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Abiodun calls for police support in flushing out kidnappers, cultists, set to launch surveillance drone

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Abiodun calls for police support in flushing out kidnappers, cultists, set to launch surveillance drone

 

 

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Wednesday said efforts are being made by his government to flush out kidnappers, cultists, and land grabbers.

 

 

 

Consequently, the state government has concluded arrangements to launch its surveillance drones, to be performed by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

 

 

 

Governor Abiodun spoke when he received the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, comprising Ogun and Lagos states, Mr Ari Mohammed Ali, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

 

 

Abiodun calls for police support in flushing out kidnappers, cultists, set to launch surveillance drone

Prince Abiodun noted that kidnapping, cultism, and land grabbing are serious security challenges facing the government that must be tackled headlong.

 

 

 

He said: “Very soon, we will be inviting the Inspector General to our state because we want to launch our Surveillance Drones. We believe that with the use of drones, we will be able to reduce the number of blind spots that we have in the state because as of now, there is no way, even if we deplore the entire police in Ogun State, we can not cover all the blind spots in the state.

 

 

“When we deplore these drones, particularly, along the known occurrences, it will allow men of the Command to respond to distress calls as soon as they identified where the crime has been committed.

“Also, I would like to plead with you for some of your men to assist us in this anti-cultism fight. We are prepared to provide them with the required logistics as the former CP will be overseeing the different units of Anti-cultism, kidnapping, and Quick Response Squad.
The governor, who solicited the cooperation of the AIG in breaking the backbone of land grabbing, said, when arrested, the culprits prefer being taken to Zone 2 to avoid being prosecuted.

He said: “I want to solicit your support in ensuring that we break the back of this land grabbing. I understand that there are instances where land grabbers are arrested in Ogun State and they are brought to Zone 2 for questioning.

“I expect that they take them straight to the Commissioner of Police first and only if the CP in his wisdom believes that the case should be transferred to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, then it should be transferred to the AIG because what we found out in the past is that they do this to avoid been properly prosecuted.

“They believe they can come to Zone 2 and play some games. When they are left off the hook, they come back again to terrorise the people. Most of the land grabbers are repeat offenders. So I want you to help us to look into this so that we can ensure that the land grabbers do not escape the long hands of the law.”

Prince Abiodun assured of logistics support to the police to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

Prince Abiodun emphasized that as a state with the highest number of industries in the country as well as educational and religious camps, coupled with having the busiest federal highway, a lot of pressure is put on the security architecture, hence his administration is collaborating with neighbouring states in patrolling major roads, particularly at the border areas, to reduce attacks from hoodlums.

He said for the state to sustain its position as the industrial hub of the country, his administration would ensure that incidences of security infraction are nip in the bud, expressing the hope that with AIG Ali’s rich experience and background in operations, insecurity in the state would be a thing of the past.

Speaking earlier, AIG Mohammed Ali, said he came to familiarise himself with the state, adding that his Zone was ready to take the fight to all land grabbers, kidnappers and cultists disrupting the peace of the state.

He appreciated the governor for his past assistance to the zone and called for more support from the state government to enable his officers and men to carry out their duties more efficiently.

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Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

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Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

 

 

 

The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayero expressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.

The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.

The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.
CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.

 

About HALO
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.
The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.

Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria

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“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

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“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

 

The Nigerian social media space was thrown into an uproar on Tuesday as news spread about Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State. The case, which dates back to 2010, has raised serious questions about justice, fairness, and the Nigerian judicial system.

Olowookere, now 31, was arrested alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when he was just 17 years old. Accused of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, the duo was convicted in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.

The Arrest and Trial

According to Olowookere, his ordeal began when a group of minors, allegedly involved in theft, named him as their gang leader. Despite his denial, he was subjected to severe torture by police officers and detained without immediate legal recourse.

“The police demanded ₦30,000 for my bail, but my father could only raise ₦20,000. Before he could return with the full amount, I was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Osogbo,” Olowookere recounted.

At trial, six witnesses testified against him. Although he pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence, the court relied heavily on a controversial confession reportedly obtained under duress. Justice Falola sentenced both Olowookere and Morakinyo to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for theft.

Public Outcry and Calls for Justice

The harsh sentence, perceived as disproportionate to the crime, has ignited widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the ruling, arguing that the trial was unlawful since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence.

Falana stated, “The Osun State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case. The matter should have been handled by the Family Court, which would not impose the death penalty on a child.”

Governor Adeleke’s Intervention

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation and initiated steps for a pardon. “I assure the public that this case is receiving urgent attention. Justice and fairness must prevail,” the governor announced on X.

Lingering Appeal and a Tarnished Legacy

The case is still pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure, 13 years after it began. Meanwhile, Justice Falola, who presided over the trial, was recently retired by the National Judicial Council following a separate scandal involving professional misconduct.

The Human Toll

Olowookere, who has spent over a decade on death row, dreams of becoming a doctor. He has trained under medical practitioners at his custodial center and hopes to prove his innocence and contribute to society.

“I pray to God to set me free. I am not a criminal. I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said.

Morakinyo, his co-convict, was not as fortunate. Following years of torture, he has developed severe mental health issues and is now unrecognizable, according to Olowookere.

What’s Next?

As the public awaits the conclusion of the appeal process, Olowookere’s story has become a rallying point for advocacy against systemic injustice. Many Nigerians are calling for comprehensive judicial reforms to prevent such cases in the future.

The tragedy of Segun Olowookere is a grim reminder of the cracks in Nigeria’s justice system—cracks that have left a young man’s life hanging in the balance for over a decade.

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Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship

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Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship

A Nigerian man, Ben Kingsley Nwashara, has become a symbol of integrity after returning ₦5 million mistakenly deposited into his bank account during a time of widespread economic hardship in the country.

Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship

Nwashara shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) on December 20, posting a screenshot of the unexpected transaction alert. He expressed astonishment at receiving such a large amount during challenging financial times.

“Someone mistakenly sent me ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to my Fidelity Bank account. In this hard time? I’ve been getting calls from different persons because of this,” he wrote.

Determined to resolve the situation lawfully, Nwashara immediately contacted the police to report the incident, explaining his intent to protect himself from potential fraud accusations.

“I will be headed to the police station to make a statement. Let the bearer of the account come and confirm he or she sent it with evidence,” he added.

In a follow-up post, he shared evidence of his integrity—a receipt showing the successful return of the funds to Sliding Towers Global Limited, the original sender. Additionally, he documented his visit to the Ogui Police Station in Enugu to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Let it be on record that I’ve returned the sum of ₦5Million mistakenly sent to me by one Sliding Towers Global Limited. I’ve also made an entry at the Ogui Police Station, Enugu, to this effect,” Nwashara stated.

His actions have garnered widespread praise on social media, with many commending his honesty and strong moral compass, particularly during Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

“This is the kind of integrity we need in our society. He didn’t succumb to the temptation to keep the money despite the hardship,” one user wrote.

Ben Kingsley Nwashara’s exemplary behavior has sparked conversations about ethics and accountability, proving that integrity still thrives in unexpected situations.

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