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Makinde has cases to answer over ‘Auxiliary’ – Oyo APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has stated that the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to sack Mr. Mukaila Lamidi as the de facto chairman of the Park Management System and the discovery of large arms cache in his (Lamidi) possession by the state police command was enough to ground to hold the governor responsible for all the atrocious activities of the controversial figure in the last four years.
Lamidi popularly known as ‘Auxiliary’ was relieved of his appointment as the chairman, of the disciplinary committee of the Park Management System (PMS) last week but the state government has not been forthcoming on the main reasons for the sack even as Gov. Makinde had on many occasions defended Lamidi on the allegations of perpetrating violent attacks, vandalism and misuse of sophisticated firearms within and outside the state in the last four years.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC emphasized that the latest Mukaila Lamidi saga should not be treated with kid glove by the concerned authorities as “the state government needs to collaborate with the State Police Command in set up a panel of inquiry to look into all illegalities that have been perpetrated by the fugitive, in question, and ensure that not only him but all members of his syndicate and their backers are brought to justice in no time.
“The suggested Panel of Inquiry should have as its chairman, secretary, and members diligent, honest, and experienced security experts, with a mandate to collate all established cases of rights abuse, murder, vandalism, gun running, extortion, mismanagement of government revenue among others against Lamidi who is now believed to be on the run. About two or three searches conducted on his private residence and hotel facility in Ibadan have yielded the recovery of a large arms cache and weapons of mass destruction with which his syndicate has been terrorizing the hapless members of society with impunity.
“It is on record that the man Lamidi also carried his violent activities to Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun states as the head of the militant wing of the PDP while the honeymoon between him and Gov. Makinde lasted. He never missed any opportunity to unleash terror on members of the opposition in Oyo state as well as other residents who fell victim to his notoriety innocently. As much as we would not like to do anything prejudicial before the idea of a panel of inquiry is considered by the appropriate authorities, all the victims of Lamidi and his syndicate should be located and compensated by the current PDP government in Oyo state.
“Meanwhile, we think that Gov. Makinde should desist from making further attempts to put all the blame on Lamidi since it is obvious the man only acted the scripts handed to him by the powers that be in the state. It is most disturbing that the same governor who was always available to shield “Auxiliary” from answering for his atrocities can now turn against him even without being remorseful or apologetic for the sins committed against the people. It is safe to say that the governor turned his back on Lamidi after using all sorts of subterfuge to remain in office for another term of four years.” APC said.
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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