Police

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Cross River State Police Command rescued a former staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from her abductors at her residence in Calabar on Saturday.

The daring rescue operation was confirmed by Irene Ugbo, the spokesperson for the command, who praised the gallantry of the officers involved. 

Ugbo disclosed that the rescue operation led to the arrest of three suspects, who were apprehended by the command’s Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (ACKS), led by SP Chukwuma Ogini.

The team sprang into action following a distress call reporting the abduction at Mathias Oje Avenue in Calabar Municipality.

The operation was further assisted by the courageous efforts of the Njangachang youths in the locality, who played a pivotal role in apprehending the suspects. 

During the operation, the police recovered two vehicles believed to have been used in the abduction. The suspects were found in possession of arms, ammunition, and charms, indicating their criminal intent. 

Irene Ugbo commended the bravery of the officers and the local youths, emphasizing the commitment of Commissioner Gyogon Grimah to eradicate crimes and criminal activities in the state.

She reiterated the commissioner’s resolve to make Cross River State an inhospitable environment for kidnappers and criminals. “We want to make it clear that no kidnapper or criminal will find the state a safe haven for their nefarious activities. This is the directive of the Commissioner, as mandated by the Inspector General of Police,” stated Ugbo, as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). 

The successful rescue operation stands as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Cross River State Police Command in ensuring the safety and security of its residents.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Imo State witnessed increased tensions as Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was reportedly arrested by Nigeria Police Force operatives in Owerri on Wednesday.

Ajaero was taken into custody at the NLC state council secretariat, according to Benson Upah, the Head of Information at NLC, and subsequently transported to an undisclosed location. 

This development followed the NLC’s announcement of an impending total strike in Imo State, set to commence on November 1, 2023.

Ajaero had accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of neglecting workers’ welfare and violating their rights.

He highlighted several issues, including prolonged non-payment of salaries, the wrongful categorization of workers and pensioners as ghost beneficiaries, and non-compliance with the national minimum wage. 

During a press briefing held on Sunday, Ajaero criticised the state government’s refusal to honour past agreements and its resistance to engaging in social dialogue and collective bargaining.

He underscored the grave consequences, citing reports of workers losing their lives due to the alleged lack of salary payments. 

The arrest of Ajaero has intensified the labour dispute, raising concerns about the ongoing situation in Imo State.

The NLC and its members continue to demand fair treatment and the fulfilment of workers’ rights.

As the state government faces mounting pressure to address these grievances, the labour unrest in Imo State remains a cause for growing apprehension and scrutiny.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three inspectors from the Ogun State Police Command were caught on camera extorting money from commercial motorcyclists. 

The officers involved were identified as Inspector Ikhanorba Lucky, Inspector Paul Sunday, and Inspector Edwin Ekeogu. 

The incident occurred on October 19 at the Maawu bus stop in the Agbado area of the state during their visibility policing duty.

The officers’ inappropriate actions were captured on camera and shared on social media platforms, leading to public outrage. 

Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, condemned the officers’ behaviour, stating, “These officers were caught on camera flagrantly extorting money from commercial motorcyclists in contravention of the Police Act and Regulations.”

She emphasised that such actions tarnish the image of the police force. 

The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, strongly condemned the unprofessional conduct of the three inspectors.

In response to the incident, the commissioner activated immediate disciplinary measures against the erring personnel.

He affirmed his commitment to maintaining professional standards within the force, ensuring quality service delivery to citizens, and upholding public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. 

The Ogun State Police Command has taken swift action to hold the officers accountable for their misconduct.

This decisive response serves as a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated within the force and aims to deter other officers from engaging in similar misconduct.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Borno Police Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Ibrahim and Bukar Wadiya, in connection with the alleged murder of 24-year-old Fatima Alhaji-Bukar. 

Fatima is said to be a resident of Dikechiri, Bayan Gidan Dambe area in Maiduguri metropolis. 

The incident unfolded on October 18, 2023, when Adamu Alhaji Ibrahim, presenting himself as the victim’s husband, arrived at the Gwange Division seeking urgent police intervention.

Preliminary findings suggested a history of domestic disputes, primarily linked to accusations of marital infidelity. 

Upon investigation, the police discovered the victim’s lifeless body in her residence, surrounded by disturbing evidence, including a short pestle, a bag, rope, a blood-stained rug carpet, a knife, and a Honda vehicle.

Notably, there were no signs of forced entry, indicating that the perpetrator likely had access to the house and was later confirmed to be the husband. 

The suspects, Adamu Ibrahim and Bukar Wadiya, were promptly apprehended as prime suspects.

The Borno Police Command is diligently conducting an in-depth investigation, aiming to bring justice to the victim and her family in this tragic incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Bauchi State was rocked by a disturbing incident as a suspect, Yohanna Abubakar, 35, lost his life during an interrogation by members of a quasi-security outfit.

The suspect was allegedly subjected to excessive beatings in an attempt to force a confession regarding the accusations against him. 

Bauchi State Police confirmed the incident, revealing that the quasi-security members, posing as professional hunters, apprehended Abubakar along with two others from Waya village.

The interrogation turned fatal, raising concerns about the methods employed during such questioning. 

Authorities are conducting investigations into this tragic incident, highlighting the need for proper training and oversight within security organisations to prevent such occurrences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kaduna State Police Command arrested 10 suspected kidnappers between September and October 3, 2023.

Acting on credible intelligence, the police recovered three AK47 rifles, three fabricated 10-round revolvers, 448 rounds of live ammunition, and a cache of 15 rounds. A vehicle linked to the suspects was also seized. 

The suspects are currently being interrogated and will face legal consequences after investigations.

Police Commissioner Musa Garba commended the officers for their dedication and warned criminals to steer clear of the state.

This operation underscores the police force’s commitment to ensuring safety and security in Kaduna State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 12-year-old boy, Ibukun Solomon, in Ondo State, has recounted a harrowing story of how his mother killed his father while he was sleeping.

Salomon said his mother, Tayelolu, killed his father, Felix, who was a farmer, with a pestle after a minor argument.

It was learned that Tayelolu hit her 65-year-old husband on his head three times while he was sleeping in their house, located at the Government Reservation Area, GRA, in the state.

It was also gathered that the couple, in recent times, have been having a crisis, and the wife always threatens to kill the husband and elope.

The son narrated, “My mother killed my father with a pestle in my presence and took to her heels. She used the pestle to hit his head when he was asleep.

“Earlier on the fateful day, a minor argument had ensued between them that resulted in a fight. After the fight, my father went to lie on the chair, and my mother hit his head with the pestle.

“He became unconscious and fell down from where he was sleeping. My mother used the pestle to hit my father’s head three times. He later died.

“When my mother saw that my father was already unconscious, she hid the pestle at the back of our house and ran away.”

I alerted some of the residents, who rushed my father to the hospital. But he later died. His corpse has been deposited at the morgue.

“My mother had three children for my father, and I’m the last child,” he stated.

Also speaking, a brother of the deceased said that the family members have mediated several times to settle the incessant fight between his brother the his wife.

According to him, “The woman had been threatening to kill her husband whenever they were fighting. And the deceased informed us about the threats. But we never knew she would carry out the devilish act.

“But this time, she took laws into her hands and killed our brother for nothing. She must be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he stated.

But police in the state said that all efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect were in top gear, and she would be charged in court as soon as possible.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

A deeply disturbing incident has rattled the Agbarha-Otor community when a middle-aged pastor, whose name has been withheld, is facing allegations of brutally murdering a young girl. 

The victim’s lifeless body was found within the pastor’s residence in this rural Delta State community, with reports suggesting that a machete was used in the crime. 

The motive behind this shocking act remains unclear, but some sources speculate a connection to the destruction of a local shrine.

Outraged youths in the community initially sought to take matters into their own hands, but the situation was diffused by the prompt arrival of law enforcement. 

Human rights activist Israel Joe has called upon the Delta State Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the accused individual. 

This tragic incident has left the community in mourning, with many demanding justice for the young victim as the investigation progresses.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Oro Umaru, a resident of Ba’abete Fulani Camp in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, found himself in legal trouble as he was arraigned before a Kwara State Magistrates Court in Ilorin on Thursday, September 21, 2023. 

He stands accused of attempted culpable homicide following an incident involving his neighbour, Abubakar Sanda, within the Fulani Camp. 

The charges against Oro Umaru are based on an alleged altercation that took place on September 8, 2023. 

According to the Police First Information Report, the case was reported by the victim’s brother, Sanda Mohammed. 

The report states that Abubakar Sanda was returning from Kaiama Kara Market to his residence when he was accosted and attacked by Oro Umaru.

In the course of the altercation, Abubakar Sanda’s right wrist was severed from his hand. A police investigation revealed a troubling background to the incident.

Oro Umaru reportedly suspected Abubakar Sanda of having an affair with his wife, Fatima Oro, dating back to 2022. Oro Umaru claimed that he had previously caught them together and reported the incidents to his father, Alhaji Hamadu, but no action was taken. 

In his confession to the police, Oro Umaru admitted to attacking Abubakar Sanda on September 8, 2023, after allegedly catching him in a conversation with his wife. 

Abubakar Sanda fled upon seeing Oro Umaru approaching, but the confrontation ultimately escalated to a violent assault. 

During the court proceedings, the plea of the accused, Oro Umaru, was not taken. Instead, the police prosecutor, Gbenga Ayeni, requested the court remand Oro Umaru in the Federal Correctional Facility pending the completion of the investigation.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly stealing over 20 motorcycles in the state.

The man, identified as Bello Mohammed alias Faruk Manja, is a resident of Bakaro Area of Bauchi metropolis.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi state command, Ahmed Wakil, stated this in a statement he made available to journalists in the state.

Wakili said the other suspect, Kabiru Danfulani, conspiring with Manja in carrying out that nefarious acts for over four years were at large.

He added that the suspect confessed during interrogation that he and his partner (Danfulani) have stolen over 20 motorcycles over the period.

The statement read, “The Command has arrested a two-man squad that specializes in snatching motorcycles and has been carrying out their nefarious activities for about four years within Bauchi and other neighbouring States.

“On August 24, 2023, at about 6.30 am, one Aliyu Muhammad Gidado, male, of old Airport Road GRA, Bauchi, reported at B’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Bauchi metropolis, that on the same date at about 4 am, he discovered that Bello Mohammed alias Faruk Manja, male (30) of Bakaro area of Bauchi and Kabiru Danfulani, a male of Muda Lawal Bauchi, now at large, criminally conspired among themselves and trespassed into his house and stole his motor-vehicle Honda Civic, golden colour with reg no. MSA-350-PD valued at N640,000;00, alongside a skeletal motorcycle green colour, with the value yet to be ascertained.

“On receipt of the report, a team of detectives led by the DPO B’ Division, CSP Holman Simon, swiftly swung into action and circulated the incident to various Police patrol teams/divisions within and outside the State.

“Subsequently, in their process to escape with the stolen vehicle along Maiduguri-Bauchi road, Police operatives drafted to Soro Division led by the DPO, Soro Division, SP Aliyu Goni, intercepted the motor vehicle and arrested one of the culprits.

“During interrogation, the first suspect voluntarily confessed to having been a motorcycle snatcher for about four years and approximately stole 20 Jincheng robber motorcycles and carried such menace in different areas of Bauchi and Yobe States respectively, while the second suspect is now at large.”

Wakil added that the stolen vehicle and the skeletal motorcycle have been recovered from the suspects and further investigation is in progress.