The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Imo police arrest Inspector, four others over murder of lawyer

    Imo police arrest Inspector, four others over murder of lawyer

    The Imo State Police Command has arrested four suspects including a police inspector in connection with the murder of Barrister Chinedu Nwowu.

    The police inspector identified as Augustine Odidika was reportedly arrested last Thursday shortly after the gruesome murder of Nwowu in Mgbidi Town last Wednesday.

    It was learned that the police inspector had previously threatened to kill the lawyer, prompting the lawyer to petition the Assistant Inspector General of Police for threats to his life.

    However, the petition remained uninvestigated at the time of the lawyer’s murder.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Chief Chris Ihentuge, revealed this development to The Nation in a statement on Wednesday.

    According to him, the police informed the NBA delegation, during a visit to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, on Monday.

    “During the meeting, the Bar leaders urged the Police to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. They assured the Police of the willingness of the Bar to collaborate and support the ongoing investigation,” he said.

    He said the police also informed the delegation that investigations had commenced, adding that the case file and suspects had been transferred from the Mgbidi Police Division to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    “The Deputy Commissioner of Police disclosed that four suspects, including a serving Inspector of Police who is also the deceased’s kinsman, have been arrested in connection with the murder. Efforts are also underway to apprehend a warrant officer serving in Enugu who has been implicated in the case,” he said.

    He added: “The Police Chiefs assured the Bar of an impartial and thorough investigation. They emphasized that the involvement of a serving police officer would not hinder the pursuit of justice, vowing to prosecute all those responsible for this crime.”

    Read Also: Imo police arrest woman for battering 13- year- old house help

    He said: “You know they may like to use his position to influence whatever but the commissioner and deputy commissioner have assured us that no matter how highly placed the people involved are they will do the needful. And one of the persons that they are still looking for is a Warrant Officer in the Army, he is serving in Enugu.

    “So they are also putting things in place to make sure that he is apprehended. We assured them that we are going to cooperate with them in whatever they are doing to make sure that justice is served. So the NBA is ready and willing to assist, the person that was murdered is our colleague, so we can’t leave like that.”

    He disclosed that the delegation also raised the issue of a bomb explosion that destroyed the house of their colleague at Mbieri.

    “The Commissioner of Police (CP) assured the delegation that the matter was being handled by the appropriate authorities.”

  • Navy commander visits Army, police bosses to strengthen collaboration, boost security

    Navy commander visits Army, police bosses to strengthen collaboration, boost security

    In a move to strengthen existing inter-agency cooperation and improve security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Commander, Naval Unit Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, visited his colleagues at the Guards Brigade Asokoro and FCT Police Command, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, and CP Olatunji Disu, respectively.

    Commodore Oladipo who recently assumed duty as the head of the Naval Unit, assured that officers and men under his command were committed to improving security in a joint security environment.

    During his visit to the Commissioner of Police, Commodore Oladipo commiserated with him over the death of his son, praying for the repose of the soul of the young man.

    He also reiterated that the unit was ready to work with the police and other security agencies to improve security and defence in the FCT.

    At the Guards Brigade, Commodore Oladipo noted that there has been cordial relationship between both units, adding that personnel of both units always collaborated in the areas of security, regimentation and a host of other ceremonial tasks.

    He said the collaboration between both agencies has led to closer and better delivery of assigned tasks.

    He said that more would be achieved with better synergy, assuring of his readiness and dedication in that regard.

    Read Also: Guber poll: Igala Vanguard urges Tinubu to remove Navy commander Akalieze from Kogi

    Commodore Oladipo also appreciated the Commander Guards Brigade and his officers for the warm reception accorded him and members of his entourage.

    In his remarks, Brig.-Gen. Onasanya, recalled their days in the Nigerian Military School (NMS) and Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), assuring the Navy boss of the brigade’s readiness and commitment towards effective synergy that would showcase FCT to the world.

    He expressed optimism that the new Naval Commander would succeed, considering his wide range of experience and knowledge, which will surely and effectively enable him to discharge his responsibilities, with both units working as a team to move the FCT and its environs forward in the area of security for all residents.

  • Police arrest Lagos hotelier over ‘sodomy’ on teenagers

    Police arrest Lagos hotelier over ‘sodomy’ on teenagers

    Police operatives at the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan, have arrested a popular Lagos hotelier for allegedly sodomising secondary school boys.

    The suspect identified simply as Mcdon was arrested yesterday at his hotel, Empire, located at Bucknor in the Isheri-Osun, Ejigbo, after weeks of evading police arrest.

    It was gathered that trouble started for the hotelier in December when a 16-year-old pupil (names withheld), who joined his friends to the hotel for a Tik-Tok skit, was lured and defiled.

    Read Also: Lagos, Fed Govt sign MoU on 68km VI, Lekki, Ajah rail project

    The traumatised boy, it was gathered, told his mother what transpired at the hotel and how McDon had unnatural intimacy with him and three of his friends, threatening them afterwards to keep it a secret or die.

    The teenager, it was gathered, told his mother he wanted to make a confession before the new year, urging her to keep it a secret. But the mother, who could not stomach her son’s rattling confession, raised an alarm, especially as her son started acting abnormally minutes after opening up.

    The Nation gathered that the boy’s father, Christian Edozie, 44, was immediately put in the know and they took him to a prayer house where he stayed for a few days and was then taken to the Isheri-Osun Police Station to file a complaint after he became sober.

  • Cleric denies involvement in police officers’ sack

    Cleric denies involvement in police officers’ sack

    Zion Prayer Movement Outreach has denied a report, linking its Spiritual Director, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, to the dismissal of three police officers by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    In a statement, Obi’s Media Adviser, Dan Aibangbe, described the report as misleading.

    Aibangbe said the report entitled, “Police dismiss officer Peter Ejike over fraud involving Zion Ministry’s Ebuka Obi in blogger Ijele Speaks’, was an attempt to mislead the public and smear  their leader’s image.

    Read Also: Tinubu: steady power is my priority

    The statement noted that the reasons for the officers’ earlier suspension and dismissal had been explained by the Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Ogunjobi, which include gross misconduct such as illegal duty and stealing in a case involving FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited.

    Aibangbe explained that Ejike was only assigned to investigate a case of threat to life and cyber bullying brought against Ijele, and argued that it was misinterpreted.

    Aibangbe said: “I spoke to the publisher and told him that his publication against Evangelist Obi is evil, full of hatred and undeserving of a man aspiring to be Nigeria’s president.”

  • Police arrest 179 individuals over alleged laundering of N11 billion

    Police arrest 179 individuals over alleged laundering of N11 billion

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Tuesday said that it has intensified efforts towards tackling financial and money laundering crimes to lift Nigeria out of FATF Grey List, noting that the efforts have led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over ₦11 billion.

    The police said in February 2023 that Nigeria was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, designating the country as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorism financing.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “In response to this critical situation, the Nigeria Police Force has been actively tackling these issues through the establishment of specialized units such as the Special Anti-Fraud Unit (SFU), the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit.

    “Collectively, these initiatives aim to enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international standards and facilitate the country’s removal from the FATF grey list.

    “Over the past year, these specialized units have made significant strides in combating financial crimes, resulting in the arrest of 1,088 suspects, securing 152 convictions, and recovering a total of $11,450,000 and ₦142,261,254,228.80.

    “The National Cybercrime Centre, in particular, has been pivotal in addressing digital financial crimes, leading to the arrest of 751 cybercrime suspects and extensive recoveries amounting to ₦8,821,001,881.80, $84,000, and 115,237.91 USDT.

    “A notable achievement includes Operation Butterfly Net, addressing a cyber-attack on Flutter wave, which led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over ₦11 billion”.

    Adejobi said in addition to the proactive efforts of the NPF, the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Sections has bolstered the framework surrounding financial investigations.

    He said the training of over 2,000 officers across various units in money laundering and terrorism financing investigations is reflective of the Force’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s global standing in combating financial crimes.

    The Force spokesman said: “With the submission of quarterly AML/CFT reports to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Nigeria’s ratings within the FATF regime have also significantly improved, indicating the effectiveness of these initiatives.

    Read Also: Police foil alleged terror plot in Kano

    “As we move forward, the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing, ensuring that Nigeria meets international requirements set by the FATF.

    “We urge all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to collaborate in this critical effort of lifting Nigeria from the FATF grey list.

    “While the fight against financial crime is far from over, the progress made by the Force in investigations, arrests, and prosecutions demonstrates the determination to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and restore trust in our financial institutions.

    “We assure the public and the international community that the Nigeria Police is taking all necessary steps to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.”

  • Police foil alleged terror plot in Kano

    Police foil alleged terror plot in Kano

    • Recover explosives, weapons

    The Kano State Police Command said it has recovered explosives and dangerous weapons allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded National Tijjaniyya Maulud in the state.

    Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo-Garba,told the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) in Kano yesterday that the explosives were reportedly recovered at Tokarawa village of Gezawa Local Government area.

    He said the command had made a significant breakthrough in maintaining peace and security in the state.

    Read Also: Kano police parade suspected killers of Gombe ex-permanent secretary

    Dogo-Garba explained that the recovered explosives and weapons were allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded event. He said the police, in collaboration with state agencies, foiled the terror plot and recovered the explosives reportedly intended for use during the Maulud.

    Dogo-Garba said the police had commenced an investigation to identify those behind the alleged botched plot.

    ”This proactive measure demonstrates the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike,” the CP said.

  • Police probe death of four in Niger mining explosion

    Police probe death of four in Niger mining explosion

    The Police are probing the death of  four persons and others who were injured yesterday  after an explosion at a mining site at Sabon Pegi in Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The state Commissioner of Police (CP), Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, confirmed this yesterday.

    The police stated that the explosion came from some suspected dynamites, which were reportedly kept in a residential area by one Yushau for mining.

    According to the CP, the incident led to the death of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to the general hospital Kainji for medical attention.

    “The said Yushau is at large. However, normalcy has been restored in the area while monitoring continues,” a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said.

    Read Also: NIPOST CEO urges Nigeria police to use national addressing system to combat crime 

     He added: “The incident affected about 12 houses in the area, and the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the incident, and dispatched an EOD-CBRN unit to the scene for assessment.’’

    Though the cause of the incident is unknown, residents around the Sabon Pegi community are pointing fingers at the poor handling of explosives used by mining firms.

    Sources in the community confirmed that four bodies were recovered from the scene of the blast and many otherrs were injured.

  • Police arrest three over murder of ex-Gombe revenue board chairman in Kano

    Police arrest three over murder of ex-Gombe revenue board chairman in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Atiku Mu’azu, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Chairman of the Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue Service.

    Mu’azu was reportedly kidnapped and killed in Kano, where he had relocated after retiring from public service. 

    It was gathered that his abductors collected a ransom of N10 million before taking his life.

    In a separate incident, suspected kidnappers invaded Garo town in Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday and abducted a young woman identified as Zainab.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, confirmed the arrests to journalists on Sunday.

    “Three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the death of the Gombe retired permanent secretary and are now in our custody.

    “As soon as the investigation is completed, the suspects will be charged to court for appropriate prosecution.”

    Read Also: Kogi police recover bus stolen in Abuja one year after, arrest suspect

    Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has expressed grief, saying he received with shock and sadness the news of Mu’azu’s death.

    Kano police also on Sunday confirmed the kidnapping of Zainab by suspected kidnappers, saying the police have swung into action with a view to rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects.

    It was gathered that gunmen, numbering about 10, stormed the residence of a prominent businessman, Alhaji Auwal, in Garo Sabuwar Unguwa, on Sunday at about 1:20 a.m.

    Eyewitnesses said the suspected kidnappers broke a small gate and forcefully entered the house.

    The kidnapped lady is said to be the family’s eldest daughter.

    The family had negotiated a ransom of N8 million, but the gunmen took Zainab away after collecting the ransom.

    Family members said the kidnappers are yet to establish communication with them since the incident on Sunday morning.

  • Kogi police recover bus stolen in Abuja one year after, arrest suspect

    Kogi police recover bus stolen in Abuja one year after, arrest suspect

    • From Olaide Oyelude, Lokoja

    Operatives of Kogi State police command in collaboration with other security colleagues have arrested a 39-year old man, Nnamdi Osita over theft of a Toyota Coaster bus.

    The operatives have also recovered the coaster bus along Abuja-lokoja highway.

    It was learnt that the bus had been stolen at Nyanya area of Abuja over a year before its recovery on Thursday evening.

    Read Also: Northern CAN lauds Tinubu on inclusive governance

    The spokesman for the Kogi State police command, SP William Aya confirmed the development on Saturday.

    He explained further: ” In compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police Kogi State Police Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, in sustaining the onslaught against criminal elements operating in the State, on 23rd January, 2025 at about 1645hrs( 4.45 p.m), the Operatives attached to ‘B’ Division Lokoja in synergy with other Security Agencies arrested one Nnamdi Osita a 39-year-old with one Toyota Coaster bus with Registration Number *GWA 488 ZD* cream colour.

    “This is consequent upon an intelligence received that a Toyota Coaster bus suspected to have been stolen from Nyanya, FCT, Abuja for over one year was sighted moving along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

  • Police bust terrorists’ camp in Imo

    Police bust terrorists’ camp in Imo

    • Kill three ESN kingpins, six others, destroy camp

    The Imo State Police Command has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    The operation which took place at the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State led to the neutralization of six other members of the gang.

    The Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who announced this in a statement on Saturday,  said operatives from the Command’s tactical unit launched a coordinated operation on January 24, 2025, following credible intelligence. 

    He said during the operation, police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders construction of more roads in FCT area councils – Wike

     “Despite coming under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, the operatives demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.”

    He said the operation resulted in the neutralization of six members of the terrorist group, including three ESN kingpins, identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28); Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22); Kingsley Sunday (21). They were said to be natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area.

     The police also recovered several items, including five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, and eight operational motorcycles.

     He disclosed further that the group was involved in several high-profile crimes, including attacks on the Owerri Correctional Centre and the killing of policemen in Umunna, Okigwe.

    He said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.

     “The IGP charged police operatives to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan to reduce crimes drastically in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.