The police have given owners of abandoned scrap vehicles at FESTAC Police Station in Lagos State two weeks to remove them to avoid being auctioned.
The vehicles are two unregistered Toyota Camry, an unregistered Toyota Coaster bus, Toyota Camry, EPE 134 BF; Micra, BD 14 BGAQ, and an unregistered Suzuki Shuttle bus.
The Rivers state police command have arrested a woman for alleged human trafficking and rescued 16 children found in her possession at Ozuoba in Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.
Some residents of the area were said to have raised the alarm over the activities of the woman, who they said was found of returning home with different children, claiming she brought some of them from churches and unknown locations.
A lady in the estate, who spoke in confidence, said they observed the woman for some time, following the number of children living with her.
She said: “This lady was doing child trafficking, picking people’s children from churches and different communities in Rivers state.
“So just yesterday (Saturday) some people held the woman and called the Ozuoba Police. The Police came, arrested her and took the children away.”
Another resident said the woman had been staying in the compound in the last two years with different children.
He said: “The police said they came from Akwa Ibom State and that the woman is a child trafficking suspect. For two years the woman has been staying in the compound with the children, almost 200 children, some coming and going.
“At night I don’t sleep, they will be beating mortar till today that they (police) came to arrest her and take the children away”, he said.
When contacted, spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying 16 children were rescued from an estate in the area.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police said: “I can confirm the rescue of the children based on intelligence gathering. The Ozoaba team acting on a tip off went there and the children were rescued from the estate within Ozuoba. 16 children in total.
“The case has been transferred to the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit for discreet investigation.”
She said the police were still investigating to know the number of suspects involved, adding that one person had been arrested.
“Yes, an arrest has been made from the information I got but like I said investigation is ongoing to find out if there are others involved,” she said.
The Police Command in Edo state said yesterday it had commenced a mop up of illegal arms and ammunition ahead of the Sept. 21 Governorship Election in the state.
SP Moses Yamu, the spokesperson of the command, quoted the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, as saying this during a meeting with the chairmen of political parties and their respective governorship candidates in Benin.
The mop up, according to him, was aimed at ensuring security of the electoral process.
The commissioner appealed to them to prevail on their supporters to shun all forms of violence during the forthcoming election.
He assured them of adequate security to ensure that people go out to exercise their franchise without fear of harassment or any form of intimidation.
The commissioner, however, reassured them that the police and sister security agencies would ensure that all stakeholders, including electoral materials, were protected for a peaceful election.
He solicited for information that would assist the police to ensure an enabling environment for the election process.
Our reporter in Benin, last night, reported that leaders of two of the 17 participating political parties: All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are campaigning intensively in Edo’s 192 wards, across the 18 local government areas of the state, as the two leading standard bearers of APC and PDP are the contenders, while the 15 other governorship candidates are pretenders, who may be scheming to be appointed commissioners or special advisers, after the poll.
PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer, who hails from Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District, is accused by opposition politicians of not being a homeboy, and unable to speak Esan language, thereby needing an interpreter, whenever he is in his Ewohimi hometown, where he claimed to have grown up from, with Ighodalo being backed by PDP’s Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The standard bearer of APC in Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo, aka Akpakomiza, a grassroots politician with native intelligence, who is also a businessman, represents Edo Central Senatorial District, where he was embarking on many development projects and empowering the people, before winning the election in 2023, maybe because he is a political son of the late leader of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, aka Mr. Fix It, who hailed from Uromi, in Esan Northeast LGA, Edo Central Senatorial District, with Okpebholo declaring that he would succeed Obaseki on November 12 this year, in order to ensure good governance and commensurate development, without Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and the use of consultants that Obaseki’s government is notorious for.
The third governorship candidate that initially showed seriousness, Olumide Akpata, of Labour Party (LP) is being distracted, and he is currently in the United States of America, where he claims to be wooing Edo indigenes in the Diaspora to return home and vote for LP, as well as to continue to support the progress and development of Edo in various ways.
The chances of Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), are very slim, in view of the fact that he is from the same Edo South senatorial district as Obaseki, who is being accused by opposition politicians of poor performance and inability to fulfill his campaign promises of 2016 and 2020, while declaring war against almost all APC and PDP’s chieftains that assisted him to win the polls in 2016 and 2020, while Obaseki’s defection from APC to PDP on June 19, 2020, ahead of the September 19, 2020 governorship election, and wanted to take over the structures of PDP, made him to still be fighting with the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, the immediate Edo chairman of PDP, who is the leader of opposition Legacy Coalition within Edo PDP, with Orbih being an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
Obaseki is also becoming unpopular with his faceoff with Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who on July 17, 2024 was reinstated by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, but he is unable to access his office, with Edo governor backing Chief Godwins Omobayo as the state’s deputy governor, while Obaseki is also engaging in a fight to the finish with the eminent first-clash monarch, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, over the looted artefacts being returned to Benin from most European countries.
Shaibu, a former member of the House of Representatives, ex-Majority Leader of Edo House of Assembly, and erstwhile President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), while he was at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State, vowed to fight on, until he is able to access his office, before the expiration of his tenure on November 12 this year, thereby recently defecting to APC from PDP, after publicly begging Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of APC, who was Edo governor between 2008 and 2016, as both of them are from the same Etsako West LGA in Edo North senatorial district.
The indigenes of Edo Central senatorial district are clamouring for power shift to Esanland, to ensure equity, justice and fairness, since Chief Lucky Igbinedion of Edo Central senatorial district (1999-2007) and Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North senatorial district (2008-2016) were Edo governor for eight years each, while Obaseki is about rounding off his eight years from 2016, thereby making it insensitive for Akpata to indicate interest to succeed Obaseki of the same Edo South senatorial district.
Another distraction for the governorship candidate of LP is having two state Chairmen in the political party in Edo: Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, whom Akpata is backing, and a former Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, being backed by the embattled National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure, a lawyer, who is an indigene of Edo Central senatorial district.
The greatest distraction for Akpata are the two cases at the Courts of Appeal in Benin and Abuja by the leading governorship aspirant on LP’s platform in Edo, Kenneth Imansuangbon, aka Riceman, in view of his regular distribution of free bags of rice to Edo residents in the three senatorial districts.
Imansuangbon, a lawyer and billionaire philanthropist, who hails from Edo Central senatorial district, refused out-of-court settlement with Akpata and pleaded for the understanding of LP’s leaders who tried to intervene to ensure peace and progress, even after he lost at the Federal High Courts in Benin and Abuja, while expressing optimism of emerging victorious at the appellate courts.
APC’s Okpebholo, who speaks Esan and English languages fluently, but being accused by PDP’s leaders of not being able to write or speak in English, challenges Ighodalo to a debate in Esan language, which the standard bearer of PDP is avoiding.
The governorship candidate of APC, who on July 18, 2024, lost his police orderly, Inspector Onuh Akoh, of No. 45, Police Mobile Force, Abuja, who was attached to Okpebholo, at the exit gate of Benin airport, shortly after he landed from Abuja, and accompanied by Shaibu, who were ambushed by gunmen, who also injured many persons, including APC’s standard bearer in Edo, last night raised the alarm over threats to his life and the lives of the teeming supporters.
Okpebholo, told PDP’s thugs that shot to disrupt his yesterday’s campaign rally at Ugbekpe-Ekperi in Etsako Central LGA of Edo that: “You will cry for shooting at us.”
Obaseki and Ighodalo, while also speaking yesterday at PDP’s campaign rally at Iguobazuwa in Ovia Southwest LGA in Edo South senatorial district, told members of their party to eject thugs and fraudsters, who were claiming to be homeboys, with Ighodalo promising to build on Obaseki’s solid foundations and enduring legacies.
Music artiste, Ajakaiye Sunday, aka Kaiyee, has commended the Nigerian army for their rapid response in locating and arresting the individual responsible for the tragic death of Christiana Idowu, a FUNAAB student.
Kaiyee who said he recently visited former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Katsina State residence, where, they discussed critical issues affecting the nation, including the need for enhanced security and justice for all, told newsmen that, “This is an immensely challenging time for her family, friends, and our country. I am hopeful that the Nigerian police will now ensure that Christiana’s case is resolved with the justice she deserves.
“No family should face the heartache of losing a loved one in such a cruel manner. The kidnapping and murder of Christiana are acts of brutality that must not be tolerated. We must unite in demanding justice and stand firm against such violence.
“I call on all authorities to keep this case in the spotlight and encourage everyone using #JusticeForChristiana to continue the fight until justice is achieved.”
A 24-year-old man from Ogbolomabiri in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Godgift Bai, has been apprehended for circulating nude video of a young girl online.
The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
In a statement yesterday by the spokesman, ASP Musa Mohammed, the police said Bai was arrested in connection with the viral nude video of a young girl circulating on various social media platforms. Mohammed said: “Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Alonyenu Francis Idu, operatives of the Cybercrime Unit carried out a thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspect, Mr. Godgift Bai, a 24-year-old male from Ogbolomabiri in Nembe LGA.
“He was apprehended in Yenagoa on September 3, 2024.
“The Command condemns the act of cyberstalking, especially targeting vulnerable individuals, and reiterates its commitment to curbing such crimes and related offences within the state.
“Furthermore, the Command urges the public to refrain from online exploitation of individuals.”
The spokesman said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court accordingly.
An investigative journalist and online editor at Within Nigeria, Sodiq Lawal Adewale, has been summoned to appear before the Zone 11 Police Command in Osogbo following a petition filed by Hon. Kanmi Ajibola, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing the Oriade State Constituency.
According to Lawal, he received a call on the morning of September 4, 2024, from a police officer, requesting his presence at the command.
The petition also named two others, Tunde Omole, and Ogunsanya Olasunkanmi, accusing them of criminal defamation and other related offences.
In a press statement issued on September 5, Lawal explained his involvement, clarifying that his actions were a response to public outcry over Hon. Ajibola’s alleged underperformance.
He stressed that he has no personal or business ties with the lawmaker and acted solely as a social critic and advocate for the people of Oriade in Osun state.
Lawal also reminded the public of a three-day fasting and prayer session he had organized in June 2024, along with other concerned citizens, to seek divine intervention for improved performance by Hon. Ajibola.
The initiative, he noted, was driven by concern for the welfare of the constituency, which he claimed had been neglected during Ajibola’s tenure.
He said: “The people of Oriade are going through trying times. As a journalist and natural leader of the disadvantaged, I felt it was important to take action. When leaders fail, we turn to prayers, as is common in our culture. All we asked was for Hon. Ajibola to step up his legislative duties and show accountability toward those who voted for him.”
Lawal also suggested that the lawmaker should pursue further training in leadership and representation to better engage with his constituents and meet their expectations.
The petition, filed by Hon. Ajibola, accuses Lawal and others of defamation for their public comments and criticism.
However, Lawal pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that Ajibola had previously criticized past administrations in Osun State, advocating for improved governance and transparency.
“Hon. Kanmi Ajibola, like many leaders, has resorted to using the police to intimidate and suppress critics.
“It is unfortunate that instead of appreciating the prayers and fasting done by his constituents, he has chosen to wage a legal war against those who only seek his office success.”
In a show of respect for the law and security agencies, Lawal confirmed that he would honour the police invitation on Friday, September 6, 2024.
He urged the people of Oriade to remain calm and watch the process unfold, assuring them that his actions have always been in the interest of a better and more accountable Oriade constituency.
Lawal confirmed that he would comply with the police invitation on Monday, September 9, 2024, as a gesture of respect for the law and security agencies.
He called on the people of Oriade to stay calm and observe the proceedings, reassuring them that his efforts have consistently been driven by a desire for a more accountable and improved Oriade constituency.
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and N908,600.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, said the arrests were linked to the abduction of a district head on August 14, who was released two days later.
Hassan, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said operatives from Saminaka, in collaboration with local hunters, raided three villages in Lere Local Government Area—Maraban Wasa, Gurzan Hakimi Mariri, and Abugan Kurama—on September 2. Five suspects, including Abdulhamid Abubakar (30), Danjuma Luka (25), Ayuba Simon (50), and Idi Saleh (57), were arrested.
Items recovered from the suspects include one fabricated single-barrel gun, a green Golf vehicle, a Bajaj motorcycle, and eight mobile phones.
He added that in a separate operation on the same day, police laid an ambush at a motor park, intercepting a consignment containing four fabricated AK-47 rifles. Six suspects who are Lawal Murtala, Isa Kabiru, Auwal Surajo, Kamala Lawal, Umar Adamu, and Kabiru Lima were arrested.
He, however, stated that recovered items from the operation included four fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, two English pistols, 24 cartridges, 29 rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, a walkie-talkie, an axe, and N908,600.
“On September 3, police operatives arrested a suspected bandit, Yahaya Yusuf (41), at a hotel in the Tafa area of Kagarko Local Government Area. Yusuf confessed to involvement in cattle rustling and kidnapping in Niger and Kaduna states. A Tecno phone was recovered from him.
“The Commissioner of Police urged the public to continue cooperating with security forces, assuring that efforts to clamp down on criminal activities in the state would be intensified,” the PPRO assured.
Meanwhile, barely 60 days after the kidnap of two Kaduna-based reporters and their family members from their homes in Dan Honu II, New Millennium City, Kaduna, bandits on Wednesday night attacked the community again, kidnapping a housewife and her three sons.
The reporters and their family members regained their freedom after a week in captivity.
In the latest attack, the bandits stormed the house of one Mr Mutiu Adeleke and whisked away his wife and three sons, leaving him behind.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred around 10pm, as the gunmen stormed the community shooting sporadically.
It was also gathered that Mrs Adeleke, who could not keep up with the pace of the bandits’ movement, was abandoned in the bush and had since returned home.
The bandits, however, went away with her three sons.
Our correspondent also gathered that Mr Adeleke had, after the kidnap of the two reporters, who are his friends, resolved to move out of the community and had just secured an apartment in a safer place in the town two days before the unfortunate incident.
According to sources in the community, Adeleke and his family had started packing their belongings gradually from Dan Honu II, with the intention of leaving.
The Police Command in Oyo State has confirmed the kidnapping of Mr Benedict Akika, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by gunmen.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ibadan.
NAN reports that gunmen abducted Akika on Tuesday evening at his residence in Olorunda Abba, Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Osifeso said that the command had commenced investigation into the matter.
He said that the public would be adequately updated as soon as investigation was concluded on the incident.
“Investigation has commenced into the matter. Updates will be provided accordingly,” Osifeso said.
An eyewitness said that gunmen stormed Akika’s residence in Olorunda Abba in what appeared to be a well-coordinated attack.
“The gunmen overpowered his security personnel and whisked him away in a vehicle, leaving behind a trail of panic and confusion in the community,” the witness said.
(NAN)
Security and safety of students and teachers has gained significant attention from the government, following incessant attacks on schools, a situation which has created panic in the minds of teachers, students and parents.
The Federal Government, to reduce the number of out-of-school children, launched the Safe School Protection (SPS) programme in 2022.The Police, as one of the implementing agencies of the SPS, in August, launched the standards to ensure the safety of schools across the country.
At the Police strategic stakeholders forum on security of schools in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and training of the schools protection squad held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Abuja, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, Operations, Ede Ayuba, said the NPF is committed to preventing attacks on schools across the country, hence the establishment of SPS by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in all states of the federation and FCT to complement the efforts of the Federal Government to achieve a safer and secure school environment.
Ayuba added that the forum aims at fostering effective partnership between the Police, sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, as it will enable host communities to have better understanding of their roles in safeguarding schools and a secured learning environment for the children
The FCT Police Command also reassured residents of the capital territory of its readiness to make schools in FCT safe and secure.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has arrested an alleged anonymous hacker linked to a series of crimes including conspiracy, breaches of the Official Secrets Act, and the leakage of classified documents.
The arrest followed a complaint from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) alleging that a restricted document on a sensitive national security issue was leaked and disseminated by an anonymous blogger using X to distribute the materials.
“The breach prompted a covert investigation by NPF-NCCC operatives to trace the source of the leak,” the police said.
The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday, September 3, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi while briefing reporters on the development at the Force Headquarters.
Three suspects were identified during the investigation including one Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri.
“The principal suspect, Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, was apprehended by detectives at a hotel in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 5, 2024,” the police said.
According to the police, Tamunobifiri attempted to resist arrest by locking himself in his hotel room, destroying his phone, and refusing to disclose his phone’s password, claiming he had forgotten it.
“Further investigation revealed that Tamunobifiri allegedly leaked sensitive documents originating from the President’s office to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation,” the police said.
The suspect is also accused of unauthorized access to restricted police data and dissemination of directives from the office of the Inspector-General of Police, which the police believe was aimed at undermining Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
In addition to these allegations, the police said it uncovered evidence suggesting Tamunobifiri engaged in raising funds through anonymous channels to support cyberterrorism and other related crimes.
He said a detailed forensic analysis of the suspect’s cryptocurrency transactions provided the evidence for these claims.
Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated the force’s commitment to maintaining peace and taking decisive action against individuals or groups who threaten the country’s stability.
He assured the public that the investigation would continue to explore all aspects of the conspiracy and that those involved would face legal consequences.
According to the police, Tamunobifiri has been charged to court and remanded in prison custody as the investigation continues.