Alleged police extortion of N80m shared with IGP being investigated- FPRO

 

The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police’s Monitoring Unit has initiated an inquiry based on a petition from a rights advocate in Delta State, Israel Joe. The petition alleges the extortion of N80 million from a surveillance contractor, Atubi Davison, by an Assistant Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department, along with two other officers identified as Emmanuel and Uche.

The police are presently questioning the officers who, as per the petitioner, purportedly intended to allocate N30 million to IG Egbetokun and N16 million to the Rivers State CP, Polycarp Abonyi, from the ill-gotten gains.

Additionally, the petitioner claimed that the officers received a gold necklace from Davison valued at N4 million.

Previously, the police high command refuted these allegations but emphasized their commitment to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.

In an official statement released on Monday, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the commitment to ensuring fairness and impartiality in the matter. He stated that the complainant who raised the allegations would be contacted and encouraged to come forward to provide additional relevant information regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, the petitioner, Israel Joe, in a dated September 21 petition officially stamped by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IG), stated that on September 14, 2023, the police searched Atubi Davison’s residence located at Peace Avenue Road, Egbelu, in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. During the search, local and foreign currencies totaling N100 million, designated for payment to individuals securing pipeline facilities in the Niger Delta, were discovered.

Joe further asserted that the police seized the money, two cars, and a gold necklace, and also apprehended four individuals who were present at Davison’s residence, including one female. Despite investigations revealing that the funds were intended for securing an oil facility, the money has not been returned.

Joe said, “I met with the Assistant Commissioner, State CIID, and asked him what are you investigating the man for, the ACP told me that is an alleged kidnap case that he doesn’t know if somebody will come and report that his money is missing or is a ransom money, that all they need to do is to see how they can manage the situation that the money is about N100 million.

“A major part of the money is in dollars. I told the ACP they should charge him (Davison) to court if the man committed any offense. When they saw that calls were coming from different angles, they called us – called the father that they were going to release the two cars to him and any amount they release to him (Davison), he should manage it, that they are going to send N30 million to the IG, N16 million to the state Commissioner of Police.

“At the end of the day, they (the policemen) released the two cars, they released the Chevrolet and Toyota Camry car to him, released only N12 million to him and took away a whopping N80 million along with his gold chain valued about N4 million, the two plasma Television, shoes and clothes they carried from his house.”

Continuing, he said, “The IPO even told us to leave Port Harcourt that criminals may come for us, that we should leave Rivers State. I know one CP called him (AC) and he confirmed that they took away almost N100 million from the man’s house. They released only 12 million naira for the man.

“The 12 million was in dollars. The other people who were arrested with the man bailed themselves, some with one million naira, two million naira, just like that. I am calling for a proper investigation. The money should be refunded and all officers involved should be brought to book. If the surveillance workers are not paid, people will go and break the pipeline and the man has nothing to do and it will tell on the economy of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

Reacting to the development in an official correspondence on Monday night, Adejobi said, “Following allegations of unprofessionalism, kidnapping, name-dropping, extortion, and illicit enrichment against some officers of the Rivers State Police Command, and the swift intervention of the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, the officers fingered in a petition by one Israel Joe on behalf of one Mr Atubi Davison are being interrogated by the IGP Monitoring Unit as part of ongoing investigation to unravel the allegations and ascertain its veracity for further necessary action.

“As previously stated, the Nigeria Police Force views these allegations with the utmost seriousness and is fully committed to conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation. To ensure fairness and impartiality, the complainant who made these allegations will be contacted to come forward and cooperate by providing more relevant information regarding the matter.

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, cautions the public about fraudulent individuals who always attempt to exploit the reputation of the Inspector General of Police and other senior officers for personal gain. He urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent Senior Police Officers in any dubious activities while reporting such to the NPF and the Force Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit desk in any state of the Federation.”

iwitnesslive.com

Interpol arrests forex dealer for 492,750,000 fraud

 

One Mr. Akinola Bayo 

Michael has been left stranded and defrauded after he sought to obtain foreign exchange (forex) for the purpose of purchasing a machine from the Netherlands. 

According to the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Mr. Michael sent a substantial sum of Four Hundred and Ninety Two 

Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N492,750,000)only to 

the bank account of one Mr. Mohammed Sulaiman. However, instead of 

facilitating the forex transaction as agreed, Mr. Sulaiman transferred the 

funds to another individual, Mr. Mohammed Hassan Barau.

Mr. Hassan Barau, who resides in the United Arab Emirates, 

subsequently sent 513,000 Euros to Mr. Michael from Belgium, 

supposedly for the forex transaction. However, this transaction was 

flagged as fraudulent, leading Mr. Michael to return the funds to the 

sender. Realizing that he had been a victim of fraud, Mr. Michael made 

multiple attempts to recover his money but was unsuccessful.

The case took a significant turn when it was assigned to INTERPOL 

which launched an investigation into the matter. Recognizing the severity 

of the fraud and its international dimension, INTERPOL placed the prime 

suspect, Mr. Mohammed Hassan Barau, on a red alert list, thereby 

facilitating international cooperation in tracking and apprehending the 

suspect.

We are pleased to inform you that Mr. MohammedHassan Barau was 

arrested by INTERPOL Abu Dhabi and subsequently extradited to Nigeria 

on 27th September 2023. His extradition marks a crucial milestone in 

the pursuit of justice for Mr. Akinola Bayo Michael.The successful extradition of Mr. Mohammed Hassan Barau demonstrates the 

commitment of law enforcement agencies, both within and outside 

Nigeria, to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities, particularly 

those with international ramifications, are held accountable for their 

actions.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and due diligence in 

financial transactions, especially in the era of increasingly sophisticated 

fraud schemes. We urge individuals and businesses to exercise caution 

and verify the legitimacy of financial transactions to prevent falling 

victim to fraud.

A litany of murder in the Coal City : Bus driver stabs Ticketer to death ,brother kills sister , man murders brother with cutlass, another kills mother , buries her in a shallow grave.

 

 There have been array of murder cases  in Enugu state recently. 

According to the police , a bus driver stabbed a  ticketer to death ,a man killed his sister  while another man  murdered  his  mother and buried her in a shallow grave . Also, a man reportedly killed his brother with a cutlass during a squabble.Also , it was gathered that  there was a report of the gruesome  murder of three persons  . The murders  were reported to the police in the  last two months.

One  Umah Ibrahim  35 , was  arrested by police operatives attached to  the Central Police Station (CPS) of the Command. His arrest is as a result of the receipt of credible information that he stabbed one Ejike Ozor (male) to death, at Ezenwata Motor Park, Holy Ghost, Enugu.

Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect (an Ohimiri Mass Transit bus driver) and the deceased (a ticket seller) had an altercation, which prompted the suspect to stab the victim in the stomach with a dagger. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but was confirmed dead by doctors on duty and the corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and medical examination. The dagger was recovered, while the case is undergoing conclusive.

Also,  the police arrested one Abugu Toochukwu,29, of Isiugwu Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.

The suspect was arrested on 10/09/2023 at about 11.04am, by Police Operatives serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division. His arrest was due to the receipt of a report alleging that he murdered his mother, one Onu Grace, and buried her in a shallow grave behind their house. The case is undergoing conclusive.

In the same vein, the police arrested one Samuel Kasiemobi Ogbonna  20, of Ekposhi Village, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.

He was arrested for hitting his sister one Florence Ogbonna,  with a wood after a heated argument.

The Operatives rushed to scene and moved the deceased to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead by doctors and her remains deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The said wood was recovered.

Other murders recorded in the state led to the arrest of  one Chiamaka Mbah 32, Nwaru Kenneth 51, Ifeanyi Chukwueze 39, Mbah Monday  35, Odinawa Chukwu Ejim,  30, and one Ikechukwu Nkem Ude  45, all of Nenwe community in Aninri LGA.

Acting on intelligence, Police Operatives attached to  the Command’s SWAT arrested the suspects at different locations  for their alleged involvement in the brutal murder of three male victims in the wee hours of 09/09/2023, at Agbada Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Area. Further discreet investigation into the case is ongoing.

Also, the police in Igbo-Eze North Division  arrested one  Onyedika Ayogu 35, of Umuogbuagu, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA following the report alleging that he murdered his elder brother, one Azubuike Ayogu aged 45, using a machete. Preliminary investigation shows that the brothers had a misunderstanding which led to  a fight. The suspect thereafter allegedly used the machete to give the deceased cuts in the right heel and neck, which caused his death. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead and his corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The case is undergoing conclusive investigation.

After 5 hours of reading judgment, Tribunal dismisses PDP, Adediran's petition against Lagos Gov. Sanwo -Olu

The justices in the Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed to nullifiy the election of governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu of Lagos .The petition was dismissed for lacking  in merit after 5 hours of reading the judgement. The justices dismissed the  petition tItled    EPT/LAG/GOV/01/2023, between  DR. AZEEZ OLAJIDE ADEDIRAN and the People's Democratic Party  PDP as the Petitioners versus 

1. INEC

2. MR. SANWO-OLU BABAJIDE OLUSHOLA

3. DR. HAMZAT KADIRI OBAFEMI 

4. APC

5. ARCH. RHODES-VIVOUR GBADEBO PATRICK

6. LP

Kano State Election Tribunal : Judges shun court room , give judgment via zoom

 

A link with the topic: KANO TRIBUNAL 

Time: Sep 20, 2023 10:50 AM AfricaLagos has been provided for the Election Petition Tribunal in Kano state governorship judgment being  delivered today. 

The link reads 

Join Zoom Meeting

us04web.zoom.us/j/367877379…

Meeting ID: 367 877 3793

Passcode: PWU46d

A source said "This is zoom link in which you can watch the tribunal verdict on Kano State governor election  an election monitor stated. 

It was gathered that lawyers and other person's who had stormed the Tribunal have limited  access to the court room while heavy presence of DSS , police operatives were noticed on ground at the court. 

It was gathered that 10 access cards were issued to Counsels representing the Petitioner and Respondents in order to limit access to the court premises. The breakdown shows that APC's  lawyers and party members have only 10 access cards , same with  NNPP lawyers and party members .  Security operatives inside the court room are  10, reporters 10, tribunal staff 10, a total of 50 people only inside the tribunal . 

Disgraced Egbetokun in 2019, Return As a Hero in 2023 inaugurating projects in Lagos police command

 

A once disgraced  Mr Kayode Egbetokun in 2019 had turned a hero inaugurating projects in Lagos police command he was chased out from. 

 Acting IGP Egbetokun would no doubt feel joyous and overwhelmed with gratitude to God at the turn of events in his life especially yesterday when he was welcomed  into the Lagos state command to launch  newly built hospital at the PMF 22 and  the Lagos State Police Command Complaint Response Unit (CRU). 

It can be recalled how the present acting IGP Egbetokun who was then a Commissioner of police had shown up in Lagos command after her was posted to take over the leadership of the command from then CP imohimi Egdal. However, instead of the handover ceremony to commenced, a mild drama ensued when then then CP Imohimi Egdal voiced out to the press that ther was no change of baton. Acting IGP Egbetokun then a  CP had to leave the Lagos state command in shock and shame but he left gallantly. He was pitied , little did anyone knew that he will clinch  the number one  police position in 2023. Acting IGP Egbetokun's  story i inspires hope for all and sundry. 

Retired IGPs, CPs attend retreat in Ibadan to brainstorm on better policing in Nigeria.

Retired IGPs, CPs attend retreat in Ibadan to brainstorm on better policing in Nigeria. 

Retired Inspectors General of Police ( IGP) as well as retired commissioners of police led by the Police Service Commission 's chairman ex IGP Dr. Solomon Arase today in Ibadan attended a retreat for better policing and the role of ex police chiefs in addressing security challenges in Nigeria. 

The retreat taking place at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA Ibadan had the Chairman of the Committee of Retired Inspectors General of Police, Alhaji Aliyu Atta, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Hafix Ringim, Dr. Solomon Arase, the Chairman Police Service Commission and Ibrahim Kpotun Idris , Dr. Mike Okiro, Sunday Ehindero, and the acting Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun present at the opening ceremony of the event. Other police chiefs present at the retreat include former Lagos state commissioner of police and special adviser on security to the Oyo state government retired CP Owoseni Fatia among others. 

Present to deliver lectures at the retreat with the theme; 'Intervention Of Ex-Inspectors General of Police For Strategic Contribution To Effective Policing In Nigeria" are lecturers from the Institute For  Peace, Security  and Humanitarian  Studies  University of Ibadan led by the Head of the Institute ,Associate Professor Ruth Ochanya  Adio Moses and the Director of Multidisciplinary Studies ,  Prof Olawale Albert. 

Topical papers presented at the retreat include: Current State of Police Preparedness; Issues, Challenges and Prospects and Strategic actions and steps towards restoring NPF's primacy in internal security architecture of Nigeria among others

It was gathered that there will also be a discussion and experience-sharing session on the imperativeness of employing the experiential knowledge of the retired IGPs in the effective management of internal security in Nigeria.

Alhaji Aliyu Attah GCON, retired Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the Committee had said the retreat would afford the ex-IGPs the opportunity to examine and proffer solutions using their varied experiences while in service. He said “Once a policeman always a policeman. We want to wake the curiosity about the service itself among the populace, we want to wake it up again because it appears the profession of the police has been bulkanized and taken over by other organizations like the army, SSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Road safety and what have you, so we want to reawaken Nigerians for the need for effective and efficient police force that can deliver. We the retired IGPs we are here to meet with the incumbent IGP tell him the pitfalls, where we faltered and where we gained grounds so we can have a better police force. Nigeria Police Force has been underfunded, under-equipped understaffed, under everything. So that when we want us to perform you give us what we need to perform with. Why do our police officers go out on peace keeping mission in other countries and they are doffed the best and when they come back people look at them with disdain. We must have to evolve culture of lawfulness, most Nigerians are law breakers, culture of lawfulness that is what we need so that we can live in a peaceful country.”

Speaking at the retreat, retired IGP Ogbonaya Onovo said “This conference is first of its kind and plan to be having it once in every three months, in other to know what is going on in the Force and suggest to the government and the police itself so that we can have advanced police that the country deserves. With this kind of conference with the serving IGP, he will be able to know what the public wants of the police and how to go by it.Ours is to recommend and watch its implementation.

  Sunday Ehinderor another ex-IGP said " Today we interacted with the IGP so that he may learn from us how we policed the country during our time.We shared our experience and our expectations from him and the expectation from members of the public and we all agreed that the time has come that the retired IGPs will not be docile, its time to contribute to the good governance of the country. There are many challenges the police is facing, don’t forget that crime is dynamic. In Our days what we faced was armed robbery but today, we have banditry, cyber crime, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism and sit at home in some places; crime will always occur but it is the ability of the police to thrive in the midst of chaos, that is the hallmark of policing. And we are sure the present IGP is well equipped for these challenges.