Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • Group faults National Assembly on extension of I-G’s tenure

    Group faults National Assembly on extension of I-G’s tenure

    Flowerbud News

    Mr Buna Balogun ,HURMA’s Executive Director,faulted the passage of the bill at a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the Senate and the House of Representatives had recently passed the bill .

    The bill ,an executive one, allows any occupant of the Office of the Inspector -General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in his letter of appointment.

    The bill also seeks to increase  the service year/retirement age of personnel by five years , reduce the cost of training and recruiting new officers with a view to addressing the issue of shortage of experienced police personnel.

    Balogun said the bill was in conflict with  the long-standing civil service rule ,which mandates retirement of workers on attainment of the age of 60 years or after 35 years in service.

    The director added that the extension of the I-G’s tenure and increase in retirement age of police personnel would affect career progression in the police force.

    Balogun said the group was worried that the present I-G,Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had not gone on terminal leave, a month to the time he was due for retirement.

    He said Egbetokun would attain the mandatory retirement age of 60 years in September and that he should have handed over to the next officer in rank, especially as the bill had not been assented to.

    Balogun said the Police Act Amendment Bill was full of flaws and  that it would harm professionalism and morale in the police force.

    According to him,if the bill is signed into law, it will most likely be challenged in court.

    “Based on the foregoing, we plead with the President to use his enormous constitutional powers to save Nigeria police from the internal conspiracy and disloyalty among the officers, rank and file of the force that may arise as a result of compromise of career progression, particularly, at a time like this that our great country is very fragile.

    “The best decision for Mr. President in the circumstance, is to withhold his consent to the Amendment Bill of Police Act, 2020, passed by the National Assembly as it is self- serving and unpatriotic” he said.

    Balogun commended Tinubu for ensuring transparency in the appointment of a new Head of Service and selection of a new Chief Justice of the Federation.

    He urged him to replicate same in the police force and other strategic offices and agencies.

    “Mr. President has demonstrated strength of character in the most recent seamless and noiseless succession plans of the Head of Service of the Federation and the Chief Justice of the Federation.

    “We state that there should not be an exception to the police institution.

    “Our organisation has written Mr. President to register our complaint against the untidy Amendment Bill of Police Act, 2020 ,passed by the National Assembly without public hearing in line with its extant rules.

    “We have notified Mr. President about our intention to approach a court of competent jurisdiction in ventilating our grievances to ensure justice in the process of appointment of Inspector General of Police” Balogun said.

    NAN

  • Jail terms strengthen deterrent effect of NDLEA’s drug war – Marwa

    Jail terms strengthen deterrent effect of NDLEA’s drug war – Marwa

    Flowerbud News

    Marwa said this while reacting to the sentencing of three kingpins and 16 other convicts who were jailed for a total of 302 years for drug trafficking and dealing in illicit drugs.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Friday in Abuja.

    The convicts were jailed for dealing in cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and opioids said thier sentencing came following their arrest and diligent prosecution by the agency.

    He said that the 19 convicts top the list of 414 drug traffickers and dealers convicted by the Federal High Court in Benue, Bauchi, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Gombe and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.

    This, he said was between July 1 and July 31, adding that it was based on charge filed against them by the anti-narcotics agency.

    “One of the three kingpins, 50-year-old Lookman Dauda was arrested during an intelligence-led raid by operatives of a special operation unit in NDLEA at Ibiye, along Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    “This was done while attempting to cross the land border to deliver the consignment in Ghana on May 25.

    “At the point of his arrest, 42 blocks of cocaine weighing 47.5 kg kwere found on him.

    “A swift follow up operation in his residence at Plot 24/25 OPIC extension, Petedo road, Agbara, Ogun state, led to the recovery of additional eight blocks of the same drug weighing 10kg, bringing the total weight of the cocaine seized from him to 57.5kg.

    “He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos in charge number FHC/L/537C/2024.

    ” In his judgment delivered on July 19, Justice Allagoa convicted and sentenced him to 21 years imprisonment or payment of an option of N30million fine, “he said.

    In the same vein, another kingpin who was put behind bars is 34-year-old Ikeh Ifeanyi who was arrested at the popular Idumota market in Lagos Island, where no fewer than 1,100 ampoules of lethal synthetic opioid, fentanyl, weighing 6.480kg were recovered from him.

    Marwa said that the dangerous opioid was 100 times more potent than heroin and currently responsible for over 70 per cent overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US.

    “He was later arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court Lagos in charge number FHC/L/433C/2024.

    “Delivering his judgment on July 4, the trial judge convicted Ifeanyi on the two counts charge and sentenced him to 14 years in jail or an option of N2million fine,”he said.

    In his own case, Christian Anyanwu was arrested on Saturday November, 26 with 1.4kg  of methamphetamine concealed inside custard tins packed among cosmetics and foodstuffs going to Brazil via Doha on a Qatar Airways flight.

    Marwa said that the suspect was subsequently docked before Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court Lagos, and later convicted on July 12.

    “In his ruling, the trial judge sentenced Anyanwu to 16 years in jail, four of which is a mandatory imprisonment without an option of fine.

    “Others who bagged mandatory imprisonment in July for drug trafficking include: Moses Yakubu sentenced to 25 years in prison on July 22 by Justice Rita Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court Abuja.

    “Oluosun Okikiola who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in jail on July 17 by Justice A. A Okeke of the Federal High Court Abeokuta, Ogun state, “he said.

    In the same vein, Justice R.J Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue state convicted and sentenced Chanchan Terpase to seven years in prison on July 9.

    Also, Justice C.O. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Benin, Edo state convicted and sentenced Beauty Gani to 30 years in prison or payment of an option of N8million fine on July 3.

    Marwa commended the officers and men of the various commands involved in the arrest and prosecution of the cases as well as the judiciary for speedy adjudication.

    NAN

  • NDLEA smashes cocaine syndicates, intercepts multi-million naira illicit drugs

    NDLEA smashes cocaine syndicates, intercepts multi-million naira illicit drugs

    Flowerbud News

    Mr Demi Babafemi, the Director, Media and Advocacy, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that 2.32kg of cocaine concealed in Ghanaian traditional fabric (Kente) en route the United Kingdom, was intercepted at a courier firm in Lagos on August 5.

    He said that NDLEA also recovered 10.494kg of same class of drug buried in heavy duty pivot shafts en route the U.S. at the same logistics company.

    “NDLEA sniffer dogs fished out the automobile spare parts containing the illicit drug. The total weight of cocaine seized in the two shipments is 12.814kg,” he said.

    The NDLEA official said that five other consignments going to the U.S., UK and Canada were also intercepted at a courier firm in Lagos on Aug. 9.

    He listed the consignments to include, 517 grams of cocaine concealed in clothing materials, various quantities of pentazocine injection, promethazine injection and cocodamol pills.

    Babafemi said that 297 pills of tramadol 225mg going to Canada was also intercepted.

    He said that during a recent operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 21 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 10kg from the U.S., and meant for delivery in Abuja

    Bafemi said that personnel of the agency on Aug. 7, apprehended a member of a cocaine trafficking network, at Alafia Orile, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

    The NDLEA official said that the suspect was nabbed while attempting to move 9.00kg of cocaine to Onitsha, Anambra.

    He said that in a follow-up operation, two persons suspected to be members of an Nnewi-based cocaine syndicate were arrested on Aug. 8.

    “This followed the seizure of their consignments in a public transport company bus at Benin in Edo.

    “The driver of the bus was arrested at Benin tollgate with a total of 2.865kg cocaine,” he said.

    NAN

  • Tragedy as man jumps into iron melting pot in Lagos – Police

    Tragedy as man jumps into iron melting pot in Lagos – Police

    Flowerbud News

    The Police Command in Lagos State says a 25-year old contract staff, whose name was not mentioned, has allegedly jumped into an iron melting pot of his company and died.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    The image maker said that the safety officer of the company, whose name also was not mentioned, reported the case to the Sagamu Road Police Division on Aug. 3, at about 6.00 p.m.

    Hundeyin said that the company was located at the Industrial Scheme of Odogunyan area in Ikorodu of Lagos State.

    He said that the safety officer reported that on the same date, at about 3.15 p.m., the contract staff attached to the AOD Section of the company allegedly ran to the iron melting pot, which was out of bound to all the staff during operation.

    “He jumped into it and all efforts made by his colleagues to stop him proved abortive, while his body was completely melted.

    “Detectives from the station visited the scene of the crime. The family of the deceased has since been contacted, while investigation is ongoing, ” Hundeyin said.

    NAN

  • Troops nab notorious gunrunner in N/West

    Troops nab notorious gunrunner in N/West

    Flowerbud News

    The Nigerian Army says its troops have successfully dismantled a gun-running syndicate that has been supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

    The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Thursday, said the troops also apprehended a notorious kidnapping syndicate and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects.

    It said that troops working in coordination with other security agencies had on Wednesday seized a notorious gunrunner, Mallam Yau Ibrahim.

    The post said the suspect was nabbed at Babinga Kudaru village of  Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    According to the post, the arrest followed an earlier apprehension of another syndicate member on July 31, by the troops of Operation Safe Haven in Jos.

    “Among the items recovered are an AK-47 rifle, AK-47 rifle magazine, 1,641 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 49 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition,’’ it said.

    In Katsina State, the Nigerian army said its troops laid an ambush and neutralised a terrorist at Anguwa Boka in Faskari Local Government Area.

    It added that the troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 Magazine, three Rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone and assorted items.

    The Nigerian army also said that its troops had, in a separate operation, tracked and apprehended one Abubakar Shehu (25) in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun.

    “Shehu is a member of a kidnap syndicate responsible for the assassination of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    “Following preliminary investigation, the suspect led troops to Okoka forest in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

    “They recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, eight magazines, one cartridge, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

    “The troops are continuing their pursuit of other members of the kidnap syndicate,’’ it added.

    The Nigerian army urged the public to relentlessly support the troops with credible information to further enhance on-going operations.

    NAN

  • Plateau Govt. relaxes 24-hour curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis

    Plateau Govt. relaxes 24-hour curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis

    Flowerbud News

    The Plateau State Government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos-Bukuru metropolis, following violent protest in the area.

    Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Bere said Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who ordered relaxation of the curfew, said there would now be free movement between 2:00p.m. and 6:00 p.m., effective Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the government on Sunday, imposed the 24-hour curfew on the Jos-Bukuru axis, following looting of public and private assets by some hoodlums in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    The miscreants took advantage of the nationwide ”End Bad Governance” protest to perpetrate the criminal acts.

    Bere, who said that the decision to relax the curfew was in consonance with the security agencies.

    ”Following the improvement in security situation within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the state government has relaxed the earlier imposed 24-hour curfew.

    ”Effective from Wednesday, August 7, residents of the area can move freely between the hours of 2p.m. and 6p.m. daily until further notice.

    ”Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang emphasises the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order,” the DOPPA said.

    He said that government would continue to review the curfew as the security situation improves.

    Bere added that the governor also urged residents within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.

    ”He assured the public of government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens.

    ”The governor commended the residents for their patriotism in observing the curfew, noting that their cooperation is vital in safeguarding the collective interests of the state,” he said.

    NAN

  • Army detains soldier over death of protester in Kaduna

    Army detains soldier over death of protester in Kaduna

    Flowerbud News

    The Nigerian Army has detained a soldier suspected to have killed a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, while attempting to stop hoodlums who were causing mayhem in Samaru, Zaria in Kaduna State on Tuesday.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the troops received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru area of Zaria  in large numbers, burning tyres on the road and pelting stones on security personnel.

    He said the troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the State Government.

    “On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of Mohammed.

    “The soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation as at the time of this report,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was saddened by the unfortunate incident.

    He said the COAS had sent a high-powered delegation led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso to visit and condole with the family of the deceased.

    According to him, the deceased was buried according to Islamic rites with senior military officers of the Nigerian army in attendance.

    NAN

  • Police discover 6 projectile grenades abandoned by terrorists in Borno

    Police discover 6 projectile grenades abandoned by terrorists in Borno

    Flowerbud News

    The Borno Police Command said it has discovered six projectile grenades allegedly abandoned by terrorists at Ajilari Cross area in Maiduguri.

    The  Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Yusuf Lawal, who disclosed this on Saturday while providing a situation report to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Maiduguri, said the projectiles were discovered on Friday.

    Lawal said that the personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Device(EOD), Base 13, deployed to the scene to assess the grenades discovered that they were manufactured with incendiary chemicals.

    He said that the affected area was thoroughly screened and the projectiles were recovered intact, rendering the area safe.

    “In a separate incident, 20 suspects were arrested for burning tyres and inciting disturbances in Maiduguri.

    ”They are currently under interrogation and investigation for transparent prosecution,”he said.

    Lawal explained that another violent incident occurred on the same day  in Bassam Galomari Village, Gubio II Ward, under Gubio Local Government Area.

    According to him,  Fulani herdsmen, carrying cows, allegedly entered a farm belonging to a local resident, leading to a confrontation.

    Lawal said, ”The farm owner attempted to remove the herdsmen from his property, but they resisted, and one of the Fulani men attacked the farmer, cutting both his hands.

    ”The victim was rushed to Gubio Hospital, where he was referred to Maiduguri Hospital for further treatment.\\

    He added that the security agencies have been mandated to respond to the situation with a view to resolving the crisis.

    Lawal said that the  security forces have remained on high alert, working to maintain public safety and prevent further incidents.

    NAN

  • No protester in our custody-Lagos Police Command

    No protester in our custody-Lagos Police Command

    Flowerbud News

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it is presently not holding anyone for participating in the ongoing protest against hardship in the state.

    The command ‘s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Friday in Lagos, stated that no protester was in its custody.

    “All protesters arrested on Thursday were released same Thursday.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, called the State CID to order for their release,” he said.

    One of those leading the protests, Mr Inibehe Effiong ,had told the gathering at Gani Fawehinmi Park that no fewer than 12 protesters were arrested on Thursday.

    Effiong ,however, later corroborated the police spokesperson’s claim that all those arrested had been released.

    He commended the police and other security agents for their professional  handling  of the protest in the  state.

    NAN reports that the #Endbadgovernance protesters on Friday gathered in front of of Park in Ojota for the second day.

    It observed that the Lagos police chief was personally on ground to monitor the protest to ensure that it was not hijacked by hoodlums.

    NAN also observed that the Commissioner of Police  provided water and snacks for the protesters.

    NAN  reports that the protesters suspended their agitations for a while to observe Jumat prayers at the park

    NAN