Tag: Police

  • Police raid Enugu ‘church,’ recover human skull, other ritual items

    Police raid Enugu ‘church,’ recover human skull, other ritual items

    A team of security operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Igbo-Eze South local government area in Enugu State, has raided an ongoing church building and recovered a human skull in the process.

    The structure, named Synagogue, belongs to one Prophet Chinedu Solomon Ezedike who is allegedly linked to the heartbreaking murder of four little siblings.

    Four children were weeks back gruesomely murdered in the council area, attracting outrage from Enugu people and beyond.

    Following the incident, the structure where the incident occurred was immediately demolished by the government.

    But to further probe the pastor’s activities, the government widened its scope to his other properties, leading to the latest discovery.

    Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local government area, Barr Ferdinand Ukwueze, confirmed this in a post on his Facebook page, Monday.

    He said: “Two days ago, yet in the course of combing locations reasonably suspected to be solitary sites and camps of divers shades of criminal activities, acting on intelligence, I visited a site at Abile Hill, Isi-Agu, Ibagwa-Aka, in the company of the Divisional Police Officer of Igbo-Eze South, and other security operatives. 

    “The location, currently being used for the construction of Prophet Chinedu Ezedike’s so-called Synagogue, was discovered to be a suspected site for ritual activities.

    “To our greatest dismay, a human skull and a ritual staff were discovered from the site, lending further credence to the disturbing and tragic circumstances surrounding the claims and allegations against Ezedike. The recovered items were duly handed over to the Police for further examination as investigations continue.

    “More of these hidden locations will be discovered and visited, as we remain relentless in our pursuit against all forms of criminality in our Local Government Area.

    “I reassure you; under the administration of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, there will be no hiding place for crimes of any form. We are pursuing an egalitarian society where sons and daughters of Enugu State can aspire and become anything of their choices legitimately without any fear of criminal molestation.

    Read Also: Eid prayers, Sallah celebration peaceful in Plateau, as police beef up security

    “I deeply appreciate the coordinated support of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, the gallant men of Igbo-Eze South Neighbourhood Watch, the Forest Guards, and all well-meaning individuals who have provided intelligence and cooperation over the past weeks. 

    “Society will keep deteriorating when good people keep mute in the face of crime.

    “Together, we must protect our land.”

    In an earlier post, Ukwueze confirmed the demolition of the pastor’s building.

    “We stood with the good people of Ibagwa-Aka as we demolished the stronghold of Prophet Chinedu Solomon Ezedike who is linked to the heartbreaking murder of four innocent siblings.

    “This is a clear message from the administration of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah that Criminals have no hiding place in Enugu State!

    “Let the world know! Igbo-Eze South will no longer tolerate evil in any form.”

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Be law abiding while celebrating – Police

    Eid-el-Kabir: Be law abiding while celebrating – Police

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has urged Nigerians to be law abiding while celebrating Eid-el-Kabir.

    A statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, read: “The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, CP Ajao Adewale, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the officers and men of the FCT Police Command, extends warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to all Muslim faithful and residents of the FCT.

    “This sacred occasion, which symbolises sacrifice, compassion, and unity, presents an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and peaceful celebration with loved ones. The Command joins all well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating the strength of our shared values and the spirit of togetherness that defines this festive period.

    Read Also: Secure public infrastructure in your domains, Ibas tells Rivers’ monarchs

    “The Commissioner of Police encourages residents to embrace the values of love, kindness, and mutual respect that Eid represents. He further urged everyone to celebrate responsibly and continue to be law-abiding citizens.

    “The FCT Police Command wishes everyone a joyous, peaceful, and memorable Sallah celebration.

    “For any emergency or to report suspicious activity, residents are enjoined to contact the Commands emergency line 08032003913”.

  • Police arrest 28 suspected cultists in Edo

    Police arrest 28 suspected cultists in Edo

    Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 28 persons for allegedly being involved in cult related activities in the state.

    Ondo Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, said the suspects were arrested after a raid on criminal hideouts in the State.

    He said further screening showed 19 were found culpable and would soon be charged to court.

    “The Edo State Command has sustained its fight against crime through visibility policing, community engagements and sustained raids of criminal hideouts in the State.

    Read Also: Secure public infrastructure in your domains, Ibas tells Rivers’ monarchs

    “In continuation of its fight against cultism, the command has commenced the house-to-house arrests of identified cult members in the state to ensure that cultism is either eliminated or brought to its barest minimum.

    “Three suspects who were arrested from various locations have confessed to being members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities respectively. They have been arraigned before the court accordingly.

    “On this note, CP Monday Agbonika expresses confidence that the general public would have no fear of crimes as he warned all cult members to denounce cultism and turn a new leaf, relocate from the State or face the full wrath of the law as contained in the Edo State Secret Cult and other related activities prohibition law.”

  • Police arrest 28 suspected cultists in Edo

    Police arrest 28 suspected cultists in Edo

    Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 28 persons for allegedly being involved in cult related activities in the state.

    Ondo Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, said the suspects were arrested after raid on criminal hideouts in the State.

    He said further screening showed 19 were found culpable and would soon be charged to court.

    According to him: “The Edo State Command has sustained its fight against crime through visibility policing, community engagements and sustained raids of criminal hideouts in the State. 

    Read Also: Police, NSCDC, Amotekun, FRSC deploy special teams

    “In continuation of its fight against cultism, the command has commenced the house-to-house arrests of identified cult members in the state to ensure that cultism is either eliminated or brought to its barest minimum. 

    “Three suspects who were arrested from various locations have confessed to being members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities respectively. They have been arraigned before the court accordingly.

    “On this note, CP Monday Agbonika, expresses confidence that the general public would have no fear of crimes as he warned all cult members to either denounce cultism and turn a new leaf, relocate from the State or face the full wrath of the law as contained in the Edo State Secret Cult and other related activities prohibition law.”

  • Marine Police gets 31 gunboats for effective Inland Waterway patrol

    Marine Police gets 31 gunboats for effective Inland Waterway patrol

    With a charge to ensure effective security coverage of Lagos waters, the Inspector-General of Police (IG) yesterday inaugurated 31 gunboats purchased for the Marine Command to boost its operational capability.

    The unveiling, held at the Maritime Command Base, Ikoyi, marked a significant milestone in the police’ strategic efforts to counter evolving security threats especially kidnapping, along Nigeria’s waterways, backwaters, inland channels, and coastal zones.

    Equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems, as well as integrated solar-powered technology, the newly acquired gunboats will enable precision patrol, real-time coordination and eco-friendly operations.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the IGP described the initiative as a symbol of renewed commitment to maritime safety, anti-crime patrols and rescue missions across the nation’s aquatic territories.

    He said the acquisition and deployment of the gunboats reflected the police’ dedication to sustainable law enforcement and modernised standards.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s uneasy war for control

    “These gunboats are not just vessels; they represent our unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s waterways, safeguard lives and property, and dismantle criminal networks. “The integration of solar-powered systems aligns with global best practices in green policing and highlights our leadership in environmentally responsible law enforcement,” he said.

    IGP Egbetokun charged his men to sustain a good relationship with sister security services, noting that interagency collaboration between the police, military, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), among others, was essential to combating criminality in the Inland waters.

    He also acknowledged the importance of intelligence-led policing and community engagement, pledging deeper collaboration with coastal communities to harness local intelligence and foster mutual trust.

    The police chief hailed President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic investment in the modernisation of the police, noting that the inauguration of the gunboats was a testament to the administration’s commitment towards strengthening the capacity of the police to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

  • Police deny report of mass kidnap on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    Police deny report of mass kidnap on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    The Kaduna State Police Command has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that between 150 to 200 persons were kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    It described the claims as entirely false and misleading.

    A statement issued on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, dismissed the report published by Diaspora Digital Media as a fabrication aimed at inciting panic and undermining public confidence in the state’s security architecture.

    “The Command categorically states that this report is entirely fabricated and without any basis in fact,” the statement read. “To set the record straight, there has been no recorded incident of kidnapping along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in the past two years.”

    DSP Hassan assured the public that the Abuja-Kaduna highway remains secure, with continuous patrols and surveillance by the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies working collaboratively to ensure the safety of all commuters.

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    He warned media outlets and individuals against spreading unverified or false information, noting that such actions are capable of inciting public fear and disrupting order.

    “The Command is taking this matter seriously. Any media platform or individual found responsible for originating or sharing such unverified claims will be invited for questioning and may face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

    According to the police, the Kaduna State Government, in partnership with security agencies, continues to work assiduously to maintain peace, security, and the protection of lives and property across the state.

    The Command urged members of the public to disregard the viral report and to rely only on verified and official sources of information when seeking updates on security matters.

  • Police kill four suspected kidnappers in Delta

    Police kill four suspected kidnappers in Delta

    Four suspected kidnappers have been killed in an operation led by a combined team of policemen, local hunters and anti-cult volunteers along the railway axis of Abraka, Ethiope East council area of Delta state.

    The Delta Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed that the operation occurred around 3 am on Wednesday, with five firearms recovered in the operation.

    It would be noted that residents of the University town had on Monday, embarked on a protest over the incessant kidnapping and armed robbery activities in the area.

    Read Also: Nasarawa Police nab bus conveying sophisticated arms from Benue to Kwara

    Describing the operation as “a major breakthrough”, the statement said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspects.

    The statement further disclosed that a recently kidnapped victim identified one of the deceased suspects as a leader of the gang that abducted him during preliminary investigations.

    “During the operation, joint operatives comprising the Police, hunters, vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers engaged the suspected kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, along with thirteen rounds of live ammunition. During the gun duel, four of the suspected kidnappers were shot and later gave up the ghost while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” a part of the statement read.

    CP Abaniwonda, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustaining momentum against crime, hailed the operatives for the feat.

  • Lagos Police arrest 23 over disturbances in Mushin

    Lagos Police arrest 23 over disturbances in Mushin

    Twenty-three suspects have been arrested by the Lagos Police Command in Mushin over alleged public disturbances, including harassment, assaults and stealing from traders’ shops during raids of Ishaga, Awolowo and Ojuwoye markets.

    There had been complaints about the activities of young boys aged between 12 and 16, allegedly terrorising residents and traders.

    It was alleged that the teenagers were moving around, attacking and robbing victims in daylight.

     Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, in a statement by spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, said the situation had been brought under control.

    “The Lagos State Police Command appreciates the feedback and concerns raised by members of the Mushin community regarding recent incidents of daylight assaults, harassment and stealing from shops and from innocent members of the public on the streets around Mushin by teenage miscreants and hoodlums ranging from 14 to 16 years.

    “These reports have informed a thorough review of our operational tactics and strategies. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has promptly deployed more police tactical squads, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and other conventional police teams specifically to Mushin and the adjoining areas to checkmate the activities of these miscreants, arrest them and bring them to justice.

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    “Total normalcy has been completely restored to Mushin and all other parts of Lagos State. Lagosians are encouraged to go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension,” said Hundeyin.

    Also, Hundeyin said the Area D Commander had been directed by the CP, to meet with the two council chairmen covering the area, in order to map out strategies to further strengthen security deployment for optimum result.

    He said the arrested suspects were being investigated, adding that they would soon be charged to court.

    “The raids of the criminal hideouts, identified blackspots and slums will be a continued operation till the area is completely rid of these hoodlums and miscreants

    “The Commissioner of Police has equally assured the good people of Mushin and the entire Lagos State that their safety and security remain a top priority, and we are committed to restoring peace and confidence in this area.’’ he addded

    “We urge the good people of Lagos State not to hesitate to reach out to the nearest police station if they see or hear anything suspicious around them as officers and men of the command have been charged to respond swiftly,” he added.

  • Police arrest 23 over Mushin disturbances, beef up security

    Police arrest 23 over Mushin disturbances, beef up security

    Twenty-three suspects have been arrested by the Lagos Police Command in Mushin over alleged public disturbances, including harassment, assaults and stealing from traders’ shops.

    The police command confirmed the arrest of the suspects during raids of Ishaga, Awolowo and Ojuwoye markets.

    There had been complaints about the activities of young boys between the ages of 12 and 16, alleged to have been terrorising residents and traders.

    It was alleged that the teenagers were moving around, attacking and robbing victims in broad daylight.

    Reacting to the complaints, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, in a statement by spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the situation had been brought under control.

    “The Lagos State Police Command appreciates the feedback and concerns raised by members of the Mushin community regarding recent incidents of daylight assaults, harassment and stealing from shops and innocent members of the public on the streets around Mushin by teenage miscreants and hoodlums ranging from 14 to 16 years.

    “These reports have informed a thorough review of our operational tactics and strategies. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has promptly deployed more police tactical squads, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and other conventional police teams specifically to Mushin and the adjoining areas to checkmate the activities of these miscreants, arrest them and bring them to justice.

    “Total normalcy has been completely restored to Mushin and all other parts of Lagos State. Lagosians are encouraged to go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension,” said Hundeyin.

    Additionally, Hundeyin said the Area D Commander has been directed by the Commissioner of Police, to meet with the two local government chairmen covering the area, in order to map out strategies to further strengthen security deployment for optimum result.

    Read Also: Abducted monarch in Nasarawa rescued by police

    He said the arrested suspects were being investigated, adding that they would soon be brought to court.

    “The raids of the criminal hideouts, identified blackspots and slums will be a continued operation till the area is completely rid of these hoodlums and miscreants

    “The Commissioner of Police has equally assured the good people of Mushin and the entire Lagos State that their safety and security remain a top priority, and we are committed to restoring peace and confidence in this area.

    “We urge the good people of Lagos State not to hesitate to reach out to the nearest police station if they see or hear anything suspicious around them, as officers and men of the command have been charged to respond swiftly,” he added.

  • Abducted monarch in Nasarawa rescued by police

    Abducted monarch in Nasarawa rescued by police

    Nasarawa State Police Command said it has rescued the kidnapped traditional ruler, Sangarin Dari, who was abducted on the 28th May 2025, at his palace.

    The command public relations officer, SP Rahman Nansel, in a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, said the traditional ruler was rescued unhurt.

    The statement read thus, “The Nasarawa State Police Command is pleased to report that the Sangarin Dari, who was abducted on 28th May 2025, was successfully rescued unhurt at approximately 21:00 hours on 2nd June 2025.

    “The rescue operation took place in the Panwasa Mountains, Mada Station, following sustained pressure from the Command’s Search and Rescue Team.

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    “Immediately after the rescue, the victim was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and has since been reunited with his family. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in the abduction”

    The commissioner of Police, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, extends his heartfelt appreciation to members of the public for their invaluable support and timely information, which greatly assisted in the rescue operation.

     He also commends the efforts and collaboration of other security agencies and local vigilante groups, whose support was instrumental to the success of this mission.