News

Uromi Killings First Causality: Edo CP Removed

Published

5 months ago

April 3, 2025

The Police Service Commission has replaced Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, with Monday Agbonika of the Police Mounted Troop.

The removal of the CP may not be unconnected with the recent killing of 16 persons of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East of Edo State by mob and vigilant groups.

A statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, head, Press and Public Relations, Police Service Commission, and shared on the commission’s verified X (formally twitter) handle stated that the replacement takes effect from today, April 3 2025.

According to the statement, the new Edo State Commissioner of Police reported at the Police Service Commission for a posting interview that was presided over by Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, along with Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The statement stated that subsequently, the leadership of the Commission charged the new Commissioner to be proactive in Edo State and to settle down quickly so as to reduce the crime rate in the state.

In the statement, the new CP was advised to look into the issues “…surrounding the recent killings in the state and was reminded that what he does or not with the arrested suspects from the killings will determine his success or not in the state.”

Part of the official statement reads: “You have to sit up and also work to win the confidence of the people, consult relevant stakeholders and always document every incident and action taken and make sure those who should be informed are properly informed of your actions.

“The new Edo CP was also advised to avoid sidelining the requisite Police Departments for Tactical Units.

“CP Agbonika promised the Commission that he will stand by relevant laws in the discharge of his duties and will always depend on the Inspector General of Police for necessary guidance.

“CP Agbonika was until his posting, Commissioner of Police, Mounted Troop, Force Equitation Officer, Force Headquarters.

“He is a seasoned Police Officer of 32 years experience which covered, Operations, Investigation, administration, Police Public Information and Area/Divisional Police Management .

“He was earlier Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner Interpol, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon close, Lagos; DCP Ops, Ports Authority Police Command, Portharcourt; DCP Department of Finance and Admin, Zone 16 Yenagoa; Area Commander Ota, Ogun State; Area Commander ‘M’ Idimu, Lagos; and pioneer Area Commander Ayetoro , Ogun State amongst other postings.”

“CP Agbonika has served meritoriously on several national and international assignments, including the UN Mission in Liberia.

“In 2013, he received the award for the most people friendly police station in an award ceremony in South Africa on behalf of Isokoko Police Station. He has received several other awards.

“During the ENDSars protests, Agbonka and his officers were protected by locals from the invading protesters who had marched to attack his station. He is renowned for refusing bribes.”

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

3 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

3 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

3 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.