Author: oduduwanews

Following the announcement of a new dress code for female police officers in Nigeria by the Inspector General of Police last week, the National body of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN has hailed the new policy describing it as one that is fair to female officers irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.

The new dress code permits female police officers to wear stud earrings and hijab under their berets or peak caps while in uniform.

A statement issued in Abuja by its National Amirah , Hajia Rafi’ah Idowu Sanni, FOMWAN commended the Nigerian Police Force for introducing the policy at this period when some individuals, corporate organizations and institutions of learning in the country are sentimentally averse to the use of hijabs by female muslims.

” This is a unique development in the history of the Nigerian Police Force. Kudos to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba for the approval. With this development, the Nigerian Force has become the first Security Agency in the country to introduce the policy which granted permission to willing female muslim police officers to wear hijabs with their uniforms.

” We are happy that the IGP was quoted as saying that the dress code was in line with international best practices and it is also to address the growing concern for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity ” Hajia Rafi’ah Idowu Sanni added.

The FOMWAN Amirah appealed to Police authorities in all zones across the country to
allow for the implementation of the new policy without any form of harassment, discrimination or victimization of the willing female officers

She called on other security agencies across the country to follow the footsteps of the Nigerian Police by approving the same dress code for their female officers adding that such a policy will no doubt enhance commitment to duty while equally encouraging more female muslims to consider a career in the security services.

” I can say without any fear of contradictions that hijabs had long been approved as part of the uniforms of the Police , Army and Naval officers in many developed climes hence we should not see this as another form of extremism or what some religious bigots in Nigeria will term as Islamization agenda. Female muslims are never comfortable not wearing their hijabs as commanded in the Quran. This new dress code will enable muslim sisters to fulfill one of the most important commandments of Allah which is to cover their heads. This will enable them to contribute their quota to nation building. ” FOMWAN National Amirah stressed

She however enjoined all muslim female police officers willing to adorn the hijab as approved by the force to distinguish themselves by upholding Islamic moral teachings and principles always so as to be the best examples for others.

” FOMWAN is appealing to our Muslimah in the Police Force to be of the best moral standards as exemplified by holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hijab is our pride and our identity. It represents modesty, decency and spirituality. It attracts respect hence anyone wearing it must be of good conduct and character all the time. We congratulate the NPF for being the trail blazer in this regard.”

Residents of Ebute in Oyingbo have called on the Lagos State Government to come to their rescue as Area boys clash shut down activities in the area for 2days.

Affected area include : Willoughby by Herbert Macaulay, Market Street by Bola, Freeman by Willoughby, Cemetery by Willoughby, Redeem church junction. Etc

According to a resident they break into shops overnight and stole goods Worth million’s of naira.

I am tired, they stole 5 power Motorcycles, one of the shop owner Chinedu said.

Details Later….

Baba Ijesha told the court that the foster mother of the minor, Princess, had called and requested him to be part of the movie production.

“On April 19, 2021, Princess sent me a message that she wanted to start a production and she would like me to play the role of a lover boy which I replied ‘okay’.

“She said the story is about rape and she wanted to tell the story in another dimension,”.

The defence counsel tendered before the court, a printout of WhatsApp message between Princess and the defendant, which was admitted into evidence by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

“I asked for the movie location but she told me to come over to her house.”

“Before I entered, Princess met me at the balcony that the movie production was a Lagos State project, adding that the state wanted her to be the face of ‘anti child molestation.’

“She told me to improvise and create a story by myself. I told her the house was dark when I entered. She said we should rehearse that she would use her phone.

“Princess told me to kiss and suck the br€ast of the child, adding that the dress the girl was wearing was purposely for the role the girl wanted to play.

“She would leave the room so that the child would not be shy to play out the role.

“All those things we are seeing in that video is just acting. My lord check my record when it comes to acting, I can kill myself and die for acting. She was the one directing and filming my angles,” he said.

Baba Ijesha told the court that himself and Princess were directors of the movie, adding that she told him he could act out the scene in the kitchen as well.

“She told me I could go into the kitchen as well. She told the girl in question you remember what I told you, when I leave the room now, act out your role perfectly.

“The girl removed my shoe and I started acting out my role. I romanced her based on the movie role Princess gave me.

“As I was acting with the girl, kissing and licking her fingers, I was also whispering to her ‘hey do not look at the camera’.

“Suddenly, I saw like eight people including Princess, entered the room and started beating her”.

The Erelu Okin of Kemta Kingdom, Pearl Chidinma Ogbolu, has apologised for sharing petrol as a souvenir at her installation party.

The apology was sequel to the backlash from Nigerians over the viral video where kegs of petrol with stickers “Erelu Okin Foundation Installation Party” were shared at the ceremony.

The kegs of petrol were seen handed to guests at the party to celebrate Ogbu’s installation as Erelu Okin of Orile Kemta at the Havillah Event Place, Oniru in Lagos.

Petrol

Ogbolu, who took to her verified Instagram page on Saturday, wrote: “I want to use this medium to apologise for the momentarily indiscretion of bringing fuel Souvernirs into the hall.

“My intent was just to show appreciation to my guests for turning up at my event at these hard times.

“I have paused to reflect and truly apologise and I thank you all for your understanding and criticisms.”

The Human Rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN has condemned the recently announced dress code by Nigerian Police Force and asked the that the dress code be suspended.

In a statement released today by the lawyer via his Facebook account as read in part:

“On March 4, 2022, the Inspector-General of Police purported to unveil a new dress code for the Nigeria Police Force, especially female officers, who are to be allowed to wear coverings or hijab, etc.

“The religion of public officers, including members of the security agencies, should be a private matter to them. The Inspector-General of Police is not competent to use the platform of his office to enforce religion.

“Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that government and all its agencies should be neutral in religious matters.

“Section 42 of the same Constitution prohibits discrimination in all its ramifications. In this regard, there will be no end to confusion attending the new dress code prescribed by the IGP.

What will be the official uniform for police women who are in the Catholic Church?

How should policemen and women who are in the Celestial Church dress up when the practice of their church is against wearing shoes at all?

And how should traditionalists who are in the police force dress up, with charms and amulets round their uniforms?

The Nigeria Police has existed as an institution since 1945 and it is strange that of all the issues confronting that agency, such as low morale, poor welfare, poor infrastructure, poor training, poor welfare, etc, religious adornment should be the priority of the Inspector-General of Police.

The police should focus on combating crime, improve citizens engagement and help guaranty safety of lives and property. The religious preferences of policemen and women should be their private matters”.