Police Move to Reinforce Complaint Response Unit, Court Media as Accountability Drive Gains Momentum

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled a fresh push to strengthen its internal accountability system, announcing major improvements to its Complaint Response Unit (CRU) while seeking a stronger partnership with the media to enhance public confidence and oversight of policing in the country.

The move, which underscores the Force’s renewed emphasis on transparency and professionalism, was disclosed on Friday by the newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council in Abuja.

Edem said the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour following his appointment, but stressed that it also reflected the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to fostering closer engagement with the media as a critical stakeholder in policing and democratic governance.

At the centre of the discussions was the Complaint Response Unit, the Force’s dedicated digital platform established to receive, monitor and resolve complaints against police personnel nationwide.

According to the Force spokesman, the unit is undergoing significant enhancements aimed at making it more efficient, responsive and transparent in handling reports of professional misconduct, extortion, harassment, abuse of office and alleged human rights violations.

He explained that the upgraded system would improve response times, strengthen complaint tracking and provide greater transparency in the resolution of cases, ensuring that citizens receive timely feedback on petitions lodged against erring officers.

Edem noted that building public trust requires a policing system that not only enforces the law but is also willing to hold its personnel accountable whenever standards are breached.

He further disclosed that the Force would soon convene a media parley with the Zone 7 Police Command to deepen engagement with journalists and provide regular updates on policing activities and ongoing reforms.

The initiative, he said, is intended to bridge the information gap between the police and the public by encouraging more informed, factual and balanced reporting.

“Journalists are part of the police family,” Edem said, adding that the media remains an indispensable partner in promoting accountability, educating the public and supporting efforts to reform the Force.

Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the renewed commitment to strengthening the Complaint Response Unit, describing it as a positive step towards improving accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.

She commended the Force PRO for prioritising engagement with journalists and pledged the union’s readiness to work closely with the police in amplifying citizens’ complaints and ensuring that issues brought before the CRU receive sustained public attention.

Ike said the media would continue to play its constitutional role by reporting objectively on police reforms while giving citizens a platform to seek redress through established institutional channels.

The renewed focus on the Complaint Response Unit comes amid increasing public demand for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement institutions. Analysts believe that an efficient complaints mechanism, backed by active media scrutiny and public engagement, could significantly strengthen confidence in the police and reinforce ongoing efforts to reposition the Force as a more professional, citizen-focused institution.

Police Move to Reinforce Complaint Response Unit, Court Media as Accountability Drive Gains Momentum

IGP partly complies with court order in missing Anozie case, lawyer seeks full implementation

By: Michael Mike

The Inspector General of Police has taken a significant step towards complying with a Federal High Court judgment in the case surrounding the abduction and disappearance of Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie, who allegedly went missing after being abducted by operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra State in 2017.

At the resumed hearing of contempt proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/865/2025, Engr. Nnenna Anozie v. Inspector General of Police, before Justice Binta F.M. Nyako on Friday, counsel to the applicant, Vincent Adodo, disclosed that he was informed by the court of a notice of compliance filed by counsel to the Inspector General of Police, Stanley Nwodo.

According to the notice, the police have forwarded the case file, containing the legal advice and investigation report into the abduction and disappearance of Mr. Anozie, to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, in line with one of the orders contained in the Federal High Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2025.

The applicant’s legal team welcomed the development, describing it as an important milestone in the long-running search for justice, while urging the police authorities to fully implement the remaining aspects of the court’s judgment.

Among the outstanding orders, according to the applicant’s counsel, are the release of a Certified True Copy of the duplicate case file to Mrs. Nnenna Anozie, the arrest of two officers identified as ASP Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu and Sergeant Ugochukwu Emeana, who were named as principal suspects in the alleged abduction, and their handover to the Attorney General for prosecution.

The applicant is also seeking enforcement of the court’s order directing the Inspector General of Police to pay ₦2 million damages awarded by the court for the violation of Mrs Anozie’s right to freedom of information.

Reacting to the proceedings, Adodo commended the Inspector General of Police for complying with the directive to transmit the investigation file to the Attorney General, expressing optimism that the remaining orders would also be implemented.

He also praised Justice Nyako for what he described as compassion and commitment to ensuring justice for the applicant, whose husband allegedly disappeared after being taken by SARS operatives in Awkuzu, Anambra State, in June 2017 and has not been seen since.

According to the lawyer, the progress achieved in the matter is largely attributable to the court’s determination to ensure accountability and justice in the prolonged case.

IGP partly complies with court order in missing Anozie case, lawyer seeks full implementation

Bago Reforms Kagara Emirate, Elevates Fulani Leaders to District Heads, Ends Ardo Title

By Zagazola Makama

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced sweeping traditional and administrative reforms aimed at promoting inclusion and peaceful coexistence among communities in Kagara Emirate, directing that the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani (Ardo) be abolished and replaced with positions that place Fulani on the same footing as other ethnic groups within the traditional institution.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in Kagara, Governor Bago said the reforms were designed to ensure that every community living in the area enjoys equal representation and access to traditional leadership structures.

The governor stressed that the government had no intention of targeting any ethnic or social group but was determined to restore order and justice.

“We did not come here to destroy anyone. We came here to set things straight. We are on good terms with everyone,” Bago said.

“Unless a person has the character of Pharaoh or if he is the devil himself he will be displeased today. How can a person just go and kill someone? People are being killed even though they are not in their own traditional homelands. Is this a war that is being fought?”

In one of the major announcements, the governor directed the Emir to discontinue the use of the title Sarkin Fulani and instead integrate Fulani leaders into the mainstream district administration.

“Your Highness, I am giving directives: I do not want to hear the title ‘Sarkin Fulani’ within your district council anymore,” he declared.

“Instead, make him a District Head (Hakimi). Appoint representatives (Dakaci) for the Fulani, just as representatives are appointed for every other tribe.”

Bago said the objective was not to diminish the Fulani but to elevate their status within the traditional institution by giving them the same opportunities enjoyed by other communities.

“If you have one, let him serve as a proper District Head or representative.”

He further directed the Emirate Council to ensure that all ethnic groups residing in the area have recognised representatives within the palace.

“Give the Gwari their representation; give the Igbo their representation; give the Nupe their representation. Everyone should have a representative in His Highness’s palace.”

According to him, such representation would improve communication between communities and the traditional institution while ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly.

“Give them local representation so their people can lodge complaints whenever something goes wrong.”

The governor also called on district heads to demonstrate genuine leadership.

“A district head should be a true leader. There are those who eat the title of ‘King’ and those who act as true leaders.”

Beyond ethnic representation, Bago proposed broader community inclusion by directing that recognised leaders be appointed for different segments of society.

“Let there be leaders appointed for Islamic scholars, leaders for pastors, and leaders for community elders.”

As part of measures to tackle rising communal disputes, Governor Bago announced an immediate ban on the sale of land across Kagara Local Government Area.

“Starting today, the state government has banned all land sales in Kagara Local Government Area.”

He said any proposed land transaction must first receive the approval of both the Emirate Council and the state government.

“Whether it is your farm or your family home, before you sell it, you must bring the issue to the Emirate Council and to the government, and sign the official documentation.”

The governor lamented that indiscriminate land sales had contributed to the displacement of long-established farming and pastoral communities.

“How can you drive away herders and farmers who have been farming in this town for over a hundred years? They are living here, intermarrying with your children, and living together peacefully. Yet, because someone brings you money, you later claim you sold the land and that they must vacate. Where are they supposed to go?”

He reassured residents that every law-abiding citizen has the constitutional right to live peacefully anywhere in Nigeria.

“Let everyone live in peace. Everyone here is a Nigerian, and the Constitution of Nigeria gives everyone the right to live peacefully wherever they choose, as long as they live in peace.”

The governor also emphasised that all ethnic communities including the Kamuku, Bungu, Gwari, Fulani, Hausa, Kadara, Nupe, Igbo and settlers from Kwara State remain integral parts of the area’s social fabric.

“From Kamuku to Bungu, Gwari, Fulani, Hausa and Kagara everyone should remain in their land.” The people of Kamuku, Kaimuku, Bungu, Bura, and even the settlers from Kwara everyone belongs here.”

Governor Bago equally issued a stern warning to members of vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Sa Kai, accusing some of exceeding their mandate through extortion, unlawful taxation and other criminal activities.

“Let me tell the vigilantes clearly: you are vigilantes on your own accord. If we wish, and we do not want your vigilante activities, we will disband you.” Nobody asked you to go into towns, collect taxes from people, seize their new phones, kill people, or engage in extortion and armed robbery.”

He also directed that an individual identified as “Bawashe” and a district head in Tegina be brought before him over issues requiring government attention.

The governor said the reforms form part of broader efforts by the Niger State Government to strengthen traditional institutions, promote equal participation among all communities and address the underlying causes of communal tension and insecurity in the area.

Bago Reforms Kagara Emirate, Elevates Fulani Leaders to District Heads, Ends Ardo Title