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IGP Egbetokun: 52 Arrested in Ekpoma for Looting,Vandalism
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has rejected claims that officers arrested peaceful protesters during the recent demonstration in Ekpoma, Edo State, insisting that the 52 individuals taken into custody were involved in criminal acts, including looting and vandalism.
Egbetokun made the clarification while speaking on Crime Buster with Desmond, episode six, where he addressed public backlash that followed the arrests. The incident had sparked outrage, particularly among parents of those detained, many of whom were students of Ambrose Alli University, after the suspects were remanded at the Ubiaja Prisons by a state high court sitting in Benin City.
According to the IGP, the police are often unfairly accused whenever violence occurs under the guise of protests. He described the narrative that security agencies arrest peaceful demonstrators as misleading and recurrent. He noted that even in situations where police facilities are attacked, officers killed, or arms stolen during protests, the force is still accused of suppressing lawful assembly.
He emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force has no opposition to peaceful demonstrations and remains committed to protecting citizens who exercise their constitutional right to protest. Egbetokun stated that the police would neither harass nor arrest individuals participating in lawful protests, stressing that providing security for such gatherings is part of the force’s responsibility.
However, he drew a clear distinction between peaceful protest and criminal conduct, warning that the police would not tolerate violence, destruction of property or looting carried out under the cover of demonstrations. He explained that those arrested in Ekpoma were implicated in the vandalisation of shops and the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, based on reports available to the police leadership.
Egbetokun dismissed claims that the detainees were peaceful protesters, describing such assertions as a familiar but inaccurate portrayal of police actions. He maintained that the arrests were targeted strictly at individuals alleged to have engaged in criminal behaviour during the protest.
Following the protest against rising cases of kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, the Federal High Court in Edo State ordered the remand of 52 suspects over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery. The demonstration, which took place on January 10, initially began peacefully but later degenerated into violence, leading to widespread vandalism and looting.
The presiding judge adjourned the matter to February 26 for hearing and ordered that the suspects be held at the Ubiaja Prisons. Residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities had earlier marched through major roads with placards, calling for urgent government action to address the growing insecurity in the area.
Meanwhile, students of Ambrose Alli University who were remanded in connection with the protest have since been released, following the intervention and directive of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.