General News
PCRC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN REAFFIRMS STRATEGIC MEDIA PARTNERSHIP, ADVOCATES FOR RETIRED FEMALE POLICE OFFICERS
The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, has reaffirmed the committee’s strong partnership with the media, describing journalists as indispensable allies in nation-building and police accountability. Olaniyan made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, led by its Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, on a familiarisation visit to the PCRC National Secretariat.
The PCRC chairman described journalists and police officers as two groups that enjoy unrestricted access to him, stressing that their roles are critical to governance, transparency, and public enlightenment. He emphasized that the PCRC does not differentiate leadership roles by gender. According to him, competence and service, not gender, define leadership.
Olaniyan disclosed that since assuming office as National Chairman on November 27, the PCRC has made significant strides, including reclaiming land jointly owned by the PCRC, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Police Affairs, with plans underway to develop the property through partnerships with reputable developers. He highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the PCRC in support of the Nigeria Police, including scholarships programs for children of police officers.
Addressing gender inclusion, the PCRC National Chairman expressed concern over the neglect of retired female police officers in post-service appointments, despite their qualifications and experience. He observed that while many retired male police officers are routinely engaged as security advisers, consultants, and heads of security for government institutions and private organizations, their female counterparts are often overlooked.
“What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” he said, adding that merit, integrity, and experience—not gender—should determine opportunities within the security sector. Olaniyan stated that the neglect reflects a broader gender imbalance. “Many states readily appoint retired male officers as security advisers or heads of regional security outfits, while equally qualified female officers are rarely considered for similar roles, this trend sends a discouraging signal to serving female officers and undermines ongoing efforts to promote gender equity within the Nigeria Police and the wider security architecture.” he stressed.
Calling for deliberate advocacy, Olaniyan urged the NUJ FCT Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, to leverage her leadership position and media influence to bring sustained attention to the issue. He said the media has a critical role to play in reshaping public perception and policy by highlighting the contributions of female police officers and pushing for inclusive appointment practices.
On media ethics and security reporting, Olaniyan urged journalists to always verify facts and report issues involving the police with balance, warning against one-sided narratives that could undermine national institutions. He stressed that while the police are not perfect, they remain a critical pillar of national security and deserve fair and responsible coverage.
The PCRC chairman also pledged to facilitate strategic partnerships for the NUJ FCT Council, including engagements with prominent private sector stakeholders and philanthropists who support police welfare and national development. He assured the NUJ delegation of PCRC’s continued support, describing the relationship as a family bond.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, commended the PCRC National Chairman for his visible humanitarian efforts and described him as a “man of the people.” She stated that the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership. “The NUJ FCT, as the umbrella body for all media organizations in Abuja, we remain committed to objective, balanced, and responsible reporting. We also pledged to amplify PCRC activities across its network of over 700 journalists.” She stated.
Miss Ike emphasized that collaboration must be mutual, assuring the PCRC of sustained publicity and collective engagement. She highlighted key challenges facing journalists in the FCT, including the poor state of the NUJ Secretariat and the absence of a functional congress hall. She appealed for support in completing the long-abandoned building project and also called for collaboration on affordable housing for journalists.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.