News
Sakwiba lies about UKA finger print procession Esposed by police say
POLICE in Lusaka have dispelled allegations by United Liberal Party leader ,Sakwiba Sikota that he submitted finger print forms for the procession of opposition movement, United Kwacha Alliance (UKA).
Mr Sikota is believed to have given the misinformation when he appeared on the Red Hot Breakfast show on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has however, said procession of finger prints for UKA were incomplete.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to address recent misinformation that was aired on the Red Hot Breakfast Show yesterday February 27, 2024 , alleging that Mr Sakwiba Sikota had submitted fingerprint forms for the procession as part of the registration process for the United Kwacha Alliance at the Zambia Police Service Headquarters.”
“The facts surrounding this matter are as follows: Today (yesterday), February 28, 2024, at 16:10 hours, Mr Sakwiba Sikota, accompanied by Mr Silawve, presented incomplete forms required for the partial fulfillment of the registration process. Contrary to the information aired, the fingerprint forms were not handed in on an earlier date, as suggested,” he said.
Mr Hamoonga said upon examination of the presented forms, it was determined that they were incomplete.
He said as per the established procedures, Mr Sikota and colleague were advised to rectify the deficiencies and resubmit the correct and complete documentation.
“We would like to emphasize the importance of truthfulness and accuracy in communication, particularly when it involves matters of national interest. It is crucial for eminent personalities like Mr. Sakwiba Sikota to be truthful and the media to verify information with the concerned authorities before disseminating it to the public,” he said.
Mr Hamoonga reiterated the call by police for responsible reporting and communication, urging individuals and media outlets to adhere to the principles of accuracy and verification.
He added that the dissemination of falsehoods on matters of national importance may result in legal consequences, including prosecution against those found to be in violation
News
Four Suspended Police Officers to Stand Trial for Alleged N43m Theft
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of four officers accused of misappropriating N43.16 million from a total of N74.95 million recovered during an unauthorized operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The officers—DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all attached to Zone 7 Headquarters—were implicated in a case involving the arrest of Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting cash for clients in August 2023.
Investigations revealed that while the officers initially reported N31.79 million as the recovered sum, they concealed the remaining N43.16 million. This prompted the owners of the funds to file a petition, escalating the matter to the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.
Findings and Allegations
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed that investigations uncovered a conspiracy among the officers to steal part of the recovered funds. Key revelations include:
The officers photographed the suspect and the money during the arrest but later claimed their device was damaged to hide evidence.
They allegedly transported the missing cash out of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to conceal it.
Attempts were made to mislead the investigation by claiming technical issues and disseminating false narratives to media outlets.
Adejobi stated, “These officers conspired to steal part of the money amounting to N43.16 million, attempting to cover their tracks through misinformation and corruption.”
The four officers have been suspended for gross misconduct, tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and unprofessional behavior. Following due legal and administrative procedures, they are set to face prosecution.
The police force also dismissed allegations suggesting that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was protecting a cartel involved in smuggling banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Adejobi condemned these claims as part of a “sponsored misinformation campaign,” emphasizing that such narratives are attempts to distract from the criminal acts of the officers involved. He reiterated the force’s commitment to accountability and professionalism under the current administration’s reform agenda.
The police urged the public and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing reforms aimed at eliminating corruption and restoring trust in the force.
This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, as the officers await trial for their alleged misconduct.
News
Fire Incidents in Kano Claim Three Lives, Cause Over N132.4m in Damages
The Kano State Fire Service has reported that three lives were lost and properties worth over N132,450,000 destroyed in various fire incidents across the state during November.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the service’s spokesman, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, provided an overview of the service’s operations for the month. According to the statement, fire personnel responded to 43 fire emergencies and successfully rescued three individuals.
Additionally, the fire service saved properties valued at approximately N310,600,000 during their operations. However, they also handled six false alarms and responded to five rescue calls.
The emergency responses came from the service’s 29 fire stations located throughout Kano State.
Highlighting the need for public vigilance, Abdullahi urged residents to handle fire responsibly, especially during the dry harmattan season, to prevent further fire outbreaks.
He also cautioned motorists to adhere to traffic rules and drive carefully, particularly during the Christmas season, to minimize the risk of road accidents.
“The general public must exercise caution with fire to avoid incidents during this harmattan period. Motorists should also drive carefully and observe traffic regulations, especially during holiday travels,” Abdullahi emphasized.
The Kano State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while encouraging the public to adopt safety measures to reduce fire-related incidents.
News
Police Hunt for Suspected Killers of Security Guard in Ogun State
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers responsible for the murder of a security guard in the Ologede community, Atan area of Ogun State.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, responding to inquiries from journalists.
Reports indicate that the armed robbers attacked a mini car park in the area during a late-night raid. The guard, who had been recently employed to secure the premises, was brutally killed, with his body discovered tied up and bearing severe injuries.
A food vendor operating on the premises reportedly found the lifeless body of the guard the following morning and raised the alarm, drawing the attention of community members. It was also discovered that a truck parked at the facility had been stolen during the invasion.
A resident of the area, speaking anonymously, described the park as a former mechanic workshop turned car park. The resident added that the guard was a familiar face in the community before being hired by the park’s owner to safeguard the facility.
“The robbers killed the guard, hacking him and tying him in a corner. A food vendor who came to the premises early in the morning found his body and raised the alarm. When the park owner arrived, it was confirmed that a truck parked there had been stolen,” the resident explained.
Police officers from the Atan division were alerted and arrived at the scene, transferring the body to Ilaro General Hospital Morgue.
Odutola stated that the chairman of Ologede Village reported the incident to the police, leading to the dispatch of detectives to the scene.
“On 28th November 2024, around 6:00 a.m., the chairman of Ologede Village informed the police about the discovery of a corpse, estimated to be about 40 years old, lying in a pool of blood near the community’s entrance. The victim had severe head injuries, suggesting a possible case of murder and armed robbery,” she said.
The police have commenced a preliminary investigation and assured the public that efforts are underway to track and apprehend the suspects responsible for the heinous crime.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we are committed to bringing those involved to justice,” Odutola concluded.