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Group alleges threat to life, petitions Oyo Police Commissioner
A human rights group, under the aegis of Veteran Organization for Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI), has petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, Mr. Shina Olukolu, over alleged threat to life and removal of the President of Association of Nigerian Barbers (ANB), Oyo state chapter, Mr. Mufutau Akinbami from the office.
The group insisted that it was unlawful for two former presidents of the association, Mr. Lucky Possible and Mr. Biodun Lawal to threat the life of Mr. Akinbami and remove him from the office illegally.
VOHRI, in the petition entitled, “A passionate plea for redress to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police on case of intimidation, serious threat to life, illegal seizure and illegal sacking of the elected President of Oyo state association of Nigerian Barbers (ANB) by Mr. Lucky Possible and Chief Biodun Lawal, called on the Commissioner of Police to intervene in the case before it snowballs into full-blown crisis resulting in breach of peace and loss of lives.
“Mr. Akinbami was sworn in as President of the association on the 9th November, 2017 and was issued with a certificate of recognition and signed by Chief Abiodun Lawal former President of the association. The executive of the association swung into action and things went on without crisis what-so-ever.
“When all efforts to instigate members of the association against him proved abortive, they, then, called an emergency general meeting of all executive members on the 13th June 2019 where he, Mr. Possible single handedly proclaimed the removal from office of Mr. Mufutau Akinbami, without regard to Article 15(1) of the association constitution which states that the President with the support of 2/3 majority committee by voting shall remove any zonal chairman if there is any, misconduct/mischief, fraud/stealing”, the petition reads.
While narrating his ordeal, Akinbami alleged that Mr. Possible, Bayo Lawal and others have concluded plans to install another President on the association.
The embattled President who said that the case of alleged threat to his life has been reported at Ogbere Police Station in Ibadan, he, however called on concerned authorities to intervene so as to prevent breakdown of laws and order in the state.
However, all efforts made by our correspondent to get the reactions of the duo of Possible and Lawal proved to be abortive. Several calls put through Possible’s line were not successful while calls put through Lawal’s telephone were not answered.
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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