The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Yetunde Longe, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as the first female Force Secretary.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuiya Adejobi stated that the appointment was in line with the aim of ensuring gender inclusion and equality in all facets of the Nigeria Police Force’s appointments and activities.
According to Adejobi, Longe brings a plethora of experience and skills to her new role and has shown great dedication and competence inside the Nigeria Police Force.
He said, “Longe holds a bachelor’s degree in forensic toxicology, which has significantly contributed to her proficiency in crime management and investigation.
“Her professional development is further enriched by her participation in advanced courses such as the Advanced Detective Course and Intermediate Command Course at Police Staff College Jos, and the Protection of Civilians course in Italy.”
The new Force Secretary, Longe, has held several key positions since her appointment as a Cadet ASP on March 3, 1990, including Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lagos and Bauchi States.
She was also the Commissioner of Police for the Port Authority Police, Eastern Command, Port Harcourt, and Assistant Inspector General of Police in the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He said, “Throughout her illustrious career, AIG Longe has held several key positions, including administrative officer, crime officer, commandant in Lagos, and assistant commissioner of police in charge of corporate investment at the NPF.
“Cooperative; Area Commander in Lagos; Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both Bauchi and Lagos States; and DCP Admin at Zone 2, Lagos.
“Prior to her new appointment, she was Commissioner of Police for the Port Authority Police, Eastern Command, Port Harcourt, and later Assistant Inspector General of Police in the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”
According to Adejobi, Egbetokun emphasised the importance of including women in strategic posts for the force’s overall development and effectiveness.
He stated, “The Inspector General of Police reiterates that gender sensitivity in police appointments and operations remains a non-negotiable principle as his administration is poised to promote gender equality and empower female officers to attain leadership positions within the Force.
“The IGP emphasises that the inclusion of women in strategic roles is crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the Police Force while assuring that the Force will continue to foster an inclusive environment where merit and capability are the primary criteria for advancement, irrespective of gender.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
