At least seven people lost their lives in a lone accident involving a truck along the Katsina-Ala area of Benue State on Saturday.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Toom, reported that the truck, loaded with 600 bags of cement and carrying 15 passengers, was en route to Zaki Biam when the accident occurred.
The truck, bearing the Dangote inscription, was travelling at high speed when it hit a pothole, lost control, and overturned.
Toom said, “The truck with the Dangote inscription was involved in an accident on Saturday. Seven people died, six sustained varying degrees of injuries, and two escaped unhurt.”
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Steve Ayodele, confirmed the accident in a statement on Monday.
Ayodele stated, “The accident happened along the Katsina-Ala/Zaki Biam road around 11 am on Saturday and involved 15 people. Seven were killed, six injured, and two escaped without injury.”
He added that the road has since been cleared to allow the free movement of vehicles.
The Nigerian police have arraigned an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, over allegations of forgery and impersonation.
The defendants in a three-count charge marked CR/150/25, filed by the Inspector General of Police, are accused of conspiring to forge a legal document purportedly issued by the chambers of Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), with the intent to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation.
According to the charge, the alleged offence took place on June 28, 2024.
The prosecution claims that Giwa and Bukola forged and signed a letter on the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN), requesting the AGF to suspend a scheduled arraignment.
The contentious letter, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023”, was allegedly addressed to the AGF. It purported to originate from the SAN’s chambers and sought intervention to halt the arraignment scheduled before Hon. Justice Bature of the High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on July 2, 2024.
The supposed authors of the letter argued that the charges against Giwa should be withdrawn in the interest of “natural justice, equity, and fair play.”
Giwa, alongside property developer Cecil Osakwe and others, was to be arraigned on a nine-count charge relating to alleged illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage amounting to N300 million.
The charges against Giwa and Bukola include conspiracy to commit forgery and impersonation (punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Act, 2004), dishonest execution of a fraudulent document (Section 364), and false personation of a legal practitioner (Section 179).
The case, involving allegations of professional misconduct, is being prosecuted by Rabiu U. Usman, Esq., of the Legal/Prosecution Section under the authority of the Inspector General of Police.
At the scheduled arraignment on Monday, the case came before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo. However, proceedings were stalled due to the absence of both defendants.
Prosecution counsel J.K. Kolawole appeared on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, while U.J. Udo represented the defendants.
Addressing the court, Udo informed Justice Onwuegbuzie that the first defendant, Victor Giwa, was bereaved and had travelled to his village for his sister’s burial. He, therefore, requested an adjournment.
Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request and adjourned the matter to 15 September 2025 for arraignment. The judge, however, warned that no further excuses would be entertained at the next sitting.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two principal suspects in connection with the brutal murder and burning of a young woman on Saturday in the ‘Gangare’ area near the canal behind Mile 12 Market, Lagos.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday.
Hundeyin stated that the victim, originally from Nasarawa State, was allegedly attacked and set ablaze in a premeditated act orchestrated by her estranged boyfriend and accomplices.
The police clarified that, contrary to widespread misinformation, no blasphemy was involved in the incident.
He noted that the deceased had been living in the area with relatives from the northern part of the country, and her exact occupation remains unknown.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that she is from Nasarawa State and not a Yoruba woman.
“The prolonged dispute between her and her boyfriend, who is currently at large and had attempted to forcefully rekindle their relationship, led to the conspiracy.
“The boyfriend, along with other suspects, two of whom are now in custody planned and executed the attack,” he said.
According to Hundeyin, the investigation is being intensified to apprehend the boyfriend and other suspects still at large.
The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, where they are assisting detectives and investigators in efforts to apprehend other perpetrators involved in the murder.
The PPRO assured the public that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected slum and surrounding areas of Mile 12.
“Residents of Lagos are encouraged not to panic and to continue their lawful activities peacefully without apprehension while awaiting the outcome of the investigation, which will be made public.
“People are urged to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear,” he added.
The spokesperson confirmed that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to provide timely updates as the investigation progresses.
The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, said that coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, the rescue of an 80-year-old kidnap victim, and the recovery of a cache of arms.
In a statement released on Monday via X, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operations were carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the Jigawa State Police Command, respectively.
In the FCT, police operatives dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate operating across the capital.
Acting on credible intelligence, the team intercepted the gang as they prepared to launch an attack in Maitama. A gun battle ensued after the suspects opened fire, leading to the death of one of the gang’s most wanted members, Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle.
“One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralized during the encounter, while seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including Ibrahim Muhammad, 22 years and ex-convict; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22 years; Sarajo Yusuf, 20 years; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include Four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red boxer motorcycle,” the statement added.
In a separate operation, police in Jigawa State rescued an octogenarian woman, Hajiya Hajara, who had been abducted from Sarbi Village, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State. Intelligence revealed that a group of about twelve armed bandits had kidnapped the elderly woman and were attempting to move her through Jigawa State.
Police, in collaboration with local security outfits, stormed the criminals’ hideout between Danzomo and Medi villages. A gunfight ensued, leading to the death of five kidnappers and the arrest of five others, including the gang’s alleged leader, Yahaya, 35.
“A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 years and five other suspects were neutralised during the exchange of fire.
“The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the Hospital for medical evaluation, after which, she was discharged. Exhibits recovered in the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones,” the statement said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their bravery and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities.
A case of alleged police brutality has sparked public outrage after a woman identified as #torty_mercy on X.com shared an account of her brother being assaulted by a police officer near Wuse Market in Abuja.
According to her post, the victim was returning from church on Sunday when a police officer reportedly attacked.
In the video she shared on Sunday, her brother said, “I’m just coming back from church at Wuse Market receiving a very big police assault. A policeman flogged me for over 30 minutes with a very big stick and I have injury on my leg, I can’t do anything, I can’t run.
“People gathered, without me involved in the matter, just a passenger in the vehicle. This is police headquarters, I came to lay complaint. Bruises are all over my body.”
Further detailing the incident, #torty_mercy wrote, “Nigerian Police has done it again! My brother was coming back from church, driver packed along Wuse Market junction, opposite Zenith Bank, a police officer approached the driver as he was about to move and started dragging the steering with him, people in the vehicle started pleading, this guy left the steering, came round the vehicle and spat on my brother sitting by the window unprovoked!
“My brother came down to ask him what he did to him, this guy carried a stick and started hitting him, his colleagues were asking him to stop but did absolutely nothing to stop or restrain him, instead they were asking my brother to run, someone who recently had an accident and can’t even walk fast.”
She claimed the police officer was under the influence of alcohol and questioned what could have happened if he had a gun with him.
“This police officer was smelling of alcohol and obviously didn’t act in his right mind,” she wrote. “What would have happened if he had a gun? We will record another loss from police in a space of days? Someone will go to church and come back injured or in a body bag because we are Nigerians?” She asked.
According to #torty_mercy, the officer also attempted to destroy her brother’s phone and repeatedly hit him on his injured leg.
She wrote, “This police man broke his glasses, repeatedly tried to smash his phone, hit him on his bad leg repeatedly. What is the life of a Nigerian worth? This hurts more than a heartbreak, I’m deeply hurt.
“A boy you saw who cannot run or resist, you kept hitting him, he told you he had an accident, you went ahead to hit the leg.”
In response to the video, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Federal Capital Territory, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the officers involved had been identified and that disciplinary procedures had commenced.
“The officers have been identified and disciplinary proceedings have already commenced. The individual has also been contacted for more details,” Adeh wrote.
A viral video has sparked outrage after it captured the moment a policeman demanded either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists for failing to provide a proof of Electronic Central Motor Registry.
Recall that in July 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, suspended the enforcement of ECMR registration for vehicle owners in the country after an outcry from Nigerians, who accused the police of creating an opportunity to extort vehicle owners.
The footage, shared on Sunday by X.com user Teniola (@Teeniiola), shows the officer confronting a group of travellers along the Benin Bypass, asking for the ECMR.
In the video, one travellers firmly told the officer that demanding ECMR enforcement was illegal.
The officer responded, saying, “You can make call now.”
When the traveller declined to call anyone, asking instead, “What do you want us to do?” the officer demanded five litres of fuel, stating, “We’ll go and buy it, that’s 5k.”
“You want 5k from each of us abi?” The traveler asked, as the policeman was seen telling another traveller to bring three litres of fuel.
The video has reignited concerns over extortion and misconduct by law enforcement officials, despite prior directives from police leadership.
Reacting to the video, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright, condemned the officer’s actions, posting on X, “My God. Thanks for recording this. Little by little, all the moles will be taken out of the system.
“All these Policemen bringing shame to us, one by one, they will be sent out of the organisation. Maybe when they become jobless, they will go into content creation. This is embarrassing and the force is on it.”
A viral video has sparked outrage after it captured the moment a policeman demanded either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from… pic.twitter.com/SvbdJlLJt8
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on Sunday, paid a visit to the Federal Medical Centre in Katsina, where he checked on members of the Community Watch Corps, who were injured during a recent bandit attack in Marhaba village, Matazu Local Government Area.
He also took time to greet other patients, offering comforting words and prayers for their recovery.
While speaking during the visit, Radda reassured the wounded officers of the government’s full support and commended their courage in the line of duty.
“Your sacrifice will never be forgotten”, he told the injured officers.
The governor was accompanied by Sarkin Alhazai, Alhaji Kabiru Bature; the Chairman of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board; Sarkin Kuraye, Alhaji Usman Darda’u; several district heads; and the Special Adviser on Security and Community Watch, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Safana, who led the hospital tour.
The Nigerian Navy will unveil three ships, three helicopters, several accommodation plots, and office blocks as part of its 69th anniversary celebrations.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed this on Sunday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Navy Town, Lagos.
The service marked the event in commemoration of the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary and its achievements over the years.
Ogalla stated that the navy remains focused on capacity building, platform acquisition, infrastructure, and welfare of both personnel and civilians under his strategic objectives.
“While we maintain development and infrastructure, we must remain fair, secure, and stable through professional conduct,” he said.
He added that welfare remains a priority, alongside boosting efficiency through infrastructure, platforms, and tools needed for operational effectiveness.
Ogalla stressed the importance of remaining peaceful and law-abiding while upholding principles that promote national unity and harmony.
He acknowledged accommodation challenges in the Navy, saying shelter remains a basic human need and efforts will be made to address the issue.
To enhance national security, Ogalla said the Navy established a Special Operations Command in Makurdi and also formed the Nigerian Navy Marines.
“These initiatives aim to create an agile force for expeditionary warfare, addressing maritime threats and supporting land operations,” he said.
He assured continued improvement of operational strategies to tackle criminal activities both at sea and on land.
Ogalla also reaffirmed the Navy’s role as a regional power in the Gulf of Guinea, ensuring safe maritime communication routes.
He credited President Bola Tinubu for unwavering support, noting that all Navy-related requests had been treated with urgency and importance.
“We’ll keep supporting land-based security operations under the president’s agenda for economic growth and national sovereignty,” Ogalla added.
Rev. Father Richmond Diala, who gave the sermon, urged naval personnel to stay united, protect one another, and always thank God for His protection.
“It’s by God’s grace we’re alive today. Others, more deserving, are not where we are,” he said.
He encouraged continued prayers for Nigeria and the Navy, asking God to strengthen their efforts in securing land and maritime domains.
A 21-year-old notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, met his end at the hands of his gang members after being arrested by the operatives of FCT Police Command.
Dogo Saleh identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, had been responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
The FCT command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that police acting on intelligence conducted a covert operation to intercept Dogo Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
Adeh stated that during the initial encounter, police operatives arrested Dogo Saleh, recovering an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3m suspected to be ransom proceeds.
She added that after gathering from the arrested suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.
She noted that operatives were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free their leader.
“The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience. The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Adeh said.
Stating the criminal activities linked to Dogo Saleh, Adeh said he was responsible for the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in a January 5, 2025, attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
“Other attacks linked to Dogo Saleh include: Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira The officer was later killed. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife was kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira and Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira, “ she stated.
Adeh also said his gang was also known for working with the Ansaru terrorist group to procure weapons. She stated that Boka, the overall commander; Sharmi (surname unknown), Deputy; Dogo Saleh, assistant; and Gudan, an assistant who operated a sub-camp in the forest, had been eliminated in separate operations.
“The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, the Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded,” she added.
Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents of ongoing operations to capture fleeing gang members.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities via police emergency lines.
The Police Command in Lagos State has sealed a church over the alleged killing of a 28-year-old graduate of Lagos State University, Adedamola Ogunbode.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development while briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.
Hundeyin said that the church where some people alleged that the missing boy was killed and buried had been sealed to prevent it from being burned.
“The church was sealed following intelligence reports that some people planned to burn it down out of vengeance and we do not want that to happen.
“It is still a suspected crime scene, we still need to go over it, we may need to revisit that scene multiple times for us to gather evidential value.
“The church has been sealed for now to prevent it from being burned. And we assure the public that updates will be given about the investigation and the progress we have made as soon as we get new updates,” he said.
The PPRO said that three suspects have been detained so far.
“We have three suspects, the pastor and two others in custody, and the case is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” he said.
According to him, efforts are underway to apprehend five other suspects, two of the five suspects are outside the country in Benin Republic.
Hundeyin in a statement on Friday said that the matter was no longer a case of missing person but suspected murder.
“Investigation has been intensified to locate the body of the deceased and uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Among the five suspects into whose accounts money was moved from the victim’s account, three suspects had been apprehended and in police custody,” he said.
Hundeyin said that the State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, assured intensive investigation.
“CP Jimoh has assured the public that the command is fully committed to resolving the matter and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
CP Jimoh calls for restraint from actions that could potentially hinder or interfere with the ongoing investigative efforts,” he stated.
