PSC promotes four police officers

The Police Service Commission on Tuesday promoted four police officers currently lecturing at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, who have successfully completed various academic programmes and acquired PhD certificates. The officers who appeared before the Commission on Tuesday include CSP Favour Fadawag; Inspector Shide Sunday; Inspector Oparaji Benjamin; Chetachi Ukwu; and Inspector Benjamin Wanger. CSP Fadawag was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, while the three Inspectors were promoted to Assistant Superintendents of Police for now, until they are confirmed for further proper placement. PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), mni, who presided over the extraordinary management meeting of the Commission, stated that other officers with additional professional certificates who have been engaged in such professional duties, such as lawyers, will soon be upgraded in line with public service requirements. In a press statement, the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, quoted DIG Argungu as disclosing that the Commission will henceforth encourage merit and personal development as motivation for greater dedication and commitment to duty. He promised that the Commission will continue to promote transparency and accountability in the conduct of its constitutional mandate and assured serving police officers that their welfare, including proper placement, will receive the Commission’s attention, Argungu stressed. According to the PSC Chairman, all lecturers in the Police Academy who have additional certificates will be considered for promotion. While disclosing that the Commission prioritises police welfare, Argungu stated that it will not fail to fight corruption not only in the Commands, Departments, etc. but also in Police Colleges and the Academy. Furthermore, Argungu said the Commission’s policy on whistle-blowing will soon be implemented in the Police Academy and all Police Colleges, and anyone found with corrupt tendencies will be sanctioned. “We have to expose the enemies of our country; anyone found collecting money for admission into the Academy or recruitment into the Police will be dealt with according to the law of the land,” he remarked. He congratulated the newly promoted officers and charged them to contribute their best to the service of their fatherland. DIG Taiwo Lakanu commended the Chairman for his remarkable courage in facilitating the promotion of the officers with PhD certificates while continuing to lecture with Inspector ranks. DIG Lakanu stated that he will continue to stand by him and ensure that the Commission succeeds in transforming the Nigeria Police Force for the better.

Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Protesters Set Local Government Secretariat Ablaze

On Monday, unrest unfolded in Bori, Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, leaving one person feared dead after gunfire was reported.  The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, though it coincided with widespread protests across several LGAs, following a police directive to reopen all 23 council secretariats that had been closed since July. In Ikwerre LGA, demonstrators stormed the council headquarters in Isiokpo, setting a section of the building on fire, forcing staff and the newly appointed chairman to abandon the premises.  Although authorities intervened to control the situation and extinguish the flames, some parts of the building sustained damage. In Emuoha LGA, protesters prevented the newly sworn-in chairman from entering the council headquarters.  They voiced opposition to the election results, claiming the Action Peoples Party’s candidate was not popular enough to win.  The demonstrators blocked access to the administrative building, insisting on the reinstatement of the previous chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, whose tenure, they argued, was extended by the state House of Assembly. Earlier in the day, violence also broke out in Eleme LGA, where protesters set the secretariat on fire, destroying several structures and vehicles, including a police car.  The police responded but were still assessing the extent of the damage.

FCT Police Take Custody Of Suspect In Alleged Kidnap, Attempted Murder In Abuja Hotel

The FCT Police Command says it has taken custody of a 30-year-old male suspect of Ondo State, Joseph Efe, from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command.   Joseph was arrested on 17th September 2024 in Abuja for the alleged kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder of the young lady, Olivia Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, a 25-year-old female of Abia State, whom he confined in a room at Top View hotel, Wuse, Abuja.   A video which has since gone viral showed the Ijeoma confined in a room with her legs tied.   Reports claimed she was kidnapped to be used for a money ritual.   Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the receipt of the suspect in a statement issued on Monday evening.   “While discreet investigation into the matter has commenced, the FCT police command wishes to reaffirm its commitment to collaborate with other relevant security agencies in the effort against crime and criminality within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement reads.   The command had said it was waiting for the NSCDC to hand over the suspect to it for diligent investigation.  

Edo poll: IGP orders restriction of movement

In the usual tradition that never deters violence, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed the restriction of movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024.   The police boss said this is to ensure adequate measures are put in place for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.   At least 17 political parties will be participating in the election, with the major parties being the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.   In a statement on Friday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said the IG ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day.   He added that those on essential duties, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempted from the order.   Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.   “In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.   “To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.”   Adejobi also said the IG directed that special attention should be accorded to People With Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and old people, among others.   He said, “Furthermore, the IG has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all,” adding that the IG sternly warned residents against pranking the emergency lines released by the police to report cases of emergencies during the election.   Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.   “The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”   Adejobi said Egbetokun urged the residents to report suspicious and other activities that could affect the integrity of the poll.   He said, “Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.   “The Inspector-General of Police underscores the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law.   “The IGP reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.”    

Edo Election: Why NPF Banned Edo Security Network

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, has said the ban on Edo State Security Network from participating in the September 21 governorship election, was in line with the Electoral Act.   Frank Mba said the Electoral Act did not recognize vigilante groups and other non-conventional security outfits during election exercises.   Mba, who stated this on Sunday, during Edo Election Security Townhall, explained that about 35,000 policemen have been deployed to Edo State for the Saturday election.   He said, “By law, by convention and by practice vigilantes and non-conventional security outfits are never part of the electoral process and you can fact-check this.   “Look at all our elections, our positions have never changed, we have never altered, we’ve not done anything, the Inspector General Police has not said anything or done anything that is out of the books and politicians knew this.   “But guess what? Politicians will always be politicians. In the last general election whether you are looking at the southeast or whether you are looking at the southwest look through the entire length and breadth of the country, we expressly and in very strong terms and we walked our talk in making sure that non-conventional security outfits did not or are not allowed to participate in the electoral process.”   Responding to a question if policemen would arrest Edo Security Network personnel if found around polling stations, he answered: “Exactly, because as a matter of fact that would be a breach of the Electoral Act. I mean under the Electoral Act, the law clearly states the agencies that can participate in policing the electoral space.”   Mba explained that except for Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, policemen attached to other politicians in the state will be withdrawn.   “We will clearly demobilize, and deactivate orderlies and VIP protection personnel 48 hours before the election but naturally, the governor and deputy governor will keep personal security but these personnel are not allowed to accompany them to the electoral ground,” he added.  

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.