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Group expresses concern as Police invite Ibadan Neighbourhood Safety Volunteers’ leaders
A socio-political association under the aegis of Ibadan For Peace, (IFP) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the invitation of the heads of Ibadan Neighbourhood Safety Volunteers, (NSV) by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, (FCID).
Established and sanctioned by late Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan, on October 9, 2021, Ibadan Neighbourhood Safety Volunteers, (NSV) has succeeded in assisting security agencies in fishing out hoodlums and criminal elements.
The trio of Chief Kehinde Ege, Kazeem Abija and Iyan, who have been leading the local security team in conjunction with security agencies to rid Ibadan and neighboring towns of crimes and criminal elements had last Thursday been served letter for interrogation by the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Alagbon, Lagos.
Ibadan For Peace (IFP), in a statement by its chairman, Kehinde Ajeigbe, on Sunday noted that apart from weakening the moral, the invitation may also resort in rise in criminal activities again.
Ajeigbe opined that there is need for clarifications from the Inspector General of Police, saying, “The relative peace being enjoyed in Ibadanland and Oyo state is been threatened by the continuous usage of some policemen/ authority who are outside the jurisdiction of Oyo state by some people who are suspected to be working against the peaceful coexistence and violence-free society.
“Since some Ibadan Security Volunteer Corps members started working to assist the police and other law enforcement agencies, criminal activities have reduced drastically within Ibadan metropolis, especially within the hinterlands where the hoodlums normally hide under the core parts of the city to terrorise the people.
“All these hoodlums have been fished out with the help of government’s security operatives, in collaboration with this local security group and handed over to Oyo State Police Command for proper police investigation.
“It is therefore a surprise that series of notifications are been extended from the Force CID , AIG office in Alagbon Lagos and not from Oyo State Police Command and AIG office Zone 11, Osogbo , Osun State under whose jurisdiction Oyo command belongs.”
IFP further alleged that “It is suspicious that some unscrupulous elements who are not happy with the anti-hoodlums crusade within Ibadan metropolis and Oyo State are the brains behind this intimidation and harassment.
“It is against this background that appeal is been sought for Inspector General of Police, Oyo State Police Command and AIG Office Zone 11, Osogbo, Osun State under whose jurisdiction Oyo state commands belongs to assist in looking into the matter
“This Ibadan Neighborhood Safety Volunteers is a known outfit. The day it was established, we had in attendance several Mogajis and the Chiefs and was presided by the President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Prince Yemisi Adeaga. Also in attendance were the special adviser on security to Governor Seyi Makinde who is a also a former commissioner of police in Lagos and a distinguished son of the soil, CP Fatai Owoseeni (Rtd). He gave a keynote address at the gathering on the review of the security situation in Ibadanland.
“To ensure they achieve the desired results, 9 working committees were set up that day with our eminent Ibadan indigenes like Professor Remi Raji, AIG Mogaji Fatai Oladipupo (Rtd), Oloye Adegoke Adegboyega, Mogaji Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Mogaji Sunday Akinlabi, Ayodele Olusola, Chief Lowo Obisesan, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, Mogaji Basorun Fajinmi, Mogaji Anisere saddled with different responsibilities.
“We want to urge the police the police authorities to be diligent in their work. These individuals are partners in progress and not the other way round. They need commendation and not condemnation. With them, the security agencies can achieve a lot.
“By the invitation of the trio, it is a clear attempt at rubbishing the work of Governor Seyi Makinde, the AIG in charge of Oyo State and the commissioner of police,” the statement continued.
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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