The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police burst organ harvesting gang in Ebonyi

    Police burst organ harvesting gang in Ebonyi

    The Police in Ebonyi have busted an organ harvesting ring responsible for the death of at least three persons in the state.

    Spokesperson of the Police, Joshua Ukandu, stated this in Abakaliki yesterday.

    He noted that four suspected members of the organ harvesting ring were arrested following a painstaking investigation and credible intelligence into the matter.

    The spokesperson said the suspects confessed to being responsible for the murder of Chikezie Idenyi, a Dubai based businessman.

    Read Also: Stop assigning police escorts to questionable characters, CDHR urges IGP Egbetokun

    According to him: “One Mrs. Blessing Chikezie Onyekachi had reported to the command of her missing husband, Mr. Chikezie Idenyi, who left home on 14th September, 2024 on a supposed business trip to Lagos but was not heard from again.

    “Police investigation led to the arrest of one Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi who made useful statements that led the police to arrest Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter.

    “They confessed to killing Chikezie Idenyi, Chibu Odii and Eze Fabian on different dates while trying to extract their blood/organs to use it to cure a cognitively impaired person (Down syndrome).”

    He noted that the corpses of Chikezie Idenyi and Chibu Odii were subsequently recovered while efforts were ongoing to recover the remains of the third victim.

    Ụkandu stated this while giving update on Police crime fighting activities in October, 2024

  • Police detain five suspects over alleged cyber crime in Benue

    Police detain five suspects over alleged cyber crime in Benue

    The Police Command in Benue has detained five suspects over alleged idenity theft and cyber fraud.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Friday.

    The statement said that the four suspects, whose ages range between 18 and 21, were apprehended by the Cybercrime and Narcotics Department of the Police Command.

    It said that the operatives following intelligence gathered on activities of the suspects raided their hideout  in Makurdi and subsequently apprehended them.

    Read Also: Stop assigning police escorts to questionable characters, CDHR urges IGP Egbetokun

    “Exhibits recovered from them include: three iphones, one small tecno phone and two other smartphones.

    “Further investigations revealed that the suspects had previously been engaged in impersonating people and using their identities to defraud unsuspecting persons of their belongings,” Anene said.

    She quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Steve Yabanet, as warning residents to be wary of activities of cyber criminals.

    Yabanet also assured residents in the state of the command’s commitment to fighting crime.

    He warned individuals and groups involved in cybercrime in Benue State to desist from such acts or face the consequences of their action.

    The CP said that the suspects would be prosecuted on completion of police investigations. 

    (NAN)

  • Food poisoning: Police confirm five deaths

    Food poisoning: Police confirm five deaths

    The police in Edo State have confirmed the death of five people (four boys and a girl), and the arrest of one person, in connection with food poisoning at Afashio-Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), stated last night that the food poisoning happened on October 26, thereby causing panic among residents of the ancient community.

    Yamu said: “Edo State Police Command received a report on October 26 about 7:30am, from one Elogie Ezekiel of Afashio community, that at about 6:30am of same date, he went to check his son, named Emmanuel Elogie (19 years), at his apartment.

    Read Also: Police confirm five dead, one arrested in Edo over food poisoning

    “That upon gaining entrance into the apartment, he met the lifeless body of his son’s friend, named Nurudeen,, at the corridor. He went further and met the lifeless bodies of his son, with his girlfriend, Ada Samuel (16 years), on the bed. Another two of the son’s friends, named Samuel Ayegwalo and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, who turned out to be siblings, were found in the sitting room.”

  • Police confirm five dead, one arrested in Edo over food poisoning

    Police confirm five dead, one arrested in Edo over food poisoning

    The Police in Edo State have confirmed the death of five and the arrest of one person in connection with food poisoning at Afashio-Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area. 

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the food poisoning occurred on October 26, causing panic among residents. 

    The deceased include four boys and a girl. 

    Yamu said: “Edo State Police Command received a report on 26/10/2024, at about 0730hrs, from one Elogie Ezekiel of Afashio community, that at about 0630hrs of same date, he went to check his son, named Emmanuel Elogie (19 years), at his apartment.

    “That upon gaining entrance into the apartment, he met the lifeless body of his son’s friend, named Nurudeen, surname not known, at the corridor. He went further and met the lifeless bodies of his son, with his girlfriend, Ada Samuel (16 years), on the bed, in the bedroom. Another two of the son’s friends, named Samuel Ayegwalo and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, who turned out to be siblings, were found in the sitting room.

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    “The police arrested Aisha Suleiman, 16, alleged to have caused the deaths through food poisoning. On 29/10/2024, at about 1710hrs, operatives of Jattu Division received information that a girl, later identified as Aisha Suleiman, was about to be lynched by some young men from the community.

    “They (operatives of Jattu Division of Edo Police Command) mobilised to the scene, rescued the suspect, and moved her to the police station. The case was transferred the next day to the state Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.”

  • Man, 39, in court for allegedly assaulting two police officers

    Man, 39, in court for allegedly assaulting two police officers

    A 39-year-old man, Jegede Oluwasina, on Wednesday appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting two police officers on duty.

    The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a two-count charge of assault and breach of peace.

    The prosecutor, Insp Raymond Osas, told the court that the defendant and others at large, committed the offences on Oct.13 at about 9:00a.m at Okesha roundabout in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    He alleged that the defendant and others at large, assaulted Akinyemi Olawale and Adewunmi David, both traffic officers attached to the Okesha Divisional Police station, Ado-Ekiti, while performing their lawful duty.

    The prosecutor said the defendant assaulted the complainants following an argument over disobeying of the traffic rules.

    Osas said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

    According to him, the offences contravene Sections 187(a) (b) and (c) and 181(d) Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

    He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the file and assemble his witnesses.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

    Counsel to the defendant, Mr Ademola Richard, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.

    The Magistrate, Mr Olatomiwa Daramola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum.

    The case was adjourned until Nov.18 for hearing.

    (NAN)

  • Police arrest maid for $60,000 jewellery theft

    Police arrest maid for $60,000 jewellery theft

    After an extensive 16-month search, officers at Ikoyi Police Station, Lagos, have arrested a 33-year-old woman, Alice Udey, accused of stealing over $60,000 worth of jewellery from her employer, just hours after being hired as a maid.

    Udey, who has used multiple aliases, vanished with the jewellery less than 24 hours into her job.

    Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the arrest to The Nation.

    The police investigators revealed that Udey had secured her position through seemingly legitimate channels before executing the theft.

    Read Also: Police detain undergraduate for faking own abduction, death

    A senior police official, speaking anonymously, noted that the suspect’s tactics suggest a “well-orchestrated scheme” involving fake identities and targeted attacks on affluent homes.

    “This arrest points to an organized ring where individuals gain employment as domestic staff to access and rob their employers,” the officer explained. He added that the police are intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

    The breakthrough came after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the police.

  • Police detain undergraduate for faking own abduction, death

    Police detain undergraduate for faking own abduction, death

    The Police Command in Imo says it has detained 17-year-old Jesse Chidebere, a student of Imo State University (IMSU) for faking her own abduction and death.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

    Okoye noted that the hoax caused significant distress to Chidebere’s family and the university community.

    The statement read in part: “On October 26, at approximately 10:00p.m., police received a distress call from concerned citizens, reporting Chidebere missing.

    “A message sent from her WhatsApp account claimed she had been abducted and killed, urging her family to go to the Orji Police Station for confirmation.

    Read Also: Police arrest Rep member Ikwechegh over assault on Bolt driver

    “In response, police operatives launched a search and discovered the following morning, October 27, that Chidebere was alive and had fabricated the story as a prank on social media.”

    The PPRO added that investigation was ongoing to ascertain her motive for the mischief, adding that she would face prosecution.

    He further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, expressed concern over the “irresponsible behavior, which wasted valuable resources and caused public panic”.

    He urged parents to caution their children against engaging in dangerous pranks and spreading misinformation.

    “The command remains committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for all and sundry in the state,” he stressed.

    (NAN)

  • Police confirm assault of bolt driver by Abia lawmaker

    Police confirm assault of bolt driver by Abia lawmaker

    The Police have confirmed the incident between a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh and a bolt driver identified as Stephen Abuwatseya. 

    The lawmaker, who represents Aba North/Aba South federal Constituency in the House, was caught on a viral video assaulting the Bolt driver sent to deliver his order to him his Abuja residence. 

    The first-time lawmaker elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was heard on the video telling a woman on the phone that he could make the driver disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing would happen. 

    He told the driver that he was a Senator of the Republic, threatening to deal with the driver, after slapping him three times, saying he will not oat him for his service for disrespecting him.

    However the Police said the bolt driver reported the incident at the Maitama divisional station and was handling the matter. 
    A statement on the Police X (former Twitter) handle reads: “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja. 

    “The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters. 

    “The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds.”

    The lawmaker was yet to respond to a message sent to his phone as 12.58pm

  • Police begin orderly room trial of Inspector for allegedly killing Enugu musician

    Police begin orderly room trial of Inspector for allegedly killing Enugu musician

    The Enugu Police Command has commenced the orderly room trial of a police inspector, Ozonwanji Joseph, for allegedly shooting and killing an Enugu-based Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba (a.k.a. Igbo-Jah).

    This followed the conclusion of investigation into the tragic incident by the Enugu State Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (State CID).

    The musician attended an event at the anti-cult office in Enugu on Friday evening when one of the policemen at the station started shooting indiscriminately with the bullets hitting the musician in the process.

    According to the spokesman of the command, Daniel Ndukwe, Igbo Jah was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead 

    In a statement  on Sunday, Ndukwe said the trial of the implicated police inspector will facilitate the next course of action in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures.

    Read Also: Police fault VeryDarkMan for over uniform

    Ndukwe noted that the commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, had already ordered the immediate redeployment of the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Squad, SP Ekeleme Chidobe, to allow for a comprehensive review of the squad’s operations.

    CP Kanayo reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that justice is done in the case and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism among all police officers in the State. 

    He called on the citizenry to continue to keep the faith and support the police, especially in bringing this case to a justifiable conclusion.

  • Police fault VeryDarkMan for over uniform

    Police fault VeryDarkMan for over uniform

    The Nigeria Police Force has dissociated itself from the use of unauthorised uniforms and accoutrements by content creators. 

    The police recently condemned online personality VeryDarkMan whose real name is Martins Otse for wearing police gear in one of his videos. 

    The police have launched an investigation to find out where he got the uniform and if he had permission to use it.

    Following the bold use of it gears, the police are warning all content creators to stop misusing police uniforms and symbols. 

    According to a statement on X, using them without permission is a criminal offense, according to Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.

    The police said they support creative Nigerians, but they won’t tolerate anyone undermining their values and integrity.

    “NIGERIA POLICE CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL USE OF POLICE UNIFORMS BY CONTENT CREATORS. 

    “As Police Launches Investigation Into Circulating Video By VDM. 

    Read Also: Police debunk viral video on poor training conditions

    “The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the unauthorized use of official uniforms and accoutrements by an online personality, Mr. Martins Otse, popularly known as “VDM,” in a video posted on his social media platforms.

    “The Force unequivocally disassociates itself from this unauthorized portrayal and has launched a full investigation to determine the source of the Police gear used, as well as the authority under which he acted. 

    “It is important to remind the public that the unauthorized use of Police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements constitutes a criminal offense, as stipulated in Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, and is subject to strict penalties.

    “While the Nigeria Police Force recognizes and supports the creativity of young Nigerians in the content creation space, we strongly caution against the misuse of Police uniforms or symbols. Unauthorized use of these items undermines the values and integrity of the Force and will not be tolerated”.