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Ajimobi orders police to fish-out perpetrators of Ibadan mayhem
OYo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi has mandated the State Police Command to fish out the perpetrators of mayhem at different locations in the state, saying that anyone arrested should be treated like a hardened criminal.
Governor Animobi, who was on an on-the-spot inspection to Idi Arere, Asaka and Oja’gbo areas of Ibadan; the locations of the mayhem in the company of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude and his men as well as senior government officials, said that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will do the assessment of the loss in order for government to help the victims.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, stated that the government will not fold its hands and allow some miscreants to truncate the peace, security and safety restored to Oyo State in the past seven years, warning that stiff measures will be meted to all those who cause mayhem and wreak havoc in the state.
He urged politicians not to politicize the activities of these hoodlums bent on creating hardship for the people, noting that they should rather join hands with the government to condemn their activities and provide useful information to the law enforcement agents to nip the situation in the bud.
The Governor said, “One of the cardinal programmes of this administration is securing the lives and properties of the citizens and we will leave no stone unturned to see that peace and security is sustained. These hoodlums are humane, callous and barbaric and they should be treated as such. The State Government will do all within its reach to ameliorate the pains of the affected persons and the perpetrators of this evil act will be brought to book in due course.
“We want to appeal to our citizens to vigilant and provide useful information to the law enforcement agents. Also, our parents should take care of their wards and warn them against being the agents of destruction. The government will not hesitate to enforce its power on whoever is bent on causing crisis in the state,” Governor Ajimobi added.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Abiodun Odude urged the people to show understanding during the response of the men of the force to distress call, stating that the police need more intelligence to get its work done.
Odude disclosed that 11 people had been arrested in connection with the Idi Arere mayhem, urging the people not to hesitate in feeding the security agencies adequate information which will lead to the quick arrest of the hoodlums involved in the mayhem.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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