The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Lady arrested for duping job seekers N250m

    Lady arrested for duping job seekers N250m

    Operatives of the Ondo Police Command have arrested one Oyebode Oluwakemi for duping several job seekers the sum of N250m.

    Oyebode was said to have lured her victims with promises of securing jobs for that with the Federal Government.

    She was arrested after a victim she collected N5.3m from petitioned the police.

    It was during interrogation by detectives detectives from the Special Enquiry Unit (SEU) Oyebode disclosed that she had an agent she sent money to in Abuja.

    Ondo Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, said investigations were to recover money from the suspect and others at large.

    He said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

    Similarly, one Sakariya Sadiq was arrested at Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area, for operating a ponzi scheme known as Quest International.

    Read Also: Arrested British soldier not a serving member, says U.K. High Commission

    Sadiq’s victim comprising of young girls and boys whom were paid to pay N1.5m and were to refer two other persons.

    His activities were blown open after some parents from Oyo and Osun reported cases of missing teenagers in Ondo State.

    Over 20 persons who were held against their will at Sadiq’s residence were rescued.

    Sadiq told police interrogators that the money collected was for the victims’ Chi-pendants, Bio-Discs and accommodation. 

    The Ondo Police Commissioner said: “Victims are allegedly lured into joining a Ponzi scheme called “Quest International Company” under false promises of profit. Each victim is demanded to paid ₦1,500,000.00 each, and also instructed to refer two others to the scheme as criteria to become a member of the group, after which they are denied access to their relatives. The suspect claimed that the money is for the victims’ Chi-pendants, Bio-Discs and accommodation.

    “The operation also led to the rescue of 20 victims held hostage by the said suspect. The suspect will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation while efforts are also in progress to reunite the victims with their families.”

  • Trending video on alleged Boko Haram invasion of Oyo recycled – Police

    Trending video on alleged Boko Haram invasion of Oyo recycled – Police

    The Police Command in Oyo on Tuesday said that the video of alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.

    The Command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram, who invaded the state, along the Ibadan Expressway

    “The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.

    “The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.

    Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.

    Read Also: Lagos, Police raise Strike Force to battle criminals

    “The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.

    “To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.

    Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.

    He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos, Police raise Strike Force to battle criminals

    Lagos, Police raise Strike Force to battle criminals

    The Police in Lagos have raised a standby intervention squad known as Eko Strike Force, as part of the re-jigged crime prevention and control strategies.

    The Strike Force introduced by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Olohundare Jimoh, with the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is made up of policemen drawn from the Police Mobile Force (PMF).

    Speaking with 35 participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18, National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) Abuja, who visited the command on a study tour, Jimoh said the Strike Force was stationed at Surulere, which is a nexus between the Island and Mainland of the city state.

    The police chief said the crime rate in Lagos had dropped below what was the situation when he resumed two months ago.

    He attributed the feat to the synergy that existed among security agencies and the cooperation from the community.

    “The crime rate in Lagos State has been reduced to the barest minimum and we are working to ensure it stays low. I want to not only attribute this to our efforts, but also to the support of other security, intelligence and safety agencies that are cooperating with us. The rate I met on ground was not alarming.

    “This is because Lagos State has a structure that is second to none in the country. We thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for all he has been doing to ensure there is safety in Lagos.

    “Just recently, he presented 72 patrol vehicles for police divisions. We know there will be more to assist us further and we are appreciative of the support.”

    Speaking about how the command was able to contain activities of armed/violent non-state actors, Jimoh said the establishment of the Strike Force was one of the ways, explaining that its creation had ensured response teams were not pulled from neighbouring divisions to attend to urgent matters.

    “Most times when we have an issue to respond to, we normally pull out the patrol team from a specific location to address it and then they go. I saw a loophole there because the non-state actors can capitalise on the absence of patrol teams at that location or reduced manpower in a division to wreak havoc.

    Read Also: NBA, police to end detention without court order

    “That was why I set up this Eko Strike Force and Mr. Governor agreed to it. They are in Surulere and all of them are mobile officers. As we all know, Surulere is the link between Lagos Island and Mainland.

    “They move in if there is any issue of crime, address the issue and then the Area Command or Division takes over from them.

    “Last week, we had some disturbances at YabaTech and it was the Eko Strike Force that was deployed there to arrest the situation,” explained CP Jimoh.

    He said the command was also working with vigilance groups and community corps, especially those in riverine locations, to ensure they were all on the same page towards ensuring safety and security of Lagosians.

    “So they join the patrol with us. And when we have incidence of crime, they equally mobilise to assist us. Since I resumed two months ago, we have not had any case of kidnapping in Lagos.

    “The incidents we usually have are those that are traditional with Lagos- street fighting and ‘Omonile’. Actually, we are working with the state government and a lot of arrangements have been put in place that will be unveiled very soon by the governor, on the issue of ‘Omonile’.”

    Jimoh assured the course participants that Lagos was safe and secure. He said the security architecture of the state was in tune with the government’s agenda to ensure adequate safety, security for all residents and properties so that businesses would thrive and the economy would continue to boom.

    The institute’s Director of Coordination and Liaison, Mrs Foluke Arigbede, who led the delegation, said the study tour was part of the requirements for the course, adding that it would expose the participants to hands-on experience that would be useful when they returned to their agencies.

    Among the 35 participants were officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Department of State Services (DSS), Rwanda Police as well as other security and law enforcement agencies.

  • Lagos police raise strike force to battle crime

    Lagos police raise strike force to battle crime

    The Lagos State Police Command has set up a standby intervention squad known as Eko Strike Force as part of the re-jigged crime prevention and control strategies.

    The Strike Force introduced by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh with the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu comprised of personnel drawn from the Police Mobile Force (PMF).

    Speaking with 35 participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18, National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) Abuja, who visited the command on a study tour, CP Jimoh explained that the strike forces are stationed at Surulere as it was a nexus between the island and the mainland.

    According to the police chief, the crime rate in Lagos had further dropped from what he met on ground two months ago, attributing the feat to the synergy that exists among security agencies and the cooperation from the community.

    “The crime rate in Lagos State has been reduced to the barest minimum, and we are working to ensure it stays low. I want to not only attribute that to our efforts but also to the support of other security, intelligence, and safety agencies that are cooperating with us. The rate I met on the ground was not alarming.

    “This is because Lagos State has a structure that is second to none in the country. We thank Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for all he has been doing to ensure that there is safety in Lagos.

    “Just recently, he presented 72 patrol vehicles for Police Divisions in Lagos. We know that there will be more to assist us further, and we are appreciative of the support…”

    Speaking on how the command was able to contain activities of armed/violent non-state actors, CP Jimoh said the establishment of the Strike Force was one of the ways, explaining that its creation has ensured that response teams are not pulled from neighbour divisions to attain to urgent matters.

    “Most times when we have an issue to respond to, we normally pull out the patrol team from a specific location to address it, and then they go. I saw a loophole there because the non-state actors can capitalize on the absence of patrol teams at that location or reduced manpower in a division to wreak havoc.

    “That is why I set up this Eko Strike Force, and Mr. Governor agreed to it. They are presently in Surulere, and all of them are

    Mobile Officers. As we all know, Surulere is the link between Lagos Island and the Mainland.

    “They move in if there is any issue of crime, address the issue, and then the Area Command or Division takes over from them.

    “Last week, we had some disturbances at YabaTech, and it was the Eko Strike Force that was deployed there to arrest the situation,” explained CP Jimoh.

    He said the command was also working with vigilante groups and community corps especially those in riverine locations to ensure that they were all on the same page towards ensuring safety and security of Lagosians.

    Read Also: Lagos police not wrong in Alabi Quadri’s case, says CP

    “So they join the patrol with us. And when we have incidents of crime, they equally mobilise to assist us. Since I resumed two months ago, we have not had any cases of kidnapping in Lagos.

    “The incidents we used to have are those that are traditional with Lagos- street fighting and Omonile. We are working with the state government, and a lot of arrangements have been put in place that will be unveiled very soon by His Excellency, the Governor, about the issue of Omonile.”

    CP Jimoh assured the course participants that Lagos was safe and secure, adding that the security architecture of the state was in tune with the government’s agenda to ensure adequate safety, security for all residents and properties so that businesses would thrive and the economy continues to boom.

    Earlier, the institute’s Director of Coordination and Liaison,

    Mrs Foluke Arigbede, who led the delegation,n said the study tour was part of the requirements for the course, adding that it would expose the participants to hands-on experiences that would be useful when they return to their agencies.

    The Nation reports that among the 35 participants were officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Department of State Services (DSS), Rwanda Police as well as other security and law enforcement agencies.

  • ABC Transport owner’s daughter rejects ‘wanted’ declaration tag by police

    ABC Transport owner’s daughter rejects ‘wanted’ declaration tag by police

    • ’I was neither informed nor invited of any wrongdoing’

    Daughter of ABC Transport Company’s owner, Ihuoma Julia Nneji, has accused the police of declaring her wanted in an alleged cybercrime-related offence without an invitation.

    Ihuoma said she was shocked by the special gazette bulletin of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF NCCC), Abuja, which labelled her a wanted person for alleged criminal defamation, injurious falsehood and cyber stalking her ex-fiance, Henry Uzochukwu.

    The Nation reports that the estranged lovers had been subject of social media gossip, following the abrupt end to their romance and cancellation of their wedding, which was slated for last November 9.

    The matter, however, escalated after social media activist, Martins Otse, alias VeryDarkMan, called out Ihuoma for allegedly assassinating the character of Uzochukwu and making him fall into depression because he called for the postponement of their wedding, following things he was not comfortable with about her.

    Tired of the callouts from blogs, Ihuoma was said to have initiated a defamation suit before an Abuja High Court against Uzochukwu, Otse and others she accused of tarnishing her image.

    But, in another twist, Uzochukwu filed a complaint with the police accusing Ihuoma of cyber stalking, bullying, defamation of character and related crimes under the Cybercrime Act.

    In her reaction to the police declaration, Ihuoma said she was shocked that those who have been blackmailing, harassing, defaming and threatening her life were the same people raising such allegations against her.

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    She said she was the victim and decided to follow lawful steps by filing a civil suit against them, adding that Uzochukwu knew her legal representatives and could have given their details to the police to reach her if they wanted to invite her.

    Ihuoma said: “In the latest twist of events, they have filed a false police petition against me and bought over the police to continue in their series of harassments against me. I was not made aware, invited or informed by the police prior to them declaring me wanted. “Uzochukwu knows my legal representatives. None of my lawyers were contacted. I have not done or committed any crime that should make any law to declare me wanted.

    “But in a bid to harass and subdue me, they have gone ahead to push this false narrative out with the police while using backdoor connections on their end to harass me via the police.

    “I would also like to debunk and restate that: I have never defamed anyone on my verified social media pages or with any other page. I have never blackmailed anyone as stated in some of the videos circulating online, instead, I am the one being blackmailed and threatened by Henry Uzochukwu.”

  • DIG Ali denies being forced out of Police

    DIG Ali denies being forced out of Police

    Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ari Mohammed Ali, has refuted claims that he was eased out of the force over allegations of age falsification and violations of service rules.

    In a statement at the weekend by his aide, Ibrahim Anas Alemani, the DIG described the claims as unfounded, stating that he retired after attaining the statutory 60 years.

    Some online news sites had reported that the former DIG Operations had joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in his home state and expressed his senatorial ambition weeks after retiring from the police following his “discharge” on questionable grounds.

    Read Also: Niger police impound 56 tricycles, 94 motorcycles in 36-hour of restriction in Minna

    But, in reaction, Ali described the claim as misleading and an attempt to soil his good name and dent his incredible records.

    “The retired DIG served meritoriously without blemish and built his career in the force as a distinguished police officer. He served in various capacities in the Nigeria Police Force excellently and would not want to be drawn into such malicious and mischievous publication.

  • Police rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina, others

    Police rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina, others

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Katsina State have foiled a kidnap attempt on the Funtua-Gusau highway.

    The officers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, causing them to flee with bullet wounds.

    As a result of the response, 10 victims, including two drivers and eight passengers, were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said: “The Nigeria Police Force continues to demonstrate its commitment to improved internal security through a series of successful operations resulting in significant rescue of kidnap victims, arrests and recoveries of illegal arms.These achievements highlight the NPF’s dedication to proactively tackling crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

    Read Also: Police rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina, others

    “In another development, on April 18, 2025, at about 11:00 am, operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID), Taraba State, in collaboration with local vigilante, successfully apprehended Umar Ahmad, 40, at a roadblock in Jalingo.

    “Ahmad, a notorious criminal wanted by the police for several months. Following interrogation, Ahmad led operatives to Mayo Faran Village in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, a border town between Taraba and Adamawa states. A comprehensive search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition.

  • Police rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina, others

    Police rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina, others

    …recover police arms

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Katsina State have thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway. The officers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, inflicting severe injuries upon them. 

    As a result of their response, ten victims, including two drivers and eight passengers, were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

    A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “The Nigeria Police Force continues to demonstrate its commitment to improved internal security through a series of successful operations resulting in significant rescue of kidnap victims, arrests and recoveries of illegal arms. These achievements highlight the NPF’s dedication to proactively tackling crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

    “In another development, on April 18, 2025, at about 11:00 AM, operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID), Taraba State, in collaboration with local vigilantes, successfully apprehended Umar Ahmad, 40, at a roadblock in Jalingo.

    “Ahmad, a notorious criminal wanted by the police for several months. Following interrogation, Ahmad led operatives to Mayo Faran Village in Mayo Belwa LGA, a border town between Taraba and Adamawa states. A comprehensive search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition.

    “Further investigation revealed that one of the recovered guns belongs to the Taraba State Police Command, which was earlier carted away during an ambush in 2023, where kidnappers attacked a team of the Anti-Kidnapping squad, resulting in the death of one ASP Aminu Nuhu.

    “Continuing in their streak of successes, on April 17, 2025, at about 1:30 PM, vigilant police officers attached to Fegge Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, while on patrol along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha, intercepted a shuttle bus parked suspiciously along the road and upon conducting a thorough search of the bus, five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs were found concealed in a bag of rice.

    “The recovered bus has been subjected to forensic examination, while efforts are being intensified to locate the culprits.

    Read Also: Niger police impound 56 tricycles, 94 motorcycles in 36-hour of restriction in Minna

    “In a related development at about 1:27 PM on the same day, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anambra state command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his residence on Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, Idemili North LGA. A search conducted at his apartment led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger.

    “The suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is cooperating with the police to identify and arrest other members of the gang”.

    Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers for their professionalism and prompt response, which has led to successes.

    The IGP, he said further reiterates the commitment of the Force to protecting the lives and property of citizens.

    “These recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of NPF officers in combating crime across the nation. The NPF urges the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information that can aid in preventing crime and ensuring public safety”, the statement added. 

  • DIG Ali denies being forced out of Police

    DIG Ali denies being forced out of Police

    Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ari Mohammed Ali has refuted claims that he was eased out of the force over allegations of age falsification and violations of service rules.

    In a statement issued over the weekend by his aide, Ibrahim Anas Alemani, the allegations were described as unfounded, emphasizing that DIG Ali retired meritoriously after reaching the statutory age of 60.

    Reports from some online news platforms had suggested that the former DIG Operations joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in his home state and expressed senatorial ambitions weeks after retiring under questionable circumstances.

    Ali dismissed these claims as misleading and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation, highlighting his distinguished and blemish-free career in the Nigeria Police Force. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining his legacy and refused to be drawn into malicious publications.

    Read Also: Niger police impound 56 tricycles, 94 motorcycles in 36-hour of restriction in Minna

    “However, to avoid any doubt and for the public and his supporters not to be misled, it is important to put the record straight.

    “DIG Ari Mohammed Ari (rtd) was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a member of course 16 cadet ASP. He trained in the elite Police Academy in Kaduna State. He served in various capacities in the Police Force, during which he won numerous awards due to his dedication and leadership style.

    “He served in the Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos, Rivers, Kano state commands, served in the Police Staff College Jos, and retired meritoriously as DIG Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    “Members of the press are hereby urged to always verify their news before publication. The respected senior officer will leave no stone unturned should there be any further attempt to dent the reputation he has built over the years,” the statement added.

  • Niger police impound 56 tricycles, 94 motorcycles in 36-hour of restriction in Minna

    Niger police impound 56 tricycles, 94 motorcycles in 36-hour of restriction in Minna

    …deny unprofessional acts by its officials

    The Niger State Police Command has impounded 56 tricycles and 94 motorcycles within the past 36 hours since the implementation of the dawn-to-dusk movement restriction for tricycles and motorcycles in Minna, the state capital.

    Last week, Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, announced several security measures to combat thuggery activities in the state capital.

    These included enforcing a 6 pm to 6 am movement restriction for tricycles and motorcycles and cutting the dreadlocks of boys with distinct hairstyles.

    In a statement signed by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the restriction began on Thursday, April 24, 2025, and will remain in effect until further directive from the Governor.

    SP Abiodun expressed concern over individuals using Jincheng motorcycles, commonly known as private motorcycles, for skeletal commercial activities during restricted hours.

    “It is very important to note that even as private motorcycles are exempted, we have seen some persons using Jincheng motorcycles to do skeletal commercial activities at night, therefore, any private motorcycle who could not give satisfactory account of himself with proper identification as staff of an organisation, coming from work or any other important reasons may not be exempted”, he stated.

    He urged motorcyclists and tricyclists to be law-abiding pending further directives from the State government.

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    In a related development, the PPRO noted that allegations of unprofessional acts during this period were not carried out by the police.

    Reacting to reports of extortion of N2,000 as a fine and shaving of the dreadlocks of visitors in Minna, Abiodun insisted that the men of the police force were not involved in the unprofessional acts.

    “The state Police Command wishes to state that these acts were not committed by the men of Nigeria Police Force, Niger State Command as being tagged and spread on social media. It is important to state that the team is a joint security team and the victim in the said video categorically mentioned those responsible for the unprofessional acts.”

    The PPRO then called on members of the public to report any act of unprofessionalism from police personnel in the State to the State Police Public Relations Unit or Public Complaints Unit.