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Petitioner seeks compensation of N10 million for alleged arbitrary arrest by Police

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Petitioner seeks compensation of N10 million for alleged arbitrary arrest by Police

Petitioner seeks compensation of N10 million for alleged arbitrary arrest by Police

By: Michael Mike

A petitioner, Nnaemeka Orjiakor has demanded a compensation of N10 million from the police for alleged arbitrary arrest, detention and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in 2019.

Orjiakor made this demand on Wednesday at the Independent Investigative Panel on human rights violations by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units in Abuja.

He pleaded with the panel to order N10m compensation in his favour, alleging that SARS officers led by one Mohammed Elbow Awal arrested him on the 8th February 2019 from his shop, handcuffed him, paraded him around Wuse market before bundling him into their vehicle, and took him to the SARS office in Area 3, Garki where he was beaten and detained for six days before he was released.

Nnaemeka, also during his narration before the panel presided over by Dr. Garba Tetengi, who stood in for the Chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima(rtd), said that in 2006 he rented a shop from a lady in Wuse market, but when he wasn’t making enough sales had to sublet part of the shop to a third party so that he can make enough to pay the rent on the shop and boost his business.  

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He added that unknown to him, when the rent on the shop expired the third party in the lease contract went behind his back and paid the rent in full so as to be the sole occupant of the shop and further invited the police that he (Nnaemeka) was an illegal occupant of the shop.

Continuing in his narration, he said with the intervention of the police the matter was taken to court where trial had commenced, only for SARS personnel to arrest him on the morning of 24th December 2018 on the allegation that the owner of the shop is claiming that he wanted to sell the shop, and he was subsequently taken away but for the intervention of his wife who got a lawyer to get him reprieve.

He said it was the intervention of the lawyer who called the police and informed them the matter was still in court that got him released.

He said during another arrest on the 8th February 2022 that he was subjected to torture and degrading treatment.

The matter was adjourned to 22nd March for the continuation of hearing and defence.

In another development, the panel has ordered police to release all properties seized from officer of Nigerian merchant navy coast guard, while police alleges that the above-named organisation has no law to operate.

The Independent Investigative Panel on human rights violations by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units in Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered the Nigeria Police to release all 21 items including 4 Mistubishi L300 bus, two speed boats, passports, and other valuable documents of Commodore Allen Edema of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard they seized.   

The panel gave this order following the plea of Commodore Allen Edema that the police allegedly asked him to pay N600,000 before his properties will be released to him.

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At the first hearing of the petition, Edema alleged that in 2008 the Nigeria Navy in a joint operation with the police, invaded his head office, arrested him, and seized his properties in Lagos. Since his release, the police has refused to hand over his properties to him despite orders from the court.

Under cross-examination, one of the respondents DSP Azuka Oboni who was led by Fidelis Ogwobe informed the panel that in 2008, officers of the Nigerian Navy arrested Commodore Edema and seven others and were brought to the FCT Command.

The Nigerian Navy alleged that Commodore Edema and others were impersonating the Nigerian Navy and also wearing their uniform, tempering with Naval activities at waterways and having illegal possession of naval equipment. 

DSP Azuka also stated he was the  IPO assigned to investigate the allegations. He wrote to the National Assembly to inquire about the operations of the organizations. From their response it was discovered that there was no law backing their existence, meaning the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard was operating illegally. 

Thereafter, they were charged to court without bail being granted. DSP Azuka disclosed to the panel that  Commodore Edema jumped bail by not showing up at the court for more than three times.

Under cross-examination, Counsel to the Police, Fidelis Ogwobe, asked Lawrence Ibiam and Chika Okereke, both lieutenants and  members of the organisation ,if they were aware that the  organisation was operating illegally. 

Chika answered in the affirmative that the organisation has been proscribed this led to the closing of the head office in Lagos and invasion of the training school in Idah. On  28th April 2014, a joint task force of the Police, Navy, Army, and Civil Defence invaded the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast  Guard training center in Idah, Kogi State, and killed 11 persons during the invasion of the training center.

While Lawrence Ibiam disclosed that he joined the organisation in 2006 and he has been working without receiving salary. On further probe by the panel on how he survives he disclosed that he works as a security man at Watchman church.

Earlier, Fidelis Ogwobe had asked Commodore Edema to state which law or act mandates the organisation to operate. In which he responded that there is a bill before the house in regards to the establishment of the office.

The matter has been adjourned to 22nd March 2022. In the meantime Counsel to both parties have three days each to file their written addresses.

Petitioner seeks compensation of N10 million for alleged arbitrary arrest by Police

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Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms

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Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms

By; Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, in collaboration with Operation SAFE HAVEN, has achieved significant breakthroughs in countering criminal activities in an ongoing security operation aimed at restoring safety in Plateau State,

The intensified operations, conducted over several weeks, have led to arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the neutralization of several notorious criminal figures.

On October 23, security forces arrested two suspects believed to be masterminds of a foiled attack in Kazok Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 96 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 46 cartridges from the suspects. The next day, on October 24, security agencies thwarted an armed robbery on Bot-Foreiyinte Road in Bokkos LGA, rescuing two victims and confiscating a fabricated rifle and ammunition.

In a further operation on October 26 in Garkawa, Mikang LGA, security forces dismantled a criminal syndicate, arresting four suspects and seizing a Beretta pistol, an AK-47 magazine, and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Additionally, on October 31, security operatives acting on intelligence apprehended a female suspect in Bassa LGA who had been impersonating a soldier to intimidate residents. Authorities confiscated an automatic rifle, military uniforms, and other equipment from her.

On November 2, troops launched an intelligence-based raid in Luwaran Village, Jos North LGA, where the wife of a known bandit led them to an AK-47 rifle buried on the village outskirts.

The bandit narrowly escaped capture, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. In a dawn raid on November 3 in Kwatas District, Bokkos LGA, security forces arrested two suspected bandits linked to local security breaches, recovering a fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm ammunition and additional rounds.

A major success was recorded on November 4 in Wase LGA, where security forces neutralized Kachalla Saleh, a notorious bandit kingpin known as “Mai Rasha,” during an operation in Kinishi Forest. Officials recovered 500,000 Naira believed to be part of a ransom collected by Saleh. On November 5, security forces foiled an armed robbery in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, apprehending two suspects and recovering 130,000 Naira taken from victims.

In Zangon Kataf LGA on November 6, security agencies disrupted a kidnapping attempt, forcing the criminals to flee and abandoning a Magnum pump-action gun, an AK-47 magazine, and other fabricated weapons. Most recently, on November 11, security forces responded to kidnappers’ activity in Anguwan Kwata, Bokkos LGA, neutralizing one armed suspect after a confrontation.

Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms

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Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State

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Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops from the Headquarters 1 Brigade and 1 Battalion mobilized to Kalgo village, Sokoto State, following sightings of suspected Lakurawa terrorists in the area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that upon learning of the troops’ approach, the suspected terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 38 rustled cattle. The operation, led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, was carried out without incident.

The recovered livestock was returned to its rightful owners in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Sources disclosed confirmed that intensified operations are ongoing to secure the broader area and prevent further incursions by the armed group.

This recovery operation comes amid rising threat by the Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

On Tuesday November 11, some armed men believed to be from the Lakurawa group raided Kura village in Soron Yamma ward, Binji Local Government Area.

The attackers seized a large number of livestock but reportedly did not harm or abduct any villagers, according to local sources.

Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State

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Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience

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Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim Salim Ishaq Umar, indigent of Gusau who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Munhaye Forest in Zamfara state after 47 days in captivity.

The escape reportedly occurred on the morning of November 12, after which the victim sought help from military personnel stationed nearby.

Following the rescue, the victim was transported to the CT 7 Headquarters in Tsafe, where military personnel conducted a preliminary debriefing.

Salim who shared the traumatic story of his abduction and captivity at the hands of armed kidnappers, revealed the brutal tactics used by criminal groups in Zamfara State. Umar recounted how he was abducted from his home on the night of August 8, 2024, when three armed men, one of whom wielded an AK-47 rifle, woke him from his sleep and took him into the bush.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot a security officer and confiscated Umar’s phone. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 30 million naira and five motorcycles, which his family managed to pay.

However, despite meeting these demands, Umar was not released. After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles.
Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape On not released.

After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles. Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape plan. “On hearing that, I started to make up my mind to escape from them,” he explained.

Together with two other captives, he planned to flee, though, tragically, only he managed to escape. His two fellow captives were captured again on November 11, 2024, shortly after their escape attempt.

Umar revealed that he was subjected to harsh conditions, including limited access to food and water, and witnessed threats against his life if further ransom demands were not met. He was eventually transferred to a new location in the bush where he remained until he managed to escape. He made his way to the nearest military post, where troops took him into protective custody.

Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience

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