IGP’s continuous stay in office legal, lawful -AGF

The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful. The appointment of Egbetokun, according to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024. “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him. “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023. “This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public,”Fagbemi stated.

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Police arrest Catholic Priest, others over Abuja stampede

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including children. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event aimed at assisting the needy on December 23, 2024, when a large crowd surged towards the church’s gates, leading to chaos and fatalities. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. She emphasized that organizing such a large event without notifying the police is a serious oversight, especially given the tragic loss of life. After initial questioning, the arrested individuals were allowed to return home as the investigation continues. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese criticized the arrests, describing them as counterproductive and lacking compassion. In a Christmas message, he urged the government to support the church and the victims’ families instead of pursuing legal action against church officials. He expressed concern over the government’s response, suggesting that it should focus on improving safety measures for future events rather than threatening prosecution. The stampede in Abuja is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents, with over 60 lives lost across three separate events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states. President Bola Tinubu has also commented on the situation, attributing the tragedies to poor planning by the event organisers. Witnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. as thousands gathered for the distribution, with many refusing to queue, leading to a dangerous crush at the entrance. The police have since issued new guidelines for organizing large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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Police arrest 30,313, recover 1,984 firearms, 23,250 ammuntion

The Inspector-General of Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed the arrests of 30,313 suspected criminals in the out-going year. Egbetokun made this revelation on Tuesday during a strategic meeting held on Tuesday, with senior police officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters Abuja, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024 while outlining strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force prepares for the challenges of the coming year. In his remarks, the IGP acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public. In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims. The IGP emphasized that the Force will prioritize innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation. As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens. The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability.

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Nigeria Police arrest major arms dealer, arrest 1246 suspects

In several operations exemplifying the unflinching dedication and commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM., to ensure perpetrator of heinous crimes of various degrees are swept away from disrupting the peace of our dear country, The Force has once again recorded a milestone achievement in the fight against crime. Since October 1st 2024, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in the fight against crime. These include the arrest of 371 armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnapping suspects, 242 Murder/homicide suspects, 63 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 217 rape suspects, 167 suspected cultists and recovery of 210 various firearms, 3172 ammunition of various calibres. The Police was also able to recover 118 stolen vehicles and rescue ¬64 victims of kidnapping across the country. Turning to recent crime-fighting achievements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have made outstanding breakthrough in the fight against several types of violent crimes across the country, one of which is the arrest of a major arms dealer operating in Plateau State. The suspect, identified as Jubril Musa ‘m’ was arrested with 2 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition (long), 1 makarov pistol, 1 fabricated bronny pistol, a single round of 7.8mm live ammunition, 2 rounds of g3 live ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition (short), and a single round of 9mm live ammunition. The suspect further confessed to supplying these various arms and ammunition to bandits and kidnappers operating in the state. The Inspector General of Police once again reassures members of the public of the Police Force’s dedication to enhancing the safety and security of the country, implementing various tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement strategies. The goal of these initiatives is to establish a substantial decrease in crime rates across the country and the record of significant strides in combating several times of violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime. Embracing a multifaceted approach to law enforcement, the Nigeria Police Force remains relentless on the mission of ensuring crimes and criminalities are brought to its lowest in accordance with the Rule of Law, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in carrying out extant duties of protection of lives and properties.

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IG mourns Akwa Ibom First Lady 

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM, extends his heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the First Lady of Akwa-Ibom State, who sadly departed on September 26, 2024. Her gracious legacy, compassion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the lives of many in Nigeria, especially in Akwa-Ibom State. This profound loss is deeply felt by her family, the entire Nigerian state particularly the people of Akwa-Ibom state In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Umo and his family. May Almighty God grant them solace and strength to bear this irreparable loss. IGP Egbetokun deeply sympathizes with Governor Umo and prays for the peaceful repose of Mrs. Eno’s soul. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and may her soul rest in perfect peace.

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Egbetokun praises NFF for dedication to football development

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun on Wednesday heaped praises on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for their palpable dedication and commitment to the cause of football development in Nigeria, insisting that football is a game that unites all Nigerians across all known physical, mental and economic boundaries. Speaking during a courtesy visit by a team of NFF chieftains led by the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Egbetokun admitted that crime rate does decline around the country whenever any National Team or Club of choice of football adherents are on duty. “The Nigeria Police Force recognizes and appreciates the potential of football to work wonders for national unity, social cohesion and economic growth. In truth, football has the capacity to take criminals away from the streets. It is no gainsaying that we record lower incidences of crime when football teams are doing their business. “We promise to continue to support you to develop the game in our country to an excellent level, as we look forward to a more robust relationship with your organization.” Earlier, the NFF President commended the Inspector General for swiftness at all times in deploying officers, men and materials to venues of football matches in the country, from the low cadres of the league to international matches. “We are here because we appreciate the importance of security in all our activities, programmes and events. This is to physically express our deep appreciation for the job you have been doing in readily sending officers, men and materials to secure the venues of football matches in the country. Your officers and men have been doing excellent work for us. “Our country is one of football-passionate citizens. We also plead with the Inspector General to revive the Police Football Team that was very strong in those days, and also to consider giving a special quota to sportsmen and women who want to enlist in the Police Force.” Gusau thereafter informed the Inspector General that the world football-governing body will soon dispatch to its Member Associations a new template for securing football venues, and that the NFF will need to provide special training in that regard to officers and men of the Force who are dedicated to providing security at match venues. Present at the occasion were the top echelon of the Nigeria Police Force including four Deputy Inspectors-General, as well as NFF 1st Vice President Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu; NFF 2nd Vice President Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Chairman of Technical Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Head of Security, Barnabas Joro; AD Protocol, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi and; Abubakar Barde, special assistant to NFF President.

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Edo election: IG orders movement restrictions

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders. To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters. Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all. Egbetokun, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes. The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are: DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, mni; 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, mni; 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.  The Inspector-General of Police underscored the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law. The IGP reaffirmed that the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.

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