News
Missing firearms: IGP writes Senate, demands closed-door investigative sessions
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has formally communicated with the Senate regarding the reported disappearance of 3,907 AK47 rifles, as highlighted in the 2019 Audit report issued by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF).
In a letter presented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun requested that a subsequent investigative hearing on this issue be conducted in a closed session due to its sensitive security implications.
Although the IGP attended the public hearing held by the Senate Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, he was excused to address other urgent national matters and criticized the AuGF report, asserting that it is “based on inaccuracies.”
The IGP said he was disappointed and shocked at the way the police were treated during the course of the hearing by the Senate panel, especially in the full glare of the public and the eyes of international community.
He however pleaded for time to enable the Police carry out a thorough investigation of its own on the matter, even as he called on the leadership of the Senate to keep such future engagements behind closed door and be a lot more discreet when dealing with issues of national security.
The letter reads: “We appreciate the Senate Committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impression will not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.
“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.”
The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly and working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.
On his part, Senator Akpabio said that the IGP’s letter was very clear, just as he said that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.
Senate Deputy Whip, Onyechachi Nwebonyi (APC – Ebonyi North) who on Tuesday presided over the Senate Public Accounts Committee as Vice Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, had asked the Police to return next Monday with a better explanation about the alleged missing firearms.
His attempt to comment on Egbetokun’s letter or to defend the action of the committee was not granted by the President of the Senate.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says there will be a seven-hour power outage in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the affected areas will experience blackout on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.
She attributed the action to scheduled annual preventive maintenance on two transformers.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria informs the public that its maintenance crew will conduct annual preventive maintenance on the 2x100MVA, TR3 & TR4 transformers at the Apo 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Abuja,” the statement read.
“The planned power interruptions are unavoidable, as Abuja DisCo will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the transformers during the maintenance period. Power supply will be restored to the affected areas upon completion of the maintenance exercise.”
Transmission Line Tower – TCN
Mbah explained that on Saturday, February 22, the power disruptions will affect the National Hospital, G2 Injection Station, Garki, Area 1, and Asokoro for seven hours.
According to the statement, areas including Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Apo Mechanic, and surrounding areas will also experience a seven-hour power outage.
Mbah explained that the interruption is necessary as Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the affected transformers during the maintenance period.
TCN apologised for any inconvenience caused to the affected customers during this time.
“Power supply will be restored once the maintenance exercise is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause the affected electricity customers,” the company said.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of over 100 senior officers to higher ranks within the force.
The decision includes the elevation of 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, alongside 100 Chief Superintendents of Police.
The approval was confirmed in a statement by the PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, following an extraordinary plenary session held on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The meeting was chaired by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and attended by key officials, including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani.
Notable officers promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police include Emmanuel Deenom, Olufemi Takeet, and Yusuf Doki Sani, while others like Ibrahim Mohammed Agava and Akinloye Joseph Oyegade were promoted to Assistant Commissioners.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal University Lokoja has been shut down following students’ lingering protest.
The students began the protest on Monday following the killings of their colleagues by a trailer who rammed into the school shuttle bus, killing seven people instantly.
The closure of the school was disclosed in a circular with Ref. Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 issued on Thursday by Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, Registrar and Secretary to Council, and copied Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command Director, DSS Kogi State.
The circular reads “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17 February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down Indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular.
“Students are therefore to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon today, Thursday, 20th February, 2025. Please note for strict compliance.”
TCN envisages seven-hour blackout in parts of Abuja
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