The Nation Newspaper

Category: Crime Diary

  • Customs rejects N1m bribe

    Customs officers at Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have arrested a five-man gang who specialises in breaking containers.

    The Area Controller in charge of the port, Galadima Saidu, said yesterday that the stolen drugs were already seized, but the container was broken, while some drugs were packed into two vehicles.

    He said Customs officers turned down the N1million bribe given to them to allow the theft, adding that the cash was part of the exhibits.

    ”On July 30, at about 2240hrs, the command arrested some men who broke and opened a 1x 40 ft seized container comprising drugs warehoused and loaded into two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number: EPE 828 AR and a Toyota Camry with number plate EKY 159 BD,” Saudi said.

    Read Also: Customs, NAFDAC destroy N14.7b tramadol

    He gave a breakdown of the seizures as 14 cartons of 50 packs per carton and 49 extra packs of Cols Time tablets. Four cartons of 22 packets per carton and 10 extra packets of Really Extra Analgesic. Two cartons – (60 packets per carton) of Tramadol tablets.

    One carton and 10 packs of Really Extra-analgesic and anti-inflammative tablets.

    Saidu said an interim committee was set up to investigate the incident, adding that the five suspects and the vehicles were detained.

    He said an exhibit of N1 million was recovered from an officer, who was instructed to play along, in order to arrest the suspects.

    Saidu said the suspects would be arraigned.

    “It is regrettable that while the Nigeria Customs Service is working round the clock to free this country of illicit goods, some recalcitrant and unpatriotic citizens are not relenting in their desperate efforts to sabotage our efforts by spreading harmful drugs.

    “The Nigeria Customs is poised to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that these perpetrators know no sleep as long as they refuse to give up,” he said

  • Alleged indecent advert: Tekno arrested

    Music star Augustine Kelechi, alias Tekno, was on Tueday arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly breaching public decency with an outdoor advertising displaying semi-nude women.

    He was quizzed for several hours at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba before being granted administrative bail on health grounds.

    Tekno came under fire last week after a mobile advertisement displayed scantily dressed girls dancing seductively in a transparent glass box on a truck while he sprayed money on them along the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

    Read Also: Indecent dressing: A social malady?

    Although the singer issued a public apology explaining that it was not an advert but a scene in a video he was currently shooting, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) suspended the advertising firm, Pro-Vision Media Systems Limited, whose van was used.

    The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) SCIID, Mrs. Yetunde Longe, said investigation was ongoing into the matter and the singer was granted bail because of his health.

    She said: “Yes, we invited him for questioning, but we did not detain him because of his health. He was advised to report to the police whenever he was needed. Investigation is still ongoing.”

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the two girls were also arrested.

    “He is presently undergoing questioning at the SCIID Panti. Public indecency is against the Criminal Code and if found culpable after investigation, all those responsible will be charged to court,” said Elkana.

  • One feared killed in bank robbery

    One person was feared killed and five others injured in a bank robbery on Tuesday at Iju-Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The deceased was said to be an official of the bank located on Akure-Ado-Ekiti Road, Iju.

    It was gathered that yesterday was not the first attack on the bank.

    A source said the seven hoodlums stormed the bank in the afternoon, entering the banking hall with force after breaking the metal detective door .

    The robbery was said to have lasted for about an hour.

    Read Also: Seven feared killed in Ondo bank robbery

    Police Commissioner Undie Adie said the robbers were confronted by soldiers and policemen.

    He said his men were in the bush searching for the hoodlums, adding that the robbery  was foiled.

    Command spokesman Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, said men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad chased the robbers away.

    He said the robbers abandoned one of their vehicles at the bank following police efforts.

    Joseph said the command was investigating the incident, adding that the  culprits would be arrested soon.

  • Police arrest two Chinese for ‘operating illegal, toxic e-waste factory’ 

    Two Chinese men, Lin Piehao, 22, and Li Ruoneng, 27, have been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly operating an illegal e-waste factory said to be emitting toxic waste into the environment.

    The suspects were arrested on Monday night at the factory located at 19, Sule Abuka Street, Opebi, Ikeja, by a team led by the Commander Area ‘F’, Akinsoji Adebayo, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    It was gathered that the suspects, whose visas had expired, usually assembled the e-waste mainly from mobile phones and tablets, which they exported to China and Vietnam through air cargo.

    The police team, it was learnt, intercepted several cartons of the toxic materials at the factory that had no name.

    “We got a tip-off about their activities, stormed the factory and arrested the men. We also discovered that the two brains behind the company are staying in Nigeria illegally.

    “They came to Lagos in May and were issued a month visa, but they exceeded their stay and are working in Nigeria illegally.

    Read Also: Police arrest 32 suspected cultists, recover arms in Lagos

    “We will investigate to know the sources of the gadgets they piece here. Also, we will investigate how they came about such a harmful business in this area. What they are doing here can cause serious health issues for other residents,” said a police source.

    E-waste also contributes to environmental degradation, with negative effects on human health such as inflammation and oxidative stress- precursors to cardiovascular disease, DNA damage and possibly cancer, research has shown.

    Asked the source of the phone parts, Piehao said they usually bought panels from technicians and scrap sellers.

    “We buy phone panels (Android and Nokia panels). We buy them from phone repairers and scrap sellers. We remove the panel I.C. with machine and then ship it to China and Vietnam.

    “We have some Nigerian casual workers in our factory, but we give them the rules and urge them to be discreet before they join us.

    “We actually came to Nigeria with one month visa to explore the country and think of the business we can do, but our boss in China urged us to open the factory and we have been enjoying Nigeria and don’t want to go back despite the expiration of our visa.

    “I do not have work permit. I know it is a crime to work without work permit, but the e-waste business is very lucrative. We do a lot to ensure that the smoke from the e-waste does not affect the environment where we operate,” he said.

    Confirming the arrest, spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the two suspects were in custody.

    He said: “We have two of them in custody. They operate an illegal factory, emitting toxic substances into the neighborhood.”

  • Suspects who ‘specialise in sending fake bank alerts’ nabbed

    Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspected fraudsters, who allegedly specialise in sending fake bank alerts to traders after buying goods from them.

    The suspects were arrested by the operatives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit (CMU) following intelligence report.

    Police spokesman Haruna Mohammed confirmed this to reporters in Awka on Tuesday. He gave the names of the suspects as Eko Charles, 25, and Rabiu Idris, 24.

    Mohammed said: “The suspects specialise in defrauding innocent traders by generating fake bank payment alerts.

    “They went to the shop of Godwin Chukwu of 59, Zik Avenue, Awka on July 31 to buy TV sets, fraudulently generated and sent fake SMS alert for the payment of N200,000 to his phone and he released two 43 inch TV sets, oblivious of their trick.

    Read Also: Oyo SUBEB warns public against fake job racketeers

    “On August 1, at about 1pm, the suspects did the same thing and collected four TV sets and other items all valued at N230,000.

    “The victim went to the bank to withdraw the money, but was told that no payment was made into his account.

    “The same syndicate on another day placed an order for a 95-inch TV, a deep freezer and a Sumec Fireman generator, with a promise to send an alert.

    “But detectives, acting on a tip-off, hid near the shop and arrested the main suspect, Eko Charles, who came to collect the items.

    “Four 32 inch TV sets earlier collected under false pretence from the complainant were recovered from Rabiu Idris.”

    He said the case was still under investigation, after which the suspects would be arraigned.

  • Gunmen kill union leader

    There is tension in Zakibiam town following the brutal killing of the Chairman of Shade Owners Association, Zaki Bia Yam Market, Mr. Tavershima Achinge. The murder occurred in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The deceased was shot dead on Monday by gunmen.

    An eyewitness, Toryila Aye, told The Nation that Achinge retired to his house at Zakibiam after a hectic day at Zakibiam Yam Market.

    While at home, gunmen stormed the place and shot him in the chest at close range, giving him no chance to survive. He died on the spot.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill cattle breeders’ leader

    Investigations by The Nation showed that the murder may not be unconnected with the struggle by a local gang leader to take over the security of the yam market.

    It was gathered that a local gang leader had been mounting pressure on the late market leader to take over the security of the market.

    But he met a brick wall, as the late Achinge insisted that owners of shades and shops would provide security at the market, because in the past, such arrangement had led to alleged missing of yams worth hundreds of naira.

    The market has been shut to prevent reprisal.

    Police spokesperson Kate Aneene Sewuese confirmed the incident. She said it is being investigated.

  • Clearing agent arraigned for alleged N2.7m fraud

    CLEARING and forwarding agent, Akinbola Adebola, was on Monday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N2.7 million under false pretences to procure a Toyota Camry saloon car for a man.

    Adebola, 35, is charged with conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretences, to which he pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Mike Unah alleged that the defendant committed the offences with others at large in 2017 at Alakuko, a Lagos suburb.

    He alleged that the defendant collected the money from the complainant, Aliyu Abimbola, with a promise to procure the car for him; a representation he knew was false.

    Unah said the defendant, who did not buy the car, also failed to refund the money.

    According to him, the offence contravenes sections 411, 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Magistrate A. A. Fashola admitted the defendant to 250,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The court fixed September 2 for further hearing.

    Read Also: Man in court for stealing Macbook laptop, others

    A 42-year-old lotto agent, Augustus Adeomo, who allegedly assaulted his sister-in-law over a stray cat, was yesterday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    Adeomo, who lives at Makoko, is facing a one- count charge of assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas Nurudeen said Adeomo committed the offence at 6pm on July 23, at 21, Erejuwa Street, Makoko, Lagos.

    He alleged that the defendant assaulted his step-brother’s wife, Mrs. Felishike Bankole, during an argument over a stray cat.

    “My lord, Adeomo slapped the complainant on the face and also tore her wrapper, rendering her naked in public.

    “He also used a stone to injure his step-brother on the right hand when he confronted him about the assault on his wife.

    “Even when the police came to arrest him, he threw stones at them,” Nurudeen said.

    Chief Magistrate K. B. Ayeye admitted the defendant to N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She said the sureties should be above 40 years and employed.

    Ayeye added that the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The chief magistrate adjourned the case till September 24.

  • Trader accused of stealing one-month-old baby

    A TRADER, Immaculate Otam, on Monay appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of a one-month-old baby.

    Otam, 35, who lives at Okota, Lagos is facing a two-count charge of breach of the peace and stealing, to which she pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Edet Akadu told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 29, at 299, Agege Motor Road, Mushin.

    He alleged that the defendant conducted herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by entering into the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Badmus and stealing the newborn baby, but was apprehended.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 278 and 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

    Magistrate Mr. K.O. Ogundare admitted the defendant to N200, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case continues on October 9.

    Read Also: Businessman arraigned for allegedly receiving stolen property

    A trader, Lateef Raheem, accused of stabbing a woman with a broken bottle, yesterday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    The police charged Raheem, 21, who lives at Mushin, with four counts of breach of the peace, violence, assault and attempted murder.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Edet Akadu said Raheem committed the offence on July 29, at 18, Aganran Ojuwoye Street, Mushin.

    He said the defendant stabbed Aganran on the head and parts of her body with a broken bottle, when she tried to intervene in a dispute among a group of people.

    The prosecutor said the complainant was taken to hospital.

    Magistrate K. O. Ogundare admitted the defendant to N100, 000 bail with one surety in the like sum.

    The case was adjourned till October 21.

  • Islamic teacher jailed for defiling 35 boys

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Minna, Niger State has sentenced a 33-year-old Islamic teacher, Abubakar Abdullahi, to seven years imprisonment for having anal sex with 35 of his pupils.

    Abdullahi, a resident of Sabon Gari, Kontagora, was charged with unnatural offence, contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code Law.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Daniel Ikwoche had told the court that Murtala Abdullahi, a Hisbah commander in Kontagora Local Government, reported the matter at the ‘A’ Police Division in Kontagora on July 22.

    Ikwoche said the complainant alleged that the accused lured 35 of his pupils who are between the ages of nine and 14 into his room and had anal sex with them on different occasions between March and July.

    Read Also: Umahi suspends teachers’ postings in Ebonyi

    When the charge was read to him, he pleaded guilty and begged the court for leniency.

    The prosecutor thereafter prayed the court to try him summarily in line with Section 157 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Hauwa Yusuf sentenced Abdullahi to seven years in prison with hard labour.

    She, however, said the convict will have the option of a N2 million fine after serving the first four years of his sentence.

  • Monarch kidnapped in Enugu

    A monarch, Igwe Sunday Orji, has been kidnapped near Ogbaku-Umuogbe end of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Enugu State.

    Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu, confirming the incident, said operatives have swung into action to rescue the traditional ruler.

    Family sources told The Nation on Monday that the abductors have established contact with them, demanding N50million ransom.

    Read Also: Why Enugu airport should be shut, by Hadi Sirika

    The police, however, could not confirm the ransom angle.

    Awgu axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway has become a hotbed of terrorism.

    Residents have accused herdsmen of being responsible for the kidnap, but the police have warned against such hasty conclusion.