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Makinde calls for immediate investigation on Abolongo jailbreak
The Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, called on the new head of Department of State Services (DSS) in the state to assist in investigating the remote cause of the Abolongo jailbreak in Oyo town.
Governor Makinde, while receiving the new head of DSS in the state, Mr. Agada Alex, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said that he wants the DSS to get to the bottom of what led to the jailbreak at the correctional centre.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, maintained that the Makinde administration would continue to provide necessary support to the DSS and other security agencies in the state.
“Let me, on behalf of people and Government of Oyo State, welcome you formally to Ibadan.
“People are talking about the security situation in the state but it is stable because you have been up and doing.
“So, we want to appreciate your efforts. I do know that we have good relationship between the DSS and the government and even all the other agencies like Amotekun and Operation Burst.
“Let me request that we should try to maintain that cordial relationship. The work is cut out for you in Oyo State. Yes, it is stable but a lot of work is still required to stay on top of the situation. I can only promise that, as an administration, we will continue to provide the necessary support.
“I do have a request: when we visited Oyo town, I did mention that we were not sure whether the incident (jailbreak) was isolated or actually the beginning of something that may throw up various security challenges for us. I am still interested in the Service assisting to get to the bottom of what has happened in there.
“If it is an isolated occurrence, we know that we will only need to step up surveillance and deepen our intelligence gathering activities at those areas. But if it is the beginning of organised criminal activities, then we have to be frontal and go after the people. So, it is important that we have something back from you”, he said.
The governor pledged continuous support for security agencies in the state adding that whatever happens, whether good or bad news, he should first be alerted.
Earlier, the new head of the DSS in the state, Mr. Agada Alex, assured the governor that the DSS will continue to do its best in securing the state and make sure it retains its pacesetter status.
He said, “What we are doing here today is just a courtesy call, to formally tell you that we are here. It is our new football field where we are going to play this round of world cup and, from what we have seen so far, we are already having successes under your guidance and we thank God for that opportunity.
“So, we assure you of our sustained professional commitment to making this state remain the Pacesetter State it has been and it is going to be.
“The service is expanding and thank God that the National Assembly has approved that we need more recruitments. Between last year and now, Oyo State alone has about 78 new officers, senior and junior. Another batch is doing its cadet training now and, in the next three to four months, they should be through and then we will get additional hands to join the train. So, we are expanding, and the more we have, the more we will do”, Alex added.
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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