Crimes and Justice in Nigeria: February 2024

Tuesday 27 February 2024

Lady, 26 who pushed police woman to the muddy ground over traffic infraction remanded in prison custody.

One Jennifer Soni Omorogbe who was caught on camera pushing a uniformed female officer into a muddy ground in Lagos state has been remanded in prison custody.

The Lagos State Police Command said Omorogbe Jennifer Soni was prevented the police woman from carrying out her duty by violently pushing her to the ground . She was however , caught on camara in a despicable manner pushing the female traffic officer in the Ajah area of the state on February 21, 2024.

In a video shared by the Lagos State Police Command, Omorogbe Jennifer was seen pushing a uniformed female officer, Comfort Areghan, turbulently to the ground into a mud while controlling traffic.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Tuesday, February 27, reads

“Omorogbe was arraigned the following day, February 22, 2024 at the Etiosa Magistrate Court, Ajah and has been remanded to the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre till the next hearing on March 27, 2024.

“The Lagos State Police Command advices Lagosians to remain law-abiding in their day-to-day activities with all and sundry as anyone found guilty of violating the law would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

One of the charges reads :

“That you Omorogbe Jennifer Soni “f’ on the 21st of February, 2024 at about 1300hrs at the front of North West Filling Station, along Lekki-Epe expressway, Ajah, Lagos in the Eti-Osa Magisterial District did drove Mercedes Benz 4matic with Reg. No: ABJ 732 AY to obstruct the high way for other road users and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 39 (3) of the transport sector reform law of Lagos State 2018.”

Another one reads :

“That you Omorogbe Jennifer Soni ‘f’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully Assault one woman Superintendent of Police Comfort Areghan ‘f’ by pushing her turbulently to the ground into a mud in her Police Uniform while controlling Traffic and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 172 of the criminal laws of Lagos stat

e of Nigeria 2015.”

Sunday 25 February 2024

Seven persons including APC member die while queuing to buy Customs rice

One Mrs. Comfort Funmilayo Adebanjo, and six others had died in the bid to purchase seized rice put on sale by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Since the flag off of the sale, several Nigerians have been thronging the venue in Lagos, with similar exercises around the country.

However, there was a stampede on Friday, which led to the death of seven persons.

The All Progressives Congress has confirmed the death of one of its member.

The Coordinator of FKL Ward E1, Lagos State of the APC, Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, and Secretary, Comrade Adebari Adewale, confirmed that Adebanjo was one of the seven persons that died during the stampede.

In the obituary released on Saturday, they said: “It is with heavy hearts and regret we announce the painful death of one of our members in FKL WARD E1, Mrs Adebanjo Comfort Funmilayo of house number 104, Ibidun street by AKINHANMI street, Ojuelegba.

“She was among the 7 victims that died in the course of buying custom rice at yaba.

“May God grant all the members of her family and all the residents of WARD E1 the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

The eagle online.

Saturday 24 February 2024

President Tinubu declares police Bi-annual games open in Ibadan ---- Says sports unite people

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today officially declared open the 14th edition of the police Bi-annual games tagged "Oluyole 2024" holding in Ibadan Oyo State.

The police sports event will see seventeen zonal commands and the Force headquarters compete in over 38 games.

At the opening ceremony, the police contingents displayed a heart warming parade while the Oyo state cultural troupe danced and sang to the delight of the spectators

The lighting of the torch and unveiling of the game's mascots were beautifully put in display.

The Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde who is

the host of the event was also the representative of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the occasion.Governor Makinde said "

We are projecting Oyo state as a state you will come for experiential tourism and what better way to experience Oyo state and Nigeria than through sport. Sport has been a uniting factor for us all. One of the most unifying moment we remember as a nation is the 1996 Atlanta, Olympic games , Nigeria won two gold , one silver and one bronze medal . One of the Nigeria's gold medal was won by a police woman Chioma Ajunwa . Today she still holds the record as the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. So this shows how important these games are. It Is a great way to discover and project talent to the world . I don’t expect anything less from the athletes participating in this event . As we seek for sustainable ways to solve our economic issues, we must pay attention to sports and properly package our entertainment sectors.so that the international community can come to us to enjoy our home grown tourism. I believe that games like this have the potential to develop our tourism. The game also gives us the opportunity to see another side of the Nigeria police force - the friendly and competitive side. We expect a highly competitive side".

IGP Olukayode Egbetokun while speaking at the event said ‘’ the competition is to celebrate the fruition of relentless dedication , hardwork and unwavering passion . Sports undeniably served as a remarkable medium that enriches lives both physically and mentally. The bi-annual Nigeria police game stands as a distinct platform where police athletes unite demonstrating their skills as part of a cohesive disciplined and selflessly dedicated family. The significance of the police game transcends mere competition. It emboldens the enduring spirit of commandeering , resilience and pursuit of excellence that characterizes Nigeria law enforcement personnel. It celebrate our dedication to physical health, mental fortitude and collaborative efforts. Virtues indispensible In our profession, over the years , these game has been a cradle for scouting new talents poised to bring honour to our nation though sports. In the upcoming eight days, a multitude of police athletes from 36 states and the FCT, will assemble. They are organise into the seventeen zonal commands and the force headquarters formation with the common purpose of engaging in the spirited competition across a devised array of sporting activities. These sports men and women while competing to secure medals for their various commands and formation, will be hatching their names in the annals of glory . Joining us in this endervour, are our esteemed colleagues from sister agencies , will grace the invitational event as guests athletes emboldening our dedication to our cherished nation . As we set forth in this journey, let us not forget to uphold the core value spirit of sportsmanship , unity and solidarity . While the pursuilt of victory is undeniable gratifying, let us not overlook the profound joy found in shared experience of participation and bond of fellowship forged through out this week for it is in our unity as members of the police force that our true strength lies. Throughout the years the Nigeria police Force has been a fertile ground for nurturing talents who brought honour to our nation "

Friday 23 February 2024

IGP, DIGs, AIGs storm Ibadan for police Bi-annual game

All is set for the police 14th Bi-annual game tagged “OLUYOLE 2024" which is kicking off tomorrow February 24th at the Lekan Salami stadium Ibadan Oyo state.

It was gathered that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun among Deputy Inspector General of Police DIGs, Assistant Inspector General of police AIGs are already in Ibadan for the commencement of the game.

The Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who is also on ground in Ibadan had stated that about 4000 policemen will be on ground to provide security during the game.

CP Adebola Hamzat, the commissioner of police Oyo state police command stated that Oyo state will be witnessing the largest gathering of Police delegates from within and outside the country.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated this while addressing newsmen on preparation for the game tagged “Oluyole 2024” on Thursday in Ibadan.

He said that the theme of the game, “Competing for Peace, Unity, Stability and Development of Nigeria”, was strategically picked to identify good talents that would join hands with government in producing good brains that would develop nation’s sports.

Adejobi noted that 17 contingents from the 17 Zonal Commands in the force would be competing at the biennial event.

He added that the game would also featured sports contingents from sisters security agencies and departments.

“Nigeria Police Force(NPF) has a very good history when it comes to sports development in Nigeria.

“For many years NPF has been at the forefront of projecting and producing talents in all sports arena in Nigeria and globally.

“We have produced a very large number of athletes in football, volleyball, basketball and other games. We know that if an officer is not mentally and physically fit, such officer can not discharge duties as gallant officer or the security agent.

“We are doing this in preparation to attain our primacy in the internal security of this country, ” he said.

The Force Spokesperson assured Nigerians that the game would not reduce effective policing across the country as adequate arrangements had been made to ensure that maximum security of lives and properties across the country.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, said the game would positively contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.

The Commissioner noted that the state government had fully prepared to make the eight days event a success.

“The administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde enables potentials and believes that the police games will be one of the platforms to discover new talents for the state and country at large.

“Several stadia have been prepared to ensure that everything needed by officers is adequately provided. We are hoping that the tournament would produce talents for olympic games and other global competitions, “she said.

NAN

Thursday 22 February 2024

POLICE ARREST OFFICERS FOR N30M THEFT

As IGP Orders Commencement of Disciplinary Action

Following the recent act of extortion by some officers of the Nigeria Police attached to the Special Tactical Squad in Abuja who extorted a member of the public of the sum of Thirty Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N30,300,000), which was brought to the notice of the Force via the X Platform, the Nigeria Police wishes to reveal and announce that significant progress has been made in apprehending the officers and their accomplices responsible for this unprofessional conduct as the squad who initially escaped upon commencement of investigations have been arrested and are currently in custody.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, as part of his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, has ordered the commencement of disciplinary proceedings to ensure that justice is served swiftly and decisively. These disciplinary measures underscore the zero-tolerance stance of the Nigeria Police Force towards any form of misconduct or corruption among its ranks. The IGP also emphasized the imperativeness that those found to have violated the trust placed in them by the public face the full consequences of their actions, as such behavior not only tarnishes the reputation of the Force but also undermines the collective efforts to maintain law and order in our country.

The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its quest to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. As guardians of public safety and the rule of law, we are deeply committed to ensuring that all officers adhere strictly to ethical conduct and demonstrate staunch integrity in the discharge of their duties. The NPF recognizes that transparency and accountability are paramount in maintaining public trust and will continue to take decisive action against any misconduct within our ranks.

Monday 19 February 2024

Security beef up in Ibadan as residents stage protest - Says " we will not allow you to kill us".

Security operatives were strategically positioned as residents took over major streets in Ibadan on Monday in protest against what they described as persistent hunger in the land as well the insensitivity of the political leadership to the plight of the people.

The protest which took off at Mokola roundabout in Ibadan North local government area had in attendance representatives of different groups including traders, artisans, students unions from various institutions in the state.

The protest, according to them, is aimed at drawing the attention of the leadership at all tiers of government to the prevailing economic situation in the country.

The protest train which moved from Mokola, Veterinary Junction, Sango, Bodija, Agbowo and Agodi Gate affected the free flow of traffic in the affected areas

The protesters carry placards with inscriptions bordering of the rising cost of living, escalating prices of food items, hunger in the country, economic hardship and urgent need for the government to take pragmatic steps and make food become surplus in the country.

The chant of ‘Ebi n pawa’ (We are hungry) rented the atmosphere of Mokola Roundabouts as the youth staged the protest.

The inscriptions on the placards include: Mr. President, this is not the hope you promised. This is Shege; Is this the renewed hope that you promised?; End hardship. Do you want to reduce our population?; We want peace; No more promise and fail; Bring back our real Nigeria; End food scarcity.

The side attractions include selling of sachet water for N50 per one while three sachets of water went for N100.

The protesters left Mokola Roundabouts for the frontof the University of Ibadan at Agbowo.

Meanwhile, security operatives including the police, Western Security Network code named Amotekun, Civil Defense Corps have been strategically positioned to prevent breakdown of law and order during and after the protest.

The Oyo State Police Command had in a statement by its Public Relation Officer, Adewale Osifeso submitted that it was never approached and is yet to be approached by any individual or group in this regard.

‘Consequent upon the above, the organisers through their actions and most importantly inactions would be opening a portal for unscrupulous elements to hijack the process,thus escalating the situation into full scale chaos which might in turn, lead to attacks on places of critical interests within the Capital.

“To this end, parents, guardians and leaders of all degrees of influence are to prevail on their children, wards and protegees against being used by agents of anarchy who would want to take undue advantage of the situation to destroy the relative peace enjoyed in the State’

Tribune online.

Court orders passport returned to Sowore after judgment affirms he and five others are not guilty of treason

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday struck out the treasonable felony charges against #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore.

This followed the application of notice of discontinuance filed by the Nigerian government through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

At the last adjourned date, the presiding judge Justice Emeka Nwite threatened to strike out the case following the lack of diligent prosecution on the part of the Nigerian government. He also warned that he would no longer grant any adjournments at the instance of the prosecution.

On Monday, he ordered the secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) to release Sowore’s three mobile phones, passport, and the sum of N10,000 seized from him.

The decision to discontinue the trial was communicated to the Federal High Court in Abuja via a notice of discontinuance, dated February 14 and filed by Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Nwite while ruling on the application of the judge ordered the DSS to release the three mobile phones and the sum of N10,000 seized from him on the day of arrest. The court also ordered the release of his passport.

Nwite also ordered the release of the mobile phone of his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare and the sum of N1,500 seized from him.

The notice of the discontinuation read: “By virtue of the power conferred on me under Section 174 (1) (c} of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, Section 107 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN intend to discontinue charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019.″

The federal government arrested Sowore and Olawale Bakare, the co-defendant, in August 2019 for planning to organise a protest tagged #RevolutionNow.

They were accused of treason and attempts to overthrow former President Muhammadu Buhari.