‘Election not war’ – Stakeholders react as IGP deploys over 34,000 officers, 3 helicopters, others to Anambra - Newstrends
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‘Election not war’ – Stakeholders react as IGP deploys over 34,000 officers, 3 helicopters, others to Anambra

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Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba

Stakeholders have questioned the move by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to deploy a total of 34,587 police personnel, three Police Helicopters, technical capabilities of the Police Airwing, the Force Marine and the Force Animal Branch, and other operational assets to Anambra State ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

DAILY POST had reported that the IGP, during the 2nd Strategic Police Managers Conference for Senior Police Officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, said the move was to ensure a hitch-free election in Anambra State.

According to Baba, the 34,587 personnel comprising of conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU) as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on ground to guarantee protection of lives and properties during the election.

The announcement has, however, triggered backlash from concerned stakeholders who picked holes in the IGP’s decision, describing it as preparation for ‘war’.

Some of the stakeholders who spoke with DAILY POST on Friday, also expressed fear that such move would intimidate the voters, saying apathy may mar the election which has been scheduled for November 6.

A top political official who spoke to our correspondent from Benue State on anonymity, alleged that the move was for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to intimidate other parties and claim the state.

Anambra guber: Police committed to securing electoral processes, others – IGP Baba“We know their plans. It is now clear to Nigerians that this APC is out to gain power by all means, otherwise, how can the IGP be mobilizing about 34,587 police officers for just one state election? Are we preparing for war? It is obvious.

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“We are all aware of the security situation in Anambra State but that does not call for this kind of move. Who will hear this news and still come out to vote that day? Of course everybody would want to save his or her life first. I think their plan is to keep voters away from the polling unit so that they can do whatever they want”.

The National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko told DAILY POST that the 34,587 policemen the IGP claimed may not be true.

According to him, the Nigerian Police force has no accurate statistics of officers deployed to a particular area. He alleged that those in charge of the deployment only formulated the figures just to embezzle public fund.

He said, “Nigerian Police force has lost focus from a very long period of time. They always engage in fire brigade approaches particularly in national matters. The issue of Anambra election does not call for the IGP to deploy such number of policemen to the state.

If the Nigerian Government had listened to ideas and suggestions that so many people including the right group, HURIWA, NGOs and other stakeholders have been making over some years now, there wouldn’t be need for this.

“We have been calling on the government to reform the police but the government seems to be very comfortable with the dysfunctional police.

“Nigeria does not even have an accurate data of exact number of how many policemen are serving in a particular area. They are only using fathom statistics to siphon public fund. There is no statistics to say we have about 3,000 policemen in Benue State or 4,000 officers in Kaduna State so the number of personnel the IGP has declared that they are sending to Anambra may not even be accurate.

“They may just send like 5,000 policemen and tell Nigerians that they have mobilized over 34,000. The way the police service commission was set up, clearly shows that it was established not to work”.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who spoke to DAILY POST from Ozubulu Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Emeka backed the IGP, stating that the state has been enveloped with security crisis since the beginning of the year.

He, however, warned against alleged plans by some political party to take advantage of the security situation in the state to rig the November election, saying the entire world is watching.

“Since January this year, Anambra State has not been the same, there have been killings in many parts of the state. As I speak to you, many residents have vowed to remain indoors on the election day.

“So if there is anything the government is doing to remove fear from the voters, I think that should be a welcome development. But they should note that we are all set for the election, Nigerians are watching, the world is watching; no body can rig Anambra election so whoever is planning that should rescind,”Chief Emeka added.

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Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children

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Ndata Bobb died in hospital after emergency services were called to a disturbance in Edinburgh's Restalrig Avenue
Ndata Bobb died in hospital after emergency services were called to a disturbance in Edinburgh's Restalrig Avenue

Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children

A 56-year-old man, Momodou Bobb, is facing a mandatory life sentence after admitting to the brutal killing of his wife, Ndata Bobb, in a shocking domestic violence case that took place while their four children were inside the home.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the attack occurred at the family’s home in Restalrig, Restalrig, Edinburgh, where the victim suffered at least 22 stab wounds to multiple parts of her body, including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and abdomen.

Prosecutors told the court that Bobb initially claimed the incident happened during a struggle in which he was holding a knife that “slipped,” but he later admitted murdering his wife during a violent confrontation on 27 and 28 August last year.

The court was told that emergency services were alerted after a 999 call reported a “fight” between the couple. When police arrived, Bobb opened the door wearing only boxer shorts and was covered in blood. Officers also found two blood-stained knives in the kitchen.

Despite rapid medical intervention, including attempts by paramedics to resuscitate the victim at the scene, she was later pronounced dead at hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was a deep stab wound to the neck that severed a major vein.

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Witness testimony presented in court described hearing the victim screaming for help, reportedly shouting “leave me alone” before collapsing inside the living room.

The court also heard that Bobb sustained injuries to his hand during the incident and was treated in hospital under police supervision. During treatment, he reportedly told officers that the knife had “slipped” during a fight.

Lady Haldane, presiding over the case, described the victim as a “much-loved mother” and noted the devastating impact her death has had on her family, including her four children—three of whom she shared with the accused and one from a previous relationship.

She further confirmed that under UK law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, with the court set to determine the minimum term Bobb must serve before being eligible to apply for parole.

The judge noted that the victim, originally from The Gambia, had a large extended family and was deeply loved by those who knew her, adding that the “tragedy of her loss is immense.”

Court proceedings revealed that the couple had moved to the UK in the 1990s and later settled in Scotland, with the victim obtaining tenancy of the Edinburgh property in late 2023.

Sentence has been deferred pending the preparation of background and sentencing reports.

Authorities have described the case as a deeply disturbing example of domestic violence, highlighting ongoing concerns about the need for stronger prevention and intervention measures to protect vulnerable families.

Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children

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EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

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popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus
Popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed as false a viral “wanted” poster featuring popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, describing it as fake, misleading, and the work of mischief-makers.

In a statement shared via its official social media platforms on Thursday, the anti-graft agency clearly stamped the circulating image “FAKE NEWS”, warning individuals responsible for spreading such content to desist. In a strongly worded caption, the EFCC wrote, “Clout chaser, stop this now!” — signaling frustration over the growing trend of misinformation online.

The doctored poster, which spread rapidly across social media, mimicked the official EFCC “wanted” notice format, including the agency’s logo and layout. It falsely claimed that Sabinus, allegedly aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money under false pretence, and even listed a supposed last known address in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

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However, further checks confirm that no such notice exists on any official EFCC platform, including its verified website and social media pages, which are the only legitimate channels through which the commission declares individuals wanted. The agency reiterated that all authentic wanted notices are publicly verifiable, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources before sharing sensitive claims.

The EFCC did not disclose whether it has identified those behind the fabricated poster but emphasized that the spread of false information could have serious legal and reputational consequences. The commission has, in recent years, intensified warnings against the circulation of fake news, impersonation of government agencies, and digital misinformation, particularly on social media.

Sabinus, a widely recognised entertainer known for his viral comedy skits and brand endorsements, commands a massive following both within Nigeria and internationally. As of the time of reporting, he has not publicly reacted to the incident.

The development highlights growing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to create convincing but false narratives, especially involving public figures. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify information carefully and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports that could harm individuals or undermine public trust.

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

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12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

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Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene
Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

Tension and outrage have gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State after a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, reportedly died following alleged bullying by a senior student over provisions. The incident, which began before the Easter break, has raised serious concerns about student safety and bullying in Nigerian schools.

The attack reportedly occurred when a Senior Secondary School 3 student demanded provisions from the younger pupil during terminal examinations. Godwin refused, saying he did not have enough to share. Witnesses allege that the senior student responded with physical violence, repeatedly striking Godwin on the neck and throat, causing him to faint multiple times. Other students only intervened after the assault escalated.

Godwin was initially hospitalized on Easter Sunday for a neck injury. He briefly regained consciousness but was later returned to school without his parents being informed of the seriousness of the incident. Upon returning home for the holiday, the boy began complaining of severe neck and throat pain. Despite taking pain relief medication at home, his condition worsened, prompting his father to rush him back to the hospital, where he tragically died. Medical personnel later confirmed that his death resulted from complications associated with blood clots around the neck and throat area.

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The school principal, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, described the incident as deeply unfortunate and confirmed that the school community is in mourning. He said a school management committee will meet to review the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and communicate their findings to the public.

The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matter and ensure justice. The boy’s father urged the authorities to intervene, saying he would provide more details at an appropriate time.

The tragic death of Ufokobong Edwin Godwin has reignited discussions about bullying, student protection, and campus safety across Nigeria, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in boarding schools.

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

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