society
Refusal to honour Police invitations: Over 70 CSOs ask IGP to declare SDP candidate, Muritala Yakubu, wanted
*Refusal to honour Police invitations: Over 70 CSOs ask IGP to declare SDP candidate, Muritala Yakubu, wanted
Over 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that have been in the struggle for credible elections in Nigeria for over 20 years have called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to urgently ensure that politicians stoking violence in the state with inciting statements and political brigandage that have led to loss of lives and property are made to face the law.
The CSOs specifically called on the IGP to declare the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Muritala Ajaka, wanted, if he continues to ignore Police invitations for investigations into acts of political violence in the state, moves about with “suspected thugs armed to the teeth” and undermines security efforts of the Police and other agencies as stated in a recent statement by the Kogi State Police Command.
The Coalition for Credible Elections in Nigeria (CCE), Kogi State Young Professionals, and concerned civic organisations, staged a peaceful walk in Abuja on Saturday, after submitting a petition to the IGP, titled, “PETITION FOR A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN KOGI STATE AND THE ROLE OF SDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, MR MURTALA YAKUBU AJAKA”.
They displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Anyone who ignores Police invitations must be arrested immediately”, “arrest and prosecute killers of Khadijat now”, “Gov. Bello, don’t be soft on promoters of violence”, “we demand peaceful elections in Kogi State”, and “IGP must declare Ajaka wanted now”, among others.
Addressing the press on behalf of others during the road walk, the Coordinator,
Coalition for Credible Elections, Comrade Israel Abiodun, noted that the major focus of the Peace Walk for Kogi State and material focus of the Coalition’s petition to the IGP was the political violence being allegedly orchestrated by some politicians, ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the state.
The Coordinator was flanked by Barrister Jeff Uwaifo, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim and Comrade Fatimah Qudus.
He said, “We are concerned that the Police in Kogi State have mentioned one of the Parties’ Governorship candidates in person of Mr. Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, whose actions, the authorities said, had been undermining security efforts in the state.
“The Police, in a recent statement, said he had been invited on several occasions, just like other candidates, in line with investigations into allegations of violence but that he had refused to honour the invitations, yet, up till now, he has not been declared wanted when we all know that he doesn’t have constitutional immunity but already acting above the law.”
The CSOs also demanded justice for Khadijat Yahaya, a female All Progressives Congress (APC) supporter, who was allegedly killed by SDP thugs, saying that the claim by the SDP that the harmless lady was a thug did not make any sense, particularly coming from a party, whose candidate had been accused by the Police of moving around with “suspected thugs armed to the teeth”.
They quoted the Kogi State Police Command as saying, “His (Muritala Yakubu) riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good. For instance on the complaint of Breach of Security Against The Executive Governor of Kogi State at Banda on 3rd June, 2023, the SDP Candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has consistently refused to honour Police several invitations to give his own side of the story!
“Again, since he applied for Police Security, he was invited to come but till date, he refused to show up, he moves around with a retinue of suspected political thugs armed to the teeth. Consequently, the above facts and scenario, coupled with his recalcitrance and obduracy have continued to jeopardise Police Investigation and maintenance of law and order in the State.”
The CSOs, therefore, said, “It is for this reason that we are calling on the Nigeria Police Force to declare Mr Ajaka wanted if he fails to honour Police invitation, moves around with armed thugs, undermines security efforts and constitutes a threat to the peace of Kogi State, as has been said. Not acting on these allegations does not speak well of the fight against crime and political brigandage in Nigeria.
“We can’t have a situation whereby anyone will be acting with impunity while people are dying. The young lady, Khadijat Yahaya, who was murdered in cold-blood allegedly by SDP thugs cannot be allowed to die like that without proper investigations, arrest and prosecution of culprits.
“The SDP managers have, unfortunately, labelled this lady a thug. She must get justice. We wonder how a man accused of moving around with ‘thugs armed to the teeth’ would turn around to call an innocent soul a thug.
“Mr. Ajaka has been fond of promoting ethnic divisions and supporting violence even by Police admissions and he cannot be allowed to continue riding roughshod on Kogi State without the intervention of security agencies.”
Tinubu Seeks Nigerians Forgiveness During Ramadan, Calls for National Reconciliation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“At State House Tafsir in Abuja, President urges unity, tolerance, and prayers for stability as he reaffirms commitment to tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness over any perceived wrongdoing, urging citizens to embrace reconciliation and unity during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking during a Ramadan Tafsir held at the State House in Abuja, the President said, “If I have sinned against you, forgive me as Nigerians,” stressing the importance of forgiveness, tolerance, and national cohesion.
Tinubu noted that Ramadan represents a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to use the season to promote peace and mutual understanding across religious and ethnic divides.
The President also encouraged citizens to pray for the nation’s stability and progress, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing economic and security challenges facing the country.
The Ramadan Tafsir, an annual religious gathering attended by government officials, Islamic scholars, and dignitaries, forms part of activities marking the fasting period observed by Muslims worldwide.
You Against Crime Founder Tayo Folorunsho Praises Winners of Abuja Schools Festival.
Abuja, Nigeria – The maiden edition of the You Against Crime – Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale has concluded, marking a significant milestone in youth engagement and crime prevention efforts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at the University of Abuja, brought together 78 secondary schools from the six Area Councils of Abuja, with the top six schools competing in the Grand Finale.
*Winners Emerge*
Tudunwada School, Bwari took the top spot, followed closely by The Golden Crest Royal in second place, and Government Secondary School, Kuje in third.
*CULTURE, THE CURE FOR CRIME*
The festival’s theme, “Culture, The Cure for Crime,” highlighted the importance of values, identity, mentorship, and positive engagement in preventing crime and shaping responsible citizenship among young people.
*DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS*
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman, Amnesty International, praised the initiative, saying, “This festival is a beacon of hope for our young people, promoting values and principles that can shape a brighter future for Nigeria.”
Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment & Re-orientation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, emphasized the importance of mentorship, stating, “Empowering young people with the right guidance and opportunities is key to preventing crime and building a stronger nation.”
*PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT*
The 2026 Grand Finale Edition was proudly sponsored by Civicx Technology Ltd Int’l, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and crime prevention through cultural reorientation and innovation.
Tayo Folorunsho, Host & Founder, You Against Crime International, addressing the media and appealed to government agencies to support initiatives like this, targeting young minds early.
You Against Crime International is a movement advocating cultural change as a long-term solution to crime. The organization remains committed to advancing youth development, civic responsibility, and nation-building across Nigeria.
TICP Customs Launches Paperless Regime, Warns Against False Declarations
The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has launched a roadmap for the full implementation of a paperless regime at the command.
Onyeka disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, stating that the command was fully prepared for seamless digital operations ahead of the nationwide rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
He described the engagement as the first in a series of consultations aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the strategies, operational framework and expectations under the new regime.
The controller commended the media for its constructive reportage since his assumption of office and sought continued collaboration to ensure the success of the initiative.
Presenting the command’s performance report, Onyeka said the Tin Can Island Command generated ₦609 billion in revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest in the history of the command.
He added that revenue collection rose from ₦116 billion recorded in January of the previous year to ₦145 billion in the corresponding period last month, representing an increase of over ₦29.9 billion.
Onyeka stated that his vision was to make the command known for trade efficiency, explaining that under the paperless regime, containers would be released without physical contact between Customs officers and clearing agents, provided declarations were accurate.
He credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing the leadership and strategic direction driving modernisation efforts across Customs formations nationwide.
The controller urged stakeholders to avoid false declarations and engage directly with the command to resolve concerns, emphasising that transparency and dialogue were essential to achieving efficient port operations.
He assured that consignments with clear scanning results and proper documentation would be released promptly, while those flagged by the risk management system would undergo physical examination, adding that the command would continue to collaborate with other agencies to reduce cargo dwell time and enhance port efficiency.
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