Babatunde Solanke

A 30-year-old man, Peter Ude, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for defiling a two-year-old toddler.

He was arrested by the police on July 14, 2024 at Dele Ojo Camp at Uso, Owo Local Government Area when he raped a two-year-old toddler around 10:00pm.

The charge No: FAK/30c/24, reads that Peter Ude “did unlawfully bring out your penis and lying on one(names withheld) ‘f’ aged 2 years and discharged sperm on her vaginal and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 4(2) of Ondo State Violence Against Person(Prohibition) Law 2021.”

When the charges were to him at the Family Magistrate Court sitting at Uso, Peter Ude pleased guilty to the charges.

The presiding judge, Chief Magistrate T.G. Alphonso, having examined the medical report extracted by the Investigative Police Officer, Olayinka and presented before the court by the prosecution, Supol Martins Olowofeso, pronounced the accused guilty and, therefore sentenced him to two calendar years with 2 days lashes.

The convict was sent to Olokuta correctional centre in Akure, Ondo State.

Four youth Corps members serving in the South Eastern and a young cabinet maker, who were kidnapped by gunmen along Benin/Ifon road, have been released to their family members by their abductors on Monday after spending four days in kidnappers’ den.

Narrating their ordeals, one of the victims, Patience Andrew said: “We boarded a bus from Abia State to Onitsha, but our driver was not fast enough. We got there around 2pm.

“We boarded another bus going to Akure, but the driver did not take off immediately, so we left Onitsha park around 5pm with 9 passengers in a Siena bus.

“We got to Ondo State around 10pm when the incident happened. They flashed torch light on the driver and the driver said: “Oga I no see you.

“They fired him twice the moment he made that statement and the woman sitting next to him. One guy was butchered. So, two people died and we don’t know about the guy that was butchered, he ran away.

“Then they brought us out of the vehicle and they took us to the bush. We trekked from past 10pm till around 7am the following day in the bush.

“The kidnappers were five in number and their age range should be around 25 years and not up to 30 years. They were speaking Hausa/Fulani language and they have one interpreter.

“They tortured us and we were only given garri and water. At first, they asked for N30 million per person, but as the negotiation was going they brought it down to N3 million.

“So, they now asked us to bring N1 million each. We slept inside the bush throughout the day, we heard the barking of a dog and sound of cow in the bush and we pass through farmland when we were coming out.

“But we didn’t meet anybody on the road, then our brothers came with what they asked for which are 3 Hollandia yoghurt, 2 loaves of bread, one carton of peak milk, one pack of malt drink, 5 bottles of Fearless drink, one pack of YES cigarette and 10 packs of rice and chicken and N1 million each, which totalled N5 million.”

One of the two family members, who took the N5million ransom to the abductors, Oluwadara Olamide, disclosed that “after we agreed on N5 million in total, they gave me a location and told me to be there before 10am.

“Then I gathered the money and we got to Owo at 9:30am. Then they told me to stop at the double lane that entered Owo town, then I was trying their number till 11am.

“When I was able to call them, then they called me back after 15 minutes. Then they asked me to take a transport from that junction to Mobil. So, I called them after getting to Mobil, then they asked me to take two motorbikes one for me and the other to carry the stuffs we bought for them.

“Then they told us to go to Achiever University road at Ago Alhaji, and then warned us that “if you bring wahala, wahala plenty.” We told the bikemen that we are going for excursion, then when we got to Ago Alhaji, they told us to go to Ago Pan. When we got to Ago Pan, we called them, and a young guy came to meet us with gun and told us where to pass.

“We got into the bush and I showed them the bag where the cash was and they carried it and they asked me to move, and not quite long, we stopped and they called their other member to bring our family members.”

The victims said: “We were treated in Owo Police Area Command clinic and put down our statements,” Patience Andrew said.

According to the victims, they were released on Idase/Ute Road, Owo, Ondo State, having trekked through the forest from the point they were abducted to Idase forest.

The kidnap victims are Adewole Paul Oluwaseun, Oluwadara Feranmi, Andrew Patience, Oribamise Taiwo, all female Youth Corps members and Ajayi Lekan(cabinet maker.)

Mohammed Shosanya

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered an armoury concealed within a private mortuary in Ekeya, Okobo Local Government Area.

Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara,disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, on Tuesday.

The operation,he said,was initiated following the capture of a notorious kidnapper, Ubong Effiong Archibong, known as ‘Condiment,’ who was allegedly behind numerous kidnappings and murders in the state.

“Through credible intelligence and a meticulous investigation, our operatives recovered firearms and ammunition from a private mortuary used as an armoury by the syndicate. The leader of this gang, Ubong Effiong Archibong, and his accomplices are responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings.” CP Ayilara stated.

He listed recovered arsenal to include; Two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, one double-barrel rifle, one single-barrel rifle, five magazines, seven live ammunitions.

In another incident, the police arrested 23-year-old Daniel Edem Okon. He reportedly hired a commercial motorcyclist from Idoro Road to Mbikpon Ikot Edim, only to murder him on a deserted path, bury him in a shallow grave, and steal his motorcycle.

“On July 12, 2024, at about 8:30 pm, our patrol operatives apprehended two suspects, Daniel Edem Okon and Samaila Salisu, on a motorcycle without an identification number near Timber Market, Uyo,” Ayilara said. “After rigorous interrogation, Okon confessed to the murder of the rider, Saviour Anthony Effiong, aged 45.”

“The victim’s decomposed body was later exhumed and deposited in a morgue”,he added

CP Ayilara also paraded several other suspects accused of crimes including kidnapping, rape, trafficking, and vandalism. He assured that all suspects would face justice upon the completion of investigations.

One of the recent Kuje Prison escapees and gang leader, Hashiru Marazu Baku has been arrested by officers of the FCT Police Command attached to Utako Division over the murder of a retired Brigadier General Uwen Harold in his residence on the 21/06/2024.

The police also recovered the late General’s service pistol, some ammunitions which were carted away, a wrist watch belonging his wife, other jewelries and 79 bottles of 100ml of codeine in the suspect’s residence at Mararaba, Nasarawa state.

Parading the suspects alongside othe criminal suspects arrested for various crimes ranging from armed robbery, vandalism and others, the Command CP Benneth C. Igweh, disclosed that, Police operatives from Utako Division in a covert operation led by CSP Victor Godfrey trailed and apprehended the gang leader at Chile Hotel in Kano state on the 17/07/2024.

CP Igweh stated that, “Sequel to an earlier achievement of the Command where some suspects were arrested on 23/06/2024 for the murder of a Retired Brigadier General Uwen Harold in his residence on 21/06/2024, his service pistol and some ammunitions were carted away.

“In a follow up operation by the same team of Police operatives on the 19/07/2024, the said service pistol of the late Brigadier General was recovered with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, in Mararaba Nasarawa state at about 02:00AM.

“It is important to note that the same Hashiru Marazu Bako was once arrested in 2022 at Wuse zone 6 for armed robbery, was prosecuted and sentenced to Kuje correctional facility from where he broke out during the 22/05/2022 Kuje jail break.”

Igweh also noted that, “On the 20/07/2024 at about 10:00PM, a team of Police operatives from Utako Division led by CSP Victor O. Godfrey trailed a Golf Vento vehicle with registration No. KWL 368 CP, around Arab Junction Utako – Darki Junction Jabi, suspected to be driven by a gang of armed robbers.

“Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire on the operatives which resulted in a gun duel. The suspects succumbed to the superior fire power and prowess of the Police and the following suspects were arrested;Ibrahim Yakubu, Ugwu Monday Joseph and Lawal Mustapha. Both suspects have confessed to have been operating while one other escaped with bullet wounds.

“The following exhibits were recovered from them including two English pistols, two magazines, 49 live ammunitions, three torchlight and several charms.

The FCT Police Boss further revealed that, “On the 20/07/2024, acting on credible intelligence, a combined team of Police operatives and Civilian Joint task Force led by the Commander Rapid Response Squad FCT Command raided black spots at Kabusa Panteka where the eight male suspects were arrested with one trailer containing used car parts, armored cables, one canter pickup truck, two buses with one containing burnt armored cables, five saloon vehicles comprising of; one camry pencil light, two Honda accord and two corolla cars, 14i nverter batteries and nine used cars.

The suspects he said could not give a satisfactory explanation to the exhibits seen in their possession. “Investigations are still ongoing and suspects will be charge to court upon conclusion.

The CP also paraded one Chukwunazom Cyra, for being a in possession of illegally acquired riffle.

He said, “On 17/07/2024 at about 0600pm following a complaint by one Chukwunazom Cyra, Police operatives from Zuba division trailed and arrested one Brendan Ugwu at Dankogi area in Zuba. A search was conducted on his car and one locally made gun was recovered.

“This prompted another search at his residence where another locally made gun concealed in the ceiling of his house was recovered. Suspect is in custody undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

Accordingly, the CP said, “On 12/06/2024 and 15/06/2024, at about 20:00hrs and 23:00hrs respectively, a team of Police operatives led and coordinated by CSP Victor O. Godfrey trailed and arrested the following suspected armed robbery suspects who have been on the Command watch list.

“They include Saidi Mohammed and Miracle Felix. Suspects confessed to being a gang of one chance operatives who have been operating around Wuse II and Mpape axis for a while now. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.”

The CP further reiterated his commitment and willingness to always work with residents of FCT to defeat crime in all its forms in the Federal Capital Territory.

Tamilore Shosanya

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has remanded a wedding groom, identified as Effoghene Uwheraka and 12 others in connection with the murder of a female police inspector, Christiana Erekere.

The slain inspector was attacked on April 25, 2024, while on stop and search duty at a police checkpoint in Taaba community, Khana Local Government Area by her assailants who were traveling from Rivers State to Akwa Ibom State for a wedding ceremony.

The remanded suspects became violent after the slain inspector’s team queried the validity of a vehicle document they were traveling in.

The suspects are standing trial for 13 counts, bothering on conspiracy to murder, murder among other charges, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Justice Augusta Chukwu in her ruling, refused a bail application filed by the suspects’ lawyers before remanding them and adjourning the matter to October 8, for accelerated hearing.

Bauchi:Mob Kill Man Over alleged Blasphemy

A middle aged man,Yunusa was on Wednesday killed by an irate mob in Nasaru village of Ningi local government area of Bauchi State for allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad (SAW}.

A witness,who confirmed this to newsmen,said the incident occurred in the village at about 3pm, adding that Yunusa made blasphemous comment during a heated argument between him and his friends.

The situation was said to have attracted the attention of many people who were around and following the line of argument among them.

“The victim was a member of Faira Islamic sect,he was heard to have spoken words of insults on the Prophet. Some young men challenged Yunusa to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not. He even repeated it. That was when they started beating him”, he witness said.

According to reports, Police personnel tried as much as possible to save Yunusa but they were overpowered by the mob which used stones, sticks and other dangerous things to hit him until he died.

The mob tried to burn down the Police Station in the village when the Police tried to shield him there, the witness said.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakili,was not available for reaction as at press time.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, CP Benneth Igweh, on Thursday paraded six suspects who specialize in selling pre-registered Sim cards to kidnappers and other criminal elements in the FCT.

He also paraded eight other suspects for various criminal offences ranging from kidnapping, trans-border armed robbery, gun running and car theft.

He told newsmen that 1, 100 registered SIM cards, 2 network jammer, 7 firearms, 6 vehicles, 3 registration machines, 2 fingerprint machines and 1 gionee phone were recovered from the 14 suspects as exhibits.

According to him, “On May 29, 2024, at about 3:00 pm, a team of detectives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) led by ACP Mohammed S. Baba, acting on credible intelligence, lured and arrested six suspects namely, Ndubuisi Okeh, John Jock, Nafiu Tijani (a dispatcher), Nasiru Sulaiman, John Njoku and Suleiman Musa.”

The suspects, the CP said, “Specialize in the sales of already registered sim cards to criminals who operate with other people’s identity to avoid being traced or tracked through their own details at the price rate of three to five thousand naira.

“It may interest you to know that four different numbers could be registered under a single NIN, hence, these criminals employ street sim card vendors to get the details of unsuspecting residents who buy sim cards and register at the same time.

“Over one thousand, one hundred already registered sim cards, three registration machines and other gadget were recovered from the suspects. The suspects have all confessed to the crime and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”

Also, “On May 19, 2024 at about 5:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Police operatives of the command trailed and apprehended Salam Zacheus (currently on court bail for a similar offense) and Ademola Razzak in Kado-Kuchi.

“The notorious suspects who have been on the command’s wanted list are members of a four man gang terrorizing Abuja and its environs and have freely confessed to the crime.

“An ash coloured Toyota camry vehicle, with Reg. No. KSF 412 HT, a network jammer, seven sim cards, and a new number plate reading LSR 961 JK were recovered from them. Suspects will be charged to court soon.”

The police operatives from anti-car theft section also trailed and arrested one Ikechukwu Didi 54 yrs, ‘m’ of Enugu State at Dutse Juction, who specialises in gun-running. Seven automatic pump action short guns and a thousand (1000) rounds of live cartridges were recovered from him. Suspect will be arraigned in court soon.

In a related development, “On May 24, 2024 at about 20:00 hrs, following a distress call received from one Dr. Ade Akinfolu that he was accosted by five unknown armed men at the entrance of his residence at Utako and snatched his black coloured Lexus SUV Jeep with Reg No. AA 363 FU.

“In response, police operatives of the command swiftly swung into action, trailed and arrested one Mubarak Kabiru 26 yrs, ‘m’ of Nyemer, Niger Republic, in Kaduna state. The vehicle and a network jammer were recovered from the suspect who freely confessed to being a trans-border receiver of stolen vehicles. While effort is on top gear to arrest other gang members, suspect will be charged to court at the end of investigation.”

This is as Police on May 23, 2024, at about 3:00 pm, following a report from Eclath Human Resources that one of their staff; Chukwuemeka Udeke 37 years ‘m’ of Byhazin, Kubwa stole one of the company’s vehicle, an ash coloured Toyota Camry car with Reg No. KWL 193 FX with which he was sent to refuel.

” In response, police operatives from anti car theft section, trailed and arrested the suspect in Lagos state and the said vehicle was recovered.”

In a similar development, “On May 29, 2024, at about 9:00 am, following a report by one Mr Augustine Ikoko that his red coloured Pontiac vibe with Reg No. RBC 908 BQ was removed from where parked in front of his residence in Bwari by unknown persons.

“In response, police operatives of the command swiftly swung into action, trailed and arrested one Abbass Abubakar 35 ‘m’ of Edo state in a hotel in Bwari. Investigation revealed that the suspect is a habitual offender who had been arrested on four different occasions. The said vehicle was recovered from him and soon, the suspect will be charged.

“Also, on May 16, 2024 at about 6:00 AM, following a report by one Mr. Tony Nlechi ‘M’ of Nyanya, that a day before, his Toyota Corolla vehicle 2003 model with Reg. No. ABJ 327 BH was removed from where parked at Nyanya Market.

“Police operatives of the command swung into action and with the aid of digital reconstructive technology, the said vehicle was tracked to Nassarawa state in possession of one Mathew John 35 ‘m’ of Auta ba Leyfi. Suspect will soon be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

“Lastly, on June 2, 2024, at about 11:00 pm, following a report by one Ismail Umar at Gwagwalada police Division that on the same date, his Toyota Hilux vehicle with Reg. No. ABC 708 FP was removed from where parked opposite UNIABUJA.

“Police operatives of Gwagwalada Police Division swiftly swung into action and gave the suspect, later identified as Yusuf Isa hot chase. Unfortunately for the suspect, the vehicle ran out of fuel, forcing him to park and he was apprehended. A fabricated key which he uses to gain access to vehicles was recovered from him. Suspect will be charged to court soon.”

He reiterated his commitment and willingness to always work with you (residents of FCT) to defeat crime in all its forms in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered cemeteries converted by vandals into illegal oil refining sites.

A statement signed by Olufemi Ayodele, Public Relations Officer for the NSCDC in Rivers State on Thursday, disclosed that the busted illegal crude oil refining operation was hidden in a cemetery situated between Abalama and Oproama Communities in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the State.

He stated that operatives of the corps, led by the marine anti-vandal squad, dismantled the illegal refining equipment and disrupted the activities of the unscrupulous individuals involved in the illicit trade in a four hours operation.

According to him,the discovery of the bunkering site was consequent upon credible and sustained intelligence of the corps in raiding and dismantling all illegal operations in the Niger Delta region.

He also emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering in the fight against illegal activities.

He said: “Recall that the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi gave a marching order to all Formations in the Niger Delta to step up their Intelligence and Operational efficiency; acting on this directive the Rivers State Commandant Basil Igwebueze deployed the Marine Antivadal Squad to the crime scene where several boats filled with crude oil and refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were sighted

“This is Abalama community and behind us is Oproama community as well where Cemeteries were converted to illegal bunkering sites; Upon our arrival, the Suspects took to their heels knowing the Squad had superior firepower; the NSCDC as an environmentally friendly agency outrightly condemned all acts of environmental pollution, degradation of the aquatic life and economic sabotage

“We have contacted some good people in the two communities and they are cooperating with us so that the perpetrators would be apprehended in due course.

“However, the quantities in litres of the locally refined AGO cannot be ascertained.”

Ayodele quoted, the State Command Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, as issuing a strong warning to vandals and illegal bunkerers operating in the State to resist from their actions, emphasising that the battle against oil theft is a continuous and uncompromising campaign.

He added that the commandant has also vowed that individuals arrested in connection with the crimes along with their accomplices and sponsors, would face the full force of the law and suffer the consequences of their actions.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Chairman and Managing Director of Famzhi Interbiz Ltd, Mariam Suleiman has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment without option of fine for defrauding investors of over N2 billion.

The development represents a major boost to the enforcement activities of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of Federal High Court, Abuja, found Suleiman and her company guilty of the allegations preferred against them in counts one and two by the Federal Government.

According to Ekwo, “Upon the provisions of Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 56(6) of the Securities and Investment Act being read to the defendants, for understanding of the terms of punishment therein.

“And upon hearing the allocutus of the learned counsel for the defendants and considering same, I am minded not to impose the full punishment on the 1st defendant (Suleiman) particularly,” he said.

Justice Ekwo sentenced Suleiman to three years’ imprisonment in count one and two years’imprisonment in count two which would run concurrently from the date of the order.

He also ordered the company to be wound up and all its property to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

“The said property shall be sold and the proceeds there-of used to compensate the victims of this crime,” he declared.

The SEC had three years ago disclaimed the activities of Famzhi Interbiz Limited, warning that neither the entity northe ‘illegal products’ they offer were registered or regulated by the Commission.

He  stated that despite not being registered by the Commission, the company had proceeded to unlawfully solicit funds from the investing public on product(s) neither registered nor approved by the Commission, with the promise of a guaranteed return on investment in clear violation of the Securities and Investment Act (ISA) 2007.

The Commission stated that it had referred the company to the appropriate law enforcement agency for criminal investigation and possible prosecution for violation of the provisions of the Investments and Securities Act 2007 and other relevant laws in Nigeria.

Earlier in his verdict,Justice Ekwo said it is clear that the 1st and 2nd defendants conspired among themselves together with their other staff to do an illegal act.

“That is, to lure and offer for subscription an unregistered investment collective scheme valued over N2 billion to the unsuspecting general public.

“On that note, I find that the offence of conspiracy in count one is proved as required by law and I so hold.”

Justice Ekwo also held that by the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and the exhibits tendered, it was established that the defendants “ran a scheme in pursuance of which members of the public were invited or permitted to invest money in a portfolio for a participatory interest.

“This evidence was never controverted by the defendants. The position of the law as settled in many authorities is that evidence adduced in court, that is relevant to the issue in controversy, and has neither been challenged nor successfully debunked becomes good and credible evidence, which ought to be relied upon by a trial judge.”

He said it was also pertinent to note that the MD herself admitted both in her evidence-in-chief and during cross-examination of running the scheme.