Nigeria not ripe for state police, says IGP Egbetokun
The Nigeria Police Force has opposed the establishment of state police, saying the country was not ripe for such. Speaking at a one day dialogue on state policing, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun said the establishment of state police will execerbate ethnic tension, leading to divided loyalty in the states. Represented by AIG Ben Okolo, the Inspector General of Police said the establishment of state police will also lead to multiple command structures in the states. He also said that state governors are likely to abuse the privilege of state police by using it for political gains, leading to possible abuse of power and abuse of huma rights. He argued that the state government lack thereof required funding that will give birth to the type of policing that the nation requires. Rather than estabalisibg state police, he recommend the merging of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission to form a department in the Nigeria Police Force. He also said there is the need for a yearly recruitment of about 30,000 police personnel into the force annually to meet the UN requirements for morden policing, while also increasing annual budgetary allocation to the force.
FG Resumes Prosecution Of Boko Haram Detainees In Kainji — Ribadu
Nigeria has resumed the prosecution of all Boko Haram detainees in Kainji The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this at the 2-day High-level African Counter-terrorism Summit in Abuja According to him, Nigeria is also gathering intelligence on the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP), to tackle the groups headlong. The Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said the success of the United Nations lies in the collaboration of African countries towards providing African-based solutions.
Two Boko Haram bomb experts surrender in Borno
Two suspected Boko Haram individuals identified as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Babagana Modu, have laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Monguno, in Borno State. The surrender took place on April 21, 2024, marking a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region. This was disclosed on Monday in a press statement signed by the Chief Military Public Information of MNJTF, Ndjamena, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi. The statement reads: “Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Monguno, Nigeria, has reported continued surrender of terrorists in its Area of Operations. “Among the latest to lay down their arms were two individuals identified as improvised explosive device (IED) experts, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Bana Modu. The surrender took place on 21 April 2024, marking a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region. “During a preliminary investigation, Mohammed and Modu revealed they had been ordered to plant IEDs along roads of Doron Baga and Fish Dam in Baga, Kukawa Local Government of Borno State Nigeria. “Instead of carrying out their mission, they decided to abandon their task, escape with the IEDs, and surrender to the MNJTF. Their decision was influenced by the MNJTF recently concluded Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation and sector’s personal engagement strategy with relevant sources, showcasing the effectiveness of psychological operations in the fight against terrorism. “Items recovered from them include two IEDs, two mobile phones, and a sum of fifty-three thousand Naira (N53,000.00) only from Mohammed and Modu. This development underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to encouraging other terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad Islands to come out, surrender, and lay down their arms, in a bid to achieve sustainable peace in the region. “The MNJTF remains dedicated to its mission of restoring peace and facilitating the return of normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin,” Lt. Col. Abdullahi stated.
Kenyan Police Arrest Binance Executive Who Escaped From Nigeria
The Kenya Police Service has successfully apprehended a senior executive of Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who had been on the run, as efforts to extradite him to Nigeria gain momentum. This development was confirmed by government sources on Sunday night, who spoke to Punch under the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on their authority to discuss the matter publicly. One of the sources said, “Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would be extradited to Nigeria this week by INTERPOL.” Another source noted, “As we had said before that Anjarwalla would be extradited, he has been arrested in Kenya, and he’ll be extradited to Nigeria this week.” Recall that the Federal Government revealed that it traced Anjarwalla to Kenya, following his escape from lawful custody in Nigeria. A source that spoke on the development at the time said, “We have found him. We know where he is; he is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria. “All hands are on the deck, the government and all the security agencies are working hard in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, to ensure his return to Nigeria to face the charges brought against him.” Meanwhile, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had in the March edition of its bulletin titled, “EFCC Alert,” confirmed that the commission was working in conjunction with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla. Olukoyed said, “The takeover of the prosecution of Binance chiefs by the commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market. “Tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000 and are at the foundation of the Commission’s five counts against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives. “While Gambaryan is currently in the Commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing. Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”
Gov Ododo didn’t help Yahaya Bello evade EFCC arrest — Commissioner, Fanwo
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has claimed that Governor Usman Ododo did not shield ex-Governor Yahaya Bello from arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Fanwo stated this while speaking on Channels Television on Friday. “Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives. “Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he said. Fanwo also insisted that a state high court injunction protects Bello from harassment by the EFCC. He noted that Governor Ododo remains a law-abiding leader who respects the rule of law and the Constitution of Nigeria. EFCC operatives had laid a siege at Bello’s house in Abuja. But Ododo arrived at the residence and hours after he drove out, there were reports that Bello snuck out with him. The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted. He has also been placed on a security watchlist by the federal government.
Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details
The Nigeria Police Force has detained the female aide-de-camp (ADC) and several other police officers attached to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, following suspicions of their involvement in aiding his escape from law enforcement. The detentions occurred at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as confirmed by senior police sources to Punch. This action was taken after the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued a directive on Thursday night for the immediate withdrawal of these officers from Bello, who is currently embroiled in legal challenges. The former governor was supposed to be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday but managed to evade capture. The police sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicated that the ADC and the detained officers are under investigation for potentially abetting Bello’s escape, which has led to a significant uproar within security circles. This incident marks a critical development in the ongoing case against Bello, who faces allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor. One of the sources said, “The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained. “They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday.” Another source said, “Yahaya Bello’s female ADC and other police officers attached to him were brought to the command this morning, and they’ve been detained for aiding and abetting (the governor’s escape).” Egbetokun had, on Thursday night, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello. The order reads, “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM NIGPOL. “DOPS ABUJA X BEGINS X CB:4001/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.21/462 DTO:180955/04/2024 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X REF MYLET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/36 DATED 15/04/2024 X AND MY EARLIER LET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/30 DATED 24/01/2024 X Nigeria police have ordered the withdrawal of all men. “Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please above for your information and strict compliance.”
Taraba Traditional Ruler Shot Dead Inside His Palace
The traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in the Gassol local government area of Taraba state, Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, has been reportedly shot dead. Reports on Friday morning revealed that Jankada was killed by some armed individuals who forcefully entered his palace on Thursday night. Daily Trust quoted eyewitnesses to have reported that the assailants arrived in Sansani town on motorcycles and discreetly made their way into the palace to carry out their deadly mission. The gunmen specifically targeted the room where the monarch was present, firing multiple shots at him before taking his phones. Regrettably, the monarch lost his life instantly, catching the palace guards and family members off guard. Musa Sansani, a resident of Sansani town, mentioned that they heard gunshots but were unaware that they originated from the palace. “The late chief told us Yesterday that he was travelling to Ibbi for the Nwonyo Fishing Festival, which is taking place on Friday and Saturday. We never knew the Chief did not travel Yesterday evening, so when we heard the gunshots, we did not suspect it was inside the palace,” he told reporters. The assailants were said to have departed the town without making a sound after assassinating the ruler. It was his spouse who reportedly discovered his lifeless body in his chamber, prompting her to raise the alarm that drew the attention of the entire populace in the town as well as neighbouring chiefdoms. “We are mourning and the late chief will be buried after Friday prayers,” Sansani said
IGP withdraws policemen attached to former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello
Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The directive, contained in a police wireless message, comes amidst the embattled former governor’s legal troubles and being placed on the Nigerian Immigration Service watchlist. The order relayed through a police wireless message, emphasized strict compliance with the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to Bello. The document read in part, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. “Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.” The decision follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Comission’s declaration of Bello as wanted in connection to a money laundering case totalling N80.2 billion. In addition to the police withdrawal, the Nigerian Immigration Service placed Bello on its watchlist, directing border officials to arrest and refer him to the Director of Investigation if sighted at any entry or exit point. The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted and was granted a warrant of arrest by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Efforts by the EFCC to apprehend Bello were foiled by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and his security team escorting Bello away from his residence.
Police Invite Edo Labour Party’s Guber Candidate, Akpata Over UNIBEN Assault Incident
The Edo State Police Command has summoned the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to discuss alleged security breaches, particularly the incidents of gunfire reported at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last Friday. The Public Relations Officer for the Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, disclosed this development to the media in Benin City. Nwabuzor stated that the LP gubernatorial candidate was served the invitation by investigators during the Political Desk Session at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Recall that during an investiture ceremony hosted by the UNIBEN Staff Club, the candidate of the Labour Party for the forthcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State was allegedly assaulted by suspected political thugs. Olumide Akpata, on the other hand, has claimed that the attack was orchestrated by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the State Government to assassinate him. The Command’s spokesperson elaborated that the invitation extended to Olumide Akpata was a component of the investigation launched by the police Command into the crisis. In response to inquiries, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Kelly Ogbaloi, verified the reception of the police invitation, mentioning his absence in Benin during the letter’s arrival, but he affirmed his intention to honour the invitation. “The police ought to have done their background investigations, his being honoured by UNIBEN had nothing to do with our party secretariat. So, I don’t know why I am being asked to come along with him to the Police Command Headquarters in Benin, however, I will honour the invitation,” he said.
Alleged terrorism, kidnapping: Judge threatens to strike out trial of Imo monarch killers …As AGF shuns court
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Monday threatened to strike out terrorism charges brought against four defendants who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze-Obowo autonomous community in Imo state, Eze Basil Njoku. The threat by Justice Nyako followed the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi SAN in court to lead the prosecution of the defendants. Although the four defendants were billed for arraignment by 9.am, the judge was forced to shift it till 12noon due to the non-appearance of the AGF or his representatives in court. The four defendants are Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke. The three counts earlier slammed against them have been increased to five in the amended charges. By 12noon, when the arraignment was to hold, neither the AGF not his representative still appeared in court without any information or communication to the court. The situation prompted the judge to invite lawyers to the defendants into her chambers where an adjournment of April 30th was fixed. Although lead counsel to the defendants, Solomon Akume SAN had applied for dismissal of he terrorism charges against the defendants, Justice Nyako opted to give the the AGF another chance to lead a diligent prosecution The judge however held that in the event of the AGF or his representatives not appearing in court on the adjourned date, the court may have no option than to strike out the charges against the defendants for want of diligent prosecution. At the March 20 last adjourned date, the AGF represented by David Kaswe a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice had taken over the prosecution of the defendants from the Inspector General of Police IGP who intially initated the trial of defendants Kaswe had told the judge that the AGF invoked section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and section 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to assume trial of the defendants The AGF’s office at the last adjourned date told the court that the IGP had been directed to make the case file available to his office. However at today’s proceedings, neither the AGF nor David Kwase and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Simon Lough who was prosecuting the trial for the Inspector General of Police was in court, despite been served with hearing notice. Meanwhile Justice Nyako has ordered that fresh hearing notice for April 30th arraignment of the four defendants be served on the AGF. Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022.. The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4M cash from his family. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022. The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act. Part of the charge read “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act. “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja with intent to mislead the police investigators in the case of kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you gave false information to the investigators that a drunk man informed you that Nwigwe Emeka Williams is responsible for the kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku Knowing or having reason to know that information you gave to police investigators is false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act 2004. “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.