July 2023 – Page 31 – Crime Facts

Post Date : July 14, 2023

KAYODE EGBETOKUN: The Game Changer Revolutionizing The Police Force

By Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Destiny in one’s life will always be manifested with efforts, dedication and commitment. The attainment of higher positions in life is constantly tailored to many driving forces that could be inbuilt and reflections of personal endowments and zeal to succeed. The case of the new Inspector-General of Police is not an exception and can never be. The journey of Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to his present position has been occasioned with ups and downs which must be experienced by one who must be great in life. A game changer, catalyst of change and adversement, thrive against all odds. In the realm of law enforcement, true game changers emerge, transforming traditional approaches and paving the way for innovation and progress. One of such visionary leaders is the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. With an exceptional career spanning decades, his appointment as Acting IGP marks a turning point in Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape. This article delves into Egbetokun’s distinguished career, his appointment as Acting IGP, his dynamic vision for the police, and the objectives and strategies he employs as a game changer. Kayode Egbetokun’s illustrious career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the revered University of Lagos; MSc in Engineering Analysis also from the University of Lagos, Certificate in Electronic Data Processing/Computer Programming from the same Institution, Masters in Business Administration from Lagos State University, PGD Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, Abraka, and Ph.D Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Egbetokun’s journey in law enforcement has left an indelible mark. Throughout his career, he has exhibited a rare blend of competence, dedication, and strategic thinking. Egbetokun’s career achievements are numerous and impactful. Notably, he has served in the following capacities before his prestigious appointment as the Acting 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Chief Security Officer to Lagos State Governor; Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Police Command where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives aimed at curbing crime and fostering community engagement. Officer in Charge of Anti-Fraud Section, FCT Police Command, Abuja, Chief Superintendent of Police (Admin), Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State Police Command, Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara State Police Command, Commandant, Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos, Deputy Commandant, Police College Ikeja, Lagos, Commissioner of Police, SERVICOM, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin, Commissioner of Police, Medical Admin, Falomo, Lagos State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, FCT, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja. It is pertinent to note that Egbetokun has attended several professional courses both home and abroad including: Cadet Officers Course 16, 1990 at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; Strategic Leadership and Effective Security/Safety Management Course at Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, Squadron Commander Course, PMF Training College, Gwoza, Borno State, Combat Operation Course, PMF Training College, Ila Orangun, Osun State, Advance Detective Course (ADC), Police Staff College, Jos, Intermediate Command Course (ICC), Police Staff College, Jos, Strategic Leadership & Command Course (SLCC), Squadron Commander/Combat Operations Course, PMF Training College (Desert Camp Gwoza, Forest Camp Ila), Global Conference on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, Lyon France, among others. Recognizing Egbetokun’s outstanding track record and transformative leadership qualities, he was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police on June 19th, 2023 by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His appointment was met with resounding approval breeze of hope and calmness in the policing environment, as he brings a fresh perspective and a determination to revolutionize the Nigeria Police Force. Acting IGP Egbetekun’s mathematical expertise equips him to transform the Nigeria Police by applying analytical thinking and data-driven strategies. He envisions a Police Force that is professionally competent; service driven, rule of law compliant, and people friendly, a Police Force that will effectively support the agenda of government for economic recovery, growth, as well as social and political development of our dear country Nigeria. His vision embodies professionalism, efficiency, accountability and extends beyond traditional law enforcement practices, seeking to establish the police as a trusted ally of the Nigerian people. Egbetokun aims to create an environment where the Police Force works hand-in-hand with communities, fostering mutual respect and collaboration, with a view to propelling the Police to attaining primacy in the internal security structure of Nigeria. The Acting IGP’s leadership qualities as well as strategies in tackling complex security challenges have earned him widespread respect and admiration among his peers and the public’s alike. This piece seeks to highlight objectives and strategies for repositioning the Nigeria Police in the right direction being a crucial template for the general reforms we require in the Force The first and significant policy to be placed on his priority list is restructuring policing methodologies. Egbetokun recognizes the need for a paradigm shift in policing methodologies. He advocates for intelligence-led policing, emphasizing proactive measures to prevent crime rather than a reactive approach. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and information sharing, Egbetokun aims to enhance the police force’s ability to anticipate and combat emerging threats effectively. Furthermore, to achieve lasting change, Egbetokun places great emphasis on the empowerment of police officers. He believes in investing in their welfare, training, and professional development. By equipping officers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills, he aims to foster a culture of excellence and enhance their overall effectiveness in serving the public. The police boss equally understands that building trust and establishing strong partnerships with the community are essential for effective law enforcement. He seeks to bridge the gap between the police and the public through community-oriented policing initiatives. By actively engaging with citizens, involving community leaders, and promoting dialogue. He aims to create an atmosphere of cooperation and shared responsibility in maintaining public safety. Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun is undeniably a game

Post Date : July 14, 2023

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Power tariff hike likely as Discos apply for review

Friday 14 July 2023 Food shortage: Tinubu declares state of emergency, plans 500,000 hectares farmland EU report: Opposition demands INEC chairman’s prosecution, APC fumes Food shortage: Tinubu declares state of emergency, plans 500,000 hectares farmland Apostle Suleman meant to be killed during attack – Suspect Osun masqueraders, Muslims reach truce ahead of Egungun festival Aspartame sweetener may cause cancer, WHO declares State legislatures now financially independent, says Conference of Speakers chairman Emefiele Has Been Charged To Court, Says DSS Senate Confirms Appointment Of Service Chiefs Nigerians Can Now Receive Diaspora Remittances In Naira – CBN ‘Enough Is Enough, We Are Taking Nigeria Back,’ Tinubu Assures Women Senate Approves Tinubu’s $800m Request For Social Safety Net NCAA Suspends Max Air Domestic Flights Indefinitely Alleged Fundamental Rights Breach: Court Dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s Suit Against DSS Professor Soyinka Remains A Source Of Inspiration, Says Tinubu Supplementary Budget: Senators, Reps Get N70bn To Enhance Working Conditions Okada Rider Arrested For Sodomising Teenager In Ondo Kwara: EFCC Arrests 13 Chinese Over Illegal Mining My Election As ECOWAS Chair Unexpected — Tinubu Okada Rider Arrested For Sodomising Teenager In Ondo Uproar as Senate okays fresh $800m World Bank borrowing Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Post Date : July 13, 2023

Labour Party has no ground to call for Yakubu’s sack — INEC Voter Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the Labour Party (LP) has no ground to call for the sack of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over the outcome of the 2023 general election. The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi stated this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. “The reasons adduced by the LP in making the latest and familiar demand are not only illogical, but also ridiculous,” he said. He said that election observers, both local and international, were accredited by INEC to observe elections under specific rules and regulations. “Under these rules, they were required to submit their respective reports to the commission. Such reports may or may not include their recommendations. “Therefore, it is not within the remit of any election observer whatsoever to indict INEC. They are to observe, make recommendations if they have any, but never to indict. “In the same manner, it is also not within the LP’s jurisdiction to demand for the dismissal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman over the outcome of an election in which the party fielded candidates. “Interestingly, arising from the outcome of the same 2023 General Election, the LP has now produced one State Governor, eight Senators, 35 House of Representatives members and 38 members of the State Houses of Assembly,” he said. Oyekanmi said it was strange that a political party that was in court challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, could still go about openly discussing the matter at a news conferences, knowing fully that such was subjudice. “The LP is one of the 18 political parties registered and being regulated by INEC in Nigeria. “The party will do well by restricting itself to activities permitted under the rules and regulations governing the conduct of political parties,” he said. The LP had on Thursday demanded for a forensic investigation into the expenditure of released budget and donour funds received by INEC for the 2023 general election. The Director General, Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Otumba Akin Osuntokun, at a media briefing in Abuja, said that Nigerians deserved to get the details of how the funds were disbursed.

Post Date : July 13, 2023

‘Obi is now IPOB spokesman’ — Simon Ekpa hits back over sit-at-home comment

Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has responded to a statement made by Peter Obi on the sit-at-home directive in the south-east. The proscribed separatist group introduced sit-at-home to demand the release of Kanu who is being detained by the Department of Security Services (DSS). Ekpa had declared a total lockdown in the south-east geopolitical zone from July 3 to 10, instructing members of the proscribed group to interrupt business activities and prevent people from carrying out their daily work. In a statement on Thursday, Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last elections, described the sit-at-home directive as the handiwork of a criminal enterprise, noting that IPOB has “publicly denied issuing such directive.” “Also disturbing is the continued disruption of business and social activities in the South East region over the Sit-at-Home directive purported to be coming from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, when the body has publicly denied issuing such directive,” Obi had said. “What is going on in the south-east therefore is essentially a criminal activity that must be nipped in the bud, with all hands being on deck, security agencies, and the people alike.” Reacting to Obi’s statement in a terse tweet, Ekpa said the former governor of Anambra has now become the spokesperson of the separatist group. In the 2023 global terrorism index (GTI) ranking released in March 2023, IPOB was ranked as the 10th deadliest terror group in the world – with 40 attacks and 57 deaths in 2022.

Post Date : July 13, 2023

Senate Approves Tinubu’s $800m Request For Social Safety Net

The Senate, on Thursday, approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for the sum of $800 million loan as additional fund for the financing of the National Social Safety Net Programme set up by the National Assembly. The Senate also amended the 2022 Supplementary Budget. This followed Tinubu’s request for the approval. The President’s request was contained in a letter he forwarded to the upper chamber through the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, which was read on the floor of the Assembly during plenary. Tinubu explained that the Federal Executive Council led by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari had approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank, to finance the Social Safety Net Programme. The President noted further that the purpose of the facility was to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net supports for all and vulnerable Nigerians to meet the cost of their basic needs. “Request for approval of additional financing of the National Social Safety Net Programme set up by the National Assembly. It is with pleasure that I refer the above matter to you,” the statement partly read. “Please note that the Federal Executive Council led by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR had approved an additional loan facility to the tune if USD800 million to be secured from the World Bank to finance the Social Safety Net Programme, copy of the Federal Executive Council is extract is attached here. “You may also wish to know that the purpose of the facility is to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net supports for all and vulnerable Nigerians and the cost of meeting basic needs. “You may further wish to note that under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme, the Federal Government of Nigeria will transfer the sum of N8,000 a month to 12 million poor and low income households for a period of six months with a multiply effect on about 60 million individuals. “In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries accounts and mobile wallets . “It is expected that the programme will stimulate economic activities in the informal sector and improve nutrition, health and education outcomes for beneficial households. “Giving the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly grant approvals for additional loan facilities USD800milliom to be secured from World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme. “While hoping that this submission will receive an expeditious consideration by the Senate. Distinguished Senate President and distinguished members, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.” After reading the letter, the President of the Senate referred the letter to Committee of a Whole for further legislative action. The Committee, upon deliberation, amended the 2022 Supplementary Budget and approved Tinubu’s request.

Post Date : July 13, 2023

DSS Charges Emefiele To Court

Nigeria’s secret police; the Department of State Services (DSS) has charged embattled suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to court. This comes hours after an Abuja High Court ordered the DSS to either charge the former CBN Boss to court within one week or release him. DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday night said: “Sequel to an Abuja High Court Order of today, 13th July, 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele has been charged to court in compliance with the Order. “The public may recall that the Service had, in 2022, applied for a Court Order to detain him in respect of a criminal investigation. “Though he obtained a restraining order from an FCT High Court, the Service, however, arrested him in June, 2023, on the strength of suspected fresh criminal infractions/information, one of which forms the basis for his current prosecution. “The Service assures the public of professionalism, justice and fairness in handling this matter and indeed the discharge of its duties within the confines of the law.”

Post Date : July 13, 2023

BREAKING: Labour Party demands dismissal of INEC chairman

Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Osuntokun, has called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, over the role he played in the 2023 presidential elections. Osuntokun also demanded that a forensic financial investigation be conducted on all expenditures and donations received by the commission before, during, and after the polls. The campaign director made the demand at Thursday’s international press conference held at the party’s campaign headquarters in Abuja. “We demand unequivocally, the immediate dismissal from Ofiice and prosecution of Prof Mahmud Yakubu and the commencement of forensic financial investigation into the expenditure of budgeted disbursements and donors’ funds received by INEC. “This is in addition to the N300 billion appropriated from the national purse as well as other funds and materials received from International donor Agencies,” he said. The development is coming barely five months after the February 25 election, where the commission announced the candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the winner. Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in Labour Party, Peter Obi, who amassed 6,984,520 votes and 6,101,533 votes respectively. Atiku and Obi, however, rejected the results, with each claiming at separate press conferences that the election was fraught with violence and massive rigging. Consequently, both candidates headed for the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to seek redress. Reacting to the court case, Osuntokun told journalists on Thursday that all evidence supplied by both the PDP and LP had confirmed their earlier suspicion that the election was marred by irregularities. While calling for punitive measures to be meted on INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye and other top administrative and field staff over their alleged complicit, he also warned against any further intimidation of the European Union and other election observers over their reports on the poll. “The Labour Party and the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation condemn vehemently, the negative and jaundiced responses on the EU Report and other Election Observers’ reports, by the spokesperson of APC administration and other ill-informed persons, which are totally in discord, with the mood of the nation, at this time, and which also, present an embarrassing contrast, to their selective celebration of the 2019 Election reports, from these same Observer groups. “It is now only logical, bolstered by the final Observer Group reports, that the International Community take immediate and appropriate punitive action against Prof Mahmud Yakubu, Barrister Festus Okoye, and other top administrative and field staff of INEC, directly complicit, in the desecration of these elections. “We advise those who have deployed hired ‘protesters’ to the offices of the EU, in respect of their election report, to desist from any further wastage of public funds, as the objective of intimidation is without basis, and has failed, from the beginning – because indeed, the irregularities in the election, were so excessively glaring, with bitter personal and reported experiences, by the overwhelming majority of Nigerians. “We would like to point Nigerians, to the fact, that the EU Observer group report, is in tandem with the reports of other international and domestic observers, duly accredited by INEC, and also in tandem, with public opinion and the experience of the majority of Nigerian citizens, who participated in, or observed the 2023 general elections. “At this juncture, there is no doubt that Nigerians and the International Community expect the judiciary, to critically examine the evidence, the law, and the processes of these flawed elections, in arriving at a legally correct, and overwhelmingly acknowledgeable verdict.”

Post Date : July 13, 2023

BREAKING: Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency On Food Security

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria. The President also directed that all matters pertaining to food and water affordability be included within the purview of the National Security Council. Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, made this known while briefing State House correspondent on Thursday. The President directed that all matters pertaining to food and water availability and affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council. The directive was said to be in line with the Tinubu administration’s position on ensuring that the most vulnerable are supported. Alake said the President is not unmindful of the rising cost of food and its effect on the pocket of citizens. Details later.

Post Date : July 13, 2023

South-East Leaders To Meet Tinubu For Kanu’s Release – Ubah

The lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ubah, says South-East leaders are set to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss possibility of releasing Nnamdi Kanu. The leader of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been in detention for about two years now and Ubah believes his release will help reduce insecurity in the South-East geopolitical zone. “There is a resolution that we are going to meet with the president and we will tick his leniency and see if it is going to be possible to plead with him to have Nnamdi Kanu released,” Ubah said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday. “We have taken that position and for also some of us in the Senate, we have our caucus, we have also taken that position.” The lawmaker noted that Kanu’s release is part of the discussion to put on table once they are able to get into talks with the President. He maintained that there is a connection between releasing the IPOB leader and the state of security in the South-East. Ubah also said that Kanu is not in support of sit-at-home, adding that he has said it publicly in one of his appearances in court. Further speaking, the lawmaker divorced Kanu’s agitation from the sit-at-home, lamenting that the recent surge of the sit-at-home order is stunting the growth of the economy of the zone. “The agitation is different, we are talking about sit-at-home which is really deteriorating the economy of the southeast region. The agitation is a political issue about the inequities in how an Igbo man is seen in Nigeria,” he said. Ubah also said that the South-East leaders are as well considering engaging with the government of Finland to probe sit-at-home crusader, Simon Ekpa. “We also need to look at the young man that is in Finland that is causing all this problem and see how we can diplomatically engage the government of Finland and show them that he is not really giving a good service. Even though we don’t know if he has taken the nationality of Finland,” he said. Last week, the Senator had warned Ekpa to carry the sit-at-home crusade to his home state of Ebonyi and leave Anambra State alone.

Post Date : July 13, 2023

Kidnapped Ekiti APC chairman regains freedom

RESIDENT Pastor at Mgbuola, Ndele parish of the Glorious Covenant Church, Piller Erekwa, Emohuan Local Government Area, Rivers state, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 15 year old minor in the church Pastor Erekwa pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of sexual abuse preferred against him by prosecuting Rivers State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) at the Port Harcourt Magistrate Court 1, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ogeh Elkanah. The accused admitted guilt when the charge read that he, “Mr Piller Erekwa sexually abused a 15 year old girl in Mgbuola village in Ndele between December 2022 and January 2023 thereby committing an offence punishable by laws of Rivers State.” Trial Magistrate, Elkanah consequently adjourned the matter to 19 July 2023 for facts and sentencing. Pastor Erekwa was arrested penultimate Thursday at Ndele by men of the Rumuji Police Division who transferred him to the SCIID for further investigation. National Coordinator, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, who escalated the matter commended the Police and the court for the swift trial. Wiro equally commended family of the abused victim for not bowing to pressure to settle the case out of court. The Pastor was remanded to the correctional Centre in Port Harcourt pending his sentence on 19 July.