Police Boost Officers’ Capacity in AI Use for Enforcement, Secure N2bn Court Victories

The Nigeria Police has enhanced its officers’ skills in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to law‑enforcement tasks, following the successful conclusion of the Second AI‑POL Leadership Dialogue Workshop on Advancing Innovation, Governance, and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Policing.

Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Placid said the workshop convened senior law‑enforcement officials, technology specialists, and international partners for a productive discussion on AI’s expanding role in modern policing.

Participants reviewed practical AI applications in security operations, addressed challenges to adoption, and drew on global experiences to craft workable strategies for the Nigeria Police.

Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Disu, speaking at the event, called the engagement both timely and transformative, noting that AI is already reshaping policing and security operations worldwide.

Disu thanked all participants, facilitators, experts, and partners for their contributions and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to sustaining such collaborations.

A highlight of the workshop was a presentation summarising outcomes from the 5th Global Meeting for AI and Law Enforcement, which identified Nigeria as a priority partner for the African AI Policing Pilot initiative.

Attendees were urged to translate the knowledge gained into practical application within their commands rather than confine it to discussion.

In related news, the police secured significant judicial victories at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in two separate rulings that reinforced the country’s criminal jurisprudence and strengthened law‑enforcement authority.

In the first judgement delivered on Tuesday, 14 May 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets valued at over N2 billion linked to financial‑sector staff member Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her associates in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026.

According to Placid, the forfeited assets—spread across Lagos, Osun, Delta states, and the Federal Capital Territory—included bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real‑estate properties.

The principal suspect, who is currently remanded at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre, faces charges of fraud and money laundering.

In a related development, the court on Monday, 13 May 2026, dismissed a N100 million Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit filed by United States‑based suspect David Imole Averehi against the Nigeria Police and the Assistant Inspector‑General of Police, INTERPOL, in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4119/45.

Justice Bello Kawu ruled that the court could not be used to obstruct lawful statutory duties of the police or shield individuals alleged to be involved in criminal activities from prosecution.

The judgement cleared the way for the NCB to proceed with the prosecution of Averehi for obtaining money under false pretences.