Police

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Police Force has busted a multibillion-naira jewellery syndicate that colluded with armed robbers in Abuja and its environs.

According to Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the syndicate was dismantled after an armed robbery incident occurred at a police officer’s residence in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 28th.

The stolen items, including jewellery, money, academic certificates, documents, phones, and other valuable properties, were traced to Wuse Market, where they were purchased by one Alhaji Auwal.

Despite police warnings, Alhaji Auwal facilitated the purchase and instructed his associates on how to handle the stolen goods.

Further investigations revealed that Alhaji Auwal, his sons, and other associates are part of a cartel involved in dealing in stolen jewellery.

The group has been linked to previous similar cases under police investigation.

Twenty-six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and are being detained legally under a court order.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.

This operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling armed robbery and related crimes in the FCT.

The force urges the public to provide information to help in the fight against crime.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested suspected fraudsters who specialize in generating false bank alerts.

The command recovered 22 POS machines, 52 ATM cards, eight jerricans of diesel, and six mobile phones.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, “The suspects had purchased diesel worth N300,000 at Chula Filling Station using fraudulent payment methods, resulting in the owners receiving fake money transfer alerts.”

Kiyawa stated that the suspects confessed to their crimes and admitted to defrauding fuel attendants at various filling stations and businesses in Kano State.

The police commissioner, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, had directed detectives to be on alert to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The suspects, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, 38, Aliyu Tukur, 27, and Auwal Ibrahim, 20, were arrested following a distress call from the manager of Chula Filling Station.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A newlywed woman, Habiba Ibrahim, has been arrested for allegedly cutting her husband’s manhood while he was asleep.

The incident occurred in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on May 26.

The husband, Salisu Idris, 40, a commercial motorcycle rider, said the attack came without warning and that he was rushed to several hospitals for treatment.

Idris stated that they had been married for four months and that he could not understand the reason for her action, as they loved each other and had no prior misunderstandings.

His mother, Rabi Salisu, said her son had never complained about his wife, and that the wife’s parents are willing to settle his medical bills.

The police have arrested Habiba Ibrahim, and the case is under investigation.

The reason behind the attack is still unknown.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A father, Bala Abubakar, has been arrested by the Sokoto State Police Command for selling six of his own children, along with 22 others, to human traffickers.

The children have been rescued and taken to a state orphanage.

The police commissioner, Ali Kaigama, announced that Abubakar and other suspects were arrested for their roles in the illegal child trafficking ring.

Abubakar allegedly sold his biological children and 22 others to traffickers for between N150,000 and N250,000 each.

In a separate incident, the police arrested Saifullah Hassan for murdering a woman, Balikisu Garba, in a hotel.

Additionally, three kidnap victims, including Barrister Rukayat, were rescued, and weapons and ammunition were seized from the suspects.

The police commissioner reassured residents of the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order and thanked the state governor for his support.

He urged the public to collaborate with the police to ensure a safer community.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

A police officer attached to the enforcement team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) was reportedly shot dead at Terminus Market, Jos, the capital of Plateau State.  

Security operatives, including policemen and soldiers, have been mobilised by the state government to carry out enforcement against street trading in the area.  

The security operatives were stationed around Terminus Market to ensure total compliance with the law. 

Ibrahim Musa told our correspondent that the police officer was hit by a stray bullet fired by one of the security men patrolling the area.  

He said, “Around 12 o’clock on Wednesday, the security personnel were pursuing traders when suddenly, an officer mistakenly shot the policeman in the neck, and he died instantly. Moments later, officials of the Road Safety Corps evacuated the corpse to a hospital.” 

An official of the market, who wished to remain anonymous, also confirmed the development, saying the officer was mistakenly killed by his colleague.  

The situation caused tension in the area, resulting in the firing of teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. 

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said the police were investigating the matter.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 26-year-old man, Yusuf Abdullahi, was arraigned before a Kano State Sharia Court, Fagge, for allegedly assaulting his friend, Aminu Umar, resulting in the loss of a tooth.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Abdul Wada, the defendant and the complainant had a disagreement on May 9, which escalated into a physical altercation.

The defendant allegedly gave the complainant several blows to the head and body, causing injuries and resulting in the loss of a tooth.

The Khadi, Malam Umar Lawal-Abubakar, ordered the defendant to be remanded in a correctional center and adjourned the case until May 30 for further hearing.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

In a troubling incident in Idu community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, two siblings, Collins Ugorji and Newman Ugorji, met a tragic end allegedly at the hands of the OSPAC vigilante group.  

Wade Ugorji, cousin of the deceased, recounted the events, stating that the brothers were visiting a relative when OSPAC members detained them, erroneously labeling them as kidnappers.

Despite their innocence, the siblings were fatally shot while in custody. “On the 1st of May 2024, my cousin, Mr Collins Ugorji… and his younger brother Mr Newman Ugorji… went to Idu community… They were arrested by the OSPAC officials, who killed both of them claiming that they were kidnappers,” Wade lamented. 

The news of the siblings’ deaths spread rapidly, with images circulating on social media purporting to show slain kidnappers.  

Recognizing his cousins, Wade swiftly reported the matter to the Omoku Police Division, prompting an investigation. Amid escalating tensions, the police, led by the Divisional Police Officer, ventured to Idu community.

However, they faced resistance from OSPAC members, who brazenly challenged the authority of the police. 

“The vigilante member threatened and warned the DPO not to come back to the area again,” Wade recounted. 

Despite attempts to conceal the crime, evidence emerged, including Newman Ugorji’s bloodstained slippers found in the OSPAC office. 

Wade appealed to state authorities and concerned citizens for justice, urging the governor, the Inspector General of Police, and the state Commissioner of Police to intervene. 

Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko, stated that one OSPAC member and four other suspects had been apprehended in connection with the murders.  

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department for further inquiry.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a decisive operation on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin expressway, the Ogun State Police Command has neutralized two suspected kidnappers in a shootout, as announced by Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson.

According to Ms. Odutola, the suspects met their fate during a daring rescue mission executed by police personnel to liberate abducted Indian nationals.

The successful operation, aided by local vigilantes, led to the safe recovery of the hostages.Identified as Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada, the Indian nationals had fallen victim to abduction on Friday.

Alongside their rescue, authorities seized a substantial sum of N7.9 million, along with 1,500 Indian Rupees, believed to be part of the ransom extorted by the kidnappers.

The ordeal began when the Manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited, situated on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, reported an attack to the Divisional Police Officer, Mowe Divisional Headquarters.

The incident involved gunfire directed at vehicles transporting the manager’s principals at Kajola junction along the Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway.

While the police escort accompanying the first vehicle managed to repel the assailants and safeguard all occupants, three Indian nationals in the second vehicle were abducted.

Prompt response from the anti-kidnapping section, in collaboration with local security units, initiated a thorough search of the area.

A fierce confrontation ensued in the forest along the Benin-Sagamu Papalanto route, resulting in the rescue of the hostages unharmed.

Two of the six kidnappers were incapacitated during the exchange of fire, with authorities recovering two AK-47 rifles, a single-barrel locally made gun, a sword, cell phones, criminal paraphernalia, and 65 rounds of ammunition.

The deceased suspects have been transferred to the public mortuary, while intensive efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old actor, identified as Praise, over accusations of abducting and defiling a 14-year-old girl in the Mowe area of the state. 

Omolola Odutola, the command’s Public Relations Officer, affirmed the arrest in a statement released to the press in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. 

According to Odutola, the arrest followed a report filed by the teenager’s grandparents, who stated that their granddaughter had gone missing since April 27, 2024. 

“The Divisional Police Officer of Mowe Division apprehended one actor, Praise, a 30-year-old male, on allegations of defiling a 14-year-old female,” the statement disclosed. 

It continued, “The arrest came after a report on May 1, around 2:05 PM, from the grandparents of the teenager, who reported that their granddaughter had been missing since April 27, 2024.” 

The grandparents claimed that the suspect had sexually assaulted their granddaughter, leading to severe bleeding upon her discovery. 

Furthermore, the statement mentioned that medical examinations have been initiated, with forms issued for examination and treatment at a government hospital to gather more credible evidence. 

While a preliminary investigation has commenced at the Mowe Divisional Headquarters, the case is slated for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation. 

Odutola noted, “No child in Ogun State should endure such inhumane treatment, sexual assault, and abuse.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Enugu State Police have apprehended two male kidnapping suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The victim’s husband, Mr. Ekene Igwe, praised the Enugu State government for swiftly intervening and covering medical expenses.

The woman, Chinwendu Igwe, gave birth to a baby boy after being rescued and is now in good condition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Chinwendu embarked on the journey alone with her two children from Lagos to her paternal home, where she was abducted.

The CP dismissed misinformation regarding the incident and urged media accuracy. Mr. Igwe thanked Governor Peter Mbah for the government’s support.