Law & Crime
HURIWA to Police : You are not APC’s Attack Dog-Redepoly Osun CP Now — Group alleges police-thug alliance, seven Accord members killed, 25 injured; demands Tinubu, IGP, PSC intervention
By George Mgbeleke
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a blistering warning to the Nigeria Police Force over what it described as the dangerous politicisation of policing in Osun State, alleging that the state police command is increasingly behaving like an enforcement arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against members and leaders of the Accord Party.
HURIWA
In a statement signed by National Coordinator,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said its preliminary investigation into the unfolding political crisis in Osun State has produced deeply disturbing allegations of an unholy alliance between elements within the police command and suspected APC political thugs, allegedly aimed at intimidating, harassing, arresting and physically attacking Accord Party members ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The human rights organisation declared that the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally established to protect Nigerians and enforce the law, not to serve as the attack dog, private security outfit or political enforcement machinery of the APC.
HURIWA said it was particularly alarmed by allegations that police personnel have allegedly accompanied suspected APC thugs to attack Accord Party members, while some Accord members are allegedly arrested after their names are supplied or identified by APC political actors.
“This is no longer ordinary political rivalry. If these allegations are established, what is unfolding in Osun is an assault on democracy itself and an attempt to convert the police into a political weapon for crushing opposition parties,” HURIWA said.
The organisation said it had received allegations that no fewer than seven Accord Party members have allegedly been killed by suspected APC thugs, while about 25 others have reportedly sustained injuries, with perpetrators allegedly walking freely without meaningful arrests or prosecution.
HURIWA said the allegations become even more disturbing because of claims that the Commissioner of Police in Osun State has allegedly maintained an open and suspicious relationship with Asiri Eniba, whom political opponents have identified as a prominent figure among suspected APC street enforcers.
The organisation demanded that the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities immediately investigate the allegation and determine whether the Osun police command has compromised its constitutional duty of neutrality.
POLICE ALLEGEDLY HELPING THUGS TAKE OVER MOTOR PARKS
HURIWA further raised the alarm over allegations that police personnel are allegedly assisting suspected APC thugs in attempts to take over motor parks and other strategic locations across the state.
The organisation described such allegations as a frightening development capable of turning Osun State into a political battlefield before, during and after the governorship election.
HURIWA warned that allowing political thuggery to flourish under the protection or alleged cooperation of security agencies could result in the collapse of public order and undermine citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
The association therefore challenged the police hierarchy to come clean.
“Who authorised police officers to accompany political thugs to attack opposition members? Who authorised the arrest of Accord members allegedly identified by APC politicians? Who is protecting those allegedly responsible for the deaths and injuries being reported? And who gave anybody the authority to turn police stations and motor parks into political territories?”
HURIWA said Nigerians deserve answers.
ACCORD CANDIDATES’ ALLEGATIONS CANNOT BE SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET
The organisation said the allegations deserve urgent attention, particularly against the backdrop of complaints recently raised by Accord Party candidates in Osun State.
The member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, recently accused the police of intimidating and persecuting Accord Party leaders and members.
Salam called for the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and demanded the release of Alaba Ibrahim Popoola, the Accord candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, as well as Sodiq Olaniyan, a law student who was reportedly detained over allegations of cyberstalking.
Salam alleged that Olaniyan was arrested after raising concerns over alleged interference by an APC leader in the statutory responsibilities of INEC during the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards.
HURIWA said that allegation, if true, raises an alarming question:
Why would the police allegedly arrest the citizen who raised an alarm over suspected interference with an electoral process rather than thoroughly investigate the alleged interference itself?
The organisation also noted the police explanation that Popoola was arrested following a petition dated July 4 alleging involvement in illegal mining.
HURIWA said it would be irresponsible to prejudge the allegations against Popoola, but equally unacceptable for the police to use criminal allegations as a convenient cover for political persecution.
‘STOP HUNTING OPPOSITION MEMBERS’
HURIWA said it was also disturbed by allegations that Accord Party leaders, including the party’s Osun East senatorial candidate, Ibukun Fadipe, and other party leaders in the Ijesa axis, had allegedly been marked for arrest.
“We warn the police: Osun State is not a fiefdom of the APC, and the police command does not have the constitutional authority to decide who is permitted to participate in democratic politics.
“If any Accord candidate has committed a crime, investigate, charge and prosecute that person according to the law. But if police officers are being used to hunt down opposition candidates merely because political opponents have allegedly placed their names on a list, then the Inspector-General of Police must immediately dismantle such a criminal political arrangement.”
HURIWA stressed that no political party, whether ruling or opposition, should be above the law, and no security aa anogency should be permitted to act as a partisan instrument.
TINUBU MUST ACT BEFORE OSUN BECOMES A POLITICAL SLAUGHTERHOUSE
HURIWA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently, not to protect the APC or any other party, but to protect Nigeria’s democracy and the constitutional rights of Osun citizens.
The organisation said the President must demonstrate that his administration will not tolerate the use of security agencies to intimidate political opponents ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
HURIWA equally demanded immediate intervention by the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the National Human Rights Commission.
REDEPLOY OSUN CP IMMEDIATELY
Given the volume and gravity of the allegations surrounding the conduct of the Osun State Police Command, HURIWA demands the immediate redeployment of the current Commissioner of Police in Osun State.
The organisation said a neutral, professional and politically untainted Commissioner of Police should immediately be posted to Osun State to restore public confidence and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
HURIWA said the redeployment should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the Commissioner but as an urgent confidence-building measure in view of the serious allegations surrounding the command.
The organisation also demands an independent investigation into:
• The reported killing of seven Accord Party members and alleged attacks resulting in injuries to about 25 others;
• Alleged collaboration between police personnel and suspected APC thugs;
• Alleged arrest of Accord members based on names supplied by political opponents;
• Alleged police assistance to suspected political thugs in taking over motor parks;
• The circumstances surrounding the detention of Accord Party members and supporters;
• The alleged relationship between the Osun Commissioner of Police and Asiri Eniba;
• Allegations of planned arrests of Accord Party candidates and leaders; and
• The general conduct of security agencies ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
HURIWA also demands that all reported cases of political violence in Osun State be independently investigated and that anybody found culpable—whether a politician, thug, police officer or other security personnel—must face the full weight of the law.
POLICE MUST CHOOSE: DEMOCRACY OR POLITICAL THUGGERY
HURIWA reminds the Nigeria Police Force that its allegiance is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to the ruling APC or any individual politician.
The organisation therefore warns the Osun police command that the era when security agencies could allegedly be deployed to intimidate opposition politicians and manufacture a climate of fear must end.
The police cannot claim to be neutral while allegedly escorting political thugs to attack opponents.
The police cannot claim to protect democracy while allegedly arresting opposition members allegedly identified by ruling-party actors.
And the police cannot claim to uphold the law while suspected political enforcers allegedly roam the streets, allegedly kill and injure citizens, and allegedly seize strategic public spaces without accountability.
HURIWA therefore calls on President Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to act before the situation degenerates beyond control.
Osun State belongs to its people—not to APC thugs, not to Accord, not to PDP and certainly not to the police.
The forthcoming election must be a contest of ideas, programmes and votes—not guns, thuggery, police intimidation and political arrests.
HURIWA will continue to monitor developments in Osun State and will hold security agencies, political actors and other relevant institutions accountable for any action capable of undermining the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
Enough is enough.
The Nigeria Police Force must stop acting like APC’s attack dog and return immediately to its constitutional duty of protecting every Nigerian without fear or favour.
Law & Crime
Police parades 23 persons over alleged involvement in cult clashes in Bayelsà ….recovers Eight firearms, cutlasses, bottles of codine,two battle axes,20 cartridges
By David Owei
The Bayelsà State Police Command led by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale has paraded twenty -three persons over their involvement in the recent renewed cult clashes in the state and killings of over five persons.
Those arrested were apprehended after sizable display of attacks and reprisals from opposing cult groups recorded in Igbogene, Onopa, Ovom, Agudama, Amarata, Swali and Akenfa axis, some of which have resulted in fatalities.
The police also announced the recovery of Eight (8) FIREARMS (2 locally fabricated pistols, 3 Baretta Pistols, 3 Locally made revolver pistol, and 1 automatic pump-action)Nine (9) live 9mm ammunition, FIVE (5) Cutlasses Two (2) Battle axesOne (1) drumTwo (2) Cans of Nitrous Oxide also known as (Laughing Gas).
Also recovered are Seventeen (17) bottles of Codine Substance and big bag of Dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa Twenty (20) Cartridges.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale,while briefing newsmen at the Police headquarters, said the command, in a swift response via intelligence-driven operations and visibility patrols across identified flashpoints and parks and arrested a total of Twenty-three (23) suspects in connection to cultism, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms, and other light weapons.
He confirmed that during a streak of coordinated and intelligence-driven operations spanning a space of 13 days between 23rd September to 5th October, 2026, one Tarimie James, 24 yrs “m” of Ovum Community was arrested along St. Anglican Church.
“He confessed on video record to be a member of the Icelander Confraternity. One locally fabricated Barretta Pistol was recovered from him and he is currently on remand, awaiting trial”
“One EZEIKIEL JOEL; a 24 yrs “m” of Igbogene Community was arrested with an automatic pump-action gun, other light weapons and a drum used during their meetings were recovered from him.He confessed on video record to be a member of the Kue Klus Klan’s men (KKK) Confraternity.”
He also confirmed that the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Command led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, in the course of a coordinated operation to restore normalcy, arrested five (5) suspects in connection with attacks and reprisals by cult groups, resulting in life threatening injuries in some of the aforementioned communities.
“The suspects arrested include one ZAIDAMUN PAUL, ANTHONY OKORIE, God’s gift ANGEL, RICHMAN KUDI and VICTOR Kelsey.Exhibits Recovered: One (1)Baretta pistol, Axes, cutlasses and knives were recovered from the suspects”.
“On the 6th October, 2026, the operative of the Command acting on actionable intelligence recovered a locally made revolver pistol with three (3) live 9mm ammunition at Ugbogene, abandoned by a suspect (name withheld) who has been on the watchlist of the command for the recent cult-related apprehensions in Ugbogene community.”
“The said suspect, upon sighting police operatives, escaped through a nearby swamp, abandoning the exhibit. Effort is ongoing to apprehend him.”
” On the 7th- 8th October, 2026, which is barely two days ago, the operatives of the Command, during a joint and intelligence-driven operation, arrested eight (8) suspects in connection to cultism and breach of public peace in; Akenfa, Igbogene and Swali communities respectively.The suspects are:a. BARATUA-PRE BARA a 30 yrs “m” of Ogbia LGA, was arrested in Akenfa.”
“He confessed on video to being the No. 2 of the Icelanders Confraternity in Yenagoa. The suspect will be arraigned in court on Monday 12/10/2026.Igbogene also arrested Sb. FUNKURO BEREH a 25 yrs “m” of Ekeremoh LGA, arrested at Igbogene park. He confessed on a video recording to be a member of the Bobos Confraternity.The suspect will be arraigned in court soon.”
” KELVIN ADAMU a 28 yrs “m” of Igbogene Community, arrested at Igbogene Motor Park. The suspect is currently on remand, awaiting trial and he confessed on video recording to being a member of the Bobos confraternity.”
“SWALI COMMUNITY ARREST Sd. VINCENT IKIEYE a 20 yrs “m” of Gbarain, Southern Ijaw LGA. He was arrested on 8/10/2026 in Swali Community and handed over to the police by the community youths during a raid operation by the police.”
“The suspect confessed to being a member of the Bobos Confraternity and nicknamed “Small but mighty” The suspect will be arraigned on Monday 12/10/2026.”
e. Benjamin AKENO a 26 yrs “m” of Okpoma, Brass LGA. He was arrested on 8/10/2026 in Swali Community during a joint raid operation. The suspect confessed to being initiated into the Bobos Confraternity on 15th May, 2026 and he is nicknamed “Gentle Lion”.”
” ESUAYE IKECLEAR a 30 yrs “m” musician and native of Famgbe, Yenagoa LGA. The suspect was arrested in Swali, confessed to being inducted into the Bobos Confraternity in 10/9/2010 and nicknamed “Daki” ”
“GIFT TORIE “m” 23 yrs native of ikolo community, he confessed on video to being a member of the Bobos Confraternity and JOB SIMON 32 yrs businessman of Gbarain, Southern Ijaw LGA. He confessed to being a member of the Bobos confraternity, nicknamed “VIP” He will be charged to court on Monday 12/10/2026.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale however expressed appreciation to the personnel of the Doo Akpo Joint Task Force and other tactical and operational teams, whose vigilance, courage, and commitment continue to provide practical meaning to our resolve to keep Bayelsa safe.
He also acknowledged the renewed cooperation of our critical community stakeholders, ” Our recent engagements with tricycle unions, NURTW Bayelsa State, Traditional rulers, Community Development Committees, and youth leaders across Yenagoa were not merely ceremonial meetings; they were deliberate bridges of trust and intelligence-sharing.”
Law & Crime
Niger CJ Seeks mutual understanding between the Bar and Bench to enhance speedy dispensation of criminal, Civil Justice
By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna
The Chief Judge of Niger State,Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has stressed the need for continued cordial and mutual understanding between members of the Bar and the Bench towards enhancing speedy dispensation of criminal and Civil Justice in the state.
She noted that both the Bar and the Bench are crucial and critical partners in the administration of Justice, urging legal practitioners in the state to continue to adhere strictly to the ethical and code of conduct of their practice.
Justice Halima Ibrahim was speaking during the 2026 Bar and Bench forum to commemorate the annual legal year of the Niger State Judiciary at the High Court foyer.
She urged members of the legal practitioners to engage in an open,decorum-driven discussion to resolve the operational challenges towards enhancing administration of justice in the state.
The Chief Judge noted that the e-filling system introduced in the state Judiciary,was aimed at going along with the digital system and she commended the NBA Minna Branch for its prompt adoption of the judiciary’s newly introduced e-filling system.
Speaking in the format of the interactive Justice Halima noted that a list of speakers had earlier been submitted,however, she stated that the floor remained open to all members of the Bar to express their concerns,grievances and preferred suggestions and the way forward regarding court operations and judicial service.
“ We as democrats,and given the essence of being here,is to evaluate ourselves,identify our problems and forge ways ahead. I’m ready with what model may be used” the Chief Judge stated.
She assured lawyers that they are under her protection and enjoyed full immunity on the floor to speak their minds in ensuring two ways feedback process key Judicial officers including the Director ICT and DCR litigation will be available to receive complaints regarding e-filling platform.
While also highlighting administrative challenges encountered by the court particularly in handling appeals she told legal practitioners to key in to the e-filling platform already introduced in the state High courts.
Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik use the forum to formally congratulated the new executive of the Minna branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and also appreciated the immediate past leader of the branch Isyaku Barau for his support and cooperation during his tenure.
She assured that constructive feedback recieved from the forum, would be utilized to improve judicial efficiency and service delivery for the overall benefit of the legal profession and the citizens.
In her remarks,the Chief Registrar, of the High Court of Justice in Niger State,Amina Laminde Musa Saidu Esq explained that the Forum brings together two indispensable partners in the administration of Justice the Bench and the Bar.
She noted that their roles may differ,but share a common responsiblity in upholding the rule of law,preserve the integrity of the legal profession,and ensure the fair,efficient,and timely administration of justice.
According to the Chief Registrar, the effectiveness of the justice system depends significantly on a cordial and professional relationship between the Bench and Bar,founded on mutual respect, cooperation and constructive engagement.
“This forum therefore provides an important platform to discuss matters affecting court administration,professional conduct and practice,as well as challenges confronting the administration of justice in our state” she stated.
While commending the Chief Judge for her efforts in sustaining the Bench and Bar engagement and her commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two critical stakeholders,the Chief Registrar, pointed out that the initiative reflects the Chief Judge recognition that meaningful judicial reform requires consultation,cooperation,and the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
By Our Correspondent
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has showcased 298 Nigerian innovators from the 36 states and FCT to global investors in London as part of efforts to commercialise homegrown technologies.
The innovators featured at the 2026 NextGen Innovation Challenge grand finale, which drew entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and diplomats to explore investment and international collaboration opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the NBTI Director-General, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji said innovation and technology commercialisation are critical to Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition.
“A one-trillion-dollar economy cannot be built by government alone. It must be built by Nigerians who innovate, Nigerians who manufacture, Nigerians who invest, Nigerians who create intellectual property, Nigerians who build enterprises,” he said.
Raji said the Challenge was designed to bridge the gap between ideas and market, linking innovators with investors and global markets. Participation rose from 105 last year to 298 this year.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian High Commission in the UK, British High Commission and strategic partner UKALD for supporting the initiative.
“Today is a celebration, but tomorrow is the real test,” he said, urging innovators to build, commercialise, scale and take Nigerian innovation global.
Delivering a keynote on behalf of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, Ambassador Abu Obey Eche said London, as a global finance and tech hub, offers a strategic platform for Nigerian talent.
“Diplomacy today must go beyond governments speaking to governments. It must also connect businesses to markets, innovators to investors, researchers to institutions, and Nigerian opportunities to global capital,” he said.
Eche said the High Commission is committed to opening doors for local innovators and urged Nigerians in the diaspora to deploy capital and expertise to support emerging entrepreneurs.
An investor, Ms. Erin Grover said she was impressed, particularly by women-led innovations, and expressed interest in investing.
“I think there are some inspiring women here especially who I’ve been able to speak with today, and I definitely hope to invest in at least one of them coming out of this event,” she said.
“My one piece of unsolicited advice is to just never give up ever, be persistent as hell, keep going,” she told participants.
Chairman of APC UK and Executive Director of UKALD, Hon. Tunde Doherty, said the 298 innovations on display were investment-ready products, not just ideas, and urged investors to look to Nigeria for technology investment.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, also commended NBTI for expanding the platform and pledged stronger ministry support.
“If there is a problem in the society and you identify that problem and you try to solve it, you are making more impact to the society than someone who is doing several degrees in university,” he said.
The event marks an expansion from 105 innovators last year to 298 this year, with organisers targeting tangible outcomes in business creation, commercial partnerships, investment deals and jobs.
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