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Ogun Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni Calls for Religious Tolerance, Peace

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The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has called for greater religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, saying security agencies must protect the right of people to practise their faith.

Mr Ojajuni made the remarks on Sunday, 9 August, while attending ceremonies at St Martin’s Police Catholic Church in Ogun State.

The event included the confirmation of 65 Catholic candidates, the blessing of a newly built grotto and the foundation-laying ceremony for a Catholic chaplains’ house.

The ceremonies were presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev Dr Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo.

What the police commissioner said

Mr Ojajuni congratulated the 65 people who received the sacrament of confirmation and praised the Catholic community for what he described as its commitment to faith, discipline and peaceful coexistence.

He said religious tolerance was essential to Nigeria’s security and stability.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of citizens to live together peacefully irrespective of religious or ethnic differences,” Mr Ojajuni said.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting the right of citizens to practise their religions “within the ambit of the law”.

The commissioner also urged religious leaders to promote messages of love, unity and understanding, while rejecting extremism and intolerance.

He said religious communities should avoid ideologies capable of undermining national peace and unity.

Why the statement matters

Freedom of religion is not simply a matter of goodwill by the police. It is a constitutional right.

Section 38 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the right to practise and manifest one’s religion in public or private.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which has force of law in Nigeria, also protects freedom of conscience and the free practice of religion.

This places an important responsibility on the police, particularly when religious tensions threaten public order.

The Police Act 2020 requires the force to uphold fundamental rights and to treat people fairly regardless of their religious, ethnic or political beliefs.

What happened at the church

The Catholic ceremony itself was primarily a religious and community event.

The 65 candidates received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop Odetoyinbo.

The bishop also blessed the newly constructed Grotto of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, which the church said would provide a place for prayer and reflection.

A foundation was also laid for a Catholic Chaplains’ House intended to provide accommodation for Catholic chaplains serving the police community.

The police said senior officers, including ACP Gloria Otonko and other officers from the command, attended the ceremonies.

Mr Ojajuni also commended the Catholic chaplain, CSP Rev Fr Paul Omotosho, for his work in providing spiritual support to police personnel and members of the Catholic community.

Beyond one religious community

The commissioner’s message has implications beyond the Catholic community.

For Nigerians, religious tolerance is closely linked to security because religious or ethnic divisions can become flashpoints during periods of political or social tension.

The police are often among the first state institutions expected to respond when such tensions threaten public order.

The Police Act therefore places public safety and the protection of fundamental rights alongside the police’s enforcement responsibilities.

For that reason, the more important question will be how consistently the principle is applied when religious disagreements become disputes, protests or security incidents.

For now, the Ogun commissioner has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance.

Source: Ogun State Police Command statement issued by DSP Oluseyi B. Babasiyi, Police Public Relations Officer, on 9 August 2026.

Security

NSCDC Arrests Three Over Alleged Vandalism of Government Property in Anambra

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State says it has arrested three men over the alleged vandalism of government property and structures on government-owned land in Onitsha South Local Government Area.

The suspects were arrested on Monday, 14 September 2026, at about 3:48pm during an operation involving NSCDC personnel and the Agunachemba Security Outfit, according to the command.

The development was announced on Tuesday by SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media and Tactical Operations of the NSCDC Anambra Command, while reviewing the command’s operational activities for the week.

Three men arrested

The NSCDC identified the suspects as Oseloka Anyaorah of Onitsha Umuasi, who allegedly claimed to be the chairman of Ogbo Family, as well as John Nwobodo and Ifeanyi Nwancho.

The command said Nwobodo and Nwancho claimed to be workers of Anyaorah at the site.

The agency said the men were allegedly found vandalising government property in Onitsha South.

Items recovered from the site include a government signpost, zinc sheets, nails and other building materials, according to the NSCDC.

Also Read: Eze Challenges Wihioka to Produce Documents Disputing Amaechi’s Ikwerre Identity 

Investigation underway

The NSCDC said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly conspired to damage and remove parts of government infrastructure belonging to Onitsha South.

The recovered materials have been taken into the custody of the Corps, it said.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

NSCDC warns against public property vandalism

Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, condemned the alleged vandalism, describing the destruction of public property as economic sabotage against the government and residents of the state.

He said the Corps would continue efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.

Commandant Maku directed that the suspects be profiled and prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

He also urged traditional rulers, town union leaders and residents to provide timely information to security agencies to help prevent the vandalism of government facilities.

What happens next?

The NSCDC said investigations into the incident are continuing, after which the suspects are expected to be charged to court if sufficient evidence is established.

The case highlights the role of security agencies and community leaders in protecting public infrastructure, particularly facilities and assets built with government resources.

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Ogun CP Intervenes as Doctor Waives ₦300,000 Bill for Bereaved Woman

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A doctor in Ogun State has waived a ₦300,000 outstanding hospital bill owed by a woman who lost her baby after undergoing a Caesarean Section.

The Ogun State Police Command said the intervention followed an appeal by Commissioner of Police Olubode Bode Ojajuni after the woman, identified as Precious Mathew, approached the Owode-Yewa Police Division for help.

According to the command, Ms Mathew, from the Ogooluwa area behind Owode Market, went to the police station on 13 September 2026 over the unpaid bill.

She had undergone a Caesarean Section at Longe Hospital Medical Centre, Sabo, Owode-Yewa, on 30 June, but subsequently lost her baby, the police said.

How the ₦300,000 debt arose

The hospital bill was ₦400,000, of which ₦100,000 had already been paid, leaving a balance of ₦300,000.

The matter was brought to the attention of CP Ojajuni, who the police said contacted the medical doctor, Dr Babanki Samuel, to appeal for consideration of the woman’s circumstances.

The command said Dr Samuel subsequently agreed to waive the entire outstanding balance.

The decision meant Ms Mathew could leave without having to pay the remaining ₦300,000, according to the police.

Police praise doctor’s gesture

The Ogun State Police Command described the doctor’s decision as an act of compassion towards a woman already dealing with the loss of her child.

It thanked Dr Samuel for what it described as his “humanity and generosity”.

The account provided by the police does not indicate that Ms Mathew was arrested or accused of committing an offence. Rather, the division became involved after she sought assistance over the hospital debt.

Also Read: So-Safe Corps Arrests Pregnant Woman, Man Over Alleged Ogun House Break-in 

A difficult situation eased

The incident highlights the difficulties that unpaid medical bills can create for families, particularly after a traumatic medical experience.

In this case, the police intervention resulted in a conversation between the commissioner and the doctor, with the hospital subsequently agreeing to cancel the outstanding amount.

The police said the outcome allowed the woman to leave without the financial burden.

The Ogun State Police Command’s account did not provide further details about Ms Mathew’s current condition or the circumstances surrounding her baby’s death.

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NSCDC Secures Conviction of Man Over Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism in Anambra

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has secured the conviction of a man, Obika Sopuruchukwu, over the attempted theft and vandalism of critical telecommunications infrastructure in Awka.

Sopuruchukwu was arrested on 9 September 2026 at Emma Nnaemeka Street, Awka, after allegedly conspiring with an accomplice to steal a telecommunications integrated power transformer/generator installed in the area.

According to the NSCDC, the accomplice escaped, while operatives arrested Sopuruchukwu and subsequently charged him before the Magistrate Court sitting in Awka.

Man convicted on two counts

The defendant was arraigned in Charge No. MAW/276C/2026 on two counts.

The first count was conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically stealing, punishable under Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code.

The second involved vandalism of critical national assets through the loosening of bolts and cutting of cables, an offence the NSCDC said is punishable under Section 353(2) of the Criminal Code.

Sopuruchukwu pleaded guilty to both charges.

Delivering judgment on 11 September, the magistrate found him guilty on the two counts and sentenced him to one month imprisonment on each count.

The sentences are to run consecutively at the Correctional Centre in Amawbia, meaning he is to serve a total of two months in custody.

Also Read: Aiyedatiwa Appoints Special Adviser, Board Chairmen, Members 

NSCDC warns infrastructure vandals

The NSCDC Anambra State Command said the conviction underscores its efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, commended the prosecution team led by SC Ifeanyi Nwokike and other operatives for what he described as their diligence.

He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in Anambra.

Commandant Maku also warned that the NSCDC would continue to clamp down on people involved in the vandalism of public utilities.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government and private installations to the nearest NSCDC formation.

Why the case matters

Telecommunications infrastructure supports mobile communications, internet connectivity and other digital services used daily by individuals, businesses and public institutions.

Damage to power and supporting equipment at telecommunications sites can disrupt services and impose additional costs on operators and users.

The NSCDC is legally mandated to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, making the prevention of vandalism a key part of its security responsibilities.

What’s next

The NSCDC said it would continue operations against the vandalism of critical infrastructure and urged members of the public to provide information about suspicious activity around installations.

The command did not provide further details about the escaped accomplice or whether any additional arrest had been made.

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