Category: cover

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

 

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.

APC wouldn’t have won in 2015 under current INEC chairman – Amaechi

 

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, alleging that the All Progressives Congress would not have been registered or won the 2015 general elections if Yakubu had been in charge at the time.

 

Speaking on Arise TV on Tuesday night, Amaechi praised former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for ensuring a transparent electoral process that led to the APC’s registration and eventual victory in 2015.

 

He said, “The current chairman of INEC, if he was the chairman of INEC in 2015, we would not have won. That’s an important point. May God bless (Attahiru) Jega. Because the ground rules were clear. The current chairman of INEC can only be compared to Iwu.

 

“When we were to register APC, Jega opened the door and we complied with the registration requirements. He got APC registered. The current man, if you comply with all these, he would not register you.”

He further alleged that INEC under Yakubu is already showing signs of bias.

 

“Already, INEC is biased. So, the only thing I can tell you now is that, looking at the way Nigeria has run the election, even the Option A4 led us forward. At least a lot of transparency. You were sure of what was going on. Then we came back to meet people like Iwu and others and the current one and things got worse.

 

“So, you don’t know whether to say we are progressing or we are regressing. There’s a state capture using the electoral institution as a machine.”

Netflix hikes subscription fees in Nigeria again

 

Streaming giant, Netflix, has increased subscription prices in Nigeria for the third time in less than a year.

 

This most recent rise is the first one for 2025.

 

Updates on the company’s website seen by PUNCH Online show the new pricing.

 

Under the new price, Netflix’s Premium plan now costs ₦8,500 a month, up from ₦7,000.

 

The Standard plan jumped to ₦6,500 from ₦5,500.

 

The Basic plan rose to ₦4,000 from ₦3,500, and the Mobile plan is for ₦2,500, up from ₦2,200.

 

This follows two earlier price hikes by Netflix in April and July 2024.

Nigeria currently faces challenges of rising living expenses, a falling naira, and record inflation.

 

This follows the recent hike in tariffs by Nigerian telecom providers by as much as 50 per cent.

 

The parent company of DStv and GOtv, MultiChoice, announced new prices that took effect on March 1, 2025.

 

MultiChoice announced that the price of the DStv Compact bouquet was increased from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000, reflecting a 25 per cent increase.

 

The price of the Compact Plus package increased from ₦25,000 to ₦30,000, and the premium DStv package saw a rise from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500.

 

For GOtv subscribers, the Jinja package increased from ₦3,600 to ₦3,900, and Jolli from ₦4,850 to ₦5,800. The GOtv Max plan rose to ₦8,500 from ₦7,200, Supa climbed to ₦11,400 from ₦9,600, and Supa Plus increased to ₦16,800, up from ₦15,700.

 

Netflix has yet to release an official statement regarding the recent price hikes in Nigeria.

I never consulted native doctor for re-election, says Soludo

 

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has debunked claims that he consulted a native doctor regarding his re-election prospects ahead of the state governorship election on November 8, 2025.

 

Some reports and video clips have circulated online claiming that the governor consulted a native doctor to “brighten” his chances of re-election.

 

However, in a press statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Tuesday, the governor described the allegations as “totally false.”

 

He said the video clip being circulated and misrepresented, as evidence of native doctor consultation, was taken during a recent official government meeting with Anambra-based content creators.

 

The statement read in part, “The attention of Anambra State Government has been drawn to a malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments making spurious claims that the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, consulted a native doctor regarding his re-election prospects.

 

“The state government hereby debunks the allegations as totally false. For the interest of the general public, the video clip being maliciously circulated and misrepresented, as evidence of native doctor consultation, was taken during a recent official government meeting with Anambra-based content creators.

 

“The session, facilitated by the Special Senior Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, was organised to strengthen the partnership between the state government and the creative industry as part of Soludo’s commitment in encouraging and supporting Anambra’s creative economy.”

 

Aburime said during the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to showcase their talents, ask questions, and share their concerns about the creative industry in the state.

 

According to him, as part of the presentations, one of the content creators performed a native doctor skit, a common comic genre in Nigerian entertainment, to demonstrate their creative abilities to the governor and other officials present.

 

“This was purely an entertainment performance by a content creator, not a consultation session. “The state government thus found it deeply disappointing that critics and political opponents would stoop so low as to deliberately fabricate malicious narratives from an innocent entertainment performance and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

 

“Rather than engage in frivolous consultations, Soludo has consistently demonstrated his commitment to developing Anambra’s creative economy through investment plans as part of the state’s economic diversification strategy.

 

“The recently commissioned Solution Fun City project is part of such investment plans. The state government also clarified that Soludo does not need consultations with any native doctor to win reelection, as he relies solely on the support of Ndi Anambra based on his impressive performance and focus on delivering the ‘solution agenda’ by transforming Anambra State into a livable and prosperous homeland,” he added.

 

The governor, therefore, called on Ndi Anambra, media channels and social media users to disregard the misinformation concerning the circulated video clip.

 

“The public is also urged to always verify information before sharing or amplifying content and reject malicious stories sponsored to mislead the public.

 

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