Category: Cityscope

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — The Lagos State Police Command has responded to a viral video in which a woman alleged she was harassed and touched inappropriately by an officer in the Festac area.

In a statement on Sunday, the Command explained that the officer’s actions fell within the provisions of the Police Act, 2020, which empowers officers to stop and search individuals in public places for crime prevention and public safety. It stressed, however, that established procedures require female suspects to be searched by female officers.

The police noted that suspects often conceal illicit substances, weapons, or incriminating items in unconventional places such as wigs, caps, and clothing, making thorough searches necessary. It said the search conducted on the social media user was lawful and in line with operational standards.

In the video, Newpost Africa confirmed that the female suspect was indeed searched by a female officer.

“The Command therefore urges members of the public to cooperate with the Police whenever they find themselves in such situations, as such cooperation greatly enhances effective policing and crime prevention,” the statement concluded.

NIGERIA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — The Edo State Police Command will actively participate in the 2026 National Police Day celebrations, aligning with nationwide week-long activities beginning Monday, 30 March, and culminating in Abuja on 7 April.

This year’s theme, “Community Partnership: Building Trust”, reflects modern policing priorities and the Command’s vision to foster closer ties with citizens, promote transparency, and strengthen public confidence.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, announced on 27 March that several programmes are planned. On 30 March, environmental sanitation exercises and a free medical outreach at Ring Road, Benin City, will be held, alongside town hall meetings. On 31 March, a Walkathon will promote unity and wellness. On 1 April, sensitisation campaigns will focus on electoral violence, civic conduct, and road safety. On 2 April, activities will honour fallen heroes and support their families.

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, stressed that the events are practical steps to deepen trust and collaboration, ensuring policing remains people-driven. The Command urged community leaders, youth groups, civil society, and residents to participate, especially in the medical outreach and Walkathon.

The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safety and security, pledging continued partnership with the public to achieve a safer Edo State.

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The Lagos State Police Command has announced CP Tijani Fatai, psc, as its new leader, officially assuming duty as the 42nd Commissioner of Police. He succeeds CP Olohundare Jimoh, who served from 18 February 2025 to 26 March 2026.

A statement by SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, revealed that Fatai hails from Agege, Lagos. He attended Anwar-ul-Islam College, Agege, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University).

He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet ASP on 10 June 1994 and has held numerous leadership roles, including Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port, Port Harcourt; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maritime FHQ Annex Lagos; ACP, Finance & Administration, Zone 2 Command, Onikan; Area Commander in Ogun, Borno and Lagos; Squadron Commander in Edo and Ondo; Officer-in-Charge of Homicide, SCID Lagos; and DPO in Ogere, Ijanikin and Alakara. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Renowned for professionalism and dedication, Fatai pledged to consolidate reforms, enhance internal security, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and community partnerships, and uphold the mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.

“The Lagos State Police Command, therefore, solicits the continued support and cooperation of the public as the new leadership works to deepen professionalism, discipline and service delivery,” the statement concluded.

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has announced the arrest of Jonathan James Elder, 35, of St. Petersburg, charged by criminal complaint with using the telephone to threaten to kill, injure, intimidate, or damage property. If convicted, Elder faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

According to prosecutors, Elder called MacDill Air Force Base on 18 March 2026 following the discovery of a suspicious package at the base’s Visitor Control Center earlier that week. During the call, he allegedly said: “How did you like the surprise at the MacDill Visitor Center?” before shouting “tick tick boom, it’s gonna be between your eyes” and hanging up. The threat forced MacDill to close its gates and required personnel to shelter in place for about four hours.

Investigators later learned Elder had made another call to a separate number not linked to MacDill, in which he referenced pipe bombs and issued violent threats. Agents subsequently located him in St. Petersburg and arrested him. He remains in federal custody.

Authorities emphasised that a criminal complaint is only a formal charge, and Elder is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Tampa, with support from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Police in Lagos State, southwestern Nigeria, have announced a missing but found person in the Somolu axis of the commercial city.

According to the police release, Thursday, the individual’s name is Aminata Olarenwaju, and she speaks Yoruba fluently.

The statement noted that she appears to be suffering from amnesia, as she could only recall her name. However, she is safe and currently in custody at Alade Police Division, Shomolu.The police urge anyone with information that could assist in reuniting her with her family or loved ones to kindly contact the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Alade Division, on +234 808 177 7101.

AKURE, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Police in Ondo State have arrested two suspects following a dramatic attempt to abduct a child in the Ogbagi Akoko area on 22 March.

The incident was reported by Mrs Olanireti, who had sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami, to visit his grandmother nearby. Moments later, a vigilant resident, identified as Oni, raised the alarm after noticing suspicious behaviour around the boy.

Responding swiftly, the mother rushed to the scene and discovered two men, Adefarati Idowu and Adepoju Babatunde, attempting to escape with her child on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle.

According to a statement issued by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State Command, the child’s grandmother, Mrs Olawale, bravely clung to the motorcycle to prevent the suspects from fleeing. Local residents quickly mobilised, blocking their escape until police officers arrived to rescue the child unharmed.

The suspects were apprehended at the scene through the collective efforts of the community, and the case has been transferred to police headquarters for discreet investigation. Authorities are probing whether the incident is linked to a wider criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal, praised the courage and vigilance of the community, stressing that their swift action prevented a potentially tragic crime. He urged parents and guardians to remain alert, particularly in monitoring their children’s movements, and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity without delay.

CP Lawal also expressed gratitude to Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support, noting that the IGP’s community-focused policing strategy has strengthened the Command’s operations and contributed to recent successes.

“The Ondo State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will intensify efforts to rid the state of criminality,” the statement concluded.