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Call IGP Egbetokun to order on abuse of power, CSO tells Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has been called upon to immediately call the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to order in his continuous abuse of power against Nigerian citizens and rule of law.
A civil society organization, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) which made the call on Wednesday in Abuja alleged that the IGP has been using his office to protect highly placed fraudulent persons from being made to face music for misdeeds.
A Director of the civil group, Barrister Maxwell Chibuike Okpara at a press conference in Abuja specifically accused the Police Chief of shielding one Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (aka Bilikusi Ishaku Aliyu) who was alleged to have engaged in conspiracy, forgery of tittles, theft, criminal trespass and fraudulent sale of properties at Plots 1861, 1862, 1863 at Katampe and Plot 4022 at Gusape district in Abuja.
The Abuja lawyer said that the IGP instead of acting on the petition against the alleged fraudulent person opted to shield her from being brought to book on the strength of the complain.
The civil group said that the IGP by shielding the suspect from proper investigation, had exposed the victim of the suspect, Mrs Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79 year old grand mother to suffer injustice.
The Abuja lawyer said that following the refusal of the IGP office to investigate the suspect, another petition was forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which promptly took up investigation into the matter.
The group noted with regret that rather than allowing EFCC to conduct a free and independent investigation, the IGP allegedly embarked on interfering with EFCC’s action to frustrate the investigation
He however noted that the EFCC had diligently carried out a thorough investigation, prepared a report and filed a suit in court for a forfeiture order against the suspect, adding that the court had already ordered the suspect, Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu, to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to the rightful owner Mrs Collen Mero Yesufu.
Okpara claimed that following EFCC’s action against the suspect, the IGP’s office which had claimed that it would not dabble into civil matter has hurriedly filed criminal charges against the suspect, adding that the criminal charge by the IGP was not in the interest of Justice but to divert attention and frustrate the good job being done by EFCC in the matter.
The group which claimed that it has lost confidence on the Inspector General of Police, demanded that President Tinubu should immediately call the IGP to order and to also order a full scale investigation into the matter.
The body also asked the National Assembly to scrutinize the conduct of the police in the matter with a view to bringing those who abused power to justice.
“The attempt by the Nigerian Police Force to manipulate this case, obstruct due process and protect the suspect is a direct attack on justice and accountability.
“We refuse to standby while the rights of innocent citizens, especially vulnerable individuals like a 79 year old grand mother are trampled upon by those entrusted with upholding the law.
“We stand firm in our commitment to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice and we will not relent until this matter is properly addressed. We call on the President, the EFCC, the judiciary and all other relevant authorities to intervene immediately and ensure that justice prevail.
It would be recalled that the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi had on December 30, 2024 issued a public statement on behalf of the IGP, denying any interference in the alleged trespass by the suspect and dismissing the allegations by the group as mischievous.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.