News
Land dispute: CSOs Protest Alleged Police Harassment, Demand IGP’s Intervention
Mariam Sanni
A coalition of over 40 civil society organizations has staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, calling on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in alleged police harassment of staff affiliated with the Olusco Group.
The protesters, led by coalition spokesperson Tunde John, said the demonstration followed a petition submitted by the Olusco Group, which accused officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit of continued intimidation and unlawful interference at various company sites in the Federal Capital Territory.
John stated that the harassment persisted despite a valid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Olusco and the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), which grants Olusco legal control over the affected locations.
He further noted that a court order had been secured, restraining the police and any third parties from disrupting the company’s operations.
The coalition warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to unrest, urging authorities to step in before tensions escalate.
The group also alleged that CSP Lamin, reportedly serving under the IGP’s supervision, had led several of the operations. During one such incident, a staff member of the Olusco Group was allegedly shot.
“Relating to the harassment men of the police are doing on these sites, and so olusco group, wrote a petition to us, and there’s need for us to step in, in the interest of Nigerian police and in the interest of general public and in the interest of the petitioner, so that one will not be taking law into his hands.
“And these are the claims number one, an agreement. Between olusco group and PMAN
an MOU was entered into between Olusco group and PMAN for them to take possession of this site that is located beside on the rock in Abuja here.
“And court processes were available, a court order has been gotten to restrain anybody, including the Nigerian police to stop the harassment of the staffs and the owner, on the occupier .
“However, we discovered that there is one officer claiming that she is acting in the order of IGP monitoring team. He was the one that actually led some policemen to come and intimidate, harass innocent citizen, armless citizen, doing their doing their job diligently. This is what we want now. We want the inspector general police to immediately set up a panel to intervene and find out what is the root causes .
While commending the IGP’s past efforts to reform the police force, the coalition emphasized the need for continued accountability. They stressed that their protest was not an attack on the Nigeria Police Force but a call to uphold justice and the rule of law.
The coalition urged the Inspector General to ensure full enforcement of the court order and to end the reported harassment without delay.
Furthermore, the complaints, the CEO of Olusco Group, Femi Olumeyan explained that there is a business transaction with the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in May 2023, involving a joint venture (JV) agreement.
He stated that he has invested over 2 billion naira in the property and has the necessary paperwork to proceed with the construction
He urged various authorities, including the Senate, House Committee on Police Affairs, and the Ministry of Police Affairs to intervene.
Femi Olusco emphasized the need for the police to respect court orders and stop interfering in the civil matter.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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