Crime

Oyo Police Parade 153 Suspected Armed Robbers

By Web News 1296

By Rasheedah Makinde

From June to December this year, the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, arrested and paraded 153 suspected armed robbers.

 The Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Ayodele Sonubi made this known while parading 53 suspected criminals who were arrested for various offences ranging from armed robbery, hijacking, kidnapping, Cultism and other criminal acts.

 He explained that within six months, one hundred and Fifty-three Armed robbery suspects were arrested, twelve stolen vehicles and Twelve Motorcycles/tricycles were recovered, and Forty-Eight Firearms and one thousand three hundred and ninety-six rounds of various calibre ammunition were retrieved from the possession of criminals.

Mr Sonubi said the Command would continue to make laudable strides in upholding its statutory responsibilities as enshrined under the constitution and other relevant professional instruments without prejudice to background, orientation, philosophy, or association. 

 He noted that the Command’s security architecture was enhanced to accommodate veritable tools for clampdown on criminal elements through the adoption of different mechanisms to nip crime in the bud.

 “The mechanisms include robust inter-agency collaborations, capacity-building for Police Officers through training and retraining, amplified community policing engagements, advanced intelligence & technology-driven policing & and increasing the layers of supervision of our officers & men” 

 The Oyo State Commissioner of Police noted that, as the year 2024 gradually comes to an end, he had ordered all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Department/Formations and Tactical Commanders to deploy adequate personnel and resources throughout the length and breadth of the State. “All Critical infrastructures, Recreational facilities, Media houses, Banks, Correctional Centres, Public spaces, Places of Worship and all adjoining highways and routes within and outside Oyo State.”

 “I have also directed that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders should increase layers of supervision around their subordinates particularly men on the field who daily interface with commuters and other civilian populations while the Command’s monitoring and X-squad units have been tasked to deal decisively with any officer whose actions or inactions bring about embarrassment to the Command and by extension the Police Force through extortion, incivilities and other professional misconducts.“

 The Police Boss who appreciated the State Government for its disposition and attention to the Command by providing necessary logistics and wherewithal for effective policing engagements, thanked sister agencies for their strategic security partnership. 

 “These include but are not limited to Sister Services, the members of the fourth estate of the realm (the Media), the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the traditional institutions, religious leaders, labour unions, various youth leaderships, market leaders, students governing bodies and members from both the private and public sector who have all partnered us for a safer and saner Oyo State” 

Mr Sonubi, therefore, called for continuous cooperation and support from the people of Oyo State in 2025, assured the Command’s commitment to discipline and professional competence guided by the rule of law, service and passion for excellence.

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Crime

Police Nab Man with Fresh Human Head

By Web News 417

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

A 45- year-old suspected ritualist, Taiwo Yemitan, has been arrested by the operatives of the Ogun State Police Command for alleged possession of a fresh human head and dismembered body parts of a female victim in the Lafenwa area of Abeokuta.

The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Miss Omolola Odutola, who made this to Newsmen in Abeokuta, said the suspect was apprehended at his residence in Abeokuta.

Miss Odutola explained that the suspect, who admitted to committing the crime, confessed that he lured the deceased, identified as Darasimi, to his residence with the intent to kill her, emphasized that the suspect’s arrest was a collaborative effort of the police and local security operatives.

The Police spokesperson explained that the dismembered body of the victim had been taken to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta morgue for post-mortem examination, adding that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta for further investigation.

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Religion

Police Launch Investigation into Ibadan Yuletide Tragedy

By Web News 439

By Rasheedah Makinde

The Oyo state police command says it has begun investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of thirty-two children during a stampede at a fun fair in Ibadan yesterday.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Ayodele Sonubi stated this in an interview with journalists in Ibadan.

Mr Sonubi said most of the organizers had been arrested and detained at Iyaganku Area Command for further investigations.

It was gathered from multiple eyewitness accounts that the stampede occurred when the children rushed to gain access to the venue of the event, which was said to have been organized by the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Shikemi.

Provision was made for only five thousand children but the number that turned up for the event was reportedly over seven thousand.

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Crime

Ogun Police Confirm Two Deaths in Separate Incidents

By Web News 640

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of a 60-year-old air conditioner and refrigeration technician and a young man in separate incidents last Friday.

Speaking on the incidents, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Omolola Odutola said the technician, identified as Najeem, fell and died instantly at Ifo local government area of the state while attempting to refill the air-conditioner gas of a two-storey building when he lost his balance and hit his head on the concrete floor.

She added that upon visiting the scene, officers found that the victim’s body had been deposited at a private morgue, while investigation into the incident are currently ongoing.

Similarly, a truck driver, Timileyin Olalere, and his motor boy are accused of beating a young man to death at Obada-Oko on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, for allegedly stealing their tarpaulin.

The Police Spokesperson said that  the police were alerted to a roadside fight by a resident, and upon arrival, they rushed the unconscious victim to the State Hospital in Ijaye, where he passed away during treatment.

Ms Odutola revealed that the victim’s remains have been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, while the driver and his motor boy are in custody for further investigation.

Crime

Father in Court for Defiling 8-Year-Old Daughter

By Web News 265

The Ondo State Police Command has dragged a 35-year-old herb seller, Taiwo Mufutau, before an Akure family Magistrate court, for allegedly, defiling his 8-year-old biological daughter. Mufutau was arraigned on a single charge of rape, a violation of Section 25(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2021.

The police prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, informed the court that “the defendant was apprehended on June 18, 2004, following a report made to the Anti-kidnapping Unit at Alagbaka about the inappropriate relationship between him and his daughter. Olowofeso said that the defendant was subsequently detained for further investigation.

The charge sheet reads: “That you, Mufutau Taiwo, 35, male, on June 5, 2024, at about 4:pm at No. 40 Egbe-Road, Ayedun Quarters, Akure, did have carnal knowledge of your daughter, (name withheld), aged 8 years old, of the same address, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 25(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021.”

The Police prosecutor told the court that Taiwo and his wife ran away from their house after the crime and went to Osun State to obtain a fake doctor’s report claiming that nothing happened to the girl.

Olowofeso added that the Police Investigating Officer(IPO), conducted another test in Akure, which revealed that there was penetration and the girl had been bleeding for three days.

According to him, the defendant confessed to the alleged crime during questioning by the investigating officer. The plea of the defendant was not taken due to the nature of the offence.
Olowofeso, through an application, urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the issuance of advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

But counsel to the defendant, G.O. Omoedu, informed the court that his client was just served and that he would need some time to respond on points of law. Omoedu therefore, urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to reply to the remand application.
In her ruling, the trial Magistrate, B.A. Alipohul ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody. Alipohul thereafter, adjourned the case till July 4, 2024, for hearing.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Home Tutor Defiles 13-Year-Old Girl in Ogun

By Web News 440

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Femi Onayemi, for defiling a 13-year-old girl (name withheld) in the Obada-Oko area of the state.

The suspect had earlier been hired by the girl’s parents to tutor her at their home in the community in 2023.

Parents of the victim were shocked when the suspect scaled the fence of their home to gain access to the 13-year-old’s room and commit the heinous crime.

The spokesperson for the state command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and stated that Onayemi had been arrested.

She said, “The parents of the minor approached our division at Obada Oko on June 12, 2024, to report the incident. The suspect was employed in 2023 to help the survivor with her studies at home.

“However, on June 9, 2024, the suspect was caught committing the crime after he had jumped over the fence of the house. Our men swung into action immediately after the matter was reported.

“The suspect was also believed to be attending the same church that the survivor attends every Sunday. He confessed to the crime after we arrested him.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Ritual: Police Go after Father for Allegedly Smashing Daughter to Death

By Web News 251

The Police Command in Delta has launched a manhunt for a fleeing father who allegedly murdered his six-year-old daughter at Agbarho Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Warri identified the suspect as Stanley Ovemureye.

Edafe said that the suspect, currently at large, allegedly smashed the head of his daughter, Abigail, on the wall several times before she gave up the ghost.

He said that the incident occurred on Saturday, adding that the matter was reported at the Agbarho police division by the suspect’s brother.

“The command is aware of the gruesome murder of one Abigail Stanley, aged 6, allegedly killed by her father, Ovemureye.

“The sad incident which occurred on Saturday was reported at the division by the brother of the fleeing suspect.

“The Divisional Police Officer on receipt of the complaint, detailed operatives to the scene at Uviama New Layout, Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

“The police operatives recovered the corpse of the little child whose head was smashed several times on the wall, and deposited it at the mortuary.

“The father who is the principal suspect is currently at large,” Edafe said.
He said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the command, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda had ordered a serious manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

Edafe added that the CP had assured the public that the suspect would be apprehended and justice meted accordingly.

He, however, said that the CP had urged anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to call the control room number on 0803684974 or report at the nearest police station.

Stanley allegedly killed his six-year-old daughter for ritual.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Human Angle

Police Investigate Death of Lovers inside Ondo Apartment

By Web News 229

The Ondo State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a man and his girlfriend in the state.

A middle-aged man identified as Eric and his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend were reportedly found dead at a new apartment located in the Ayeyemi area of  Ondo town, Ondo State, on Thursday.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the lifeless bodies of the lovers were found stuck together in a sexual position, indicating that they were having sex before the incident happened. They were said to have been separated by a doctor but they had died.

The real cause of the death of the secret lovers had yet to be unravelled as of the time of filing this report but a source claimed that the secret lovers were electrocuted during the sex romp.

The source who refused to identify himself because he did not have the authority to speak to the media on the matter said, “The generator running on the premises of their building and a phone was seen charging on a socket placed on the bed. It may be possible that they had contact with a naked wire, resulting in their electrocution.”

Another source said the relatives of the deceased found them dead when they checked on him after they didn’t answer their phone calls the following day.  They looked through a window, spotted the bodies, and then broke down the door to enter.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation had commenced into the incident.

“The man and the woman were lovers who were known by both relatives. They died in the room but they were not stuck together. We have yet to know the cause but an investigation has commenced,” the PPRO stated.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Proactive policing, key to curtailing criminals – DIG Alabi

By Web News 493

By Rasheeda Makinde

Nigeria Police Force, NPF, says proactive policing will optimally work as an early warning signal at preventing crime and criminality before it escalates into crises. 

 Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge of Southwest Zone, Mr Abiodun Alabi stated this during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele Ibadan.

 He said the visit became imperative in compliance with the directive from the Inspector General of Police to enhance the performance of officers and men through interface and interaction as well as discussing challenges and success of Police in the Southwest Zone.

 He called on officers to always interact and work closely with some actors like community leaders, religious and traditional leaders in order to earn their trust. 

 Mr Alabi explained that community policing was one of the key factors that serve as early warning signal which always prevent criminality before it escalated through a robust relationship with members of the public as they are closer to the grassroots. 

 He noted that members of the public in their various capacities are capable of having useful informations on how to police their environments optimally. 

 The DIG, however, warned officers and men of the command to always crime map their areas in knowing the type of crime and criminality that are peculiar with it, and this could only be successful through a cordial relationship between the police and members of the community. 

 The relationship between police and other sister agencies has also work perfectly for all the security agencies at nipping crime in the bud.

 He also appreciated the efforts of Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC for a job well done in bridging the gap between the police and members of the public.

 He commended the efforts of gallant officers of the command and encouraged them to redouble their energy and be professional while discharging their civic responsibilities. He also cautioned them to always respect people fundamental human rights in other to earn their trust for a collaborative relationship in policing.

 Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebola Hamzat said the visit of the DIG was a right peg in the right hole for the command at the moment.

 The police commissioner, who spoke through the Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration, Mr Muhammad Adamu appreciated the inspector general of police for releasing the DIG to Oyo state in a visit that would impact maximum knowledge on officers and men of the command.

 Some of the community, religious and traditional leaders who graced the occasion appreciated the meeting and promised to relay the message to their people in order to collectively wage war against insecurity bedeviling the nation.

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Security

Abiodun Commends Nigeria Police for Tackling Insecurity

By Web News 395

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts at securing lives and properties in the state.

Governor Abiodun gave the commendation on Tuesday when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG in charge of South West region, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, in his office.

The Governor lauded the collaborative efforts of Ogun, Oyo and Lagos state commands in tackling crimes, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, stating that this has brought down the rate of criminality in that corridor.

Speaking earlier, DIG Alabi said there was the need for interface with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective community policing in the country, adding that his visit was in line with the directive of the IGP for the six DIGs to tour their regions, assess security situation and come up with strategies to end insecurity.

He thanked Governor Abiodun for always supporting the force, even as he pledged the readiness of his men to up their game and provide the State with the needed security.

While fielding questions from newsmen after meeting the governor, DIG Alabi said that though there were pockets of kidnapping and cultism and other related crimes, the Southwest was relatively peaceful when compared to other regions.

He added that his team has taken notice of the areas crimes are prevalent, assuring that his men would work towards providing security in all parts of the southwest region.

DIG Alabi maintained that Ogun State, despite being the industrial capital of the country, remained one of the most peaceful, assuring the people that more security measures would be put in place to sustain the peaceful atmosphere.

Crime

Police Apprehend Man with Illegal Firearm

By Web News 1001

By Mojisola Oladele 

Nigeria Police, Osun State Command has apprehended a twenty-two year old Man, Olatunji Damilola in possession of unlawful firearm.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisi Opalola disclosed this to newsmen in Osogbo.

Mrs Opalola said the Police received a report on the 18th of this month that some group of individuals engaged themselves in physical brawl along Balogun Agoro Junction, Osogbo.

She stressed that a team of operatives from Police Response Unit, PRU swung into action and were able to apprehend the suspect, Olatunji Damilola, popularly known as Damoshe.

Mrs. Opalola said upon investigation and interrogation some exhibits were recovered including; 4 pump action guns, three cut to size barrel gun, one locally made pistol, one jack knife, ten cutlasses and thirty three live cartridges of ammunition.

She assured that efforts are on to apprehend other suspects in connection with the case as the suspect would be charge to court after the investigation. 

The State Police Public Relations Officer, who cautioned people against going around with unregistered vehicles or covered number plates, urged people to give prompt credible information to the police always.

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Crime

Police Arrest Five over Missing Placenta in Kwara Hospital

By Web News 514

The police in Kwara State have commenced an investigation into the disappearance of the umbilical cord and placenta of a newborn baby at Government Cottage Hospital, Iloffa in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the state.

The mother, identified as Mrs C. Williams, a class teacher at Orota Secondary School, Odo-Owa, was reported to have had the child on Sunday night but was not given the umbilical cord and the placenta by the hospital’s workers.

Five of the workers were later arrested in connection with the missing parts and were being detained by the general Investigation unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command in Ilorin.

The suspects detained by the police include a resident doctor, three nurses and a ward attendant at the hospital.

According to Reports, the police were invited when efforts to settle the controversy at various levels failed,

It was further gathered that it took the efforts of elders of Odo-Owa community to calm some angry youths who suspected foul play and were about to burn down the hospital on Tuesday over the incident.

Mrs Williams, while narrating her ordeal, said that she was rushed to the hospital while experiencing labour pains on Sunday afternoon and gave birth to a baby at about 7 pm the same day.

“I was feeling some labour pains on Sunday and I got to the cottage hospital, some minutes past 1 pm on Sunday, and told the nurse I met on duty that I was having contractions; she was the one that attended to me after confirming that I was truly in labour.

“She took me into the labour room and asked me to wait because I still had more time. Not quite long after I came, the doctor also came in and instructed the nurse to usher me into the labour room,” she said.

She said that after having the baby, the following morning, she was discharged and allowed to go home.

She, however, said that the hospital workers gave her a bag containing her items but did not give her the placenta and the umbilical cord of the baby when they asked her to go home.

“Although they handed a black nylon bag to me, I discovered that there were two missing items inside the nylon; they are the umbilical cord and the placenta,” she said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident, adding that the investigation was ongoing.

“The police are investigating the incident and five suspects have been arrested in connection with it,” the PPRO said.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Crime

Police Parade ‘Auxiliary’

By Web News 522

By Rasheedah Makinde

The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State command has paraded sacked chairman of the State Park Management System, PMS, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, known as Auxiliary. 

 Lamidi who was earlier declared wanted on the 2nd June, 2023 for offences ranging from murder, attempted murder, arms dealing, armed robbery and Kidnapping, was paraded at the Police headquarters Eleyele Ibadan by the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, Mr Adebola Hamzat. 

 “Recall that this declaration was made in furtherance of a well-coordinated intelligence-led raid between 30th -31st of May 2023 in line with standard Operating procedure, where a total of (78) Seventy-Eight suspects, comprising (49) Forty-Nine Male and (29) Twenty–Nine Female suspects were arrested with some of them serving different prison terms presently” the Police boss stated.

 Mr. Hamzat said further that “So also, exhibits recovered in his possession at his Diamond Hotel residence around Alakia-Isebo Egbeda under Egbeda Local Government Area at the time include; (2) Two SMG riffles with two magazines (1) One AK-47 Rifle (1) One Pump action riffle (9) Nine locally made pistols (2) Two English pistol with magazine (70) Seventy rounds of Ak-47 Ammunitions (338) Three hundred and thirty-eight pieces of live cartridges (62) Sixty-two expended (13) Thirteen pieces of 9-mm Ammunition (9) Nine Jack knives (3) Three axes (400) Four hundred pieces of long cutlasses (1) One Hammer (1) One Walkie-Talkie Device (1) One Army Camouflage Jacket (1) One Bullet Proof Jacket with Inscription “Kiriji heritage defence’’ (3) Three International Passports A Huge Cache of Criminal Charms (1) One Damaged Handcuff (3) Three Long Swords (3) Three Portrait pictures (1) One Traditional Crown and Staff” 

The Police commissioner noted that the command commenced discreet intelligence-led search for the sacked PMS chieftain with the help of technology, collaborative efforts with sister agencies and Community Policing, in which many locations were identified, traced and combed for months until his recent arrest and would be charged to court for offences committed. 

Mr Hamzat, appreciated the public for providing credible information to curb crime, adding that in cases of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Response Center) and Oyo State Police Command Emergency line 08081768614,09061299291 & 09054133071”

Crime

Police Investigate Assassination of Aiyedatiwa’s Campaign Coordinator

By Web News 500

The Ondo State Police Command, says it has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of one Mr Alaba Abe, who is one of the ward campaign coordinators of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The late Abe was among Aiyedatiwa’s campaign coordinators during last Saturday’s All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Ondo State, which Aiyedatiwa won.

Abe, popularly known by his nickname, Excel, was reportedly assassinated by some gunmen in Supare Akoko, Akoko South-West Area of the state on Saturday evening.

This incident happened barely a week after the APC held its governorship primary across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The deceased was also said to be the Returning Officer for the party’s primary at Ward 10 in the council area.

It was gathered that the deceased was assassinated on Saturday night around 9 pm in front of his house at Supare Akoko.

When contacted on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, saying the command was aware of it and had begun an investigation.

The PPRO said, “The command is aware of the incident at Supare; investigation is ongoing to unravel all that happened.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Killing of Woman for Money Ritual

By Web News 329

By Mojisola Oladele 

Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have arrested four suspects for allegedly killing a 45-year-old Aminat Usman in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, who made this known during the parade of the suspects in Osogbo said their arrests followed a report of a missing person lodged by the victim’s son.

According to Mrs Opalola, the suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three others, all of whom had confessed about the individual roles they played in their sinister effort to use the victim for money ritual.

She further said that a female neighbour of one of the suspects, who helped him conceal his share of the powdery substance, was arrested but was later granted administrative bail because she is nursing a four-month-old baby.

“On March 18, a complainant reported at Apomu Division that on March 13, at about 10 am, his mother, Aminat Usman, 45, left home for lyana Ajia-Ibadan, Oyo State, to pay a visit to Onifade Oyekanmi.

 He stated that since his mother left home, her cell phones were switched off, her whereabouts were unknown and he strongly suspected that the said Oyekanmi, who is an herbalist, knew about his mother’s disappearance.

Onifade Oyekanmi was subsequently arrested and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Osogbo, Osun, for further and discreet investigation,” Opalola said.

“Thereafter, search warrants were executed on the houses and premises of the suspects, where three bottles containing black substances suspected to be burnt human parts, two cutlasses, a big black clay pot and some black soaps were recovered,” the police spokesperson said.

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Security

Covered number plate illegal – Police

By Web News 340

By Mojisola Oladele

The Osun State Police Command Force has said that it is a criminal offence for motorists to cover their number plates.

The caution was issued on behalf of the Command by the Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola during a parade of suspected criminals in Osogbo.

Mrs. Opalola said the only persons exempted are the State Governor, Deputy Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly.

She warned that any individual apart from those exempted would be arrested and would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

She said, “We are using this medium to warn vehicle owners to desist from covering their number plates. Any person found flouing this would be arrested and prosecuted by the Police.

“If you don’t have anything you are hiding, why are you covering your number plate?

“It is only the Governor, Deputy Governor and Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly who are exempted from this order”, she said.

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Police

Crime

Police Warns Personnel Against Searching People’s Phone

By Web News 546

The Edo State Police Command has reiterated the ban on officers searching citizens’ phones during routine patrols and other operations, describing the act as “unprofessional conduct”.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor disclosed this in a statement posted on the command’s Facebook page on Friday.

In the statement, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, warned officers to desist from this act, as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the punishment of erring officers.

The statement read, “This press release is to inform the general public, especially the law-abiding citizens of Edo State of the state police command’s position regarding searching of citizens’ phones by operatives while on routine patrol, stop and search duties in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, during a meeting with the command’s strategic security managers, re-echoed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on the ban on searching of citizens’ phones while on patrol, raid operations, stop and search duties or other essential duties.

“He warned that on no account should police officers/operatives engage in searching citizens’ phones in line of duties.”

The statement added that CP Adegboye stated that officers can only be allowed to search citizens’ phones when executing a court order from the court of competent jurisdiction as it empowers them to carry out such duties therein in the course of an investigation.

He warned the officers and men to desist from “this unprofessional conduct of searching phones,” stating that any officer caught doing so would face severe sanctions.

The CP also urged the public to be patient with the police and report any officer who indulges in unprofessional conduct.

In January the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, said that no police officer is permitted to search the phones of any Nigerian.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Father, Son Beat Woman to Death in Ogun

By Web News 456

By Olusegun Folarin

Operatives of Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 54 year old man Chizoke Obiadada and his 17 year old son, Micheal Obiadada for allegedly beating a woman, Tope Owoade to death over a “worktable”.

The suspects were arrested after the husband of the deceased, Isiaka Owoade had reported the incident at Ogijo Police station.

Mr Owoade told the policemen that both the father and son had inflicted injuries on his 43 year old wife, following her refusal to let them sit on the table the deceased was using in selling edible animal skin.

He claimed that his late wife was bleeding severely from the womb and in her private part due to the injury she sustained , adding the she was rejected from the private hospital she was taken to.

The Police Public Relations Officers, Omolola Odutola said suspects were currently undergoing preliminary investigations and would be transferred to State criminal investigation department for discreet investigation.

She noted that efforts were ongoing to deposit the deceased in OOUTH Sagamu morgue for post mortem examination.

Security

Insecurity: Police Increase Patrols around Kano Schools

By Web News 350

The Kano State Police Commissioner, Hussaini Gumel, has directed Operational Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify patrols around all the primary and secondary schools as well as all tertiary institutions in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations, SP Abdullahi Haruna, on Wednesday.

He said the measure was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on ensuring the safety of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative.

Haruna said the directive was aimed at improving the security of lives and property, most especially the safety of schools and students.

“The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff and to boost the overall educational sector in the state.

“The intention of increasing the presence of police personnel in these areas is to further deter criminal activities and provide a secure environment conducive to learning and teaching.”

He urged members of the public, particularly school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, to cooperate fully with the Police and other security agencies and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.

While thanking the people of the state for their support, cooperation, and understanding, the Commissioner urged them to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest Police station.

According to reports over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits last Thursday, triggering National outrage.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives condemned the attack and asked the government to rescue the victims immediately.

The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools, and immediately the secondary school was relocated to the primary school on account of the insecurity in the council.

The incident occurred barely 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.

The women were kidnapped in Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State while fetching firewood in the bush.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Environment

Kidnapping: Police Beef Up Security on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By Web News 490

By Rasheedah Makinde

The police public relations officer in Ogun state, Omolola Odutola says the command has placed different measures at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway over an alleged kidnap.

Mrs Odutola, said the divisional police officer, DPOs in the area have been ordered to intensify patrol along the area.

She said The DPOs comprising Mowe, Ibafo, Redeem and Sagamu patrol the axis to secure that territory against ‘one chance.’”

PPRO also reassured the public that any complaint related to the menace would be promptly investigated and the culprits prosecuted.

It would be recalled that motorists and passengers plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had lamented the increase in the operations of one-chance robbers in the Mowe/Ibafo-Berger area of the road.

Some passengers who spoke with newsmen said the road was no longer safe for them to use due to the activities of one-chance’ criminals.

Crime

Police Hammer Two ASPs over Alleged Extortion

By Web News 872

Two Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, have been suspended by the Rivers State Command for Alleged extortion in the course of duty.

The suspended ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo were Alleged to have been involved in an untoward act.

The suspension of the two officers, as well the stoppage of their salaries were ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu with the approval of the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.

The announcement of the suspended officers was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko on Sunday.

The suspended officers were implicated alongside one Inspector Michael Odey who was found guilty and dismissed subsequently from the police on February 7, 2024, following a thorough orderly room trial and a comprehensive review conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16 that found him guilty.

 “the Rivers State Police Command hereby issues an official update regarding a case involving three Police Officers who have been accused of engaging in acts of extortion.

“As previously communicated during our press briefing on February 13, 2024, Inspector Michael Odey was found guilty and subsequently dismissed from duty, effective from 07/02/2024, following thorough Orderly room proceedings and a comprehensive review conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16.

“Furthermore, during the aforementioned briefing, we provided information regarding the ongoing reviews pertaining to ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, as their respective ranks required approval from the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.

“Today, we hereby inform the public that the Police Service Commission has officially authorized the suspension from duty of ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, effective from 29/02/2024.”

Speaking about the salaries’ stopped of the implicated officers, the CP said,  “The salaries of the implicated officers have been stopped. The two officers will face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which is responsible for addressing disciplinary issues involving senior officers. Update would soon be given on other cases involving these officers.”

Disu, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of credible policing, emphasising that the decision of the command to suspend the implicated officers would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating misconduct.

The CP further called on the public to report any unprofessional behavior or misconduct displayed by police officers, assuring that all reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

“This decisive course of action serves as a strong deterrent to any police officer who may contemplate engaging in misconduct and unequivocally reaffirms our unwavering commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of credible policing in Rivers State.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its dedication to maintaining discipline among its officers. We wholeheartedly encourage residents to promptly report any instances of unprofessional behavior or misconduct displayed by our officers.

“Reports can be made through the following contact channels: phone number 08161355218 and WhatsApp number 08067167605. Rest assured, all reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

“We persistently strive to foster a safe and secure environment for all residents of Rivers State, and we pledge to continue working diligently in the best interests of the public.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Sport

Biennial Police Games Start 24th February in Ibadan

By Web News 542

By Olumide Ogunbiyi

More than 4000 athletes are expected to participate at the 14th biennial Police Games tagged ‘Oluyole 2024’ with the opening ceremony slated for 24th February in Ibadan.

The eight-day sports fiesta will be rounded off on March 2 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The Games will feature football, basketball, boxing, mixed martial arts, swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, and wrestling, among other sports.

According to the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, the aim of the competition is to discover talents for the country and also for the fitness of their personnel.

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who spoke on behalf of the IGP, said the theme of the competition is ‘competing for peace, unity, stability and development of Nigeria.’

He disclosed that the IGP will lead other management teams to Ibadan as Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde serves as chief host.

In her remarks, Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Wasilat Adegoke hinted that everything is set to make the sports fiesta a memorable one.

Also, Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State governor, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in his remarks said the state is glad to have the IGP and other police officers and men in Oyo State for the game.

He said the state has put in place logistics to make the programme a huge success.

The Biennial Police Games comes up every two years; the last edition was hosted by Akwa-Ibom State in Uyo.
Past editions of the games had discovered talents like Sunday Bada, Chioma Ajunwa and the rest.

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Crime

Police Arrest Operatives over N30m Extortion

By Web News 659

Some operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja have been arrested for extorting N30 million from a citizen.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the FPRO, the extortion was brought to the notice of the force via the X platform, and the NPF has arrested the officers and their accomplices who initially escaped upon commencement of investigations.

The statement read, “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 N30.3m, 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, Kayode Egbetokun, 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 imperatives 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 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.”

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Environment

Fire Razes Kano Police Station

By Web News 370

The police command in Kano State says the Divisional Police Office in Nasarawa Local Government Area has been gutted by fire.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Usaini Gumel, disclosed in Kano that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.

“At about 05.45 a.m. the Divisional Police headquarters was engulfed by fire and a major part of the building was burned down completely.

“This is in spite of prompt response by the State Fire Service,’’ he said.

Gumel said an investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause.

“The area has been cordoned off to prevent intrusion by on-lookers and miscreants, the arms and ammunition in the office are very safe.

“The Divisional Police Officer is currently sorting out some of the affected documents,” he said.

Earlier in the year, the Kano Police Command headquarters in Bompai was engulfed by fire on Saturday, January 13.

It was gathered that the fire, which started in the provost’s office, spread to the Finance Department, Conference Room, the office of the Police Public Relations Officer, the office of the Assistant Police Commissioner (Administration), and that of the Deputy Commissioner (Admin), among others.

It was learned that the entire offices on the top floor of the Police Command built in 1967 were engulfed by the fire, while the office of the Police Commissioner was not affected.

NAN/Adebukola Aluko

Crime

Police Nab 2 with 70 cartons of Expired Drugs

By Web News 308

Officers from the Okokomaiko Division of the Lagos State Police Command, on Saturday evening, intercepted a Volkswagen LT bus loaded with seventy cartons of expired drugs and arrested two suspects.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who stated this in a statement on his X handle on Sunday, said the discovery was made at 5:40 pm at Afromedia, where the officers stopped the suspicious vehicle for a search, and found seventy cartons of Feed Fine Cyproheptadine Caplets 4g, which all had an expiry date of 2016.

According to the confession of the two occupants in the bus, they were transporting the expired drugs to an individual in Alaba to change the expiry dates after which the drugs would be taken to Port Harcourt for sale.

According to Hundeyin, “At about 5:40 pm yesterday, a patrol team from Okokomaiko Division stopped and searched a Volkswagen LT bus at Afromedia.

“Found in the bus were seventy cartons of Feed Fine Cyproheptadine Caplets 4g, all with an expiry date of 2016.

“The two occupants of the vehicle, Augustine Egemoye ‘m’ aged 60, and Innocent Eremosele ‘m’ aged 35 confessed they were taking the expired drugs to somebody in Alaba who would change the expiry dates and thereafter proceeded with the drugs to Port-Harcourt to be sold.

“Suspects, drug and the vehicle are currently in custody.“

“Efforts are on to arrest the owner of the drugs, the individual altering expiry dates and other indicted persons.”

It was earlier reported that a similar event in August 2023, when the Kano State Police Command confiscated 820 cartons of suspected fake and expired drugs at Mallam Kato Market in the Fagge Local Government Area of the state.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko