Rights group demands Abba Kyari’s release

The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR) has demanded for the release of embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abbah Kyari and his team from detention. This was even as the group questioned the alleged release of the two convicted drug traffickers 15 months after being convicted, instead of spending six years in jail. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, CEDEHUR’s spokesperson, Adebayo Sunday, stated that Kyari and his team were innocent. “The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights believes that, in the interest of justice, fairness and equity Abba Kyari and his team should be granted bail as enshrined in our constitution. “They have sacrificed so much for the security of this country and do not deserve this kind of dehumanising treatment being meted out to them,” he said. CEDEHUR also called on the presidency to urgently investigate the activities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and drug traffickers under Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd). “The President or the presidency should immediately set up a committee to investigate the activities of the NDLEA and drug traffickers under Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), especially in this case were clearly indicted NDLEA officers were shielded and many other NDLEA officers including one Sunday Zirandi Director of intelligence who was indicted by ex NDLEA officer for connivance with drug barons, diversions of recovered drugs, murder case among others. “We state that the ex-NDLEA officer has filed a case in court that is pending before the industrial court. The matter was in the media severally 2022 and if found guilty or wanted he should be appropriately sanctioned and all indicted officers should face the full wrath of the law. “It is legally and morally wrong to detain these IRT (Intelligence Response Team) officers for 15 months without bail while the International drug traffickers the Police IRT arrested and Voluntarily transferred to NDLEA are now free,” he said.

Police arrest 2 Kuje jail escapees in Adamawa

The Adamawa Police Command has arrested two inmates who were among those who escaped from Kuje Correctional Centre in July 2022. SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Command’s spokesperson, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Yola, that the escapees identified as Atiku Ibrahim, 37, and Adamu Ibrahim, 40, were arrested by Police Crack Squad on May 19. “The escaped suspects were arrested for cattle rustling and other nefarious activities. “During interrogation, they confessed to have been in Kuje Correctional custody since 2021, following allegations of arms dealing against them. “They also confessed to have escaped to Adamawa, until their arrest. “They further stated that they were awaiting trial in Kuje in a case of arms dealing and unlawful possession of firearms.” Nguroje said that the Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola directed that the escapees be handed over to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Adamawa Command. Recall that the command had in July 2022 arrested another Kuje escapee and handed him over to the NCoS.

May 29: FG to cordon off Federal Secretariat

Ahead of the 2023 Presidential Inauguration/Swearing-in Ceremony on Monday, May 29, access to the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I, II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off from 2pm on Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29. NIGERIAN ANCHOR reports that the ceremony will take place at the Eagle Square, Central Business District, Abuja. The notice was contained in a circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Friday, May 19. According to the circular, access for officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed until Tuesday, May 30, when work is expected to resume. “As you may be aware, the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has unveiled the activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. The Inauguration Parade and Swearing-in of President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is the climax of the Programme, will take place on Monday, 29th May 2023 at the Eagle Square, Central Business District, Abuja. “In line with the security arrangements for the event, the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I, II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off by security operatives from 2.00pm on Friday, 26th May 2023 to Monday, 29th May 2023. “Accordingly, officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed access till Tuesday, 30th May, 2023, when work will resume in earnest. “Kindly bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned,” it read. The title of the circular is ‘Cordoning off the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I. II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration/Swearing-in Ceremony’, and it was copied to the relevant offices. They include: the Chief of Staff to the President, C-in-C; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President; Office of the Vice President; Honourable Ministers/Ministers of State; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Others are: Clerk of the National Assembly, Chief Registrar. Supreme Court of Nigeria, Permanent Secretaries, National Security Adviser, Special Advisers/Senior Special Assistants, Service Chiefs/Inspector-General-of Police; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Chairman, Federal Character Commission; Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission and Chairman, Police Service Commission. It was also copied to the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau; Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission; Chairman, National Population Commission; Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service; Head of Service of the Federation; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Secretary, National Judicial Council; Auditor-General of the Federation; Accountant-General for the Federation. Surveyor-General of the Federation and Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals/Agencies.

Security: NSA, DG DSS task governors on conflict management

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.- Gen. Mohammed Monguno, has tasked state governors with the regular engagement of stakeholders and proper management of conflicts to enhance the security of their respective states. The NSA made the call at the ongoing three-day 2023 induction program for re-elected and newly elected governors organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja. Munguno, represented by Mr. Joseph Dashwuep, a senior officer in the NSA’s office, also called on State Governors to adopt both the kinetic and non-kinetic models in tackling insecurity in their states. Monguno who was the lead discussant at a panel session on “Managing security in the states: Ungoverned spaces and regional security” said that security agencies would always do their best to keep Nigeria safe. He said that there was the need for state governors to adopt policies that meet the aspirations of the people and ensure proper management of conflicts. “The way you manage conflicts go a long way in determining the peace and security of your state,” Monguno said. He also advised them to regularly meet with security agencies, media, civil societies, non-governmental organizations, citizens, and traditional and religious leaders. Also speaking, the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi who was a discussant, advised governors to act promptly on intelligence reports and early warning alert. ”You are expected to act promptly once you receive intelligence or early warning reports. “Do not neglect these reports. Sometimes governors will receive intelligence report and hand it over to a special adviser or aide,” he said. The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, who was also a discussant, advised governors to work with existing security architecture to secure their state. Baba said that establishing a new security outfit would cost more than improving of the existing ones He also advised governors to tackle the issue of unemployment and poverty as well as adopt advanced technology in fighting crime. Contributing, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, said that state governors should be empowered to tackle security challenges at the local level because the federal security agencies were not localised. “The central point here to make is that security or insecurity is largely a local issue. Every locality has its own peculiarities. “I think for those of us who are governors and the governors-elect, a major concern that we need to address is that the national security architecture places much emphasis on kinetic architecture which is almost exclusively on the shoulders of the Federal Government. “Whereas the governors are called chief security officers (without troops); we must have to learn how to cope for survival in a dysfunctional system,” he said. Soludo expressed happiness that the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu had expressed his commitment to state police saying that is really the way to go in a federal structure. “The vigilante services of various states are backed by law. The one of Anambra is doing well but we are operating on a tight constraint as it were,” he said. Also, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, said instead of establishing new security outfit at the state, governors should key into efforts by federal government. He said that federal security agencies were functioning, but in adequate fund remain a big challenge that states can step into to fund their operations. “If we can tackle the funding gap that exists among these security agencies and fund them early enough, the idea of having a general without a troop will disappear because you know as we always say, who plays the piper dictates the tune,” he said. Uzodinma called for partnership and cooperation between the state and federal governments “I am also aware that given the economy and revenue sources available to the states, it may not be very easy now for some states to fund the cost of setting up an independent security architecture that will be effective and efficient in their various states. “Rather, an inter-dependent relationship between the federal establishment and provincial authorities will also work,” he added. On managing the process of governance, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State advised incoming governors not to abandon any project because they were not the initiators. Sanwo-Olu said the completion of a project was more important to the people than who started it. “If a project is 86 per cent completed and abandoned, no body will take the credit. What the people are concerned about is to enjoy the facilities,” he said. Gov. Seyin Makinde of Oyo State also advised governors not to abandon projects. Former Governor of Cross River, Donald Duke, urged governors to deliver on their by promises saying “politics is over. You emerged one way or the other, it is time to work. “I will congratulate you for winning election but the bigger congratulations will come at the end of your tenure,” he said.

US to impose travel ban on people undermining Nigeria’s democracy

The United States has moved to impose visa restrictions on several individuals for allegedly undermining the democratic process in Nigeria, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. “Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle,” Blinken said in a statement. “These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole,” he added. Blinken did not identify the individuals who were sanctioned but emphasised that they would be barred from entering the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy. “These individuals have been involved in the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process,” he said. Washington took steps to impose these visa restrictions in order to show its commitment to democracy in Nigeria, he added.

Assault on Police Officer: Seun Kuti turns self in

The Police Command in Lagos State has said the Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, who allegedly assaulted a police officer, turned in himself to the police on Monday. This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin. Hundeyin said that Kuti, in company of his lawyer and family representatives, were at the Lagos Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja at the early hours of Monday and was placed under arrest in line with the law. He said the command appreciated the public for their concern and assured that the ongoing investigation would be detailed, transparent and professionally pursued. “Justice will be manifestly served for all parties involved,” he said. The Inspector-General of Police, I-G Usman Baba, had on Saturday ordered the arrest of the Afrobeat musician for allegedly assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The Police Service Commission (PSC), which also condemned the alleged assault, commended the I-G for promptly ordering Seun’s arrest and prosecution. Mr. Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has revealed that Seun requested for his legal services after the IGP’s order to immediately arrest the singer. Falana said: “I am his lawyer and he has briefed me. He certainly has evidence. “This is not the first time he is dealing with the police.” The lawyer added that the embattled singer would turn himself in on Monday. 

Police confirm arrest of guard who allegedly defiled 4-yr-old

The police command in Lagos State has arrested a security guard who allegedly defiled a four-year-old girl. The Command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on his verified Twitter handle on Saturday. According to Hundeyin, the suspect is in police custody. “The suspect has been arrested and is still in custody. “A medical report that would ensure a conviction is being expected. “We don’t pander to emotions but deal with evidence to prove issues beyond reasonable doubt,” he said. The suspect was arrested after a person, identified simply as Omolomo, with Twitter handle @TheVawulence, reported the case through the handle. Omolomo had called on the police to intervene. 

Abductions/Killings: Engineers give FG 18 days’ ultimatum

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has given the Federal Government 18 days’ ultimatum to fish out and prosecute killers and abductors of its members across the country. The President of NSE, Mr. Tasiu Gidari-Wudil gave the ultimatum at a news conference in Abuja on the killings and abduction of its members. He said over the years, the society has been inundated with reports of abduction and vicious killings of its members across the country, especially in the South-East. Gidari-Wudil said the most recent of such cases was the report of the killing of Mr Donatus Udeh, who was abducted on April 22. “Three days later, his mutilated, lifeless body and vehicle were found at different locations within 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, Enugu State on April 25. “The late Engr. Udeh was, until his demise, the Vice Chairman of the Enugu Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. “In a similar way, five Engineers from NELAN Engineering Consulting Limited were abducted on their way to inspect a project site in Ebonyi on Nov. 3, 2021. He said the victims, Nelson Onyemeh, Earnest Edeani, Ikechukwu Ejiofor, Samuel Aneke and Engr. Stanley Nwazulum were to be on a supervisory visit to the $150 million Abakaliki Ring Road project. The president said that until this moment, the Police have not unraveled the mystery behind the disappearance of the hardworking professionals. He said presently, the life of one of the Executive Committee members of NSE was under threat just because she was supervising a project in Ebonyi. The president said it was a shame to continually witness these cruel killings without any respite from the government. He said that the primary purpose of government was the security and welfare of the people, as provided in section 14(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Gidari-Wudil said that when all the professionals are killed, who would construct the roads, build bridges and waterways. “The engineer saves lives and improves the quality of living by her innovative ideas and inventions. “The slain engineers were exactly on such patriotic nation-building and economy- stimulating course when they were cut down. “It is an irony that such breed of humans would be targeted for such brutality without a convincing action by the government to bring the perpetrators to book. “Going forward, I hereby make an appeal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to wade into the matter,” he said.