Category: Crime

Release Nnamdi Kanu for medical treatment, Ohanaeze president begs FG

 

 

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to enable him to seek proper medical attention.

 

This is as Azuta-Mbata called on Igbos across the country to ensure they register in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise and obtain their voter cards.

 

Azuta-Mbata said this in a short video message of himself speaking, which he sent to our correspondent on Thursday.

 

Kanu’s detention has remained one of Nigeria’s most contentious political and security issues in recent years. Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015 on charges bordering on treasonable felony, jumped bail in 2017 and fled the country.

He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 in a controversial operation by Nigerian security operatives and has since been held in the custody of the Department of State Services.

He also urged the government to explore a political solution in handling the issue of the detained IPOB leader, saying the apex government does not have any advantage in the continuous detention of the IPOB leader.

 

Azuta-Mbata stated, “I’m calling upon Ndigbo-nine (Igbos in general) wherever you are in Nigeria to quickly go and take advantage of the voter registration exercise that is going on right now. Go and get your cards as quickly as possible.

 

“Secondly, I would like to call upon the federal government of Nigeria to quickly release Nnamdi Kanu. The Government has no serious advantage in keeping him. It is important that the government ensures his safety and his welfare, and that the Government must allow him to go and get medical treatment as quickly as possible.

 

“The Government must adopt a political solution to this situation. I do not believe that the Government has any serious advantage in keeping him any further.”

Soldiers kill bandit, recover weapons in Plateau ambush

 

Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have killed a bandit during an ambush in Odare Forest, Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

 

Spokesman for the task force, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the intelligence-led operation took place on September 16.

 

Zhakom explained that troops intercepted bandits on motorcycles heading into the forest, killing one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

 

According to him, troops recovered a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

Zhakom added that in another operation on September 15, soldiers launched an offensive against bandits at crossing points around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs. The troops reportedly overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.

 

He said, “In continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) staged an intelligence-based ambush operation against bandits along routes leading to Odare Forest at Dutsen Zaki in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on 16 September 2025.

 

“On 16th September, troops in Plateau state made contact with bandits mounted on motorcycles heading towards Odare Forest and neutralised one of the bandits, while others fled with severe gunshot wounds through the thick forest. Troops exploited the area and recovered one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones, one machete, and charms abandoned by the bandits. The recovered items are in custody for further action.

“In another operational development, success was recorded following credible intelligence on the activities of bandits around Garga, Showaka, Yuli and Kukawa Villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State. Notably, on 15 September 2025, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted offensive operations at a notable bandit crossing point in the general area.”

Items recovered included a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

 

He noted that the recent onslaughts form part of the military’s resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and bring them to justice.

 

“During the operation, troops came in contact and dealt decisively with elements of bandits through superior firepower and professionalism, leading to the bandits fleeing in disarray.

 

“Consequently, troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO). The recovered weapon and ammunition are in custody while troops ensured that the bandits and criminal elements are completely neutralised and denied any freedom of operation.

 

“The recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA, is part of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE’s resolve and mandate to troops to continually neutralise armed criminals and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice,” the statement said.

Recall that on Saturday, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation ACCORD III, in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces, killed a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, who was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army killed notorious bandit leader Kachalla Balla and five of his men in Kogi State.

Police clear Pastor Adefarasin of wrongdoing over viral gun video

 

The Lagos State Police Command said it has cleared the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, of wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.

 

The command, in a statement released Wednesday by its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily reported to its headquarters in Ikeja for questioning over the incident.

 

According to the police, investigations revealed that the object seen in the viral clip was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon.

 

“After a thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object in question was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon or firearm.

“Consequent to our findings, the Lagos State Police Command has determined that there are no sufficient grounds to proceed with the matter. The case is hereby discontinued,” the statement read.

 

The command added that it remains committed to transparency in its operations while upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.

This marks a turn from June, when the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had stated that pointing a stun gun at someone constituted a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

 

Speaking on Channels Television at the time, Jimoh noted that stun guns fall under prohibited riot control equipment and warned that using them to instil fear could amount to an offence.

 

He added that both Adefarasin and the individual allegedly threatened in the clip would be questioned.

 

The video, which circulated widely in June, showed the pastor seated in a Range Rover while holding the device during an exchange with another individual.

 

Adefarasin had denied ever brandishing a firearm, insisting it was a non-lethal object.

Yahoo boys worsening visa restrictions for Nigerians – EFCC

 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

 

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

 

Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

 

His statement was contained in a release issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.

 

“Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

 

He urged young people in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.

 

He was quoted as saying, “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.

 

Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remained one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.

 

The EFCC has recently intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country.

 

In August, operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following days of surveillance.

 

Items recovered from the suspects included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.

 

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences.

They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after pleading guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.

Gunmen on motorbikes kill 22 at baptism ceremony in Niger

 

Gunmen on motorbikes shot dead 22 villagers in western Niger, most attending a baptism ceremony, local media and other sources said Tuesday.

 

The shootings happened on Monday in the Tillaberi region, near Burkina Faso and Mali, where jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group (IS) are active.

 

A resident of the area told AFP that 15 people were killed first at a baptism ceremony in Takoubatt village.

 

“The attackers then went to the outskirts of Takoubatt where they killed seven other people,” said the resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Local media outlet Elmaestro TV reported a “gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification”.

 

“Once again, the Tillaberi region has been struck by barbarism, plunging innocent families into mourning and despair,” Nigerien human rights campaigner Maikoul Zodi said on social media.

 

Niger’s military leaders, who came to power two years ago in a coup, have struggled to contain jihadist groups in Tillaberi, despite maintaining a large army presence there.

Around 20 soldiers were killed in the region last week.

 

Human Rights Watch has urged Niger authorities to “do more to protect” civilians against deadly attacks.

 

The rights monitoring group estimates that the Islamic State group has “summarily executed” more than 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers in Tillaberi in five attacks since March.

 

Meanwhile, the NGO ACLED, which tracks conflict victims worldwide, says around 1,800 people have been killed in attacks in Niger since October 2024 — three-quarters of them in Tillaberi.

 

Niger and its neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, also ruled by military coup leaders who claim to pursue a sovereignist policy, have expelled the French and American armies that were fighting alongside them against jihadism.

 

AFP

Anambra arrests, prosecutes illegal revenue collectors

 

 

The Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the State Anti-Touting Agency, has arrested and prosecuted some illegal revenue collectors as part of efforts to rid the state of criminal elements posing as revenue collectors.

 

The Chairman of AIRS, Greg Ezeilo, revealed this in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the agency has intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities across the state.

 

Ezeilo said that in a series of well-coordinated raids on identified black spots, operatives apprehended individuals involved in illegal revenue collection, adding that the state government will continue its clampdown on activities disrupting public order and economic stability.

 

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to law enforcement and the elimination of touting, drug-related offences, and unauthorised revenue collection.

 

He said, “We urge the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities as the state intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities.

“These operations send a strong message that illegal practices will no longer be tolerated in Anambra State.

 

“We call on citizens to support these efforts by being vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“More raids are planned in the coming weeks, as part of the administration’s broader objective to sanitise the revenue system and restore public trust in government processes.”

 

PUNCH Online gathered that some of the suspects were arrested at UNIZIK Junction for unlawfully extorting motorists, contravening established state revenue laws, while some others were apprehended at Regina Junction, Awka, where they were reportedly collecting levies from tricycle operators under false pretences.

 

In a related development, one was caught in possession of Indian hemp, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug abuse and trafficking in the region.

 

“The arrested suspects were transferred to the Anambra Internal Revenue for further investigation and subsequently arraigned in court.

 

“They were convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for their offences.

 

“The swift and strategic actions by the agency have drawn commendation from residents and business owners in affected areas, who expressed relief at the removal of notorious elements that have long disrupted peace and hindered lawful commerce,” the statement added.

Soldiers, DSS operatives rescue kidnapped Taraba varsity lecturer

 

 

Troops of the Nigerian Army, and operatives of the Department of State Services have rescued a lecturer at Taraba State University, Joshua Saleh.

 

The lecturer was abducted on July 31 along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

 

The rescue followed a joint operation based on actionable intelligence across several locations including Kente, Sondi, Yaku, and Warawa.

 

A statement on Sunday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said during the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon the victim.

He said Saleh was recovered unhurt.

 

The statement read, “In a daring and well-coordinated operation, troops of 6 Brigade, NA/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have successfully rescued Engineer Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University.

 

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations, including Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area. During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning the victim. Engineer Saleh was found unharmed and promptly rescued.”

 

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.

Police arrest suspects over land dispute in Abuja

 

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of several persons in the Bwari Area Council.

 

This was following a civil unrest on Friday at Kuchibyi community, under the Byazin Division, over a land dispute.

 

In a statement on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it received a distress call regarding the unrest and promptly deployed Divisional Police Officers from Byazin and Kubwa to the area.

 

She said the officers successfully brought the situation under control.

Adeh said, “The FCT Police Command received a distress call regarding a civil unrest incident stemming from a land dispute at Kuchibyi community under Byazin Division.”

 

The Divisional Police Officers of Byazin and Kubwa swiftly mobilised to the scene and brought the situation under control. Arrests have been made, and an investigation is currently ongoing.

“As mentioned in the video above, it is important to clarify that the issue is a communal dispute and not in any way related to the police. ”

 

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, condemned the attack on police officers who were responding to the distress call.

 

He warned that such actions will not be tolerated, saying anyone found attacking security personnel would face the full weight of the law.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, strongly condemns the actions of youths attacking police officers when responding to distress calls.

 

“He warns that such behavior will not be condoned and that firm action will be taken against anyone who attacks police officers while they are responding to distress calls.”

 

The Command urges the youth to be law-abiding and desist from acts capable of breaching the peace or inciting violence. The Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the FCT,” the statement stated.

 

Police arrest stolen phone tracker-altering gang in Imo

 

 

The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a cult gang that specialised in phone theft, burglary, and altering the tracking device of phones in Eziobodo, in the Owerri West Local Government Area.

 

This is even as the Command has arrested several people linked to various phone robberies within the Owerri federal constituency.

 

Police spokesperson for Imo State command, DSP Henry Okoye, made the disclosure on Saturday morning.

 

Okoye disclosed that following a complaint by a phone dealer whose shop was burgled on July 11th, 2025, within Eziobodo, operatives of the Anti-Vice commenced an investigation that led to the arrest of a suspect with four brand new but stolen phones.

Intense investigation led the Police to the principal burglar behind the robbery and another accomplice who specialised in altering phone IMEI, which blocks the tracking of such phones.

 

Okoye said, “Following a complaint by a phone dealer whose shop in Eziobodo was burgled on 11th July 2025, operatives of the Anti-Vice Unit arrested a suspect in possession of four brand-new stolen phones. Investigations led to the arrest of the principal burglar and another accomplice who specialised in altering phone IMEI numbers to evade tracking”.

He disclosed that all the suspects arrested are currently in custody, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

 

Okoye said in another development, operatives of the Orji Police Station on July 31st, 2025, at about 9pm (2100hrs) arrested one Ernest Nweke ‘m’ at Bishop’s Court roundabout, in the Owerri North LGA, following a distress call from concerned citizens.

 

The suspect, who is a native of Umuoji in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State but resident in the World Bank area of Owerri, was arrested with a locally fabricated pistol after he and three others allegedly robbed one Emmanuel FearGod ‘m’ of Fountain of Knowledge Hostel.

 

Okoye said, “Nweke, who confessed to being a member of the Vikings cult group, was identified by the victim and arrested while the others fled. Based on his confession, four other suspects: Chamberlain Prince, Akujuobi Godwin, Ugwuelu Joseph, and Frederick Chigozie were arrested the next morning and also confessed to the crime. All suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be duly prosecuted in court”.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has commended the officers for their swift action and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to fight crime.

 

The Police boss urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or through 0803 477 3600.

Police arrest fleeing Anambra suspected kidnapper in Kaduna

 

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, John Chinagorom, who is said to have been on the Command’s wanted list.

 

A statement released on Saturday by the Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State, with the assistance of the Kaduna State Police Command.

 

Ikenga said his arrest followed a credible intelligence received by operatives of the Ozubulu Police Division on August 1, that the suspect, who is linked to a kidnapping case in Anambra, was sighted at PZ Park Road, Zaria, Kaduna State.

 

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its officers, with the assistance of the Kaduna State Police Command, have arrested John Chinagorom ‘M’, a suspected kidnapper, who has been on the Command’s wanted list.

“This follows a credible intelligence received by operatives of the Ozubulu Police Division at noon of 1st August 2025, that the suspect, John Chinagorom, who is linked to a kidnapping Case reported on 15th April 2025, was sighted at PZ Park Road, Zaria, Kaduna State.

“Acting swiftly on the information, a team of Police detectives from the Division was dispatched, and they successfully apprehended the suspect at his hideout in Zaria, with the assistance of officers of the Kaduna State Police Command.

 

“The suspect is currently in custody and is assisting the Police in the ongoing investigation.”

 

He urged the general public to remain calm, assuring them that the security situation in the state is under control as joint security patrols and other crime prevention operations are ongoing.

 

“Meanwhile, the general security situation across other parts of the State remains calm, as counter-terrorism and other crime prevention operations continue.

 

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.

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