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Category: Crime

  • UGHELLI – OHORO FOREST KILLINGS: Police Operatives Recover Police Arms Carted Away By Attackers, Arrest Suspects, Neutralize Bandits.

    UGHELLI – OHORO FOREST KILLINGS: Police Operatives Recover Police Arms Carted Away By Attackers, Arrest Suspects, Neutralize Bandits.

    ....As lGP Reaffirms Commitment to Reduce Crime to Barest Minimum

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    Leveraging on the recent charge on succinct intelligence gathering and sharing for effective operational deployments by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) has made significant strides in the ongoing efforts to combat crime and restore security in Delta State and beyond.

     

    In a Press release,signed by the Force Public Relation Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the recent tragic events in Ohoro Forest, Ughelli Delta State, where some police operatives were ambushed and gruesomely murdered leading to the loss of thirteen (13) police rifles to the criminal suspects, the FID-IRT have successfully recovered ten (10) of these arms.

    According to the release,during a coordinated operation, the gallant operatives of the FID-IRT engaged the suspects in a gun duel which led to the neutralization of some of the suspects while the police operatives successfully reclaimed ten (10) of the stolen weapons, and recovered some arms used by the assailants.

    The Force spokesperson went on to say that the Nigeria Police has effectively addressed the kidnapping crisis that has plagued the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with the arrest of six (6) members of the notorious kidnapping gang terrorizing the area and the suspects are currently in custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations.

    The IGP Egbetokun went further to reassured the public that the Police will continue to employ all necessary measures to combat criminal activities across the nation as the safety and security of Nigerian citizens remain the top priority, noting that the Force is committed to maintaining peace and order through diligent and proactive efforts.

    He reiterated the determination of his leadership to creating a safe and secure environment for all citizens while appreciating their support and cooperation.

     

  • Contractor Admits Receiving N2.17 Billion From NSA Office Without Any Project.

    Contractor Admits Receiving N2.17 Billion From NSA Office Without Any Project.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    A Contractor Olugbenga Obadina, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has before the Federal High Court in Abuja admitted receiving N2.17 billion for a job he didn’t execute.

    This was disclosed by the EFCC on its official social media page.

    The case which was presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, the court heard Obadina deny that payments made to his company, Almond Projects Limited, by the Office of the National Security Adviser on November 28, 2015, were for any power project in Yobe State or elsewhere.

    Obadina and Almond Projects Limited, the first and second defendants respectively, face an eight-count charge by the EFCC, including conspiracy, official corruption, and money laundering. The charges relate to payments totaling N2,017,190,000 (Two Billion, Seventeen Million, One Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) they allegedly received from the NSA office under Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) without any contractual agreement or scheduled work for the federal government.

    Under cross-examination based on Obadina’s evidence-in-chief, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba asked the defendant to identify the project for which payments were made to his company.

    Specifically, he was also asked to state if the payment was for the purpose of installing a power plant or any power project in Yobe State, to which he answered in the negative.

    “My lord, with reference to payments in the document that is written, particularly to the Almond project, no site was mentioned in all of the description. No location was mentioned in any of the descriptions my lord,” he said.

    Prodded further by prosecution counsel to confirm if it would be right to say that no part of the payments was made for installation of solar or power plants in Yobe State, the defendant acquiesced, stating, “Yes, none of these payments was made for the installation of solar in the state.”

    Citing the defendant’s extra- judicial statement, marked Exhibit GO1, 1-9, prosecution counsel pointed out that there was nowhere in the entirety of the defendant’s statement where he specifically mentioned a particular area in Yobe State where the project was to be executed and though the defendant contested the claim, saying that he mentioned a site outside Damataru, the state capital, but could not point to it in his statement when challenged by the prosecution counsel to do so.

    There was no re-examination from the defence and Justice Dimgba adjourned the matter till May 30 and 31, 2024 for continuation of trial.

  • Delta Police Neutralize Kidnap Syndicate

    Delta Police Neutralize Kidnap Syndicate

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The Delta State Police Command Special Squad deployed by CP Abaniwonda Olufemi to Ughelli North LGA has neutralized a kidnap syndicate terrorising the area.

    In a press release signed by the police public relation officer,SP Edafe stated that the Command has been embarking on an intelligence-led policing strategy that has been paying off leading to the arrest of over nine suspected kidnappers and recovery of firearms.

    According to the release”The team again recorded another major achievement last weekend at about 0200hrs, when they stormed Inene Community in Ughellli North LGA, Delta State, on the trail of the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate known as Joel Joseph, who is a native of Ekakpamre Community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State”.

    “The Suspect upon sighting the operatives opened fire on the operatives and in the ensuing gun duel, the suspect sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment. One AK47 Rifle loaded with ten (10) rounds of Live Ammunition was recovered from him.

    Efforts are being intensified to arrest other gang members as contained in the intel.

    Thursday last week at about 0945hrs, operatives of Safe Delta deployed to Head-Bridge, Asaba while they were on stop and search duty, intercepted a white Toyota Hiace Bus (REG. NO: AYB573XC), driven by one Friday Emmanuel, a 43yrs old male suspect from Morsogar, Ethiope-West LGA, Delta State”.

    Upon subjecting the said vehicle to search, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Five rounds of Live Cartridges concealed in a sack wrapped with pieces of clothes were recovered. The suspect was arrested for further investigation, and the exhibit was impounded. Investigation is ongoing.

    CP Abaniwonda Olufemi reiterates that through these proactive measures that are being implemented, the Command will curb crime and further broaden the outreach of the police in creating a safe and secure environment for the communities, adding that there should be no hesitation in reaching out to the police through available means and providing useful, timely, and credible information.

    He asked the members of the public to reach the command in cases of distress through the control room numbers on 08036684974, 08125958005
    09053872287.

    He however called on Deltans to go about their normal businesses as the police is there to ensure their protection

  • NDLEA Declares Nigerian Couple Running Drug Cartel From India Wanted Over Cocaine Trafficking

    NDLEA Declares Nigerian Couple Running Drug Cartel From India Wanted Over Cocaine Trafficking

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared a couple identified as Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade, also known as Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade, also known as Bolarinwa Rashidat Ayinke, wanted for allegedly running a cocaine cartel from India.

    The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement issued on Sunday said that the couple were declared wanted following the arrest of four members of the cartel in Lagos.

    Babafemi said that a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was also recovered and that two houses already traced to the couple had been sealed for forfeiture to the Nigerian government.

    He said the two members of the cartel identified as Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan were arrested on April 3, following their bid to export 3.40kg cocaine on a Qatar Airlines flight going to Oman through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja Lagos.

    Babafemi said, “While Imran was the courier conveying the drug consignment to Oman, Ishola recruited him for the head of the cartel, which investigation has now revealed to be Alhaji Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade whose Indian residence permit bears Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun based in India.

    “Efforts to dismantle his network in Nigeria paid off after five weeks of surveillance and follow-up operations when another member of the syndicate, Hamed Abimbola Saheed who works directly with the baron was arrested on Tuesday 14th May at Abule Egba area of Lagos.

    “It was indeed Saheed who lodged Imran in a hotel a day before his aborted trip to Oman and equally dropped him and Ishola at the Lagos airport the day they were arrested.”

    The NDLEA spokesperson said that during a search of Hamed’s house, the agency’s operatives recovered some phenacetine, a cutting agent for cocaine weighing 900 grams.

    “He confessed that the recovered substance was what was left of the consignment Imran was taking to Oman the day he was arrested,” Babafemi added.

    Babafemi said that his arrest led to a follow-up operation at the home of the couple at 20 Eyiaro Street, Ogudu Orioke, Lagos where another suspect was arrested and a new model Toyota RAV4 SUV marked FKJ-773 JJ belonging to Rashidat was recovered.

    He said an additional 400 grams of cocaine were recovered in addition to suitcases prepared to be used for illicit drug concealment, digital weighing scales and other paraphernalia.

  • Delta State Police Arrest Notorious Suspected kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Cultists.

    Delta State Police Arrest Notorious Suspected kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Cultists.

    …..recover two automatic pump action guns,one local made revolver gun, double barrel gun, cartridges

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers, Armed Robbers and Cultists over various crimes

    In a release issued by PPRO, SP. Edafe Bright noted that intelligence gathered on some kidnapping incidents in the Warri axis revealed that it is being carried out by one suspect named Yakubu Ya’u, a 20yrs who resides in Kaduna, but always comes to Oha and Ughwagba Communities in Okpe LGA, to kidnap unsuspecting residents for ransom.

    “Following combined effort from police operatives of the command and operatives from the Force Intelligence Unit, Abuja on the hideout of the suspect, the DPO Orerokpe, CSP Paul Oboware, immediately mobilized and led his patrol teams to his hideout in Warri, and after a painstaking search of the entire area, the said Yakubu Ya’u was arrested.

    “Preliminary investigation and interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of two other key gang members: one Musa Yakubu ‘m’ age 25yrs from Kogi State and one Abdulahi Mohammed ‘m’ age 38yrs from Cameroon on Sunday at about 1049hrs. The suspects are allegedly responsible for several kidnapping incidents in Orerokpe, Sapele, Warri, and environs”.

    The release reads, the victims have equally identified the suspects. The suspected kidnappers led the detectives of the Orerokpe Division to Ughwagba Community in Okpe LGA, where Two Automatic Pump Action Guns, One Live Cartridge, and one knife were hidden and buried in the bush were recovered.

    “Preliminary investigations are still ongoing, and efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the gangs are on top gear”

    “About 1500hrs, while acting on a report made at Ozoro division, a report was made at the Ozoro Division, police operatives arrested one Michael Udo (m) aged 20yrs, during investigation, a search warrant was executed in his premises where a Locally Made Revolver Gun and Two live Cartridges were recovered in his house. Investigation is ongoing”.

    Read also: Delta Police Command Arrests Three (3)Suspected Armed Robbers,Kidnappers And Cultists.

    The DPO Obiaruku Division received a report from a distress caller, that he was being bullied and forced into a cult initiation. On the strength of the complaint, the DPO Obiaruku mobilized police operatives and arrested the suspect identified as Chinedu Okolo ‘m’ aged 31yrs of Ezhionum Community. One Locally Made Double Barrel Pistol and the handset forcefully taken from the victim were recovered from them. Efforts are in progress to apprehend other fleeing suspects”.

    The CP Abaniwonda Olufemi cautioned youths to shun all forms of criminality, cultism, and abuse of drugs. He reassured the public that the police would do due diligence in the relentless pursuit of those who seek to disrupt the collective peace of the state.

  • Fraud: Bank Manager Embezzled N650 million From Customers in Osogbo

    Fraud: Bank Manager Embezzled N650 million From Customers in Osogbo

    Tunde Omoniyi .

    The Osun State Police Command had on Tuesday apprehended one Mr. Adeniyi Talabi, a manager at one of the branches of a first-generation bank in Osogbo, for allegedly embezzling N650 million belonging to 35 bank customers.

    According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, the suspect is accused of carrying out the fraud by deceitfully obtaining the funds from the victims and misappropriating them through an illicit transaction known as proof of funds.

    Opalola disclosed that the bank has suspended the suspect from duty and confirmed that investigations into the matter are underway.

    Read also:Delta Police Command Arrests Three (3)Suspected Armed Robbers,Kidnappers And Cultists.

    Furthermore, she assured that Talabi and any accomplices involved would face prosecution in court once the investigation is concluded.

    The statement partly read, “The Osun State Police Command in its efforts to rid off criminal elements from the state has arrested a serial fraudster, one Adeniyi Sunday Talabi, ‘m’ 47 years, a resident of Army Barracks Area, Kelebe, Iragbiji Road, Osogbo, a manager in one of the First Bank PLC branches in Osogbo for an offence of fraud, Obtaining money under false pretence (OBT), Conversion and Stealing amounting to the sum of N650, 850,000 in an illegal product called PROOF of FUNDS which involved a total number of 35 victims (people).

    “It is worthy to note that the said suspect has been suspended by the First Bank Nigeria Plc, his former employer. Investigation into the case has since commenced and the suspect and his accomplices will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation

    She also said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Umar, re-assured residents of the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and warned perpetrators of crimes that Osun would not be a haven or a hibernating ground for them.

     

  • Delta Police Command Arrests Three (3)Suspected Armed Robbers,Kidnappers And Cultists.

    Delta Police Command Arrests Three (3)Suspected Armed Robbers,Kidnappers And Cultists.

    …Recovers Ak-47 rifle and one baretta pistol.

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    In a proactive measure to ensure that the safety of lives and property is safeguarded, the Commissioner For Police, Delta state,CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has reiterated some of the proactive policing measures in the fight against crime and criminality,as he urges members of the public to exercise patience when interfacing with the police, especially during stop and search.


    CP Abaniwonda stated this in a press release signed by Police Public Relation Officer SP Bright Edafe on 12th May, 2024 recounted some of the achievements recorded by the command, stating that the special team deployed to Ughelli by the Commissioner of Police led by ASP Julius Robinson acting on technically generated intelligence stormed Oghara town and arrested a 28yrs suspect who is a member of Eiye confraternity resident in Oghara Delta State.

    Abaniwonda went further to state that the suspect led the operatives to a hotel in koko Junction Oghara where another suspect aged 46yrs and a member of Eiye confraternity was arrested and an automatic Pump Action gun was recovered from him.

    Consequently, upon further interrogation of the two suspects, they led the operatives to the arrest of another 32 yrs old suspect in Sapele Delta State where one new AK-47 rifle with and an empty magazine were recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects are linked to a series of kidnappings in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and the environs as suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.


    The Police spokesman noted that” on the 9th of May,2024 at about 2205 hrs acted on credible intelligence,as operatives on special assignment at Ughellli have been following up on a notorious cultist/gun runner named Okobe Ability ‘m’, stormed Oleh town in Isoko North LGA of Delta State, but the suspect upon sighting the police operatives dropped a black polythene bag and escaped. Upon search of the bag, One baretta pistol, and five(5) live ammunition were recovered. Efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect are ongoing.

    “On 8/05/2024 at about 1630hrs, while Dragon Tactical Patrol Teams were conducting a stop and search along Ogwashi-Uku/Kwale Road, they intercepted a red commercial Toyota Sienna space van conveying passengers from Asaba to Warri. Upon search of the vehicle and occupants, one Favour Eze, a 24yrs male native of Amasiri Village in Afikpo L.G.A, Ebonyi State was arrested in possession of one Locally Made Pistol, hard drug suspected to be Loud, and human hair, all concealed in a bag of cloths. The suspect was arrested alongside the exhibits. The suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.” he submitted.


    The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commended officers and men of the command for their continuous resolute in the fight against crime and criminality also warned that in the discharge of their duty, they must respect the rights of citizens and ensure that they discharge their duties in accordance with the law. He also advises members of the public to cooperate with the Police, especially during stop search

     

  • Ughelli protest: Nobody was shot – Delta Police denies shooting allegation

    Ughelli protest: Nobody was shot – Delta Police denies shooting allegation

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The Delta State Police Command has denied of shooting protesters during the Ughelli protest yesterday, adding that protesters were dispersed with tear gas.

    In a release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, it stated that the Command is aware of an allegedly sponsored protest in Ughelli North LGA and wishes to debunk the false narratives currently being circulated on some sections of the media that Policemen shot at peaceful protesters.

    (Injured Police officer)

    The Command states that nobody was shot during the protest, however, the use of tear gas was rightly used to disperse the protesters.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and to put the record straight, the Command wishes to state that on Monday at about 1130 hours, some members of Oteri community, Ughelli approached the Area Commander Ughelli and requested that Policemen be withdrawn from the express road. The Area commander declined and informed them that the deployment was in compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi on the need to ensure police presence in that area to prevent kidnapping and other crimes”.

    Surprisingly, women from the community in their numbers forcefully stormed the Area command premises in a violent protest, beating up a policeman in the process, and they were dispersed with the use of tear gas. The report making rounds that Policemen shot at peaceful protesters is false and should be completely disregarded”.

    The Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi sues for calm and reiterates that the Command will not succumb to pressure from any quarters because the adequate protection of life and property is the constitutional mandate of the Police and remains the priority of the Command.

    The CP called on law abiding citizens to go about their normal business as the police is here to ensure security of lives and properties.

  • Delta State Police arrest kidnap suspect, rescue 2 victims, recover riffles

    Delta State Police arrest kidnap suspect, rescue 2 victims, recover riffles

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    Police in Delta State have neutrality and arrested a member of a kidnap gang. It also rescued two of their victims.

    Making the release last Friday SP Bright Edafe, the state police spokesman, said the police, Abraka (Delta) Vigilante and a hunters group raided the hideout of the kidnap gang following credible information received by the police.

    “The combined team engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun duel during which one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped.

    “The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment,’’ Edafe said. He added that one AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the kidnappers.

    He said also that the two kidnapped victims rescued unhurt had been reunited with their families. Edafe said a manhunt for fleeing members of the kidnap gang is underway

  • More Trouble For Yahaya Bello As Immigration Places Him On Watch List.

    More Trouble For Yahaya Bello As Immigration Places Him On Watch List.

    Felicia Asuquo, Abuja.

    Following the call by the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC),by placing the former governor of Kogi State,Yahaya Bello as most wanted over money laundering,the Nigeria Immigration Service has follow suit by placing the ex governor on watch list.

    In a letter by an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, D S Umar on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Service said Bello was facing trial in the Federal High Court Abuja on money laundering charges.

    The letter which was addressed to the Director General of DSS, NIA and the Inspector General of Police, urged the security agencies to arrest Bello at any point of entry or exit into the country.