Why we withdraw Police escorts to VIPs top Politicians – CP opens up

The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, has stated that the withdrawal of police officers attached to eminent personalities is in the public interest.

He made this known while briefing journalists on Thursday at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

According to him, the ongoing audit of police personnel in Lagos aims to enhance public safety and is not influenced by any other considerations.

“Periodic audits of police personnel attached to VIPs and groups are a statutory police procedure, not limited to the Lagos State Police Command alone,” he said.

He explained that the exercise ensures accountability for police officers, their firearms, and other crime-fighting equipment under their possession.

Additionally, it guarantees that officers remain at their designated duty posts and that their firearms and equipment are not misused.

“As we speak, other police commands across the country are conducting similar audits without any issues,” he added.

The exercise also helps the command identify officers posted without approval or engaged in unauthorised duties so they can be withdrawn.

“Those with invalid approvals or on illegal duties will be redeployed to police posts, stations, divisions, and area commands to strengthen security across Lagos,” he said.

Jimoh emphasised that Lagos, with over 20 million residents, has fewer than 18,000 police officers and urgently needs more personnel at strategic locations.

“The command requires more officers at police stations and divisions to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property in the state,” he noted.

He confirmed that the audit of officers attached to Ms Mojisola Meranda, had been completed, and her four armed personnel had been reinstated.

“The ongoing audit has been in progress for several days, with prominent individuals complying. It is not targeted at any specific person or group,” he clarified.

He urged those with no valid approval or unauthorised police attachments to revalidate their status or apply afresh to the Inspector-General of Police.

“For those still undergoing the audit, the outcome will determine the next steps regarding their police protection,” Jimoh stated.

He warned that police officers attached to individuals without valid approval would be withdrawn across the state.

The Special Protection Units (SPU) at Force Headquarters, he added, have been mandated to provide security coverage for Nigerians requiring police protection.

“Henceforth, all police personnel deployments for guard duties and personal protection will be centrally managed at the Force Headquarters,” he explained.

He noted that some approvals for police attachments in Lagos could not be traced or verified during the audit.

However, affected individuals could apply to the Inspector-General of Police for urgent consideration in line with police regulations.

Jimoh also confirmed that Mr Mudashiru Obasa had recently applied for police protection due to threats against his life and family, which was approved.

He stated that the command was unaware of how or when the Speaker’s office at the Lagos State House of Assembly was broken into.

“The command remains neutral in the matter and is committed to ensuring law, order, and public safety throughout Lagos,” he assured.

He appealed for calm, urging residents to continue their lawful activities peacefully.

“The police presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly has been reinforced with additional Mobile Force Units, Counter-Terrorism Units, and Special Protection Units,” he revealed.

Other reinforcements include Bomb Squads, conventional police teams, detectives, Armoured Personnel Carriers, and patrol teams to prevent any security breaches.

He clarified that the police are responsible for security outside the Assembly premises and do not interfere in political matters unless criminal activities are reported.

“The command will remain neutral and will not be involved in politics. Security at the State House of Assembly is under control, and normalcy has been restored,” he said.

Jimoh urged Lagos residents to continue their daily activities without fear, as the police are committed to maintaining law and order across the state. (NAN)

Ex-South Africa President, Thabo Mbeki to chair Obafemi Awolowo memorial webinar

The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation is set to hold its 2025 Awolowo Memorial Webinar on March 6, 2025, continuing its mission to promote the relevance of the ideas of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The event, themed “Our 21st Century World: Reflections and Projections,” will offer a platform for in-depth discussions on the pressing global issues of today.

The webinar will be chaired by His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa, with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and advocate for sustainable development, serving as the keynote speaker. Sachs is currently the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University in the United States.

Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, emphasised the importance of the event in light of the rapid transformations in the 21st century.

In a statement, she noted that the webinar aims to reflect on the changes brought about by technological advancements, economic shifts, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

The event will explore strategies to navigate both the challenges and opportunities of our era.

The statement disclosed that the webinar will focus on four critical sub-themes: “The Economy, Technology (with special  emphasis on artificial intelligence), The North-South Dynamics, and Africa’s  Options for Development—the webinar will engage participants in robust  discussions aimed at understanding the interconnected nature of global progress  and disparities.

“The Economy will examine the evolving trends in global trade, financial systems,  and economic policies, exploring how nations and regions can achieve sustainable growth amid uncertainty.

“Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, will be assessed in terms of its transformative impact on industries, governance, and daily life. We will delve into the  ethical, economic, and societal implications of AI, as well as its potential to shape the future.

“The North-South Dynamics will explore the historical and contemporary relationships between the Global North and Global South, analysing patterns of  power, dependency, and collaboration. Emphasis will be placed on fostering  equitable partnerships for mutual growth.

“Finally, Africa’s Options for Development will spotlight the continent’s unique  opportunities and challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. From  leveraging technological advancements to redefining its role in global affairs, this   sub-theme will propose actionable pathways for Africa’s progress.”

The statement added that, “this virtual seminar invites policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and students to contribute insights, engage in dialogue, and propose solutions that reflect our  shared responsibility for a sustainable and equitable future. Together, we will chart a course  toward a world that balances reflection with projection, innovation with inclusivity, and progress with purpose.”

The event will feature guest speakers including Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of the African School of Governance; Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA); Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programs for Open Society Foundation Africa and prominent Pan-Africanist; and Professor Seun Kolade, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation at Sheffield Business School, UK.

Moderating the event will be a distinguished panel of academics from Nigerian universities, including Professor Alade Fawole, a retired Professor of International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); Professor Sat Obiyan, a Professor of Political Science at OAU; and Dr. Adedoyin Aguoru, an Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Ibadan.

The webinar will take place virtually on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM Nigeria time. To participate, attendees can join via Webinar ID: 899 5323 0234 with the passcode 650331.

Policemen reject N1 million bribe, arrest Suspect

The Police Command in Imo has arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Okoye said in a strong display of professionalism, operatives of the command rejected a N1m bribe to ensure justice prevailed in one of the operations.

“On Feb. 21, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search on the Owerri – Aba Express Road, apprehended one Eze Chika, 45.

“The suspect was found with a stolen four-year-old child.

“Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m,” Okoye stated.

According to him, in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers N1m bribe, which was outrightly rejected.

He said the officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child.

He added that further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, adding that more arrests are expected.

Okoye also said detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odo

for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbor’s son.

He said investigations revealed that Odoh, who was arrested on Feb. 4, stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.

“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.”

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes in the state.

The police spokesman urged residents, particularly parents, to be vigilant and monitor their children closely.

He urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or call any of the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 and 08148024755. (NAN)