Mohammed Shosanya

Twenty one suspected Yoruba Nation agitators,including a female and two elderly men in their sixties,were Monday paraded at the Oyo State Police Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan.

The suspected agitators were paraded for their involvements in forceful invasion of Oyo state government Secretariat in Saturday.

They were arrested by the joint security operatives at the state government Secretariat while attempting to take over the state House of Assembly after hoisting the Yoruba Nation Flags.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo,Adebola Hamzat,confirmed arrest of the 21 suspected agitators and send a signal to other people that have criminal mindset to leave the state.

He noted that the offence is a treasonable felony, stressing that the investigation is still ongoing. He noted also that there we’re no death casualties during the gun exchange with the agitators, stressing that one Amotekun officer was injured.

Mohammed Shosanya

Operatives of the FCT Police Command have arrested an Abuja Electricity Distribution Company staff and recovered transformer and other exhibits from five other suspected vandals and thieves in Abuja.

The suspects, according to a statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh were arrested on April 11, 2024, at about 10:45 PM while acting on credible intelligence.

The statement said that, they were “trailed and arrested by the operatives.

The six suspects, namely Kabiru Muhammed, Aliyu Usman, Abdulmalik Alhasassan, Shafi’u Suleiman, Suleiman Ibrahim, and Raymond Mailabari, who is an AEDC staff, are all males of Tipper Garage, Mpape, Abuja.

“The suspects were trying to escape with an already vandalized transformer they had loaded on a crane truck in Maitama, when police operatives swooped in and apprehended them.

“The vandalized transformer, a crane truck, a blue-colored Mercedes Benz with Reg No. PKN 497 XA, a white-colored J5 bus with Reg No. RBC 228 XC, and an ash-colored Peugeot 406 car with Reg No. GSN 13 AA belonging to the AEDC staff were all recovered.

“While the investigation is still ongoing, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, wishes to reiterate his commitment to ensuring the safety of live and property in the Territory. He also urges residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities through:
08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested a suspected kidnapper of one Barr Chris Agidy, the legal aide to Senator Ned Nwoko and Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the village head of Ketti Village who were both killed by him.

The suspect, Samaila Wakili Fafa AKA Habu Ibrahim, a kidnap kingpin was on the FCT Command’s wanted list with a bounty placed on him by the Honourable Minister of the FCT.

Addressing newsmen on Friday, during the parade of the suspects at the IRT headquarters, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that a total of 1,346 suspects were arrested by the police for various violent crimes in the five weeks.

He said: “Operatives of the FCT Command on 24th February, 2024, acting upon credible intelligence stormed Sardauna, Toto forests and arrested one Samaila Wakili Fafa AKA Habu Ibrahim, a kidnap kingpin on the Command wanted list with a bounty placed on him by the Honourable Minister of the FCT.

“He confessed to several killings done by himself and his gang, including the abduction of one Barr Chris Agidy, the legal aide to Senator Ned Nwoko and Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the village head of Ketti Village who were both killed by him.

“He led operatives to where he buried the remains of the Late Barr Agidy whose corpse was exhumed and deposited at Gwagwalada General Hospital.”

He also stated that, the NPF has made salient achievements in combating crimes across the country over the past five weeks in its bid to make crime less attractive and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

This,he said,led to the “arrest of 385 armed robbery suspects, 238 kidnapping suspects, 341 murder/homicide suspects, 87 suspects connected with unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 143 rape suspects, 151 cultism suspects. Also, the police have recovered 143 firearms of various calibres, 741 ammunitions, and 72 stolen vehicles, as well as the rescue of 461 kidnapped victims across the country.

“Amongst the pivotal cases, on 4th Mach, 2024, a team from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force, acting on credible intelligence, invaded an arms manufacturing hideout at Amahundu, Nanev, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State and arrested nine suspects including a Cameroonian.

“Exhibits recovered from them include 8 Barretta Pistols under fabrication, 1 AK-47 rifle, 10 AK47 live ammunition, 5 Barretta pistol ammunition, four (4) welding gas cylinders and other fabrication materials.”

In a related development, the Force Spokesperson noted that, “The NPF recognizing the essential role of officer welfare in enhancing service delivery, has taken strategic steps to ensure that officers and men of the Force are adequately catered for.

“Some of the recent activities of the Force in this regard include the swift disbursement of insurance packages to families of fallen policemen within the past nine months, amounting to 7.2 billion Naira, the Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony scheduled for April 15th, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the NPF Housing Summit scheduled for April 22nd to 23rd, 2024, with focus on viable housing solutions and the launch of the Police Fund to support officers’ accommodation needs.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun while emphasizing the importance of improving officer welfare and morale, as it directly correlates with effective service delivery and crime prevention, also urged all landlords and employers of domestic staff in the Federal Capital Territory, and by extension other states of the Federation.”

This, he said, will ensure they visit police stations within their areas to request for, and fill forms for proper profiling of intended employees/tenants for employment and tenancy purposes so as to strengthen the capacity of the NPF to identify and deter potential threats within the FCT.

Mohammed Shosanya

A serving Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) with the Force Criminal and Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos State, who was an Aide de Camp to former governor of Oyo state, late Adebayo Alao-Akala , Gbolahan Oyedemi, on Monday, reportedly committed suicide in his private house in his hometown, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

He was the Aide de Camp to the late former Governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala, during his 11-month tenure as defacto governor in 2006.

It was learned that Oyedemi, who normally visited his hometown during the Easter celebrations, told his aides at the weekend to go to their various towns to celebrate with their family members.

A source said, “Yes, he committed suicide. His body was found hanging in his house on Monday. He stays alone, and he normally comes home for Easter celebrations.

“This time, he told his aides to go and celebrate with their family members in their various homes. Only God knows what could have led him to commit suicide.”

Contacted,the Police Public Relations Officer of FCID, Alagbon, DSP Eguaoje Funmilayo, confirmed Oyedemi’s death.

Funmilayo further said the circumstances surrounding his death were still sketchy.

“No one can tell specifically what the cause of his death is until an investigation is carried out. There is no official statement from the Inspector General of Police yet.

“So, I won’t be able to tell you anything about it for now. No official statement is approved by the IG,” she added.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Police in Rivers State have arrested a 40 year old man identified Chigozie Okpara, who is a native of Imo state for allegedly defiling an underaged boy in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The suspect was caught in the act by neighbours after he lured the minor with food and snacks to his house in Okujagu community, Trans Amadi axis of Port Harcourt on Sunday night.

It was gathered that the suspect’s neighbours overheard the little boy crying in the men’s room and alerted a local vigilante in the area who stormed the apartment and rescued the underage boy.

According to a source,the vigilante group members handed over the suspect to the Trans-Amadi Police Division for investigation and possible prosecution.

The suspect will be transferred to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation while necessary medical examinations are conducted.

Contacted, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident,adding the suspect was in Police custody while investigation continues.

Mohammed Shosanya

A two year old toddler has been rescued by the Kaduna state police,a statement said.

The Police Command also says its operatives have arrested four suspects who are allegedly involved in child trafficking in Kaduna.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement in Kaduna on Wednesday.

According to him,the Command, has achieved significant breakthrough in combating child trafficking.

He said,on March 24, at about 11:00 hours, based on intelligence reports, police operatives successfully apprehended a notorious child trafficking syndicate operating within the state.

He also said,the operation also resulted in the rescue of one victim, a two-year old toddler.

“The suspects, apprehended in the operation, confessed to their involvement in the heinous crime

“The suspects arrested included Shehu Sani, 40 yrs, residing in U/Rimi Kaduna; Tskan Isiaku, 43 yrs, also residing in U/Rimi Kaduna; Angela Onazu, 44 yrs, residing in Sabo Kaduna and Hafsat Hussaini, 24 yrs, residing in U/Rimi Kaduna.

”The Police spokesman added that the modus operandi of the syndicate involved targeting underage children who are alone on the streets or running errands.

“Therefore, parents and guardians should remain vigilant and mindful of the whereabouts of their Children or Wards. “He said

According to him, the recent arrest highlights the sobering reality of the dangers faced by children when left unsupervised.

“By staying informed and actively involved in their children’s lives, parents and guardians can play crucial roles in safeguarding them from potential harm.

“He said the CP commended the diligent efforts of the Police Operatives involved in the operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to partnering with Communities to ensure the safety and security of all residents, particularly the most vulnerable members of the society.

“Together, through increased vigilance and cooperation, we can build a safer environment for our children to thrive,” the spokesperson assured.

The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,has secured the conviction and sentencing of Azubuike Mamwu Obasi before a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State presided over by Justice P. I. Ajoku for currency racketeering.

Obasi’s sentence was sequel to a four-count charge bordering on illegal acquisition of bank notes and carrying out banking services without an appropriate licence.

The convict acquired and retained the cumulative sum of N554,600, which he used in carrying out banking services without a valid licence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

Obasi’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when he was arrested for currency racketeering by operatives of the EFCC and was later charged to court and convicted.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him by the EFCC when they were read to him in court.

Justice P. I. Ajoku found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to six months in the Correctional Service on count one to four with an option of fine to the tune of N100,000, payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A statement by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC on Sunday, disclosed that the sentence of the convict would run concurrently with effect from the date of arrest.

The court also gave an order forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the sum of N554,600, N20,0000 new bank notes and the POS device recovered from the convict.

Besides,the sum of N35,000 paid into the Access bank account of the convict by an EFCC covert operative was forfeited and returned to him. The court also ordered the convict to also depose an affidavit of good behavior.

One of the charges reads, “That you, Azubuike Manwu Obasi, on or about the 15th day of February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, acquired and retained the cumulative sum of N554,600.00 which you knew or reasonably ought to have known, forms part of your unlawful acts, selling or trading in Naira notes and carrying on banking business in Nigeria without a valid licence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

In view of the plea of the defendant, the prosecuting counsel, E. K. Bakam prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the Defence counsel, B. E. Onuoha, who did not oppose the prayers of the prosecution, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, maintaining that the defendant was a first time offender with no previous criminal records.

Mohammed Shosanya

More facts have emerged on the reason a 17-year-old girl stabbed dead her mistress, Mrs. Florence Funmilayo Adebayo, a civil servant, along Oda Road, Akure, Ondo State.

A fresh statement signed by spokesperson to the state Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, a Superintendent of Police(SP), indicated that the Police had taken the culprit to a psychiatric hospital for examination.

The hospital affirmed that the culprit had been admitted in the hospital and treated for mental imbalance but was later discharged for the deceased to look after her.

The Police has also revealed her name as Omowunmi Aduloju and that she’s a niece to the deceased.

According to the Police report, which was made available to newsmen in Akure on Sunday, “On Sunday 17th, of March, 2024, the police was informed about the death of a woman in her mid 50s in her home with her body already decomposing.

“The Police took the remains to the morgue and during clean up, a mark of violence ( stabbing) was observed while a knife was also found at the scene of crime.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased lived with her niece Omowunmi Aduloju aged 17 years who suddenly disappeared and locked the door. The stench oozing out of the house attracted the residents who notified the deceased sister.

“The sister on arrival peeped through the window and saw the body on the floor,hence police was informed. The corpse at a decomposing state was removed for preservation.

“The teenager was later arrested by the Police and was interrogated on what happened to her foster mother.

“The suspect said she stabbed and locked her up in the house her because she was always disturbing her to use her medication.

“Family members claimed the young girl had been under her late Aunt’s tutelage since she was 6 years but developed mental illness in 2023 and was admitted at a psychiatric hospital in the state. The young girl was discharged and handed over to the late woman to continue to monitor her.

“The psychiatric hospital where she was treated confirmed this claim by providing the Police with her medical history.

“Suspect is currently in Police Medical facility for safe keeping to avoid injury to herself and others.”

Mohammed Shosanya

No fewer than four women have been confirmed dead at the venue of the distribution of Zakaat by a Bauchi based philanthropist, the Chairman of AYM Shafa group of companies.

According to reports, crowd, including women had gathered at the Jos road headquarters of the Company as early as 7am on Sunday for the distribution of the Zakaat items.

It was gathered that the exercise started smoothly as the beneficiaries were called in groups to received the items until the others became restless and apprehensive leading to struggle to get in to the main premises.

In the process,astampede ensued as the women tried to force themselves inside while in the process, many of them fell on the ground and were trampled upon leading to the casualties.

They were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi for medical attention where those who died were confirmed dead.

Confirming the development, State Police Command PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili said that the Command received a distress call from ATBUTH on the people being rushed there for medical attention

According to him, “On receiving the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed immediately directed for urgent action directing for mobilization of personnel to the scene for action.”

“On getting to the scene, the Police operative joined in the rescue operations, cordoned off the area in order to prevent further casualties while the exercise was stopped.”

“The victims were rushed to the ATBUTH unconscious after which a Medical Doctor confirmed that Four of them were dead. Others including a 17 year old girl are currently receiving treatment at the hospital” The PPRO said .

According to him,the Command frowns at such development which put the lives of people at risk considering the present economic situation in the country.

He added that the Command is appealing to individuals and organisations that have plans of embarking on such to adequately inform the Command in order to mobilize personnel to the venue for effective crowd control.

All efforts to get official confirmation and reactions from the management of AYM Shafa on the development proved abortive.

Mohammed Shosanya

Ondo State Security Network otherwise known as Amotekun Corps with other security agencies in the state has foiled attempt by a 7-man gang of armed robbers to attack and rob three commercial banks in the state.

Corps Commander of Amsterdam Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye told newsmen on Thursday in Akure while parading some crime suspects at the formation’s headquarters at Alagbaka.

He disclosed that a member of the 7-man gang of armed robbers was arrested when they attempted to attack a commercial bank in Irele Local Government Area.

According to him,the armed robbers came from Sapele, Delta State to carry out the operations.

He said: “The 7-man gang of armed robbers came all the way from Sapele, Delta State for the purpose of kidnapping and robbery of a bank in Irele local council.

“Six of them are at large, but we were able to apprehend the mastermind who accommodated the robbers. We were equally able to get to the root of the target that they intended to kidnap to give the officers of Amotekun the feeling that it is mere robbery, whereas it was dual operation.

“The manhunt for the leader, who escaped to Delta State is on. We are liaising with relevant government and security authorities to assist us in apprehending this runaway gang.

“The Intel available to us shows that they intended to rob three banks and kidnap the Managing Director of a supermarket. Investigations showed that they liaised with a staff of the supermarket who declined to join the group.”

Among 36 other suspects paraded by Amotekun are those who specialise in vandalism of critical government assets.

The Corps Commander said: “They actually went with a trailer to load pipes meant for World Bank-financed water project and successfully offloaded it and our operatives followed them and apprehended them where they offloaded at a different location.

“This is in furtherance of the determination to ensure that our citizens live peacefully in Ondo State.

“We appeal to the public to continue to support us with timely and actionable information and we pledge to secure lives and properties in conjunction with other security agencies in Ondo State.”