Tag: Police

  • Police confirm killing of varsity lecturer, abduction of two in Ogun

    Police confirm killing of varsity lecturer, abduction of two in Ogun

    The Police Command in Ogun has confirmed the killing of a lecturer with Babcock University, Mr Yinka Olowojobi by gunmen and the abduction of two others at an event center in Iperu area of Ogun.

    SP Omolola Odutola, the Spokesperson for the command, said in a statement in Abeokuta on Monday, that the incident occurred on Friday.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill Babcock varsity lecturer, injure two in Ogun event centre

    Odutola said the manager of a car stand, simply known as Dare and a yet-to-be identified person, were those abducted by the gunmen.

    “A suspicious coincidence led the police to arrest one Awada Ishaya from Plateau who was employed as a guard at the event centre two weeks ago for interrogation.

    “The lecturer was taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

    “Efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits and rescue the kidnapped victims. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops,” the command’s spokesperson said.

    (NAN)

  • Police deny release of suspects who burnt Catholic Parish, killed seminarian in Kaduna

    Police deny release of suspects who burnt Catholic Parish, killed seminarian in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Police Command has debunked the rumoured release of suspects arrested for their alleged involvement in the burning of Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church, Fadan Kamanton, which led to the death of Na’aman Danladi, a priest.

    On March 23, the police announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, and one Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail, who allegedly masterminded the Fadan Kamanton arson and homicide.

    A statement by one Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, BoT Chairman PVC-NAIJA and Initiator, Concerned Nigerians for Security, Unity and Sovereignty, went viral on social media, where he raised the alarm that the suspects had been released and back in the Southern Kaduna community.

    Akinyemi claimed that the suspects return to Ikulu land has planted fears in the community while their families celebrated their release.

    Read Also: Police deny release of suspects who burnt Catholic parish, killed seminarian in Kaduna

    He said: “These same criminals are known to be responsible for why Southern Kaduna, particularly Ikulu land, has become a theatre of death, a cluster for kidnappers, and a harmful colony to both its people and would-be investors.

    “It was the operations of these murderers, and later, their acolytes, that led to the murder of former Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Dr. Yakubu Sankey; Ardo Saleh Umar who was slaughtered like ram, and a retired Airforce Officer, Master Warrant Officer Hamza Musa, among others sent to their early graves.

    “Some of them were infact found with dangerous ammunition such as the AK-47 which they freely use against innocent farmers. This is not to mention their report card in the kidnap of especially vulnerable women and children.

    “And like an oxymoron of sorts, their coming back is marked by both celebration and mourning. Celebration by families and friends, and mourning by the rest of society. In fact, the last few days, particularly in Ikulu land, there have been impromptu migrations for fear of the obvious.”

  • ‘Oyo police investigating abduction of pastor, 14 others’

    ‘Oyo police investigating abduction of pastor, 14 others’

    The Oyo State Police command says it has begun investigation into the kidnapping of Pastor Olugbenga Olawore of the of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and 14 others.

    Olawore and other passengers of a 14-seater bus were kidnapped on the Lanlate-Eruwa road in Oyo State.

    Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the incident through a text message, said: “Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided accordingly, please.”

    Read Also: Reps to hold national dialogue on state police today

    Olawore pastors the Heavens Gate Parish of the RCCG, Lagos Province 73, on Agbara-Lusada Road in Ogun State.

    The cleric was returning from Ipapo town where he went to put final touches for the burial arrangements of his mother, Deaconess Deborah Olawore, scheduled for April 26.

  • Reps to hold national dialogue on state police Monday

    Reps to hold national dialogue on state police Monday

    Worried by the high level of insecurity across the country, the House of Representatives will hold a national dialogue on state policing on Monday.

    Vice President Kashmi Shettima is expected to lead two former Nigerian leaders and top security chiefs to the one day dialogue which will hold at the Abuja Continental Hotel. 

    Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan will deliver special remarks at the event which will also be attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. (Dr.) Ibrahim Geidam, and the a inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Police Force. 

    Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Sen. George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio are also expected to speak at the event.

    Others to speak are Clement Nwankwo of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC); Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Annette Gunter, German Ambassador to Nigeria; and Elsie Attafuah, Country Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Read Also:Police recruitment exercise successful, says Arase

    Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi said in a statement that the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will deliver the keynote address at the event which is part of efforts by the House to collate public and expert opinion on the state Police bill which has passed second reading in the House. 

    Krishi recalled that while addressing members earlier in the year, the Speaker had announced plans to convoke a national conference on security.

    He quote the Speaker as saying that “In the area of security, the most important challenge before us is to overhaul and strengthen the security architecture to improve overall effectiveness. The proposed security summit is expected to make far-reaching recommendations and concrete areas for legislative intervention. 

    “Some priority legislative actions in our Agenda include improving oversight of the sector, legislating the establishment of a Security Sector Reform Commission to oversee reforms within the sector, introducing stricter penalties for misappropriation, misallocation or any form of financial malpractice within the security sector and passing the whistle-blower protection bill.”

    “We are committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, improving intelligence sharing, and leading police reforms”.

  • Police deny release of suspects who burnt Catholic parish, killed seminarian in Kaduna

    Police deny release of suspects who burnt Catholic parish, killed seminarian in Kaduna

    Kaduna State Police Command has debunked the rumoured release of suspected bandits earlier arrested for their alleged involvement in the burning of the rectory of Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamanton in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, which led to the death of Na’aman Danladi, a Catholic Priest.

    The Police Command had on the 23rd March, 2024 announced arrest of a suspected notorious kidnapper, and one Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail who allegedly masterminded the Fadan Kamanton arson and homicide.

    Meanwhile, a statement by one Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi, BoT Chairman PVC-NAIJA and Initiator, Concerned Nigerians for Security, Unity and Sovereignty, had gone viral on social media, where he raised the alarm that, the arrested suspects have been released and that they are back to the Southern Kaduna community.

    Akinyemi, claimed that, the return of the suspects to Ikulu land, has sent fears down the spines of the community people while the families of the suspected criminals were celebrating their release.

    Akinyemi said: “These same criminals are known to be responsible for why Southern Kaduna, particularly Ikulu land, has become a theatre of death; a cluster for kidnappers, and a harmful colony to both its people and would-be investors.

    “It was the operations of these murderers, and later, their acolytes, that led to the cold-blooded murder of the likes of the former Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Dr. Yakubu Sankey, Ardo Saleh Umar that was slaughtered like ram in view of his commitments to Peace, and a retired Airforce Officer, Master Warrant Officer Hamza Musa, among tens of people that they sent to their early graves.

    “Some of them were infact found with dangerous ammunition such as the AK-47 they freely use against innocent farmers in broad day light. This is not to mention their report card in the kidnap of especially vulnerable women and children that they often keep in their custody for weeks or months depending on when ransom is paid.  

    “And like an oxymoron of sorts, their coming back is marked by both celebration and mourning. Celebration by families and friends, and mourning by the rest of society. In fact, the last few days, particularly in Ikulu land, have seen some impromptu migrations for fear of the obvious,” he said.

    Akinyemi however called on the Commissioner of Police to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the arrested suspects and asked the government to investigate the matter.

    Meanwhile, when contacted on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan told The Nation that, the suspects, including Yakubu Saidu and others arrested by the Police and the military in connection with Fadan Kamanton, have been remanded in the Correctional Center.

    The PPRO said the Police had since concluded investigations on the arrested suspects and their cases files have been forwarded to the state’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), for legal advice.

    Read Also: Police open investigation into abduction of RCCG pastor, 14 others in Oyo

    According to ASP Hassan, “You know this is a criminal case, the suspects could not have been released on bail or for whatever reason by the Police. 

    “I can tell you that, we have concluded investigations on suspects. It was not only those that we arrested, the Army also arrested some on the same matter. We have investigated all of them and their case files have been forwarded to the DPP for legal advice,” he said.

    When asked of the suspects whereabout, the PPRO who asked our Correspondent o give him some time on the enquiry, later called back to confirm that, the suspects have been remanded in the Correctional Center.

  • Police open investigation into abduction of RCCG pastor, 14 others in Oyo

    Police open investigation into abduction of RCCG pastor, 14 others in Oyo

     The Police in Oyo State say they have commenced investigation into the Kidnapping of Pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Olugbenga Olawore and 14 others.

    Olawore and other passengers of a 14-seater bus were kidnapped along Lanlate-Eruwa road on Friday in Oyo State.

    The Command Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident in a text message to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    Read Also: Abia Police Command arrests killer cop

    Osifeso said that the command had commenced investigation into the incident.

    “Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided accordingly, please,” Osifeso said.

    Olawore is currently a pastor at Heavens Gate Parish, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 73, along Agbara-Lusada Road in Ogun.

    The cleric was returning from Ipapo town where he went to put final touches for the burial arrangements for his mother, Deaconess Deborah Olawore, scheduled for April 26.

    (NAN)

  • Despite apology, Bauchi Police arrest student for defamation on Facebook

    Despite apology, Bauchi Police arrest student for defamation on Facebook

    Operatives of the Bauchi Police Command have arrested one Usman Adamu, a 34-year-old final-year student of Law at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, for alleged harassment and defamation of character on Facebook.

    The Nation reports that Adamu, a native of Kyata village in Burra district of Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was accused of defaming a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the State, CSP Danladi Mohammed, on his Facebook page.

    The police alleged that the suspect identified with Facebook user name, Adamu Usman Kyata, made some defamatory comments posted on his page against a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Danladi Mohammed.

    Narrating the incident that led to the Facebook post, a statement by the Spokesman of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil on Saturday, revealed that, “A complaint was received by Burra Divisional Police Headquarters on April 2, 2024 about an incident that occurred on the same date at about 1200hrs.”

     “One Abdulmumuni Liman, alias Kwakiya of Kyata village via the same Burra District, invited some members of a volunteer group popularly known as “Babeli,” led by one Yahaya Zomo from Toro LGA, Bauchi State to the Dangarfa village.

    “The complainant alleged that Abdulmumuni Liman assaulted and inflicted various degrees of injuries on him over a land dispute.

    “The detectives visited the crime scene and took the victims to General Hospital, Burra for treatment. To further the investigation and unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Divisional Police Officer invited the suspect (Abdulmumuni Liman) for questioning over his action, but he vehemently dishonored the invitation.”

    The PPRO added, “The suspect’s action also sparked an outcry that led to a mob mobilising in solidarity with the complainant against the said Abdulmumuni Liman, which escalated into a physical confrontation between the two sides.”

    He said the situation was promptly resolved by a team of policemen, led by the DPO, and suspects were arrested during the ensuing melee and transferred to Ningi Area Command for further investigation as directed by the Commissioner of Police.

    According to SP Wakil, to prevent misinformation and its consequences to the peace and security of the community, Usman Abdulmumin’s son was arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet investigation alongside other suspects involved.

    Read Also: Abia Police Command arrests killer cop

    He stated that Usman made a confessional statement, disclosing that he made the online publication based on hearsay and without having in-depth knowledge of what had transpired in his father’s case, while regretting his action, and asked the authorities and the DPO in particular for forgiveness.

    The apology published on Adamu Facebook page on April 8, 2024 prior to his arrest partly reads: “We all make mistakes. It matters not what profession is your calling, what faith, or law you adhere to, what color is your skin, or what gender you are, or where you are born, or by whom, the level of your education, past experiences, and all of sorts. As long as you are a human being, you must make mistakes. Infallibility is to God, fallibility is to human beings….

    “I write here specifically to say that I sincerely apologize to the D.P.O. I said so many things that I feel utterly sorry about, and here I am as a human being capable of not always doing things- making mistakes- to say that everyone that came across my write-up should disregard them.

  • Despite apology, Bauchi Police arrest student for defamation on Facebook

    Despite apology, Bauchi Police arrest student for defamation on Facebook

    Operatives of the Bauchi Police Command have arrested one Usman Adamu, a 34-year-old final-year student of Law at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, for alleged harassment and defamation of character on Facebook.

    Adamu, a native of Kyata village in Burra district of Ningi local government area of Bauchi State, was accused of defaming a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Danladi Mohammed, on his  Facebook page.

    Narrating the incident that led to the Facebook post, a statement by Bauchi police spokesman SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil on Saturday explained:  “A complaint was received by Burra Divisional Police Headquarters on the April 2, 2024 about an incident that occurred on the same date at about 1200hrs.

    “One Abdulmumuni Liman, alias Kwakiya of Kyata village via the same Burra District, invited some members of a volunteer group popularly known as “Babeli” led by one Yahaya Zomo from Toro LGA, Bauchi State to the Dangarfa village.

    “The complainant alleged that Abdulmumuni Liman assaulted the complainant and inflicted various degrees of injuries on him over a land dispute.

    “The detectives visited the crime scene and took the victims to General Hospital Burra for treatment. To further the investigation and unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Divisional Police Officer invited the suspect (Abdulmumuni Liman) for questioning over his action but he vehemently dishonored the invitation.”

    Read Also: Inside Bauchi’s illegal mining hub

    The PPRO added: “The suspect’s action also sparked an outcry that led to a mob mobilizing in solidarity with the complainant against the said Abdulmumuni Liman which escalated into a physical confrontation between the two sides.”

    He said the situation was promptly resolved by a team of policemen led by the DPO with suspects arrested during the ensuing melee and transferred to Ningi Area Command for further investigation as directed by the Commissioner of Police.

    According to SP Wakil, to prevent misinformation and its consequences to the peace and security of the community, Usman abdulmumin’s son was arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet investigation with other suspects involved.

    He stated that Usman made a confessional statement, disclosing that he made the online publication based on hearsay and without having in-depth knowledge of what had transpired in his father’s case. Regretting his action, he asked the authorities and the DPO in particular for forgiveness.

    The apology published on Adamu Facebook page on April 8, 2024 prior to his arrest partly reads: “ We all make mistakes. It matters not what profession is your calling, what faith, or law you adhere to, what color is your skin, of what gender you are, or where you are born, or by whom, the level of your education, past experiences, and all of sorts. As long as you are human being, you must make mistakes. Infallibility is to God, fallibility is to human beings.

    “And despite the fact that, ” Sorry” seems to be the hardest word,” when one makes a mistake, the most humble thing to do is to apologize, and determine not to make that same mistake again. I am human, and so always I will be. And I make mistakes, in fact, like everyone, plenty of them, but I always am ready to apologise and learn from them, for that is what separates a man of wisdom and knowledge with readiness to accept what is right and correct his wrongs from that who is darkened by his sense of insincere sensibleness of perfection. And so, I am so sorry.”

    Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, directed a discreet investigation into the matter, condemning violence and misinformation as a means of pursuing justice.

  • Police rescue three kids locked up for days by grandmother

    Police rescue three kids locked up for days by grandmother

    • Nabs driver for ‘cramming 15 children inside car’

    The police in Lagos have come to the rescue of hapless children in two separate incidents.

    In one of the bizarre incidents, three innocent children were rescued by the command after they were locked in a room for days by their grandmother.

    The police spokesman in Lagos, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said the innocent children were rescued by police officers from the Ikotun Division following an alarm raised by concerned neighbours.

    “All thanks to vigilant neighbours who alerted the police, these children were rescued by police officers from Ikotun Division after being locked up in a room for days by their grandmother.

    “The children are now in safe hands while their grandmother is in police custody. Investigation is ongoing. See something, say something!” Hundeyin posted.

     In another horrifying incident, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the police command in Lagos State arrested a driver who allegedly put four children in a car trunk and crammed 11 others on the seats.

    Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson, also confirmed the arrest in a post he shared on his verified X handle @benHundeyin yesterday.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

    He said that the police arrested the driver for negligent act.

    Hundeyin said: “The RRS arrested the driver for cramming 15 children into a Volkswagen Passat in Lagos.

    “The vehicle was reported by concerned citizens on the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge at 8.00 p.m. on Sunday

    “The police noticed that the driver, who had been contracted to transport the children to a beach, had locked four of the children in the car trunk while 11 others were crammed together.” Hundeyin said preliminary investigations revealed that one of the children had collapsed earlier due to similar transport conditions, but recovered after receiving medical attention.

    According to him, the children have been released to their parents unhurt.

    The police spokesman said that the suspect would be charged to court.

    He said the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, praised Lagos residents for always promptly alerting the authorities to suspicious persons and happenings.

  • Police nab suspect who killed 80-year-old couple

    Police nab suspect who killed 80-year-old couple

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said it has arrested a suspect over the murder of an elderly couple, Adebola Ezekiel, 80 and his wife, Abiodun Ezekiel, 79.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Benneth Igweh said this on Friday, April 19, while parading suspects in Abuja.

    The Nation had reported how the aged couple were found dead in their apartment after being hacked by their attackers earlier in April.

    The man, who was in a wheelchair and his wife had their throats slit by their assailants who reportedly used daggers.

    The Commissioner of police said that the gruesome murder of the couple took place in their residence at Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja on April 1.

    Igwe said the police began investigation immediately and were able to the arrest the suspect, a former driver to the deceased couple.

    According to him, police detectives trailed the suspect and arrested him in his hideout in Obajana, Kogi.

    Igwe claimed that the suspect had freely confessed to have gained access to the house on the same date, slit the deceased’s throat and made away with the phones and ATM cards of the couples.

    The commissioner of police also said the command, on April 11, arrested two suspects, for alleged over culpable homicide in Mabushi area of Abuja.

    Igweh said the suspects were arrested by operatives from Mabushi Division following a tip off that the corpse of one Bilkisu Mohammed was being discreetly conveyed.

    “The deceased had earlier visited the house of her supposed boyfriend, who eventually travelled to Kano and left her in the care of the female suspect.

    “The deceased allegedly fell ill and was given non-prescribed drugs that led to her death by the male suspect who came into the house on the invitation of the female suspect,” he said.

    He said the suspects were currently in police custody, undergoing interrogation.

    Igweh said operatives of the Command from Utako Division, on April 6, in a well-coordinated operation, arrested nine suspected armed robbers.

    The CP said the suspects, during interrogation, freely confessed to be part of an armed robbery gang responsible for series of robberies and other heinous crimes in the FCT.

    He said four locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, three locally fabricated cartridge rifles, one English pistol and one dane gun were recovered from the suspects.

    Read Also: Police invite LP’s Akpata, Edo chair over violence at UNIBEN

    Other items recovered from the suspects were three live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one live round of 5.56mm ammunition and an empty cartridge.

    Igwe said police operatives on routine crime prevention patrol at Durumi IDP Camp, on  April 9, also intercepted three suspected armed robbers, who were in possession of one English made pistol and a Mazda vehicle registered RBC 117 EV.

    The CP said all the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.