Police

Police nab three suspects for fraud, refuse $17,000 bribe

By Uzair Adam

The Zone 16 Police Command has apprehended three suspects in Rivers State for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities and fraud.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Gunn Emonena, operatives from the Zonal Financial and Cybercrime Unit, acting on credible intelligence, raided the Rumukparali community in the Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The suspects—Billion Ndubuisi, Charles Amachree, and Martins Chinemike—reportedly confessed to impersonating Ryam Bill, a U.S.-based professional, and defrauding two victims, St. Andrea and Charlen Zielinsky, of $71,500.

During a search of their residence, the police recovered wraps of illicit drugs suspected to be hemp, two vehicles, two laptops, and 10 mobile phones. SP Emonena revealed that the suspects attempted to bribe the officers with $17,000 through an agent, but the offer was rejected.

“The money is registered and will be presented as evidence in court,” he said.

The Assistant Inspector General of the Zone, Adebola Hamzat, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property within its jurisdiction.

He commended the officers for their professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.

The police, under the leadership of Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, continue to prioritize citizens’ safety and security nationwide, the statement added.

Police arrest alleged fraudster over ₦320m scam, fake presidency number plate

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the Special Investigations Team (SIT) attached to the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos State have apprehended one Chinedu Ngwaka, accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme valued at ₦320 million.

Ngwaka, who presented himself as a licensed Bureau De Change operator, allegedly used a counterfeit presidency number plate on his 2024 Toyota Hilux and carried a forged identity card supposedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex in Lagos, Mayegun Aminat, through a post on her X handle, #mayegunAmina.

According to the statement, a petition was submitted on September 9, 2024, to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, by Chinedu Laz and Partners (Deo Gratia Chambers) on behalf of Mr. Tochukwu Unachukwu, the Managing Director of Casco Electronics Company Limited.

The petition accused Ngwaka and his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, of defrauding Unachukwu of ₦320 million.

Following the petition, SIT detectives initiated an intelligence-led investigation.

Banking records were reviewed, and a warrant of arrest was secured, which later led to the detention of leading to Ngwaka.

Investigations revealed that between March and May 2024, Unachukwu transferred ₦320 million to Ngwaka’s companies, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World, for the procurement of USD 200,000 to facilitate the supply of goods from China.

However, the Chinese suppliers confirmed they never received the funds, despite Ngwaka presenting fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, indicating the transactions were completed in two tranches of USD 100,000 each.

During the arrest, police recovered the black Toyota Hilux bearing a fake presidency number plate (02B679FG).

Further checks with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that Ngwaka had no affiliation with Phobia BDC Ltd., the company he claimed to represent, and that its license had been revoked earlier in the year.

The police also received additional petitions against Ngwaka, including claims from Mr. Moses Chizoba Enechukwu and Chinedu Nwaforcha, who alleged losses of ₦1 billion and ₦840 million, respectively.

Ngwaka and his accomplices will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activities to law enforcement agencies.

Father arrested for alleged murder of newborn in Adamawa

By Uzair Adam

Police in Adamawa State have detained a 19-year-old man for allegedly killing his newborn son in Mubi North Local Government Area.

SP Suleiman Nguroje, spokesperson for the Police Command, announced the arrest in Yola on Saturday.

The Daily Reality learned that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody on November 8 after the baby’s mother, who is reportedly his girlfriend, filed a complaint.

She alleged that the suspect came to her residence to see the newborn but later took the baby, under the pretense of an errand, and killed him.

Nguroje reported that the suspect is accused of burying the infant’s body in the Girpata area of Mubi.

Following the arrest, Commissioner of Police Morris Dankombo has ordered the case to be escalated to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

Fake police officer arrested for extortion in Kano

By Uzair Adam

Authorities in Kano have apprehended 31-year-old Salisu Bala, who has been impersonating a police officer to extort and intimidate residents in the city.

Bala was arrested by members of the Police Special Constabulary at Koki Quarters while wearing a black uniform and a camouflage peak cap.

The Kano State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, revealing that Bala, a resident of Kurna Quarters, had been defrauding members of the public and tarnishing the reputation of the police force.

Reports had been circulating about individuals posing as officers, particularly in areas like Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed Divisional Police Officers to take action, leading to Bala’s arrest on October 14, 2024.

Investigations revealed that Bala was not affiliated with the police force, despite his use of multiple police uniforms.

He also admitted to being a drug user.

The police have urged the public to come forward with any complaints about Bala or similar incidents of impersonation.

For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, the Kano State Police Command can be contacted through their emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

Adamawa man dies after trying to intervene between two fighters

By Uzair Adam

A man identified as Markus Dali from Sina Kwande, Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, tragically lost his life while attempting to mediate a conflict between two individuals.

The incident, which occurred on August 30, involved a dispute between Barka Yama and Alex Z. Tari.

Dali intervened in an effort to stop the fight but was struck by Barka, and that him go into a coma.

He was later confirmed dead at a hospital.

Barka, 32, has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide under Section 191 of the Penal Code.

The case was presented at a magistrates’ court in Yola, where ASP Francis Audu, the prosecuting officer, detailed the events leading to Dali’s death.

Chief Magistrate Muhammed Njidda ordered Barka to be remanded at a correctional facility, awaiting legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Police arrest four kidnapping suspects, recover arms in Abuja raid

By Uzair Adam

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended four notorious kidnappers in Abuja, acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Yau Sani, also known as Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, alias Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan, were arrested at their hideout in Sauka, Abuja.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects had been living among the general population and confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings in the FCT and neighboring areas.

The Daily Reality gathered that the gang’s activities had resulted in the deaths of seven victims.

The suspects also led the police to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where officers recovered a significant cache of arms, including four AK-47 rifles, thirteen magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition.

The group had previously attacked areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, and villages in Niger and Kaduna States.

They also admitted to planning future attacks on government institutions and estates in Abuja, which were successfully foiled by the police.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime in the region and urged residents to report any suspicious activities through provided emergency numbers.

Police bust child trafficking syndicate, rescue three children in Imo

By Anwar Usman

Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri, on Monday, busted a notorious child trafficking syndicate involved in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents.

In a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, he said, “The operation led to the rescue of three children, who were abducted on 4 July 2024 in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, and Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Areas.

“The arrested suspects include Ifeoma Anyanwu, aged 41, from Oloko, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State; Chibuzor Lucky, aged 42, from Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State; Charity Kalu, 24, from Okono, Ohafia LGA, Abia State; and Isidore Ozioma, 56, from Umuhu Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects tempted the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside and subsequently transported them to a hidden location in Aba, where they were sold for 1,000,000 naira. Prompt police action led to the rescue of the children and the apprehension of the suspects.”

The suspects are currently undergoing a rigorous investigation at the State CID, and efforts are ongoing to locate additional missing children. The rescued children have been safely reunited with their families.

These syndicates operate both locally and internationally, often targeting vulnerable children from poverty-striken or conflict-affected areas.

Traffickers use force, abduction, and deception to recruit or kidnap children, who are then smuggled across borders or within countries for sale or exploitation.

5 police officers killed, 11 injured in Kano auto crash

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the death of five officers following a fatal motor accident in Karfi town, located in Kura Local Government Area.

The Daily Reality gathered that the crash also left 11 other officers injured.The Command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the officers were involved in the accident while returning to Kano from an official assignment.

“The accident occurred at Karfi, a few kilometers from Kano. Unfortunately, five officers lost their lives on the spot, while 11 others sustained various injuries,” Kiyawa said.

According to preliminary investigations, the officers were traveling in a Hummer bus that collided head-on with a parked trailer, which led to the tragic loss.

The injured officers were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

The Kano FRSC spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, also confirmed the crash, stating that it was caused by excessive speeding, which led the bus driver to lose control before the collision.

The officers had been deployed to Edo State for election monitoring duties and were returning to Kano at the time of the accident.

Bauchi man in police custody for desecrating graves, stealing iron rod

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bauchi State Police Command has arrested Dauda Saidu, a 21-year-old scavenger, for allegedly desecrating a grave at Yelwa Christian Cemetery in the metropolis and stealing iron rods.

Spokesman of the Command, Ahmed Wakil, revealed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was apprehended on September 20, 2024, over trespassing, vandalism, and theft.

“Saidu unlawfully entered the Christian cemetery in the Yelwan Kagadama area of Bauchi, damaging several graves and stealing iron rods in broad daylight,” Wakil stated.

During interrogation, Saidu confessed to the crimes, admitting he had stolen multiple iron rods and sold them to scrap buyers for ₦9,500, ₦12,000, and ₦5,500 in separate transactions.

He was said to have disclosed that the money was used to purchase Indian hemp and food for personal consumption.

“The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, has directed that Saidu be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.”

“He also stressed the need for parental supervision and urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children and wards.”

Man, 35, allegedly defiles 14-year-old daughter

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A 35-year-old man from Adamawa State, Muhammad Auwal, has allegedly defiled his biological teenage daughter.

The state command of the Nigeria Police said in a statement obtained by The Daily Reality Thursday morning that it had arrested the man over the offence.

In the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, the command said it made the arrest on Wednesday, September 11.

“The Adamawa State Police Command has on 11/09/2024 arrested 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal for sexually assaulting his 14-year-old biological daughter,” Nguroje stated.

He added, “The suspect has since confessed to committing the crime and will be charged to court.”