Metro
Police Welfare: IGP Egbetokun Commissions 10 Mobile Medical Clinics in Lagos
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General, Training and Development, DIG Frank Mbah, has commissioned and officially handed over 10 state-of-the-art mobile medical clinics to the Nigerian Police Force.
The clinics, designed to improve the welfare and well-being of police officers, recruits, and trainers, were handed over at a well attended ceremony held at the Police Centtal Stores in Ikeja, Lagos State, and witnessed by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The event, according to Police authorities, is part of an ongoing Police Reform project generously funded by the Government of the Republic of Germany and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with GS-Foundation, who were physically represented at the event by their very senior officials.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, remarked: “This handover exemplifies Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s police force in its journey towards modernization and improved welfare standards. By addressing the healthcare needs of police personnel, we are investing in the stability and security of communities across Nigeria.”
Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme stated: “These clinics are a testament to the power of partnership in delivering sustainable development. At UNDP, we believe that the well-being of individuals forms the bedrock of effective institutions. This initiative underscores our dedication to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with the tools and resources necessary for meaningful police services.”
Arno Langanke (retired Commissioner of Police, German) representative of Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation stated: “The mobile container clinics we are officially handing over today are a product of an intense procurement process, that GS-Foundation was committed to. We are delighted that these clinics can now find their final destinations at the preselected police training schools to benefit both the NPF and the local population at the respective locations. We are confident that this project will provide a significant contribution to improving healthcare and emergency care in police training schools and surrounding communities.”
In his keynote address, the IG, speaking through DIG Mba, noted that his administration will continue to see to the wellbeing of officers and men of the Force, stressing that a lot more is still in the offing for the Police under his command.
“These landmark contribution reaffirms our vision and shared commitment to a Police Force that is professionally competent, service-driven, and fully aligned with the principles of the rule of law. These mobile clinics symbolize more than just healthcare assets; they represent a significant advancement in the NPF’s Health Policy, prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of our officers. The impact of this reform project therefore extends beyond policing; it contributes to broader goals of human security, economic growth, and national development,” he said.
He further noted that “The mobile clinics, equipped with solar power systems, advanced medical equipment, furniture, patient beds, and other essential resources for full functionality, will be stationed at various Police Training Institutions nationwide. These facilities aim to ensure that officers and recruits have access to quality medical care as a way of prioritising their health and well-being as they undergo rigorous training.
“This initiative follows a comprehensive needs assessment conducted in 2022, during which the project team evaluated the conditions of NPF training institutions. The findings highlighted critical gaps in infrastructure and the urgent need for investments to make these facilities fit-for-purpose. In response, these solar-powered mobile clinics were developed as a tangible step toward addressing these needs.”
The Police Reform project has seen significant milestones in its efforts to enhance police capacity and welfare. In September 2023, the initiative successfully delivered a 2,000-capacity mobile barracks to the Nigeria Police Force, addressing critical accommodation challenges for officers on field deployment exercises across the country.
The handover represents another step forward in ensuring that police officers and recruits operate in an environment that supports their health, safety, and productivity, just as the facilities reflect the commitment of all partners involved to strengthening the NPF through targeted investments in infrastructure and welfare.
The event was graced by presence of serving AIGs, Commissioners of Police among other senior officers including AIG Ochalla.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the ban on the public parade of criminal suspects by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
This follows an earlier directive by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), prohibiting the practice.
The PUNCH had exclusively reported that the AGF had ordered the police to desist from parading suspects.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed the police chief’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and aligning with global best practices in policing.
“IGP Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated the ban on the public parade of suspects by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. This commitment by the IGP aims to uphold the fundamental human rights of every citizen and adhere to global best practices in policing by reiterating the standing directive prohibiting the public parade of criminal suspects before formal charges are filed in a court of law,” Adejobi stated.
He noted that the directive had previously been communicated to all police commands and zones as part of the force’s modernization efforts and dedication to respecting the rights of all individuals, including criminal suspects.
According to Adejobi, the policy aligns with international human rights standards, which prioritize the protection of human dignity throughout the judicial process.
Adejobi also called on the media and the public to support the directive by ensuring responsible reporting and ethical journalism.
He said, “This directive, previously communicated to all commands and zones within the Police Force, is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Police Force’s modernization efforts and reflects its dedication to respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those suspected of criminal activity.
” The IGP emphasized that this policy is aligned with international human rights standards, which prioritize the protection and preservation of the dignity and rights of individuals throughout the judicial process.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to operating within the bounds of the law and promoting a culture of respect for human rights among its personnel. The IGP seeks the understanding and cooperation of the public, particularly members of the media, in adhering to this directive. Responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalistic practices are vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.”
The Punch
The Lagos State Police Command has sealed off a church at the centre of a chilling murder investigation following the suspected killing of a 28-year-old Lagos State University (LASU) graduate, Adedamola Ogunbode.
The sealed premises is the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Oluwa Parish, in the Ojo area of the State.
Spokesperson of the police command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the sealing of the Church on Monday, while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
According to Hundeyin, the Church, believed to be the scene of the gruesome crime, was sealed off to prevent it from being set ablaze by enraged members of the public.
“We received intelligence reports indicating that some people were planning to burn down the church in retaliation. We cannot allow that to happen. The location remains a crucial crime scene, and we may need to revisit it multiple times to gather further evidence,” Hundeyin stated.
The police have already taken three suspects into custody, including the church’s pastor, while a manhunt has been launched for five others.
Alarmingly, two of the wanted individuals are believed to have fled to neighbouring Benin Republic, further deepening the mystery surrounding the case.
The Lagos Police Command had initially declared Ogunbode a missing person. However, in a disturbing turn of events, investigators uncovered damning financial transactions that pointed to something far more sinister. Funds had been suspiciously moved from the victim’s account into those of the suspects, leading the police to reclassify the case as a suspected murder.
“We have intensified efforts to locate the victim’s body and uncover the full circumstances surrounding his tragic death,” Hundeyin assured.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has vowed that justice will be served.
“The command is fully committed to getting to the root of this heinous crime and ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice. However, we urge the public to remain calm and allow investigators to do their job without interference,” he stated.
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Lolo Isaiah Opuende, has dismissed an invitation from Governor Siminialayi Fubara for a crucial meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.
In an online video, Opuende stated that it was time for the governor to “dey his dey” (be on his own) while the lawmakers would do the same.
Representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, Opuende recalled that when the political crisis began, their principal had warned that a time would come for both sides to go their separate ways.
He also questioned the mode of invitation transmission, arguing that it is not feasible for lawmakers to honor the governor’s request.
“How can you write a letter for the House of Assembly and put it on social media and expect us to come? The governor should write us the proper way,” he insisted.
