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Tag: Police

  • Adamawa police parades 58 robbery, kidnapping suspects

    Adamawa police parades 58 robbery, kidnapping suspects

    The Adamawa State Police Command yesterday paraded 58 people charged with various crimes.

    Forty of the suspects were identified as members of a teenage criminal group called Shila Boys, who rob in daylight using knives and going mostly for cash and handsets.

    Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris, who paraded the suspects, said 11 of them were involved in kidnapping while seven are suspected highway robbers.

    Morris said the Shila Boys were rounded up at Sambisa Forest near Yola named after the more popular Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

    “In a bid to checkmate their nefarious excesses, on March 16, the command, in collaboration with hunters, launched a coordinated operation at Sambisa Forest here in Adamawa State.

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    “During this operation, about 40 Shila Boys were arrested and dangerous weapons recovered from them.

    “Also, on March 17, command operatives and tactical teams who were on patrol arrested five suspected members of a robbery gang in Jimeta after they snatched vehicles. On March 5, a gang of kidnappers were arrested at Ngurore, near Yola, where they have been terrorising the community.”

    Exhibits seized from the suspects include one Toyota Prado Jeep (ABJ 344 HX); a Hummer bus (RSH 79 FA); two AK-47 rifles; a leather of charms and rings, and two mobile phones.

  • Police rescue reporters from court over threat

    Police rescue reporters from court over threat

    • Adeleke’s ally’s terrorism trial continues

    Armed policemen yesterday rescued three reporters covering the trial of Oyeyemi Olalekan, an ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is standing trial for terrorism and killing of four people.

    Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir, was arraigned on March 13 on 10-count charge of conspiracy, terrorism and killings. Later his (Oyeyemi’s) counsel, Edmund Biriomoni, filed formal bail application.

    At the trial yesterday, thugs, who came in solidarity with the defendants, threatened to kidnap and maim journalists, including the reporter of The Nation anytime they stepped out of the courtroom.

    The journalists were held up inside the courtroom for about 40 minutes after the court sitting.

    Osun State Police Command was contacted and operatives were sent to the court to rescue the reporters.

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    The thugs waited at the entrance of the court, while an unregistered car was stationed beside the road in front of the court to kidnap the reporters. The police evacuated the journalists, while the thugs rained verbal abuse on them as they left.

    During the sitting, Biriomoni informed the court that a formal bail application was filed and served on March 13. He noted that the application was filed on seven grounds.

    Counsel for Inspector General of Police Francis Osie opposed the bail application and informed the court that a counter motion had been filed. He hinged his opposition on sections 162 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice, 2015.

    Justice Ayoola reserved ruling on the bail application, noting that the date would be communicated to the parties involved.

  • Police arrest armed robbery suspect linked to murder in Rivers 

    Police arrest armed robbery suspect linked to murder in Rivers 

    The Rivers state police command, in collaboration with the C4i Strike Force and Diobu Vigilante, has arrested a notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect identified as Samuel Nwokeoma in connection with cult-related killings in the Diobu area, Mile One,Port Harcourt.

    The police in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, said the 25-year old, who confessed his membership of Blood Star cult group was arrested on March 17.

    The statement said: “During the subsequent interrogation, Samuel Nwokoma confessed to his involvement in two specific incidents. 

    “On the 14th of March, 2024, at approximately 2030hrs, he and his gang attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, a 32-year-old male, at Nanka Street by Lomumba, Dioubu, Port Harcourt. 

    “On the 16th of March, 2024, at approximately 2035hrs, they also shot George Johnson, a 28-year-old male, in the chest at Ojoto Street by Emenike, Diobu, Port Harcourt. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at New Mile One Clinic Diobu, George Johnson tragically succumbed to his injuries”.

    Read Also: Adamawa police command parades 58 robbery, kidnap suspects

    The statement said Nwokoma led lolice operatives to the gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

    It said: “However, upon the arrival of the police, the remaining gang members fled the scene and attempted to evade capture by jumping into the river. Intensive efforts are currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

    “The search conducted at the hideout yielded substantial evidence in the form of recovered arms and ammunition. 

    “The recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol, 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition, 105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of .9mm ammunition, seven packets of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one long detonating wire, and various types of charms.

    “The recovery of these weapons and explosives is of utmost importance, as it not only neutralizes an immediate threat to public safety but also highlights the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command in combating violent crimes within our communities. 

    “We assure the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the apprehension of all individuals involved in these criminal activities.

    The Commissioner of Police Rivers State urges members of the community to continue cooperating with the police by providing any relevant information that may aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects. Together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for all residents.”

  • Police rescue five more children from suspected human trafficker

    Police rescue five more children from suspected human trafficker

    The Lagos State Police Command said it has rescued five more children from a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating in Kwara State but arrested in Lagos State.

    The spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, yesterday said the rescued children have been reunited with their families.

    A suspected kingpin of child trafficking and labour syndicate was arrested on January 28 after three months of intelligence gathering on their activities by the police command.

    Hundeyin earlier said the syndicate usually brought under-aged children from the north to Lagos for child labour and other illegal activities against children.

    According to him, on January 25, 45-year-old leader of the syndicate, Alimot Haruna, of Molete Village, Ilorin, was arrested by detectives from Ijora Badia Police Division, who had monitored her movements.

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    He said: “In the process, three underage children, two females and one male, whose names could not be ascertained – between ages 7 and 12 – of no fixed address, were rescued from her. During interrogation, she confessed to the crime. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had illegally brought 42 children to Lagos State for child labour without their parent’s consent. It was also revealed that the suspect had been declared wanted by the Kwara State Police Command in connection with similar crimes.”

    Hundeyin added that the Kwara State Police Command confirmed that they recovered some of the children except 11 others. The suspect also mentioned locations she kept the other children.

    “Their current custodians were contacted and they admitted having the children. While awaiting operatives from Kwara State Police Command Anti-Trafficking Unit to harmonise the case, efforts are on to rescue the remaining eight children,” he added.

    Five of the eight children have been rescued, while the police are still working to rescue the remaining three.

  • Police arrest two Lagos traffic robbery suspects disguising as beggars

    Police arrest two Lagos traffic robbery suspects disguising as beggars

    Police have arrested two robbery suspects who pose as alms beggars in Lagos traffic gridlocks.

    The duo approached a motorist in gridlock at Agungi area in Lekki on Friday, soliciting for alms, but forcefully took his telephone handset and jewellery and took to their heels.

    Police spokesman in Lagos state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, that the motorist quickly alerted a nearby police patrol team that arrested the robbers.

    “The stolen items were recovered from them. The two suspects will be arraigned accordingly’’ Hundeyin said.

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    He told NAN that police also arrested a woman, who attempted to transact a N90,000 business with a Point of Sale (PoS) machine operator, using fake N1,000 notes.

    Hundeyin said the vigilant PoS operator raised an alarm leading to the arrest of the woman.

    He said the suspect had been detained for investigation. (NAN)

  • Police in A’Ibom parade 52 suspects

    Police in A’Ibom parade 52 suspects

    • Rescue four kidnap victims

    The Akwa Ibom State police Command has paraded 52 suspects for various crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, child trafficking, cultism and murder.

    The Command also rescued four kidnapped victims including a woman, who faked her own kidnap and demanded for N4million as ransom.

    The Commissioner of Police Waheed Ayilara, while parading the suspects on Friday in Uyo declared total war against criminal elements in the state.

    Ayilara, who assumed duty, recently said that one of the rescued victims, Imaobong Sampson (f) of Nung Oku Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, who arranged her kidnap and demanded N4 milion was arrested by operatives of the command.

    “On March 11, 2024, at 1000hrs, a report was received from one Enobong Sampson that her sister Imaobong Sampson Francis Sampson was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding N4 million as ransom.

    “As a result, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping squad of the Command embarked on an intense and intelligence driven operation, so as to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victim.

    “On March 12, 2024, at about 2315hrs the purported victim, one Imaobong Sampson and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, were arrested in a hideout at Mbierebe Obio, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

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    “She confessed to have conspired with her boyfriend, Beltus and three others to proclaim her kidnap to raise money from her aunty, who is based abroad,” Ayilara said.

    The CP added that within the period, on March 13, based on intelligence, the operatives of the command arrested one Okon Edet (m) of Uruting village in Okobo LGA for killing his father, Chief Okon Edet aged 75, of the same address by beating him mercilessly machete, leading to his death.

    Edet alleged that the late father had sold all the parcels of land he had, including the one that he gave to him to build his house as the reason for his action.

    Ayilara further said that on March 8, the operatives of the anti-robbery squad of the command arrested one Akanimo Akpan of Efa Ayam village in Etinan LGA, who was involved in adulterating fruit drink and other products.

    He added that also on March 8, at about 1600hrs, one Akan Edet was arrested for using Point Of Sale (POS) to defraud innocent citizens and was to be set ablaze but was rescued by operatives of the COMPOL Monitoring Unit.

    He added that most of those Akan Edet defrauded have identified him and the sum of N350, 000 cash was recovered from him at the time of arrest.

  • Police parade 52 suspects, rescue four kidnap victims in A’Ibom

    Police parade 52 suspects, rescue four kidnap victims in A’Ibom

    The Akwa Ibom state police command has paraded 52 suspects for various crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, child trafficking, cultism and murder.

    The Command also rescued four kidnapped victims including a woman, who faked her own kidnap and demanded N4million as ransom.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, while parading the suspects on Friday in Uyo declared total war against criminal elements in the state.

    Ayilara, who assumed duty recently said that one of the rescued victims, Imaobong Sampson (f) of Nung Oku Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, who arranged her kidnap and demanded N4 milion was arrested by operatives of the command.

    “On March 11, 2024, at 1000hrs, a report was received from one Enobong Sampson that her sister Imaobong Sampson Francis Sampson was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding for N4 million as ransom.

    “As a result, operatives of Anti-kidnapping squad of the Command embarked on an intense and intelligence driven operation, so as to trackdown the perpetrators and rescue the victim.

    “On March 12, 2024, at about 2315hrs the said purported victim, one Imaobong Sampson and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, were arrested in a hideout at Mbierebe Obio, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

    “She confessed to have conspired with her boyfriend, Beltus and three others to procalim her kidnap to raise money from her aunty, who is based abroad,” Ayilara said.

    Read Also: Police arrest robber who camouflaged as lunatic in Lagos

    The CP added that within the period, on March 13, based on intelligence, the operatives of the command arrested one Okon Edet (m) of Uruting village in Okobo LGA for killing his father, Chief Okon Edet aged 75, of the same address by beating him mercilessly machete, leading to his death.

    Edet alleged that the late father had sold all the parcel of land he had, including the one that he gave to him to build his house as the reason for his action.

    Ayilara further said that on March 8, the operatives of anti-robbery squad of the command arrested one Akanimo Akpan of Efa Ayam village in Etinan LGA, who involved in adulterated fruits drink and other products.

    He added that also on March 8, at about 1600hrs, one Akan Edet was arrested for using Point Of Sale (POS) to defraud innocent citizens and was to be set ablaze but was rescued by operatives of COMPOL Monitoring Unit.

    He added that most of those Akan Edet defrauded have identified him and the sum of N350, 000 cash was recovered from him at the time of arrest.

    The commissioner assured that all the suspects will be charged to Court as soon as investigations are concluded.

    Ayilara assured the good people of Akwa Ibom that he will work with stakeholders to set up strategies that will address contemporary security challenges.

    “Let me assure Akwa Ibom  people that the Command under my watch will collaborate with stakeholders in harnessing available resources to ensure that the State continues to remain the most peaceful,” he said

  • Police arrest robber who camouflaged as lunatic in Lagos

    Police arrest robber who camouflaged as lunatic in Lagos

    The police in Lagos State have arrested one Olaseinde Ojo, a suspected robber and kidnapper at the Post Office, Isokoko, who disguises as a lunatic to rob or kidnap his victims.

    A statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said another arrest was also made along Dolphin Bridge when police operatives patrolling that axis intercepted a dispatch rider identified as Samson Shina ‘m’ in possession of a locally-made pistol and some charms.

    The statement reads: “It is our responsibility as the lead security agency to update the public on our efforts to curb crimes, and also educate Nigerians on the antics adopted by criminals so as to guide against them

    “Our operatives in Lagos State and FCT Command, having intensified their operational strategies, have arrested several criminals connected to atrocious crimes. Among these is the arrest of one Olaseinde Ojo ‘m’, a suspected robber and kidnapper at Post Office, Isokoko, who disguises as a lunatic to get close to his victims and rob or kidnap them.

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    “Similarly, operatives of the FCT command on stop at search duty around Taxi Park area, Abuja, accosted a motorcycle carrying three passengers, one Usman Musa ‘m’ and two others, and found in their possession a locally-fabricated Beretta pistol with 11 rounds of live ammunition.

    “Search conducted in their premises also led to the recovery of $5,800 fake dollar notes and other incriminating items.

    “Amid rising concerns about personal safety, the Nigeria Police urges citizens to remain vigilant and prioritise their security.”

  • Police arrest armed robber dress like lunatic to kidnap, rob victims

    Police arrest armed robber dress like lunatic to kidnap, rob victims

    The Nigeria Police Force Lagos State Command has arrested one Olaseinde Ojo, a suspected armed robber and kidnapper at Post Officer Isokoko who disguised as a lunatic to get close to his victims and rob or kidnap them.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday also said another arrest was made along Dolphin Bridge when police operatives patrolling that axis intercepted a dispatch rider identified as Samson Shina ‘m’ in possession of a locally made pistol and some charms.

    The statement reads in part: “The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in their quest to tackle crimes and criminality across the country have once again recorded milestone achievements in various areas.

    “It is our responsibility as the lead Security Agency in Nigeria to update the public of our efforts to curb the menace of crimes in our society, and also educate Nigerians on the series of antics adopted by Criminals so as to guide against them

    “For instance, our operatives in Lagos State and FCT Command, having intensified their operational strategies, have successfully arrested several criminals connected to atrocious crimes. Among these is the arrest of one Olaseinde Ojo ‘m’, a suspected armed robber and kidnapper at Post Office, Isokoko who disguises as a lunatic to get close to his victims and rob or kidnap them. 

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    “Similarly, operatives of the FCT command on stop at search duty around Taxi Park area, Abuja, accosted a motorcycle carrying 3 passengers one Usman Musa ‘m’ and 2 others, and found in their possession a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with 11 rounds of live ammunition. Search conducted in their premises also led to recovery of $5,800 fake dollar notes and other incriminating items.

    “Amid rising concerns about personal safety, the Nigeria Police urges citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize their security. With recent reports highlighting various incidents, including thefts, defilement, and assault, it’s essential for individuals to take proactive measures. These include being sensitive to their surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit places, particularly at night. 

    “Moreover, members of the public are encouraged to keep their belongings secure and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. By staying alert and cautious, everyone can play a role in fostering a safer society for all, and we will not fall into the antics of the criminals.”

  • Rivers Police recover remains of DPO Bako

    Rivers Police recover remains of DPO Bako

    About six months after his murder, remains of SP. Bako Angbashin, a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Police Station, Rivers State, have been recovered by the police.

    Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement yesterday, said the skull was among the remains exhumed from the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, aka, 2Baba.

    The statement reads: “Rivers State Police Command is pleased to announce significant advancements in investigation into the murder of SP Bako Angbashim, a former DPO of Ahoada Division. The command’s unwavering commitment to resolving this crime and ensuring justice has yielded fruitful results.

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    “On March 10, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the state command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, famously known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.

    “Search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where SP Angbashim’s remains were located and exhumed.

    “The exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased, and they have been taken to the mortuary for scientific examination and genetic testing. These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives”

    The statement added that efforts are on to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts.”