To strengthen its operations in the South-South, the Nigeria Police Force deploys a new Assistant Inspector General (AIG) to Bayelsa State as a Police officer turned kidnapper escapes
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
Redeployed Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, Zone 16 which comprises Rivers and Bayelsa states, AIG Johnson Adenola has assumed duty.
A statement issued by the spokesperson for the zone, SP Gunn Emonena explained that Adenola takes over from AIG Tolani Acauss who retired recently. Zone 16 police command has its headquarters in Yenogoa Bayelsa state.
“Adelona hails from Ipari-Nla, Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State. He was commissioned into Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as a Cadet ASP course 17 in May 1992. Academically, AIG Adenola holds a BA (Hons.) degree in History and a Master of Public Administration from the Ogun State University and University of Ilorin respectively.
Following his successful graduation from the Police Academy, he was posted to Imo state police command for the mandatory one-year practical police duties at Owerri urban divisional police headquarters. In March 1995 at that conclusion of the attachment, he was posted as the spoke person for Imo state police command a post he held till January 1997.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Police command has dismissed a serving police Sergeant identified as Obrientele Ebiarede over his alleged involvement in the recent abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of Bayelsa State High Court.
Tentacle learnt that Sergeant Ebiarede hails from the same Foutorugbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area with the abducted judge, who was also declared a deserter by the command.
According to the police, under the directive of the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Francis Idu, the Sergeant was dismissed for absconding from duty for over 30 days in violation of section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations 2020.
While a joint team comprising operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the state Police’s operations Puff Adder have so far arrested eight suspects linked to the Judge’s abduction, Sergeant Ebiarede remains at large.
Sources revealed that investigators from Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Christ Nwaogbo, raided the residence of one of the suspects, Emizibo Clement also known as “Obonor” in Edeple. During the operation they recovered a motorcycle reportedly used by the dismissed officer to deliver logistics to the kidnappers.
Tentacle further gathered that Emizibo Clement popularly known as “Obonor” who is currently in police custody has been identified as the owner of the residential property in Edeple where he was apprehended.
His arrest, our source said shocked his tenants; most of who expressed disbelief over his alleged role in the kidnapping of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of Bayelsa State High Court.
Police sources at the Bayelsa State command disclosed that official signals have been dispatched to all state commands and the 17 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) zones requesting immediate efforts to apprehend the dismissed sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede who remains at large.
The police high command has also directed the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the police budget office to halt the payment of his salaries.
Investigations revealed that Ebiarede has been drawing his salaries from Enugu state police command. Authorities have been instructed to eject him from the police barracks as part of the disciplinary measures
It would be recalled that the Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Right Hon. justice Ebiyerin Omukoro who was kidnapped in June, regained freedom after 13 days in captivity, although he was released from the kidnappers den without payment of ransom; his abductors had demanded N300 million in foreign currency for his release.
Eight suspects, including six males and two females were however paraded by the commissioner of police in Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended the Bayelsa State police command for its swift and decisive action in dismissing Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede over his alleged involvement in their abduction of Omukoro
In a statement, the NBA Yenagoa Branch described the move as timely and courageous adding that it sends a strong message, that criminality within the state especially against the judiciary will not be tolerated.
Chairman of the branch, Clement Kekemeke stated: “The NBA Yenagoa Branch, commends the Bayelsa state police command for the prompt dismissal of Obrientele Ebiarede and the arrest of eight other suspects. We are pleased that the command acted decisively in a matter that shocked the judiciary and threatened public confidence in the rule of law.
This case is not only about Justice Omukoro, it is about the integrity of our justice system and the safety of every Judicial Officer” Kekemeke added, “The NBA is fully committed to ensuring that those behind this heinous act face the full weight of the law”.
