GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

FRSC recalls patrol team over bribery allegations

The Federal Road Safety Corps has recalled an entire patrol team following allegations of bribery reported by an online media platform.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed directed the recall to allow for a thorough investigation and possible disciplinary action.

According to a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday, the corps is committed to upholding discipline and has a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and misconduct.

He noted that if the operatives in question are found guilty, they could face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

The statement read in part, “The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps Shehu Mohammed has taken decisive action in response to a viral publication by Premium Media outlet alleging bribery by some of the patrol operatives of the Corps; by ordering the immediate recall of the entire patrol team mentioned in the report for thorough investigation and necessary sanction.

“Being an organisation that uphold standards at all times, with established procedures to check indiscipline, corruption and patrol misconducts, if found guilty of bribery or other forms of corruption, the operatives will face severe disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary.”

The Corps also responded to claims in the report concerning a 2021 arrest of FRSC officials by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. It clarified that while corruption is a nationwide challenge, FRSC has consistently taken proactive steps to rid its ranks of unethical behavior.

Highlighting past efforts, the Corps said it has worked closely with the ICPC and the Department of State Services to conduct joint surveillance operations targeting corrupt officials.

According to a statement, these operations reportedly led to the arrest of “over 70 personnel in one year,” with many facing internal sanctions and prosecution.

Further strengthening its anti-corruption measures, FRSC partnered with the Akin Fadeyi Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation to launch the Flag-It app, a digital platform that enables the public to report cases of extortion and misconduct by FRSC officers.

A newly launched internal mobile app also allows for real-time reporting and recognition of officers who uphold the Corps’ standards.

The corps marshal encouraged the public and the media to remain vigilant and continue supporting FRSC’s efforts by using available tools to report any observed misconduct on roads.

Pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat as hajj reaches peak

Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on Thursday during the high point of the annual hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.

Thousands of pilgrims began to gather before dawn around the hill and the surrounding plain where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have given his last sermon.

While some arrived early to take advantage of the relatively cool morning, carrying colourful umbrellas, many pilgrims will remain for hours of prayers and Koran recitals until the evening in the most arduous portion of the hajj.

After sunset they will head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles so they can perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil”.

“This is something that I used to see every year on the TV screen during hajj and I always thought: ‘I wish I could be here’,” said 33-year-old Ali from Pakistan, one of 1.5 million pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

“I’ve been trying to get here… for the past 3 years,” he added as he gazed at the mount. “I feel very blessed.”

Hundreds of pilgrims dressed in white dotted the mount itself, with many more at its foot praying or taking pictures.

Earlier this week, Saudi authorities called on pilgrims to stay inside their tents between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Thursday, when the desert sun is at its harshest.

Fans spraying mist and providing cool air were dispersed at the foot of the mount.

Temperatures this year have already exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) as one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, bringing together devotees from around the globe, kicked off earlier this week

Officials have beefed up heat mitigation efforts aiming to avoid a repeat of last year’s hajj, which saw 1,301 pilgrims die as temperatures reached 51.8C.

“I came here early to (avoid) the sun and later I will pray inside my tent,” said 54-year-old Adel Ismail, from Syria.

To make this year’s pilgrimage safer, authorities have expanded infrastructure, deployed thousands of extra personnel and relied on an arsenal of high-tech tools to help better manage crowds.

Authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related illness following the lethal heatwave of 2024.

Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, the hajj minister has told AFP.

Through tears of joy, Iman Abdel Khaleq said she had wanted to perform the hajj for 10 years and was overwhelmed with emotion as she arrived at Arafat.

“It’s a big dream for me that I had almost given hope up of realising,” the woman in her fifties told AFP from the foot of the mount.

Authorities said a majority of the deaths in 2024 were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to amenities like air-conditioned tents and buses.

This year, they have also cracked down on unregistered pilgrims looking to sneak into Mecca, relying on frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts.

Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery.

But even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs prompt many to attempt the hajj without a permit, even though they risk arrest and deportation if caught.

Saudi Arabia earns billions of dollars a year from the hajj, and the lesser pilgrimage known as umrah, undertaken at other times of the year.

AFP

Tinubu, Akpabio reaffirm commitment to police reform

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the comprehensive transformation of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

Tinubu also assured all that the Federal Government will continue to invest in tools, training, and welfare initiatives to boost police professionalism and morale.

The President made this known on Wednesday at the second edition of the Nigeria Police Award and Commendation Ceremony held in Abuja.

The remarks were delivered on his behalf by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He said, “My administration remains steadfast in its resolve to reform and reposition the Nigeria Police Force. We recognise that modern policing requires modern tools, intelligence-led strategies, robust community engagement, and continuous training.”

According to him, the government will sustain investments in cutting-edge equipment, technological innovations, capacity-building programmes, and welfare schemes designed to improve operational efficiency and elevate the morale of police officers across all ranks.

While expressing confidence in ongoing reforms, Tinubu charged police personnel to remain professional, accountable, and committed to their constitutional duties.

“You are entrusted with the safety and rights of the Nigerian people. The power you wield is not for intimidation, but for protection; not for abuse, but for service.

“Uphold the rule of law. Reject misconduct and corruption. Let your actions reflect honour, integrity, and discipline”, the President added.

Congratulating the recipients of the 2024 Police Awards, Tinubu praised their dedication to service and urged them not to rest on their laurels.

In his remarks, Akpabio announced a personal donation of ₦5m to the family of the late Assistant Commissioner of Police, Aniedi Cecilia Udoh, who was honoured posthumously with the 2024 Community Policing Advocate of the Year award.

Udoh, who passed away in May while in active service, was the Area Commander of Ahoada in Rivers State and hailed from Akwa Ibom State.

Highlighting his longstanding support for the Police, Akpabio recalled his efforts as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, where he provided the Force with 350 patrol vehicles equipped with communication gadgets, four armoured personnel carriers, and marine police infrastructure.

The former governor also said he built a mobile police base and a police secondary school at no cost to the Force.

“As Senate President, I have facilitated the completion of 10 police stations in my senatorial district. I am not tired of supporting the Police.

“On behalf of the National Assembly, I assure you that we will continue to appropriate the necessary resources to enhance the welfare and strength of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

In his welcome address, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stressed that the transformation of the Police Force is not just a slogan but a continuous commitment.

“This is not just about awards; it’s about legacy. Policing is not a transactional duty—it is a transformational mission, and the Nigerian people remain our most vital partners in this journey”, Egbetokun said.

FCT police spokesperson, others win at 2024 police awards

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command spokesperson, Superintendent Josephine Adeh, has emerged as the Police Public Relations Officer of the Year at the 2024 Nigeria Police Force Awards and Commendations ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday night.

Adeh was honoured for her effective deployment of social media in enhancing police-citizen engagement and for her professionalism in managing security communication.

She edged out other strong contenders, DSP Chinaka Chioma of Abia State Command and SP Ikenganiya Anthony of Anambra State Command, to clinch the prestigious award.

The event, which spotlighted gallantry, integrity, and excellence within the force, also saw the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, FCT Command, SP Mustapha Mohammed, take home the Gallantry Award of the Year.

Mohammed was recognised for his operational bravery, beating CSP Isiyaku Suleiman of Katsina State Command and ASP Robinson Julius of Delta State Command.

Also receiving high praise was SP Obi Sentome of the Zone 16 Cybercrime Section, who was awarded for exemplary integrity after rejecting a $17,000 bribe offered to release a suspect in custody.

Inspector Nwuju Godstime of the Traffic Department, Elekahia Division in Rivers State, was named Traffic Warden of the Year, topping Inspectors Hussaini Jidauna of Adamawa and Alabi Kayode of Kwara State Commands.

In the Divisional Police Officer of the Year category, SP Garba Ibrahim of Jibia Division, Katsina State Command, emerged winner ahead of CSP Mohammed Padah (Nasarawa), CSP Ejike Alaribe (Imo), and the DPO of Ekpan, Delta State Command.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, was among several senior officers honoured with the 2024 Special Achievement Awards. Other recipients included AIG Asihatu Baju, DCP Ahmed Sanusi (Commander, Intelligence Response Team), CSP Shaba Gboayako (Chief Security Officer to the Imo State Governor), and CSP Ameh Lydia (Force Insurance Officer).

Area Commander for Owerri, Imo State, ACP Abattam Michael, won the Area Commander of the Year award, ahead of his counterparts from Karu, Nasarawa, ACP Amanyi Christopher and Area Commander, Bori, Rivers State Command, ACP Ali Gumel.

The Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre, headed by CP Uche Henry, and the Force’s aviation unit (Police Pilots) received the Inspector General’s Special Recognition Awards.

In the sports category, CPL Juliet Chukwu of the Ebonyi State Command was named Police Sports Person of the Year, besting CPL Victor Ikechukwu (Police Training School, Benin) and CPL Oka Eworo (Police College, Ikeja).

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the awardees for embodying courage, integrity, and excellence in service.

“The officers we celebrate today are not extraordinary because of fame or fortune. They are extraordinary because of their refusal to be ordinary. You are the embodiment of quiet heroism, and tonight, we stand in tribute to your legacy,” the IG said.

He described the awards as a deliberate shift from routine recognition to merit-based celebration, stressing that the selection process was rigorous and transparent, with nominations drawn from across the force and final decisions made purely on merit and impact.

Egbetokun called on non-recipients to be inspired rather than discouraged, reminding them that “excellence is not a finish line; it is a daily standard.”

He also paid tribute to fallen officers, describing them as “eternal sentinels of peace,” and reiterated the force’s commitment to innovation and community-based policing.

“The future of policing in Nigeria must be smarter, faster, more trusted, and unapologetically people-focused,” he stated.

Eid-El-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 28,000 operatives nationwide 5th June 2

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed over 28,000 operatives across the country to ensure a peaceful and secure holiday period.

According to a directive issued by the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, operatives from several specialised units including the Intelligence Directorate, Special Female Squad, Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshals, Quick Response Tactical Team, Counter Terrorism Unit, Operations Department, and Special Weapon and Tactics have been mobilised.

Audi, in a statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday, stated that the large-scale deployment was part of the corps’ ongoing efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as to safeguard lives and property across the nation.

He warned of the potential for criminal activities during the festive period and stressed the need to forestall any threats posed by unscrupulous elements.

Speaking during a strategic security meeting with top management, state commandants, and heads of formations, Audi called for enhanced intelligence gathering through community engagement.

According to the statement, the CG highlighted the importance of credible tip-offs in supporting successful security operations, stating that no single agency has a monopoly on tackling insecurity.

He also charged the 36 state commandants and the FCT Command to foster effective synergy and collaboration with other security agencies and local communities.

According to him, such coordinated efforts are crucial in addressing security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, vandalism, illegal bunkering, and farmers/herders clashes.

“We also call on members of the public to support this course of action so that together we can attain the goal of effective security coverage across board,” Audi said.

The CG further urged private security operators to contribute by promptly sharing intelligence and strengthening information networks, especially in times of emergency.

Courts summon Akpabio, Nwaebonyi over Natasha’s rights violation

Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, Abuja

Two Federal Capital Territory High Courts have separately summoned Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over allegations of defamation, sexual harassment, and violation of the fundamental rights of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In suit No. FCT/HC/CV/754/2025 before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, the court granted leave to Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the writ of summons and all accompanying processes—including hearing notices—on Senator Akpabio, both personally and in his capacity as Senate President.

Also included in the summons are a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, Mr. Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.

Justice Kutigi fixed June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the summons.

The court’s decision followed an ex parte motion (No. M/6603/2025) moved by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, supported by a six-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates.

In a related matter, suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka also granted leave for substituted service of court documents on Senator Nwaebonyi.

The decision was based on an ex parte motion filed on May 10, 2025, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael J. Numa.

The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2025, for further hearing.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate, has filed a ₦5b defamation lawsuit against Senator Nwaebonyi.

She is challenging statements he made during a live appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025.

Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC begins special patrol in Kano 5th June 2025

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command has commenced the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir special patrol from Thursday, June 5 to Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

This is contained in a statement released by the sector command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday.

He said the initiative is in anticipation of the high volume of human and vehicular traffic associated with the Sallah celebrations and aims to ensure a hitch-free festive period.

“The objective of this special operation is to enhance the Corps’ visibility on highways across Kano through the early deployment of personnel and logistics to reduce road traffic crashes across the state,” the statement reads.

In addition, Labaran said the special patrol will ensure strict enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations, prompt rescue and response to distress calls as well as speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, among others.

“To achieve these objectives, the command will deploy 1,889 personnel, comprising 1,348 Regular Marshals and 541 Special Marshals, 24/7 standby provision of five ambulance service points for prompt rescue and emergency response,” it added.

According to the statement, mobile courts would be deployed to handle infractions related to road traffic crashes during the period.

“The Sector Commander, CC MB Bature, has warned against dangerous/reckless driving, overloading, car racing, underage driving and other traffic violations during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” the statement noted.

While wishing the people a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration, the sector commander urged all road users to comply with traffic regulations to ensure a safe and joyous Eid-el-Kabir.

Trump bans citizens of Chad, Congo, 10 others from entering US

President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation barring citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States, citing national security concerns.

The full travel ban affects nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The restriction will take effect on June 9, 2025.

In addition to the full bans, the proclamation imposes partial restrictions on citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

There are some exemptions, including athletes travelling for major sporting events, some Afghan nationals and dual nationals with citizenship in unaffected countries, according to the BBC.

Trump stated that the measure is intended to prevent individuals considered potential security risks from gaining entry into the US.

“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen,” he said in a video message posted on X on Wednesday.

According to the White House, the countries facing the harshest restrictions were deemed to have a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” poor cooperation on visa-related security measures, and inadequate systems for verifying travelers’ identities.

The administration also cited issues such as poor record-keeping of criminal histories and high visa overstay rates as contributing factors.

The new directive builds on Trump’s broader immigration crackdown initiated at the beginning of his second term.

On January 20, the president signed an executive order mandating stricter security checks for foreign nationals and instructing federal agencies to review which countries should face entry suspensions due to inadequate vetting procedures.

This move echoes Trump’s controversial travel ban during his first term, which initially targeted seven predominantly Muslim countries and was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.

The ban was later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021, who described it as “a stain on our national conscience.”

Swiss authorities probe death of Nigerian in police custody 5th June 2025

The Switzerland authorities said they have begun an investigation into the murder of Michael Ekemezie, who reportedly died in Lausanne on May 25 after some Swiss police officers pinned his head to the ground during a routine check.

According to the family, the 39-year-old Ekemezie from Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly collapsed and died at the police station less than an hour after being taken into custody.

The elder brother of the deceased, Henry Ekemezie, had in an interview with our correspondent on Monday, disclosed that his brother was chased by the police during a routine check, after he was caught up, handcuffed and pinned face-down, by an officer who used brutal force that proved fatal.

A viral video that circulated on X also showed the moment the deceased was pinned to the ground by a Swiss police officer, crying out in pain and shouting, “You’re hurting me.”

As a result, the family of the deceased, through their counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, petitioned the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission on May 30, 2025, demanding an investigation into his death.

The family lamented that since the incident took place, neither the Switzerland government or the Federal Government of Nigeria had reached out to the family.

However, in a reply dated June 4, 2025, the Swiss Embassy contacted the family of the deceased through their counsel, informing them that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The reaction by the Switzerland embassy is coming after the report featured in the South-East Punch on Wednesday.

The letter dated June 4, 2025, and signed by the Chargé d’Affaires of Switzerland, Siamak Rouhani, was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday,

The letter read, “The Embassy of Switzerland acknowledges receipt of your letter dated 30 May, 2025.

“The Embassy would like to inform that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the death of a person of African origin on May 25, 2025, at a police station in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“The results of this investigation are pending. In accordance with the principle of separation of powers and of the protection of personal data, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not hold any information concerning ongoing cantonal proceedings and cannot interfere in them.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, has no information concerning the circumstances of this tragic event. The deceased’s family and its agent – supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bern – can therefore interact directly with the competent cantonal authorities.”

However, in its reaction, the family of the deceased, through their legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, acknowledged the response of the Swiss Embassy while reiterating with unwavering resolve a demand for a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation.

“On May 30, 2025, we submitted a formal petition to the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, urging an immediate and transparent investigation into the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Mr Michael Ekemezie, a Nigerian citizen who lost his life after reportedly being brutalised by Swiss police officers in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25, 2025.

“Today, we acknowledge receipt of an official response dated June 4, 2025, signed by the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Siamak Rouhani. In the correspondence, the Embassy confirmed that the competent cantonal prosecutor’s office has formally launched an investigation into the incident. However, invoking Switzerland’s strict data protection laws and constitutional principle of separation of powers, the embassy declined to disclose further details at this stage.

“While we take note of this official acknowledgement and the initiation of investigative proceedings, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and the continued silence surrounding the exact circumstances of Mr Ekemezie’s death. A young Nigerian life was lost, under suspicious and distressing conditions, while in the custody of a country that proudly upholds itself as a global advocate of human rights, justice, and the rule of law.

“This is not just a legal matter; it is a human tragedy. A mother grieves. A family mourns. A nation watches with bated breath.

“Justice must not be shielded behind bureaucratic procedures. It must not be delayed. And it must never be denied. We urge the Swiss government and all relevant authorities to fully cooperate with the government of Nigeria and the legal representatives of Mr Ekemezie’s family, and every diplomatic and legal channel must be pursued. The truth must be uncovered. Accountability must be served,” the family said in a statement.

Eid-El-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 28,000 operatives nationwide