Connect with us

News

IG Posts DIGs Inuwa, Ciroma, Mba To Departments, Formations

Published

on

17 newly-promoted AIGs also posted to departments, formations

Following the approval by the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has approved the redeployment of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, to head the Department of Logistics and Supply.

Mr Baba also approved the posting of the recently-promoted DIG Bala Ciroma, and DIG Frank Mba, to head the Department of Training and Development, and the Department of Research and Planning respectively.

Advertisement

With the recent elevation, DIG Ciroma has become the supervising DIG in charge of the North-East, while DIG Mba has now assumed a supervisory role over the South-Eastern geo-political zone.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the development known in an official correspondence from the Force Headquarters, on Saturday.

READ ALSO: Frank MBA, Bala Ciroma Promoted To DIGs, Others

Advertisement

He noted that the IG has also approved the posting and redeployment of 17 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to various commands and formations.

They include AIG Zone 10 Sokoto, Abubakar Lawal, AIG Zone 15 Maiduguri, Abdul Umar, AIG Zone 7 Abuja, Williams Adebowale, AIG Armament FHQ Abuja, Shettima Zanna, AIG Zone 17 Akure, Ebong Ebong, and AIG Maritime Lagos, Adepoju Ilori, AIG FCID Annex Kaduna, Okon Effiong, AIG Zone 9 Umuahia, and Echeng Echeng.

Others are the Commandant, Staff College Jos, AIG Susan Horsefall, AIG DFA FHQ Abuja, Bankole Sikiru, AIG Zone 11 Osogbo, Oladimeji Olanrewaju, AIG FEDOPS FHQ Abuja, Odama Ojeka, AIG Forensic, Shehu Gwarzo, AIG R&P, FHQ Abuja, Yekini Ayoku, AIG FCID Alagbon Lagos, Yahaya Abubakar, AIG Zone 1 Kano, Umar Sanda, and AIG CTU FHQ Abuja, Ede Ayuba.

Advertisement

“The IG has, therefore, charged the senior police officers to continue to entrench professionalism and respect for the rights of citizens in their new places of assignment.

“He equally tasked them to pursue the task of ensuring public safety and security in their areas of responsibilities with renewed vigour. The posting is with immediate effect,” Adejobi noted.
PUNCH

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

News

Crown Prince of Benin Backs Anti-Cultism War, Cautions Police On Harassment

Published

on

The Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, HRH Ezelekhae Ewuare II has declared his support for the campaign against cultism in Edo state but cautioned against alleged harassment of young men by the police in the guise of fishing out suspected kidnappers.

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Secretary, Cosmos Oviasuyi, Prince Ewuare II said “This is a clarion call to all Benin sons and daughters to shun cultism which has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society and threatens to uproot the foundation of our kingdom.

Advertisement

“Benin Kingdom and its people have a very rich history of brotherliness and hospitality, its reputation in these remains unequalled over the years and centuries.

READ ALSO: Boundary Dispute: Court Dismisses Edo Community’s Appeal, Upholds Benin Monarch’s Resolution

“It is disheartening that in recent times, this age long reputation is under threat as a result of cult related activities and clashes which has led to loss of valuable lives with the senseless killing of vibrant young boys and destruction of properties.

Advertisement

“Many young women have become widows as a result of the killing of their husbands and many young children have become orphans as a result of the killing of their fathers.

“On this note, I call on all and sundry to support the efforts of the current state government to check the menace of cultism in our dear state because no meaningful development can take place in a place where there is no peace.

“However, there have been complaints from our people on the activities of policemen in the course of implementing the government’s position on the issue of cultism.

Advertisement

“The alleged harassment by men of the police force against our innocent young ones is becoming a counterproductive strategy adopted by the police.

“Even though we are against the activities of cultism and cultists, making them run away from their homeland because of fear of being harassed is disagreeable.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Shadow Government: DSS Seeks Court Order To Stop Utomi’s Rallies

Published

on

The Department of State Services has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Pat Utomi, from proceeding with his alleged plans to hold rallies related to a suit pending before the court concerning his plans to establish a shadow government.

In a fresh application filed on Wednesday through its lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS requested the court to restrain Utomi and his associates from making public comments or engaging in rallies concerning the proposed formation of a “shadow government.”

Advertisement

According to the DSS, intelligence reports indicate that although Utomi is currently out of the country, he plans to return on June 6 to stage roadshows and rallies under the guise of freedom of speech and association.

These actions, the DSS alleges, are intended to foment public discontent in furtherance of the establishment of a purported shadow government or cabinet.

READ ALSO: Enugu To Regulate Native Doctors, Herbalists

Advertisement

Recall that the DSS earlier instituted a suit against Utomi before the court over his alleged plans to create a shadow government.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeks to have the move declared unconstitutional and an attempt to usurp the authority of the current government.

Justice James Omotosho has fixed June 25 for the hearing of the case.

Advertisement

However, in its latest motion, the DSS expressed dissatisfaction with Utomi’s alleged plans to engage in protests, roadshows, media interviews, and other activities.

READ ALSO: Arsenal Release Names Of 20 Players To Be Offloaded This Summer [Full List]

It proceeded to ask the court to issue an interlocutory injunction to restrain him, his associates, and anyone acting on his behalf from organising any public gatherings, publishing media content, or engaging in activities promoting the purported shadow government until the substantive suit is resolved.

Advertisement

The DSS argues that if left unchecked, the proposed rallies and related actions would pose a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity.

The DSS further contended that as the agency tasked with safeguarding internal security, it is its duty to prevent any threat to the lawful authority of Nigeria.

In its supporting affidavit, the DSS claimed that Utomi’s proposed activities could draw large crowds, leading to potential disruptions of public peace, riots, and violent protests similar to the 2020 End SARS demonstrations.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Tinubu Hosts Gov Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Davido In Lagos

It further alleged that such actions could result in anarchy, loss of lives, and damage to property.

The DSS also referenced a recent event on May 26, where Professor Utomi spoke during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association. At the event, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity,” Professor Utomi reportedly defended the concept of a shadow government and stated that if the suit succeeded in favour of the DSS, his group would adopt a different name.

Advertisement

The DSS noted that Professor Utomi had been served with the originating process in this case and had entered an appearance through his counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), on May 20, 2025.

Unless this honourable court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s actions may undermine the authority of the court and pose a serious threat to national security and the rule of law,” the DSS stated.

It also urged the court to act in the interest of justice, national security, and public order.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Enugu To Regulate Native Doctors, Herbalists

Published

on

Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State has transmitted an executive bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at regulating the activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related practitioners across the state.

The proposed legislation, titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance, and Order,” seeks to outlaw money rituals, criminal bulletproof charms, and the unlawful use or occupation of forests and properties for criminal activities.

Advertisement

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the media office of the governor, the bill also mandates private security outfits to register with the state government and provide particulars of armed security operatives.

The bill also mandates private security outfits to register with the state government and provide details of all armed personnel. Additionally, presidents-general of town unions are required to submit regular security reports to local government chairmen.

Landlords and proprietors of hotels and guest houses must obtain and submit valid identification details, phone numbers, occupations, and places of work of tenants and guests to the relevant authorities.

Advertisement

The bill prescribes penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.

READ ALSO: Two UI Students Win French Embassy’s Creative Challenge

Specifically, Section 3(1) of the proposed bill states: “Every person who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department, or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”

Advertisement

Practising without registration attracts a fine of not less than ₦1 million and not more than ₦5 million, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Section 15 provides that: “Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice—including, but not limited to, practices commonly referred to as okite, ezenwanyi, or any other mystical or ritual name or form—administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person for the purpose of: (a) achieving invincibility or other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or (b) acquiring wealth or benefits through supernatural means outside any lawful source of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years or to a fine of not less than ₦5 million, or both.”

The bill further states that anyone who falsely claims to possess supernatural powers or misleads the public for personal gain or influence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for three years or a fine of not less than ₦3 million, or both.

Advertisement

It also provides that anyone claiming spiritual powers must provide reasonable proof of such abilities during investigation.

READ ALSO: Support Staff Embark On Strike, Shutdown Warri Refinery Over Poor Condition Of Service

In a similar vein, Section 16 prescribes six years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, or both, for anyone who uses or knowingly permits the use of any religious facility for the commission or facilitation of a crime. Such facilities will be sealed pending the outcome of investigations.

Advertisement

Section 17 states: “Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs, or participates in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts—or causes another person to do so—commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”

Under Section 13, “Any person found in a camp, bush, or forest within Enugu State without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to suspicion of involvement in criminal activity, shall be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for proper investigation.”

Regarding the use of forests and property for criminal purposes, the bill proposes: “Any person who owns, occupies, or has control over any land or building—whether located in a forest or elsewhere—and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout, or base for kidnapping, unlawful detention, ransom collection, or any activity connected to banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to twenty (20) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

Advertisement

Furthermore, any person who knowingly allows non-security personnel to reside, camp, or establish a settlement on their land—except for farming—shall face two years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.

READ ALSO: Horror As Enugu Pastor Kills Four Siblings

Failure to report suspicious use of one’s property to security agencies is also punishable by a two-year prison term without an option of a fine.

Advertisement

According to the bill, “Subject to Section 3 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law 2016, any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State.”

Additionally, any money, property, or proceeds of crimes such as theft, robbery, or kidnapping will be forfeited to the state unless a lawful owner comes forward within a reasonable time.

The bill also mandates private security firms to register with the State Government and provide full details of the company and all armed operatives. Town union presidents-general are required to submit monthly security reports to local government chairmen or other designated departments.

Advertisement

Landlords, hotel and guest house operators, and estate associations are mandated to collect and transmit valid identification and contact information of tenants and guests to relevant authorities.

All hospitality establishments are also required to install surveillance cameras in public areas and submit recordings to the appropriate agencies upon request.

Penalties for non-compliance range from fines of not less than ₦500,000 for landlords to ₦1 million for proprietors.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending