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CP Abubakar Charges Enugu Operatives to Sustain Tempo As Command Reels Out One Month Achievements
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Abubakar Lawal, has charged men and officers of the Command to sustain the tempo of achievements recorded against criminals and criminal elements in the state in the last one month, spanning March to April 2022.
The CP made the remarks in a press statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, a copy of which was made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), noting that the Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs and confirmed the arrest of 46 suspects and recovered various items in furtherance of its operational strategies.
The statement in details:
‘Police Operatives of the Command have between March and April 2022, successfully arrested a total of forty-five (45) male and one (1) female suspects involved the offences of conspiracy, murder, rape/defilement, kidnapping/abduction, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm, stealing, vandalism and cultism.’
‘The operational activities led to the rescue of four (4) abducted/kidnapped victims, recovery of twenty-five (25) firearms of different makes, thirty-one (31) live ammunition of different calibres, fifty-three live cartridges, three (3) motor vehicles, six (6) tricycles, two (2) motorcycles and other incriminating exhibits’, NAOSNP gathered.
‘Accordingly, investigation into most of the cases have been concluded and charged to court, while others are currently being investigated, with brief descriptions of the ongoing investigations relayed as follows: sequel to the receipt of a report alleging that on 27/04/2022 at about 2300hrs, one Onyemaechi Okorie aged 19, of Uburu in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State, murdered his male co-worker in a construction site at Independence Layout Enugu, Police Operatives of the Command serving in New Haven Police Division, swung into action and arrested him on the same date.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect engaged the deceased in a serious fight and used a rod to hit him on the head. The victim was immediately moved to the hospital for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctors on duty and the corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Meanwhile, the case has been transferred to the State CID Enugu for conclusive investigation and prosecution.’
‘In a different development, on 25/04/2022 at about 1430hrs, Police Operatives serving in Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command, acted on a distress call and arrested one Haruna Abdulazeez aged 22, of New Artisan Market, Enugu and Mohammed Falani aged 32, of Nkporogu, New Layout, Emene Enugu, while their cohorts escaped. They suspects are alleged to have at gunpoint robbed their victims of cash and other valuables, at New Layout, Emene. Their arrest led to the recovery of 1 Pump Action gun with 5 live and 6 expended cartridges, 1 Dagger, 2 tricycles with reg. numbers: ENU 678 WE and NSH 254 UD respectively, cash sum of sixty five thousand, one hundred and fifty naira (N65,150.00) and 1 Tecno IPOD. The case will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.’
‘The above is in addition to the same Operatives arresting one Chukwuebuka Eze (a.k.a. “Nwarie”) aged 23, Abumchukwu Ezinwa (a.k.a. “Virgin Boy”) aged 26, Chibuzor Nnonah aged 27 and Ikenna Ukwu (a.k.a. “Kasie”) aged 29, on 25th and 20th April, 2022. Their arrest is sequel to the receipt of credible information alleging that the suspects and others at large, snatched a tricycle from their victim at gunpoint on 18/04/2022, at Akegbe-Ugwu Primary School, after beating and tying him up. The suspect confessed to the crime and being members of Vikings Confraternity, while the said yellow-coloured tricycle without reg. number has been recovered. Meanwhile, further discreet investigation that will lead to the apprehension of the fleeing members of the criminal gang and prosecution of the suspects is ongoing’, NAOSNP gathered.
‘On their part, Police Operatives serving in Ikirike Police Division of the Command, on 21/04/2022 at about 2130hrs, arrested one Ogochukwu Ugwu aged 24, of MTN Mast, Akwuke Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA; following the receipt of credible information alleging that him and cohorts at large, have been perpetrating acts of armed robbery within Enugu metropolis. Hence, the Operatives mounted security surveillance on the criminal gang and arrested the suspect along Agbani Road Enugu, while his cohorts escaped. 1 locally-made long gun with 1 live cartridge and the gang’s operational tricycle were recovered; while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Robbery Section of State CID Enugu for conclusive investigation and prosecution.’
‘In another development, Police Operatives serving in Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command, on 19/04/2022 at about 1000hrs, arrested one Ogbonna Moses aged 38, of Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South LGA, following the discovery of 2 Beretta Pistols, 13 rounds of .9mm and 3 rounds of 7.62mm calibres of live ammunition in a bag of onions he was traveling with from Jos to Enugu on 15/04/2022. Meanwhile, further discreet and conclusive investigation into the case is ongoing.’
“In a different development, acting on credible information alleging that a group of suspected criminal elements were sighted along Kenyetta, Uwani Enugu, on 14/04/2022 at about 2000hrs, Police Operatives serving in Uwani Police Division, swung into action and on sighting the Operatives, the hoodlums escaped leaving behind a bag. The bag was recovered, searched and 1 AK-47 rifle without magazine, but loaded with 1 round of live 7.62mm calibre of ammunition, was recovered. Meanwhile, discreet investigation to fish out the fleeing suspects is ongoing at the State CID Enugu.’
‘In another development, on 11/04/2022 at about 0330hrs, Police Operatives serving in Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command, acting on credible information, arrested one Oha Nkemjika Kelechi (a.k.a. “DMX”) aged 28, of Umueze, Nkanu West LGA; Peter Orji Ikechukwu (a.k.a. “Don 50”) aged 26, of Ishi-Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA and Okpe Onyekachi (a.k.a. “Certificate”) aged 21, of Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA. The suspects confessed to being members of Vikings Confraternity and having, along with their cohorts at large, serially robbed traders at Amagugu Road, Garki Market, Awkunanaw Enugu on 05/01/2022. 1 locally-made cut-to-size single-barreled gun with 3 live cartridges, 1 dagger and 1 cutlass were recovered from them, while the suspects will be arraigned and prosecuted in court upon conclusion of investigation.’
‘In an interesting development, on 09/04/2022 at about 2055hrs, Police Operatives serving in Central Police Station (CPS) Enugu, arrested one Juliet Donatus (female) aged 35, residing in Zaria, Kaduna State. Her arrest was as a result of a tip off alleging that she was found attempting to sell a male child at Old Park Enugu. The said child, who is 8 years old, was rescued while the suspect confessed to have stolen the victim from Zamfara State and brought him to Enugu in search of a buyer. The case was transferred to Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Section of the State CID Enugu for preliminary investigation and has been further handed over to Kaduna State Police Command for conclusive investigation and prosecution.’
‘Furthermore, on 08/04/2022 at about 1100hrs, Police Operatives serving in Enugu Metro Area Command arrested one Nura Mohammed aged 23 while others escaped, sequel to the Operatives swift response to a tip off alleging that some boys in possession of guns were sighted at New Artisan Market, Enugu. 1 Berretta pistol with 6 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him; while the case is undergoing conclusive investigation at the Firearm Section of the State CID Enugu.’
‘Similarly, Police Operatives serving in Uwani Police Division, on 31/03/2022 at about 2120hrs, intercepted in a tricycle and arrested one Chisom Ikechukwu aged 23, of Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA. His arrest led to the recovery of 1 cut-to-size double-barreled gun with 1 live and 1 expended cartridge, 1 knife, 1 Samsung Android phone and 1 Police beret. Also recovered is the tricycle with reg. number: ENU 120 VG he was operating. Meanwhile, the case has been transferred and is undergoing conclusive investigation at the Anti-Robbery Section of the State CID Enugu.’
‘Also, in continuation of a case of conspiracy and kidnapping, Police Operatives of the Command serving in the CP Monitoring Unit, between 24th and 22nd March, 2022, arrested one Oko Chukwudi (a.k.a. “Anka-Dede”) aged 27, Ifeanyi Eze (a.k.a. “Abrinanwa”) aged 36 and Sunday Ede Aneke (a native doctor a.k.a. Aneke-Ikenga) aged 34, all of Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, for being members of the criminal gang alleged to had conspired and kidnapped one Amechi Oguama (male) on 20/10/2021. It will be recall that three (3) other members of the said kidnapping gang namely: one Chioma Uwa (female and a.k.a. “Dr. Happiness”), Chekwube Nwatu (male and a.k.a. “Cheche”) and Emeka Uwa (male a.k.a. “Akimbo”), had earlier been arrested, arraigned in court and remanded in Correctional Custodial Centre. All the newly arrested suspects confessed to having been actively involved in the kidnapping of the said victim and the receipt of ransom of over ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) by the criminal gang, while 1 Berretta pistol with 1 .9mm round of live ammunition was recovered from them. Meanwhile, the suspects will be further arraigned in court and prosecuted alongside the previous suspects, once supplementary investigation into the case is concluded.’
In conclusion, the PR-savvy police officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe shared: ‘To this end, the Commissioner, while applauding the support received from security stakeholders, which made the achievement of these modest operational breakthroughs possible, has commended and charged the Operatives to sustain the tempo in the Command’s quest to rid the State of unrepentant criminals and their activities. The CP further calls on citizens of the State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and continue to support the Police by promptly reporting criminals and their activities to the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command’s emergency hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883 or 08086671202. They can alternatively send e-mails to contact042ppro@gmail.com and/or report security incidents using the Upgraded NPF Rescue Me App, which can be downloaded on Android and iPhone App Stores.’
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the service of court documents on the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor Pat Utomi, in relation to a suit pending over his alleged plan to establish a shadow government in the country.
The Department of State Services (DSS), in the suit, argued that not only is the planned shadow government an aberration, but it also constitutes a grave attack on the Constitution and a threat to the current democratically elected government.
Justice Omotosho granted an ex parte motion argued by the counsel for the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, ordering service of court documents on Utomi, listed as the sole defendant, at his Lagos address using courier service.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to June 25 for hearing, before which Utomi is expected to have filed his defence.
In the suit instituted on May 13, the DSS expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, might incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which pose a grave threat to national security.
The plaintiff wants the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The DSS is also seeking a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void”.
The plaintiff wants the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
Among the grounds on which the plaintiff is hinging its prayers is that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
According to the DSS, Section 14 (2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom the government, through the Constitution, derives all its powers and authority.It is contending that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacks constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.
The plaintiff further stated, in a supporting affidavit, that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace, and constitutional order.
The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.It states that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’, comprising several persons that make up its ‘minister.’
“The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. Contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).“
The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria,” it said.
“Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection.
“It is in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law for this honourable court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal,” it added.
Digital solutions company, Globacom, has advised young girls to dream big and never to be deterred in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations, promising that the company would always be behind them to power their ambitions.
Adeboye Adeniji, Vertical Head, Financial Institutions and HNI at Globacom, shared this encouraging insight with a select group of secondary school students during the 13th edition of the Girls in ICT Day observance in Lagos. The event, which had students from various secondary schools in Lagos, was organised by e-businesslife Communications Limited.
She called on girls not to see themselves as users of technology service, but to see and envision themselves as creators, leaders, and innovators.
“At Globacom, we know that when girls have the tools, the training, and the confidence, there is no limit to what you can achieve. Whether you dream of becoming a software engineer, a robotics expert, a cybersecurity analyst, or even the next big tech CEO – it’s all possible”, she said.
Warning the girls not to be discouraged from pursuing their dreams, Adeniji advised them not to let “anyone tell you tech is ‘only for boys’. You are smart enough. You are strong enough. And you have every right to dream as big as you want”.
She counselled the students to “keep learning, stay curious, ask questions, and never be afraid to try, because the future of technology in Nigeria isn’t just being built in labs and boardrooms but in classrooms”.
She promised that Globacom, a wholly owned Nigerian brand, will always be ready to support the dreams and aspirations of young people in Nigeria. “We believe in you, we support you, and we can’t wait to see how you’ll change the world” she added.
The convener of the yearly event, who is also the CEO of E-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs Ufuoma Emuophedaro, while welcoming the students and guests to the event, noted that the “world of ICT holds limitless possibilities. It is a realm where creativity knows no bounds, innovation thrives, and dreams are transformed into reality through lines of code and digital solutions. Yet, despite its vast potential, the representation of women in this field remains disproportionately low.”
She said her effort is geared towards challenging the narratives, breaking down the barriers, defying stereotypes, and paving the way for a “future where every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, feels empowered to pursue her passion for technology.
“That means ensuring that women and girls have equal access to leadership training, career development, scholarships, and fellowships. It means addressing gender bias and challenging societal norms and stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing ICT careers,” she noted.
Apart from lectures, round table discussion and a quiz, the students from the various schools also demonstrated their prowess in developing obstacle-avoiding robots. Though they were not perfect at it, but their commendable efforts indicated the growing interests of young girls in ICT and science.
The South East Senate Caucus has expressed worry over what it described as a ‘curious and highly suspicious’ JAMB examination glitch at some centres in Lagos and especially in the whole of Southeast in the last exam circle.
They blamed it on “injecting hateful politics and narrow parochial considerations in both policy enunciation and its implementations”.
In a statement on Saturday in Abuja by its Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), the caucus said it would be disheartening and hopes not to contemplate such conspiracy theory “that there is a narrow agenda being pursued to deliberately shortchange and harm the future of our children”.
Though the caucus, after a careful assessment of the reports of the ugly incident, noted with cautious optimism the efforts being made to mitigate the near disaster, particularly the rescheduling of the examination, it, however, warns that a future reoccurrence will be unacceptable.
Nonetheless, Southeast senators, he added, welcomed the timely acceptance of fault as expressed through the open declaration of regrets and tearful apology by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) management, particularly its registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
According to Senator Abaribe, the Southeast lawmakers hope and warn that such a display of penitence in public would not be an effort to mask a future sinister agenda aimed at harming the educational advancement of children of the southeast region.
Abaribe said: “The so-called glitch, as curious and suspicious as it was, is enough to erode confidence and dangerously lower national pride among the future generation.
“The relevant national education drivers must recognise the inherent danger of injecting hateful politics and narrow parochial considerations in both policy enunciation and its implementations.
“That the glitch happened in the whole of South East raises pertinent questions that must be answered by JAMB to assuage the growing frustrations and fears among the people of the region, particularly the children who are directly at the receiving end. We must pursue a Nigerian agenda and not a narrow one that will ultimately injure national unity.
“Education remains one of the most important bedrocks of any society’s advancement. It is one major index of development in every facet of life that can never be faulted. Education is a major pivot that triggers national development. Every child is entitled to it; therefore, we must not play roulette with it.
He said that the South East Senate Caucus is alert and under pressure as it unequivocally demands firm assurance from JAMB and other relevant national educational policy drivers that there will never be a recurrence of such a scandalous glitch in the future.
