Civil Defence Officer killed by palace guard in Jigawa State, residents seeks justice

By Emmanuel Daudu

An officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of the Basirka Division of Gwram Local Government Area of Jigawa state, Mr. Risilanu Ibrahim was allegedly killed accidentally on Monday 12th June 2023 by one of the palace guards escorting the Emir of Dutse, Hammeem Nuhu Sanusi while on a familiarization tour.

Africa Security Investigation News gathered that the incident took place during Emir of Dutse, Hammeem Nuhu Sanusi’s familiarization tour to Gwram town at about 20 minutes past 2 pm on Monday.

It was further gathered that after the incident the perpetrator was shielded by the palace authority by withholding his identity up till this moment while the victim passed on that same date in a hospital in Basirka.

It was also said that there has been no official statement issued in this regard by the Jigawa State Police command.

Residents also alleged that the Emir of Dutse Hammeem Nuhu Sanusi has neither condoled nor identified the culprit who allegedly disappeared into the crowds after the crime was committed.

It was also gathered that residents of Basirka town in the Gwram local government area have called for justice for Risilanu Ibrahim.

The youths in the area are calling on security agencies to come for justice and ensure that such an incident doesn’t happen again by curtailing the free flow and use of small arms.

Some residents who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, they have contacted some Civil Rights Groups, and security agencies to press for justice for the victim of the gruesome killing.

They promised to use all the legal instruments available to them in ensuring that, the culprit now at large is identified, arrested, and prosecuted for the crime.

Also, the family of the deceased has lamented the lack of response from the emirate on the matter, noting that, this action shows the insensitivity of the emirate towards its subjects.

Customs Seeks Collaboration of Stakeholders to Curb Smuggling of Vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service has on Thursday 8th June 2023 urged stakeholders to synergise with officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service to effectively suppress the menace of smuggling vehicles into Nigeria.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs Jack Okpabi, who is the Coordinator of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Headquarters, made the appeal while briefing newsmen on his team’s quarterly achievements at Karu Government Warehouse, Abuja.
“Basically, this press briefing we do quarterly to enlighten the public about the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service and this is the second quarter.” He said.

DC Okpabi applauded some stakeholders for sustaining the alliance with NCS in the area of subduing smuggling in Nigeria. On the other hand, he expressed dismay over the determination of some unscrupulous elements to smuggle vehicles and those that patronize such vehicles.

“It is on this note, I want to emphasize that the Service will not hesitate to bring to book any offender caught smuggling vehicles into Nigeria, and they will be charged with smuggling offences even if they’re customs officers. This matter is decisive to us – and will not be taken lightly.” DC Okpabi said.

According to him, the law does not favour any private, government-owned institution including the Nigeria Customs Service or individual to import vehicles without payment of Customs Duty. He argued that the recent operation which led to the interception of over a hundred Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser and other models of exotic vehicles has saved the country from losing huge revenue that would have gone down the drain.

“You can see that we have over 100 vehicles and 38 have been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The operation will lead to the recovery of over N400m from demand notices”. He concluded.

DSS’ Siege on Our Lagos Office Shocking – EFCC

The operatives of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrived at their office on No. 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, this morning, May 30, 2023, to be denied entry by agents of the Department of State Services, DSS, who had barricaded the entrance with armoured personnel carriers.

This development is strange to the Commission given that we have cohabited with the DSS in that facility for 20 years without incident.

By denying operatives access to their offices, the Commission’s operations at its largest hub with over 500 personnel, hundreds of exhibits, and many suspects in detention have been disrupted.

Cases scheduled for court hearing today have been aborted, while many suspects who had been invited for questioning are left unattended.

Even more alarming is that suspects in detention are left without care with grave implications for their rights as inmates.

All of these have wilder implications for the nation’s fight against economic and financial crimes.

The siege is inconsistent with the synergy expected of agencies working for the same government and nation, especially when there are ongoing discussions on the matter.