News

Tempers, Nerves Fray At Edo Panel Over Medical Report Of Petitioner

Published

5 years ago

December 8, 2020

SARS Turns Me Into ATM, Woman Tells Panel

There was a heated argument at the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for victims of SARS on Tuesday between Counsel to the Nigerian Police, C. S. O. Nwandi, Esq, and a member of the panel over the authenticity of a medical report presented by a petitioner, Mr. Abebe Emmanuel before the panel.

Abebe, 41, was shot on his leg in 2011 by the disbanded SARS who invaded his compound.

The argument which almost turned violent happened when the police counsel tried to question the personality and the authority of whose signature appeared on the medical report presented by Mr. Abebe.

In retaliation, Dr. Usiosefe Anthony Ereyimwan, member of the panel, said the police counsel has no moral rectitude to do that because the name of the hospital and the medical doctor who signed the document is a man of high reputation.

It, however, took the intervention to calm the frayed nerves by subsequently adjourning for a further day.

In the same vein, a petitioner, Mrs. Patience Okundaye told the Panel how the disbanded SARS allegedly assaulted and extorted her, thereby turning her into an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Okundaye, who brought a plasma TV set to the panel to play the recorded video of how she suffered in the hands of SARS officials narrated how the men dragged her to police station with only wrapper and singlet on her body.

“They dragged me to the police station with only wrappers and singlets on my body, loaded my vehicle with the drinks we were to use on Sunday, and went away with them.

“To cut the story short, my son spent N600,000 to bail all those who were arrested in my compound.

“He also paid N200,000 to bail me and my last born.

“Others spent close to a week in the cell before they were bailed”, she noted.

She pleaded with the panel to invite the said police officers and recommend adequate sanction for them.

“What I want from this panel is that the policemen who were involved in this act should be summoned to appear before this panel and they should be prosecuted”, she said.

The chairman of the panel, Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe however ordered that the said officers appear before the panel on 17 December, 2020.

“Certain police officers were referred in the body of the petition.

“The Police Officers are one DPO, Ogida barracks division by name, CSP Tope and there is also, the OC Anti-Kidnapping and Cultism, CSP Balogun. These officers are ordered to appear before this panel on the 17 December, 2020“, Ehigiamusoe said.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

15 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

16 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.