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Abuja Policemen Harass Workers, Seal Quarry Without Court Order

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IGP USMAN ALKALI BABA ASSUMES DUTY AS THE NEW INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

3 days After New IGP Resumes, Abuja Policemen Harass Workers, Seal Quarry Without Court Order

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THECONSCIENCEng Investigation has uncovered how in a commando-style and show of brute force policemen in Abuja on Saturday morning stormed the premises of Nic Equipment plus Quarry in the Bwari area of FCT in a Tundra truck, chased out the operator, Mr. Nick Okon and his over 100 workers without picking their personal effects, barred customers from taking out goods already paid for and sealed the facility without a valid court order.

 

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When the policemen who stormed the quarry around 10am and blocked the entrance with a Tundra truck were confronted by the operator to produce a valid court order for the enforcement, there was none. The policemen who were identified as Sam Okon and Matthew Ocheni merely claimed that the place was under investigation.

 

 

 

This is as Nigerians are expecting so much in terms of professional policing, adherence to rule of law, zero cases of abuse of citizens’ rights, high handedness and abuse of state power from the new Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba who just assumed office and was only decorated by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday and had promised the nation a police force that operates under a motivational and credible leadership driven by professionalism and strategic planning, all directed at stabilizing internal security and modernizing police operations within the framework of citizens’ consent, trust, and the rule of law.

 

 

 

 

THECONSCIENCEng Investigation gathered that police officers from Force CID area command (the station opposite old CBN) on Tuesday had visited the quarry formerly known as F&P Quarry, in Bmuko village, and arrested the operator, Okon and some of his workers on the orders of the quarry landlord, Mr. Ogboro.

 

 

 

Our findings revealed that Ogboro had leased the quarry which was allegedly in comatose and non-operational to Okon on a 3-year lease effective September 2019 with the agreement to revive the quarry and run operations smoothly. Most of the equipments, our source, claimed was out of use.

 

 

 

Following the arrests, Okon had to bail himself and his workers on Tuesday but some workers were picked up again by police and were bailed again during the week. Okon was later rearrested on Thursday by police before securing his freedom again on Friday around 8pm after meeting the stringent bail conditions allegedly arranged in a bid to keep Okon throughout the weekend to enable the landlord take over the property despite a subsisting tenancy agreement.

 

 

 

What followed next was the storming of the quarry by the police in company of the landlord whom we gathered was very influential on Saturday to shut it down without any court papers but only a claim that the quarry was under investigation. The police also strangely chased the quarry security and replaced same with the landlord’s security personnel.

 

 

 

 

Okon, we gathered, has been besieged by customers who are calling for refunds of their money, distraught workers and business associates who now view the company as unstable and unworthy of business transactions, a situation that may lead to a total collapse of the business.

 

 

 

 

It was also gathered that Okon was allegedly accused of damaging some equipment which he debunked and described as consumables that had to be used, scrapped and replaced.

 

 

 

 

An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent lamented the show of force, illegality, harassment and intimidation by the police. The family man with 5 dependents said life has been hard since police started harassing workers on the quarry site with persistent arrest, bail rigours, shut down of the operations thereby abruptly stopping the livelihood of over 100 Nigerian workers with their individual dependents.

 

 

 

 

He said, “We are appealing to the new Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to look into this matter. We are also calling on Nigerians of good conscience. We are lawful citizens making a living and feeding our families from the quarry. The police in connivance with the land lord have ruined our lives. How do we survive? In a nation with high unemployment, economic problems and inflation, why are the police handling a civil case like this? Imagine, we were not even allowed to pick our personal effects, not even our foods from the kitchen. It was so bad. The landlord was barking orders at us while the police were enforcing it without any care for our human rights and dignity.”

 

 

 

 

He added: “This is a civil case and why are we treated like criminals. How can police shut and ground a business property feeding many mouths, replace company security with landlord security in a civil case despite the quarry operator producing a valid lease agreement document? This is exactly what the #Endsars campaign was about. The Police needs to do better.”

 

 

 

 

“Would the new IGP tenure bring a fresh lease of life for Nigerians in terms of modern policing with respect for citizens’ rights and strict adherence to the rule of law? He quipped.”

 

 

 

Calls repeatedly put through to the landlord, Mr. Ogboro did not connect as at press time.

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

 

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In yet another tale of the unending brutality of the Nigerian Police Force, a member of visiting 12 PMF squadron identified as Inspector Aliyu Taofeek has sent one Mr. Patrick Chinemerem to his early grave over an undisclosed dispute.

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

 

According to reports, the killer policeman, Inspector Taofeek who was one of the policemen attached to Skymall Supermarket located in Sangotedo, Ajah area of Lagos State, stabbed Chinemerem to death and took to his heels after committing what’s clearly a premeditated murder.

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According to reports, the fleeing policeman has been arrested and in custody according to the statement released by the Lagos Police Command. The sad incident which occurred a few days ago has sparked an outrage among members of the public who are demanding justice for Chinemerem. It would be recalled that police brutality led to the massive ENDSARS protest across the country a few years ago. Apparently, nothing much has changed since then, the latest murder of an innocent man by Inspector Taofeek is a reminder of the brutality embedded in the Nigerian Police Force.

 

 

In order to forestall another avoidable death, Nigerians are calling for swift investigation and prompt prosecution of Inspector Taofeek.

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Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

 

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has garnered praise from The Mandate Movement for his decisive actions in the face of economic challenges with the launch of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative. The initiative, aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by residents, particularly the economically vulnerable, has been lauded as a significant step towards improving livelihoods in the state.

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The Chairman of The Mandate Movement, Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, conveyed his gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu through a member of the group’s Central Working Committee (CWC), Prince Adewale Arogundade, for spearheading various interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of inflationary trends. A total of 300,000 households are expected to benefit from the inaugural program.

According to Enilolobo, “This holistic approach shows Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Lagosians and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. Additionally, measures such as free ante-natal care, reduced transportation fares, and support for small businesses underscore the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents.

“We at The Mandate Movement commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for this initiative put together for the residents of Lagos, which also collorates with the wonders of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. This clearly shows that the All Progressive Congress (APC) remains a beacon of hope for Lagosians, and Nigerians at large.”

Residents across Lagos have begun to laud the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative, stating that the government has shown determination to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, embodying the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu's Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro's Leadership Legacy

An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

 

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In the intricate mosaic of Nigeria’s societal fabric, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a beacon of commitment, resilience, and service.

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Born on March 6th, 1973, in Lagos, he draws from a lineage steeped in political legacy, being the grandson of the late Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Daudu Sooroye Adegbenro. Raised in a family that values service to the community, Otunba Adegbenro has carved his path as a distinguished figure in Nigerian society.

The culmination of his familial heritage and dedication to community service was marked by his installation as the first Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

This historic event, which took place on January 20th, 2018, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II, traditional ruler of Owu kingdom, reinforced Otunba Adegbenro’s deep-rooted ties to his cultural heritage and commitment to uplifting his people.

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Beyond his traditional titles, his influence extends globally, with his appointment as High Commissioner by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), where he spearheads foreign special missions aimed at preventing illegal migration and human trafficking. This appointment is a testament of his reputation as a renowned security expert and industrialist, whose expertise transcends national borders.

In his role as the acting Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Otunba Adegbenro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating threats to national security. His vast experience in security consultancy and supply of security gadgets has positioned him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s security landscape.

However, Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom’s contributions extend beyond the realm of security.

Through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), he channels his resources towards uplifting the less privileged in society. With initiatives ranging from the provision of boreholes to communities lacking access to clean water, to scholarships for deserving students, he exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and communal solidarity.

Reflecting on his journey, Otunba Adegbenro once acknowledged the challenges he has faced, from navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to confronting societal stereotypes.

Yet, through it all, he remains resolute in his commitment to service and upliftment. His philosophy, rooted in faith and compassion, drives him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the common good. In him, Nigerians find not only a visionary leader but a compassionate steward of progress, whose impact reverberates far beyond the shores of his homeland.

 

An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro's Leadership Legacy

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