Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

Kayode Egbetokun, IG of Police has appointed Abayomi Shogunle as the head of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Chima Ogarashi as the Force Marine Officer (FMO). The decision aims to strengthen security operations and tackle crime, especially along the country’s waterways.  The announcement was made on Friday, February 7, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Shogunle, an experienced officer in operations and public relations, will also oversee Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, as well as the Safe School Protection Squad.  Ogarashi will manage maritime security, ensuring effective enforcement of maritime laws. These appointments coincide with the launch of 25 newly acquired gunboats, along with plans to obtain more equipment to boost security on the waterways.  The move is part of the Nigeria Police’s efforts to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country.

Woman who cursed Seyi Tinubu, IGP released on N10m bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through social media posts. The court set the bail at ₦10 million with one surety. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the prosecution failed to provide evidence suggesting Thomas would evade trial. The surety is required to submit three years’ tax clearance and reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Both Thomas and her surety must also provide passport photographs and undergo address verification. Thomas was initially remanded on December 20 after pleading not guilty to three charges under the Cybercrimes Act. She allegedly posted a video in Yoruba making threats that caused fear of harm to Tinubu, Egbetokun, and Police PRO Muyiwa Adejobi. The case is scheduled for trial on February 18.

Police to deploy 35,000 personnel for Edo election

Furthering the usual routine which positive outcome remains to be seen, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Wednesday that 35,000 police officers will be deployed across Edo State for the September 21 governorship election. Additionally, 8,000 personnel from sister security agencies, including the armed forces and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be mobilized to support the police. He also confirmed that security aides assigned to VIPs will be withdrawn to ensure neutrality and security. Egbetokun stated this at the stakeholders meeting as part of activities ahead of the election organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where its chairman, Professor Mamhud Yakubu announced that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar was already in town presiding over the signing of the peace pact between contending parties and their candidates on Thursday. The event had the representatives of the 17 participating political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representatives of the palace of the Oba of Benin, civil society groups and others. In his remarks, Egbetokun also said the suspension of the activities of quasi-security organizations like the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) and others set up by the state government to check insecurity remain suspended and that they have no role to play on the day of election. He said security aides attached to VIPs would also be withdrawn even as he reeled out the various election offences and warned that anyone caught against them would be treated according to the law. According to him, “It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that elections take place and trhe security of all is the responsibility of the police and it will be supported by other security agencies to ensure safety. We understand the importance of our role in this election and we will ensure that everything is done in compliance with that. “We will deploy sufficient personnel for the election. For the Edo state governorship election, we will deploy 35,000 personnel, there will be another 8,000 from other security agencies to complement us. We have undertaken several measures including a tour of hot spots, engaging stakeholders and operational visits and we will continuously engage all.” He said all entry and exit points in the state would manned while movements would be restricted between 6 am and 6 pm and urged the political leaders to warn their members against any form of violence.