The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kidnapping

  • I kidnapped my boss’ brother because I was denied loan, says suspect 

    I kidnapped my boss’ brother because I was denied loan, says suspect 

    A 38-year-old driver, Williams Olowolabi Tuesday said he kidnapped his employer’s younger brother because he was denied N100,000 loan to fund his mother’s burial.

    Olowolabi, Segun Teluwo, 30, Ayo Akinola 22, and Akintunde Amala were paraded Tuesday by acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal for allegedly kidnapping Hillary Chukwudumebi and his female companion, Rebecca Omokaro.

    The suspects allegedly committed the offence last Saturday at Oniru Estate in Victoria Island and were arrested at Agodo Alara-Ogijo in Ogun State.

    Edgal said: “On October 21, at about 11pm, four suspected armed men.wjo kidnapped one Hillary Dumebi and Rebecca Omokaro from their resident at Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, were tracked and arrested at their hideout at Agodo Alara-Ogijo in Ogun State.

    “The victims were rescued unhurt. The victims’ vehicle, a Ford Jeep marked LND995ES was recovered. One locally made short gun, a battle knife, nylon celetape and two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards were recovered from them. The suspects would soon be charged to court.”

    But three of the suspects were paraded contrary to Edgal’s statement that the police arrested four.

    Asked where the fourth suspect (Akintunde) was, Williams said the police freed him on Monday, despite the fact that he was the mastermind of the kidnap.

    Williams said: “It was Akin that brought the idea of the kidnapping and he was the one who.made all the arrangements but the police freed him yesterday.

    “What happened was that, last month I requested for loan of N100,000 from my boss but they denied me. They said there was no money. My boss is the owner of BBQ Hotel. I needed the loan to add to the money I have for my mother’s burial.

    “So, I was sad and told Akin what happened and he suggested that we should kidnap Dumebi, my boss’ younger brother so that they will bring money.

    “I bought the idea but didn’t told him I do not know how to go about it. He now called someone and organised the kidnapping. He told me the person said it was possible we would get money.

    “That was how I discussed it with Segun and Ayo and they agreed. There was another guy Akin brought. Akin was the one who made all the arrangements.

    “We went last Saturday and got the guy. I told them to not hurt the victim and they did not hurt them. Akin followed us that Saturday but he later dropped at Eko Hotel when the vehicle did not contain all of us. He was in touch with us all the time.

    “I did not collect any ransom. It was not really in my mind to kidnap anyone but Akin said we would make money from it.

    “It is not true that i demanded N20 million. I was not even with the victums. I went to buy drink for the victims and Segun went to buy food. It was Ayo that stayed with them. Maybe, he was the one that mentioned money.”

    Akinola admitted knowing they were going to kidnap Chukwudumebi, confirming that Akin was part of the deal.

    He said: “It was Williams that brought us into it. We live in the same area at Ogijo. He came and told us that he needed money for his mother’s burial but was not given.

    “He also told us of the plan Akin came up with and we agreed to kidnap the woman’s younger brother so that she and her Oyigbo husband will bring money.

    “So, last Saturday, we waited for him around his house at Oniru. It was around midnight. As he drove in, we pointed gun at him and took him away. We took the lady who was with him too.

    “We took him down to Ikorodu and demanded N20million ransom but he said he did not have money. That he has done business with his money. He did not pay anything and we went out to look for bike to take them home.

    “We were arrested through Williams. The police tracked his phone and arrested his wife and child. It is not true that the police rescued the victims. We released them that day. When they arrested Williams, he now led police to us and we were caught. But surprisingly, the police freed Akin on Monday.”

  • Police declares man wanted over ‘kidnapping’

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has declared one Akaninyene Jimbo Uko a.k.a Isoakpaefit wanted for series of kidnappings in the state.

    Its spokesman, Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) said the suspect, is a native of Ikot Ibekwe Ukanafun local government area of the state.

    The command appealed to members of the public with useful information of Uko’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or call the following numbers: 08020913810, 08039213071, 08028916010,08026418716.

  • Updated: Evans’ trial for attempted murder of Young Shall Grow boss stalled

    Updated: Evans’ trial for attempted murder of Young Shall Grow boss stalled

    A Lagos High Court in Igbosere has adjourned till October 27 for the arraignment of suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans, for attempted kidnap of the Chairman of The Young Shall Grow Motors, Vincent Amaechi Obianodo.

    Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo fixed the date following two applications by Evans seeking to quash the two charges and eleven counts filed against him by the Lagos State Government.

    The defendant told the court that the fresh charges including murder, kidnapping and attempted murder brought against him were incompetent.

    Through his counsel Olukoya Ogungbeje, Evans argued that the court had no jurisdiction to hear both charges, particularly as it relates to illegal possession of firearms, which is a federal offence.

    The proposed charges, seen by The Nation, have four counts on one and seven counts on the other.

    In the first charge, Evans and second defendant Victor Nonso Aduba are standing trial on four counts of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of weapons.

    In the other charge, he and three others are facing seven counts of conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder.

    The second to fourth defendants are Joseph Ikenna Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Frank Upong.

    According to the second charge, the state will call 12 witnesses – six civilians and six senior police officers – to testify against Evans and Aduba for the alleged attempted kidnap of Obianodo.

    The prosecution also listed nine exhibits that it intends to tender, including four rifles, two pistols, bullet proof vests, among others.

    In the first charge, Evans, Aduba and four others still at large were accused of conspiring and kidnapping Sylvanus Ahanonu Hafia at about 5:30pm on June 23, 2014 at Kara Street, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    They allegedly captured and detained Hafia and demanded a $2million ransom.

    According to the prosecution, the attempted kidnap of Obianodo occurred at Festac town, Lagos. Obianodo was returning from work at about 9pm when gunmen, numbering five, who drove in a Sport Utility Vehicle intercepted him on 22 Road and opened fire.

    His driver and one of his security details, a policeman, Ngozi Chijioke, were allegedly killed in in the process.

    Evans and Aduba, who were brought to court amid heavy police presence in a green Nigerian Prison Service truck at 9:03am, were kept in the vehicle for a few minutes until the courtroom was opened.

    When Justice Taiwo mounted the bench at 10:32am, the defendants were summoned to the dock.

    But, before their charge could be read, Ogungbeje drew the court’s attention to his applications.

    He said: “We have a pending motion on notice of October 19, 2017. The information filed by the prosecution was not served on us till this morning. However, we got wind that our client would be arraigned this morning. We had to move an application for the certified true copy of the information to enable us bring the necessary application. That is why we have filed a motion on notice seeking to quash the charge. It seeks to challenge the competence of the charge. “The prosecution in the circumstances has foisted an adjournment on this honourable court. I urge the court to grant us a short adjournment to enable us reply on point of law to this application.”

    The application was brought pursuant to Section 55 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015 and Sections 36 and 6 (6) (b) of the Constitution.

    Ogungbeje argued that all 11 counts in both charges were “bad for duplicity, grossly defective, a gross abuse of court’s process and do not disclose a prima facie case” against Evans.

    In particular, he claimed that counts 1, 2 and 3 in the first charge do not disclose any prima facie case as there is no evidence of death in the proof of evidence in the information filed by the prosecution.

    Besides, he said counts 4 and 5 constitute a gross abuse of the court’s process as similar charges on the same offence of kidnapping had earlier been filed by the prosecution against his client in charge numbers; LD/5962/2017 and ID/5970/2017

    In another instance, he said counts 6 and 7 of the charge were a gross abuse of court process as the same offence concerning firearms had earlier been filed by the prosecution in charge number LD/5962C/2017.

    He claimed further that the Attorney-General of Lagos State had erroneously charged Evans with a Federal offence and under a Federal law, rather a state law.

    However, in its counter-affidavit, the Lagos State Government contended that the charge numbers; LD/5962/2017 and ID/5970/2017, referred to by the applicant are separate and distinct from the new charges.

    Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) T. K. Shitta-Bey further argued that the second to fifth defendants in the new charge are not defendants in charge number; ID/5970C/2017.

    She stated that apart from the confessional statements of Evans, arms and ammunitions were recovered from him and his alleged cohorts.

    The DPP said the charges were valid and competent having satisfied the provisions of the relevant laws and that it has enough evidence to proceed against Evans

    The prosecution further claimed that the application is vexatious and calculated to delay and frustrate the trial of Evans.

    Counsel for other defendants, Mr Emmanuel Ochai and Mr Ogedi Ogu, however, did not object to the arraignment of the defendants.

    In a bench ruling, Justice Taiwo said: “In view of the defendant’s application to have the motion heard before arraignment, the case is hereby adjourned till October 27 at 10am.”

    Last August, Evans pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping, before an Ikeja High Court, Lagos.

    Last Thursday, however, he changed his plea to not guilty.

  • Evans, others plead not guilty to kidnapping

    Evans, others plead not guilty to kidnapping

    THE government of Lagos State has re-arraigned billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (a.k.a. Evans ) and others before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court for alleged kidnapping of Dunu Donatus.

    In the amended charge, the defendants are again facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and kidnapping.

    Evans and his co-defendants changed their guilty plea to “not guilty” after the amended charge was read to them.

    He was re-arraigned with five other suspected members of his gang, including a woman, Ogechi Uchechukwu, who is the third defendant.

    Others are Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Chukwunonso Aduba – they are the second, fourth, fifth and sixth defendants.

    They have been in police custody since June 10.

    In the former charge, the defendants were accused under Sections 411 and 271(3) Criminal Law Cap C17 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    Count one in the amended charge bordered on “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit kidnapping contrary to Section 411, Kidnappings Criminal Law. Cap C17, Laws of Lagos State 2015”.

    The second count bordered primarily on “kidnapping, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law, No 13, Laws of Lagos State 2017”.

    The defendants were alleged to have “conspired to commit a felony, to wit kidnapping” on February 14, 2017 at about 7.45p.m. on Obokun Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.

    They were also alleged to have sometimes between February 14 and April 12, 2017 on the same street in Ilupeju “while armed with guns and other weapons captured and detained one Dunu Donatus against his will and collected a ransom of Euros 223,000”.

    Unlike the state Criminal Law 2015, which prescribed 21 years for convicts, the Kidnapping Prohibition Law, No 13, Laws of Lagos State 2017 prescribed death sentence if victims die in the custody of kidnappers.

    At resumed proceedings yesterday, the prosecution led by the Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Titilayo Shitta-Bey, informed the court that they have filed an amended charge against the defendants and served their counsel.

    Shitta-Bey said they were ready to begin trial.

    But the defence counsel opposed the prosecution, saying that the prosecution served them the amended charge yesterday morning in court.

    They prayed the court for adjournment to enable them confer with their clients and response to the amended charge.

    They told the court that they all have different applications pending before court, which they argued will be overtaken by events if trial should begin.

    The counsel to first and second defendants was Olukoya Ogungbeje that of third defendant was Joseph Otogblu, Olanrewaju Ajanaku for the fourth defendants, A. A. Ozogbu for the fifth defendant while the sixth defendant was represented by Emmanuel Ochai.

    However, counsel to fourth defendant, Olanrewaju Ajanaku differed and said he was ready for trial.

    But the DPP in her response opposed the defence lawyers.

    Shitta-Bey urged the court to allow the charges to be read and for the defendants to take their fresh plea.

    According to her, there was no material change in the nature of the charge against the defendants.

    The DPP said the particulars of the offence are the same and that  it was only the law in count two that deals with punishment of the offence that was changed.

    “The application for adjournment by the defence lawyers before plea is taken is calculated to derail trial before the court,” she argued.

    At this stage, Justice Oshodi stood the matter down for 45 minutes to enable counsel confer with defendants.

    On resumption, the court conducted a house screening of the applications of defence lawyers after which they were all struck out.

    After this, the defence lawyers urged the court for adjournment to enable them respond to the amended charge.

    Justice Oshodi, citing section 36 of the Constitution, granted their prayer and adjourned the matter till November 3 for trial.

     

  • Accused faces kidnapping, robbery charges

    Chief Magistrates’ Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has remanded 28-year-old Christian Kawanye in custody for alleged kidnapping.

    He was said to have allegedly masterminded the kidnap of Mrs. Ebi Firstben on August 20, at Gas Road, Ozuoba in Obio/Akpor Local Government.

    The accused and others at large reportedly armed with AK 47 and other weapons, abducted Mrs.  Firstben and denied her access to her relatives.

    The accused also allegedly robbed the victim of her Itel and Nokia phones, valued at N37,000, jewellery,valued at N200,000 and N5,000.

    The prosecutor, Jonas Rufus, told the court that the offence contravened Section 3(B) (a) of the Rivers State Kidnap (prohibition) Laws No.5 of 2015, Section 1 (1) (2) (b) of the Rivers State Kidnap (prohibition) Laws No.5 of 2015, Section 1 (2) (b) of Robbery and Firearms (special provision) Act Cap R ll Laws of the Federation 2004.

    The three-count charge was not read out to him and he did not take a plea.

    Kawanye was not represented by a lawyer.

    The Judge, Amadi A.O. Nna, said the court lacked jurisdiction and remanded the accused in prison.

    He ordered that the original case file be duplicated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice and adjourned the matter indefinitely.

  • Two arrested for ‘kidnapping’

    Two arrested for ‘kidnapping’

    Officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) yesterday arrested two suspected kidnappers who attempted to abduct a minor.

    The incident occurred at 90, Oyewole Road, Orile Agege, around 9am.

    It was gathered that the suspects, Muritala Lado and one Bassey, lured their two-year-old victim, Darasimi Tijani, with a N50.

    Bassey was said to have disguised as a madman but later opened up that he was sane.

    A source said the minor’s guardian, Fathimo Balogun, was distracted by the cries of other kids when the suspects made their move.

    According to LNSC, they were sighted by a passer-by who raised the alarm, prompting residents to descend on them.

    LNSC officials, it was learnt, who were driving by, stopped the mob from lynching the suspects.

    It was gathered that the suspects confessed to have been into kidnapping of minors, adding that they sold each kid for N10,000.

    They allegedly confessed that they used N50 and honey to lure their victims.

    Confirming the incident, the agency’s Chairman, Israel Ajao, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) said the suspects had been taken to the LNSC’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, for further investigation.

    He said: “We rescued the boy. He was taken to our station at Orile Agege with his mother, Wasilat Tijani and the guardian.

    “The kidnappers were arrested and moved to the headquarters. The suspects confessed to the crime and investigation is ongoing, ” he added.

  • Dismissed policeman, 13 others arrested for ‘robbery, kidnapping’

    Anambra State Police Command has arrested 14 persons, including a dismissed policeman, for alleged robbery and kidnapping.

    Also arrested were members of a child-stealing syndicate, following intelligence report.

    A five-year-old boy was rescued by the police.

    Parading the suspects yesterday at the police headquarters in Amawbia, near Awka, Police Commissioner Garba Baba Umar said the suspects would be arraigned after investigation.

    Items recovered from them were Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), Hilux SUV, one AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of live ammunition, one pump action gun with five cartridges and one locally- made pistol.

    The dismissed policeman, Kenneth Chikwe, according to Umar, was nabbed with bullet injuries in Awka after stealing two vehicles registered as Lagos: MUS 644 BB and Lagos: LND 685 EW.

    He said his arrest led to the arrest of his accomplice, Uzohu livingstone, at Owerri and recovery of the two vehicles.

    The vehicles belong to two brothers, Paul Onyili and Nnamdi Onyili.

    Three other suspects said to be members of a child-stealing syndicate were arrested, namely Oluchuwkwu Nnajide, 19, Chukwuebuka Ugwu, 19, and Kosisochukwu Nwacho, 18, who stole a boy at Nnobi; while they were nabbed at Nnokwa, all in Idemili South Local Government.

    Other members of a seven-man gang of kidnappers, namely Bright Ozor, 22, Thom Lawrence, 27 and Shaka Gabriel, 27, were arrested.

     

  • 57 years after independence: Nigeria still dancing naked in public – TUC

    57 years after independence: Nigeria still dancing naked in public – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said Friday that 57 years after the nation’s independence, Nigeria was still “dancing naked” in the public to the full glare of the whole world while its roof is still on fire and challenge the nation’s leadership to see this year’s independence celebration as an opportunity to reposition the country.

    President of the Congress, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said in his Independence Day message that Nigerians must look at the reality in our country dispassionately, honestly and work to achieve a better Nigeria for our children.

    He said: “ordinarily it should not be out of place if we roll out our drums today to celebrate this feat, but we cannot, because like they say “you don’t participate in a dance competition when your house is on fire.” Nigeria is dancing at the market square naked to the full glare of the whole world when our roof is on fire.”

    According to him, over a 100-year after the north and south were amalgamated with the sole aim of complementing each other and the attainment of independence on in 1960, many had thought that progress and development would be rapid. Pointing out that this has not been so.

    He said that as a progressive organisation, the “Trade Union Congress of Nigeria appreciates the fact that we have stayed together as a country. It is something to cheer about like I noted earlier but our staying together has been at the cost of innocent blood and outright violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

    “This day should remind us of our heritage, the vision and struggles of the founding fathers unfortunately some have had cause to question the rationale behind the quest for independence in the first place. Our tale is that of a conundrum with insurgencies, collapsed educational system, gross unemployment, ritual killing, cultism, prostitution/rape, mass emigration, de-industrialisation, tribalism and nepotism, inept leadership, environmental challenge, infrastructural decay, gender issues, badoo, kidnapping, yahooPlus, corruption and anti-graft, and a host of others.”

    The Congress regretted that while Nigeria remain one of the 17 countries that attained independence in 1960, “Nigeria is not at par with many of these countries today even when they do not have one-tenth of what we have in terms of human and natural resources. Nature has been fair to Nigeria but Nigeria is not fair to itself.

    “Our plight as a country beats the imagination of the world. Why? We have an ocean behind our house yet bath with spittle. The United State of America has enjoyed nationhood for over 250 years, yet still together with its components states. Politicians frustrate every effort to make our country healthier.

    “How do we reconcile it that in a country where state governments claim they cannot pay ordinary N18, 000 national minimum a lawmaker who barely attends three sessions per week smiles home with over N30m per month? Isn’t it laughable that our lawmakers now compete with stand-up comedians, musical artists and professional dancers? If people fail to agitate under this circumstance then it means we are ill-fated.

    “It is a good thing to have the I-CAN-DO-IT attitude but it is also wisdom to bring on board those who can help actualise your aspiration. At home and in diaspora are many Nigerians that have excelled in their businesses and contributed meaningfully in building the economies of host countries: Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi is a Nigerian and he bought three foreign Airports through his private firm in six years; Mr. Philips Emegwali was christened the father of computer and Mr. Jelani Aliyu, the designer who produced General Motor (GM’s) most electrifying advanced technology vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt concept.

    “Given the enormous wealth of human and natural resources that the Creator out of His magnanimity has bestowed to this country, we should not lack any basic need of life?  The pain we bear is a needless one.

    “We challenge the leadership and Nigerians to see this year’s independence anniversary as a vintage opportunity to reflect on our polity, economy and society at large. We must all look at the reality in our country dispassionately, honestly and work to achieve a better Nigeria for our children.

    “Life has become unbearable for majority of Nigerians. It is laughable that our leaders travel abroad, but do not replicate what they saw over there. Why will the country not be hit by recession when politicians spend 80% of their jumbo pay in buying properties in Dubai, UK, US, South Africa, etc?

    “How can the education sector run a full session without strike when the children of politicians school abroad? The deplorable state of our roads is not a priority because they fly? When the system favours them there are no comments seen; but when it is otherwise they import arms and assemble youth to distabilise the system.

    “The outcome of disenchantment is the crises and agitations we see everywhere. Our key functionaries and institutions must be made to work respectively and religiously like it is done elsewhere. Insecticides and deodorants have their roles. You cannot achieve result when you misapply the two liquids.

    “The Congress, nay Nigerians are worried that the things we watch in films are now common sights. Recently the Nigerian Customs Services declared that no fewer than 2,500 pump Action guns have so far intercepted. For what purpose were they imported if not to throw the country into major crisis?

    “What is the value of life in Nigeria? It is shameful that beyond the despicable situation the so-called elites have forced us into they still acquire guns and fanned the embers of disunity for us to kill ourselves. They take advantage of our frustrated children while theirs are in different parts of Europe spending our money. We are wiser now.

    “Notwithstanding the myriad of challenges confronting the country, the Congress believes Nigeria can be great if the leadership wants. The world dismisses us but we must not dismiss ourselves.

    “The world is pessimistic about the future of the most populated black nation but we must resolve to shame them. The country must not be allowed to snowball into a theatre of war and a ready-made market for arms and ammunitions. No. Never again! It is natural to despair but the Congress sees light at the end of the tunnel.

    “We wish to appeal to the Federal Government to remember its “change mantra”. It makes no sense accusing and condemning the previous administrations for corruption only for the recovered money to be re-looted. Mere leaving a political party for the ruling party must not make anybody a saint.

    “Anti-graft agencies and the judiciary must prosecute those who were caught with our money. We know corruption is fighting back but we are confident that the war over evil will always emerge victorious.

    “The world is watching and waiting for the pride of Africa and most populated black nation to blossom. The Federal Government’s economic recovery plan must not fail.  No more excuses.”

  • Senate approves death sentence for kidnapping

    Senate approves death sentence for kidnapping

    THE Senate has approved death sentence for abduction, wrongful restraints or wrongful confinement for ransom.

    The upper chamber also approved 30 years jail term for anybody that colluded with an abductor.

    This followed the passage of a bill on abduction, wrongful restraints or wrongful confinement for ransom.

    The upper chamber, which did clause by clause consideration of the report by its committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, adopted the clause which specified death sentence for kidnapping.

    Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North) presented the report of the committee on behalf of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters Senator David Umaru.

    The Bill was sponsored by Senator Isa Hamma Misau (APC-Bauchi).

    Presenting the report, Utazi said the Bill sought to prescribe stiff punishment for the offence.

    He said the bill sought to combat and prevent any form of kidnapping in Nigeria by giving wider powers to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate policing of the crime.

    Clause 1 (3) of the Bill stated: “Whoever is guilty of the offence and then results in the death of the victim shall be liable on conviction to be sentenced to death.”

    Clause 5 (2) of the bill revealed: “Anyone who fails to produce any book, account, receipts, vouchers or other documents, which is in his possession or control shall be guilty of an offence.”

    The person shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both fine and imprisonment.”

    Clause 3 provides a 30- year jail term to anyone who colludes with abductor to receive any ransom for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined.

    The report was unanimously accepted by the lawmakers after a voice vote.

  • Sergeant dies as police arrest 34 for kidnapping, murder, rape

    Sergeant dies as police arrest 34 for kidnapping, murder, rape

    The police yesterday paraded 34 suspects for their alleged involvement in kidnapping, robbery, murder, and rape.

    The suspects, who belong to four gangs, were paraded in Diko Police station, Niger State, by the Force Spokesman Jimoh Moshood.

    A police Sergeant, Shettima Abdullahi, was killed  yesterday at a roadblock mounted by hoodlums.

    Some of the suspects paraded are Hussaini Mohammed, also known as General Sambisa, gang leader; Adamu Hussaini, Bala Mohammed, Shagari Musa, Hassan Hashimu, Ibrahim Badamasi, Babangida Hamza, Yau Auta, Umaru Abubakar, Karo Ladan, Buhari Abubakar, Alanshira Abubakar, Aziru Tasiu, Ibrahim Musa and Ishamu Saidu.

    Others are Sani Aliyu, Shuaibu Abubakar, Bashir Abubakar, Nasiru Sani, Zayanu Sani, Isa Salisu, Hafiz Jibrin, Kabiru Sani, Abdullahi Adamu, Barau Masaudu, Ibrahim Hassan, Aliyu Chede, Bello Abdullahi, Isa Abdullahi, Nasiru Adamu, and Idris Dauda.

    A police source, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Sergeant Abdullahi was the driver in our team. We were trying to trail the hideouts and flashpoints of some of the kidnappers and one of the kidnappers in our custody mentioned that some of his gang members were in Zaria.

    “We took off in the night to raid their hideout and make some arrest. On our way back, we ran into a blockage by some hoodlums around Jaji area of Kaduna State.

    “It happened around 12 am. We had to open fire and in the process, we killed five of them but they succeeded in killing one of our men who happened to be our driver.”

    The Nation was shown the vehicle the sergeant died in. The white 18-seater vehicle, marked AZ139BWR, still had bullet holes and blood stains of the late Abdullahi.

    His body has been deposited in the mortuary in Kaduna.

    Mosood said some of the suspects in military outfit, specialised in killing military personnel and other security men.

    The gangs, described as deadly, he said, have killed 11 policemen.

    He said: “The latest of their victim is Sergeant Shettima Abdullahi, who was killed during the raid by  a special team deployed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris to curb crime on Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi and Niger roads.

    “Eight vehicles, arms and ammunition, chisel, hammer, cutlasses, plier, over 50 phones belonging to their victims, television, desktop and laptop computer, and other lethal weapons were recovered from them.

    “The success was made possible following operation Absolute Sanity.  At a single swoop, 34 kidnappers were arrested by our men. Some of them specialised in operating in military uniform. When you see them on the highway, you will think they are personnel of the military but they are not.

    “They use military uniform to stop people forcefully and kidnap some of their victims.

    ‘’The IG commiserated with the family of Sergeant Abdullahi, who died during the early hours of today (yesterday) during an exchange of firearms with some of the kidnappers.”