or be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and association.  “Consequently, it is our client’s further brief that the state Governor using his executive powers has lunched series of violent attacks on our client, his political party and his teeming supporters. The illegal actions of the Governor are based on his desperate bid to install his cousin as the next Governor of Kogi State. “Thus, without any legal justification, our client has become a victim of unwarranted harassment, intimidation and cheap blackmail. For instance, while on a thank you tour of the state on the 3rd day of June 2023, our client was attacked along with his team of supporters at about 12.30 pm after visiting the palace of His Royal Highness, the Ohimege of Koton-Karfi. “The dastardly attack took place while our client and his supporters were returning to Lokoja around the Banda Nataco Axis. Our Client’s convoy was attacked by armed gun men who were dressed in police uniform in official vehicles of the Kogi State Government. “Life bullets were sporadically fired directly at our client with the sole intent to assassinate him. While our client was lucky, some of his supporters were seriously injured and were rushed to the hospital where they were treated for different degrees of bullet wounds. “It is worthy to note that shortly after this incent the Governor of Kogi State addressed his supporters on this incident wherein he referred to himself as a Lion returning to his jungle and our client as an antelope that crossed the part of the lion and threatened to deal with our client the next time he crosses his part. “As a follow up to this incident, our client petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State and requested that the matter be investigated but rather than carry out an investigation of the said incident, our client is now being hunted around Abuja by the State Governor. He has dispatched a team of police officers to arrest our client and forcefully take him to Lokoja on trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. “Our client as a Nigerian Citizen, an indigene of Kogi State and a Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State is entitled to the constitutional protection of his right to vote and be voted for. And in the exercise of this right, the Kogi State Governor lacks the authority to use state actors and non state actors to harass, intimidate and blackmail our client. “In view of the foregoing, we urge you to cause an investigation into the allegations of threat to the life of our client, attacks on him and his clients, trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. “We further demand that you direct the immediate demobilization of all armed thugs and killer squads

Police bust bank account hacking syndicate, arrest 2

The Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police has cracked down a syndicate that specialises in hacking into bank customers’ accounts and arrested two suspects. The Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Hauwa Idris-Adamu, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. Idris-Adamu said that the arrest followed a petition received from a bank by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Zone comprising Lagos and Ogun, Mr Mohammed Ali. “On the 8th of May 2023, a petition was submitted by United Bank for Africa (UBA) to the AIG that there are some syndicates that specialise on internet fraud of various banks in Nigeria, most especially United Bank for Africa (UBA). “They hack into customers accounts and move their money. “Based on the petition, the AIG raised a team of detectives from the Zonal Monitoring Unit, which swung into action with the aid of modern technology. “The two suspects were tracked down at their hideout at Ijebu Ode, Ogun State,” she said. According to the official, the suspects confessed to the crime. “They confessed that they had many syndicates all over Nigeria and that they used software to hack into customers’ accounts and move their money undetected from any bank. “The modus operandi of these fraudsters is to have a customer’s BVN-linked phone number for easy transfer of money. “Consequently, over 1,000 customers’ accounts have been hacked and the customers defrauded across the country,” she said. She said that further investigation into the incident revealed that members of the syndicates were from different parts of the country. She said that efforts were being intensified to arrest all those connected with the crime. According to her, investigation is  ongoing while the suspects will be arraigned on completion of investigation.