Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • Uneasy calm as ‘EFCC operatives invade community, arrest Ede polytechnic students

    Uneasy calm as ‘EFCC operatives invade community, arrest Ede polytechnic students

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of unlawful invasion and arrest of students of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun state.

     

    Residents of Ede told Blueprint correspondent that the EFCC operatives invaded the campus community on Tuesday night, May 7, 2024 and arrested unknown number of students and residents, a development which has ignited outrage and fear among the community.

     

    Recall that the Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, late last year ordered that sting operations at night be stopped in all the commission’s commands.

    Reacting to the latest commission’s operation, both NAPS and the students’ union in Ede Poly have expressed deep concern, while alleging that it was a disregard for the rights and dignity of the students.

     

    The student bodies, have now demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.

     

    The student bodies equally urged the anti-graft agency to release the arrested students with immediate effect.

     

    According to NAPS, “the Leadership of NAPS is calling the EFCC headquarters to caution it operatives in the southwest region to stop this illegality around the students area, and the students of Federal Polytechnic Ede who are presently writing examination should be released as to be able to continue their examination, this act would have disturbed their study and preparation for the examination.

     

    “The EFCC Boss should call his Operatives into order and release the Students arrested in Federal Polytechnic Ede,those students are presently writing Examination and their academic progress shouldn’t be jeopardise.

     

    “The relationship enjoy by both the EFCC and the students body shouldn’t be destroy on this matter.”

     

    Quoting a different statement by the student union of the school to the EFCC Chairman, the leadership while describing the action of the EFCC as an ‘act of kidnapping’, appealed for the release of the students.

     

    The letter read partly, “we write to you today with a sense of urgency and concern as citizens as well as the students’ union leaders of this great nation and Federal institution respectively . We are compelled to bring to your attention a grave injustice that has shaken the very foundations of our society. The kidnapping of students from Federal Polytechnic Ede by your officers at midnight is a stark reminder of the darkness that still lingers in our midst.

     

    “These innocent students, who are the future of our nation, were taken away from their domicile without any just cause. They were subjected to the harsh realities of your agency’s actions, and their fate remains unknown. The trauma and fear that they must be experiencing are unimaginable, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safe return.

     

    “As the head of the EFCC, you have a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to justice and compassion. We implore you to use your position to effect change and bring an end to this senseless ordeal. Release the students and restore hope to their families and our nation.”

     

    Meanwhile, all efforts to reach the EFCC for comment proved abortive as at the time of filling this report.

     

    When contacted, the Public Relation Officer of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Mr Sola Lawal, said he was not aware of the incident, but promised to revert to the press for further information.

  • Enugu Govt. assures Nigerian Army of youths’ mobilization for ongoing recruitment

    Enugu Govt. assures Nigerian Army of youths’ mobilization for ongoing recruitment

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Enugu State Government, on Wednesday, assured the Nigerian Army of massive youths mobilization to fill its quota in the ongoing nationwide army’s recruitment.

     

    Gov. Peter Mbah gave the assurance in Enugu during a sensitization parley on the ongoing recruitment between the Nigerian Army and traditional rulers, president-generals and youths in communities in Enugu State.

    Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aka Eze Aka, noted that the state government was using all available enlightenment means to ensure that the state fully occupies its quota in the current recruitment.

     

    He said that the government would use traditional means of sensitization and communication as well as the mass media – newspapers, radio and television – to ensure that youths get information about the ongoing recruitment.

     

    According to him, we are determined and using all resources available to ensure that every youth in the state especially indigenes of the state get to know about the Nigerian Army recruitment; its requirement and steps.

    “We are all out to ensure that the shortfalls on the number of our people being recruited due to few number of applicants in the first place is solved.

     

    “Enugu State must get its quota this time without a single number dropping.

     

    “We will get that through working closing with the traditional rulers, president-generals of communities, youth groups and extensive use of the mass media,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who lauded the state government for its support to the Nigerian Army, noted that the number of indigenes of the state joining the Nigerian Army had remained “very low”.

     

    Lagbaja, represented by Brig.-Gen. Arnold Okoro, said that the state had continued to have shortfalls in number of youths applying during recruitment.

     

    “The recruitment is part of the national cake, which Enugu State and her indigenes should partake in; a means of employment for our youths and a veritable tool to alleviate poverty in families.

    “The youths recruited in the Nigeria Army are well taken care of, free medicals and opportunities to advance their educational pursuit also exist,” he said.

     

    The State Coordinator of Army Recruitment, Mr Chukwudi Amah, called on youths to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment opened last Friday to better their lives and be socio-economically uplifted.

     

    Amah said that youths should drop some unfounded misinformation that “it is only Igbo personnel that are being sent to theatres of conflict for them to die”.

    “This is never true. Serving personnel have their turns to the theatre of conflict and at a time, they are redeployed elsewhere.

     

    “I have a direct brother that have served in Sambisia Forest and have been redeployed from there presently,” he said.

     

    He said that further information and requirement on the recruitment would be made public in newspapers, local radio and television with native languages.

     

    Responding, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, appreciated the COAS and the Nigerian Army authorities for considering the state and her youths in the recruitment.

     

    Asadu assured that the traditional rulers would take the message home and propagate it within every village and kindred that make up their communities and address youths about it.

    “This is a golden opportunity for us to do the needful and check the marginalization our people due cry about in intake into sensitive and public-serve oriented organizations such as the Nigerian Army,” he said.

  • Court Jails Fake American, Two others in Kaduna

    Court Jails Fake American, Two others in Kaduna

     

     
    By Biola Lawal
    Flowerbudnews: A fake American,  Stephen Thomas, (a.k.a Rolanda Collins),  has been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for impersonation.

    Thomas was jailed by Justice A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on impersonation brought against him by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesman,  charges against Thomas were;

    “That you, Stephen Thomas (a.k.a Rolanda Collins), male, sometimes in February,  2024 at Narayi Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one Rolando Collins (an American citizen) on Facebook and in such assumed character, cheated one Kate Stewarton (an American citizen) the sum of $100(One Hundred USD) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.”

    He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him which prompted the prosecution counsel, M. J. Arugungu urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

    Justice Isiaka thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years imprisonment or to pay a fine of 150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

    The convict also forfeited his Infinix X mobile phone and the sum of $100 (One Hundred USD) to the federal government.

    In another development, the Kaduna Zonal Command arraigned Bashiru Adamu and Yushau Mohammed Ahmed before Justices A.A. Isiaka of the State High Court and Hawau Buhari of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna respectively. They were docked for failure to declare assets, criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.

    One of Adamu’s charges reads: “That you, Bashiru Adamu (M), sometime in 2021 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently obtained the total sum of N25,000,000.00 (Twenty-Five Million Naira) from one Brigadier General JA Faransa (Rtd.), when you falsely represented yourself as being capable of securing and delivering to him a Toyota Hilux vehicle, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

    The second charge reads: “That you, Bashiru Adamu (M), sometime in 2021 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently induced one Brigadier General JA Faransa (Rtd.) to deliver to you a Peugeot 406 vehicle, when you falsely represented yourself as being capable of securing and delivering to him a Toyota Hilux vehicle, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

    The one-count charge against Ahmed reads: “That you, Yushau Mohammed Ahmed (male), on or about the 1st day of July, 2019, at Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly failed to make full disclosure of all your assets and properties to wit: Plot No. 116 Cadastral Zone B05, measuring about 5000sqm within Cadastral Zone B05, Utako District, Abuja, when you completed the Declaration of Assets Form contrary to Section 27(3) (a) of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 27(3) of the same Act.”

    Both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to their charges when they were read to them.  Consequently,  prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka and  M. E. Eimonye prayed  the court for a trial commencement date and for the defandants to be remanded in a Correctional centre. However, counsel to Ahmed ,  K. Mustapha prayed the court to allow him continue to enjoy an existing bail granted him by Justice Hadiza in 2023 before she was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

    After listening to both counsels, Justice Isiaka remanded Adamu  in the Kaduna Correctional Centre and adjourned the case for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial respectively.

      Justice Buhari,  on the other hand,  adjourned Ahmed’s  case till June 5, 2024 for commencement of trial and granted that  the defendant continued to enjoy his earlier bail.

    While Thomas bagged his imprisonment for impersonating an American,  Rolando Collins to defraud his victims, Adamu is facing trial owing to the claims of a petitioner,  Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa who alleged that he engaged  his services sometime in 2021to supply him a brand new Toyota Hilux 2021 model at an agreed cost of N35,000.00. Though the suspect claimed that officers of the Nigeria Custom Service seized the car after he had made the purchase, he could not show any proof of its purchase or evidence of its seizure.

      Ahmed’s trouble came from his failure to declare his assets when he completed the Declaration of Assets Form contrary to Section 27(3) (a) of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 27(3) of the same Act.” (Flowerbudnews)

  • Arase Opens Training Workshop on Int’l Human Rights-Based Policing 

    Arase Opens Training Workshop on Int’l Human Rights-Based Policing 

    Says, PSC Cannot Achieve its Mandate Without Equipping its Staff with Adequate Knowledge on Police Oversight

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Former IGP, Solomon Arase has declared open a training workshop on international Human Rights based policing and effective oversight for PSC Staff.

    The training workshop, which began on Tuesday in Abuja workshop was organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross, a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations (PSC), disclosed.

    Arase said that the workshop was important to the PSC as it would enhance the capacity of the commission to optimally discharge its duty as the statutorily empowered executive body of government to oversight the Police.

    Dr. Arase noted that ”the Commission cannot effectively deliver on its mandate if its Staff are not properly equipped with requisite knowledge on Police oversight and accountability.”

    Dr. Arase, who was represented by his Special Assistant, ACP Ogbonna Nwota, said the training programme would help in repositioning the Commission towards greater efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of its duties.

    He observed that the Nigeria Police Force as the primary Agency of Government empowered for the maintenance of law and order in our society “in the course of performing these statutory functions had often times been accused of corruption, high-handedness, biased investigation and infractions of human rights of the people”.

    The PSC Chairman said that the Commission appreciated the need to be effective as the essence of an oversight body over the Police in Nigeria as it is obtainable in other climes in line with international best practices.

    Dr. Arase said ”oversighting the Police aimed at ensuring transparency, effectiveness, legitimacy, responsibility and accountability of the Police to the Policed”.

    He implored the staff to be attentive during the training and ensure “you learn, re-learn and unlearn (if need be) different issues and nuances on human rights and policing in our contemporary society.

    He expressed appreciation to the International Council of Red Cross for collaborating with the Commission and assisting “us train our staff. ”

    ” Your collaborative efforts in the Commission, in rebirthing a Police Force in Nigeria that is accountable, responsible and carries its duties in adherence to global best practices and respect for human rights is commendable and appreciated,,” the PSC Chairman stated. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Troops neturalise IPOB/ESN commander, 3 others in communities in Imo

    Troops neturalise IPOB/ESN commander, 3 others in communities in Imo

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ‘UDO KA’ has neturalized a commander and three members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed-wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in communities in Imo.

     

    Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Spokesman for Joint Task Force Operation ‘UDO KA’, said in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu that troops based on reliable Intelligence had on 6 May, 2024, stormed in their hide-outs in the communities.

     

    Unuakhalu noted that the troops conducted special clearance in the general area of Udda, Ihittukwa and Orsumoghu communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo.

    According to him, sequel to the capture of the notorious stronghold of the IPOB/ESN at Mother Valley, the criminal elements have been making efforts to establish other camps in the general area and other places.

     

    “During the special clearance operations troops came in contact with the terrorists who expectantly employed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to stop the advancing troops.

     

    “However, the gallant joint troops with superior fire power forced the criminals to withdraw in disarray.

    ‘In the encounter, four of the irredentists were neturalized and others escaped with gunshots wounds.

     

    “One of the IPOB/ESN commanders, Tochukwu Aka Ojoto, in-charge of Ihietukwa Command despite many charms on his body was neutralized,” he said.

     

    The spokesman said that items recovered from the hideouts raided include: one AK 47 Rifle with two magazines, two automatic pump action guns, three handheld Baofeng radios, one laptop and one Techno phone.

    Others items are: car keys, substance suspected to be marijuana, Baifran currencies, five IEDs, IEDs making materials, batteries used in detonation of the IEDs and assorted charms.

     

    “The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ‘UDO KA’, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, wishes to assure all citizens of the Joint Task Force commitment to ensure peace and stability in the region (South-East).

    “The general public are enjoined to continue providing timely, reliable and credible information through its Toll Free line – 193 – and press Option 2 to speak directly to a representative,” he added.

  • Troops Repel Kidnap Attempt in Benue, Rescue 2 Victims,  Recover Fire Arms

    Troops Repel Kidnap Attempt in Benue, Rescue 2 Victims,  Recover Fire Arms

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled a kidnap attempt and rescued two kidnap victims in Benue State,

    An Army statement said that the operation was conducted by troops deployed for Counter- terrorism operations in the North Central in conjunction with Volunteer Guards,

    The troops responded to a distress call from the enclave of the suspected kidnap gang in Tsede Village, along Road Tor Donga Takum in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State,

    They quickly mobilized to the location where they engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, forcing them to retreat in disarray, abandoning their captives.

    The rescued victims, identified as Chief Sano Kursi and Augustine Sada, were unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

    The troops also recovered one FN rifle, One FN rifle magazine, 17 AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, 58 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO) ammunition and 3 ATM cards.

    ”This successful operation demonstrates Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the region and also highlights the importance of collaboration between security forces and local communities in combating crime,” the Army said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Shi’ites petition NSA, NASS, Others, accuse Gov. Uba Sani, Police Commissioner of Killing their Brothers

    Shi’ites petition NSA, NASS, Others, accuse Gov. Uba Sani, Police Commissioner of Killing their Brothers

     

    Flowerbudnews

    The Shiites have petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; over allegations of extra-judicial killing against Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ali Audu Dabigi.

    The Islamic group also wrote petitions to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr Solomon Arase, over alleged attack and killings of their brothers by the duo.

    The Shiites, under the auspices of Resource Forum of Islamic Movement, made the allegations in the petitions dated April 23, 2024, and signed by the forum’s Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Danladi.

    The letters, titled: “Petition Against Mr Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State and the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna for Arbitrary Extra-Judicial Killing of Seven and Wounding Over 30 Peaceful Protesters on 5th of April, 2024 in Kaduna and Zaria,” had the acknowledgment copies dated April 30, 2024, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    A copy of the petition, written to the Senate President, reads: “The above-captioned matter refers. We write to your office to intimate you on the conduct of the Kaduna State Governor and the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State upon whose instruction; the Nigerian Police opened fire with live ammunition on peaceful Pro-Palestinian protesters in Kaduna and Zaria on 5th April, 2024.

    “The conflict in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel is a worldwide event that dominates the world and takes over the United Nations activities since October 2023.

    “This event gave rise to worldwide protests against the killings of innocent civilian in the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defence Forces.

    “Protests have been going on nonstop in USA, UK, France, Germany and other European Nations, including the Israel itself.

    “In Nigeria, such protests have been going on in several states, including Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Rivers and the FCT Abuja.

    “The last Friday of the month of Ramadan was designated as the International Quds Day and it is observed world over.

    “The event had been conducted in Nigeria for the past 40 years. This year’s International Quds Day was observed world over on 5th April, 2024, including Nigeria where it was observed in more than 30 cities, including Kaduna and Zaria.

    “All the processions in all the states were carried out without any event, it was peaceful throughout including in Lagos, Rivers and Abuja.

    “Unfortunately, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police decided to use his force and attacked peaceful procession.

    “Thus, he ordered the policemen to open fire with live bullets in broad day light on unarmed peaceful protesters. This led to the killing of seven persons.

    “We see the actions of Kaduna State Governor and the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State as arbitrary, unconstitutional and in breach of the ethics of the Nigerian Police.

    “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has provided for and protects the rights of every Nigerian citizen, which includes rights to life, rights to peaceful demonstrations, among others.

    “If the actions of the duo are left unchecked, the image of Nigeria will be tarnished in the eyes of the citizens and the international community,

    “It is consequent to these that we forward this petition to you to take the necessary action on the Kaduna State Governor and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ali Audu Dabigi for the breach of citizens’ constitutional rights.

    “We look forward to your prompt response.”

  • Army GOC, 2 Div Undertakes Operational Visit to 4 Brigade Command

    Army GOC, 2 Div Undertakes Operational Visit to 4 Brigade Command

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General, Obinna Onubogu, embarked on operational visit to 4 Brigade NA to further motivate and boost the morale of the troops.

    An Army statement made available to Flowerbudnews said that the 4 days intensive tour, took place within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), from 30 April 2024 to 3 May 2024.

    He was received at Ikiadalor, Ovia South LGA of Edo State, by the Commander, 4 Brigade NA, Brigadier General EO Oduyebo; who led the Chief Tiger to the Brigade Headquarters (HQ), where he was accorded the traditional military quarter guard reception.

    Before leading the GOC to the various locations within 4 Brigade AOR, Brigadier General Oduyebo, gave a detailed brief on the security situation and general activities of 4 Brigade, with specific emphasis on the Brigade HQ.

    He stated that, armed banditary, cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes and other forms of criminality, constitute the security challenges the Brigade is being confronted with.

    However, Brigadier General Oduyebo, informed the GOC, that, amidst the challenging circumstances, the Brigade under his command, has remained firm and resilient; determined to fight and eliminate all forms of crime and criminal elements in Edo State.

    He said that, the recent release of kidnapped Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other travellers, was as a result of continuous synergy and collaborative efforts between troops of 4 Brigade and other security agencies, including vigilante groups in the State.

    Accordingly, troops, most times conduct joint operations with other security agencies, to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols, which has led to several recoveries of various types of arms and ammunition.

    Subsequently, the GOC left 4 Brigade HQ to other units and formations under the Brigade AOR.

    These include; 4 Brigade Garrison, Ekehuan Barracks, 322 Artillery Regiment, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Sobe, FOB Ehor and 195 Battalion, (Rear), Wepawanu Barracks, Aganebode.

    He was adequately briefed by the Commanding Officers (COs) and Officers Commanding (OCs) of the respective units and formations.

    While receiving operational briefs from the COs and OCs, the GOC was presented with several challenges which grossly affect the general living conditions of personnel and their families in the barracks.

    Some of these challenges include; lack of water, which in most cases stems from poor electricity supply to pump some existing boreholes, poor state of medical facilities, inadequate accommodation and poor road networks.

    The GOC, made several interventions to proffer immediate solutions to some of the enumerated challenges. He donated boreholes, generators and also directed the repairs of unserviceable operational vehicles.

    Also, he promised to present certain higher demands to Appropriate Superior Authorities (ASA) for considerations and necessary actions.

    Major General Onubogu, devoted some of his time to visit NA Training Institutions and other formations located within 4 Brigade AOR.

    He was at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), Auchi and Nigerian Army Military Hospital, Benin (NAMHB).

    During his extensive interactions with the Commandants of NASST, NASEME as well as the Director, NAMHB, who are, Major Generals ND Shagaya, OO Arogundade and Brigadier General PO Aborime respectively, he emphasized on the need to prioritize growth and development of the NA, through deliberate positive actions which are geared towards achieving the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Army Begins Recruitment of Regular Recruits

    Army Begins Recruitment of Regular Recruits

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The Nigerian Army has announced commencement of recruitment for it’s 87 regular recruits intake (RRI).

    The Army said in public announcement in Abuja that the RRI recruitment exercise is ‘:for Non-Tradesmen & Women has commenced. Application starts from 3rd May – 7th June 2024.’

    The Army said that the application is online and free.

    ”Application Is Free at recruitment.army.mil.ng. Shortlisted candidates will participate in the State Recruitment Screening Exercise scheduled from 20th June – 3rd July 2024.

    ”Recruitment into the Nigerian Army Is FREE, Beware of Fraudsters,” the force warned (Flowerbudnews)