BREAKING; Federal Govt speaks on legality of IGP Egbetokun’s continued stay in office

The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says the continuous stay of Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), in office is lawful.

Fagbemi in a statement onThursday in Abuja, said

the appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from Oct. 31, 2023 will have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on Sept. 4, 2024.

“However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.

“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun October 31, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case.

He noted that the advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public. (NAN)

BREAKING; Lagos Assembly gives update on lawmakers arrested by DSS over impeachment of Obasa

The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed that the Department of State Security (DSS) has released the detained lawmakers after hours of interrogation over the speakership crisis.

The Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

NAN reports that two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained on Thursday morning by DSS officials in the state.

The lawmakers were interrogated over the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by a majority of members on Jan. 13 and replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

They were allegedly detained for breaking into a House store where the mace was kept, enabling lawmakers to sit and impeach the former speaker.

In solidarity, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other members stormed the DSS office to secure their colleagues’ release.

Confirming the development, Ogundipe told NAN that all detained lawmakers had now regained their freedom.

He said the Assembly reaffirmed that Obasa’s removal was legal and constitutional, following due process.

“Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honoured an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha. We provided insights into the removal of the ex-speaker.

“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following his removal.

“The decision followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without interference.

“Sections 92 and 96 outline the process for electing and removing the Speaker, and we adhered to due process.

“It is public knowledge that legislative autonomy allows state assemblies to conduct their business freely within designated chambers,” he said.

Ogundipe insisted that the former speaker’s removal was democratic and met the required legal majority.

He said any challenge to this lawful action undermines the constitutional authority granted to the Assembly.

The Assembly, he emphasised, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of Lagos residents.

Ogundipe commended the DSS for its professionalism, especially the Lagos Command Director, for ensuring a smooth engagement.

He said the invitation allowed them to present their account of events in a professional and comfortable environment.

He also reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to legislative duties that serve people of Lagos and ensure effective governance.

Ogundipe urged all stakeholders, including the executive and the public, to respect legislative proceedings and avoid undue interference. (NAN)

Several people feared killed others injured as Security personnel invade kidnappers den

Anambra State’s security outfit, Agunechemba, launched a daring assault on a notorious hideout of gunmen and kidnappers early Thursday morning, leaving several feared dead and others fleeing with injuries.

The raid, which occurred around 1 a.m. in Enugu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, marks the latest in a series of successful operations since the formation of the security group, modeled after the defunct “Bakassi Boys” from the late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s era.

The operation, which involved troops from “Udo Ga Achi” alongside other security agencies like the Police, DSS, and the Military, was based on actionable intelligence.

One gunman was apprehended during the raid, while multiple weapons and items were recovered, including two AK-47 rifles, eight pump-action guns, four locally made pistols, 101 cartridges, four empty AK-47 magazines, three cutlasses, a Baofeng radio, a motorcycle, and a variety of charms.

Agunechemba’s efforts have already resulted in the destruction of six known criminal camps, a sign of the group’s growing success in tackling the state’s rising insecurity.

Anambra has been grappling with violence, as gunmen and kidnappers continue to terrorize the region, with many lives lost and several others abducted in the ongoing crime wave.