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Rivers LG Sets Up Own Security Outfit

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The Emohua local government council in Rivers State, has set up a security outfit, Emohua Vigilante Service (EMOVIS), which which will work with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to ensure peace and security.

Members of the security outfit, who were nominated by the various communities in the local government area, however, will not bear any form of arms.

Speaking at the inauguration of EMOVIS as well as the commissioning of its operational headquarters at Emohua on Wednesday, the local government chairman, Dr. Chidi Julius Lloyd, said members of the outfit were profiled by the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Lloyd, who stated that the effort was aimed at assisting in providing intelligence to the Police and other security agencies, said members of the outfit will work in their respective communities.

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He further stated that the local government council decided to form its own security outfit after a vigilante group, popularly known as OSPAC, which was adopted by most of the communities in the area, failed.

The LGA chairman said: “On assumption of duty in June 2021, we observed to our chagrin that the security situation in the local government area needed urgent intervention in order to avoid a total relapse to anarchy.

“The existing contraption, as it then was, OSPAC, which was initially designed to cut the excesses of cultism in the area, later became a major source of challenge.

“There were several reports of breaches of our security in the same local government area, where OSPAC had been adopted to bring about peace and tranquility.

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“It was observed that the few communities that didn’t have OSPAC were enjoying relative peace than those that had OSPAC, because they adopted their own local policing.”

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Lagos State launches manhunt for driver who set LASTMA officer on fire

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Lagos State manhunt for LASTMA officer attacker

Lagos authorities launch manhunt for driver who set LASTMA officer ablaze during traffic stop, aiming to bring suspects to justice swiftly.

 

The Lagos State Government has commenced an intensive search for the driver responsible for setting a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on fire during a confrontation in the Mile 2 area on Tuesday.

The driver, whose identity remains unknown, reportedly resisted arrest after LASTMA operatives apprehended him for a traffic violation.

 

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Also read: Lagos police arrest suspected cable vandal

 

In an alarming escalation, the driver doused petrol on his vehicle and LASTMA officers, setting the bus and one of the officials ablaze before fleeing the scene.

The LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that the suspect and his assistant became hostile after being stopped for violating traffic rules.

Adebayo detailed that as officers approached the driver, he attempted to evade capture by setting his vehicle and nearby officers on fire.

The incident left one officer with severe burns, requiring immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital.

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While the injured officer was initially discharged, he experienced a deterioration in his condition early on Wednesday, resulting in an urgent readmission to the hospital.

“He was discharged after treatment but began experiencing intense pain around 3 am, which prompted a return to the hospital,” Adebayo reported.

The disturbing incident highlights the risks faced by LASTMA officers in their efforts to maintain road safety and compliance. In response, LASTMA has intensified its efforts to identify and arrest the driver and his assistant.

ALSO READ  Suspected fake doctor nabbed in Plateau

“We have the vehicle’s registration number, and serious efforts are ongoing to apprehend the driver and his assistant,” said Adebayo. The government has assured the public that it will not relent until justice is served.

LASTMA has also issued a strong warning to commercial and private drivers, urging compliance with traffic regulations and respect for LASTMA officers.

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The agency underscored its commitment to upholding order on Lagos roads in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, stating that it will respond decisively to any acts of violence or intimidation against its officers.

The attack has prompted widespread condemnation and sparked a conversation about the safety of traffic management officers in Lagos, with officials calling for stricter measures to ensure the security of LASTMA personnel while they carry out their duties.

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Kaduna police rescue kidnapped victims, recover stolen livestock

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Kaduna Police rescue kidnapped victims

Kaduna Police Command rescues two kidnapped victims and recovers 283 stolen cows and 20 sheep, arresting five suspects in the process.

 

 

The Kaduna Police Command has successfully rescued two individuals kidnapped in recent weeks, alongside recovering a significant number of rustled livestock, including 283 cows and 20 sheep.

This operation also led to the arrest of five suspects involved in the criminal activities.

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Also read: Katsina police rescue kidnapped victim after month-long ordeal

 

According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, the successful rescue was executed on 31 October 2024.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by SP Sani Ibrahim Zuntu, acted on credible intelligence that directed them to a remote area in Gora Village.

Upon their arrival, officers apprehended the suspects and recovered the livestock believed to have been stolen.

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The arrested individuals have been identified as Danjuma Alhaji Nguna (25), Saleh Shehu (35), Isiya Abdullahi (35), and two minors, Abubakar Isiya and Aminu Abdullahi, both aged 13. The police confirmed that following preliminary investigations, the suspects would face court proceedings.

In a separate incident, officers from the Ikara Division responded to reports of suspected bandit activity near Kauyen Magaji Auchan village.

Upon their arrival, they engaged the bandits in a gunfight, which prompted the assailants to flee the scene. In this confrontation, the police managed to rescue two kidnapped victims, identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi and Hafsat Yusuf.

ALSO READ  Suspected killer of Fulani leader in Plateau arrested in Lagos

Following their rescue, both individuals were taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families.

These operations reflect the Kaduna Police Command’s ongoing commitment to combating kidnapping and banditry in the region, reinforcing efforts to enhance the safety and security of local communities.

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Court grants bail to Abia lawmaker facing assault charges against Bolt driver

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Abia lawmaker Alexander Ikwechegh assault charges

A Kuje Magistrate Court has adjourned hearings on charges against Abia lawmaker Alexander Ikwechegh for alleged assault, granting him bail.

 

 

In a case that has sparked national interest, the Kuje Magistrate Court in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has granted bail to Alexander Ikwechegh, the member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State.

The court set bail at N500,000, with two sureties, following allegations of assault and abuse of office against a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, presiding over the case, adjourned the hearing to Friday, 8th November.

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Also read: Abia to unveil N1bn interest-free business loan Thursday

 

Ikwechegh’s arraignment on Wednesday follows a widely circulated video where he is seen allegedly slapping and threatening Abuwatseya outside his residence in Abuja.

The charges, brought forward by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, include counts of abuse of office, assault, and threats to life.

Pleading not guilty, Ikwechegh’s counsel quickly moved for bail, which was granted on condition that the two sureties reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of residence.

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Civil society groups and activists have condemned the incident, calling it an example of political impunity. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a civil society organisation, released a statement strongly criticising the lawmaker’s actions.

Signed by Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, the statement described the incident as “a glaring example of abuse of power” that damages not only Ikwechegh’s reputation but also the integrity of the House of Representatives.

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Nwanguma stated, “This case involving Alex Ikwechegh reveals a profound lack of humility and respect for public office.”

He continued, “The incident not only shames Ikwechegh but also reflects poorly on the House of Representatives, the police, and the broader political system.” RULAAC’s statement highlighted the systemic problem of public officials exercising unchecked power, with Nwanguma urging for reforms to curb what he described as a “culture of impunity” in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The video, which circulated widely on social media, shows Ikwechegh allegedly slapping Abuwatseya and threatening him. The footage has intensified public calls for accountability and led RULAAC and others to demand justice, not only for Abuwatseya but also for all Nigerians affected by political misuse of power.

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“This case must serve as a catalyst for change, leading to reforms that prioritise respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria,” Nwanguma asserted.

With the hearing set for 8th November, the case promises to test Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law, particularly for those in positions of power.

RULAAC and other advocacy groups are closely watching the proceedings, urging authorities to ensure that the outcome supports the rights of ordinary Nigerians.

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