By Chidera Orji

In a continuous effort by the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC), to drive for excellence in the Corps, the Director of Legal Services (DLS), Barrister A.K. Alilu, paid a working visit to the Delta State Command of NSCDC, to interact with HODs, HOUs, Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Tactical Commanders and Beat Supervisors on the need to uphold professionalism and ensure that all operational activities are carried out in accordance with the law.

The visit, according to a press statement by DSC Anthony Uchenn CDPRO of the command, became necessary to improve personnel’s understanding of the legal framework guiding the discharge of their duties, particularly in the areas of complaints, arrest, investigation, detention, evidence gathering and prosecution.

During his interaction with officers, Barr Alilu laid emphasis on the importance of due process in handling cases and ensuring that every action taken by personnel is within the ambit of the law.

He made reference to life experiences illustrating proper procedures for making arrests, conducting investigations, submission of evidence and handling of suspects in line with enabling laws, stressing that personnel must know their limits in law and avoid actions that could attract negative publicity for them or the Corps.

The interactive session during which personnel sought clarification on various legal and operational issues relating to arrests, investigations and prosecution was all engaging and it provided an opportunity for officers to gain further insight into the legal implications of their actions while on duty.

The State Commandant, Chinedu F. Igbo, who welcomed Barr. Alilu to the Command, expressed gratitude for the lecture. He commended the DLS for driving home the understanding of the legal framework of NSCDC operations as it would also equip officers with the required knowledge to discharge their duties effectively and professionally.

The Commandant also expressed profound gratitude to the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for his commitment to the growth and development of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The national chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said six years after the #EndSARS protest, Nigeria has failed to learn lessons from the event.

Baba-Ahmed, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, said the issues that forced young Nigerians to the streets in 2020 are still present.

He said the disbandment of SARS was not enough as police brutality, lack of accountability and bad governance have continued.

According to him, the judicial panels set up after the protest raised hope but their recommendations were not fully implemented.

He said the fact that police still fired tear gas at youths marking the 6th anniversary at Lekki Toll Gate today shows that nothing has changed.

“We have not shown our young people that protesting for good governance is not a crime. Until justice is served for those who died at Lekki and compensation is paid, the wound will remain,” he said.

By Our Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an Abuja businessman, Innocent Ezuma, over allegations of defrauding a Ukrainian investor of more than $120m.

Ezuma, 57, was arrested at his Abuja residence on Monday, October 19, and has remained in the commission’s custody.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed his arrest to our correspondent when contacted on Tuesday.

However, sources said he was accused of advance fee fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal conversion, obtaining money under false pretences, theft and money laundering.

“Ezuma allegedly obtained the dollars from the Ukrainian investor between 2007 and 2015 for mineral exploration and power projects that were never delivered.

“The funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, while investigators are examining transfers of billions of naira to companies and individuals linked to the businessman, including his children.”

Another source said the commission was expanding its investigation and seeking information from members of the public and the businessman’s former associates.

“The allegations also concern Ezuma’s earlier business dealings in Ukraine and Nigeria.

“In the mid-2000s, he allegedly persuaded two Ukrainian businessmen to finance the privatisation of Jos Steel Rolling Mill in Plateau State before taking exclusive control of the facility, stripping it of assets and abandoning hundreds of workers without wages.

“He was also accused of shooting and seriously injuring one of his business partners during a confrontation in Ukraine on April 28, 2008, before fleeing to Nigeria, ” the source said.

When contacted, Oyewale confirmed that the agency arrested the businessman at this Abuja residence on Monday and has been since been in custody.

He declined to give other details