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Tag: Police

  • EFCC, police in tussle over suspects

    EFCC, police in tussle over suspects

    A dispute may be brewing between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Police over the custody of two suspects arrested in connection with a reported glitch in a microfinance bank.

    The suspects, Illesanmi Olaniyi and Ishola Maruf, were first arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja on March 17, last year, and later granted  administrative bai.

    Their lawyer, Khadijah Bayern, said two vehicles- a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota RAV4-  with documents, goods and other personal items were seized during the initial police investigation. The seized items, she noted, were still in police custody, with a forfeiture case in court.

    However, Bayern has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), accusing the EFCC of re-arresting her clients on the same matter currently being handled by the police and already before a court.

    In the petition titled Double Jeopardy and Intimidation, Bayern alleged that the suspects have been held in EFCC custody for over 12 days without bail.

    Read Also: EFCC, Police in tussle over suspects

    She urged the AGF to intervene, saying multiple arrests by various agencies on the same issue could frustrate the legal process.

    In a separate letter dated July 29, this year, another lawyer representing the suspects also wrote to the Director of EFCC’s Special Duty Section 2 (SDC2), requesting flexibility in the bail.

    The counsel asked the Commission to accept civil servants on Grade Level 14 or 15 as sureties, instead of higher-level officers earlier required.

    The letter also drew attention to the medical conditions of the suspects, claiming they suffer from a cardiovascular ailment that requires regular medication.

    The legal team assured the EFCC of its cooperation with the investigation and urged the agency to consider the request in the interest of justice and fairness.

    EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale said the agency’s operations are based on actionable intelligence and petitions.

    “There is no way the commission will deploy its resources to the investigation of a matter the police is handling if there are no fresh angles being investigated. 

    “As for the detention of suspects, we can lawfully hold a suspect beyond the statutory 48 hours by obtaining a Remand Warrant from the Magistrates’ Court.

    “Please know that the EFCC does not harass or intimidate anyone.  We operate within the ambit of the law in all that we do,” he said.

  • Rivers police clamp down on interstate car snatching syndicate, recover 22 vehicles

    Rivers police clamp down on interstate car snatching syndicate, recover 22 vehicles

    The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a sophisticated car theft syndicate operating across multiple states in the country.

    A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in the intelligence-led operation, the police arrested 12 male suspects and recovered 22 stolen vehicles.

    The case was said to have begun in September 2024 after a report by Mr. Enoch Daniel, who was dispossessed of his Toyota Hiace bus at Trailer Park, Onne.

    Swift investigations by the command’s C4i Strikeforce/Octopus team led to the arrest of John Amadi, 40 years from Ogu/Bolo LGA and Nna Goodluck, 45 years from Khana LGA.

    Both were described as ex-convicts and were said to have confessed that they were hired by one Godspower Okpa to snatch the vehicle using hammers and were paid ₦90,000 each.

    The police said they spread their dragnet to Obibo, Kano and Akwa Ibom, resulting in the arrest of key suspects such as Yakubu Abdullah, 35 years;  Abdulkareem Saminu, 35 years, caught with two stolen vehicles; and Adamu Musa, a dismissed Police Officer from Akwa Ibom, who has 11 vehicles.

    The statement said the syndicate was coordinated by Falco Ibrahim, currently at large, whose network spanned Rivers, Anambra, Taraba, Enugu, Borno, Kano, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.

    Vehicles were reportedly smuggled via his agent, Shehu Shagari, now in custody, and sold in Cameroon either whole or as parts.

    The statement identified other members of the gang as Onyekachi Igwe, 53 years, ex-convict and Port Harcourt liaison, who confessed to earning over N5million in eight months; Ikechukwu Joseph, 35 years and Michael Emerenwa, 40 years, both auto-electricians, who modified vehicles for export.

    Another member, Elijah Nwauwa Sunday, 45 years, a self-styled pastor from Owerri, Imo State, who fronted as a spiritual leader while acting as the syndicate’s broker at Mgbuka-Obosi car scrap market, Onitsha.

    Read Also: Rivers police search for missing 66-yr-old woman, two children

    Others are Samuel Ejigbo, 39 years from Kogi State, an ex-convict and field operator in Port Harcourt and Umar Jabbo, 25 years from Taraba State, caught attempting to purchase a stolen Toyota Camry.

    The statement said, “These arrests underscore our resolve to make Rivers State hostile to criminal syndicates. We call on residents to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information.

    “All suspects will be charged to count upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts continue to arrest the ringleader and other fleeing accomplices.

    “The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to the safety and security of all residents. These operations reflect a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public confidence in law enforcement”.

  • Special promotion: Police caution officers against lobbying IGP, PSC

    Special promotion: Police caution officers against lobbying IGP, PSC

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Thursday advised its officers and the general public against lobbying for special promotions.

    NPF warned that any attempt to influence the promotion process through unofficial means will attract severe disciplinary action.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the warning comes amid increasing pressure from some officers seeking special recognition following the recent accelerated promotion of certain personnel.

    Adejobi said the recent promotions were not arbitrary but based on a structured reward system established by the police leadership to honour officers who demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism, and dedication to duty.

    NPF emphasised that only those who met the set criteria benefited from the exercise.

    The force also debunked claims by an unnamed online platform alleging that the Force had embarked on indiscriminate promotion.

    It described the report as false, misleading, and an attempt to tarnish the integrity of its promotion process.

    Adejobi said the Force reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism and meritocracy and urged officers to remain disciplined and focused on their duties in service to the nation.

    The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Police Force has observed with concern the growing wave of lobbying and unofficial requests directed at the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission by certain officers seeking special promotions. This surge was triggered by the misinformation being spread by certain media platforms following the recent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of deserving officers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.

    “The Force wishes to categorically state that these accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system, set up by the police leadership, aimed at recognizing officers who have demonstrated outstanding performance, uncommon bravery, professional excellence, and commitment to duty and the officers who benefitted were those who met the standardized guidelines for such accelerated promotion. The recent exercise does not signify the commencement of a general or indiscriminate special promotion scheme.

    Read Also: UPDATED: EFCC, Police in tussle over suspects

    “In light of recent misleading reports sponsored by a particular online platform suggesting that the Police Force has initiated arbitrary promotions, the Nigeria Police Force firmly cautions the public to disregard such falsehoods. These reports are baseless, misleading, and intended to undermine the integrity of the Force’s promotion process. The NPF remains committed to transparency, merit, and due process in all personnel decisions.

    “Furthermore, officers are strongly cautioned against lobbying or attempting to influence the promotion process through unofficial means. Such conduct is unethical, undermines the principles of meritocracy and professionalism, and will attract severe disciplinary action in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

    “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to a promotion system anchored on integrity, verifiable merit, and honourable service to the nation. Officers and men are hereby urged to remain dedicated, maintain discipline, and continue to discharge their duties with pride and distinction”.

  • Police in Kaduna discover explosive devices,  recover weapons, ammunition

    Police in Kaduna discover explosive devices,  recover weapons, ammunition

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, said its operatives have discovered explosive devices and recovered one locally-made pistol with 21 rounds of ammunition and other high caliber weapons ammunition in Kaduna.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said,  “On Friday,  acting on credible intelligence received, the command was alerted to the presence of suspicious items believed to be Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) at a scavenger’s company located around the Kudandan Industrial Area in Kaduna South Local Government Area.”

    He said the suspicious items were said to have been found within a load of  wastes recently transported from Borno.

    “Upon receipt of the information, a specialised team of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, led by the Commander, promptly responded to the scene.

    “After a thorough assessment, the items were confirmed to be unexploded military-grade ordinance bombs.

    “The EOD team immediately evacuated the UXOs to a secure location, where they will be safely demolished in line with established safety protocols, ” Hassan said.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts tanker carrying 250 bags of rice in Kaduna

    According to him, in the course of the operation, the following additional items were also recovered: One locally fabricated revolver pistol fully loaded with six rounds of ammunition, 15 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition, three  live cartridges and other assorted ammunition .

    He said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Muhammad Rabiu, has  directed that the premises be sealed off to enable the EOD unit to conduct a thorough sweeping of the facility and ensure that no further explosive devices were present in the premises

    Rabiu reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

    The CP also  called on the public to continue to provide useful and timely information that can aid in the prevention of crime and protection of lives and property.

    He  further warned that all the scavengers’ companies and depots within the state should stop, with immediate effect, receiving consignments from crisis-prone areas especially from the North-East.

    Rabiu also directed all the Area Commanders and the Divisional Police Officers to be vigilant and arrest any defaulters that violated the order.

    (NAN)

  • Ekiti Police recover missing newborn, arrest suspect

    Ekiti Police recover missing newborn, arrest suspect

    The Ekiti Police Command  has recovered a newborn baby stolen at the

    Okeyinmi Health Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. 

    The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo said that the suspect, a 34-year-old Deborah Ayeni has been arrested after a thorough investigation and credible tip-off.

    Speaking at the Police headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Eribo noted that the suspect left a polythene bag at the hospital which contained some baby items and receipt of bought items from a popular supermarket in the state capital.

    He said: “Due to our discreet investigation and professionalism of our men, the suspect left the bag and receipt she used to buy those items.

    “We approached the supermarket and they gave us the CCTV footage which showed her face. We got some credible information on her whereabouts from the person who knew she wasn’t pregnant and carrying new baby, after the news of the incident went viral.

    “We moved in and arrested her on Wednesday in her house where he confessed to the crime to cover up her lies to the UK-based husband.”

    Eribo appealed to the people of the state to be vigilant and support the police with credible information in their communities, ” whenever we see something unusual and strange,like the person who informed us on this incident.”

    The suspect who confessed to the crime and regretted her actions, said that she doesn’t want to lose her boyfriend based in the United Kingdom who she had lied to of being pregnant and obtaining from him.

    Narrating how she carried out the criminal act in the hospital ward, Deborah said, ” I planned the act to steal the baby because I had lied to the man who is based in the UK that I was pregnant for months.

    Read Also: Nigerians in Libya deportation camp cry out for help

    ” So, when the man decided that he was coming home to visit me and knowing full well I had been deceiving him to collect money for years. I pretended to be a pregnant woman by putting clothes in my stomach and gained access into the maternity ward on Sunday morning pretending to be an expectant mother.

    ” I observed the mother of the baby I stole was a Northerner and I can speak Hausa language, I quickly moved closer and interacting with her and husband. I was celebrating with them for the new baby.

    ” When the husband was leaving the ward to get some things in the night on Sunday, she even asked me to look after her wife and the baby, that he will be back.

    ” In the early hours of Monday around 5am, when I observed that the mother had slept and no nurse at the ward that moment, I carried the new baby  and escaped to my house just for my boyfriend to see.”

    The baby after being recovered from the suspect was handed over to the parents who were overjoyed and full of praises for the Police. 

  • Police officers arrested in Kwara for ‘extorting’ N200,000 from student

    Police officers arrested in Kwara for ‘extorting’ N200,000 from student

    Kwara State Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, has ordered the arrest of police officers for allegedly extorting N200,000 from Mr. Taiwo Kayode Taye, a student of the Federal Polytechnic.

    Sources said the number of the alleged offenders might not be fewer than three.

    Ojo expressed disappointment over the conduct of the affected officers.

    He assured of discreet investigation on the matter.

    It was gathered that officers at the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state Police Command had stopped the commercial bus Taiwo was travelling in enroute Osogbo,Osun State at Erin-Ile town in Oyun Local Government Area and asked to unlock his phone.

    Read Also: Oyo police arrest four for hijacking, diverting goods-laden truck

    Following his refusal to do so, the policemen allegedly ferried the student to Ijagbo Police Division office where he was detained.

    It was also gathered that he was later moved to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in Ilorin where he was allegedly forced him to unlock his phone and transfer N200,000 to a bank account owned by one Lucy Akor.

  • Oyo police arrest four for hijacking, diverting goods-laden truck

    Oyo police arrest four for hijacking, diverting goods-laden truck

    The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspects involved in the hijacking and diversion of a truck loaded with goods worth millions of naira.

    Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso disclosed that the arrests followed credible intelligence, leading officers to track and apprehend the suspects at Golden Hotel, Gbagi, Ibadan.

    The arrested individuals were identified as Musibau Rauf, Surajudeen Olamoyegun, Abiodun Oyeyemi, and Kareem Suliya.

    During the operation, police recovered an unregistered yellow Volvo truck containing 654 bags of goods, each weighing 20 kilograms.

    “The suspects have confessed to their involvement in the hijacking and diversion of goods,” Osifeso said, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.

    He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Police arraign serial killer, Olori Esho over alleged killing 

    Meanwhile, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has assured residents of Oyo State of sustained protection of lives and property. Speaking at the Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, Haruna pledged to uphold professional standards and collaborate with sister agencies, local vigilante groups, the Amotekun Corps, and the media to combat crime.

    He emphasised that while no society is entirely crime-free, the Command will work tirelessly to ensure Oyo remains one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country.

    He said, “The Command under my watch shall not tolerate the existence of any criminal enterprise and will not hesitate to identify, isolate and bring to deserved justice any person or group that attempts to threaten the existing relative tranquillity in our dear state.

    “The Command at this point will be consolidating on the already existing security modalities to further accommodate more actionable tools in a conscious bid to clamp down on criminal elements in Oyo State.”

  • BREAKING: Police arraign serial killer, Olori Esho over alleged killing 

    BREAKING: Police arraign serial killer, Olori Esho over alleged killing 

    Police have arraigned a 44-year-old, serial murderer, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Esho for allegedly killing eight persons and causing permanent disability to a woman.

    Olori Esho was arraigned by the Police before Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola of an Ogba Chief Magistrates Court on an 11-count charge.

    Read Also: Police detain four over staged kidnapping to extort elderly father

    The charges bordered on conspiracy, possession of firearm, poisonous dagar, murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, threat to life, possession of international passports, and possession of other dangerous arms, preferred against him by the Police.

    Olori Esho pleaded not guilty.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Police confirm abduction of AAUA senior staff in Ondo

    JUST IN: Police confirm abduction of AAUA senior staff in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a senior staff member of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), by suspected gunmen.

    Mr Eleyinmi, who serves as the Faculty Officer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), was reportedly kidnapped at his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area, on Monday night.

    Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday in Akure, said two AAUA staff members were initially abducted, but one was rescued, following swift police intervention.

    “Two AAUA staff were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. However, our men responded quickly and were able to rescue one,” Ayanlade said.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered that the rescued staff be debriefed for intelligence gathering, while efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of Mr. Eleyinmi.

    Sources within the university disclosed that Mr Eleyinmi was abducted shortly after returning from work. 

    A senior lecturer, who pleaded anonymity, said the gunmen stormed the victim’s residence along the Akungba-Supare road around 7:00 p.m., shooting sporadically to scare away residents before whisking him away.

    Read Also: Ondo residents protest deplorable roads

    “One of our SSANU members, Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi was kidnapped at his residence this evening at Supare-Akoko. He had just returned from work when the incident occurred,” the source stated.

    The victim’s wife, who narrowly escaped the attack, said her husband was not at home when the attackers first arrived. 

    She revealed that the kidnappers were still at the premises, firing gunshots, when Mr Eleyinmi returned, only to be seized and taken away immediately.

    As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Mr. Eleyinmi remains unknown, while police operations continue in the area.

  • Police arrest sisters for faking abduction to extort N5m from father

    Police arrest sisters for faking abduction to extort N5m from father

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested two sisters, Leadway Innocent and Joy Innocent, for staging a fake abduction to extort N5m from their father.

    Police also arrested two accomplices in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the case began when Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported to the Jikwoyi Police Division that his 16-year-old daughter, Leadway Innocent, had gone missing.

     Innocent explained that Leadway left home on Friday, July 18, 2025, to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.

    He later received a call from an unknown person demanding N5m for her release.

    Adeh said; “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation.

    “Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used to contact the complainant was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.

    “Operatives proceeded to the location, where they found Miss Lead Way Innocent in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct two AAUA staff, Police rescue one

    “Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress”.

    Investigators arrested Leadway’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji.

    Adeh noted that findings revealed Joy conspired with her boyfriend, who is legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa, to stage the abduction of her younger sister iin a calculated attempt to defraud their father of N5m.

    Police discovered that Leadway willingly participated in the scheme.

    Adeh said: “She willingly stayed with the suspects throughout her alleged abduction, while Joy remained at home and feigned ignorance, watching her parents’ anguish and emotional distress as they struggled to raise money for the supposed ransom”.

    The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the act, describing it as a; “betrayal and manipulation, particularly one perpetrated within the family.”

    Adewale urged parents to; “pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being and behavioral patterns, and to encourage regular, honest communication at home.”

    The CP confirmed that all four suspects remain in police custody, have voluntarily confessed to the crime, and will face charges in court after the investigation concludes.