The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • APC youth wing calls for deployment of forest guards, others over banditry

    APC youth wing calls for deployment of forest guards, others over banditry

    To address the security challenges in the country, the National Youth Wing of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the immediate deployment of at least 100,000 newly recruited, specially trained Forest Guards and Rural Security Personnel across the North-West and North-Central zones within the next six months, equipped with modern communication gadgets and rapid-response vehicles.

    The recommendation was contained in a statement by the National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Isreal on Wednesday in which the group said it was deeply saddened and outraged by the recent wave of attacks and banditry across Niger, Kwara, Borno and more recently Kebbi.

    While commending the initial steps so far taken by President Bola Tinubu, the Army and other security agencies operating in the axis, the Youth wing said the stark reality is that these efforts are not yet enough.

    Other recommendations by the youth wing include: Establishment of permanent Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in every identified bandit/terrorist enclave, including Kamuku-Kuyambana, Dansadau, Falgore, and Sububu forests, with 24/7 drone surveillance and air support on standby.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    * Full activation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan with the creation of modern grazing reserves and cattle ranches in willing states to end open grazing and reduce farmer-herder clashes permanently.

    * Immediate fortification of all 10,000+ public schools in high-risk local government areas with perimeter fencing, CCTV, trained armed guards, and emergency communication systems before the end of 2026.

    * Launch of a special North-East/North-West Youth Economic Empowerment Scheme targeting 1 million youths with skills acquisition, start-up grants, and agricultural mechanisation support to remove the economic incentives driving recruitment into banditry and terrorism.

    * Expansion of Operation Safe Corridor to the North-West with dedicated rehabilitation centres in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina for repentant bandits, coupled with a simultaneous “no-negotiation-with-high-value-terrorists” policy.

    * Comprehensive audit and overhaul of military and police intelligence architecture to eliminate sabotage, leakage, and corruption, with severe sanctions for any officer found compromising operations.

    * Activation of the Victims of Terrorism Support Fund to provide immediate financial, medical, and psychological support to families of fallen heroes and victims of attacks.

    According to the Youth Wing: “Time is up for terrorists, bandits, their sponsors, and their informants. Their reign of terror must end now.”

    The group called on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to rise above bigotry, ethnic jingoism, and divisive narratives.

    “Insecurity is a national problem that requires a united national response. When we view these tragedies through tribal or religious lenses only, we give comfort to the enemy. United we stand, divided we perish,” the group stated.

    The Youth Wing condoled with the Armed Forces and the family of the gallant Brigadier General Muhammed Uba, Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade brutally murdered by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.

    It also sympathised with Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, people of Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area and especially the congregation of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) that came under vicious attack.

  • Security operative shot dead as police halt kidnapping attempt in FCT

    Security operative shot dead as police halt kidnapping attempt in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has lost an officer while foiling a kidnapping attempt in Guto village, a community on the outskirts of the Bwari Area Council of the nation’s capital.

    The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.

    According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred at about 1:10 a.m., when the command received a distress call that about 30 armed assailants had invaded the community, intending to abduct a resident and his family.

    Adeh said, “At approximately 01:10 a.m., the Command received a distress call that armed attackers, numbering about 30, had invaded the community in an attempt to abduct a resident and his family”.

    She said the Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team, together with the IGP Special Intervention Squad (SIS), promptly mobilized to the scene.

    Upon encountering the police team, the attackers opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.

    The police said, “Upon sighting the Police team, the attackers opened fire. The officers responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a heated gun duel”.

    The confrontation, Adeh said, resulted in the killing of two assailants, while the remaining attackers fled into the surrounding bushes and mountains.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    She disclosed that one police officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound during the operation, adding that he was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.

    “The Command deeply regrets this loss, as the officer paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” the statement read.

    Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, has deployed additional personnel to the affected community to reinforce security.

    Dantawaye has also ordered a detailed investigation to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.

    Adeh said, “CP Miller Dantawaye has deployed additional personnel to the affected community to strengthen security in the area, and normalcy has since been restored. He has also ordered a detailed investigation to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended”.

    She reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the territory, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

  • Dangote, Lekki port headline 2025 MARCON honours as 12 maritime giants recognised

    Dangote, Lekki port headline 2025 MARCON honours as 12 maritime giants recognised

    The county’s maritime industry received a major spotlight on Tuesday as the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) named 12 top performers, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Lekki Deep Seaport, and Lekki Freeport Terminal, as recipients of the 2025 MARCON Awards for Excellence.

    The honours recognise outstanding contributions to port development, maritime infrastructure, and technological innovation across the sector.

    The awards will be formally presented during the 2025 Nigeria Maritime Journalists Retreat held on December 4 at De Marii Hotel, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Lekki, the same corridor hosting the rapidly expanding hub of maritime investments.

    This year’s retreat, with the theme “Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade,” will convene key players from port operations, logistics, digital trade, and regulatory agencies.

    In a joint statement, Paul Ogbuokiri, Chairman, and Adaku Onyenucheya, Secretary of the Conference Planning Committee, said Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group were selected for their long-standing investments that have reshaped Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

    According to them, “Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group are being honoured for their groundbreaking efforts to strengthen maritime business through the Dangote Refinery, Greenview Development Nigeria Limited, Blue Star Shipping and other port-related activities that have lasted over two decades in the country.”

    Lekki Freeport Terminal, the country’s most automated container terminal, also earned strong commendation for setting new operational benchmarks. The committee noted that the terminal has enhanced cargo flow, expanded barge operations, and improved user satisfaction within the Lekki port corridor.

    On the achievements of Lekki Deep Seaport, the statement added that the facility has moved the country closer to its ambition of becoming a regional transshipment hub.

    It highlighted that lighter vessels now convey Nigerian-bound cargo from Lagos to neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon — a shift boosting the country’s regional trade presence.

    The organisers said, “Lekki Port has officially positioned Nigeria as a new and formidable player in the global transshipment landscape, promoting trade within and beyond the shores of the country.”

    They further emphasised that the contributions of the awardees have deepened Nigeria’s participation in Africa’s blue economy ecosystem, supported job creation, and strengthened the country’s competitiveness for maritime investment.

    Other award recipients include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi; Registrar/CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Magaji (SAN); and Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

    Also named are Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Kevin Okonna; Managing Director, Truck Transit Parks Limited, Jama Onwubuariri; and three Nigeria Customs Service area controllers: Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (Apapa), Comptroller Wale Adenuga (Seme), and Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar (Lagos Free Trade Zone). Integrated Indigo Limited completes the list of honourees.

    The 2025 retreat is expected to deepen discussions on technology-driven trade, port digitalisation, and the emerging dynamics shaping Nigeria’s maritime future.

  • FIRS chairman offers partnership opportunities to varsities

    FIRS chairman offers partnership opportunities to varsities

    The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Dr Zacch Adedeji has offered partnership opportunities to tertiary institutions, saying the agency was ready to support universities and other tertiary institutions to be incubators of innovation, providing solutions to real-world problems. 

    Adedeji made the offer while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Lecture of the University of Ilesa, Osun State.

    While speaking on the topic ‘Economic Resilience in an Era of Dwindling Revenue,’ the FIRS boss reeled out analysis of the current financial status of Nigeria, and offered practical solutions, explaining how the country is building a resilient economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    He highlighted the reforms and initiatives undertaken by the tax agency under his leadership to include automation and digitization; strategic reforms leading to expansion and modernization of the tax base; collaboration with states for tax harmonization as well as institutional repositioning to earn public trust.

    The FIRS boss said it was important to restructure the productive base of the economy from crude oil and embrace a system with multiple engines of growth in agro-processing, digital economy, creative industry and solid minerals, among others.

    Adedeji, however, pointed out that the task of building economic resilience does not lie solely with the government, stressing that academics, among other stakeholders, should play their own role by exploring ways to produce researches that proffer solutions to contemporary challenges. He said the FIRS under his leadership was ready to embrace partnerships that will support such academic efforts that will bridge the town-gown gap.

    He listed possible partnership areas as joint research projects on domestic revenue mobilization, tax equity or digitization or creation of tax policy innovation hubs where academics and practitioners can co-develop policy prototypes and test scalable ideas. 

    He charged the students to stand out, saying “… in building a resilient Nigeria, we need minds that can think critically, hands that can build institutionally, and hearts that serve patriotically.”

    Adedeji praised the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, who was his lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. 

    The tax revenue tzar recalled how the then Dr Asaolu paid for his final stage examinations of the Institute of Chattered Accountants (ICAN) during his second year as an undergraduate. 

    He told an emotion-gripped audience how he had already resigned to fate due to lack of funds to register for the examinations but that Asaolu on sighting him in a mood showing that he was not preparing for the examinations, inquired why he was not studying. 

    Adedeji recalled that on hearing his predicament, his lecturer fumed for keeping such a personal challenge to himself, recalling that he drew him to his office immediately where he signed for him a personal cheque of an amount covering the needed sum. 

    He said: “I sat for the examinations and passed. That was how I became a chartered accountant in my Part 2 as an undergraduate.” 

    His revelation drew terrific applause from the audience, made up of government representatives, lecturers, students and other guests. 

    Still highlighting Asaolu’s uncommon show of support, Adedeji recalled an ugly incident that occurred while writing the ICAN final examination when a supervisor accused him of cheating, an offence that was punishable with a six-year ban. He said Prof. Asaolu staked his ICAN certificate, insisting that he (Adedeji) could never have cheated because he knew him and his academic strength well.

    To prove that his student was wrongly accused, he said Asaolu offered the supervisor two alternative solutions – that the supervisor should read through Adedeji’s answers and compare them with the textbook or notes he found under his desk, and seize his (Ashaolu’s) ICAN certificate if they bear semblance . 

    Alternatively, Adedeji should be given a new answer sheet with a strict instruction not to answer the questions he chose in his submitted answered sheet. 

    Asaolu asked the supervisor to seize his ICAN certificate if Adedeji was unable to answer the questions excellently. 

    The supervisor chose the latter. He said that he answered other questions and passed the examination excellently, attesting to Asaolu’s confidence in him. 

    The FIRS boss noted that Ashaolu’s stance on the issue prevented him from being wrongly punished with a six-year ban by the professional body. He expressed his eternal gratitude to the vice chancellor for the impact he made on him as a young adult. 

    “That is why Professor Asaolu is not just my lecturer; he is my father,” the FIRS boss proudly declared. 

    Welcoming guests earlier, Prof. Asaolu said the two years old institution aims to use the public lecture as a platform for discourse on pressing global and national issues, while seeking sustainable solutions to the nation’s economic challenges.

  • Nigeria tightens wine market standards to combat fake products

    Nigeria tightens wine market standards to combat fake products

    Nigeria’s wine market is intensifying efforts to eliminate counterfeit and substandard products amid rising concerns over public health, consumer confidence, and loss of government revenue.

    At a wine-tasting event in Lagos, Chinedu Rita Rosa, Founder of Vines by Rosa, said the campaign aims to ensure Nigerians have access to quality wines at fair prices while protecting them from fraudulent dealers.

    Rosa, the first African Black woman wine consultant, with 26 years of experience spanning importing, wholesaling, and wine education, said transparency in the supply chain is crucial.

    She said, “We introduce you to our importers, our distributors, the restaurants and the hotels that carry our wine for you to have confidence that no one is selling fake wine to you.”

    Rosa emphasized that consumer education is crucial in combating the counterfeit wine trade, noting that many consumers lack the ability to distinguish genuine labels from imitations without proper guidance.

    “Go online. Check what you are buying and where it’s coming from, both the winery and the people who exist,” she advised.

    She also highlighted the economic benefits of removing fake products from circulation, explaining that each bottle of legitimate wine contributes to government revenue through taxes and customs duties.

    Beyond market integrity, Rosa warned of the public-health risks posed by substandard wines.

    “We don’t want people drinking substandard wines and falling sick. The worst thing you want in a country is people who are sick, because that also affects our GDP,” she said.

    While Nigeria is not a wine-producing nation, she noted that its strong consumer base and high import volumes make regulatory vigilance vital.

    “We are consumers, and on every wine bottle opened, there are taxes. The government is making a lot of revenue,” she added.

    Export manager for Settecani and Fina wineries, Roberto Cardinale, said wine appreciation in Nigeria is rising steadily, driven partly by Nigerians returning from abroad with more refined tastes.

    “The appreciation is growing, and the level of wine consumed is getting higher. Nigerians want to experience the same quality they enjoy overseas,” he said.

    The renewed push for higher standards comes as stakeholders seek to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and strengthen Nigeria’s growing position in the global wine market.

  • Clerics arrested for defiling three sisters, minor in Delta, Umuahia

    Clerics arrested for defiling three sisters, minor in Delta, Umuahia

    A cleric identified as Daniel Ololo of Omega Prophetic Prayer Ministry based in Sapele, Delta state, has been arrested for luring unsuspecting victims, including three sisters, for sex through fake prophecies.

    Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi had ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate a petition dated October 13, against the pastor over allegations of “defilement, rape and sexual assault.”

    In a statement, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, said: “On the 17th of November, the suspect, identified as Pastor Daniel Ololo, was arrested at his church premises.

    “Investigation indicated that the pastor allegedly used fake prophecy to lure vulnerable church members to his church office, coerce them into believing that if he did not have sex with them, they would not be delivered.

    “Further Investigation revealed that he had carnal knowledge of three sisters of the same mother who are his church members (names withheld), and the last victim is aged 17 years. Suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”

    Also, a 31-year-old pastor of Assemblies of God Divinity School, Old Umuahia, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, identified as Moses Ifeanyichukwu Gabriel, has been arrested for defiling a defiling a 15-year-old girl

    Gabriel, an indigene of Elu Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area, carried out the act at the school.

    The matter was reported to the rights group, Behind Bars Defenders, by the mother of the victim.

    The group reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ubakala Division, who ensured the suspect’s arrest and transferred to the Gender Desk Unit, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for investigation and prosecution.

    Reports have it that medical examinations conducted at the Police Clinic confirmed that the minor had contracted infections resulting from the alleged act.

    Read Also: Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    Behind Bars Defenders State Director, Comrade Marvelous Ochiegbu and Public Relations Officer Comrade Nony Philip, condemned defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, and reiterated the commitment of the group to supporting victims and ensuring justice is served without compromise.

    “We call on the Abia State Government, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, and the general public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender based violence.

    “Together, we can put an end to the scourge of defilement, rape, and child trafficking in our communities,’’ said Ochiegbu.

    The state PRO, state Police Command, Maureen Chinaka confirmed the arrest of the cleric and his detention.

    She said an investigation into the matter was ongoing.

  • Army nabs four ‘kidnap-suspects’ in Edo

    Army nabs four ‘kidnap-suspects’ in Edo

    Men of the 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, have arrested four suspected kidnappers along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

    The suspects were arrested after the Army conducted a “cordon and search” in both communities after a series of complaints about kidnappings in the area.

    Operation Officer of the 4 Brigade, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, said the operation was carried out last Sunday.

    Captain Omotosho listed weapons recovered to include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items.

    Read Also: ISWAP leader sentenced to 20 years imprisonment over terror attacks

    He said a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander Jeep were seized during the operation.

    Captain Omotosho said the latest arrests was “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”

    The four suspects, Frank Anthony, Endurance Egwasa, Sunday Alex and Stanley Osazuwa, denied being involved in kidnapping.

    Anthony said he was sleeping when soldiers stormed the house where he was staying and arrest.

  • Ekiti trains, supports 120 PWDs, with kits, cash, certificates

    Ekiti trains, supports 120 PWDs, with kits, cash, certificates

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development, especially for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as the state graduated and empowered another batch of 60 trainees from the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre for Persons With Disabilities, Ado- Ekiti.

    Another set of 60 PWDs have also started the training and would be equipped with start-up kits, cash and Trade Test certificates from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, under the special programme which is costing the government a whopping N100 million.

    The event, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,” held on Tuesday at the Centre in Ado- Ekiti, marked the third phase of the state’s specialised training and empowerment programme designed to strengthen the economic independence of PWDs across the Ekiti State.

    Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said the initiative reflects his administration’s resolve to ensure that no citizen is left behind in its development agenda.

    Read Also: Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    The governor noted that since assumption of office, the administration has made significant strides in addressing the needs of PWDs through deliberate policies and targeted programmes.

    He listed key achievements of the government in this regard to include the employment of 28 PWDs in the state civil service; free healthcare services for PWDs at primary health care centres; free education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school level; compulsory free assessment for children with disabilities;

    free therapeutic services in the state’s special schools and designated centres; as well as the ongoing campaigns aimed at increasing public sensitivity to the rights and needs of PWDs.

    According to him, “Human capital development remains a major pillar of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration, and special attention is being given to the development of people living with disabilities. Every individual, regardless of circumstance, must have opportunities to thrive.”

    The governor congratulated the graduands and urged them to maximise the opportunity by investing in their skills and contributing meaningfully to their communities.

    He appreciated the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her “relentless effort” in advancing the welfare of PWDs in the State.

    The state Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, congratulated the trainees and their families, describing the programme as “unprecedented” in its structure and stakeholder involvement, thanking Governor Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment for such impactful initiatives.

    Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, lauded the administration for renovating special schools across the state and equipping them with modern devices.

    According to him, only a governor “with a big heart” could invest so heavily in the well-being of special persons, considering the financial demands associated with disability support services.

    The Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, described the event as a celebration of resilience and progress, applauding the graduands for their commitment throughout the training period of six and nine months.

    Agboola commended the Governor for implementing the 2020 Disability Act, which she said marked a major step in recognising and protecting the rights of PWDs in Ekiti State.

    She stated that more than 100 businesses owned by PWDs had received grants support under the administration’s empowerment initiatives, while several others had received assistive devices and job placements.

    The Special Adviser added that the state is prioritising women with disabilities this year through a mental health support programme.

    She also said an empowerment scheme supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, would take place in two weeks.

    Agboola said of the 120 PWDs approved for training this year, 60 had completed their training, while another 60 are still on sessions, each expected to graduate with both certification, start up kits and cash support.

    She urged the beneficiaries to use their skills productively and reminded them of the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity of inclusive governance.

    Executive Secretary, Office of Disability Affairs, expressed delight over the successful completion of the vocational programme, noting that the trainees received free accommodation, meals, transport allowances, and practical attachment opportunities.

    This year’s cohort comprises 120 beneficiaries drawn from the 16 local government areas and 38 LCDAs after they had completed nine months of vocational training and a three-month industrial attachment in ICT, tailoring, stylists, shoemaking, catering, and business management, among others.

  • Metuh Initiative donates N10m to foundation ahead Metuh’s 60th birthday

    Metuh Initiative donates N10m to foundation ahead Metuh’s 60th birthday

    The Olisa Metuh Initiative has donated N10 million to the Legend Golden Care Foundation, a leading right advocacy and humanitarian non-governmental organization, as part of activities marking the upcoming 60th birthday of Chief Olisa Metuh on November 28, 2025.

    Presenting the cheque in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Ikenna Ubah, representing the Initiative, said friends, family and associates of Metuh pooled resources for charitable projects in his honour, following his request that no newspaper adverts be placed for his milestone birthday.

    The donation will support the payment of fines for selected bailable offenders and assist widows in need.

    It marks the commencement of a week-long series of charity activities to mark the birthday.

    Read Also: Fed Govt will rescue Kebbi abducted school girls, bring culprits to Justice — Shettima

    The programme includes courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Nnewi on November 25, charity visits to the Old Priests’ Home, Destitute Home, and a Motherless Babies’ Home on November 26, and a major medical outreach at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi (NAUTH) on November 27.

    The Initiative will also make donations to the Nnewi Correctional Centre and commission a rehabilitated borehole and skill acquisition centre.

    Metuh’s birthday on November 28 will feature a Holy Mass, the launch of a skill acquisition programme for youths and women, and empowerment initiatives for traders, widows, artisans and the elderly, alongside distribution of food and health aids.

    The celebrations will conclude with a thanksgiving service on November 30 at Guiding Light Assembly, Abuja.

    Patricia Akor, Programmes Manager at Legend Golden Care Foundation, described the donation as “life-changing,” noting that it will help free indigent inmates convicted of minor offences across Nigeria.

  • Police arrest suspected serial murderer, pastor nabbed for rape in Delta

    Police arrest suspected serial murderer, pastor nabbed for rape in Delta

    The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected serial killer and prison escapee in the state.

    The command also declared that its operatives have arrested a Pastor based in Sapele over allegations of defilement, rape, and sexual assault.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    Shedding light on the arrests, Edafe said, “On the 24th of October 2025, the DPO Agbor received a complaint that one Michael Ezenwai was trying to sell a suspected stolen phone.

    “The DPO swiftly mobilized operatives to the scene and immediately arrested the suspect. Upon interrogation, the suspect claimed that he brought the phone from Libya.

    “Later that same day, the phone rang, and the caller stated that the phone belonged to her sister, Christabel Egedefe.

    “Upon the strength of this information, the DPO and his team proceeded to the house of the said Christabel and discovered her dead in her apartment.

    “At the point, the suspect confessed to the murder of the victim (Christabel Egedefe), aged 26, and initially lied that the father of the deceased had asked him to do it.”

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    The spokesman said upon further interrogation, the suspect changed his statement, saying that he was only trying to indict the father of the victim.

    Edafe said the suspect thereafter stated that he went on a robbery operation at her house on the 23rd of October 2025, and murdered her when she refused to let go of her motorcycle keys, and also made away with her mobile phones.

    He said preliminary investigation later revealed that the suspect is a serial murderer and was part of the syndicate that raped and murdered Uwaila Omorzua, a 200-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who was murdered in the church when she went to study in 2020.

    “The suspect further stated that he escaped from the Oko correctional centre during the EndSARS 2020 jailbreak. The suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesman stated.

    Also speaking of the suspected rapist pastor, Edafe said on October 13, 2025, the command received a complaint via petition against a pastor of Omega Prophetic Prayer Ministry based in Sapele, on allegations of defilement, rape, and sexual assault.

    He stated: “On the strength of this petition, the Commissioner of Police detailed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate.  On the 17th of November, the suspect, identified as Pastor Daniel Ololo, was arrested on his church premises.

    “Investigation revealed that the pastor allegedly used a fake prophecy to lure vulnerable church members to his church office, coerce them into believing that if he did not have sex with them, they would not be delivered.”

    Edafe said further investigation revealed that he had carnal knowledge of three sisters of the same mother who are his church members (names withheld).

    He stated that the last victim is 17 years old. According to him, the suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.