The Nation Newspaper

Tag: manhunt

  • Manhunt begins for domestic worker over guard’s death

    A manhunt has begun for a domestic worker, Joseph Monday Ogede, who allegedly killed a guard, Abdullahi Inusa, at Magodo, on the outskirts of Lagos.

    The police, it was learnt, have thrown their dragnet to catch Ogede, who fled after allegedly killing Inusa on Friday following a disagreement.

    Lagos Command spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), told The Nation on the phone yesterday that efforts were on to get the suspect.

    Read also: Five killed, 45 injured in Borno bomb blast

    He urged residents to alert the police  once the suspect is seen.

    Elkana said: “We received the information on April 5, at about noon. We visited the crime scene and moved the body to the mortuary for autopsy. The Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti has taken over the investigation.”

  • Manhunt for IYC deputy chair 

    The police in Bayelsa State are combing the streets and creeks to arrest the Vice-Chairman, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone, Mr. Amiebi Turner, following his alleged attempt to kill his boss, Mr. Tare Porri.

    It was gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Don Awunah, has ordered manhunt on Turner for failing to honour an invitation to the command to explain his roles in the alleged attempts on the life of Porri and some elders in council.

    Awunah was reportedly disturbed by the incident of June 24 when Turner allegedly stormed a peace meeting held in the premises of the Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Mike Wenibowei, and held Porri at gunpoint.

    Porri in his statement said his deputy pulled the trigger, but the gun malfunctioned and gave him an opportunity to escape with the help of his security aide.

    The thugs were said to have vented their anger on Wenibowei, whose premises was destroyed with valuables damaged and carted away by the thugs.

    Turner, however, denied all the allegations describing them as malicious.

    But Awunah was said to be unhappy that two policemen sent to serve Turner an invitation to appear at the command, were attacked and injured by thugs loyal to Turner.

    Confirming the manhunt on Turner, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asinim Butswat, said the move became necessary following the refusal of the deputy chair to honour the invitation.

    Butswat said the two policemen, who took a copy of the invitation to him were surrounded by thugs and beaten thoroughly.

    He said a detachment of policemen had been mandated to locate the whereabouts of Turner and arrest him.

    Already, Butswat confirmed that 17 persons suspected to have played active roles in the ugly incident of June 24 had been arrested and were undergoing interrogation.

    He said: “We have arrested 17 persons in connection with the incident. We have also launched manhunt on Turner for failing to honour our invitation. We will now arrest him”.

     

  • Manhunt for kidnappers of three female students begins

    The Akwa Ibom Police Command has begun a manhunt for the abductors of three female students of Obong University,  Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of State.

    Witnesses said some hoodlums stormed the female hostel of the university in the early hours of Friday and abducted the students.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom, DSP Macdon Odiko, said the police rescued one of the female students who sustained injury during the raid.

    “One person was injured and she is the person rescued by the police. She is at present undergoing treatment in a hospital in the state.

    “The incident occurred about 2am on Friday within the female hostel. The hoodlums were about eight in number and the university security men were not armed.

    “And they came in from the bush as there is no perimeter fence around the school premises,” he said.

    The police spokesman said they were yet to effect any arrest in respect of the abduction, promising the command was doing everything possible to rescue the girls unhurt.

    However, the students on Friday morning embarked on a peaceful protest over the abduction of their colleagues.

    The vice chancellor Prof. Udoudo Ekanemesang, urged the students to remain calm.

    He also assured that the school authorities would ensure the students were rescued as soon as possible.

  • Troops launch manhunt for Kanu as probe of foreign links begins

    Troops launch manhunt for Kanu as probe of foreign links begins

    TROOPS yesterday launched a manhunt for Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu , barely 24 hours after the group’s proscription.

    Nothing has been heard about Kanu since the proscription.

    Some sources yesterday said he had gone underground.

    Kanu is on bail for the alleged treason charges preferred against him.

    The Nation learnt  yesterday that  his bail sureties might be asked by the security agencies to account for him.

    Besides,  security agencies are  probing  IPOB leader’s alleged foreign links.

    Investigators are said to be analysing a  video clip of Kanu and a Turkish citizen  as part of the probe.

    A source, while confirming the search for Kanu, said: “Troops have been given a firm order to fish out and arrest the IPOB leader. As a prelude to it, the Defence Headquarters on Friday  declared IPOB as a terrorist organisation.

    “Intelligence has, however, revealed that Kanu might have gone underground. As I speak with you, troops have actually searched his house and he was not found there.Troops have a mandate to arrest him wherever he might be.”

    Asked what if he is not found the source said: “ We might follow legal process by holding his sureties responsible. These sureties will have to produce him.”

    On the probe of Kanu’s alleged foreign links , another source said:”We are looking into the allegations of foreign support for Kanu. We are doing a profiling of his foreign contacts. We have some clues but we need to dig deeper.”

    The Nation can also confirm that  government insisted on non-withdrawal of soldiers from Abia State to avoid a situation whereby the  IPOB will “take advantage and unleash mayhem” on innocent citizens.

    Sources said the   presidency overruled Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on the withdrawal of troops because the police alone could not  cope with the “grave security” situation.

    “The governor wanted a political solution to a military matter. But the federal government cannot watch and allow the situation to degenerate,” one of the sources said.

    “Before Kanu was released on bail, these same governors in the Southeast, political leaders from the zone and others prevailed on the federal government to allow him home.

    “Some of these governors and Igbo leaders made a commitment that they would  ensure that Kanu did  not abuse his bail conditions.

    “The government bent backwards and ensured that Kanu was released on bail. But you can see what has happened. All those who gave the guarantee that Kanu would  respect his bail bond have been made to look foolish.

    “Intelligence on IPOB revealed that without troops on the streets, the situation would have been worse.”

    The  Embassy of the United States has asked Americans in Abia and Plateau states to review their security and maintain a high level of vigilance.

    The Embassy’s cautionary note was contained in its travel alert.

    It said: “Curfews have been declared in Abia and Plateau states because of violent attacks accompanied by threats of reprisals.

    “Exercise caution in these areas; review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.

    “Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”

    The  National Leader (Southsouth) of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Senator Roland Owie,  yesterday  faulted the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist organisation.

    In a statement in Abuja, Owie said the declaration smacked of double standards.

    He said: “Now that IPOB has been declared ‘Terrorist group, the government should immediately declare Fulani herdsmen, Terrorist group.”

    Owie added: “I urge President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to walk the way of justice and equity in handling the affairs of Nigeria and stop pretending that all is well.

    “The gravest mistake of non-equitable administrations all over the world is the denial of wrongdoings on their part.  Unfortunately for such administrations, they forget that God cannot be mocked.”

    “Gravitation will help a person if he builds the side of his house straight and plumb; but gravitation will oppose him and make his house fall down if he builds it out of plumb.”

  • OPC joins military in manhunt for kidnappers

    OPC joins military in manhunt for kidnappers

    Smarting from some of its members’ death in kidnappers hands, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) yesterday joined the military to flush out some of its criminals from the Lagos-Ogun creeks.
    The Nigerian Army on Monday launched an onslaught against kidnappers after Lieutenant Gyang was abducted at Ijedodo in Abule Ado, a Lagos suburb.
    An OPC Coordinator, Akeem Lawal, was injured in an attack by militants last weekend.
    A statement by Yinka Oguntimehin, spokesman for the Gani Adams OPC faction, said the group had run out of patience and was ready to take the war to the militants.
    He said: “We are taking no more chances. I think our tolerance has been mistaken for cowardice and it is time to act. Now we are ready to join hands with the relevant Nigerian forces to smoke out all militants that have constituted themselves as the tail troubling the dog of Lagosians all these while. We have already moved into action, and they shall all be smoked out and dealt with, in no time.”
    It was gathered that over 20 armed militants stormed Ijedodo on Friday night and dragged the Lieutenant into their speedboat after engaging the soldiers there in a gun duel.
    Operatives of Operation Awatse, a task force headed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai have since taken over the various entry and exit points into the creeks.
    There were sporadic gunshots at Festac throughout Monday and in the early hours of yesterday forcing residents to remain indoors.
    A fisherman, said he noticed suspicious movements when he came to inspect his fishing net.
    He said: “I was coming to inspect my fishing net when I noticed some suspicious movements. One speed boat was at the shore with a man pretending to be carrying out repairs on it.
    “Then all of a sudden, my fears were confirmed following deafening gun shots. As that was going on, I saw a soldier being dragged into the speed boat that I assumed was faulty and they sped off shooting.”

  • Uyo: Manhunt for builder as police confirm 27 dead

    Uyo: Manhunt for builder as police confirm 27 dead

    The Akwa Ibom State Government yesterday launched a manhunt for the builder of the collapsed church in Uyo, the state capital.

    One of the personal assistants to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Media, Mr Aniekeme Finbarr said the governor ordered the arrest of the contractors and engineers, who handled the building.

    He said they should be made to answer certain questions so that the state would get to the root of the matter.

    Police commissioner

    Murtala Mani said yesterday that 27 people died when the uncompleted Reigners Bible Church building collapsed on Saturday in Uyo.

    He gave the figure of the injured as 37, saying the casualty figures were collated at the end of evacuation late on Saturday.

    Mani said:  ”For now, we can confirm that 27 persons died during the church building collapse on Saturday.

    “We have concluded rescue operation but we are monitoring the situation to see what happens further,” Mani said.

    The victims evacuated from the collapsed church on Uyo Village Road near the Government House are at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, St Lukes Hospital, Ibom Specialist Hospital and Lifecare Hospital.

    Akwa Ibom Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Chairman Aniekeme Uwah, said 22 bodies were deposited at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

    Uwah, who could not confirm the total number of deaths in other hospitals, said he had mobilised all medical practitioners in the state to be part of the rescue operation.

    He said it was not possible to identify the number of injured government officials and clergymen because the focus of rescue operation was on saving lives.

    Residents yesterday thronged the scene of the accident to catch a glimpse of the premises were locked and guarded by security operatives.

  • Manhunt begins for murder suspect

    Manhunt begins for murder suspect

    The police have launched a manhunt for a security guard who allegedly killed a 50-year-old woman, Mabel Okafor.

    It was gathered that the guard became a suspect following his disappearance after the woman’s death, as well as the inability of detectives to find the deceased phone.

    The woman, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator was found dead at her Close 9 house J68B, Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence with knife wounds on her stomach.

    The deceased was a lone occupant of her mansion, but had other tenants at her Boys Quarters (BQ) as well as the security man, now at large.

    According to a police source, the woman was found dead in her room with some of her valuables carted away.

    “She was found dead in her room stabbed in her own pool of blood. Some of her money, jewelries and all her phones were missing, while the gate was locked against her. No evidence to trace the killers. We heard that her security man from Niger Republic is at large. And he’s currently the prime suspect,” said the source.

    According to a security guard in the neighbourhood, most rich women in VGC stay alone, making them easy targets to criminal-minded persons.

    He described the woman as strict and reserved, adding that domestic helps were not allowed to idle around with their colleagues in the estate.

    He said: “The VGC Security patrolmen always arrest security men or Abokis found outside peoples’ buildings. The authority doesn’t want to see three or more men discussing outside the building.

    “They want all of us to stay at home 24-hours, which is not possible. Sometimes, we come out to take fresh air but when caught, the person will bail himself with N40,000 unless his boss is around to pay.”

  • Alleged $487,700 theft: Police launch manhunt for Lebanese

    The police in Lagos have launched a manhunt for a Lebanese Bureau De Change (BDC) operator who allegedly absconded with a customer’s $487,700.

    The man identified as Aly Sahad was said to have fled with the said amount at about 3pm on Tuesday when the owners took the money to his office.

    It was learnt that three men- Salisu Shuaib, Abdulsalam Isiaka and Mohammed Grima went to the police to report after waiting several hours for the suspect who told them he was going to the bank to perfect the transaction.

    The complainants were said to have handed over the amount to the suspect at 5, Idowu Taylor street Victoria Island in order to get the Naira equivalent remitted into their bank accounts.

    After waiting for about four hours without seeing him, the victims, it was gathered, went to the police station where an official report was lodged.

    Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police  (SP) said efforts were intensified to track the suspect, adding that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department  (SCIID) Panti-Yaba for discreet investigation.

  • Manhunt for ex-INEC chair over bribe

    Manhunt for ex-INEC chair over bribe

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  has launched a manhunt for a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in connection with  a N23.29b poll bribery scandal

    He is alleged to have drawn up strategies on how the bribery could be perfected.

    It was learnt that for doing the job, the ex-INEC chief got a handsome reward.

    The EFCC has been on his trail in the last two weeks but he has managed to evade arrest, The Nation learnt.

    An EFCC source said: “Our operatives are still looking for him. We have put other security agencies on the alert.

    “He is wanted in connection with the N23.29 poll bribery perpetrated by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.”

  • Ebonyi: Police launch manhunt for rapist

    Ebonyi: Police launch manhunt for rapist

    Detectives of Ebonyi State Police command have launched a manhunt for one Sunday Obaji for allegedly raping one Mgbada Chioma .

    The incident it was reliably gathered happened at Effium community in Ohaukwu local government area.

    Police Spokesman ASP George Okafor confirmed the incident to our reporter.

    He said the suspect barged into the victim’s room and raped her at gun point.

    While noting that the community should assist in apprehending the suspect the spokesman reiterated the resolve of the command to fight the scourge of violence against women to standstill.

    He said: “On the 7th of March, 2016, one Mgbada Chioma from Effium community, Ohaukwu local government reported to the police that at about 2:am in the morning, one SundayObaji entered her bed room, pointed gun at her and threatened to kill her if she raised alarm”.

    “On the process, with the threat of the gun, Sunday Obaji tore her dresses and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her and after that, he escaped”.

    “The girl reported the matter to the police and the scene has been visited. The matter is under investigation”. The suspect is on the run; we are trying to trace him to wherever we can. He cannot run for long”.

    “The community should assist in producing him because they known him very well. How can a lady be sleeping at night, a man will move in and raped her on gunpoint and ran away”.

    “We are talking about violence against women and this is one of such violence. Wherever this man is, we must fish him out. He must be punished and we are calling on this community to do something immediately and produce this suspect”.

    “He is a native of the community; even if he escaped from the community, they have to fish him out.”