Category: Crime

……..28 Arrested for Cross-Border Fraud.

Emmanuel Ikpeama.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 28 individuals, including victims and perpetrators, of a cross-border fraud scheme targeting Liberians.

The scheme involved coercing victims to deceive their families and friends into believing the victims were living in Australia.

Following a petition by the Press Society (TPS)who had petitioned the NIS after receiving a distress call from stakeholders in the Liberian community,Investigator news reports that the victims were held in a camp in Agura-Gberigbe,Ikorodu, and forced to manipulate their loved ones into sending money for fake visa processing fees.

Victims interviewed said that for over 6 months since in Nigeria they have been indoors but on some occasions,they take pictures at exotic places on the Island,make video,chats with their friends and families as this is to make their relatives believe they are doing fine and living a good life in Australia.

Investigator news gathered that the victims said the scheme handlers have roamed different country numbers, which makes it easy for them to deceive and make family and friends to raise funds for visa processing to Australia.

They said on different occasions they tried to challenge the status quo,but they are often tagged as rebel. Since they observed the strategy of divide and rule tactics by the handlers of the scheme,the victims started playing along to be in the good book of the leaders of the scheme.

This decision to play along aided their flee from the camp, seeking for help without suspicion. Several thousand of dollars have been collected from them for visa processing to Australia but they never left Nigeria, rather they were told to deceive more people from Liberia that they are in Australia.

“We are now being told of some products that can enhance our traveling to Europe,” one of the victims stated.

“They harbor us in a house, we were sleeping like refugees after paying them $3,000 each, some people even pay more.

“We were mandated to daily report to a place highlighted as an office. We will be there daily obtaining information on our to market and sell #Qnet product which is a network marketing platform,” another victim who prefer to remain anonymous told us.

Upon receiving the petition, the NIS swung into action, mobilized some armed team to burst the syndicates at one of their hideout camp at a community in Agura-Gberigbe in Ikorodu as 28 victims and scheme syndicates were apprehended.

Investigator news was reliable informed that after the arrest of this scheme perpetrators on the 15th of April, 2025, the NIS informed the investigative team of TPS that justice will be served.

The NIS stated that when done with their investigation, they will give the investigative team of TPS a feedback.

When contacted on their investigation,the NIS Public Relation Officer,Mr Ademulegun in company of the Deputy Controller (DC) Samuel Okafor stated “the alleged scam victims are not victims according to their investigation”.

He further said that “just 8 of them are in Nigeria illegally, and according to ECOWAS treaty, they have 90 days window of opportunity to stay in the country and we have asked them to leave when it lapses”

 

 

 

 

………Recovers 2 AK-47 Rifle,5 Stolen vehicles.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

In its ongoing efforts to combat crimes and criminality, the Nigeria Police Force have successfully neutralized 7 suspected kidnappers and arrested 5 alleged armed robbers in a major operation, recovering 2 AK-47 rifles and 5 stolen vehicles.

The operation resulted in the recovery of high-powered firearms and stolen property,dealing a significant blow to criminal networks.

In a release signed by Force Public Relation Officer,ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,he stated that the force has successfully neutralized and apprehended multiple suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, recovered stolen vehicles and significantly disrupted criminal activities in Delta and Kaduna States, underscoring the Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

According to him,on the 4th of June 2025, operatives of the Delta state police command alongside local vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers, acting on credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, which led to the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of One AK-47 rifle and thirteen rounds of live ammunition.

Similarly operatives of the Delta State Command CP-Special Assignment Team, while conducting an operation along Ughelli – Patani Road, flagged down an approaching shuttle bus by Ewhereni Junction.

He stated that upon sighting the operatives, the occupants of the said vehicle opened fire in a bid to escape, leading to a gun duel.

As a result, three (3) of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized. One AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen (18) rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them.

Investigator news reports that preliminary investigation further revealed the gang were one of the known kidnapping syndicates terrorizing the state.

ACP Adejobi noted that in another development,operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command successfully apprehended five individuals belonging to a syndicate of armed robbers, who have been terrorising communities in the State for an extended period.

Their capture stems from the recovery of a Toyota Hilux stolen on the 28th of May 2025 from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

“The suspect, Mohammed Kabir, a male from Samaru Gusau, Zamfara State, was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit near Zaria town. This arrest also led to the recovery of a Toyota Camry which was found abandoned near the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.”

“A Honda CR-V was also recovered following the arrest of one Emmanuel Oliseh, who had stolen the vehicle from Abuja, and a Toyota Camry (1998 model) was intercepted with three suspects, Ibrahim Bala, Abdulsalam Abdullahi, and Abdulraman Muktar, who later confessed to stealing the vehicle from Nasarawa State.”he stated

The release went on to say that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun,has commended the officers for their swift response to intelligence, as this successes once again underscores the importance of collaboration between the police and security stakeholders in combating crime in our communities.

The IGP went further to urge members of the Public to continually provide timely information to the Police and other security agencies to help keep our country safe.

 

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Delta Police Commaand Force has launched a full-scale investigation into a viral video alleging misconduct by officers attached to the Ebrumede Division.

The video, sparked widespread outrage on social media which has been widely shared across various platforms, features a young man who identified himself as “DJ Young,” accusing the police of abuse and misconduct during an encounter.

The Commissioner of Police,in a swift reaction, condemned the alleged act, stressing that the Command under his watch will not condone any form of incivility or abuse of power by its operatives.

CP Abaniwonda emphasized that the allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness. “We do not and will not tolerate unprofessional conduct in any form,” he said.

He went further to condemned the alleged behavior, emphasizing that abuse or unprofessional conduct by officers will not be tolerated.

The Command also encourages anyone with information, particularly “DJ Young,” to contact the Complaint Response Unit.

In a release signed by the Police Public Relations Office,SP Edafe Bright stated that ,under the leadership of CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, views such allegations with utmost seriousness and unequivocally states that any form of abuse or unprofessional conduct by police officers will not be condoned under any circumstances.

 

“To this end, the CP has directed an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.”

“He encourages any individual or group particularly the victim “DJ young” who appeared in the recorded video to contact the command through the Complaint Response Unit’s dedicated numbers: 09155570008 or 09011112311.”he stated

The Commissioner also reiterated that the integrity of the Delta State Police Command, noting that it remains a top priority.

He charged officers and men of the force to maintain professionalism and operate strictly within the rule of law and the ethics of modern policing.

“This Command stands firmly for justice, and we shall not shield any officer found wanting,” he assured

 

Emmanuel lkpeama 

In a decisive move that reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance against violent crime, the Delta State Police Command has recorded two separate but significant operational breakthroughs, resulting in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of dangerous firearms.

In a press release signed by the Police Public Relation Officer, SP Edafe Bright stated that the operatives of the CP Special assignment team  (CP-SAT)struck a major blow to a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate terrorising Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States.

According to SP Edafe,the team acting on credible intelligence and building on the momentum of an earlier breakthrough, arrested another suspected kidnapper. This latest arrest is directly linked to an earlier operation where three of the suspects’ accomplices were apprehended and dangerous weapons recovered.

“On 20/5/2025 at about 1735hrs, operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) effected the arrest of one Abubakar Hassan ‘m’ 30yrs of Niger State but resident at Woji area Port Harcourt, River State. Upon interrogation, the suspect who heads the syndicate operating along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis led the team to a forest along the Ozoro axis where two (2) AK47 rifles and thirty-two (32) rounds of live ammunition and four (4) AK47 rifle magazines were recovered. The trail of other gang members has been intensified for possible arrest and recovery of more arms.”

In another development,the Police Public image maker noted that officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol while on routine stop-and-search duty along Ughelli road, intercepted a vehicle.

Investigator news reports that upon conducting a thorough search, one locally fabricated revolver pump action single-barrel gun, and fifteen (15) rounds of live cartridges were recovered. The suspect, Obi Ezekiel age 38yrs of Kogi state,was arrested and Investigation is ongoing.

The CP further assured members of the public that their safety remains a top priority, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing credible and timely information. He emphasized that public support is crucial to the success of law enforcement activities.

CP Abaniwonda also issued a stern warning to criminal elements, saying that the Command is actively monitoring and tracking all threats and that there will be no hiding place for those involved in criminal activities within the state.

 

……….. Recovers One Ak-47 rifle,23 rounds of ammunitions,One English barreta pistol, double barrel pump action and fifteen live cartridges.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthroughs in its sustained operations against crime and criminality across the state.

In separate intelligence-led operations, police operatives arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, while also recovering firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous items.

In a press release signed and released by the Public Relation Officer, SP Edafe Bright stated that on Friday 16,May 2025,operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team (CP – SAT) successfully dismantled a notorious interstate kidnap syndicate that has been operating in Delta, Rivers, Enugu, and Imo State.

He said that the operatives followed a trail to Port Harcourt, where they arrested a syndicate member named Idirisu Yakubu, a 21-year-old male suspect from Kwara State, but a resident of Elelenwo area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Upon interrogation, on Saturday 17,May 2025, he led operatives to the arrest of their gang leader and coordinator viz: Bello Amodu age 40 years of Tangaza LGA, Sokoto state but a resident of Elelenwo area Port Harcourt, Rivers state who is coordinating the various syndicates within the South – South and South-East region.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed Beto age 38 years of Tsamiya village, Bagudu LGA, Kebbi State, a resident of the Oil Mill Area, Port Harcourt area of Rivers State, who is said to be the one heading the Enugu axis.

Investigator news reports that upon further interrogation,0635hrs of the same date, they led operatives to a bush along Ughelli – Ozoro Road where one AK-47 Rifle loaded with twenty-three (23) rounds of live ammunition and a pump action with seven (7) rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.

The Police Public image maker went further to state that the command trailed a kidnapping/armed robbery suspect, stormed a residence located in Warri South LGA, and arrested one Benjamin Benemor age 53 years and the following exhibits were recovered: One English Beretta Pistol with magazine, One English Double Barrel Pump Action Gun, One English Single Barrel Gun, One Locally Made Single Barrel Gun, One Locally Made Short Double Barrel Gun, One Battle Axe, fifteen Live Cartridges.

“ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER/ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERY OF ONE ENGLISH BERETTA PISTOL, ONE ENGLISH DOUBLE BARREL PUMP ACTION GUN, ONE ENGLISH SINGLE BARREL GUN, ONE LOCALLY MADE SINGLE BARREL GUN, ONE LOCALLY MADE SHORT DOUBLE BARREL GUN AND 15 LIVE CATRIDGES: In a separate incident, operatives of the Eagle Net Surveillance Team based at Ughelli, while acting on intelligence, trailed a kidnapping/armed robbery suspect, stormed a residence located in Warri South LGA, and arrested one Benjamin Benemor, ‘m’ age 53 years. Upon search of his residence, the following exhibits were recovered: One English Beretta Pistol with magazine, One English Double Barrel Pump Action Gun, One English Single Barrel Gun, One Locally Made Single Barrel Gun, One Locally Made Short Double Barrel Gun, One Battle Axe, fifteen Live Cartridges.”

“ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER/CULTIST/ RECOVERY OF ONE FABRICATED BERETTA PISTOL: On 15/05/25 at about 0630hrs, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), while on stop and search along the Asaba-Benin Expressway, flagged down a Jetta vehicle with reg no: ASB18BH with two male occupants named: Blessing Ngbajime, age 49 years, and Okpako Oghenhovo, age 27 years. Upon search of the vehicle and the occupants, One Fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from Okpako Oghenhovo. Investigation is in progress, and the apprehended suspects are undergoing profiling and interrogation.”he submitted

SP Edafe noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi,has commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to securing the lives and property of residents.

He added that these achievements demonstrate the command’s readiness to confront all forms of criminality and the readiness to act decisively against those who threaten the peace and security of the state

The Commissioner went further to call on residents of Delta State to remain vigilant and provide timely information that can assist in crime prevention and detection.