Metro
Court Sets Aside Contempt Charge Against IGP, Reverses Committal Order
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Honourable Justice Bolaji Olajuwon has today, Wednesday 14th December 2022, set aside the contempt proceedings and committal order against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police. The Court similarly discharged and acquitted the IGP of the conviction and 3 months sentence. This is following the motion filed before the Federal High Court on Thursday 1st December, 2022, highlighting the basis why the order should be vacated, particularly as the Force had complied with the original ruling of the court for the reinstatement of one Patrick C. Okoli, the plaintiff in the matter.
The earlier ruling was predicated on a reinstatement order for the plaintiff, a dismissed Police Officer, whose dismissal was ruled to be wrongful by the Court. It is noteworthy that earlier Inspectors-General of Police had complied with the order in line with the statutory authority of the Office of the IGP. This is in view of several letters and reminders earlier sent to the Police Service Commission, the body statutorily responsible for effecting such reinstatements, requesting compliance with the court order to reinstate and promote the Officer to his deserved rank.
The learned Honourable Justice in his ruling held that the IGP has substantially complied with the judgment of the court earlier delivered in 2011 since 2015, and is therefore entitled to acquittal, and accordingly acquitted him of any wrongdoing. The IGP has, therefore, commended the Court for setting aside the order, while reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under his watch to uphold and respect the rule of law, and ensure the continuous protection of the fundamental rights of all persons.
In another development, with a view to promoting professionalism and efficiency in the NPF, the IGP has redeployed the supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South-East Geo-Political Zone, DIG John Amadi, mni, who was hitherto in charge of the Department of Research and Planning, to the Department of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters, Abuja, following the retirement of DIG Zanna M. Ibrahim, mni. DIG Amadi, a member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), hails from Ebonyi State and alumnus of the University of Lagos.
Similarly, new heads have been posted for some Commands and Formations to ensure that officers are tasked with roles commensurate with their professional capability and capacity. The other newly posted senior police officers include CP Patrick Kehinde Longe who takes over as Commissioner of Police in charge of Osun State Police Command; CP Adepoju Ayinde Ilori who takes charge of the Police Special Fraud Unit, FCID Annex, Lagos with effect from 28th December, 2022; CP Isyaku Mohammed appointed as the Head of Police Accounts and Budget; and CP Faleye E.S. Olaleye as CP Administration, FCID, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
