Abuja, Nigeria – The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Force Airwing, CP Martin Nwogoh, has commenced a series of courtesy visits to key aviation stakeholders at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aimed at fostering stronger collaboration and mutual understanding in the aviation security ecosystem.

The visits, which began on Wednesday, follow CP Nwogoh’s recent assumption of office as the Commissioner of Police and Accountable Manager of the Force Airwing, succeeding AIG Danladi Lalas, who retired after attaining the mandatory age of 60 years.

Speaking during the visit to the 011 Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), CP Nwogoh emphasized the significance of maintaining and deepening the long-standing relationship between the Police Airwing and the aviation community.

“It is a distinct pleasure to meet you. I must be very honest to say, I assumed duty about three weeks ago after AIG Lalas retired from active service,” he stated. “Upon assumption of office, I considered it very imperative that I should go around and acquaint myself with the stakeholders in the industry. PAF is a very capital and strategic player in the industry. So, I decided it is very important that among the first places I should visit is PAF.”

CP Nwogoh underscored the crucial role of the Presidential Air Fleet and expressed his desire to continue the legacy of strong collaboration established by his predecessor.

“Lalas told me it was a wonderful relationship we had with this office. So, I’m here to crave your indulgence that that relationship will continue and see ways of deepening it,” he added.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Oyesola, the Fleet Operations Officer, Air Commodore A.B. Sule, conveyed the PAF’s commitment to sustaining the partnership.

“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Police Airwing and are happy to have you here,” Air Commodore Sule said. “The Presidential Air Fleet is tasked with providing airlift for the President, Vice President, and top government officials. By this visit, we hope to continue with this collaboration and even explore more ways of partnering.”

He further assured CP Nwogoh of the openness and accessibility of the PAF command, emphasizing, “The Commander’s office is open for you any time.”

Earlier at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), CP Nwogoh and his team were warmly welcomed by Captain Toyin Lawani, representing the Director General. Acknowledging the NCAA’s strategic role in ensuring aviation safety and regulation, CP Nwogoh expressed the need for closer cooperation. Captain Lawani, in response, pledged the unwavering support of the Authority to the Police Airwing’s operations.

The courtesy visits also included the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) where the Regional/Airport Manager, Gambo Abubakar Aboki, received the CP and his entourage. CP Nwogoh reiterated his commitment to promoting synergy among all stakeholders operating at the airport.

Further engagements saw the CP meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) within the airport environment. He emphasized a unified approach to enhancing security and operations in the aviation sector.

At the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Command at the airport, the Commander, Mohammed Ajiya, commended CP Nwogoh for the outreach. He assured the Police Airwing of NDLEA’s continuous collaboration to safeguard the airport against drug-related offenses.

The CP’s visit also extended to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), where the Director General/CEO, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., personally received the delegation. Captain Badeh led the team on a tour of NSIB’s advanced facilities and equipment used for accident investigations, and lauded the initiative by CP Nwogoh to strengthen inter-agency relationships.

Throughout the series of visits, CP Nwogoh consistently reaffirmed the Police Airwing’s commitment to aviation security, operational excellence, and inter-agency synergy.

The courtesy visits are expected to bolster trust, enhance operational coordination, and ultimately contribute to a safer and more efficient aviation environment at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Bauchi Accountability and Truth Awareness Front (BATA) has expressed its deep concern and condemnation regarding the recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against officials of the Bauchi State government, particularly the arrest of Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State.

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Lawal Sani Ningi, stated that the EFCC’s claims of a N70 billion fraud investigation, which has been linked to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, “are nothing more than a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at undermining the integrity of our state leadership and destabilizing the progress achieved under the current administration.”

According to the statement, the arrest of Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, “alongside individuals purportedly connected to him, raises serious questions about the motives behind the EFCC’s actions.”

BATA insisted that “While the fight against corruption is a noble endeavor, it must be conducted with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to justice. Instead, we are witnessing a spectacle that appears to be driven by ulterior motives rather than genuine concern for accountability.

“The timing of these arrests, coinciding with critical periods in the politics of Bauchi State, suggests an orchestrated effort to tarnish the reputation of our state officials and, by extension, the office of the governor.
It is imperative to note that the linking of this investigation to Governor Bala Mohammed is particularly alarming.

“Such insinuations serve only to distract from the real issues at hand and divert public attention from the significant strides the governor has made in governance, infrastructural development, and social welfare in Bauchi State.”

They noted that the governor’s administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of the people, and it is disheartening to witness these achievements being overshadowed by unfounded allegations, saying that “BATA stands firmly against the politicization of anti-corruption efforts.”

BATA called on the EFCC to conduct its investigations impartially and without bias, adding “The integrity of our institutions is paramount, and any actions that compromise this integrity must be scrutinized and challenged. We urge the EFCC to provide concrete evidence to substantiate its claims rather than relying on mere speculation and conjecture.

“Furthermore, we call upon the citizens of Bauchi State to remain vigilant and discerning during this tumultuous period. It is crucial that we do not allow ourselves to be swayed by sensational headlines and politically charged narratives that seek to undermine our collective progress. The people of Bauchi deserve leaders who are committed to their welfare, not targets of politically motivated attacks.

“BATA reaffirms its commitment to accountability and truth in governance. We stand in solidarity with the officials of the Bauchi State government, including Governor Bala Mohammed, and we will continue to advocate for justice and transparency in all matters concerning our state.

“We urge the EFCC to reconsider its approach and focus on genuine efforts to combat corruption that do not compromise the principles of justice and fairness”, the statement concluded.

The Enugu State Police Command is under increasing scrutiny following allegations of extorting N62 million from businessman Mr Olu Agwu by the state’s anti-kidnapping unit. The situation has escalated with the involvement of Police Commissioner Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu now being closely examined.

Recent reports indicate that Agwu was pressured into transferring the substantial amount to various accounts allegedly controlled by police officers. This incident is part of a troubling trend where high-profile individuals are falsely accused of being affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to facilitate extortion.

In a detailed petition to the Inspector General of Police at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Mike Ozekhome outlined Agwu’s distressing experience. The petition describes unlawful arrest, detention, and extortion carried out under the pretense of combating terrorism and IPOB activities.

Mr Agwu, a law-abiding citizen residing in Lagos, reportedly became a target due to a fabricated scheme orchestrated by his business associate, Michael Umeh, who, with alleged support from the Enugu Police Command, accused Agwu of IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) affiliations following a business dispute.

Mr Agwu was arrested on December 26, 2024, and has since suffered severe mistreatment, intimidation, and financial coercion.

The extortion operation, which reportedly involved notable figures such as one Hon Ochi Nonso and an individual known as ‘Daddy White,’ resulted in Mr Agwu relinquishing N62 million to evade further torture and false charges. Nonso, allegedly introduced by the Police Commissioner, collected N20 million purportedly on the commissioner’s behalf. Additionally, the investigating officer demanded N2 million to modify Mr Agwu’s coerced statement, with new threats for an extra N100 million jeopardizing Agwu’s safety and financial stability.

Prof. Ozekhome’s petition calls for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the unfounded allegations against Mr Agwu, the cessation of ongoing threats, and the return of the extorted N62 million.

The actions of the Enugu State Police Command, as detailed in the petition, represent a significant violation of legal and ethical standards, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the police force.

As the scandal develops, public attention intensifies, with calls for accountability and justice for Olu Agwu and other potential victims of police misconduct. The request for intervention by the Inspector General of Police signifies a pivotal moment in addressing corruption and abuse of power within the Nigerian Police Force.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has condemned former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for inciting violence and unrest among Nigerians.

Amaechi’s remarks, made at a recent conference in Abuja, suggested that politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power.

Dr. Matawalle described Amaechi’s statement as “reckless and dangerous,” emphasizing that such inflammatory remarks can radicalize the youth and destabilize national peace and security.

He cautioned against misleading young Nigerians with a warped narrative of violence and anarchy, reminding them that Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws.

The Minister warned that the security agencies are on high alert and will not tolerate any form of subversive rhetoric that seeks to undermine national unity or incite lawlessness.

He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to upholding peace, democratic values, and the security of all Nigerians.

Dr. Matawalle also highlighted the current administration’s achievements and expressed confidence that President Tinubu will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 Presidential election.

He urged Nigerians to disregard Amaechi’s vituperations and place their faith in President Tinubu’s leadership.

The Ministry of Defence will continue to monitor activities aimed at disrupting public peace and ensure that anyone found culpable faces severe consequences.