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Exclusive: Ajimobi’s aide alleges threat to life, petitions Oyo CP
Former aide of the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, Mr Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan has raised alarm over threat to his life by an unknown person.
Already, the former Liaison Officer to Oyo state government on Information and a social commentator, Inaolaji has petitioned the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu alleging that his life is no longer safe.
In a petition dated February 5, 2020 and addressed to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan alleged that on the 24th day of January, 2020, briefly after contributing to a radio call in programme in Ibadan, he received a call on his contact phone number 08038604085 by an unknown person around 11:37pm in the late hours of the midnight who threatened him severely and severally with death. The governor’s aide added that the said unknown person again warned him sternly never to participate (I.e Call in to contribute or attended any invited radio programme) in any radio or other on air presentation, reechoing that his life has been heavily paid for.
The petition written by his lawyers Othniel Idowu Falana ESQ, on behalf of Inaolaji titled “Petition Against Incessant Threat to Life of Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan By An Unknown Individual and Appeal to Safe The Life of Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan From Untimely Death And Constant Threat to His Life” respectively.
According to the petition made available to Mega Icon Magazine, following this constant threat by the said unknown person, Inaolaji had approached the Akobo Police Station to lodge a complaint, where he was asked to write a statement in that regard for appropriate documentation and swift response to the complaint. He also informed that he went to the Oyo State Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Dugbe division to further lodged the complaint of incessant threat to his life.
The petition reads in part, “It is our client instruction to us that on the 24th day of January, 2020, briefly after contributing to a radio call in programme in Ibadan, Oyo state, he received a call on his contact phone number 08038604085 by an unknown person around 11:37pm in the late hours of the midnight who threatened him severely and severally with death. Furthermore, our client informed us that the said unknown person again warned him sternly never to participate (I.e call in to contribute or attended any invited radio programme) in any radio or other on air presentation again, stating further that our client’s life has been heavily paid for.
“On the following day around the same time, the unknown person in further effort called our client reminding him of his previous threat to kill him thereby telling our client to get really prepared as he was set to kill our client before the end of last month, January 2020. This was also followed with series of continuous threat by the same unknown person to our client and this has made our client to continue to live in danger and apprehension of losing his life untimely.
“Following this constant threat by the said unknown person, our client approached the Akobo Police Station to lodge a complaint, where he was asked to write a statement in that regard for appropriate documentation and swift response to the.said complaint. Our client also informed us that he went to the Oyo State Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Dugbe division to further lodge the complaint of incessant threat to his life by this unknown individual.
It added, “Notwithstanding, the all legal and important steps our client has taken to ensure safety of his life and property, it is however unfortunate for our client to have received another phone call from the same unknown person on Thursday, the 30th day of January, 2020 around 11:22am in the forenoon where he was again threatened, and now with a more fearful and serious intention from the unknown person. Our client informs us that the unknown person told him to read about the story of a Barber at Gbaremu who was brutally assassinated and he should thread caution otherwise he may have to pay with his dear life.
“We therefore write to inform your good office and also to appeal to you that the life and property of our client is very precious just like that of every other individual citizen of this great country and hence should be protected jealously without reservation. Our client has the right to be able to move freely and make meaningful contributions to the development of our dear country provided he does same under the ambit of the law. Which if our client has even even acted outside the law, he has to be properly tried for same and not arbitrarily threatened and killed by any person known or unknown.
” The Nigerian Police Force as recognized under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and like every other security agencies that have been so established by the law has the constitutional duty to protect and safeguard the life and property of all the citizens of Nigeria without bias or discrimination. Therefore, we urge and humbly plead with you sir to kindly use your good office and every other mercenaries necessarily incidental to ensuring the safeguard and protection of our client’s life”.
He, however sought police protection against possible attacks on him, urging the Police boss to begin a discreet investigation with a view to bring the unknown individual to book in the interest of justice.
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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