Opinion
Fake Police Website?
Lucy C. Eze
The adage that says “those whom the gods wants to destroy, they first make mad. I am saying this in respect of the rumour going around the country about people faking police website. What are these people turning into?, are they not the ones that the gods will destroy.
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is trying within the constraint of under development to forge some semblance of law enforcement not only in Nigeria but also in cyberspace. Its presence on the internet can be accessed at the official link httpi/www.nigeriapolice.org/. The Police force advertises a lot of useful link and service options and has helped both locals and foreigners alike in accessing and procuring hitherto difficult service or resolving daunting complaints for the people. It is something to give credit, to the brains behind the enterprise.
However, during the recent internet surfing it was discovered that a rather suspicious look alike website for the Nigeria Police Force advertises a lot of misinformation about the official NPF. This suspicious website is located at httpi/policenigeria.com/index.html; and it purports to be real McCoy, unless one is patient enough to peruse the contents the webpages you will not be able to know the real and fake website but been patient could be able to expose the intent of the perpetrators. Why would unknown people continue to devise means and ways of circumventing the law, including undercutting the very organisation that is empowered to defend and enforce that law in Nigeria. We know that the Nigerian Police Force are not living up to the peoples expectation but is this how we will call them to order?, faking the NPF website will not help the security situation. The suspicious website contains significant inaccurate information of the history and official structure of the real NPF, while insisting that it is out to serve the interests of Ghana and Ghanaians! Imagine the impudence, if not a blundering ignorance, for a Nigeria police that is presumably set up to serve the needs of nationals of another country that can never be the case. Though the NPF goes to other countries for peace keeping but their primary assignment is to protect, defend and enforce law in Nigeria.
Since the official Nigeria Police Force headquarters is in Abuja and perhaps as part of its suspicious intent this other website is also misdirecting the public to what clearly appears to be out of town contact information (+234 (1)-7403386: 234 (80) 65521930 and giving the website into @ policenigeria.com). This can only be the work of some mischief peddler, scammers, tricksters or perhaps fraudulent minds.
A check with ICT section of the official NPF in Abuja confirmed that the website as expected is unauthorised and illegal. In an electronic mail response to enquiries, an officer of the NPF who pleaded anonymity confirmed that the organisation has nothing to do with this wanton abuse of the law of copyright as well as illegal misrepresentation of the authentic NPF. As a result, it has activated the process of unravelling the persons behind this efforts. Similar complaints have been lodged with other law enforcement agencies in the U.S and Canada since the web hosting companies appears to have offices in both countries.
During the past few decades, or so, several of the indolent hands bearing the green coloured passports have crossed the ribicon and embraced the sin of reprobate citizenship and they have done and continue to do real damage to the good image of Nigerians, this must stop as it is presumed to be a fake device to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
As a matter of routine, it was not difficult to dissect the suspicious intent of the entries involved in this obviously unauthorised exercise. A violation of copyright law was a crime against the nation.
The suspicious website had without any permission culled from the NPF blog or some other outlets that had previously been authorised to publish the same an effort to confer respectability to an otherwise faceless charlatan. This is certainly the work of some evil minded persons out to destroy the reputation of the police. Why go to this length of unlawful conduct and selfish desires with all it’s consequences for the persons including the collateral impact that tarnishes the reputation and image of the entire nation including the real NPF?
The other NPF, the obvious fake one, must not be allowed to thrive the relevant organisation of the Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies all over the country should try as much as possible to fish out the masterminds without delay.
The culprits must be fully investigated and exposed for the harm they have done to the hardworking people of our nation.
Little wonder why innocent and law abiding citizens have been subjected to enormous embarrassments and deprivations in foreign land and airports because of nefarious activities just as these concerted efforts must be made to nip in the bud the activities of the fraudsters and help in preventing further damage to the authentic NPF and the underserved discretion of its image.
There are many diligent men and women in police uniform in Nigeria and these people must rise to the occasion in arresting these ever-persisting cyber-crimes that have come to be attributed to Nigeria.
Eze is a student at Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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