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Ahiakwo Warns Political Pressure Could Undermine State Police Reforms

Phinadon Mag

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Constitutional lawyer Justice Osai Ahiakwo cautions that without insulating the IGP from politics, state police reforms may fail to improve security.

Constitutional lawyer and public affairs commentator, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has warned that moves toward establishing state-controlled policing could fail unless the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is insulated from political interference.

His remarks followed the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu as acting IGP by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu had earlier met with state governors, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

“Leadership Change Alone Won’t Fix Structural Weaknesses”

In a statement issued in Calabar, Ahiakwo said that while leadership change at the top of the police hierarchy was noteworthy, it would not automatically resolve deep-rooted institutional weaknesses.

He urged the President to prioritise merit, discipline, and operational independence in confirming a substantive IGP.

He added that the IGP must remain accountable to oversight bodies such as the Police Service Commission and the National Assembly, warning that without such balance, neither federal nor state policing models could guarantee sustainable security.

Institutional, Not Structural, Crisis

Ahiakwo argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are institutional rather than structural, cautioning against treating state police as a political concession or a response to sectional demands.

He stressed that any reform must respect constitutional order, national unity, and the integrity of command and control mechanisms.

Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), policing remains on the Exclusive Legislative List, giving the Federal Government authority over law enforcement — a design meant to prevent abuse of coercive power by sub-national actors.

Strengthening the Existing Framework

The lawyer advised that instead of dismantling the current system, the government should strengthen it through professionalism, adequate funding, and clear lines of authority.

He noted that the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 already provides a modern legal framework promoting accountability, community policing, and improved welfare, but lamented weak implementation and inconsistent political will.

Drawing comparisons with the United States, Germany, and Japan, Ahiakwo said that structural reforms alone would not solve Nigeria’s security problems.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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