The Nation Newspaper

Category: Crime Diary

  • Wife kills husband with pestle in Niger

    Wife kills husband with pestle in Niger

    A 27-year-old woman, Fatima Dzuma, has been arrested by the police for killing her 25-year-old husband, Baba Aliyu, in Lafiyagi Dzwafu village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

    Dzuma was said to have married Baba three years ago as his second wife after she had divorced her first husband but had not given birth to Baba, while Baba’s first wife had just given birth and preparations were underway for the naming ceremony.

    Sources told The Nation that the deceased and the suspect usually have misunderstandings, and even the night before Dzuma killed Baba, they had a fight where Baba beat up Dzuma.

    Confessing to the crime, Dzuma narrated that there was an altercation between them that night, and she was beaten by her husband, who left the house after beating her.

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    “When he came back, he went to bed. I used a rope to tie his neck, and he could not struggle. I hit him with a pestle three times, twice on his head and once on his hand. I took advantage of his sleeping because his sleep is always deep.

    “After I killed him, I put him inside a mat, threw him over the fence and dragged him to the bush in the backyard before coming back to wash the blood and excreta that came out of his body when I killed him,” she said.

    When asked why she killed him, she said they had a misunderstanding where she told him that she did not love him anymore, and he beat her up.

    When the family of Baba was looking for him, she claimed she had not seen him but confessed to the crime three days after she killed him.

    According to her, only she carried out the act without the help of anybody.

    The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, said the body of Aliyu was found in a bush close to the house, adding that the suspect is in police custody.

    “She confessed that she used a pestle to hit her husband when he was asleep and she later tied the deceased with clothes and rope and rolled the corpse to a nearby bush with a mat.

    “The body was taken to the General Hospital, Bida for post-mortem while the suspect was taken to custody. She will soon be transferred to SCID Minna for further investigation and prosecution,” Abiodun said.

  • 15 killed in Plateau attack

    15 killed in Plateau attack

    No fewer than 15 people, including women and children, have been killed by attackers in Gidan Ado village, Ganawuri Chiefdom of Riyom Local Government of Plateau State.

    It was gathered that the victims were killed about 8pm on Sunday night .

    National President, Irigwe Youth Development Association Mr Ezekiel Bini, who confirmed the killing, condemned the attacks, describing it as barbaric. He said the coordinated killing of innocent persons less than 48 hours to the Christmas celebration was unacceptable.

    He called on the security agencies and government to curtail any security challenge and protect the citizens ahead of the Christmas and new year celebration.

    The Police Command had last Thursday taken security measures ahead of Christmas and restricted in five local government areas from 6pm to 6am to avert security challenges.

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    Chairman of Riyom Local Government, Sati Shuwa, who visited the village in company of his Deputy, Gwong Song and Secretary, Abraham Tongjing, also condemned the act.

    Shuwa, who attended the mass burial of the dead, who included a pregnant woman and one year old child, said it was sad, especially as the local government held a security meeting with stakeholders, security agencies, community leaders on their peaceful existence less then 24 hours before the incident.

    He expressed sadness that despite the meeting, some people still went ahead and put tears in the heart of the villagers.

    He said with evidence and a visit of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) to the scene, drastic measures would be taken to arrest the perpetrators.

    The first traditional ruler of Ganawuri Chiefdom, Ata Aten Yakubu Chaimang and National President, Ateng Development Association, Clement Chup also condemned the killings.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang had been preaching peace ahead of the yuletide before the incident occured.

    Last December, close to Christmas, over 300 persons were killed in Mangu Local Government Area.

  • Ibadan fire: Couple, grandson cried to their death – Neighbours

    Ibadan fire: Couple, grandson cried to their death – Neighbours

    Residents of Omotara’s Compound, Ori Eru, Idikan, in Ibadan North West Local Government Area of Oyo State have revealed how a 60-year-old man, known as ‘Baba Yunus’, his wife, and their eight-year-old grandson, Samuel, were burnt to death Friday morning in their house.

    The residents described the incident as devastating, and sorrowful, saying that the deceased cried till they died.

    The residents said they couldn’t rescue them because of the burglary on their window which was the only exit point  for them when the fire started.

    Some of the residents, who spoke in tears with our correspondent, noted that  the fire was so fierce  that no one could move close to it.

    One of the residents, Bose Ayinde, who also lived inside the house that got burnt said, “The fire started at midnight when we had all slept. We suddenly heard a loud voice “e gba wa o! e gba wa o (save us , save us)!  We even thought it was thieves that came to our house. We woke ourselves announcing that thieves were around but we subsequently found out that our house had caught fire.

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    “When we rushed out, we realised it was a fire, we couldn’t help the victims because the fire was so severe to the extent that no one could  even move close to it. We are very sad because the husband, wife and their grandson got burnt to death.”

    Also bemoaning the heartrending incident, Alfa Aliu Omotara, who resides in a house directly opposite the burnt house said, “We suddenly heard the victims shouting fire, fire, around 3am.  The fire started from their parlor. All our efforts to rescue them proved abortive.

    “NEPA used to give us light between 12:30am to 6:30. When the fire started, the victims started shouting for help.  The couples slept inside the room but the fire started from their parlour, so, there was no other exit point for them to go out except through the parlour because the exit point in the room had been blocked with loads.

    “If the exit door inside the room was free, though the victims’ belongings would burn, they would have  escaped.  Their efforts to escape through the window proved abortive because of the burglary on the window, the wife died first, the husband and son came to the window shouting for help, we were downstairs looking at them upstairs, but we couldn’t help them because the fire was so ferocious  that no one could  even move close to it.

    “It’s been over 60 years since the house was built. The owner of the house was a friend to my father. Baba Yunus and his wife were good people.  They were easy going. For  over 10 year they that they lived in this area, no one ever heard them fighting.

    “The incident was a bitter and sorrowful experience for people in this area. People should be careful with fire, particularly electricity.

    Also speaking, another resident, Mrs Dupe Ajibade said, the incident was a sad development because those who lost their lives were good persons, particularly the wife. She was so lovely and kind.

    “The incident happened around 3am when we heard a loud noise. If not for people in the area that tried their best to curtail the fire, all houses close to the area would have got burnt.

    “The house had already being razed before the arrival of fire fighters. The incident was a great loss. We burst into tears when the  bodies of the deceased were laid on the ground.

    “We heard the husband was cooking with a hot plate but slept off during the process. The husband, a 60-year-old, was a bike rider, while his wife sold provisions.”

  • Woman throws 10-month-old baby into river over friends’ mockery in Delta

    Woman throws 10-month-old baby into river over friends’ mockery in Delta

    A young lady identified as Blessing Jonathan, has been arrested for throwing her 10-month old baby, Prevail, into a river at Aviara, Isoko South Council area of Delta State.

     It was gathered that Blessing, whose age could not be ascertained, committed the crime on October 31.

     The suspect said her action was borne  out of “anger,” following taunts and insults from her peers.

     She claimed that her friends and other women mocked her by making derogatory remarks that she had a “fatherless child”. 

     Unsettled and angered by their uncharitable remarks, Blessing resolved to throw the baby into a river.

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     Her evil deed wasn’t discovered immediately as  the Police only received report of the missing baby early December, when report of the floating corpse made the rounds.

     On retrieving the corpse, it was discovered to be the remains of the missing child.

     Confessing to the crime, the suspect said she didn’t know  what came over her to carry out such dastardly act and that she “misses” her baby.

     The State Police spokesman,  SP Bright Edafe,  said she would be charged to court soon.

  • Police bust kidnap gang, nab five for other offences

    Police bust kidnap gang, nab five for other offences

    The Police Command in Enugu State says its operatives have busted a kidnapping gang hideout and nabbed five suspects for burglary and car stealing within the state.

    The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that the feat was achieved following intensified fight against crime this yuletide.

    According to Ndukwe, multiple operations carried out by the command have led to recovery of firearms, ammunition, military uniforms and stolen items, including a car.

    He said that on Dec.15, a combined team of operatives from Nsukka Area Command, acting on intelligence, raided a kidnapping gang’s hideout in Nru community within Nsukka council area.

    “The suspects engaged the operatives in a gunfight, but fled with gunshot injuries under superior police firepower.

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    “A loaded revolver pistol, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, military camouflage uniforms, a Moniepoint POS machine and ATM cards were recovered.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed the gang’s involvement in a recent case of kidnapping and other heinous crimes in the Nsukka axis. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

    The command spokesman said that in a different operation, on Nov. 14, operatives from the Abakaliki Road Police Division of the Command arrested four burglary suspects.

    “The suspects had burgled and stole bicycles, laptops, phones and other items from a house in GRA, Enugu.

    “The stolen items were recovered, while the suspects confessed to the crime,” he said.

    Ndukwe noted that operatives from the Central Police Station in early December, apprehended a suspect for stealing a red Volkswagen Passat car from where it was parked inside premises of a church at Coal Camp, Enugu.

    He said that the car was recovered, while the suspect confessed to the crime.

    “The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public security and safety in Enugu State during the festive period and beyond.

    “He urges citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious individuals and their activities, and also cooperate with law enforcement agents to maintain peace and security across the state,” he said.

  • EFCC secures final forfeiture of warehouse, 54 steel containers

    EFCC secures final forfeiture of warehouse, 54 steel containers

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of a warehouse and 54 containers in Ogun State suspected to be acquired by fraud to the Federal Government.

    Justice Dehinde Dipeolu made the order yesterday following a December 17, this year motion on notice filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) in suit FHC/L/MISC/820/24.

    The commission informed the court that it suspected the properties to have been acquired and or developed with proceeds of unlawful activity.

    The forfeited properties, including its appurtenances, are “a warehouse built on a landed property measuring 1.925 hectares at KM 8 along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area Of Ogun State” and 54 general purpose steel containers”.

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    Oyedepo told the judge that the EFCC’s grounds for the application were that the “court has the statutory powers under the provisions of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 to grant the reliefs being sought.

    “That the properties sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

    “This Honourable court has the requisite jurisdiction to hear and determine this application.”

    Justice Dipeolu held: “The application succeeds and the same is accordingly granted.

    “A final forfeiture order is hereby granted forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in Schedule A herein which are reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”

  • Yuletide: FCT Police assure residents of safety

    Yuletide: FCT Police assure residents of safety

    As the festive period approaches, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has assured residents of its commitment to ensuring their safety and security throughout the Yuletide season.

    The Command urged citizens to take proactive measures to secure their homes and surroundings, particularly those planning to travel or leave their residences unattended.

    In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said to promote safety and prevent crime during this period, the FCT Police Command has offered several safety tips.

    She said: “Light up your surroundings: Ensure your homes and surroundings are adequately lit. Well-lit environments deter criminal activities and improve visibility.

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    “Maintain clear visibility: Remove visual obstructions such as overgrown grasses, bushes, or debris that may provide hiding spots for criminals.

     “Stay vigilant: Be alert and report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar persons loitering within your Area of Responsibility (AOR). Prompt reporting can prevent potential security threats.

    “Engage neighbours: If you plan to travel, inform your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye on your property. A watchful community can deter criminal activities and enhance security.

    “Lock up: Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are securely locked before leaving your home. Consider using additional security measures like alarms or surveillance cameras.

    “Avoid sharing travel plans: Be discreet about your travel plans on social media or with acquaintances to avoid alerting potential thieves.”

    Ade added that the FCT Police Command will intensify patrols and vigilance throughout the festive season to ensure a safe environment for all.

    According to the statement, the cooperation and timely reporting by members of the public will go a long way in ensuring the safety of lives and property.

  • Police advisory

    Police advisory

    The Ogun State Police Command has advised the public, especially those who lost their vehicles/motorcycles to theft or abandoned around the city, to report at Ibafo Divisional Headquarters for identification and claims.

    The vehicles are: One unregistered Honda Accord;  one Kia Rio with number plate JJJ 27 CK and Mitsubishi Spacewagon with no AKD 34 HD.

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    Motorcycles: four unregistered Bajaj; five Bajaj with nos: GB 530 VH; GGE 890QJ; AGL 610 QN; AAB 413 VM and DED 228 WN, a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola said yesterday.

  • Customs, WJC seize 2,179kg of pangolin scales, arrest one suspect

    Customs, WJC seize 2,179kg of pangolin scales, arrest one suspect

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command in a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) under the leadership of Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana has seized 2,179kg of pangolin scales.

    Kano/Jigawa Customs Spokesman, Saidu Nuruddeen, who made the announcement on Tuesday, said the recovery was made following the arrest of one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State.

    He said the seizure was made with the support of FOU Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), making it the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS and WJC this year.

    “This achievement is a testament to the command’s commitment to fighting all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime, while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.

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    “In line with the statutory responsibilities of NCS, under the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale, the success of this operation is attributed to  the ongoing collaboration between the NCS and WJC which has been strong since 2021, and has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures,” Nuruddeen.

    According to him, a total of 21,582kg of pangolin scales have been seized in Nigeria by NCS as a result of the partnership with WJC partnership.

    “54% of this amount or 11,673.2 kilograms has been seized in 2024 alone, and 4,473.2kg of this is by the NCS Kano/Jigawa command.

    “The perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network.

    “This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking,” the statement said.

  • Police arrest international ‘fraudsters’, reject N66m bribe

    Police arrest international ‘fraudsters’, reject N66m bribe

    Two suspects alleged to have specialty in certificate forgery have been arrested by police operatives attached to the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan.

    The suspects were alleged to have specialised in forging documents of various international universities, as well as allegedly defrauded several unsuspecting victims on the internet.

    Elvis Osakpolo Edokpain, 23, and Kelly Osas Endgieen, 24, were alleged to have acquired exotic vehicles and erected mansions in different parts of the country with the proceeds of fraud.

    Added to their alleged charges is the attempt to bribe detectives with N66 million to be let off the hook. It was gathered that the investigation team had to report the development to the AIG, Adegoke Fayoade, who directed them to play along with the young men to secure the money as exhibits.

    Their arrest, it was gathered, followed a tip-off to the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Zone that there was a group of boys who engage in forging foreign certificates.

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    The unit, acting on orders from Fayoade, laid ambush on the suspects who were said to have been out of the country at the time.

    Acting on credible intelligence, detectives were said to have stormed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, from where they trailed the suspects to a hotel at Osapa-London in Lekki.

    It was gathered that the young men soon got wind that the police were after them and made to flee the hotel but were arrested at the bus stop with their luggage.

    Sources alleged that upon search of their luggage, detectives found a certificate from Blue Crest College, Ghana, belonging to Edokpiain, while a student identity card of Academic City College was recovered from Kenny Osas. 

    Further search indicated a transcript of an academic record from Blue Crest University belonging to Elvis Osapolo. Going through the search again, detectives discovered a letter of English proficiency from the said college and a letter of recommendation from the same Blue Crest College.

    Reports said that upon interrogation, the suspects made useful statements to the police and confessed that they never got any admission into the school, that they procured the degree certificate through the help of a female Nigerian resident in Ghana. 

    The suspects further stated that their goal was to get Ghanaian resident permits, as students which they got.

    Police sources further stated that the suspects confessed that they were made to pay 15,000 Ghana cedis (N1.5 million) for the certificate and 5,000 Ghana cedis (N500,000) for the resident permit. They reportedly paid a total of 26,000 Ghana cedis to procure the documents.

    On further interrogation, they said they were doing it to evade arrest in Ghana since they don’t have any means of livelihood.

    According to the suspects, whenever police intercepted them, they showed their passports that they were students and had no means of livelihood in that country.

    They further confessed to the police that they were into online romance scams and provision of foreign bank accounts for fraudulent transactions through “Facebook bombing”.

    The suspects said: “We meet people online and present ourselves as American soldiers by name Captain Donald Rowe, whom we are impersonating on Instagram. He is a captain of the United States of America and on a peacekeeping mission in Syria.

    “While we are engaging our victims, we will tell them that there are goods in Syria that if they are interested to buy, they should pay money and we will send the goods to you. We will show them pictures of good materials in Syria.

    ”After they make the payment, we use our block chain wallets to collect the money or foreign bank accounts, which at last, are being credited in our Nigerian accounts. We have our partners in the UK, South Africa, and other countries and most of our victims are from Japan, Denmark and China.”

    Sources said the police have written to the Ghanaian High Commission to get more information about the result and their alleged accomplices  in Ghana said to be spearheading the fraud.

    They have also spread their dragnet through the International Police, Interpol, to round up their foreign partners.

    The suspects who claimed they were only able to attend secondary schools in Benin City lamented the fate that befell them stating that it was poverty and the need to make ends meet that drove them into fraud.