Nigeria Police Reacts To Reports Of Packing Lagos State Residents In Buses To Osun

The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command on Saturday claimed that it was not aware nor were its operatives involved in packing some residents of the state to Osun State.  Reports emerged on Saturday on how the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Lagos State Task Force packed hundreds of residents and young people from the streets of the state on Friday and dumped them in Osun State.  One of the youths who said he was taken away by the Nigerian policemen at his place of work on Friday afternoon narrated his ordeal. He had said the law enforcement agents packed young people from Ajah, TBS and Island areas of the state and gathered them inside an uncompleted building at the Makoko police station before moving them to a forest in Ilesha town in Osun State. He had said there were about five luxurious buses filled with the youths that were taken to Osun State in the company of policemen.  Reacting to this in a press statement issued on X, the state command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin claimed the force was not aware of the operation. The statement reads: “Following news making the rounds that the “Nigerian Police…Pack Residents…to Osun,” the Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify that it is not aware, neither was it part, of any such operation. “The command, in keeping with its mandates of prevention and detection of crime, conducts raids of black spots from time to time, and promptly arraigns only culpable suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction in the state after a thorough screening of the people raided. “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Adegoke Fayoade, assures the good people of Lagos State that the command would continue to prioritise their safety and security at all times.” 

Court adjourns Rivers LGs/Govt, AGF, Police, DSS, others case till May 22

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned hearing in the suit seeking to stop the Rivers State Government from withholding the financial allocations of the 42 Local Government Councils in the state, to May 22. The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the matter to enable parties already served with the court’s documents respond accordingly, just as he ordered service on the 1st to 4th and 6th respondents who were neither in court nor represented by any lawyer. At the last adjourned date, the court, while ruling in an ex-parte application, refused to issue an interim order against the Rivers State government and other respondents pending the hearing of the main suit. He ordered the plaintiffs to put the respondents on notice and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo by not doing anything that would render the suit nugatory. However, when the matter was called on Thursday, while the 1st – 4th and 6th were absent in court, M. N. Umoh, Olumide Fusika, SAN, Damian Okoro, SAN, and Sammie Somiari, SAN, appeared for the 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th respondents respectively. The four lawyers all admitted service of court order to maintain status quo and asked for time to respond, adding that they are still within the time allowed by law to file their responses. When asked by the judge if they were also served with the court’s order directing all parties to maintain status quo, all but the 5th defendant admitted service. Justice Omotosho told the respondents that he had declined to grant the interim order but after plaintiffs’ counsel, Clement Ijom stated that salaries of teachers, primary health workers and other local government staff depend on the allocation, he then ordered parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter. Subsequently, the judge ordered the respondents to file in their responses, while the suit is served on the remaining respondents. The Inspector General (IG) of Police, Commissioner of Police (CP) Rivers, Director General (DG) State Security (SSS), Director SSS Rivers, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Chairman Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Rivers State Government, AG Rivers State and Finance Commissioner in Rivers are 1st to 9th respondents respectively. The plaintiffs, on the other hand, include Dr Chidi LLoyd, Chairman, Emohua Local Government, Hon Alwell Ihunda Chairman, Port Harcourt Local goyvernment, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre Local Government, amongst others. They are suing the respondents over the financial allocation to the council as well as their personal security. Pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, the plaintiffs had filed an ex-parte application seeking to restrain the Rivers State Government from withholding their financial allocation. They had also prayed the court to restrain the security agencies from withdrawing the security personnel attached to them. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024, and filed by their lawyer, Aliyu Hussein, the local government Chairmen, also sought an order prohibiting the defendants from preventing the enforcement or implementation of the newly amended Rivers State Local Government Law N:5 of 2024 pending the determination of the motion. In a 33 paragraph affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Dr Chidi LLoyd, Chairman of Emohua Local Government, the applicants claimed to have been duly elected in a democratically conducted election for a term of three years under the provisions of the Rivers State Local Government Law. They asserted that they are autonomous and constitutionally recognized as one of the tiers of the government and that Rivers State House of Assembly Enacted Rivers State Amended Law to guide their affairs and activities. They claimed that Rivers State Government, AG and Finance Commissioner who are not happy with the amended law have approached the IGP, CP, DG SSS and Director SSS seeking the withdrawal of policing and other security services from them in order to frustrate the implementation of the amended law. The Chairmen alleged that the Police Commissioner in the state who has the responsibility to advise the IG on the policing and security needs of Rivers State is under substantial control of Rivers State Government and would implement the directive of the state government. They further asserted that it would be impossible for them to carry out their respective functions and duties without the policing and security services of the IG. The Council chairmen asked the court to restrain the defendants, especially the Rivers State Government, from taking the law into its hand. They promised to undertake to pay for damages if their suit turns to be frivolous.

Ex-terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu wants transfer from DSS custody to Kuje prison

Former terrorist negotiator, Mohammed Tukur Mamu, has asked Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, to transfer him out of the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS) to Kuje prison. The DSS, on March 21, 2023, arraigned him on 10 count charge of terrorism financing, among others. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022. At the resumption of his trial on Monday, Mamu through his counsel Abdul Mohammed SAN, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by DSS. In his motion on notice argued by Mohammed, the former terrorist negotiator claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS. Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the county. The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje prison. He promised regular attendance at the trial in the terrorism charges adding that he can only stand trial when alive. There was however a mild drama at the proceeding when a federal government lawyer, David Emmanuel Kaswe who was billed to respond to Mamu’s request suddenly disappeared in the court room without any excuse or notification . The situation forced the court to stand down the proceeding for over one hour but yet the prosecution counsel did not show up. Justice Ekwo who expressed shock over the attitude of the lawyer to the court said “Iam aware that the prosecution counsel was in this court room this morning. “The miracle of his disappearance is however beyond my understanding. This court stands on the side of justice and the antics of the prosecution will be tolerated for today’s proceeding only”. Justice Ekwo invoked the rule of the court and ordered that the processes filed by the lawyer against Mamu’s application be deemed adopted. The Judge subsequently fixed May 20 for ruling on whether to move the defendant out of DSS custody to Kuje prison or not.

NNPCL refuses FOI request on staff, Asabe Waziri over multi-million naira property In Abuja, Lagos …says personal details of staff not discloseable

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has turned down a Freedom Of Information, FOl, request on regarding employment status and alleged multi-million naira property acquisition by a staff of the company, Ms. Asabe Waziri. In its reply, the company said the personal inflation of nuts staff is not discloseable. NNPCL, through its counsel, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, in its reply dated April 22, 2024 to an FOI request by Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, said, “Accordingly, we regret our client’s inability to accede to your demand for the requested information. Our client, with this, outrightly rejects your request.” In the FOI request, HURIWA had sought to know the following: The current employment status of Ms. Waziri with NNPC Limited, including her position, department, and any relevant employment records, her salaries and benefits date of enlistment with any records indicating her length of service. Other information sought by HURIWA include, acquisition of property: clarification on how Ms. Waziri, as a public servant, allegedly acquired two units of residential property (specifically, units 3B and 3C, Abbey Signature Apartments, 1 Mekong Close, Maitama Abuja FCT) valued at N260 million and the verification of the allegation that Ms. Waziri made a purchase of a prized housing asset in Lagos and information regarding any additional actions or disciplinary measures taken by NNPCL. In its response, the company said, “Having reviewed your request, we invite you to please note that our client has ceased to be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2011 (FOIA) following the coming into force of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, by which the erstwhile Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (the Corporation), which was a public institution, transited to a limited liability company upon the registration of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. Thus, our client is not obligated to respond to demands for information under the FOIA. Be that as it may, our client highlights the following in the interest of due process and transparency: i. The information listed as items 1 to 4 are exempted from the application of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. Section 14 (1)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 reads: “…a public institution must deny an application for information that contains .ersonal in ormation and in ormation exem ted under this subsection includes – @) -ersonnel ‘les and 22 onal in ormation maintained with res .. ct to employees, appointees or elected officials of any public institution or applicants for such positions,” “As information regarding the salaries, salary scale, benefits, benefits package, additional compensation from our client, date of enlistment position, department, acquisition of property, and any relevant employment records are employees‘ personal information in personnel files, our client must deny your request. “Furthermore, information regarding any additional actions or disciplinary measures taken by our client concerning its staff is not disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2011. Please see Section 12 (1) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which prohibits the release of information in relation to records compiled by the institution for administrative enforcement proceedings or internal matters. It provides that: “12. (1) A public institution may deny an application for any information which contains(a) Records compiled by any public institution for administrative enforcement proceedings and by any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes or for internal matters of a public institution…” “As our client is not a party to the alleged suit(s) and dispute between Ms Waziri, Abbey Signature Limited, or any other person, it will not get involved in any matter(s) arising from or connected to the dispute.”

Rivers LGA chairmen to court: Compel IGP, DSS to provide us adequate security

Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director General, State Security Service (SSS) to provide them adequate security for their lives and properties. In a fresh suit, they claimed that under sections 215 of the 1999 Constitution and sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, SSS and other security agencies are under statutory obligations and bound to ensure their security and welfare. In an originating summons instituted on their behalf by Mahmud Abubakar Magaji SAN, the council Chairmen also sought order of the Court against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), not to allow any other laws to be implemented for local governments in Rivers other than the ones enacted by the State House of Assembly. They predicated their fears on alleged threat and boast by the Rivers State Government not to implement or enforce the laws made the state House of Assembly for the local governments. They formulated seven major issues for the court to determine in resolving their grievances with all the defendants in the suit. Among others, they asked the court to determine “whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as well as sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are not statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties. “Whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as well as sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS are not bound to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations made by the Rivers State House of Assembly. Whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the defendants are not bound to recognize and enforce Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law No. 4 of the 2024 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. “Whether by virtue of the combined provisions of sections 7 and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the local government coincils in Rivers State are not Constitutionally recognized and autonomous as the 3rd tier of government and thereby entitled to Allocation from Federation Account. Upon resolving the issues in their favour, the Chairmen asked the court to make declaration that the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties They also applied for a declaration that the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are bound to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations inclusive of the one made by the State House of Assembly of Rivers State. The chairmen also want declaration that no organ of any government has power to withhold the financial allocations due to local governments in Rivers State. The originating summons is supported by a 29 paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Dr Chidi LLoyd, a legal practitioner and Chairman of Emohua Local Government on behalf of other 41 Chairmen. Some of the Chairmen who filed the suit are Dr Chidi LLoyd, Chairman, Emohua local government, Hon Alwell Ihunda Chairman,Port Harcourt local government, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre local government area, Barrister George Ariolu, Chairman, Obio-Akpor local government, Dr Obbinna Anyawu, Chairman, Etchi local government area and Hon Chidorom Nwaiwu, Chairman, Omuma local government area. Others are Dr Hope Ikiriko, Chairman, Ahoada West local government area, Barrister Benjamin Isreal Eke, Chairman, Ahoada East Local Government and Dr Roland Sekibo, Chairman, Akuku-Toru local government area among others. The defendants are IGP, CP Rivers, DG SSS, Director SSS Rivers, AGF, Chairman Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Rivers State Government, AG Rivers State and Finance Commissioner in Rivers State as 1st to 9th defendants. A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday last week stopped the Rivers State Government from withholding the financial allocations of the 42 Local Government Areas in the state pending the determination of a.motion on notice for interlocutory injunction instituted by the Chairmen of the Council against the state and nine others. In a ruling, the Court stopped the Inspector General of Police IGP, Police Commissioner in Rivers, Director General, State Security Service, SSS and Director, State Security Service SSS from withdrawing the security personnel of the local government Chairmen pending the final resolution of the their motion on notice. Justice James Kolawole Omotoso issued the order for status quo to be maintained by the parties in the a marked FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024. Meanwhile, no date has been set for hearing of the originating summons.

Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

Armed bandits raided the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Bunu, resulting in three fatalities and the abduction of several residents. The attack, occurred around 10 pm on Wednesday, also targeted the the residence of former Military Administrator Colonel Bala Muhammad Mande (rtd).  According to witnesses, the bandits attempted to gain entry into the palace by firing at the entrance gate. Fortunately, the gate was locked, preventing their access. However, they proceeded to vandalize nearby structures, including a GSM mast, and set fire to two generators. Sources revealed that the emir had been the primary target of the attack, as he had narrowly escaped a previous abduction attempt. Following the incident, he was quietly relocated to the state capital for safety. In their failed attempt to breach the palace, the bandits turned their attention to the former military administrator’s residence, firing shots that damaged the property. During their retreat from the town, they inflicted casualties, killing three individuals and abducting several others. A resident of the town who pleaded anonymity told Daily Trust: “We don’t know the number of people abducted because when the bandits started the shooting, residents ran into the bush for safety. “No one dared stay back when the bandits were firing shots. The magnitude of the gunshots was scary. Hence, we all ran into the bush for our dear lives. “We are calling on the government to provide enough soldiers to the town because the bandits may return again since they know the emir is in town. “All they want is to abduct the emir, and we don’t know why they want to kidnap him.” While the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara confirmed the attack and the abduction of one palace staff member, there are reports of additional abductions, including the Sarkin Gida of Zurmi Emirate and a local tea seller.

119 Inmates Escape Suleja Correctional Centre Following Heavy Downpour

Suleja Correctional Centre was thrown into chaos on Wednesday night as a severe rainstorm battered the facility, leading to the escape of 119 inmates. Mr. Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the incident, attributing it to the extensive damage caused by the downpour. The heavy rainfall destroyed the custodial facility and its surroundings, particularly damaging the perimeter fence and facilitating the escape of the inmates, according to Duza. In a statement released on Thursday morning, Duza revealed that immediate measures were taken to recapture the escaped inmates. Working in collaboration with other security agencies, the NCoS has successfully apprehended 10 fleeing prisoners, who have been returned to custody. However, efforts to locate and secure the remaining escapees are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies intensifying their search. “The Service recognizes the vulnerability of its aging facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era,” stated Duza. “Efforts are underway to modernize these facilities and enhance security measures.” Duza highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading correctional infrastructure, including the construction of six 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Additionally, existing facilities are undergoing reconstruction and renovation to address structural weaknesses and improve operational efficiency. The NCoS urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings to the nearest security agency. Despite the breach, authorities reassured residents of Suleja of their unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security in the region.

IG Egbetokun Denies saying Nigeria Not Mature For State Police

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Ben Okolo, has said his comments at the National Dialogue on State Police in Abuja on Monday were his personal views. Okolo, who had expressively said that he was representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun at the event, said the country is not mature enough for state police despite Nigeria’s myriad of security challenges. He had also suggested that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to become departments under the Force. Following this development, his comments angered many Nigerians, who said the rising insecurity in the country demands urgent attention. Speaking at a briefing at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, Okolo retracted his comments and clarified some points. The police officer said his statement that “Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force” was a personal view and did not reflect the stance of the police force. According to Okolo, the comments were not that of the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force, adding that the position of the Force will soon be made known.

Alleged N89.2b money laundering: Court to rule on service of charge on Yahaya Bello through lawyer

Justice Emeka Nwite will Tuesday, rule on the application whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) can serve court processes on former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, through his counsel. At the last adjourned date, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Piniero SAN, urged the court to compel the ex-governor’s lawyer to accept service of the processes, explaining that it has been impossible to serve the charge sheet on him personally. Counsel to Yahaya, Abdul Wahab Mohammed, said he doesn’t have the authority of the defendant to accept service of the charges and proof of evidence. He insisted that the Abuja division of the court or the EFCC cannot arraign his client adding that his preliminary objection application has to be taken first, but the EFCC came behind him through a motion-exparte to obtain a warrant of arrest. Therefore, the court adjourned to reconvene Tuesday for ruling. The EFCC , Thursday, informed Justice Emeka Nwite about its intension to invite the Nigerian Army to effect the arrest of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello for arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The anti-graft agency, through its legal team, issued the threat before the court after explaining how a person of immunity protected Bello from arrest following the court’s bench warrant. The court had fixed today(Thursday) for arraignment of Bello alongside the ex-governor’s nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470, 088.88. When it was called up, Thursday, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Piniero SAN, said in open court that the Commission was aware that Bello has been harboured in the home of a person that has immunity. He submitted that immunity is only attached to a person, not his house or car, adding that the law allows Nigerian security agencies to break into a house to arrest a defendant. He said, Some of the counts read: “That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”. “That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3, 081, 804,654.00 (Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account number 1451458080 domiciled in Access BankPlc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act. “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders international Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars) to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act”. Bello’s arraignment followed a warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted the EFCC by Justice Emeka Nwite, Wednesday, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 and filed by the EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo. The EFCC counsel argued that the ex-governor needs to be apprehended by security agencies so as to fast track his arraignment in court and immediate trial. The anti-graft agency maintained that the judge should either order Bello’s arrest or issue a public summons commanding the defendant to appear before the court.

Tinubu declares Counter-Terrorism meeting open

President Bola Tinubu has declared the high level African Counter-Terrorism meeting open. The meeting, which is holding at the Offoce of the National Security Adviser on Monday, April 22, has in attendance special guests including the Under-Secretary General, United Nations office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, Deputy Secretary-General , United Nations, Amina Mohammed, President Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon, President Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, President Republic of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, amongst others. The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) declares open, the High Level African Counter-Terrorism meeting at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). “Special guests at this high level security summit include:  “Mr Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary General, United Nations office of Counter-Terrorism  “Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General , United Nations “H.E Patrice Talon , President Republic of Benin  “H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President  Republic of Ghana  “H.E Faure Gnassingbe, President  Republic of Togo  “HM #YusufTuggar, Foreign Affairs Minister of Nigeria  “General Hanana Hanana , Minister of National Defence, Mauritius  “Mr Moussa Faki Mahmat, Chairperson, African Union Commission.”