Police

Kano task force arrests 53 suspects in anti-thuggery operation

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Joint Task Force Committee on Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation has arrested 53 individuals suspected of involvement in thuggery and drug-related activities.

The committee’s chairman, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim-Kofarmata, who also serves as the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Kano.

He explained that the arrests followed an intelligence-led clearance operation conducted between March 13 and 14 as part of efforts to curb crime and substance abuse in the state.

The operation targeted criminal hideouts and black spots across various locations, including Yakasai, Kofar Mata, Zango, Zage, Zanzado, Rimi Market, Shahuchi Park, Kano Line, Sharada, Ja’in, Dan Agundi, and surrounding areas.

During the raid, the task force recovered three parcels, 50 wraps, and other large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, along with two bottles of codeine syrup, two tubes of rubber solution, and a gallon of a toxic substance known as “suck and die.”

Additionally, security operatives seized 105 pieces of suspected exol tablets, five cutlasses, two scissors, two clubs, and a collection of suspected charms.

A significant quantity of cannabis sativa was found at a known drug joint in Zanzado, where authorities also seized a delivery vehicle and five cattle believed to belong to a notorious drug dealer.

Ibrahim-Kofarmata stated that the suspects would face prosecution upon the completion of investigations, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring a drug-free environment in Kano.

He noted that the task force, comprising security agencies and government officials, remains dedicated to cleansing Kano’s streets and safeguarding the well-being of its residents.

How police rescue passengers from kidnappers on Kogi highway

By Uzair Adam

The Kogi State Police Command says its operatives from the Police Mobile Force, 70 Squadron, Kabba, have rescued passengers from an attempted abduction along the Kabba-Ayere Road.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP William Aya, told reporters in Lokoja on Saturday that the incident occurred on Friday.

He explained that upon receiving a distress call, reinforcement teams from Sharper Corner pindown were swiftly deployed to the scene.

The officers engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the bush and abandon their victims, who were subsequently rescued.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical and operational assets to comb the surrounding bushes and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Dantawaye commended the officers for their swift response and reiterated the commitment of the command to ensuring the safety of residents and travelers in the state.

Three siblings killed, hidden in freezer buried amid tears in Anambra

By Uzair Adam

Grief enveloped Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, as three siblings—Chikaima Ejezie (9), Chimziterem Ejezie (8), and Chimdirim Ejezie (5)—were laid to rest on Saturday after being brutally murdered and concealed in a freezer.

The tragic incident occurred on February 1, 2025, in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, when unknown assailants attacked their home while their mother was away for an examination.

The Daily Reality gathered that the killers left their lifeless bodies in a freezer before fleeing, leaving the house open.

A mass burial was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Umueze Uga, with over 30 priests in attendance.

The service, officiated by Cardinal Ebere Okpalaeke, Archbishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, and a deeply mourning crowd.

During his sermon, Cardinal Okpalaeke condemned the act, comparing it to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, and warned that those responsible would not escape divine punishment.

“Killing innocent souls has existed since the beginning of time, but those involved in this crime will not know peace. A curse is upon them,” he declared, urging perpetrators of such heinous acts to seek repentance before facing dire consequences.

Following the mass, an overwhelming wave of sorrow filled the air as relatives, friends, schoolmates, and sympathizers gathered for the burial.

Many struggled to comprehend the horror of the children’s deaths, weeping as the caskets were lowered into the ground.

Their devastated parents, Mr. and Mrs. Udochukwu Ejezie, described the incident as their worst nightmare, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

They also thanked the Anambra State Government and the Nigerian Police for their intervention, urging authorities to intensify efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Ex-NIS CG found dead in Abuja hotel after receiving female guest – Police

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), David Shikfu Parradang, passed away in a hotel in Abuja.

Josephine Adeh, the Command’s spokesperson, stated that Paradang died after receiving a female guest in his hotel room.

She dismissed circulating reports suggesting that the former NIS boss was kidnapped and killed.

According to Adeh, “On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz.”

“He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay. Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room.”

“This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00 PM of the same day.” She added that Paradang did not leave his room after the guest’s departure.

Around 4:00 AM on March 4, a military officer who was his friend visited the hotel out of concern for his welfare. The officer, alongside the hotel receptionist, found Paradang lifeless in a chair.

Adeh explained that the Durumi Police Station was informed, and officers quickly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and gathered evidence.

“The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations,” she said.

The police have urged the public to disregard false information regarding the circumstances of his death.

Police arrest man for allegedly killing wife over iftar meal dispute

By Uzair Adam

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 50-year-old businessman for alleged culpable homicide after a domestic dispute with his 24-year-old second wife turned fatal.

Command spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakil, in a statement on Sunday, said the incident happened in the Fadaman-Mada area of Bauchi during an argument over food ingredients and fruits for breaking the Ramadan fast.

Reports indicate that the disagreement escalated, leading to the husband allegedly striking his wife with a cane.

She reportedly collapsed and lost consciousness in their home.

Authorities rushed her to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her death.

Wakil said the police have taken the suspect into custody and recovered the cane allegedly used in the assault as evidence.

The deceased’s body has been placed in the mortuary pending an autopsy.

Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa reassured the public of the command’s commitment to justice, stressing that domestic violence is a serious offense with severe consequences.

“The Police Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while holding perpetrators of criminal acts accountable,” he said.

Protest: Police assure Kano residents of adequate security, arrest 17 suspects

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order in the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had deployed personnel and assets to strategic locations within Kano Metropolis.

The Daily Reality gathered that the deployment follows credible intelligence reports indicating a planned violent protest by some individuals. Kiyawa said the proactive measures led to the arrest of 17 suspected thugs, adding that an investigation was ongoing to ensure those behind the planned violence were brought to justice.

The Command warned individuals and groups against engaging in unlawful gatherings, processions, or violence, stressing that security agencies would respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to disrupt public peace.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Command also expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support of Kano residents in maintaining peace and order.

Although the motive behind the protest was not unclear, our reporters learned that several reports revealed that protesters arrived at Gadar Nassarawa earlier in the day.

Nigerian police dismiss 19 officers, demote 24 others over misconduct

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has taken disciplinary action against several officers, resulting in dismissals, demotions, and other sanctions for offenses ranging from extortion to murder.

According to a police wireless message dated January 23, 2025, 19 officers have been dismissed and are set to face prosecution.

Their cases have been referred to the Commissioner of Police (CP) Legal at the Force Headquarters for legal proceedings.

Among those dismissed are ASP Ogunmuyiwa Saburi, ASP Idris Dan-Auta, CSP Pascal Ugocha, SP Yakubu Hankuri, DSP Mohammed S. Jahun, DSP Ayodele Emmanuel, and DSP Jimmy Ayeni.

Additionally, ASP Abdullahi Garba is facing prosecution for murder and culpable homicide, highlighting the severity of the allegations against some officers.

Beyond dismissals, 24 officers have been demoted due to professional misconduct.

This includes ACP Mohammed Aminu, who has been reduced to CSP, and CSP Helen Ajuma Negedu, now ranked SP.

Others, such as SP Bello Aliyu and SP Ehimen Paul, have been downgraded to DSP, while several ASPs have been demoted to the rank of Inspector.

The report also revealed that 10 officers received severe reprimands, including ACP Muhamad Auwal Yunusa, ACP Kalat Shamang, and CSP Nwanchor Emmanuel.

Additionally, nine officers were officially reprimanded for various infractions, among them DCP Mohammed A. Jika and CSP Mathew Omosun.

Other disciplinary measures included the demobilization of ASP Emmanuel Kura from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and a directive for DSP Hauwa Kulu Sulaiman to refund nine days of salary.

Furthermore, DSP Ayuk Tachen was surcharged for the loss of a firearm.However, not all officers faced sanctions.

DCP Coker Olalekan James was exonerated after investigations cleared him of any wrongdoing.

This latest disciplinary action notes the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and its commitment to accountability within the ranks.

Kano vigilante group confirms discovering dead newborn in carton

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Tudun Tagarji in Kano State were left in shock on Saturday after a newborn baby was discovered abandoned inside a carton near a drainage in the Kaura area.

The discovery was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the Commander of the Operation Zaman Lafiya vigilante group, Rabiu Sulaiman.

Sulaiman explained that his team encountered the tragic scene while on routine patrol in the early hours of the morning.

“Yesterday, around 2 a.m., while we were on patrol, we came across a shocking incident inside a pit very close to us. Upon close observation, we noticed a disposed carton, but we had no idea what was inside it.

“To clear our doubt and be sure nothing harmful was kept there, I instructed my boys to open the carton, and behold, upon opening it, we saw a baby already dead,” he recounted.

Following the discovery, the vigilante team immediately informed local community leaders before reporting the matter to the police.

“By morning, we invited the ward head to come and see for himself, along with other members of the community, before conveying the baby to the police station and informing them,” Sulaiman added.

The authorities directed them to a hospital, where doctors confirmed the baby was already deceased.

“We came back home and organised burial rites for the baby in accordance with Islamic teachings,” he stated.

Sulaiman urged community vigilante groups to remain vigilant and stated the importance of parental guidance, particularly in preventing situations that could lead to unwanted pregnancies.

“Unwanted pregnancy contradicts Islamic teachings. Parents must monitor their children’s movements and guide them properly,” he advised.

The incident has sparked deep sorrow within the community, with calls for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

Police rescue woman from suspected ritualist in Abuja

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from a suspected armed robber and ritualist while launching a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

The development was disclosed in a statement released by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

According to the statement, the incident took place at a hotel in the Wuse district of Abuja, where officers discovered a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze from Ebonyi State, tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster.

She was found unconscious and in distress when the police arrived at the scene on January 31, 2025, following an emergency call from the hotel staff.

The victim was rushed to Wuse District Hospital, where she regained consciousness.

The statement further revealed that the victim had checked into the hotel on January 30 with a man who introduced himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State.

However, investigations later showed that the suspect had initially contacted her online, using the alias Michael Prince and claiming to be an employee of an oil company based in Delta State.

The statement added, “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from the clutches of a suspected armed robber and ritualist, launching an immediate manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

“On January 31, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Command received a distress call from a hotel in the Wuse area of the FCT, reporting suspicious activity in one of their rooms.

“Responding swiftly, police operatives arrived at the scene and discovered a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze, from Ebonyi State, tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster. She was found unconscious and in distress. Officers acted immediately, freeing her from captivity and rushing her to Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated.

“Preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of deception and violence. The victim had checked into the hotel a day earlier, on January 30, 2025, at about 7:00 AM, in the company of a man who identified himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State.

“However, during police questioning, the victim disclosed that she had met the suspect online, where he introduced himself under the alias Michael Prince, claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State. Initially, he invited her to Delta, but after she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja.

“Tragically, what was meant to be an innocent meeting turned into a harrowing ordeal. The suspect allegedly brandished a dagger, using it to threaten and subdue the victim before restraining her by tying her hands and legs and taping her mouth shut inside the bathroom. He then fled the scene, stealing her two mobile phones.

“Alarmingly, before escaping, the victim overheard him speaking to suspected accomplices over the phone, informing them that he was on his way to regroup before returning to the hotel to ‘finish the job.”

PSC orders retirement for officers over 60 or with 35 years of service

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed all police officers who have reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years of service to retire in accordance with government civil service regulations.

This directive aligns with the guidelines governing mandatory retirement ages for government employees.

The PSC reiterated that no extensions would be granted to senior officers who are retiring.

The commission also stated that there are sufficient personnel within the police force to replace them.

Additionally, the PSC expressed support for the order from the Inspector-General of Police, which instructed officers meeting the retirement criteria to submit their retirement documents promptly.