News

IGP Confirms Arrest of Police Officers Aiding Foreign Hackers

Published

1 year ago

November 12, 2024

Eric

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed that officers who were protecting foreign hackers arrested for cybercrimes were engaged in illegal activities.

This follows the November 4 announcement by the police, which revealed the arrest of 130 suspects involved in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities threatening national security. Among those arrested, 113 were foreign nationals—87 men and 26 women—primarily from China and Malaysia, alongside 17 Nigerian collaborators.

Reports indicated that some of these foreign nationals had been receiving police protection prior to their arrest.

Responding to these claims, Egbetokun addressed the issue on Monday during a workshop on criminal investigation standardization, confirming that the officers involved had been arrested and were under detention.

“It is true that some policemen were seen protecting these foreigners. They have been arrested. We found that these policemen were on illegal duty. Nobody deployed them. They were not properly assigned to that task,” Egbetokun explained.

He stated that the officers’ unit commanders have disowned them, and the officers would face disciplinary action.

“I have explained that those police escorts were not formally deployed by the police authority; they were found performing illegal duties. They have already been found escorting the arrested foreigners. Their unit commanders have denied having sent them. They were performing illegal duties, and they will be dealt with accordingly,” Egbetokun added.

However, the IG clarified that not all police protection is improper. He emphasized that certain individuals, particularly prominent businessmen and employers, do require police protection due to their societal and economic roles.

“That does not negate the fact that we have to provide protection for certain individuals in society. There are VIPs that the police must protect. There are major businessmen, employers of labor, and individuals who have thousands of Nigerians in their organizations. These individuals deserve protection,” he said.

Egbetokun further explained that when determining who qualifies for police protection, authorities consider the person’s status and contributions to the economy.

“If something happens to them, you can imagine the impact it will have on their businesses and the effect it will have on unemployment rates in our country. We assess their position in society and their contribution to the economy when determining whether they need police protection,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about police officers being assigned to individuals who do not require security, revealing that some officers were improperly attached. “Some of these policemen you see attached to people who don’t deserve police protection were not formally deployed by the police authority. Some of them were picked off the streets. We are already addressing this issue. Recently, I issued a directive that any policeman found in such situations will be traced to their origin, and their commander or supervisor will be held accountable. We are confident that with the measures we have taken, such incidents will reduce,” Egbetokun explained.

On the issue of police escorts being misused, the IG warned that action would be taken if individuals were found to be abusing their privileges.

“It is important to note that sometimes individuals apply for escorts. We investigate to confirm they deserve them and provide the necessary security. However, if those individuals misuse their escorts, we immediately withdraw them. There are cases where those entitled to police escorts misuse them, and we take action accordingly,” he said.

In relation to the minors recently arrested, Egbetokun clarified that they were not detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, as some had claimed. Instead, they were arrested for engaging in criminal acts, including looting and destroying public infrastructure.

“I don’t want to make any categorical statements on this issue after the intervention of Mr President. I want to thank Mr President for his fatherly intervention in granting those children a pardon. However, I want to correct the impression that the minors were arrested for participating in the End Bad Governance protest. That is a false narrative,” Egbetokun said.

“The police did not arrest anyone for participating in the End Bad Governance protest. We arrested criminals who took advantage of the protest to destroy public infrastructure, private businesses, and commit arson. These individuals cannot be considered protesters. The police did not arrest any protesters,” he added, emphasizing that those involved in looting and destruction were not engaged in peaceful protest but in criminal behavior.

“It’s a mischievous narrative to claim that the 76 suspects who were arraigned in court were people who participated in the End Bad Governance protest. We have said time and again that protesting is a right of citizens. However, these individuals were caught on video looting businesses, destroying private and public property, and committing crimes. You cannot expect the police to turn a blind eye and allow this destruction to continue. No society can progress under such circumstances,” Egbetokun concluded.

News

Ex-CJN Tanko Mohammed is Dead

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2025

Eric

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), is dead. He was aged 71

The former CJN reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks before his 72nd birthday on December 31.

Muhammad’s death was confirmed in a condolence statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS).

In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his passing as a significant loss for the country.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” NAMLAS said.

The association hailed Justice Muhammad as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”

According to NAMLAS, throughout his judicial career, Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement added.

Beyond his role on the Bench, the association noted the late jurist’s mentorship of young Muslim law students across the country.

“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” it said.

The association also highlighted that the deceased’s “support, moral guidance, and openness to the aspirations of young Muslim legal minds reflected his deep belief in mentorship, continuity, and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.”

It extended condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah”.

The association offered prayers for the repose of his soul, asking that Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”

News

Gowon is Not Dead, in Good Health, Aide Debunks Death Rumour

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2025

Eric

Adeyeye Ajayi, Personal Assistant to former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has dismissed recent rumours on social media purporting the death of the ex-leader.

Ajayi described the rumour as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ajayi called on the public to disregard the reports, emphasizing that they are baseless and misleading. He stressed that the rumours only serve to create unnecessary panic and confusion among Nigerians.

He assured that General Gowon is in good health and continues to live an active life. He highlighted that the former Head of State has been attending public functions and engaging with various social and national initiatives.

Ajayi further described General Gowon as a continued voice of reason in Nigeria, noting his ongoing contributions to national dialogue and development.

He urged Nigerians to focus on credible news sources, and exercise caution before sharing unverified information online.

Social media platforms in recent days have seen multiple posts claiming that the 90-year-old ex-leader had passed away. Analysts and observers have warned that such false reports can cause unnecessary anxiety and undermine public trust in information.

Ajayi concluded by urging the public to celebrate the legacy and life of General Gowon while dismissing any unverified reports about his health. He reiterated that the former head of state remains active, healthy, and committed to supporting initiatives for Nigeria’s growth and progress.

News

Accord Party Reaffirms Adeleke As Osun Guber Candidate

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2025

Eric

The Chairman of Accord Party in Osun State, Pastor Babalola Akande, says the only legally recognised candidate of the party for the 2026 governorship election in the is Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Akande made the clarification against the backdrop of primaries conducted on Sunday by another faction of the Accord Party in Osogbo.

He described the primaries conducted by the factional Accord Party as an unlawful political charade, orchestrated by the opposition.

“Let it be stated clearly, categorically, and without equivocation that all the actors being named in the fictitious primary, are not members of our party.

“Some of them were expelled from the party since 2018 for alleged fraud and other acts inimical to the unity, discipline, and progress of the party.

“Such a character or any other in his shoes, therefore, possess no authority whatsoever; moral, political, or legal, to convene, announce, or participate in any activity conducted in the name of the Accord Party,” he said.

He said the party is not disturbed by crude impersonation and political mischief, stating that the public should, however, know the impersonators are affiliates of the opposition, acting as proxies to undermine the popularity of Adeleke.

“Let me state with absolute finality that Adeleke is the duly nominated and lawful governorship candidate of the Accord in Osun.

“This position is incontestable, irreversible, and firmly grounded in law, haven emerged through due process in accordance with the Constitution of the Accord, the Electoral Act 2022, and established judicial precedents.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Accord hereby issues a formal and stern warning to all concerned.

“Under the Electoral Act 2022, only recognised political parties acting through their duly constituted organs can lawfully conduct congresses or primary elections, after giving proper notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Any primary conducted outside this framework is illegal, null, void, and of no legal consequence whatsoever,” he said.

He said any individual parading himself as a candidate of the Accord without lawful nomination would be committing a clear act of impersonation and electoral fraud, which is actionable both under the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said that Adeleke remained the sole and legally recognised governorship candidate of the Accord in Osun, noting that “no parallel structure, impersonator, and contrived spectacle can alter legal reality”.

He urged residents to ignore the distractions, which he said, were the handiwork of politically displaced actors.

A factional Accord Party in Osun, on Sunday, announced Mr. Clement Bamigbola as its 2026 governorship candidate.

NAN