Crime
Assault: PSC Demands Prosecution Of Seun Kuti
The Police Service Commission has made a demand for the prompt prosecution of Seun Kuti, an Afrobeat musician, in connection with an alleged assault on a police officer.
The incident is said to have taken place on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State on Saturday.
Dr. Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and a retired Inspector-General of Police, has expressed that the arraignment of Seun Kuti will serve as a deterrent to other individuals.
He emphasized that no one has the authority to assault a police officer who is in uniform and carrying out official duties, regardless of any perceived offense committed by the officer.
The Head of Press and Public Relations at the Police Service Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, disclosed this information on Sunday in a statement.
The statement reads “The Police Service Commission wishes to condemn in strong terms the assault on a police officer in uniform and on official duty in Lagos by one Seun Kuti.
“The commission however commends the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, for his prompt action in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Ṣeun who obviously has diminished the sanctity of the symbol of authority of the Nigerian nation.
“The commission demands that the culprit must be arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to its logical conclusion to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security and in its ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.
Dr. Arase frowned at the effrontery of Seun to slap the Police Officer, insisting that Nigeria is not a Hobbesian state where might is right.
He said “We must as a civilized people explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement Officials rather than this uncouth behavior in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country” he noted.
“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk” Dr. Arase added.
He further commended the Police Officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, a development he said would have been more fatal.
Expressing his disappointment, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission remarked that it was regrettable that while the Nigeria Police management was taking firm action against officers who harass, intimidate, or assault civilians in public spaces, these very officers have now become victims of the inappropriate behavior of certain ill-mannered elites.
He further emphasized that the police should utilize this particular incident as an opportunity to establish a precedent that such actions would not be tolerated in Nigeria, a nation governed by laws, rules, and regulations.
The Chairman acknowledged that the strong public outcry against the behavior of the assailant demonstrates the love and respect Nigerians hold for law enforcement officers.
He emphasized the importance of this sentiment, highlighting the obligation for all police officers to consistently uphold the rights of the public and maintain professionalism in their actions at all times.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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