The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police, CBN, Abuja’s agency, others owe FCT ground rent

    Police, CBN, Abuja’s agency, others owe FCT ground rent

    The Police and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are among government agencies, top individuals, embassies, and other categories of people and institutions that risk losing their Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs) next week due to default in payment of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ground rent.

    The number of plots of land involved is 3,383, according to a public notice published yesterday in this newspaper by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    Last week, the FCTA moved to seal-off the buildings in default, including the Wadata Plaza headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened and granted a 14 days moratorium.

     The ground rent default covers a period between 2014 and 2024

    The affected properties are primarily in high-brow areas, of Central Area Garki I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse I and Wuse II and Guzape.

    Some of the defaulters are key ministries, diplomatic missions, banks, religious organisations, private firms and prominent individuals.

    Among the government agencies are: Nigerian Navy, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Debt Management Office (DMO), Federal High Court (FHC) and National Industrial Court (NIC).

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    Others are liaison offices of states such as Kwara, Benue, Osun, Zamfara, Katsina, Imo, and Enugu.

    The foreign embassies include: South Africa, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Kuwait, Zimbabwe, Canada, India, Ethiopia, Sudan, Mauritania, Indonesia, Venezuela, and North Korea.

    The defaulters in the private sector are: Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd; UACN Property Development Company Plc; First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc.; Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.; Standard Construction Ltd; Baram Nigeria Ltd and Elbe Pharma Ltd.

    Also on the list is Heritage Press Limited, situated at Central Area and Abuja Investment & Property Development Company Ltd, an agency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ministry.

    The religious bodies owing ground rent include: Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja; the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Church; Abuja National Mosque Council; Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).

    Notable among the individual defaulters, including a former FCT Minister Aisha Alhassan; Mathew Nwagwu; Alexander Okafor, Gladys Ibanga and Jimoh Oyedele Ibrahim.

    The real estate and investment firms are Neo-Vista Property Development Ltd, TRCC Nigeria Ltd, Vibrant Insurance Brokers and Next International Nigeria Ltd.

    The FCTA reminded the defaulters that annual ground rent payments are mandatory under the terms of their Rights of Occupancy (RofOs) and CofOs and must be paid in advance starting from January 1 each year.

    The notice reads: “All allottees and property owners who have not paid ground rent up to 2024 are hereby given fourteen (14) days from the date of this publication to settle their arrears.

    “Failure to comply will result in revocation or withdrawal of affected land titles. Payments are to be made via the Remita e-payment platform, directed to the account of the “FCT Department of Land Administration.

    “Property owners are advised to visit https://remita.net, select ‘Pay TSA & States,’ then ‘Federal Capital Territory Admin,’ followed by ‘FCT Department of Land Administration,’ and finally ‘FCC Ground Rent.”

    With the seven days to the end of the 14-day ultimatum given through the President, allottees are rushing to pay their Ground Rent.

    Our correspondent who visited the Department of Land Administration at the FCTA confirmed how property owners have been rushing to pay through the official remita.

    A source at the FCTA told The Nation that “many affected property owners have complied while payment is ongoing.”

  • Police nab notorious car snatching syndicate, recover stolen vehicle in Nasarawa

    Police nab notorious car snatching syndicate, recover stolen vehicle in Nasarawa

    The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced the arrest of a notorious car snatching syndicate operating in Doma Local Government Area and the swift recovery of a stolen vehicle within 24 hours of the incident.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s public relations officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that the arrest and recovery were made possible through prompt action by officers in the Doma Division.

    He noted that the vehicle was successfully recovered less than a day after it was reported stolen, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against auto theft in the state.

    The statement read, “On June 1, 2025, at about 1800hrs, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested four suspects along the Doma-Lafia Road. 

    “The suspects includes Ibrahim Dahiru, 30 of Angwan Rogo, Jos, Plateau State, Abdulrazaq Muhammed, 27 of Angwan Rogo, Jos, Plateau State, Muhammad Sani, 28 Potiskum, Yobe State and Mustapha Isah, 23 of Misau, Bauchi State

    “The suspects allegedly conspired and carried out an armed car jacking in Enugu State, during which they forcefully snatched a black Toyota Venza with registration number KWL 668 GN (Abuja) at gunpoint.

    “Through prompt intelligence gathering and seamless inter-state collaboration, the suspects were intercepted and arrested along the Doma-Lafia axis, and the stolen vehicle was immediately recovered” the Statement added.

    Read Also: Police arrest ‘spiritualist’ over N70m ‘fraud’ against Lagos businessman

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft and emphasized that the Command remains resolute in ensuring that criminal activities are swiftly tackled and perpetrators brought to justice.

    He further commended the gallant efforts of the operatives involved in the operation and reassured members of the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

    The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to unravel the full scope of their criminal network and recover any additional stolen property.

  • Police arrest ‘spiritualist’ over N70m ‘fraud’ against Lagos businessman

    Police arrest ‘spiritualist’ over N70m ‘fraud’ against Lagos businessman

    • Three suspected cultists arrested in Lagos

    A spiritualist, who claimed to have mystical powers to double money, has been arrested by the police in Abuja for allegedly defrauding a Lagos businessman of N70million.

    The suspect, Alhaji Salihu, said to be based in Adamawa State, was alleged to have used ‘‘Inspector Daniel’’ to convince the businessman about his money- doubling and financial breakthrough powers.

    The victim, identified as Patrick Ogbonna, was allegedly brainwashed into believing that through the use of special perfumes and offering prayers, wealth would be attracted to him such that he was releasing the money to the spiritualist through his bank account.

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    He was said to have been waiting for the money to double before the trick blew open.

    According to the businessman, Daniel persuaded him to consider a scheme being operated by the Alhaji, saying that the policeman told him the said spiritualist had done it for several people and they easily changed foreign currencies after certain rituals.

    The businessman claimed that he became skeptical when the spiritualist started asking for goats, cattle and other animals  for ritual, adding that he started requesting for a refund but the Alhaji failed to oblige him.

    There upon, the businessman petitioned the police headquarters in Abuja, which led to the arrest of the self-acclaimed spiritualist.

    The police, it was gathered, obtained a court order for the detention of the suspect, who was said to have made attempts to use some clerics to influence his release on medical grounds but the businessman objected.

    Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended three suspected members of a notorious cult group during an operation in Owode-Ikorodu.

  • Police arrest fake spritualist over alleged N70m ‘fraud’ against Lagos businessman

    Police arrest fake spritualist over alleged N70m ‘fraud’ against Lagos businessman

    A self-acclaimed spiritualist, Alhaji Salihu, has been arrested by the police in Abuja for allegedly defrauding a Lagos-based businessman, Patrick Ogbonna, of N70 million under the guise of possessing mystical powers to double money.

    Salihu, reportedly based in Adamawa State, allegedly conspired with an accomplice who posed as a police officer, one Inspector Daniel, to convince Ogbonna of his supposed supernatural abilities to bring financial breakthrough.

    The businessman was said to have been manipulated into believing that the use of special perfumes and specific prayers would attract immense wealth. 

    Trusting the process, he reportedly transferred the money in instalments to Salihu’s bank account, hoping to receive the promised doubled amount.

    The scam eventually came to light when the anticipated financial miracle failed to materialise.

    According to the businessman, Inspector Daniel persistently persuaded him to consider a money-doubling scheme being operated by the Alhaji, saying that the policeman told him the said spiritualist had done it for several people and they easily changed foreign currencies after certain rituals.

    Read Also: Police arrest three suspected cultists in Lagos, recover firearms

    The businessman claimed that he became skeptical when the spiritualist started asking for goats, cattle and other animals to be slaughtered for ritual, adding that he started requesting for refund of his N70m but the Alhaji failed to oblige him.

    Following his failure to refund the money, the businessman petitioned the police headquarters in Abuja which led to the arrest of the self-acclaimed spiritualist.

    The police, it was gathered obtained a court order for the detention of the suspect, who was said to have made attempts to use some clerics to influence his release on medical grounds but the businessman objected, describing the health claim as false and insisted the suspect must face the law for his criminal action.

  • Police arrest two suspects over killing of Anambra bank manager

    Police arrest two suspects over killing of Anambra bank manager

    The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of a female bank manager, whose body was discovered after a ₦14 million ransom had been paid.

    The victim was reportedly kidnapped and later found dead along Nnobi Road on January 13, 2025, with her eyes and mouth tied, indicating signs of foul play despite the ransom payment.

    In a statement issued Sunday in Awka, Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects, Monday Egbe, 32, and Kenneth Nnoga, 28, were apprehended on May 28, 2025, in their hideout in a neighbouring state following extensive investigations.

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    Ikenga noted that both men are currently undergoing interrogation as police work to uncover the full operation of the criminal gang and track down other accomplices.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured the public of the command’s commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

  • Police arrest three suspected cultists in Lagos, recover firearms

    Police arrest three suspected cultists in Lagos, recover firearms

    Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested three suspected members of a notorious cult group during a tactical raid in the Owode-Ikorodu area.

    The suspects — Adenuga Tosin, Jesutofunmi Ezekiel, and Adeniji Juwon — were apprehended following a credible tip-off that led to an intelligence-driven operation by one of the Command’s tactical teams.

    Recovered from the suspects were a locally made pistol and six live cartridges. 

    Preliminary investigations indicate that the trio are active members of a cult group linked to violent crimes across Lagos.

    Read Also: NAHCON hails Nigerian pilgrims for returning lost funds

    Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspects were also involved in the movement and distribution of illegal firearms, posing a serious threat to public safety.

    He added that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group, and the arrested individuals will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

    Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and related criminal activities. 

    “The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every resident. We call on the public to support our efforts with credible intelligence,” CP Jimoh stated.

  • Police mum over alleged suit against retired AIG, others

    Police mum over alleged suit against retired AIG, others

    The Force Headquarters has kept silent over an alleged suit filed against retired top police officers.

    There were reports that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun filed a 14-count criminal charge against several retired senior police officers, including former Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Idowu Owohunwa, former Commissioners of Police Benneth Igweh and Ukachi Peter Opara over alleged age falsification and forgery.

    The charge, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja under suit number CR/353/25, also lists retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Obo Ukam Obo and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Lough, SAN, as defendants.

    Other suspects alleged to be involved remain unknown.

    According to the court filings, the accused, all former members of the Nigeria Police Force enlisted around 1999, were alleged to have forged official police signals and used them to manipulate their records.

    READ ALSO: Eight ways to easily spot a fake phone in Nigeria

    One such document, Signal No. DTO 221535/05/89, purportedly issued from NIGPOL Admin Lagos to the Commandant of the Police Academy in Kaduna, was also cited as a key piece of forged evidence used in the alleged scheme.

    The Inspector-General accused the defendants of conspiracy, forgery and unlawful alteration of official records, among other offences.

    On March 6, 2025, the Force announced the discharge and retirement of seven senior officers including AIG Owohunwa and ACP Simon Lough.

    Others were Benneth Igweh C., CP Aina Emmanuel A., CP Salama Wakili Abdul, ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiwefa, and Grace O. Ejiofor.

    This was announced in a police wireless message dated March 4, 2025 and sent to zonal commands, state commands, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), among others.

    It cited the ‘Decisions of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Police Service Commission held on Thursday 20th February, 2025.’

    Owohunwa was the AIG in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi.

    The police authorities promptly prepared his retirement letter after he failed to secure a promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG).

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) declined to elevate Owohunwa, paving the way for his removal.

    All calls and messages put across to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, were futile as he did not respond.

  • Police arrest Pastor, three others over child trafficking

    Police arrest Pastor, three others over child trafficking

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Response Team has arrested Prince Bassey Ajah, the pastor and General Overseer (Daddy G.O.) of “Wells of Salvation” Church located in Byazhin Across.

    The pastor handed over a seven-year-old boy to his younger brother, Israel Ajah who was arrested while attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with the boy in his custody.

    The Pastor was promptly arrested with two other accomplices Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.

    According to the police, search conducted at the residence of Nancy Atoo led to the rescue of a second victim, a four-year-old girl identified only as “Mercy”, a name given to her by the suspect. 

    No documentation or identifying information, the police said was found for the child, who is currently in protective custody as efforts are underway to trace her biological family. 

    FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh in a statement on Saturday said: “On the 24th of May 2025, at about 2:00 a.m., a distress call was received by the Gwagwalada Area Command from officials of Wazobia Motor Park, Gwagwalada, reporting a male exhibiting suspicious behavior while attempting to travel with a young child.

    “Acting swiftly, a Police Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the scene, where one Isreal Ajah was arrested while attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy in his custody.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was handed over to the suspect by his elder brother”.

    Adeh said Muktar has since been reunited with his family.

    Read Also: Female drug dealer, five others nabbed as police burst trafficking network in Anambra

    She said further investigation revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale, adding that the suspects confessed that Muktar Hassan was to be sold for ₦1.2 million through arrangements facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru. 

    Adeh said: “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale, commended the vigilance and prompt response of officials at Wazobia Motor Park. He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid sending underage children on errands alone. 

    “FCT residents are enjoined to always report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.”

  • Police evacuate remains of Bolt driver shot dead in Yenagoa

    Police evacuate remains of Bolt driver shot dead in Yenagoa

    Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have evacuated the remains of a Bolt driver shot dead on Friday morning at Samphino junction in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    The lifeless body of the middle-aged yet-to-be-identified driver was discovered early Friday morning inside his vehicle at the Samphino Road junction in the Kpansia area of the Yenagoa metropolis.

    Residents, who discovered the crime scene, raised the alarm, prompting a swift response from police officers who quickly cordoned off the area.

    Read Also: FG targets 90% energy cost savings for bus drivers with CNG vehicles

    It was also learnt that the body of the commercial driver had been moved to a mortuary for possible autopsy to be carried out.

    The residents who got to the crime scene early suggested the victim might have been shot at a close range by suspected armed robbers, possibly in an attempt to steal his car or other personal valuables.

    Reacting to the incident, a senior police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity at the crime scene confirmed that a full-scale investigation was underway.

  • Lagos Police receive fleeing Enugu ‘ritualist’ nabbed by Immigration

    Lagos Police receive fleeing Enugu ‘ritualist’ nabbed by Immigration

    The Lagos State Police Command has received fleeing suspected Enugu ritualist/native doctor arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos.

    The suspect, Obi Obieze,, alleged to have killed several people whose bodies were found in one of his properties at Umuojor village, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu, was arrested on Wednesday at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.

    He was said to have been caught around 2pm on Wednesday aboard a motorcycle enroute to Seme Border, after allegedly escaping arrest in Enugu where he boarded a night bus to Mile2, Lagos, the previous night.

    It was gathered that he arrived at Mile2 around ,10am and boarded a motorcycle enroute to Seme before he was flagged down by NIS operatives on routine security checks along that axis.

    According to information, the motorcyclist had been cleared at the checkpoint and was about to move only for the operatives to recognize his passenger as the native doctor in a viral alleged of ritual killings.

    Obieze was declared wanted by the police over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl weeks ago.

    The victim was reportedly abducted by three men while walking to the farm with her father. She was later rescued by police operatives from a shrine allegedly linked to the suspect.

    The Enugu Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of three suspects, Uche Kingsley Agumba, 33, Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36, and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38, connected to the abduction.
    Also, two decomposing bodies including that of a pregnant woman, were discovered hidden in a pit sealed with concrete at the residence of the fleeing native doctor.

    Obieze, who also goes by the aliases Ezeani and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show’, fled the state and was declared wanted by the police.

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    Declaring him wanted, the police described him as a well-known traditionalist in Umuojor village, Isiagu community.

    Following his arrest, the NIS border command contacted the service’s headquarters in Abuja and were instructed to hand him over to the police.

    Consequently, the suspect, said to be a flight risk, was brought to the Lagos Police Command Friday afternoon masked and cuffed on his hands and legs.

    He was handed over to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who said he would be transferred to Enugu Police Command to answer to his charges.

    Reporters on ground were denied access to him in line with the directive of the Federal Government banning the parade of suspects.