Edgal

The Nigeria Police has retained Imohimi Edgal as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. This is even as ACP Frank Mba was named the new Force Public Relations Officer to replace Moshood Jimoh.

The  change of guard between Imohimi and his would be successor, CP Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday was called off following a directive from Abuja that the status quo be maintained.

Imohimi was expected to handover to  Egbetokun but things took a different when what was expected to be a handover speech by Imohimi turned out to be the opposite.

“As we were about concluding the handing over procedure, we were instructed from our bosses in Abuja to stop action for now.  So, there will be no change of guard for now.

“I am happy and humbled that you find this serious enough for you all to come and see what is happening here. I consider it an honour.”  Imohimi said, to the astonishment of guests who were already seated.

Reports say when news of the suspension of the change of guard reached the conference hall where senior police officers were waiting to be briefed, there was jubilation.

 The message reverting the posting emanated from the office of the new Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

It read: “The Inspector-General of Police has reverted the posting of the following Commissioners of Police to command/formation indicated against their names. To CP Lagos State, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Edgal. To CP EODFHQ, Abuja, Ag. Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun Adeolu. Posting is with immediate effect.”

Also a statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti read: “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Inspector-General of Police has graciously suspended the planned redeployment of the CP Lagos State, Edgal Imohimi from the command.

“The IGP in his wisdom, said the status quo should be maintained. The CP who is well known for his discipline and respect for orders was handing over to Mr. Kayode Egbetokun yesterday, when he received the directive to suspend the ceremony and await further instructions.

“While he is humbled by the decision, the CP wishes to assure the people of Lagos that their safety and security remains his priority.”

Mba, the new Force Public Relations Officer studied law at the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian bar in 2002.

He hails from Ezimo in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and was the best graduating cadet inspector in academics at the Police Academy, Kano in 1993.

He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1999, Deputy Superintendent of Police in 2003, Superintendent of Police in 2006 and Chief Superintendent of Police in 2012.