Metro
CP Jimoh Assumes Office at Lagos Command, Vows to Redouble Efforts in Combating Crime
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, on Tuesday, assumed duties at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja during a colourful ceremony.
Jimoh replaced CP Lanre Ishola, who wC
Das sacked following roles played in the ongoing Lagos State House of Assembly crises.
In his inaugural speech, Jimoh, who was a former Force spokesperson, and presently the 41st CP of the state, reiterated his commitment to non-tolerance of crimes and criminalities, promising to redouble efforts towards ridding the state of any form of insecurity.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu among others for the belief they have in him.
Below is his full speech, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
“It’s pertinent to acknowledge that my predecessor and the senior officers have thoroughly briefed me on the crimes situation and all other issues of concern in Lagos State. They have done their best under the leadership of my predecessor to ensure peace, security and protection of all Lagosians in the State. Their achievements will definitely be improved upon and strengthened to further reduce all forms of crimes and criminalities throughout the length and breadth of Lagos State to barest level.
“Though crimes and criminalities in the State is not alarming and is surmountable, the Police under my leadership will redouble our efforts and work assiduously with the State Government and good People of the State to further reduce the fear of crime, the commission of crimes and all forms of criminalities in the State to minimum level to enable the law abiding people of the State and corporate entities both local, and multinationals to go about day to day businesses and their means of livelihood peacefully. The Police under my command will work very hard to ensure protection of the huge investments of all investors (Government Investments, and Local and Foreign Investments in the State).
“Before going to the details, permit me to express deep and sincere appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, the indefatigable 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria, IGP KAYODE ADEOLU EGBETOKUN, PhD, NPM for finding me worthy and entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
“I therefore wish to assure you all that Policing with International best practices and standards which is one of the key Policing visions and missions of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode ADEOLU EGBETOKUN PhD will be strictly adhered to and fully implemented for the benefit of all Lagosians and visitors to the State.
“The Lagos State Police Command as a lead internal security agency in the State has crucial roles in combating crimes and criminal activities in the State and make the State safer for all the people of the State. To achieve these objectives, the Command will work closely with Government of the State, prominent and eminent personalities, critical stakeholders, investors, public-spirited individuals, the traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all other stakeholders and groups that are committed to partnering with the Police to ensure security and safety in the State.
“The Lagos State Police under my leadership will prioritize effective synergy, partnership and cooperation with Sister security and safety agencies and services in the State. This is to sustain, further improve and strengthen the already established cordial relationship between the Police and the other security and safety agencies in the State. I, therefore, respectfully wish to assure these critical security stakeholders of the commitments of the Command in this regard. It’s imperative to emphasize that under my leadership, the Command will foster more closer collaboration with key security agencies complimenting the Police to implement a unified strategies to tackling crime in Lagos State. Our collective commitment and collaboration will definitely ensure a more secure and safer Centre of Excellence for all Lagosians
“New and varied Crime Prevention, Control and Management Strategies will be adopted and implemented to nip in the bud all forms of Crimes, most especially violence crimes and promptly detect those crimes that may occur. The Command will be more proactive in crime fighting and prevention to detect and, act and deal according to the Laws with early warning signals of crimes and other threats that can snowball into disturbances of public peace and public safety, or break down of law and order appropriately.
“Relying on the actionable intelligence and crime mapping tools of the Command, Crimes of violence and other sundry crimes will be fought and dealt with head on. The strategies, tactics, methods and techniques being implemented by the Command to fight crimes such as traffic robbery, robbery, cultism in all ramifications, curbing of violent crimes around identified black spots and other notorious crime scenes will be reinvigorated and improved upon to achieve results and get the criminals off the streets of Lagos. The full weight of the law will be applied on who will be criminals in the State. They are hereby strongly warned and advised to repent, abandon the crimes or leave Lagos State. The State will be too hot henceforth for the men of the under-world and it will be a no-go area for criminals and their cohorts.
“In curbing the menace of cultism in some parts of the State, the Lagos State Police Command will sustain its onslaught on cultism. More than fifty (50) suspected cultists arrested in the acts have been arraigned in court and currently under prosecution. We, therefore, call on parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from cult-related activities or face the full wrath of the law as the Command will stop at nothing to rid the state of all acts of cultism.
“The Command will continue to uphold an open-door policy, ensuring a people-friendly and community-oriented approach to policing for all Lagosians. We will foster unhindered communication, deliberation and collaboration between the police and the public. The people of the State will have unhindered opportunity to interact with the police freely at all levels to strengthen the trust, accountability, and mutual respect on both sides.
“At this juncture, let me assure Lagosians that under my leadership, human rights abuses will not be tolerated no matter how minor it may be. Our approach to policing will be firmly rooted on the dictates of international best practices in Policing. While professionalism, respect for human rights and human dignity of every Lagosian will be religiously observed. Every action taken by Police personnel across the Command will reflect our commitment to rule of law, justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens rights at all times. All Police personnel throughout the Command are under strict instructions to be civil, polite but firm in carrying out their official duties, obligations and other responsibilities. The good people of the State are also implored to respect the Police officers on their duty posts and be law abiding.
“It is pertinent to underscore that the Command will uphold the zero-tolerance POLICY of the Inspector General of Police, IGP KAYODE ADEOLU EGBETOKUN PhD, NPM against corruption and all forms of unethical practices. We will ensure accountability, integrity, and professionalism in all our Police operations, law enforcement duties and other statutory responsibilities and obligations.
“The Command is not unmindful of the concerns and complaints of members of the Public about unsatisfactory conduct of few Police officers which is not condoned at any time and which some personnel have been punished for in line with police disciplinary processes in the past. However in case of act of any right violation, I urge Lagosians to promptly reach out to the Lagos State Police Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) by calling 09111111150 or via WhatsApp at 09111111151. Additionally, our official social media handles: @LagosPoliceNG (X), @policeng_lagos (instagram) and our website, www.lagos.npf.gov.ng, are always open for complaints for swift and effective responses.
“Your concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, urgency and promptly redressed. You can also make a formal complaint at the nearest police station or report to me personally on 08032569029.
“In line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, we will place the people at the core of our mission, foster trust, collaboration, and accountability. This is to build stronger bridges of trust between the Police and the community in ensuring a more inclusive, people-centered approach to policing.
“I wish to significantly place on record, on behalf of the entire Officers and Men of the Lagos Police Command, our deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide O. Sanwo- olu for the time to time huge logistics provisions to the Lagos Police, the tremendous support and immense assistance he has continuously provided to the Lagos Police Command has made the general administration and operational activities of the Command much more easier. These logistics includes provision of patrol and operational vehicles, and utility trucks, Communication equipment, personnel protective equipment, and other infrastructural provisions throughout the State. Your Excellency, we are indeed very grateful and passionately appeal that you continue to assist and support us further in the these regards and other area of needs. Furthermore, we will collaborate closely with the Lagos State Government agencies complementing the Police in law enforcements, traffic management and general orderliness in the State.
“I will also like to appreciate the longstanding support of His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, CFR, D.Sc. (Honoris causa) LL. B B.L.MNIM Mni f. Nig. Law Sch., and other noble, highly respected Royal highnesses and fathers along with other members of the Lagos State Council of Chiefs and Obas. Their immense support towards ensuring peace in their respective domains is very much recognized, appreciated and commendable.
“The training and retraining and capacity building development of all police personnel will be a top priority to ensure that they are well-equipped with optimal knowledge and modern know-how in the discharge and performance of their duties, and in their relationships with members of the general public and all Lagosians.
“The Command as I mentioned earlier will work in close collaboration with other intelligence and security agencies to enhance coordination and intelligence- sharing for overall public safety and security in the State.
“Also, my immeasurable gratitude and appreciation goes to the teeming community of captains of industries, local and foreign investors and the bankers’ forum for their continued backing for the Command.
“In the same vein, I must not fail to express my sincere appreciation to our highly respected and valued very senior Police officers in the state who have served and retired meritoriously at the highest levels of the Force. I will always rely on them for advice, guidance and other assistance.
“I cannot end my speech without expressing our profound gratitude and appreciation to highly esteemed media correspondents, practitioners, editors, managers and the entire media industry both traditional and new media for your unflinching partnership and continuous supports to the Lagos Police Command which has greatly improved the partnership and cordial relationship between the Police and general public in the State.
“Your sacrifice and selflessness will not be taken for granted. This very important friendship will be taken to higher level under my leadership.”
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do” – Pelé
I love the football game, with an abiding passion, and it has been so since my primary school days back in the early ’60s.It teaches us so much about life and how to become a success in whatever we do while here on Planet Earth. Now that the 2026 World Cup is on, one cannot but reflect on the striking similarities between the two. Even though Nigeria’a Super Eagles did not qualify for this year’s edition the nation was well represented by superstar artistes such as Burna Boy, Davido and Rema whose hit songs and dance displays marked them out as our worthy ambassadors on the global stage. That is the attraction of the football game beyond all the blitz and the bravado, the thrills and frills, the losses and the victories.
To begin with, to succeed in life it is a team game. You cannot do it all alone, neither is it a two- man battle such as a boxing or wrestling match. No! There are teachers to learn from, similar to the parents, older siblings, elders in the community and of course, the school teachers to glean from.
In fact, to maximally benefit from each and everyone of them it takes humility, hardwork, honesty of purpose, with passion. It also encapsulates character, courage, and commitment to the rules and regulations just as the footballers listen to and practice from the hands of their coaches as well as their assistants.
It is through such regular trainings and obedience to the tactics adopted and corrected mistakes that you get to identify and hone your talents; to bring out the best that is deposited deep within you. These are more like the precious gold, the pearls and the diamonds in the earth. Eventually, you get to know who you really are; as an engineer, medical doctor, architect, journalist, economist, entertainer or a teacher.
That is again similar to the footballers on the pitch ,who through their astute coaches become solid rock defenders like Gabriel Magalhaes or Harry Maguire, pace-setting
midfielders such as Declan Rice or iconic Rodri, master dribblers such as Jay Jay Okocha or Lionel Messi, wave -making wingers such as Bukayo Saka, Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Junior, top goal scorers such as Christine Sinclair, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haland, or shot – stoppers such as David Raya or Thibaut Courtois
As it is with life, so it plays out in the field of football; practicing and preparing for it with one game at a time. It is not a 100- metre dash but a 90-minute or more display of what you have learnt. They are usually exhibited as your skills with the team ambition of scoring the vital, game -changing goals. But there are challenges to expect and be prepared to overcome.
For instance, who are the players that others from the opposing team attack? They are those with the ball. That is exactly how life evolves for you. And who are those who get booked with the yellow or red card? Those who, like criminals attack others with premeditated brutal and brazen boots instead of going for the ball The referees, like the law enforcement agents are there to penalize the offenders, including those who cross the lines or cruelly close in on others within the 18- yard box to give the other side a penalty kick. So, as you sweat it out in life m,learn to obey the rules and regulations.
Definitely, out there at the stadium there are the spectators to support their favorite teams. From them come the cheers and the jeers but any player who gets distracted by them misses the essence of the game at hand and eventually the vital goals.
And when it comes to the unfailing factor of focus one outstanding player that exemplifies that is Cristiano Ronaldo. So committed he is to football that he arrives the training ground long before other team mates as well as always being the last to leave. Little wonder that at the age of 41 years he is not only regarded as the highest goal scorer in the history of the football game, but for the teams he has played for , his country,Portugal and is also reckoned with as an all-round soccer superstar scoring with the head, and both legs.
His passion for football is so profound that his connection to the game goes far beyond physical play. In fact, he views it as a true form of self-expression and his relentless ambition is exhibited everywhere he plays.
Describing football as an art he stated that: “I see football as an art and all players are artists. If you are a top artist, the last thing you would do is paint a picture somebody else has already painted.
He says that: “Without football, my life is worth nothing”. “It gives me the happiest feeling in the world. I just love scoring… It’s bad to have addictions. But it’s good to get addicted to progress.” But can we as individuals say that about our professions? Do we enjoy what we do virtually on daily basis? The answer is ours to give.
One other aspect that connects football and life is betting. Hours before the players sweat it out there in the field of play hundreds of thousands of fans across the world go out to bet, guessing the potential winners and losers. But yours truly stays out of football betting even if it rakes in millions of naira for the those who guessed right.But why, you may ask? It is all because as it is with life, so it is with football, there is always the Unknown Factor-X. Only God knows the end from the beginning.
My love for football is also anchored on the factors and features of fusion it brings to the fore. While the game is on the avid spectators are bound by the spirit of togetherness, hardly influenced by their differences in ethnicity, religion or politics. So it should be amongst us, because whether we like it not, we should focus more on what binds us together instead of widening the cracks of sentiments that separate us.
For us to be celebrated like the World Cup winning goal, we must identify our God-given talents , listen to our life-coaches to hone them and be good team player. We should expect and be prepared for challenges, obey me rules, make sacrifices as Pele highlighted and keep being consistent. All because, as it with football and life, to succeed there has to be constancy of purpose.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.
The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms available to it.
The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
