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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.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who’s still in the US, claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.
She said, “I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”
IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives
Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.
Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.
As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.
While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.
Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.
“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The quest to upgrade , promote and advance Secondary Education by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike through technological advancement is undaunted, not minding some drawbacks brought about by the operators before his assumption of duty.
Under his special arrangements and Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is attracting massive infrastructure development, provision of equipment and manpower to the FCT secondary schools by discouraging the manual , local and outdated infrastructures, hence embarked by Wike led administration through massive construction, renovation and reconstruction of schools across the FCT with modest high tech equipment, including the provision of mobile clinics and portable water for students consumption, the desire to place them in line with the global standards with the attainment and provision of ICT equipment in line with the modest policies became germane.
Without mincing words , he announced the massive reorganisation, reactivation and rehabilitation of all facets of Secondary Education in the nation’s city , to bridge both the dearth of learning , equipment among many others lacking in the FCT, including the inculcation of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities.
Aside the provision of secondary schools education to FCT residents , 36 states indigenes residents in the FCT including the adjoining states of Kogi , Niger, Nasssarawa, Kaduna and Plateau state took advantage of the proximity to move their wards into benefiting from the secondary education curricula in the FCT.
Since Secondary Schools Education is now inculcated into Basic Education in line with the new policy thrust of the federal government, the need to rejig it cannot be overstressed, therefore desiring Urgent and adequate attention through manpower reorientation, equipment rejigging ,provision and monitoring.
The Nyesom Wike led FCT administration as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed confronted by tackling the issue of Information and Communication Technology ICT, that will bring in tandem programs of the secondary schools , exposed the pupils and teachers , streamline it to compete favourably with both local and international programs.
Having tackled the gradual reconstruction, rehabilitation and replacement of major equipment including manpower and technical know how , he embarked on the provision of ICT equipment and facilities in all secondary schools in FCT with initial supplies of 850 computer tablets and 45 laptops distributed across 20 public senior secondary schools across six area councils of Bwari , Gwagwalada , Kuje, Abuja Municipal Council AMAC, Kwali and Abaji area councils with each school taken initial possession from the maiden distribution of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities of 42 computer tablets for students and two laptops for ICT teachers and instructors.
According to the FCT Minister, the new policy thrust on provision of ICT facilities debuted in the 20 public schools will gradually trickle down to all the public schools across the FCT before the end of the first term of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first term to boost not only information and communication technology ICT, not only in secondary schools, but across educational institutions in the FCT.
According to him, these resources will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world, it will also contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately .
Accordingly , these resources provided by the Minister , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world.
The facilities if used effectively and efficiently will contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately, in line with the vision and mission of the Wike led FCT administration.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.