The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police nab taxi driver over alleged serial rape, assault

    Police nab taxi driver over alleged serial rape, assault

    Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, have arrested a commercial taxi driver, Adedayo Ben Adegbola, for alleged involvement in multiple cases of rape, assault, and armed robbery against female passengers across the state.

    The suspect, whose picture recently went viral on social media following complaints from victims, was arrested on October 31, after an intensive investigation ordered by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohuntare Jimoh.

    According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, operatives recovered a red Toyota Corolla marked JJJ 226 HT allegedly used by Adegbola in committing the crimes. The vehicle has been secured as an exhibit.

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    The police said Adegbola is currently in detention while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected accomplices linked to the attacks. Victims  have been urged to come forward and assist investigators, with assurances that their identities will be protected.

    CP Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for survivors and maintaining the safety of all residents in Lagos. He also promised that further updates on the investigation would be made public in due course.

  • Two held for criminal conspiracy, theft

    Two held for criminal conspiracy, theft

    The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects for criminal conspiracy, theft, and possession of stolen property.

    Its Public Relations Officer, (CSP) Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, in a statement yesterday, said: “On Saturday, at about 2pm, a concerned citizen reported to the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters that earlier that day, around 9am, two unidentified men approached him at his garage in Kari village, asking about motorcycle dealers.”

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    He added that the two men, who were riding a red Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, displayed suspicious behaviour, prompting a swift response from the police.

    A team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Auwalu Ilu, immediately mobilized to the scene and arrested the suspects.

    The suspects were later identi

  • Police kill two gunmen, foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi

    Police kill two gunmen, foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi

    Operatives of the Ebonyi Police Command have neutralised two suspected members of a criminal gang and foiled a kidnap attempt in separate operations across the state.

    In a statement on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, the command said the suspects were killed during a gun duel with security operatives at their hideout in Iyonu community, Ishielu Local Government Area.

    According to Ukandu, the operation, conducted within the Iyonu/Idodo forest, followed credible intelligence on the gang’s activities in the area. 

    Upon sighting the police team, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire in which two suspects were neutralised.

    Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated Dane guns, twenty rounds of 9mm ammunition, and five live cartridges.

    In another operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in Isata community, Isu, Onicha Local Government Area.

    Three suspects, Monday Okorie, Ngwuta Friday, and Simon Joshua, were arrested, while one member of the gang escaped. 

    The police also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun from the suspects.

    Ukandu stated that the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, commended the operatives for their gallantry and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and criminality.

    She urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to aid the police in sustaining peace and security across Ebonyi State

  • Police launch manhunt after 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 stolen in Victoria Island

    Police launch manhunt after 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 stolen in Victoria Island

    The Lagos State Command has launched a manhunt for a gang of armed robbers who stole a 2025 Mercedes-Bens GLE 350.

    The black 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 with registration number WTO 21 AM was stolen at gunpoint by a gang of armed robbers on Saturday, at Akin-Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The incident occurred at about 00:00 hours, when the robbers, numbering about four forced the driver out at gunpoint before fleeing the scene with the car. 

    The luxury SUV, bearing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 4JGFB4FB8SB274117, was last seen heading towards the Ozumba Mbadiwe axis.

    Eyewitnesses said the robbers arrived while the car was parked with the driver inside and executed the operation within minutes. 

    They fired a warning shot into the air to scare away passersby before zooming off with the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350.

    The driver sustained minor injuries during the attack, following a initial resistance of the robbers, though onlookers described the experience as frightening. 

    Confirming the incident, a senior police officer from the Victoria Island Division said a full-scale manhunt had been launched, and the vehicle has been placed on the Lagos State and national security watchlists.

    “The Lagos State Police Command has activated joint patrol operations involving anti-robbery, surveillance, and intelligence teams. All exit routes from Victoria Island have been placed under close monitoring,” the officer stated.

    The stolen vehicle is described as black metallic, 2025 model Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, with factory-fitted tinted windows, brown leather interior, and VIN 4JGFB4FB8SB274117. It also features LED headlamps, AMG alloy wheels, and a distinctive chrome front grille.

    Police have appealed to members of the public, car dealers, and auto mechanics to be on the lookout for any vehicle matching this description and to report immediately to the nearest police station or through the emergency hotlines 112 and 767.

    The robbery has renewed safety concerns among residents and business operators in Victoria Island, who are calling for increased night patrols, functional streetlights, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and private estate guards.

    As of the time of filing this report, investigations were ongoing, with the Lagos State Police Command assuring the public that all efforts were being made to recover the stolen SUV and bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • Police arrest man for faking own kidnap

    Police arrest man for faking own kidnap

    The Force Criminal Investigation Department (F-CID) has arrested a middle-aged man from Benue State, Andrew, Paul Audu], for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a calculated attempt to score political points and create unnecessary tension.

    The suspect vanished on 8th March, 2025, around 6:00am, claiming he had been abducted by political opponents. 

    He circulated messages alleging that rivals had kidnapped him to silence his voice ahead of local political activities. 

    The false report triggered panic among family members, supporters, and security agencies, prompting a search operation that wasted valuable resources.

    However, on Friday evening, 31st October,  2025, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested him at Abacha Road in Abuja. 

    He was found relaxing with friends, enjoying grilled fish and beer—far from any danger. 

    The arrest followed weeks of investigation ordered by the Inspector General of Police after the initial report was flagged as suspicious.

    Under the online alias “Mallam Sheik Audu,” the suspect maintains a Facebook page where he poses as a Muslim cleric. 

    He claims to be a Muslim but regularly posts content that contradicts Islamic principles, including insults against public figures, ethnic groups, and religious leaders. 

    He is known for using the platform to attack anyone who disagrees with his political views, often spreading hate speech and fake news to gain attention.

    Police sources say his motive was to embarrass political opponents by framing them for the fake kidnap and to rally sympathy for his cause. 

    He is also believed to have planned to demand ransom from supporters under false pretenses.

    The suspect remains in F-CID custody in Abuja and will face charges of kidnapping and abduction of a person which are not bailable offences.  

    Investigation continues to determine if others were involved.

  • Police confirm abduction of Kebbi Deputy Speaker

    Police confirm abduction of Kebbi Deputy Speaker

    The Kebbi Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

    Abubakar said the incident occurred on Friday night at about 8:20 p.m., when a gang of armed men stormed Bagudo town and kidnapped the lawmaker shortly after observing Isha’i prayer on his way home.

    He said that the command had since deployed a combined team of police tactical unit, military personnel and vigilantes to track down the abductors and ensure safe rescue of the deputy speaker.

    “The joint team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” Abubakar said.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello Sani, had reiterated the command’s determination to protect the lives and property of residents across the state.

    “The CP has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the PPRO pleaded.

    (NAN)

  • Police probe alleged kidnapping, organ harvesting at Imo hotel

    Police probe alleged kidnapping, organ harvesting at Imo hotel

    The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a thorough investigation into a viral video alleging kidnapping and organ harvesting at H&C Hotel, Irete, in Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    The state police public relations officer, Henry Okoye, said yesterday that the hotel owner, Mr. Allwell Onyedikachi Mmaduabuchi, had been invited for questioning.

    “The hotel owner, Mr. Allwell Onyedikachi Mmaduabuchi, has been invited by the Police for questioning, while efforts are ongoing to locate and invite the individual who made the allegations to substantiate his claims with credible evidence that will aid the ongoing investigation,” Okoye said.

    He said the police were taking the allegations seriously and all necessary steps were being taken to verify the claims.

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    “The case is receiving utmost attention, and all necessary investigative actions are being taken to ascertain the authenticity of the information contained in the viral video,” Okoye added.

    He assured residents of justice and public safety, adding that the outcome of the investigation would be made public upon conclusion.

    “The Command remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice without fear or favour, and maintaining public confidence in its commitment to safety and transparency. The Command is on top of the situation,” Okoye said.

  • Niger LG election: Police warn youths to away from trouble

    Niger LG election: Police warn youths to away from trouble

    The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has warned anyone with the intention to cause trouble during the Niger State local government elections to have a rethink, as security agencies will not hesitate to clamp down on such persons.

    In line with this, the Commissioner of Police has also ordered the deployment of three Deputy Commissioners of Police to the three senatorial districts in the State for election security monitoring and supervision.

    This is in addition to massive deployment of Police personnel and operational assets including tactical teams such as 12pmf, 61pmf, Counter terrorism unit (CTU), EOD-CBRN, Special protection unit (SPU), Tactical support team (TST), Crack squad, and Anti-kidnapping unit, as well as other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to provide security coverage at all the 4,950 polling units and 274 wards of the 25LGAs across the state.

    Elleman then urged all political parties to play by the rules while reiterating the Command’s readiness to provide adequate security for a peaceful and credible election.

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    He added that enforcement of vehicular movement restriction shall also commence from 6am-6pm on the Election Day, except officials on essential duties.

    In a related development, journalists and media practitioners were trained on effective and ethical election reporting by LinaTV in collaboration with Media Mentors Network with support from the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC).

    Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Simon Lounge, said the training was timely, as they expect the media and journalists to report what is on ground and not sensationalise the elections.

    The Chief Executive Officer of LinaTV, Celine Alkali said there was need for the training, as several journalists across media organisations in the state would be covering such type of elections for the first time.

    The facilitators, Mr Dan Amasigha took the journalists on media responsibilities and ethical considerations in reporting elections, Alhaji Dantala took a session on principles of effective election reporting and understanding the electoral process while Justina Asishana took a session on fact-checking and combating misinformation during elections.

  • Police arrest seven kidnap suspects, rescue victims in Delta

    Police arrest seven kidnap suspects, rescue victims in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has apprehended seven kidnap suspects at Ubeji Community in Warri South Local Government of the state.

    The Spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Warri, said that three male victims were rescued from the custody of the suspects.

    Edafe said that the suspects were arrested on Thursday by the police operatives attached to the Ekpan Division, Uvwie Local Government of the state.

    He said that the suspects were nabbed following credible information received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph.

    According to Edafe, the DPO received a distress report of a suspected case of kidnapping at Ubeji Community, behind the Ubeji Gas Plant.

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    “Acting on the report, the DPO deployed a team of detectives and patrol operatives to the scene.

    “On sighting the police teams, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry farm within the same community.

    “The police team swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to the successful arrest of the seven suspects,” he said.

    Edafe said that the rescued victims had since reunited with their families.

    The police spokesman said that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted at a dredging site at Ubeji and ferried across the river.

    He said that the suspects immediately contacted the families of the abductees, and threatened to kill them, if certain demands were not met.

  • Police arrest seven kidnap suspects, rescue victims in Delta

    Police arrest seven kidnap suspects, rescue victims in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has apprehended seven kidnap suspects at Ubeji Community in Warri South Local Government of the state.

    The Spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Warri, said that three male victims were rescued from the custody of the suspects.

    Edafe said that the suspects were arrested on Thursday by the police operatives attached to the Ekpan Division, Uvwie Local Government of the state.

    He said that the suspects were nabbed following a credible information received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph.

    According to Edafe, the DPO received a distress report of a suspected case of kidnapping incident at Ubeji Community, behind the Ubeji Gas Plant.

    “Acting on the report, the DPO deployed a team of detectives and patrol operatives to the scene.

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    “On sighting the police teams, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry within the same community.

    “The police team swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to the successful arrest of the seven suspects,” he said.

    Edafe said that the rescued victims had since reunited with their families.

    The police spokesman said that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted at a dredging site at Ubeji and ferried across the river.

    He said that the suspects immediately contacted the families of the abductees, and threatened to kill them, if certain demands were not met.

    Edafe added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN