Delta State Police Crack Team Unit Accused Of Unlawful Arrests In Land Disputes

Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State – Concerns have been raised over the involvement of the Delta State Police Crack Team in land disputes, with allegations of indiscriminate arrests of innocent individuals in civil matters. A recent incident involving the wrongful detention of day labourers working on a Presbyterian Church development site in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom has sparked public outcry and renewed criticism of police interference in land issues.

Despite the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ogwashi-Uku having ruled that the dispute was a civil matter, the Local Government Chairman reportedly contacted the Delta State Commissioner of Police to intervene, leading to the transfer of the arrested innocent day labourers to Asaba. These individuals have now been detained beyond the legally permitted period, raising concerns over the violation of their fundamental human rights.

Legal experts and community leaders argue that the police have no authority to interfere in civil land disputes, which should be adjudicated by the courts. The wrongful arrests have been attributed to political interference, as local politicians allegedly pressure law enforcement to advance personal land interests. The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd.), has repeatedly warned police officers nationwide against involvement in land disputes, emphasizing that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the judiciary.

The controversy in Ogwashi-Uku has also drawn attention to Pastor Jude Chukwunweike and his sister, Ada Anioma, who are alleged to be leveraging police power to assert land claims in the community. Allegations suggest that they are using law enforcement as a tool to obtain land titles.

Outraged by these developments, members of the Presbyterian Church and concerned citizens have vowed to petition the Officer in Charge (OC) of the Crack Squad, SP Mohammed Ibrahim Balarade, to the Police Service Commission. The petition will highlight repeated cases of police intimidation, wrongful detentions, and the apparent misuse of power in land disputes.

Further exacerbating tensions, the Delta State Police recently became involved in another land dispute in Asaba, where an eighty year old woman died from tear gas fired by trigger happy police over a dispute regarding a wheelbarrow. Instead of addressing the situation amicably and without undue force, police headquarters dispatched several tactical teams to the disputed land, where tear gas was fired at innocent community members. This excessive use of force resulted in the tragic death of an eighty-year-old woman, further fueling public anger and condemnation of police brutality.

Community members and advocacy groups are demanding an urgent review of the role of the Delta State Police and the commissioner of police in land matters and calling for accountability for officers who violate constitutional rights. The repeated interference of law enforcement in civil disputes has not only led to wrongful arrests but has now escalated into tragic consequences.

As the detained labourers remain in police custody without due process, there is mounting pressure on the Delta State Police Command to release them immediately and take corrective action against officers involved in these unlawful actions. The outcome of the petition to the Police Service Commission will be closely watched as residents continue to push for justice and an end to police interference in civil land disputes. Community residents are also concerned about the use of pllice for civil matters when the community is facing serious criminal activities. According to an spokesman if the town union, police should be focused on serious crimes rather than detaining laborers because of a land dispute.

Delta State Police Crack Team Unit Accused Of Unlawful Arrests In Land Disputes

Police Rescue Abducted Senior Officer in Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Modestus Ojiebe, who was abducted by armed men along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, saying the officer had been safely reunited with his family.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dawaki Division acted swiftly, leading his patrol team while alerting all police checkpoints and key entry and exit points into the FCT. This decisive response enabled the successful rescue of the officer on the same night,” she said.

The police also stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects, who abandoned the officer and fled into the bush in Garaku, Nasarawa State.

Zagazola Makama had reported how the incident occurred late Sunday night when CSP Ojiebe’s Toyota Corolla developed a mechanical fault near Dei-Dei Barracks. While attempting to fix the vehicle, an ash-colored Mercedes-Benz with four armed occupants stopped behind him.

The assailants reportedly searched and robbed Ojiebe and his wife of their mobile phones and ATM cards. Upon discovering his police identity card, they forced him into their vehicle and sped off, leaving his wife and their car at the scene.

Following the abduction, the FCT Police intensified stop-and-search operations at various entry and exit points to track the perpetrators.

Police Rescue Abducted Senior Officer in Abuja

Group Praises Inuwa Yahaya for Allowing LGs Financial Autonomy in Gombe

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his unwavering support for Local Government Financial Autonomy, in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment of last year.

The landmark ruling reaffirmed the constitutional authority of Local Government Councils to manage their funds independently, free from state government interference.

According to the statement, the Chairman, Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP), Isaac Abrak said Inuwa Yahaya’s decision to grant Local Government Chairmen in Gombe State full control over their funds without undue interference is a testament to his respect for the rule of law and commitment to grassroots development.

He noted that: “His actions not only demonstrate compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive but also reflect his dedication to strengthening democracy and fostering sustainable development at the local level. This also shows his alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to combat poverty and insecurity by directly empowering the 774 Local Government Councils across Nigeria.”

The NCYP urged all Nigerians, particularly other state governors, to emulate Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s exemplary leadership. He has displayed remarkable integrity by refusing to manipulate the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) system, which in some states has been used to divert funds meant for Local Government Councils. Rather than exploiting administrative loopholes, he has allowed local councils to directly manage and allocate resources for the benefit of their communities.

Abrak said: “We also recognize the crucial role of financial regulatory agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in ensuring transparency and accountability in fund management. Notably, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has emphasized that Local Government Chairmen do not enjoy immunity and that the commission is actively monitoring their activities through the newly established Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) system. This initiative serves as a deterrent to mismanagement, ensuring that funds meant for grassroots development are utilized appropriately.

“Furthermore, we urge the Chairmen of the 11 Local Government Areas in Gombe State to uphold the trust placed in them by Governor Inuwa Yahaya and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They must ensure transparent and effective utilization of these funds to improve the lives of grassroots citizens. By doing so, they will serve as role models for their counterparts across the country.”

The NCYP also called on the Federal Committee responsible for implementing Local Government Financial Autonomy, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to provide forthright updates on the progress and challenges faced. This reform is a pro-masses, national initiative, and public engagement is vital for its success. However, the public can only play its part effectively if it is adequately informed and carried along in the implementation process.

The statement said: “We urge all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the National Assembly, to support this cause and ensure the complete enforcement of this constitutional provision. A strong and financially independent local government system is essential for Nigeria’s progress and democratic consolidation.”

Group Praises Inuwa Yahaya for Allowing LGs Financial Autonomy in Gombe