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Tag: Police

  • Four men arraigned for kidnapping, attempted murder in Ondo

    Four men arraigned for kidnapping, attempted murder in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned four men before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly kidnapping a 60-year-old man, Tijani Aremu, and attempting to murder a woman in the Akoko area of the state.

    The defendants – Yahaya Galejo, 30; Ismail Illa, 20; Muhammadu Usman, 25; and Muhammed Idrisa, 27 — were charged with five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful gathering.

    Police prosecutor Sulieman Adebayo told the court that the accused persons, along with others still at large, committed the offences on August 17, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m. at Ikuiye Awara Farm within the Ondo State Magisterial District.

    Adebayo alleged that the defendants, armed with a short single-barreled gun, a dagger, and other dangerous weapons, abducted Aremu and took him to an undisclosed location, where he was held for two days while his family was coerced into paying a ransom.

    On the same date and location, the prosecutor further alleged that the defendants attempted to kill a woman, Omolayo Aremu, by locking her inside a reservoir tank.

    The court also heard that the suspects were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including a short single-barreled gun and a dagger, without a satisfactory explanation.

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    The charges, according to the prosecution, contravene Section 6(b), 2(a and b) of the Anti-Abduction and Anti-Kidnapping Law of Ondo State, 2010; Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024; and Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    Adebayo urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    However, the pleas of the accused were not taken, as their counsel sought an adjournment to enable him to file a counter-affidavit against the remand application.

    Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ordered that the defendants be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case until September 18 for ruling on the remand application.

  • Police probe lifeless body found at National Assembly car park

    Police probe lifeless body found at National Assembly car park

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body inside a car at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Sunday.

    The deceased, identified as 55-year-old Gaddafi Iwar, a Tiv man believed to be a labourer at a construction site within the complex, was found in a red Peugeot 406 with registration number BWR-577 BF around 9:00 a.m. on September 7.

    Police confirmed that the body was first taken to the National Assembly Clinic for confirmation before being moved to Asokoro General Hospital, which reportedly rejected the remains due to advanced decomposition.

    Leaders of the Tiv community later conveyed the body to Gbawu village, a border town between Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Kuje Area Council, where it was buried to prevent a health hazard.

    FCT Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the police received a distress call about the incident and are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death.

    Read Also: Oyo ex-lawmakers seek Police protection for Assembly member over N300b loan saga

    “The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), National Assembly Division, immediately responded to the call and, upon arrival, discovered the deceased inside a red Peugeot 406 motor vehicle with registration number BWR-577 BF.

    “The body was promptly evacuated to Asokoro General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that it was already in an advanced state of decomposition.

    “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, has ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He directed that efforts be intensified to establish the identity of the deceased.

    “Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”

  • Oyo ex-lawmakers seek Police protection for Assembly member over N300b loan saga

    Oyo ex-lawmakers seek Police protection for Assembly member over N300b loan saga

    The Forum of Former Lawmakers in Oyo State, under the aegis of Oyo State Progressives ex-Parliamentarians, has called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to protect Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, member representing Saki West State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    The forum alleged that some disgruntled politicians are unhappy with Shittu for exposing a purported N300 billion loan said to have been approved by the Assembly for Governor Seyi Makinde.

    At an emergency meeting held over the weekend in Ibadan, the forum’s chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, said they were compelled to intervene because of concerns about the implications of the loan on the people of Oyo State and the safety of their colleague.

    The ex-lawmakers argued that despite increased federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Governor Makinde has continued to rely heavily on loans since 2019, with little visible impact on infrastructure and the welfare of citizens.

    Members of the forum include former Speakers Hon. Olagunju Ojo and Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, as well as Hon. Sikiru Akintola Alli, Hon. John Olaleru, Hon. Mogaji Adigun Ahmed Murphy, Hon. Elder Adegboyega Mathew Abioye, Hon. Fatai Salaam, Hon. Afeez Adeleke, Hon. D.A. Lawal, Hon. Dr. Mathew Oyedokun, Hon. Hazmat Ogunsola, Hon. Mrs. Ramata Okemakinde, among others.

    Bolomope said, “We members of Oyo State Progressives ex-Parliamentarians, consisting of former Honourable members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, have met and deliberated upon the revelation made by Hon. Shittu Ibrahim from Saki West State constituency.

    “We looked into the facts of the matter, its merit and demerit, and we come to the conclusion that we have to applaud Hon. Shittu for representing the state very well, not just his own constituency.

    “As former lawmakers, we know that the House of Assembly could approve loans for the executive, but when they are doing that, they must follow the rules of the game.

    “In this instance, the House cannot sit and approve a loan for the Governor without having a two-thirds majority of members of the House at the sitting for fiscal matters, or in some instances, at least they must have a simple majority of the members of the House.

    “From the available records, this is not the first loan that the House has approved for the Seyi Makinde-led government. The Oyo State government has taken various loans, which include 100 billion naira in 2020, in 2021-2022 additional 50 Billion Loan, in 2023, 150 billion naira in a recent report of plan for another humongous 300 billion naira loan.

    “If we take the increase in the allocations accrued to the State Governments into consideration, we will discover that it is not right for the Oyo State government under Engr. Seyi Makinde is to take a loan again.

    “Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde’s colleague Governors like Hope Uzodinma have confirmed that with the rate of the allocation his state is receiving monthly, he has been able to clear the backlog of debts inherited from the previous administrations and was able to increase the minimum wage of workers in his state to 104,000 naira.

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    “Now, our concern and from our experiences as former lawmakers, when somebody comes out to reveal the truth, especially in our environment where truth is difficult to get by, anybody who says the truth is prone to danger.

    “This is the reason why we call on the Inspector General of Police and other sister security agencies in the country to provide adequate security for our own brother and colleague, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, and others who share a similar view with him in the assembly.

    “We believe that if this is done, the security agencies would have proven to Nigerians that people who have information that will expose the ills and corruption in society, that will assist the ordinary common man, will have the courage to come out and inform the public.

    “We also have it on good authority that there is a grand plan by the House of Assembly to suspend Hon. Ibrahim Shittu anytime the House resumes and stops his salary and allowance for exposing them to the public. We want to warn the House to jettison such a plan to avoid any form of violence that may erupt thereafter.

    “In conclusion, we once again applaud Hon. Shittu for being a courageous parliamentarian and for a good representation of his people.”

  • Ondo Police arrest suspected fraudster behind fake police academy admission

    Ondo Police arrest suspected fraudster behind fake police academy admission

    The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster allegedly behind a fake admission syndicate targeting the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano.

    The suspect, identified as Samson Olamilekan Owolade, a native of Ipogun in Akure, was apprehended on Thursday following credible intelligence linking him to a growing scam involving fraudulent admission offers, misleading social media posts, and online platforms designed to dupe aspiring cadets.

    Police investigations revealed that Owolade created and managed a WhatsApp group titled “NPA RC12 Guide and Updates”, which had over 370 members, with at least 100 unsuspecting applicants believed to have already fallen victim.

    He was also found to be behind a Facebook page, “POLAC UPDATES GROUP”, used to spread false information and defamatory content against the Police Academy.

    Acting swiftly, operatives of the Cybercrime Unit tracked and arrested the suspect within an hour of receiving the report.

    A preliminary investigation led to the recovery of several mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and SIM cards allegedly used to carry out the fraud.

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    Police sources confirmed that Owolade has made a confessional statement and will be transferred to the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, for further investigation and prosecution.

    Confirming his arrest in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the fraudulent network.

    He also issued a stern warning to the public, especially parents and prospective candidates, to disregard unofficial sources or individuals promising admission into the Academy.

    According to the statement, admission into the Nigeria Police Academy is strictly merit-based and processed only through official channels.

    The police reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its institutions and protecting the aspirations of young Nigerians pursuing careers in law enforcement.

  • Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as police foil attacks in Anambra communities

    Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as police foil attacks in Anambra communities

    Police in Anambra State have recovered two abandoned but suspected snatched vehicles in Awka, the state capital, as well as in Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

    Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the suspects had abandoned the vehicles and fled following a coordinated chase by police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka.

    He listed the recovered vehicles as a Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR and a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU.

    He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    He said, “Following the security and safety measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, patrols have continued to foil the plans of unrepentant criminals.

    “To this effect, Police operatives have recovered two abandoned but suspected snatched vehicles in Oba and Awka, respectively. Efforts are, however, ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

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    “The swift response and coordinated chase by police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, led to the recovery of a snatched Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR, along Parkers Road, Awka on 4th September 2025 at about 10.10 pm.

    “The four armed men, operating in a tricycle without a registration number, had earlier blocked the victim along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, forcing him to abandon his vehicle before they fled the scene with it.

    “Similarly, in the early hours of 5th September 2025, police operatives attached to Oba Division received information that a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU, had been abandoned by yet-to-be-identified persons around Mummy Hotel axis, along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, Oba.

    “Upon receipt of the information, Police Operatives moved swiftly to the location and recovered the vehicle, which has since been towed to the station for safekeeping.

    “To this end, the Command appreciates the good people of Anambra for their timely and useful information, noting that effective collaboration between the Police and the public remains a key strategy in combating crime.”

  • Suspected mastermind of fake police academy admission arrested

    Suspected mastermind of fake police academy admission arrested

    The Ondo Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster allegedly behind a fake admission syndicate targeting the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano.

    The suspect, Samson Olamilekan Owolade, a native of Ipogun in Akure, was apprehended on Thursday following credible intelligence linking him to a growing scam involving fraudulent admission offers, misleading social media posts, and online platforms designed to dupe aspiring cadets.

    Police investigations revealed that Owolade created and managed a WhatsApp group titled “NPA RC12 Guide and Updates”, which had over 370 members, with at least 100 unsuspecting applicants believed to have already fallen victim. 

    He was also found to be behind a Facebook page, “POLAC UPDATES GROUP”, used to spread false information and defamatory content against the Police Academy.

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    Acting swiftly, operatives of the Cybercrime Unit tracked and arrested the suspect within an hour of receiving the report. 

    A preliminary investigation led to the recovery of several mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and SIM cards allegedly used to carry out the fraud.

    Police sources confirmed Owolade has made a confessional statement and will be transferred to the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, for further investigation and prosecution.

    Confirming his arrest in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the fraudulent network. 

    He also warned the public, especially parents and prospective candidates, to disregard unofficial sources or individuals promising admission into the Academy.

    According to the statement, admission into the Nigeria Police Academy is strictly merit-based and processed only through official channels. 

    The police reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its institutions and protecting the aspirations of young Nigerians pursuing careers in law enforcement.

  • We’ve rescued 16 out of 18 kidnapped victims -Edo Police

    We’ve rescued 16 out of 18 kidnapped victims -Edo Police

    Edo Police Command said it has rescued 16 out of 18 passengers abducted on Friday night along the Benin-Abuja highway.

    The victims were travelling to Abuja in an Edo line bus when they were abducted.

    Edo Police spokesman, SP Moses Iyamu, said the rescued victims have been debriefed.

    Read Also: Edo Police launch manhunt for kidnap-suspects

    He said rescue search has been intensified in collaboration with local vigilance group and hunters to ensure release of other passengers.

  • Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as Police foil attacks in Anambra communities 

    Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as Police foil attacks in Anambra communities 

    Police in Anambra State have recovered two abandoned but reportedly snatched vehicles in Awka, state capital as well as in Oba in Idemli South local government area.

    Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Saturday, informed the suspects had abandoned the vehicles and fled following coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka.

    He listed the recovered vehicles as Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR and black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU.

    He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    According to him: “Following the security and safety measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, patrols have continued to foil the plans of unrepentant criminals. 

    “To this effect, Police operatives have recovered two abandoned but suspected snatched vehicles in Oba and Awka respectively. Efforts are however ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    “The swift response and coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, led to the recovery of a snatched Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR, along Parkers Road, Awka on 4th September 2025 at about 10.10 pm. 

    “The four armed men, operating in a tricycle without a registration number, had earlier blocked the victim along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, forcing him to abandon his vehicle before they fled the scene with it.

    “Similarly, in the early hours of 5th September 2025, Police Operatives attached to Oba Division received information that a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU, had been abandoned by yet-to-be-identified persons around Mummy Hotel axis, along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, Oba.

    “Upon receipt of the information, Police Operatives moved swiftly to the location and recovered the vehicle which has since been towed to the station for safekeeping.

    “To this end, the Command appreciates the good people of Anambra for their timely and useful information, noting that effective collaboration between the Police and the public remains a key strategy in combating crime.”

  • Assault: Human rights group asks police to investigate Kano LG chairperson

    Assault: Human rights group asks police to investigate Kano LG chairperson

    Human Rights Network (HRN) Nigeria has petitioned the police asking the Force to thoroughly investigate the Chairperson of Tudunwada Local Government Area, Sa’adatu Salisu Yushau, who has been accused of allegedly mobilising political thugs to attack innocent citizens.

    The group, in a petition: HRN/NPC/GEN/V.V192, to the Commissioner of Police in Kano, Dr Ibrahim Bakori, urged the police to quickly launch investigation on the “nefarious activities of the Council Chairperson.”

    The petition, signed by the Country Director of the Human Rights Network and also a consultant, Comrade A.A Haruna Ayagi, said, one Mallam Suwidi Umar, a resident of Kofar Yamma Unguwar Rariya Quarters Tudunwada Local Government Area, complained that Sa’adatu Yushau, used her capacity as Chairperson on 29 August 2025 to lead some armed thugs and political hooligans wielding dangerous arms to attack him and his workers.

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    “Sa’adatu Salisu Yushau, using her capacity as chairperson, had on 29 August 2025, led some dangerous thugs and political hooligans to attack me and my workmen and apprentices at my workplace at Kofar Gari, thereby causing us serious Injuries and destruction of our properties worth millions of Naira”.

    The petitioner said the chairperson was trying to force him and his workers to vacate the place which was given to him by the same Local Government in 1999.

    The Human Rights Network said the actions of the chairperson has caused Suwidi Umar and his workers suffering and untold hardship, which needs to be addressed by the police.

    “We demand thorough investigation and prosecution into the matter to forestall further assault and to seek justice for the aggrieved persons,” he said.

    Speaking after submission of the petition to the State Police Commissioner, the chairman, International Human Rights Commission, Nigeria office, Comrade Idi Haruna Ali, said they had visited the scene of the attacks and gathered enough information, including that of eye witnesses accounts and also the evidence of the wound on the victims.

    Ali said: “Some of the victims sustained injuries of gunshots; others were attacked with other local weapons; and their properties were destroyed.

    “The information we gathered was that the chairperson ordered that a particular structure owned by the victims be removed but they refused. Next, they were attacked by thugs and political hooligans.”

  • Police foil child trafficking attempt in Nasarawa, rescue three minors

    Police foil child trafficking attempt in Nasarawa, rescue three minors

    The Nasarawa State Police Command said it has foiled a child trafficking attempt in Mararaba and arrested a 22-year-old suspect.

    Police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, confirming that three children were rescued during the operation.

    According to him, the incident occurred on September 4, 2025, when a distress call was received about a young woman, identified as Aisha Hashiru, who was apprehended by residents of Orange Market while attempting to abduct three minors.

    “She was about to be lynched when the Divisional Police Officer of Mararaba ‘A’ Division mobilised his patrol team to the scene, rescued both the suspect and the children, and took them to the station for safety,” Nansel said.

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    Preliminary investigation, he added, revealed that the suspect had sneaked into the home of one Ramatu Auwal earlier that day and abducted her three children: Fatima Auwal, aged four; Shafiyi Auwal, aged five; and Amina Auwal, aged six.

    Nemesis, however, caught up with her when vigilant members of the public intercepted her attempt to escape with the children. Upon interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to luring them with promises of biscuits.

    Nansel said the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, has ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia for further investigation. He also directed officers to intensify efforts in unraveling other cases of missing children and to strengthen the Command’s fight against human trafficking across the state.