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IG, Conference of Speakers clash over creation of state police

Published

10 months ago

June 17, 2025

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun

IG, Conference of Speakers clash over creation of state police

Inspector-General (IG) Kayode Egbetokun and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly clashed yesterday over agitations for the creation of state police.

They spoke at the constitutional review legislative dialogue on the national security architecture tagged: “Nigeria’s peace and security: the constitutional imperative”.

The dialogue was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Advancing his opposition to the proposal, which had been adopted by governors, Egbetokun said that rather than create state police, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) should be strengthened and well-funded to carry out its constitutional responsibility.

But the Speakers’ Conference, through its Chairman Adebo Ogundoyin (Oyo State) said the security challenges in the country can better be addressed with a multi-level policing which include allowing for the establishment of state police.

According to Egbetokun, the NPF is constitutionally established under Section 214(1) of the 1999 constitution as amended, which provides that “there shall be a police force for Nigeria which shall be known as the Nigerian Police Force and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the federation or any part thereof.

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“Furthermore, Section 215(1) provides for the appointment of the Inspector-General of Police by the President on the advice of the Nigerian Police Council (NPC). It also places the operational command and administration of the force under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police.

He argued that the constitutional provisions clarify the centralised character of policing and the operational authority entrusted to the IGP under the supervision of the President and Police Council.

The police boss said: “As we gather here this morning (yesterday) to review the constitutional underpinnings of our security framework, we must admit that legal centralisation without operational decentralisation has imposed on the NPF to effectively discharge its mandate across Nigeria’s diverse terrain.

“Our national security landscape is growing increasingly complex. From the insurgency in the northeast, banditry and kidnapping in Northwest and central regions, to secessionist violence in the southeast, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, we are confronted with a multi-faceted array of tracks, each exposing gaps not only in our security capabilities, but more fundamentally in our constitutional architecture and constitutional institutional coordination mechanisms.”

Ogundoyin, Oyo State Houses of Assembly Speaker, restated his colleagues unwavering commitment to strengthen the nation’s security institutions and will continue to inspire confidence in the connected resolve to safeguard this nation.

He said: “As the Speaker’s House of Assembly nationwide, we know exactly where the issue pinches when it comes to a security because we all face our various types of insecurity in our states.

“We know that the president’s commitment is unwavering in strengthening our security institutions and to continue to inspire confidence in our collective resolve.

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“From insurgency in the northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and Northcentral to herders’ and farmers’ clashes in the Northcentral and also all across the South which directly affects food security which is another issue that is very important for us to address and protect.

“Therefore, this is an opportunity to align our legislative priorities with the realities faced by our people ensuring that the constitutional and legal framework of security evolves to be the present and future challenges of the Nigerian police force and other agencies who despite working under extreme challenging conditions continue to make sacrifices to protect our nation.

“Yet, it is now evident that centralised policing structure, no matter how well intentioned, has become overstretched. It is on this basis the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, subscribe partially to the establishment of state police and constitutional imperative.

“This is not a mere political position, it is a patriotic and strategic necessity. We recognise that the concerns have been raised regarding the potential abuse, the capacity, the limitations and inter-jurisdictional conflict.

“But these are not insurmountable challenges because everyone at the present situation of things. The Nigeria Police Force also face challenges and the state government across the federation also support them in their own day-to-day work.

“With constitutional safeguards, clear command structures, legislative clarity, independent oversight mechanisms, and well-defined frameworks for inter-agency collaboration, state police can become a force for justice, accountability and grassroots protection.

“This is the voice of subnational in this federation. Whether we like it or not, we have to recognize that the 36 states and the FCT make up Nigeria, and the Nigerian people are here calling for state police. However, we’ll get it done.

“We recognise the concerns also that. Beyond state policing, the conference also lends its voice to the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and interagency coordination, improved funding, training and welfare for security personnel, a stronger legal framework to address emerging threats such as cybercrime, transnational terrorism and arms reformation.”

IG, Conference of Speakers clash over creation of state police

Related Topics:Featured ig Speakers State Police

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Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni

Published

12 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Rufai Oseni

Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni

Reports circulating online suggest that Rufai Oseni, a prominent anchor with Arise News, has been suspended by the station, but the development remains unverified as of press time.

The claim, which began trending on social media platforms and was later amplified by various online posts, has not been officially confirmed by Arise News management or by Oseni himself.

As of now, there is no statement from Arise News, no internal memo made public, and no confirmation from credible mainstream media outlets regarding the alleged suspension.

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The lack of official confirmation means the story remains at the level of a developing report, with details still unclear, including the reason for the alleged suspension, its duration, or whether any disciplinary action has indeed been taken.

Rufai Oseni is one of Arise News’ most recognisable broadcasters, known for his hard-hitting interviews and political analysis programmes, which has contributed to the wide attention the report is currently generating online.

Media observers note that in situations like this, verification from official sources is necessary before the claim can be treated as confirmed news.

For now, the alleged suspension remains unconfirmed, and further updates are expected once Arise News or the broadcaster issues an official statement.

Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni

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Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

Published

13 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing multiple corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling marks a major development in the high-profile trial, although full details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report. The court’s decision comes amid intensified legal proceedings involving several corruption allegations linked to his time in office.

El-Rufai’s bail was granted shortly after he appeared before a Kaduna State High Court under heavy security for a related proceeding concerning a separate bail application in another ICPC-linked case. The back-to-back court appearances reflect the complexity and multi-layered nature of the cases against the former governor.

Court proceedings were reportedly conducted under tight security, with journalists initially restricted from accessing the courtroom, further heightening public interest in the matter.

During earlier sittings, the prosecution was said to have amended the charge sheet, restructuring the case from an initial joint trial involving El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, to a sole-defendant arrangement after Sule was dropped from the case.

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The defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ubong Akpan, reportedly expressed surprise over the amended charges, stating that the new documents were served in court without prior notice, which contributed to delays in the proceedings.

The case was subsequently adjourned to April 14, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, which has now resulted in the Federal High Court granting bail.

The ICPC alleges that the former governor was involved in several financial infractions during his tenure, including the alleged release of about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed.

He is also accused of approving and receiving approximately ₦289.8 million as severance allowance beyond legally permitted limits, alongside allegations of financial misconduct involving a World Bank-linked loan reportedly valued at over $1.08 million.

Other allegations include the controversial award of a ₦4.6 billion CCTV surveillance contract in Kaduna State allegedly in violation of procurement laws, as well as claims of conspiracy to obstruct or influence federal investigators.

In a separate case before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is also facing additional charges bordering on money laundering, conversion, and alleged unlawful possession of public assets.

He has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his administration followed due process in all financial and contractual decisions.

The ICPC has not yet issued an updated statement following the bail ruling, while further proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court determines the substantive issues in the case.

The development adds to growing national attention on anti-corruption enforcement and the prosecution of high-profile political figures in Nigeria, particularly amid renewed debates over governance accountability and public financial management.

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

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Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads

Published

13 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads

Governor Bala Mohammed has presented more than 114 official vehicles to newly appointed emirs and district heads across Bauchi State, in a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in Nigeria and improving grassroots governance.

The presentation took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, and was officially announced by the governor via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle. He described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to deepen community engagement, enhance local administration, and promote closer collaboration between government and traditional rulers.

According to the governor, the distribution of vehicles is designed to support traditional leaders in performing their duties more effectively, particularly in areas of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.

He stated that his administration remains committed to ensuring that both existing and newly created emirates, chiefdoms, and districts are adequately supported to make governance more inclusive and responsive at the grassroots level.

Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads

The governor also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Bauchi State, urging traditional rulers to remain non-partisan and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.

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He noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in maintaining security and promoting development across communities, adding that their role in mobilising citizens cannot be overstated.

The Bauchi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Commissioner Isa Babayo Tilde, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers, describing them as essential stakeholders in maintaining order and ensuring effective governance.

The Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, who spoke on behalf of other traditional leaders, expressed appreciation to the state government and assured that the vehicles would be used responsibly for official duties and the benefit of the people.

The fleet of vehicles reportedly includes 14 GMC saloon cars, Toyota buses, Toyota Hilux vans, and over 100 Toyota Camry cars allocated to district heads across the state.

Governor Mohammed, who was first elected in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2023, has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening local governance structures. His tenure is expected to end in 2027.

This is not the first time the administration has supported traditional institutions. In April 2022, the Bauchi State Government also distributed vehicles to district heads and local government chairpersons as part of similar empowerment initiatives.

While supporters describe the latest gesture as a boost to governance efficiency, critics often raise concerns about public spending priorities amid economic challenges in the country.