– Group Calls For Arrest, Prosecution Of Tiger Base Commander, Ola
– Reveals How People Are Killed Extra-Judicially
The redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun (PhD), has elicited massive jubilation among Imolites who are said to have heaved sighs of relief for what they described as the end of the worst era in the annals of policing in the state.
Some of those who spoke to our reporter noted that, “Barde was among the Police Commissioners who were redeployed to different states by the IGP, some months ago. While others who were transferred at the same time with him had resumed duties in their new commands, Governor Hope Uzodinma, allegedly used his contacts to ensure that Barde remains in Imo State till after the governorship election scheduled to take place in the state on November, 11, because he knows that CP Barde is always willing to do his bidding whether or not it is right”.
“Recall, that Deputy CP Barde, was the police officer who submitted the votes that Uzodinma claimed were omitted from his total number of votes. He was also the police officer who testified against former Governor Emeka Ihedioha during the governorship election litigations”.
“Barde, was Deputy Commissioner of Police before he was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police and posted to Imo State in that capacity. It is on record that he has enjoyed a long standing cordial relationship with Governor Uzodimma”.
Meanwhile, a group known as Imolites For Good Governance (IFGG) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Leader of the notorious Tiger Base Unit, for his alleged involvement in several cases of unlawful arrest, torture, extortion and extra-judicial killings in Imo state.
The group in a release issued by the President, Comrade Marcel Nwachukwu called for extensive investigation into the activities of the Tiger Base Unit under the Hope Uzodinma administration.
The release further stated that, the Tiger Base unit carried out the arrest and torture of staff of Imo Civil Guards, as well as the arrest and detention of staff of the National Industrial Court, Owerri in addition to so many illigal arrests in Imo.
“We commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun for ordering the redeployment of CP Barde, which in our opinion, is long over due. We also urge him to order for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ola for all his atrocities against Imo People”.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a release dated November, 5, 2023 stated that the Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate redeployment CP Barde to the Force Headquarters on Special duty.
The release captioned, “GUBER ELECTION: IGP REDEPLOYS CP IMO-Reaffirms Neutrality, reads, “In a pivotal development ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Imo state on 11th November, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters on special duty.
The IGP’s decision to reshuffle the CP underscores the Police Force’s unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining strict neutrality throughout the electoral proceedings. This redeployment is not an indictment on the affected officer but is rather part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering security measures, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of the electoral security management.
The IGP is resolute in ensuring that a secure environment is provided for all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, and citizens to participate in the electoral process. He urges all and sundry to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies and adhere to the law in order to ensure a smooth and successful election while maintaining the principles of democracy”.
