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Nigerian police have successfully rescued five sisters who were kidnapped in Abuja, the country's capital. The joint police-army operation took place in the Kajuru forest in Kaduna State on Saturday night, where the girls were being held hostage. The abduction occurred earlier this month, and one of the sisters was tragically killed during the incident. Although the kidnappers had demanded a ransom, the police statement did not specify whether any payment was made. The rescued girls, aged from the early teens to 23, have now been reunited with their family.

The abduction involved the six sisters and their father, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, in Bwari, a suburb of Abuja, on January 2. Witnesses reported that the girls' uncle sought help but was ambushed and killed, along with three police officers. Mansoor was released by the kidnappers on the condition he raised a substantial ransom. Unfortunately, his 21-year-old daughter, Nabeeha, was killed as a warning. Kidnapping has become prevalent in Nigeria, with criminal gangs seeing it as a lucrative venture. The incident sparked national outrage, leading to calls for intensified efforts by security agencies to address the kidnapping crisis.

First Lady Remi Tinubu urged security agencies to step up their efforts, demanding a swift return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters. Despite a ransom demand of 65 million naira, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar discouraged contributions, emphasizing that ransom payments worsen the situation. Nigerian law prohibits paying ransom, but victims often yield to secure their loved ones' release due to a lack of trust in authorities. Concerns about insecurity reaching the capital prompted Abuja's police force to establish a special squad to combat kidnapping gangs. Minister Abubakar asserted that operations against these gangs elsewhere forced them to move closer to the capital, and security agencies are working diligently to eliminate the threat.

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Afrobeat singer, Mohbad, expresses dissatisfaction with the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's death. In an interview with Trust TV, Joseph reveals his concerns about the ongoing investigation, stating, "I am not satisfied with the police investigation. A lot of things have been said outside which are not really right."

One particular area of dissatisfaction for Joseph is the lack of follow-up by the police after he carried Mohbad's body to the station. He expected them to search his son's house or provide the police autopsy report, which hasn't been provided. Joseph emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation, urging the police to question people who were living with Mohbad and explore their phones for relevant information about the incident.

Expressing his concerns, Joseph emphasizes the quest for justice and the importance of expediting the investigation. He appeals to the government to put more effort into ensuring a transparent and satisfactory resolution to the case.

Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was buried the next day. The aftermath saw Naira Marley, the pioneer of Marlian Records, and Sam Larry facing police questioning. Both were arrested, arraigned, and released on bail, while a nurse who administered injections to Mohbad became a prime suspect.

Responding to public outcry, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a forensic investigation into the singer's death. The Lagos State Police Command formed a 10-man team, including a pathologist, to exhume Mohbad's corpse and conduct a comprehensive investigation. The Lagos Coroner Court confirmed that the external body autopsy was completed, but the toxicology test, vital for determining the cause of death, is being conducted in the United States.

Despite expectations, the autopsy report has not been made available to the police. As calls for transparency persist, the police spokesman in Lagos, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has not provided an update on the investigation. The grieving father, Joseph Aloba, continues to seek justice and a clearer resolution surrounding the circumstances of Mohbad's untimely death.

In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Awka has ruled that the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, is unlawfully occupying the office. The court, presided over by Justice Fatun Riman, declared that Baba's continued stay in the position is in direct violation of the Police Act of 2020 and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.

The court's judgment, delivered in a case filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, a taxpayer, emphasized that only an officer of the prescribed rank with at least four years of service can be appointed as the IGP. It was further stated that Baba, who has less than four years of service, does not meet the requirements for the position.

While the judgment was officially rendered on May 19, 2023, a certified copy was made available on May 27, 2023. The plaintiffs in the case had brought legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari, the IGP, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Council, seeking an order to prevent Baba from occupying the office since his tenure had expired.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Riman underscored the fact that the IGP is a public servant and a member of the Nigeria Police Force, established under Section 214(1) of the Constitution. According to the Federal Public Rules 299 (PSR), all public service officers are required to retire at the age of 60 or after 35 years of service, as mandated by the Constitution. The judge further emphasized that the President's prerogative power is limited by the provisions of the Constitution and that the retirement of the Inspector-General of Police is a matter governed by statutory and constitutional provisions, which cannot be altered by any other law.

Usman Alkali Baba reached the age of 60 on March 1, 2023, which marked the compulsory retirement age. However, his tenure was extended by President Buhari in January of the same year. This court ruling challenges the validity of that extension and asserts that Baba's occupation of the office is unlawful based on the clear provisions of the law.

This judgment has significant implications for the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and raises questions about the adherence to legal and constitutional procedures in appointments to key positions. It remains to be seen how this ruling will be implemented and what steps will be taken to address the situation in accordance with the court's decision.

 Presidency said President Muhammadu Buhari has been briefed about the grievances of Nigerian on police brutality- Media aide to the president, Bashir Ahmad, said Buhari was notified on Thursday by the police IG Mohammed Adamu- Ahmad assured aggrieved Nigerians that President Buhari will give fresh directives in the interest of the people