IGP says foreign mercenaries behind planned mass protest

The Nigeria Police high command has issued a cautionary alert regarding the upcoming nationwide protests, citing credible intelligence about potential manipulation by foreign mercenaries and the involvement of malicious groups aiming to disrupt public order.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who made the disclosure during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to exercise caution before joining the protest.

He highlighted that even well-intentioned protests could be exploited by groups with criminal agendas.

The police boss made it clear that the police would not tolerate violence, including the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public and private property, or looting.

While acknowledging the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly, the police boss called on all groups planning to participate in the proposed protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

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The IGP said the decision would enable the police provide adequate security to ensure a peaceful protest devoid of violence.

“In the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

The IG added that the information expected from the organizers also includes measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers. He added that by providing the information, the police would be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

He also said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

Other guidelines, as issued by Egbetokun, are: “Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”

IGP says foreign mercenaries behind planned mass protest

Bomb explodes in Yobe livestock market

An explosion, suspected to be caused by a planted Improvised Explosive Device, has occurred at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Osun herbalist confesses to killing, using friend’s throat for ritual

A murder suspect, Kehinde Ganiyu, 50, has disclosed that he killed and used his sick friend’s throat for ritual soap in a bid to seek prosperity.

He added that he visited his sick friend at Odebiyi’s compound, Oba-Oke in the Olorunda local government area of Osun State on Thursday July 18, 2024, and suddenly had the urge to kill him.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, he said he slaughtered his friend named Emmanuel Collins and removed his throat right on the sick bed.

“I thereafter took it to the shrine where I mixed it with other things and transformed it into a black soap for my clients. I regret my actions as I don’t know what came over me.

“I have not killed anyone before now but I have been preparing the ritual soap (Bisa Bisa) for “yahoo boys” before. The clients usually bring the items, especially, human parts and I charged them N500,000. But I wanted to try this one for myself. that is why I killed my friend but I now regret my action”, he said.

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Meanwhile, police spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola said part of the exhibit recovered from the suspect include, four blood-stained knives, two gourds containing black substance, one wooden traditional pot with black soap, two local sponges, a wooden tray (opon ifa) and some local charms.
She said the suspect would appear in court after a thorough investigation.

Similarly, two other suspects were paraded for stealing and illegal possession of firearms. Ajayi Sunday was caught with a stolen bajaj and a locally made short gun while Yinka Adewuyi was nabbed carrying four bags of cement stolen from a site where he was engaged as a tiler.

Opalola added that the suspects, having confessed to the crimes would be arraigned in court in due time.

Osun herbalist confesses to killing, using friend’s throat for ritual