www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Category: Security

Retired NDLEA directors visit Marwa, pledge continued support for drug war

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Retired Deputy Commanders General of Narcotics (DCGN) who served as directors in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have paid a visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) to congratulate him on the recent renewal of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while they pledged their continued support for the ongoing effort against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Leading the team of nine retired directors on the congratulatory visit on Thursday 11th December 2025, the Agency’s former Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Sunday Nbona Joseph (rtd) commended Marwa for his relentless efforts to transform NDLEA into a frontline drug law enforcement body now globally recognized and respected.

He said the Agency, its workforce and Nigeria have a lot to gain from Marwa’s reappointment because of his commitment, hard work and leadership qualities. While expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for reappointing him for another tenure of five years, they assured of their preparedness to continue to offer advice, suggestions and support for continuous operational successes of the Agency.

“With your reappointment, we ask God to give you longevity and more ability and capacity to record many more achievements. Thank you very much for the opportunity that you have given to us at such short notice”, DCGN Sunday stated, after which they presented a giant congratulatory card to the NDLEA boss.

 

 

In his response, Marwa thanked them for the kind gesture and best wishes he had received from all of them including those who could not be physically present. According to him, “We are grateful to the president who deemed it fit to renew our tenure. I’m grateful to you all for being part of the reason for the renewal. Obviously, a CEO cannot on his own make those seizures, those arrests, those sensitizations and all the rehabilitation going on. No CEO will do that alone. It’s all under commands which fall under your various directorates.

“I’m not saying anything that is not factual. I rely on the management team, which you have been, from the day I joined until when you left. So, I appreciate you also for all that you have contributed and continue to contribute. Now, I’m not under any delusion that everyone is happy that I came back for a second time, not least the criminal elements.”

He told them that a lot of successes had been recorded since they retired from the Agency and assured them that more will be attained in the coming days “because President Tinubu is giving NDLEA the full backing we need to achieve more.”

No Christian genocide in Nigeria – Yakassai faults foreign media, Trump

Posted on by admin50

Elder statesman and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Abubakar Tanko Yakasai, has dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, insisting that Christians and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations.

 

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, the veteran politician accused foreign media of inflaming religious tensions and criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for comments suggesting targeted killings of Christians in the country.

Yakasai, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s radical political movement of the 1950s and 1960s and a former commissioner in Kano and special assistant on National Assembly liaison to President Shehu Shagari, said narratives of religious persecution were being exaggerated for political gain.

According to him, “I don’t agree there is Christian genocide. Some Christians close to the United States of America took advantage of their closeness to Donald Trump.

 

“Christians and Muslims have been living in peace with one another; we are brothers and sisters. Few individuals went to America to talk to Trump. Christians and Muslims are not living in separation.

 

“The majority of the people in the West, East and South are Christians, but in the North and the Middle Belt, there are a substantial number of Muslims. My parents were from the Middle Belt. For ages, long before the British came, we lived together in peace.

“Those who converted to Christianity were what we called pagans. The Muslims did not convert to Christianity, and that is why Christianity is much stronger in the Middle Belt region. Interestingly, my parents were from the Middle Belt.

 

“In every home, we have Christians and Muslims living together in peace.”

 

He argued that Trump’s claims were influenced by a few individuals with ties to the U.S., describing him as “an opportunist” seeking relevance. Yakasai stressed that religious diversity long predates colonial rule, particularly in the Middle Belt, where mixed-faith families remain common.

On insecurity in the country, the elder statesman said the problem is national but more pronounced in the North. He advocated for the establishment of zonal police commands, noting that previous proposals for regional policing should be revisited due to the overstretched capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

However, he rejected the idea of state police, warning that it could be easily manipulated by politicians.

His words, “There was a move at one time that there should be the establishment of a zonal police. This problem is not limited to one side of the country; it is a national problem. There was a move at one time that there should be six police establishments. I think the issue should be revisited because it is a good idea because the number of the police force is not enough to cover the whole country. There will be a zonal setup, and people will know their area and locality. They will be in a better position to handle the problems more effectively.

“State police”, he said, “are subject to manipulation by individuals and political interests. At one time, there was a move for a zonal police. If anybody was in favour of a zonal police, I would support it.”

 

Addressing perceptions of a rift between the North and South, Yakasai said no such suspicion exists. He added that President Bola Tinubu is likely to seek and possibly win a second term in 2027, given the political and financial structures at his disposal.

He said, “Personally, I believe that in Nigeria’s politics today, as has been the practice, President Tinubu will seek a second term and is most likely to win because he has the resources to back his ambition. We are practising democracy, and as such, democratic norms and conventions, as well as our constitution, should be our guiding principle. 2027 is still about two years away.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges, Yakasai said every nation faces its own problems and that no single group or individual can be solely blamed.

 

“Any country has its problems. You cannot single out an individual or a group of people to make peace. The creation of God, built in America, Russia, and China – all of them have problems. Wherever you have people, human beings, you have problems. And it is the human beings who will seek the help of God to overcome their problems,” he added.

Edo State Police Command Gets First Female Police Public Relations Officer

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

 

A new Police Public Relations Officer and the first female has assumed duty following the approval of her posting by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun .

According to a press statement signed by the outgoing spokesman, CSP Joel Moses Yamu, the newly appointed officer is ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, an idigene of Akwa Ibom State.

 

 

She was Commissioned as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2022 after completing a rigorous five-year training program at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, where she bagged a Bachelor’s degree in English Language (BA English). She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in English at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), further enriching her academic and professional depth.

 

 

During her training, ASP Eno went through several specialized courses, including the Combat Operation and Counter-Terrorism Course at Police Mobile Force Training School- Ende Hills, Nasarawa State; the Citizenship & Leadership Training Course, Shere Hills, Jos; the Forensic Analysis Course on Basic Crime Scene Management, Wudil, Kano; and the Basic Detective Course, also at Wudil, Kano.

 

 

She served in various positions, demonstrating versatility, discipline, and exceptional professionalism. postings include:
* Divisional Traffic Officer – Adesuwa Division
* Administrative Officer – Evbuotubu Division
* Officer-in-Charge, Crack Squad – Evbuotubu Division
* Officer-in-Charge, Confidential – Department of Operations, Edo State Command
Until her deployment as the Police Public Relations Officer Edo State, she was the Deputy Public Relations Officer in Edo State Command to two consecutive PPROs.
She can be reached on 09050735637.

Social Media Handles
FB: Eno Ikoedem
IG: @eno_Ikoedem_
X: @EnoIkoedem

Edo Police Command Clampdown On Criminals, Rescue Kidnapped Chinese, Recovers Assorted Arms, Arrest 15 Suspects

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

 

In its avowal to crackdown on criminals operating in Edo state, the Command through a press release signed by the outgoing spokesman, CSP Joel Moses Yamu, confirmed the rescue of a Chinese, arrests of suspected criminals and recovery of various arms and ammunition in a crackdown on criminals and hoodlums .

According to the statement: “On 2/12/2025 at about 2200hrs, operatives of Loveworld Division, acting on actionable intelligence, arrested two suspects — Victor Nworie (18) and Abraham Nwokipoeo (21) — at First Obe, off Benin-Sapele Road.
The duo specialise in luring unsuspecting commercial motorcycle riders with attractive fares to isolated locations where they attack and dispossess them of their motorcycles. The suspects are in custody and investigations are ongoing.
In addition, One Johnson Ode ( aka Polite)30yrs and Imrana Sanni ‘m’ 28yrs were arrested during the course of investigation.
On 2/12/2025 at about 2330hrs, the Chinese expatriate kidnapped during the recent incident involving the ambush on NSCDC personnel regained his freedom.
He was released at a location in Kabba, Kogi State following sustained technical and tactical operations jointly executed by the Edo and Kogi State Police Commands, with support from vigilante groups and local hunters. The Command commends all partners involved in this successful rescue effort.

On 2/11/2025 at about 1800hrs, operatives of Okuaihe Division in collaboration with vigilante personnel, while on routine stop-and-search duty along the Benin-Agbor Road, intercepted seven young men who had alighted from a truck. They are;
-Usman Ibrahim
-Bello Garba
-Dahiru Muhammad
-Sarki Murtala
-Suleman Ibrahim
-Umar Yahaya
-Abdulahi Hassan
Aged between 22 to 30 yrs.

A search revealed several pictures of the suspects posing with assault rifles. They claimed to be coming from Adamawa State but could not provide any satisfactory explanation regarding their mission. They have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Similarly, on 4/12/2025 at about 1840hrs, the same patrol team intercepted one Isah Musa Maidawa, who also alighted from a truck.
A search on his person and luggages led to the recovery of:
– One dane gun
– A pack of cartridges
– Charms
– Food items
– A cutlass and knife
– Solar panel
– Three flashlights
– A mobile phone
– A pack of matches

The suspect has been transferred to the SCID for further investigation and will be arraigned before the court upon conclusion.

 

On 6/12/2025 at about 0830hrs, operatives of Ekiadolor Division, alongside Edo State Security Corps personnel, intercepted Ibrahim Mohammed (28yrs) along the Oluku-Ahor Bypass in possession of a locally fabricated single-barreled revolver shotgun, a flashlight, and a vigilante T-shirt.
He could not give any satisfactory explanation of himself or his mission and has been handed over to the SCID for discreet investigation.

On 6/12/2025 at about 1200hrs, operatives of 82 PMF Squadron, Uromi, on nipping operations along the Auchi-Agbede road, intercepted David James Odaukwo with an empty LAR rifle magazine concealed in a sack.
The suspect, who claimed to be coming from Okene, failed to give a credible explanation of his possession of the item. He has been transferred to the SCID for further investigations.

“On 6/12/2025 at about 1545hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Agbede Division, led by the DPO, raided a hotel in Agbede and arrested three suspected armed robbers:
– Suleiman Aliyu (25yrs)
– Abdulrazak Ogbesor (36yrs)
– Inusemiu Abdulrouf (36yrs)

A search conducted led to the recovery of:
– Two automatic pump-action guns
– One locally made single-barreled shotgun
– Two live cartridges
– One expended cartridge
– A Lexus SUV (Reg. No. ABUJA RSH-721-BF)
– A Toyota Tacoma pickup (Reg. No. LAGOS KJA-840-JQ)
– Charms and other items

The suspects have been transferred to the SCID for further investigation.”

 

The Commissioner of Police assures the good people of Edo State that the Command remains fully committed to neutralising criminal networks, enhancing public safety, and ensuring that offenders face the full wrath of the law.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to the Police for prompt action

7.6 million tramadol pills, 76,273kg Colorado, skunk seized in Delta, Imo, Adamawa raids

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

As NDLEA destroys illicit drug warehouses in Ekiti, Ondo forests

In series of intelligence-led operations across the country, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recovered over 7.6 million pills of tramadol and a total of 76,273.4 kilograms of different strains of cannabis including Colorado, Loud and Skunk with several members of Drug Trafficking Organisations linked to the seizures arrested.

Out of the total opioids seized during the raids, not less than 3,874,000 pills of tramadol 225mg and 100mg, and others as well as 252.2litres of codeine syrup were recovered from a warehouse at Oko market, Asaba, Delta state on Saturday 6th December 2025, while no fewer than 1.2 million tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from a suspect Kelechi Nwakocha, 35, on Wednesday 3rd December when NDLEA operatives on patrol at Orogwe, along Onitsha- Owerri road Imo state, intercepted his vehicle conveying the consignment which was loaded at Aba, Abia state, heading to Onitsha, Anambra state.

In Adamawa state, NDLEA officers on Monday 1st December 2025 intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus marked MGU 554 XB along Maraba-Mubi coming from Jos, Plateau state going to Mubi with a total of 1, 577,112 capsules of tramadol and exol-5 tablets, all concealed inside jumbo bags mixed with new rubber sandals and slippers. Two suspects: Kabiru Buba, 25, and Hamza Abubakar, 32, were arrested in connection with the seizure. Similarly, another suspect, Mudansir Rabiu, 27, was nabbed along Zaria-Kano road, Kano state with 197,000 pills of exol-5.

 

 

Operatives of a special operations unit of NDLEA stormed forests in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti state where they destroyed 14,654 kilograms of skunk and arrested two suspects: Yusuf Iliyasu, 50, and Okumu Chinedu, 26. In another operation, the operatives on Tuesday 2nd December stormed the forests in Asin-Ekiti, Ikole LGA, Ekiti state, where they destroyed 54,300kg of skunk in two large warehouses that were razed while 28.3kg of the same psychoactive substance was recovered for the purpose of prosecution.

Following actionable intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 2nd December raided Igoba forest in Akure North LGA, Ondo state where a total of 2,483 compressed blocks of skunk and 247 bags of same substance all weighing 5,442 kilograms were recovered and five suspects arrested. Those nabbed include: Jacob Omodowo, 66; Joy Oluatobi Peace, 24;

Babatunde Olamide, 40; Echi Fidelis Joseph, 57; and Ankrah Akano, 56.

While 500kg of same substance was recovered from a Mercedes Benz van marked MGU 614 XB by NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road in Niger state on 4th December with the driver Amos Yakubu, 46, arrested, operatives in the FCT Abuja on Wednesday 3rd December intercepted a consignment of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, weighing 22kg at Abaji expressway. A follow up operation at the Jabi park in Abuja led to the arrest of a female receiver, Ali Blessing, 33. Also in the FCT, a suspect Aliyu Usman, 39, was arrested by operatives on Friday 5th December with 24kg skunk and 573,500 pills of exol-5 along Kwali-Gwagwalada expressway.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives recovered 217 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 113kg from a suspect Ezenwa Udoka at Ladipo market, Mushin, while Izuchukwu Usulor was nabbed with 351kg skunk at Onipanu area of the state on 5th December and Susan Okoro arrested with 104.1kg of same psychoactive substance at Trade Fair complex, Ojo, on Tuesday 2nd December.

A total of 447.5 kilograms of skunk were recovered from two Honda Accord cars marked: ABC-678 KK and GGE-772 FB at Agho forest, Akoko Edo LGA, Edo state. A suspect Dada Adedara Babawibi, 56, was apprehended in connection with the seizure. A raid operation at a warehouse in the Isiefve community, Ohuwunde LGA, led to the seizure of 315.8kg of skunk and the arrest of a suspect Stanley Obasuwa.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of St. Michael’s Academy, Sabon Gari, Kano; Harry Pass Secondary School, Masaje, Gboko LGA, Benue; and Community Junior Secondary School, Okuru-Ama, Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of SOU, Delta, Adamawa, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, FCT, Niger and Edo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YULETIDE: EDO STATE POLICE COMMAND WARNS AGAINST THE SALE AND USE OF FIRECRACKERS

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Edo State Police Command has strongly warn residents of the State against the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers, popularly known as “bangers” “knockouts”

 

The Command, through its spokesman, CSP Joel Moses Yamu said it has observed with concern the increasing use of these devices in various parts of the State. The loud and sudden explosions from these items are capable of creating unnecessary panic, causing fear in the minds of the public, and potentially leading to false security alerts or avoidable emergencies.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the use of firecrackers, it says constitutes a nuisance and is prohibited under relevant laws. Anyone found selling, purchasing, or using bangers will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

 

Parents and guardians have been advised to warn their children and wards to desist from this act, while shop owners are strongly cautioned against stocking or selling these prohibited items.

 

The Command , according to Yamu, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents throughout the festive season and beyond. Members of the public are encouraged to report any person or group engaging in the sale or use of firecrackers within their neighbourhoods.

 

For emergencies or information, please contact the Command Control Room through the usual dedicated lines 08037646272 or 08077773721

Lagos Taskforce Clears Ikeja Areas Of Street Traders, Illegal Tic

Posted on by admin50

The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce today, continued its enforcement operation aimed at ridding the streets of illegal street traders, display of goods on the roads, and the activities of illegal ticketers.

It also checkmated unauthorised blockage of the road, operation of illegal busstops and other environmental violations in the state, onwards the yuletide season

The enforcement operation covered the Obafemi Awolowo way, Oba Akran Road  and other adjoinning roads in Ikeja area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the taskforce team visited Ikeja underbridge, Tonade street, Awolowo Way  inward Allen Avenue roudabout and other adjoining  roads reining in recalcitrant street traders, illegal ticketers  and traders  displayed their goods on roads, thereby obstructing traffic flow.

The taskforce has before now, warning against acts constituting nuisance on the highways, walkways. and other such strategic places and sport on the stretch of Obafemi Awolowo way in ikeja metropolis.

During the raid exercise, 3 suspects who were disturbing the state officials from carrying out  their legitimate duties were  arrested, while all goods and wares displayed on the roads were  confiscated and sanity restored in all the areas.

According to the taskforce chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, all the arrested suspects have been charged to court accordingly, while goods confiscated had been forfeited to the state in line with the State Government Environmental Sanitation laws of 2017 and Transport Sectors reform laws of 2018.

CSP Akerele warned illegal street traders against continuing in the act thereby impeding free flow of traffic on our roads.

This he said increases the travel time of innocent motorists especially during this yuletide period, alongside other nuisances it causes.

The Chairman also warned all street traders, illegal ticketers on the highways.  And operators of unapproved bus stops to desist henceforth as violators would be prosecuted.

The taskforce, has, before the commencement of enforcement operations, carried out sensitisation programmes and also issued warnings against creating environmental nuisance in the state.

Edo Police Command Perfect Strategies For Yuletide

Posted on by admin50

The Edo State Police Command has announced a series of intensified measures to strengthen security across the state during the festive season.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, disclosed the plans in Benin City on Friday, assuring residents that the command is fully prepared to safeguard lives and property throughout the yuletide.

Agbonika explained that the command has heightened its operations by deploying intelligence-driven strategies, conducting routine raids on suspected criminal hideouts, and increasing patrols in vulnerable areas. These measures, he said, are designed to prevent crime before it occurs and ensure that citizens can celebrate the season in peace.

“Our goal is to nip crime in the bud and create a safe environment where people can thrive, especially during this festive period,” the commissioner stated.

Agbonika emphasized that suspects arrested during these operations will be promptly charged to court. He noted that swift prosecution serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and reinforces the command’s zero-tolerance stance on crime.

The commissioner acknowledged growing concerns about deteriorating security nationwide and the potential rise in crimes such as kidnapping during the holiday season. He assured that Edo Police Command’s proactive approach is tailored to counter these threats and restore public confidence.

“With our renewed efforts, residents can be assured of improved security measures to safeguard lives and properties during the yuletide,” Agbonika added.

The announcement comes as part of broader efforts by the Edo Police Command to reassure citizens and maintain law and order during one of the busiest times of the year.

Delta Police Operatives Nab 67 Years Old Man Over Cultism, Recover 2 Pump-Action Guns, Ammunition

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Delta Staye Police Command said in its continued effort to curb cult-related activities and the proliferation of illicit firearms within Delta State, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful intelligence-led operation in Abraka on 6th December 2025 at about 0730hrs. The spokesman of theCommand, SP Bright Edafe said acting on credible intelligence, the operatives conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday ‘m’, 67 years old. The operation, according to Edafe, resulted in his arrest and the recovery of Two (2) pump-action guns and Thirty-nine (39) live cartridges.

He has been taken into custody as investigators expand inquiries to determine possible links to cult groups, arms suppliers, and other criminal networks operating within the region”

Similiarly, in a renewed push to tackle the menace of drug abuse in Delta State, Edafe disclosed that the Commander Buffalo Unit have successfully concluded a series of targeted arrests, leading to the arraignment of 18 male suspects before a competent court of jurisdiction on December 5, 2025. The arraignment followed sustained intelligence, coordinated field operations at the popular play-learn area known for discriminating sales of drugs, sweet spirit area as well as pinnacle junction. Those arraigned include: Wisdom Nwanze (38yrs), Godspower Vincent (25yrs), Trust Bobua (17yrs), David Mifford (21yrs), Friday Daniel (35yrs), Emmanuel Dakuru (25yrs), Innatji Ekenea (27yrs), Umar Isah (22yrs), Samuel Hosanna (31yrs), Rabiu Abubakar (31yrs), Dada Usman (22yrs), Dada Usman (20yrs), Danjuma Jonathan (31yrs), Onyeka Solomon (16yrs), Garba Abdullaman (20yrs), Rolniho Paul (26yrs), Abwal Clarius (30yrs), and Aliyu Abubarka (22yrs). The suspects were remanded in prison custody pending fulfilment of their bail conditions.

 

 

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their effective actions, noting that the arrests and recoveries reflect the Command’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led policing. He stated that the Command will not tolerate cultism, arms trafficking, or any conduct that threatens public peace, and assured that all criminal elements will be brought to justice. He urged residents to continue supporting the Police with credible information to enhance security across the State.

VIO heads to Supreme Court after losing bid to regain vehicle-impound powers

Posted on by admin50

The Department of Road Traffic Services, popularly known as the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), says it will take its legal battle to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal upheld a judgment stopping the agency from impounding vehicles or issuing fines to motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.

Acting Director of the DRTS, Deborah Osho, disclosed the agency’s next steps in an interview  on Thursday, warning that the appellate decision had worsened indiscipline on Abuja roads.

Earlier that day, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the October 16, 2024 ruling of the Federal High Court, which barred DRTS officials from stopping vehicles, confiscating them, or levying penalties on drivers.

The three-member panel, in a judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, dismissed the VIO’s appeal for lacking merit.

Reacting to the ruling, Osho said, “We will certainly appeal. As a correspondent, do you see what is happening in the city right now? Don’t you see how dirty the city is?

“I don’t know why we Nigerians don’t like to be corrected. Just look at Airport Road—they have turned that place practically into a one-way. You cannot enforce, you cannot impound, but if you give them a ticket, they won’t come to pay. What do you want us to do? The thing is not funny.”

She added that despite relying on ticketing as an alternative enforcement mechanism, outstanding penalties had exceeded N409m.

“We don’t even impound like that. What we do is, if you commit an offence, whether you take it or go away, you are already captured, and your bill will be sent to you.

“If I give you my laptop now, we have almost 409 million not paid, because they won’t come to pay, and because we cannot enforce our arrest or do anything.

“Have you ever seen anywhere in the world where traffic is well coordinated without enforcement, and you think it will go well?” she said.

The original suit, filed by public interest lawyer Abubakar Marshal (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023), challenged the actions of VIO officers who stopped and seized his vehicle in Jabi on December 12, 2023. He described the conduct as unlawful and a violation of his rights.

Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court agreed with Marshal’s arguments, ruling that no existing law empowered DRTS officials to stop, seize, or impound vehicles or to impose fines.The court declared such actions oppressive and granted a perpetual injunction restraining the agency and its officers from further infringing on motorists’ rights, including freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, fair hearing, and the right to own property.

Marshal, represented by a legal team led by Femi Falana (SAN), had sought N500m in damages. The court instead awarded N2.5m against the DRTS, its Director, the Abuja Area Commander identified as Mr Leo, team leader Solomon Onoja, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Dissatisfied, the respondents approached the Court of Appeal, which on Thursday affirmed the lower court’s decision in its entirety.

(PUNCH)