₦airaland Forum

Misleading News. The general public is kindly requested to disregard the malicious allegation against troops of the Division and to continue to cooperate with the 1 Division and other security agencies so as to rid of our area of responsibility of terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the good people of Kaduna State and urge them to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses.

RE: BODIES OF 11 FULANI ARRESTED BY SOLDIERS FOUND IN KADUNA FOREST

Jan 11, 2024

The attention of Headquarters 1 Division has been drawn to a report by Daily Trust Newspaper being circulated online alleging that troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army(NA) arrested and killed 11 Fulani, raided houses, took away monies and dried ginger.

This Division wishes to unequivocally state that the Nigerian Army is a professional force committed to the rule of law and utmost respect for fundamental human right of all citizen hence cannot be involve in extra-judicial killings and stealing of citizens valuables as alleged. Moreso, the Nigerian Army belongs to the Nigerian people with representation from all parts of the county and can never be used as a tool to pursue untoward agenda

For avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight. On 21 December 2023, troops of the Division responded to a kidnap incident around Crossing general area of Kachia Local Government. The kidnappers had stabbed a young man and dispossessed him of his motorcycle and the sum of Fifteen Thousand Naira (N15,000). The troops on arriving the scene went after the kidnappers and neutralized 3 while one escaped with a gunshot wound and was later arrested by the troops on his way to the hospital.

Imperative to mention that 30 December 2023 was the first time troops conducted any military operation in Tilden Fulani in which one Mr Ibrahim Abubakar was arrested on suspicion of involvement in insurgent activities. In the process of investigation, Mr Ibrahim Abubakar admitted to having been an insurgent providing details of his involvement in insurgent activities including spaces of kidnaps and highway raids. He volunteered names of 5 persons in the community in possession of automatic weapons including his brother. This information necessitated another raid to the village. However, on arrival at the village, troops discovered that the 5 suspects had all fled the village with their families. Their houses were thoroughly searched but nothing incriminating was found neither was anything taken away by the troops. Intelligence further reveled that the village is complicit in terrorist activities and that most of the criminals have fled with their families for fear of been eliminated by the militia group in the area.

Its therefore important to mention categorically, that at no time have troops of the Division killed or executed any Fulani herder or any innocent citizen, collected their money, motorcycles and ginger. This is obviously a smear campaign to sabotage the efforts of the Division to clear communities in its AOR of insurgency and terrorism. Again, the arrear where the corpses were alleged to have been found have never been visited by the troops of the Division.

Consequently, the general public is kindly requested to disregard the malicious allegation against troops of the Division and to continue to cooperate with the Division and other security agencies so as to rid our area of responsibility of terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the good people of Kaduna State and urge them to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses.

MUSA YAHAYA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division NA
11 January 2024

Bodies Of 11 Fulani Arrested By Soldiers Found In Kaduna Forest

By Maryam Ahmadu-Suka (Kaduna) & Idowu Isamotu (Abuja)
Thu, 11 Jan 2024

Eleven decomposing corpses of Fulani from Tulde Fulbe, Ladduga Grazing Reserve in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were on Monday discovered in a forest located near an area called “Crossing” within the local government area.

The bodies, Daily Trust gathered, were identified by relatives and community members as those of the Fulani allegedly arrested by soldiers in the area at different times.

Relatives and other members of the community, who could not hold back tears, took the pains of putting their loved ones in sacks after driving for over 30 minutes to get to the location where the bodies were allegedly dumped because they were decomposing.

The victims, namely Safiyanu Adamu, Abdulkadir Idris, Akilu Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Magaji Umar, Said Saleh, Abdulaziz Yusuf, Ibrahim Sani, Musa Dan Asabe, Nura Yusuf and Nuru Magaji were said to have been arrested by soldiers.

But when contacted, the Army Headquarters in Abuja referred one of our reporters to the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna.

When contacted the army officials in Kaduna said they don’t kill suspects in their custody.


‘They intercepted us while taking my son to hospital’

Adamu Idris, who is the father of one of the victims, Safiyanu Adamu, alleged that he was taking his son to a hospital after being involved in an accident when he was arrested by the soldiers.

He narrated: “My son had an accident on a motorcycle on his way back from Maulud celebration. I was at home when the news came to me. I was taking my son who was bleeding from his mouth to a hospital when the soldiers stopped us, took him and told us they were taking him to Abuja. They accused my son of being a thief, an accusation, which I denied. Before they left, they (soldiers) collected the N18,000 cash I was holding to pay my son’s hospital bills.

“A week after his arrest, I was informed that his corpse had been found. I want justice for my son and all the other victims. The soldiers in the area are taking advantage of us, the Fulani. The government should wade in and bring the earring soldiers to face the wrath of the law”, said Malam Adamu.

Another member of the community, Ayuba Muhammad, accused soldiers of raiding their homes and taking their property.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani to come to their aid and end “the injustice being meted on Fulani in Ladduga.”

He said: “On the 28th of December, 2023, soldiers came into the community before a place called “Crossing” and killed three of our people. We do not know what their offence was, but we know them to be good people because even if we go to the police station here in Ladduga, you will find out that they have no records.

“We called the police to see the corpses, they made their report and gave us permission to bury the corpses. We thought it was over, but unfortunately, it was not. So far, 11 people have been killed. They were arrested by soldiers and their corpses were found near the Navy Barracks in the area.

“On the 30th of December, 2023, soldiers came to the “Crossing” market, they arrested some people and shot at Nuhu Yusuf in broad daylight. After that, they entered the village, took more people and raided some houses and took N30,000 from one of the houses. In another house, they went away with a bag of ginger, which was being dried. After that, they again came into our community in the night, raided some houses and went away with motorcycles and ginger.

“We do not know our crime. We are law abiding citizens here in Ladduga, and we do not harbour criminals. We have continuously supported the security agencies in a bid to have peace in our community”, said Malam Ayuba.

Also, Suleiman Abdullahi, a relation of Nuru Magaji, one of the victims, narrated: “Last Saturday, we were taking tea early in the morning at the tea seller’s shop in the community when soldiers came asking how much was the cost of sugarcane. We told them that the sugarcane seller was partially deaf and so they had to come closer and speak louder.

“As we were drinking our tea, the soldiers called my relation, Nuru Magaji and took him to the front of their vehicle and they asked him what was this. I did not really hear what they were saying, but the next thing I heard them say was ‘enter the car’. There was another man selling grains called Nura; the soldiers pulled him towards their vehicle and shot him. That was how we all ran for safety. That’s all I saw, and the next thing, their corpses were found. We want to call on the government to address this issue of intimidation and injustice by soldiers.”

However, Abubakar Muhammad, a relation of Akilu Abdullahi, said the victim went to the market and was arrested by soldiers.

“We did not hear from them since the arrest until their corpses were found,” he said.

He also corroborated the allegation that the soldiers stole ginger, motorcycles, cash and other valuables from members of the community.

He wondered what had changed in the atmosphere under which they have been living in that community, saying: “We have been living peacefully in this community since the days of our grandparents up till date.”

The Village Head of Tilde Fulbe, Ladduga Grazing Reserve, Muhammad Yusuf, accused the soldiers of arresting and killing innocent Fulani without proper investigation.

He called for proper investigation into the matter.

We’re looking into the matter – Kaduna govt

When contacted, the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed receipt of a complaint by the Fulani leaders.

“We have received their complaint and we will look into it. Our doors are open and we will investigate. While we appeal for calm, we will look at the possibility of engaging them to understand what truly happened,” the commissioner assured.


We don’t kill suspects in our custody

One of our correspondents approached the spokesman for the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment, but he said One Division in Kaduna would avail Daily Trust with necessary reactions.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Headquarters Kaduna, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya confirmed that troops of Operation Whirl Punch picked up a suspected bandit. He, however, said the suspect in their custody is alive and aiding investigation that will lead to the capture of one other suspect at large.

He said, “The Commanding Officer of Operation Whirl Punch has confirmed that troops picked up a suspected bandit near crossing in Kachia Local Government Area and recovered a weapon from him. He is currently in their custody and is aiding investigation.

“Acting of credible intelligence, troops of the division stormed Tilden Fulani on 30 December 2023 during which one Mr Ibrahim was arrested as suspect for involvement in terrorist activities and insurgency. The suspect is currently in our custody and had confessed to be involved in insurgency. He has further volunteered information that will assist the troops in subsequent operation. The troops did not molest anybody or killed anyone as alleged.

“On 21 December 2023 along Maro-Katul Crossing in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, troops of 1 Division while responding to a kidnap incident neutralized three kidnappers.

“The kidnap victim, one Mr Rabiu Ahmed was stabbed and dispossessed by the suspects who fled when troops approached. Items recovered from the kidnappers include two machetes, the motorcycle dispossessed from the victim and 2 x mobile phones recovered from them alongside the sum of N15, 000 which they also collected from the victim. The victim was taken to a military medical facility where he was treated and his motorcycle and other belongings where returned to him,” he said.

Tilewizy:
If only you know how many carry their secrets.

SOLDIERS INVOLVED IN TORTURE IN VIRAL VIDEO ARRESTED

The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army viewed with utmost dismay the unprofessional conduct of two of its personnel involved in the brutality of a civilian in Rivers State, in a viral video making the rounds in the social media. It is instructive to mention that the soldiers involved in that unprofessional conduct have been clearly identified and arrested.

The Division wishes to unequivocally state that, the Nigerian Army remains a professional force that conducts its activities in adherence to established rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry. Thus, no form of infraction would be condoned from erring personnel.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has directed that a full scale investigation be conducted immediately. He has further reassured that no stone will be left unturned to sanction those involved.

Well meaning members of the public are encouraged to continue to provide credible information on such unprofessional conducts, as the Division is poised to be more responsive to the public. This is one unfortunate isolated case that would be expeditiously dealt with.

DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
6 Division Army Public Relations
10 January 2024

SuperSports Makes U-Turn, To Broadcast All 52 AFCON Matches

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in Group A and will face host country Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

By Donatus Anichukwueze
Updated January 10, 2024

Multichoice, owners of Digital Satellite Television( DStv), have announced that its sporting channel, SuperSports will broadcast all 52 matches at the 2023 African Cup of Nations holding in Cote d’Ivoire.

The announcement is coming after the company had last week stated that it will not transmit the tournament “because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament..”

“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.”

“Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivalled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions,” MultiChoice had said in a statement.

READ ALSO: SuperSports Won’t Broadcast AFCON – Multichoice

But in a post it captioned “No gree for anybody” on X on Wednesday, the company confirmed that SuperSports will show all 52 AFCON 2023 matches to its customers.

The 34th edition of the biennial tournament which is being hosted in Cote d’Ivoire will start on 13 January and end 11 February, 2024.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in Group A and will face host country Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

Lagos CP removes DPO over lawyer’s detention after PUNCH report

9th January 2024
By Deborah Sanusi

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered the removal of the Divisional Police Officer, Gown Estate Division, Austin Arase, following the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the DPO.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Tuesday.

The statement read, “Following the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the Divisional Police Officer, Gown Estate Division, as published in Punch Newspaper of January 4, 2024, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, halas ordered the immediate removal of the DPO pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities.

“The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication.

“CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the Command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch to enable a round table discussion towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better police-lawyers relationship.”

The statement added that the Lagos State Police Command, under Fayoade, will continue to uphold the rule of law, and will not hesitate to sanction any officer found engaging in unprofessional, unethical and discreditable conduct.

PUNCH Metro reports last Thursday that a Lagos-based lawyer, Olumide Sonupe, was hospitalised after he was said to have been detained by the police while seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.

It was learnt that the 36-year-old Sonupe was taken to the hospital when his health deteriorated upon his release from the police station on January 1, 2024 after spending two nights with his client in the police cell.

The incident happened when Sonupe went to the station on December 30 to seek the bail of his client, a carpenter, who had been detained for alleged breach of contract.

Sonupe told PUNCH Metro that a female officer had accused him of speaking with his client without the presence of an officer.

He said while trying to clear the misunderstanding and appeal to the officers on the N30,000 bail sum demanded for his client, the Divisional Police Officer, Austin Arase, came in and ordered that he should be detained as he accused him of disrespecting the officers.

The Nigerian Bar Association also condemned what it termed the unlawful detention of its member.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Metro, the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb-Lawal, said the association had received an official complaint and ordered a probe into the matter.

They also demanded the release of the videos which were recorded through the CCTV cameras installed in the police station.

NBA faults police for detaining lawyer seeking client’s bail

5th January 2024
By Babatunde Titilola

The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned what it termed the unlawful detention of its member, a Lagos-based lawyer, Olumide Sonupe.

Sonupe was said to have been hospitalised after he was detained by the police on December 30, 2023.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Metro on Thursday, the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb-Lawal, demanded the release of the videos which were recorded through the CCTV cameras installed in the police station.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that the 36-year-old Olumide was hospitalised after he was said to have been detained by the police while seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.

It was learnt that his health deteriorated upon his release from the police station on January 1, 2024, after spending two nights with his client in the police cell.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident happened when Olumide went to the station on December 30 to seek the bail of his client, a carpenter, who had been detained for an alleged breach of contract.

Olumide told PUNCH Metro that a female officer had accused him of speaking with his client without the presence of an officer.

He said while trying to clear the misunderstanding and appeal to the officers on the N30,000 bail sum demanded for his client, the Divisional Police Officer, Austin Arase, came in and ordered that he should be detained as he accused him of disrespecting the officers.

The lawyer stated that he was also accused of assaulting an officer and eventually spent two nights in the cell.

He was said to have ended up at the hospital after his release due to medical emergencies.

Speaking to our correspondent, the NBA publicity Secretary, Habeeb-Lawal, said the association had received an official complaint and ordered a probe into the matter.

He said, “We have taken up the issue alongside the Chairman of the Ikeja branch, Oluwaseyi Olawumi, and the Security Agencies Relations Committee of the NBA. We have the chairman’s commitment to send a petition to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission over the conduct of the police officers involved in this matter.

“We are not pre-judging anything like what the state Police Public Relations Officer had said. We want a proper investigation to be conducted and the outcome made public. Our colleague has insisted that he never assaulted the police officer. How could a civilian assault police officers in their station? We are talking about Nigerian police officers here.”

Habeeb-Lawal said the NBA wanted the police to release the station’s CCTV recordings to confirm the authenticity of the claims, noting that the association “would not tolerate assault on its members.”

He further stated that the association is ready to support Olumide and ensure that necessary disciplinary actions are taken against any erring officer in the case while condemning the increasing cases of police harassment.

“We are not only involved in this case because Olumide is a lawyer, but also because he is a Nigerian citizen. We recognise that the police dedicate their time and lives to protect people but we will also not tolerate any harassment on any person,” he added.

Olumide’s brother, Babatunde, told PUNCH Metro on Thursday that the 36-year-old has been discharged from the hospital.

This was also confirmed by the chairman of the NBA Ikeja branch, Oluwaseyi Olawumi, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday.

The chairman, however, promised to make comments on the matter at a later time.

He had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

A human rights advocate, Ayo Ademiluyi, said Olumide’s colleagues expect the NBA to set out appropriate actions against the police officers and ensure justice is served.

ONGOING: Meeting between @LagosPoliceNG Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by Barrister Chukwuka Ikwuazom SAN.

RE: LAWYER DETAINED FOR SEEKING CLIENT'S BAIL HOSPITALISED, SEEKS JUSTICE
- CP ORDERS IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF DPO

Following the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gowon Estate Division, as published in Punch Newspaper of January 4, 2024, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has ordered the immediate removal of the DPO pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities. The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication.

CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the Command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch to enable a round table discussion towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better police-lawyers relationship.

The Lagos State Police Command, under the stewardship of CP Fayoade, will continue to uphold the rule of law, while not hesitating to sanction any officer found engaging in unprofessional, unethical and discreditable conduct.

SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
LAGOS STATE COMMAND
IKEJA

JANUARY 9, 2024.

LAWYERS IN LAGOS PROTEST!

The Nigerian Bar association Lagos branch is calling on all lawyers in Lagos to join In the protest against police brutality.

Date: Thursday 11th January, 2024
Time: 10am
Venue: Ikeja Branch Center

Lawyer detained for seeking client’s bail hospitalised, seeks justice

4th January 2024
By Babatunde Titilola


A Lagos-based lawyer, Olumide Sonupe, has been hospitalised after he was said to have been detained by the police while seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the 36-year-old Olumide was taken to the hospital when his health deteriorated upon his release from the police station on January 1, 2024 after spending two nights with his client in the police cell.

It was learnt that the incident happened when Olumide went to the station on December 30 to seek the bail of his client, a carpenter, who had been detained for the alleged breach of contract.

PUNCH Metro gathered that a customer had paid Olumide’s client to make some chairs. After making the chairs, the customer allegedly refused to take the chairs because the chairs were not the same as the designs he had sent. The customer was said to have reported the matter to the police and the carpenter’s presence was requested.

He said, “They said they were going to detain my client. I met with the Investigating Police Officer, Supol Grace, and told her that the matter was purely a civil matter and nothing criminal. I asked that we should try to settle it amicably. I spoke with the carpenter, and he said he would get N50,000 by the end of January and the remaining balance of about N162,000 as soon as he sold the chairs. Everyone involved agreed. They asked him to write an undertaking and requested N30,000 for bail. Despite several pleas, they refused.

“I asked that I see the carpenter in his cell. While talking to him, the IPO said she was going to bring POS for the payment of the N30,000. I advised the carpenter to offer them N5,000 but he said they might reject it and that he would give them N10,000.”

The lawyer told PUNCH Metro that another female officer who was not around when the IPO asked him to stay with his client came in and accused him of being with a detained suspect without the presence of an officer.

He said, “She started poking her fingers on my chest but I told her not to touch me. She threatened to head-butt me and called me a useless charge-and-bail lawyer. The Divisional Police Officer, Austin Arase, came and accused me of disrespecting the officers. Before I could speak, he raised his hand in an attempt to slap me. I told him he would not dare do that to a lawyer and a member of the NBA. He brought his hand down and ordered that they lock me up. He held one end of my trousers, another male police officer and the IPO woman held my clothes and they all dragged me to the cell area. They forcefully removed my clothes and everything I was with and pushed me inside the cell.”

The lawyer said his brother was informed. According to him, the police told his brother he was being detained because he attempted to disarm an officer.

He said, “The next morning, my brother came with my aunt and started begging for my release. My brother came to meet me and told me to do whatever they asked. They took me to the DPO’s office. I noticed that there was a video screen to watch everything going on in the station through the CCTV cameras.

While writing the statement, they asked why I attacked the DPO. I was shocked and said it was the DPO that wanted to slap me. I also included in the statement that there were cameras around and the video recordings would prove my innocence.

“We went back to the DPO after reading the statement. He said they should lock me up again, which they did. My aunt also came and asked me to withdraw my statement. After so much talk, I followed her upstairs and met the DPO again. The DPO said I should sit down and asked me what happened the previous day. I narrated everything. The DPO asked them to bring a Maltina drink for me.”

It was gathered that the DPO instructed Olumide to bring a surety. However, when his brother and aunt volunteered, the DPO was said to have rejected them.

“He said he cannot allow a woman to be a surety and he could accept my brother but I needed to bring a civil servant. My aunt told me she is a civil servant but he refused. She called someone and when he came, the DPO said he was going somewhere so we had to wait. We waited for hours but he did not arrive around 10pm,” Olumide said.

PUNCH Metro gathered that Olumide’s client who had been released on bail was re-arrested before he could leave the station and was locked up with Olumide in the same cell.

He said, “The following morning, the Area Commander arrived around 4am and accused me of assaulting the DPO. He said they would charge me to court the following day. A police woman who was with me helped me up and they took me back to the cell. Some minutes later, they came to call me at the request of the Area Commander. I told them I could not walk. I was in serious pain.

“The officer went back and two officers came again and accused me of disrespecting the Area Commander. I told them I wanted to come but my legs were shaking and I needed help walking. They approached me and pulled me up but I fell back down. They lifted me and helped me to walk. The Area Commander asked me to narrate what had happened. While doing that, he asked me to move closer to him because he could not hear me. I told him I could not move my legs. He became angry and left.”

PUNCH Metro learnt that Olumide was later released in the afternoon and his client was also said to have been bailed the second time.

Olumide’s brother, who confirmed the story, told our correspondent that the appropriate branch of the Nigerian Bar Association had been informed and necessary steps were being taken to seek justice.

The DPO did not respond to calls as of press time.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Akorede Habeeb-Lawal, said he would get back to our correspondent. He never did as of the time of filing this report.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident accusing Olumide of acting “without decorum”.

“Lawyers come to police stations every day without issues. He was different. He acted without decorum,” Hundeyin added.