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IGP EGBETOKUN REDEPLOYS 7 AIGS, 18 CPs TO BOOST SECURITY NATIONWIDE

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of 7 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 18 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various strategic offices nationwide. The redeployment is aimed at repositioning the force to discharge its duties effectively. According to the IGP, the newly posted AIGs include AIG Margaret Ochalla, AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, AIG Fred Ekokotu, AIG Iwo Nemi Edwin Osigboka, AIG Garba Ahmed, AIG Salman Dogo, and AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu. They will oversee various zones and departments, including AIG FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Zone 13, Ukpo, and AIG Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja. Concurrently, 18 CPs have been posted to act in the capacity of AIGs, pending approval from the Police Service Commission (PSC). They will oversee various zones, departments, and units, including the Police Academy, Kano, AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa, and AIG Interpol, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The IGP has charged the affected officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary service. He urged them to ensure strict supervision and diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and encouraged them to key into the ongoing police reform. The IGP stated, “These deployments are integral to the ongoing revitalization of the Nigeria Police Force, and I am confident that they will contribute significantly to enhanced security and improved service delivery across the nation.”

PRODUCE EX-ADAMAWA REC OR RISK CONTEMPT CHARGES, COURT TELLS IGP

Akpo Ojo An Adamawa State High Court, Yola, has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest and produce the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the state, Mr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, before the court or risk contempt charges. The threat of the inspector general of police being accused of contempt, stems from the failure of the police to heed the court’s directive to arrest the fleeing ex-resident electoral commissioner, who has absconded from facing trial. Justice Benjamin Manji granted the order after considering the ex parte application moved by prosecution counsel L.D. Nzadon, urging the court to grant a warrant for Ari’s arrest, emphasizing the necessity of the former electoral official’s presence to stand trial for the charges preferred against him. The ex parte application was supported by an affidavit deposed by the Director of Public Prosecution in the Adamawa State Ministry of Justice, Ishaq Jada, detailing the circumstances leading to the court’s intervention. The affidavit, supported by a 17-paragraph counter-affidavit and an exhibit marked “A” highlighted Ari’s alleged failure to appear before the court despite being summoned severally. Convinced of the merit of the application and the need for a favourable exercise of judicial discretion, the judge granted the prayers as requested, by issuing a warrant of arrest against Ari. Also, Egbetokun was directed to effect the arrest of the former state resident electoral commissioner, and produce him unfailingly before the court on March 27, 2025. Justice Manji further ordered that the inspector general of police be served Form 48 (notice of consequence of disobedience of court order) via substituted means, and that failure to obey the court’s directives will not only result in contempt, but lead to imprisonment. The issuance of the notice of consequences of disobedience of the court order, the judge ruled is under Order IX, Rule 13 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act The legal proceedings against Mr. Ari in case number HC/ADSY/9C/2024, began following a complaint lodged by the state government on February 20, 2024, following allegations surrounding his conduct during the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State. However, the former resident electoral commissioner had appeared in court only once since his trial commenced, and has repeatedly failed to heed summons from the court to appear before it.

IGP REITERATES BAN ON PUBLIC PARADE OF SUSPECTS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reiterated the ban on the public parade of suspects by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. This directive aims to uphold the fundamental human rights of every citizen and adhere to global best practices in policing. According to the IGP, the ban is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Police Force’s modernization efforts and reflects its dedication to respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those suspected of criminal activity. The IGP emphasized that this policy is aligned with international human rights standards, which prioritize the protection and preservation of the dignity and rights of individuals throughout the judicial process. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to operating within the bounds of the law and promoting a culture of respect for human rights among its personnel. The IGP seeks the understanding and cooperation of the public, particularly members of the media, in adhering to this directive. “Responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalistic practices are vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals,” the IGP stated.

NIGER DELTA YOUTH COUNCIL DEMANDS RELEASE OF JESAM MICHAEL, DETAINED DESPITE COURT ORDER

The Supreme Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, to compel the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to release Mr. Jesam Michael, who has been detained since January 28, 2025, despite a court order granting him bail. The FCT High Court had ordered the Inspector-General of Police to release Mr. Michael on bail with two sureties, but the police have refused to comply with the order. The council described Mr. Michael’s continued detention as a gross violation of his human rights and the rule of law. “It is reprehensible and repugnant to the Nigerian Constitution for a complainant who had reported a matter to the police to be subchanged to be an accused due to ethnic sentiments, financial inducement, extortion, avarices, and abuse of office,” the council said. The council also called on the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation to take over the prosecution of the case to address the injustice and ensure that Mr. Michael’s rights are protected. “We demand that the police respect the court’s decision and immediately release Mr. Jesam to receive necessary medical attention,” the council added.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE DENIES REPORT OF MISSING ARMS

The Nigeria Police Force has expressed surprise and deep concerns regarding recent news alleging that 3,907 arms are missing from the force. In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the allegations as “misleading and inaccurate”. The statement explained that the report appears to stem from an assessment of the report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, AuGF, dating back to 2019, likely reflecting records compiled prior to the current Inspector-General of Police’s tenure. Adejobi noted that the report stated that 3,907 arms were unaccounted for, not “missing” as speculated by the news. The police attributed discrepancies to periods of civil unrest, during which several police officers were killed and their arms carted away, and some attacks and looting of police facilities and armories, resulting in the loss of arms. However, every effort has been made to account for the arms that were taken, while many have been recovered back to the arms holding of the force at the moment. Olumuyiwa Adejobi also emphasized that the police have a statutory and annual internal auditing process, which includes stringent measures to ensure controlled movement and proper accountability of arms. Throughout their audits, there has been no outrageous record of unaccounted or missing arms, as speculated in the 2019 report of the AuGF. The Senate Public Accounts Committee conducted an inquiry on Tuesday with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun regarding the issue of missing firearms. During the session, Egbetokun expressed regret for not attending previous meetings, attributing his absence to the demands of his role. Adejobi clarified that the IGP appeared briefly before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to address prior invitation snubs before departing, leaving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, to answer the queries of the committee. The Senate Committee has scheduled another meeting with the IGP for February 17, 2025, to present a detailed report on the missing firearms and the contract issues.

NIGERIA’S TOP POLICE CHIEF ORDERS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST SENIOR OFFICERS REFUSING TO RETIRE

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has set up a disciplinary committee to handle cases of senior police officers who have allegedly refused to retire despite reaching the mandatory age of 60 or completing 35 years of service. The committee will convene at the Force Headquarters in Abuja from tomorrow until Thursday. Those summoned include an Assistant Inspector General, at least two Commissioners of Police, and a high-ranking police lawyer. According to the IGP’s directive, the affected officers are required to appear in “their clean working dress” and adhere to the daily dress code. The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier ordered the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have exceeded 35 years in service or are above 60 years old. Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations of the commission, stated that the decision was made after revisiting a previous decision that contradicted public service rules. Critics have questioned the PSC’s decision, citing the extension of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure by President Bola Tinubu. However, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi explained that the President acted within the law. In a related development, the National Industrial Court has adjourned a case involving police officers contesting their retirement to March 18. The officers claim that the PSC incorrectly calculated their years of service. Their counsel, Adeleke Agbola, urged the court to maintain the status quo pending the determination of committal proceedings.

TRANSPARENCY IN POLICING: IGP WARNS AGAINST INCESSANT TRANSFER OF CASES, MISUSE OF OFFICE

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has raised serious concerns about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases and misusing public office by certain officers and individuals. He stressed that these practices undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the Force, and will no longer be tolerated. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that the IGP has directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity. Adejobi emphasized that any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions. Adejobi stated that the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorization has been deemed unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources. The IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office. Equally concerning is the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters of land ownership. The IGP has reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome. Adejobi also noted that the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation is another issue the IGP has vowed to address. Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness, and stating that the complaint has not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police. The IGP has urged members of the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the IGP’s office, except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention. Adejoji stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. As part of his commitment to professionalism, the IGP reassures Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability.

POLICE INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN ON ORGANIZED CRIME, RESCUE 16 VICTIMS

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to strengthen national security and curb crimes, particularly human trafficking and kidnapping. In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police operatives have rescued 13 trafficked victims and 3 kidnapped victims in separate operations. The first operation took place on January 31, 2025, when police operatives attached to the Kaduna State Command apprehended three suspects – Samson Peter, Haruna Duniya, and Abdulazaq Olawole – who were trafficking 13 victims to Oyo State. Adejobi stated that the victims were rescued, and the investigation is ongoing. In another operation, police operatives of the Ogun State Command carried out a covert operation on January 29, 2025, and located the den of kidnappers responsible for an earlier reported abduction. Adejobi said the operatives engaged the gang in a gun duel, neutralizing five gang members and rescuing the three kidnapped victims. The police also recovered arms, ammunition, mobile phones, and a cash sum of N5.2 million. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their gallantry and dedication to duty. Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying, “The Police Force remains committed to effectively combatting all security threats.”

POLICE NEUTRALIZE ESN TERRORIST KINGPINS, RECOVER DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN IMO

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, announced that the Nigeria Police Force has achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State. The operation, which took place on January 24, 2025, resulted in the neutralization of six members of the terrorist group, with three being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21). Adejobi stated that the operatives also recovered five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with eight operational motorcycles used by the group. Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, and the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022. Adejobi noted that the group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination. Adejobi quoted the IGP as charging police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025. Adejobi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.

IGP COMMISERATES WITH NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT OVER TANKER EXPLOSION

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred on January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State. In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on the roads, warning against negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents. “The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on our roads, warns firmly against the negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents,” Adejobi stated. The IGP directed all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways. Adejobi noted that the IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by traffic rules to prevent tragedies. Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the IGP prayed for the souls of the departed and called on stakeholders, including transport operators and the general public, to prioritize safety and responsibility in their operations and actions. The tanker explosion resulted in the loss of over 73 lives, numerous injuries, and destruction of several shops and property. The IGP’s directive is aimed at preventing such incidents in the future.

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