Category: Security and Crimes

Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Anambra, naturalise one, recover firearms

By Flowerbudnews
Enugu: Troops of Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III has raided camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsumoghu general area of Anambra.

The troops, who achieved the feat in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police and local vigilante operatives, also naturalised one armed ESN member and recovered one pump action rifle.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations.

Unuakhalu said that the raid was carried out on Monday, Dec 11, 2023 based on a timely and credible intelligence on activities of the dissident and outlawed group.

“During the raid operations, the gallant troops cleared and destroyed IPOB/ESN camps. One of the terrorists was naturalized while others escaped with gunshot wounds and one pump action rifle was recovered,” he said.

In the same vein, on Saturday, Dec. 9, troops on patrol along Orsumoghu-Ukpor Road in Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra came in contact with members of the irredentist group.

“However, due to superior fire power the criminals were forced to abandon their location.

“Items recovered included: 27 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, three locally made hand grenades, two handheld radios, one pair of NPF uniform, a fragmental jacket and charms,” he said.

The army spokesman recalled that Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III was recently flagged off in the South-East to complement the security architecture of the region during and after the yuletide period.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, therefore wishes to enjoin members of the public to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with credible information.

“The public should do this through the Emergency Telephone Line ‘193’ to enhance the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.

“Citizens are also encouraged to go about their normal daily activities and businesses without fear of intimidation,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

December 12, 2023
EFCC Sets up 14 Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in Sokoto, Kebbi States

By Biola Lawal

Abuja: (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has established fourteen Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

The clubs, established between April and December, 2023 include nine in Sokoto and five in Kebbi States, Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesperson disclosed in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Those established in Sokoto state are based in Usman Dan Fodio University, Usman Dan Fodio University Staff Secondary School, Usman Dan Fodio University Staff Primary School, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Shehu Shagari College of Education Staff Secondary School, Shehu Shagari College of Education Staff Primary School, Gamji School of Health Technology, Usmaniya School of Health Technology and Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Kware.

In Kebbi, five schools where the clubs are established are: Kebbi Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, College of Education Argungu, Umaru Gwandu Polytechnic, and Federal Government Girls College Gwandu.

Explaining the rationale for their establishment, Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Aisha Mohammed said that Zero Tolerance Clubs at A-level institutions and Integrity Clubs at O-level schools across Nigeria were ”measures for ridding the country of all forms of economic and financial crimes as encapsulated in the vision of the EFCC.”

While presenting the Operational Manual of these Clubs and administering the Oath of Membership, Head, Public Affairs of the Sokoto Command of the EFCC, ACE11 Kamilu Ibrahim Gebi assures members of the club that the EFCC will continue to depend on them to serve as foot soldiers of the Commission by being role models in their various institutions and reporting any suspicious acts they notice to the EFCC.

In their responses, heads of the institutions in the two states commended the EFCC “ for its laudable initiative aimed at catching them young by creating platforms through which the epidemic of internet fraud can be tackled headlong”. They also gave their commitment to offering free hands to the clubs in the conduct of their activities. (Flowerbudnews)

December 12, 2023
EFCC Arraigns Kano Couple for N410million Fraud

By Biola Lawal

Kano (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Aisha Salihu Malkohi (a.k.a Ummitah, Arab Money) and her husband, Abubakar Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud( at large) on five- count charges of misappropriation to the tune of NN410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only).

They were arraigned on Friday, December 8, 2023 before Justice Aisha Mahmud of the Kano State High Court sitting in Kano, Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesperson disclosed in a statement.

One of the charge reads ‘’’that you Aisha Salihu Malkohi and Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud (now at large) on or about 2022 in Kano, Kano state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand Naira only (225,259,000) belonging to Farida Ibrahim between 6th January to 16th December, 2022 into account bearing Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud domiciled at Zenith Bank that the said money were paid to you for the purchase and supply of 64 cars, from Saudi Arabia facts which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a)&(b) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act,2006’’

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the five counts when they were read to her.

In view of her plea, EFCC counsel, Zarami Mohammed prayed the court for a trial date. Defence counsel, G.I Abubakar moved a bail application for his client which was opposed by Mohammed. Justice Mahmud thereafter adjourned the matter till December 15, 2023 for ruling on the bail application. She also remanded the defendant in EFCC custody pending ruling on her bail application.

Malkohi was arrested by investigators of the EFCC in Kano following a petition from two petitioners, Farida Ibrahim and Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulrahman alleging that she conspired with her husband and defrauded them of their hard earned monies under the guise of supplying them with cars, gold, electronics and kitchen utensils from Saudi Arabia.

Upon the receipt of the petition, the Commission swung into actions and conducted thorough investigation which so far revealed that the defendant had collected a total sum of N410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only) through bank accounts belonging to her company, Golden Grass Hill International Ltd and her husband’s Zenith Bank account. Further investigation also revealed that the defendant, alongside her husband, who is still at large, diverted the monies into several bank accounts. (Flowerbudnews)

December 11, 2023
Police foil kidnap attempt in Katsina, kill 3 suspects

By Abbas Bamalli

Katsina The Police Command in Katsina State says it has foiled a kidnap attempt along Dutsinma-Kankara highway, killing three suspects in the process.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesman, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Sunday.

“On Dec. 10, 2023, at about 4:30 p.m, based on credible information that some suspected armed robbers and kidnappers, wielding dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, blocked the Dutsinma-Kankara highway in an attempt to kidnap unsuspecting members of the public.

“Upon receipt of the report, Area Commander Dutsinma, promptly mobilised a joint team of police operatives and members of the vigilante and responded to the scene.

“On reaching the scene, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the operatives, to which the officers valiantly returned fire and succeeded in neutralising three members of the gang.

“While one Masa’udu Sani, a member of the vigilante, sustained a gunshot wound on his right hand,” the police spokesman said.

Sadiq-Aliyu added that Sani was currently responding to treatment as efforts were underway with a view to arresting other fleeing suspects as the investigation continued.

According to him, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, the Commissioner of Police in the state has commended the operatives’ professionalism, synergy and bravery.

He disclosed that the commissioner also urged the officers to sustain the tempo.

Abubakar-Musa also called on the good citizens of the state to keep providing the command and other security agencies with crucial and timely information on criminal activities.

“So that swift and decisive action could be taken to stop any criminal activity in the state.

“And also to report to the nearest police station any person seen with suspicious injuries, as some of the bandits have escaped the scene with gunshot wounds,” Sadiq-Aliyu quoted the commissioner as adding. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

December 10, 2023
ECOWAS to Ready Standby Force for Counterterrorism, Agreed to Ease Sanctions on Niger Republic

By Flowerbudnews

Abuja (Flowerbudnews): ECOWAS leaders have resolved to urgently review efforts to activate a standby force for counterterrorism operations in areas infested by terrorist groups.

A communiqué read by Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, at the end of the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, on Sunday in Abuja, said the leaders reiterated their commitment to the eradication of terrorism and other threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.

They also resolved to hold an extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government aimed at promoting peace, security, and democracy in the region.

The ECOWAS leaders directed the commission to embark on deep reflection and explore the possibility of convening the extraordinary summit.

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, established a committee of Heads of State to engage with CMSP, the military junta in Niger Republic, on the need for a short transition roadmap and the emplacement of monitoring mechanisms.

The Authority promised a gradual easing of sanctions based on outcomes of the engagement, emphasizing the need for the immediate and unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum.

“The Authority deeply deplores the continued detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family and associates by the CMSP regime.

“The Authority further deplores the lack of commitment on the part of the CMSP to restore constitutional order. Consequently, the Authority calls on the CMSP to release President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates immediately and without precondition.

“The Authority decides to set up a committee of Heads of State made up of the President and Head of State of the Republic of Togo, the President and the Head of State of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the President and Head of State of the Republic of Benin, to engage with the CMSP and other stakeholders with a view to agreeing on a short transition roadmap, establishing transition organs as well as facilitating the setting up of a transition monitoring and evaluation mechanism towards this speedy restoration of constitutional order.

“Based on the outcomes of the engagement by the committee of Heads of state with the CMSP, the Authority will progressively ease the sanctions imposed on Niger.

“In the event of failure by the CMSP to comply with the outcomes of the engagement with the committee, ECOWAS shall maintain all sanctions, including the use of force, and shall request the African Union and all other partners to enforce the targeted sanctions on members of the CMSP and their associates,” the communique read.

At the meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, the regional leaders commended the efforts being made by member states and the ECOWAS commission to work on the consolidation of democracy, peace, security, and stability in the region.

The Authority noted, in particular, the peaceful elections that took place during the year in Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and welcomed the peaceful resolution of the electoral dispute in Nigeria, as well as the peaceful outcome of the dialogue between the opposition and the government in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

On the fight against terrorism and other related security matters, the leaders instructed the commission to expedite the convening of the meeting of ministers of finance and defence to agree on the modalities for the mobilization of internal financial, human, and material resources on a mandatory basis to support the deployment of the regional counterterrorism force.

“The Authority takes note of the commencement of assignment by the Special Envoy on Counterterrorism, Ambassador Baba Kamara, and directs the commission to facilitate his mission. (Flowerbudnews)

December 10, 2023
FG releases 11 inmates in custodial centres in Enugu State

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: The Federal Government, on Saturday, paid the fines and released 11 (eleven) inmates in four custodial centres in Enugu State in its aggressive initiative to decongest overcrowded custodial centres nationwide.

The four custodial centres in Enugu State included: Enugu, Nsukka and Oji River Custodial Centres as well as Ibiteolo Farm Centre in Ezeagu LGA.

Releasing the inmates, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that the released inmates were among the 4,068 inmates sentenced to various terms of imprisonment with option of fine and compensation in Custodial Centres nationwide.

Tunji-Ojo, represented by Mrs Ogechi Ogu, Deputy Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), said that the initiative was meant to decongest Custodial Centres and make them humane for proper reformation and rehabilitation of offenders to take place.

According to him, the 4,068 inmates are serving different terms of imprisonment in lieu of fines and/or compensation; and even as most of the benefiting inmates at the verge of their freedom are indigents who cannot afford to pay their fines, and are languishing in custody.

“The sum of N585 million was raised by philanthropic individuals, groups and corporate bodies, as part of their corporate social responsibility, for this purpose.

“Hence, all inmates in Custodial Centres who have fines and/or compensation not exceeding N1 million are qualified, and would benefit from this gesture. In addition, we are also providing each of them a stipend of N10,000 to enable them return to their communities.

“We have given them requisite training aimed at impacting their lives functionally and equipping them with the knowledge for their self-reliance upon discharge,” he said.

The minister noted that in line with President Bola Tinubu mantra of Renewed Hope, the benefiting inmates had been given a second opportunity to get back to track and contribute to the ongoing development of the nation.

He appreciated all stakeholders that facilitated the gesture as their corporate social responsibility, adding that “all have a stake in ensuring that offenders are properly reformed, rehabilitated and reintegrated back to their communities”.

“I also use this opportunity to call on the larger community to receive these returning citizens with open arms and should refrain from stigmatising against them as it can drive them back to offending the law, which will further endanger the society.

“To the benefiting inmates, I implore you to see this as a second chance to make things right again. You are therefore advised to stay off crime and criminality,” he advised.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Nicholas Obiako, thanked the Federal Government and the minister on behalf of the resourceful and hard working Controller-General of Corrections, Mr Haliru Nababa, for paying the fines and release of the inmates.

Obiako said that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Enugu State Command had prepared the released inmates through sound formal education and vocational training such as wood works, tailoring, leather works among others.

According to him, each of these released inmate are going home with a certificate in formal education or trade test certificate to enable them to be gainfully employed or be self-reliant to contribute positively to the society.

“As you are going home; go, rejoice and thank God for your release and do not engage or commit any crime as I will not want to see you here again. Go home and sin no more as well as avoid trouble as much as you can.

“I am appealing to the society to accept them with open hands and free mind and make their integration easy as we have over years remoulded their character to fit in and contribute to societal growth,” he said.

One of the released inmates, Mr Maduabuchi Okonkwo, thanked the President, minister and other stakeholders that worked for their release, assuring that “we will not go back to crime as we have learnt to be useful to ourselves and the society”.

The release of the inmates enlivened the mood of other inmates that were thanking God for the grace the Federal Government granted to their colleagues and prayed they get such favour. (Flowerbudnews)

December 10, 2023
Police arrest officers filmed begging foreign biker for money in Oyo

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested some of its officers caught in a viral video begging a foreign biker for money in Oyo State.

This was made known in a statement by the Force PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi on Friday

.

The statement said that the Constabularies were arrested by the police authority for their “unprofessional, unacceptable, and punishable acts”.

Recall that in a now-viral video, the officers were captured on camera demanding money from a female biker who was on a tour of Nigeria from the Netherlands.

The video clip since generated a barrage of social media reactions with Adejobi calling the attention of the Oyo state force command into the incident for immediate investigation.

The statement further reads, “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, has instituted a disciplinary procedure on the matter immediately.

“The police authority has condemned the act and ordered that the men and their supervising Divisional Police Officer be sanctioned accordingly.

“Such an act is unpolice and would never be tolerated in any manner. The Force would however intensify efforts in commencing the reorientation programme initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, for officers and men of the Force to address issues of this nature and reposition the Nigeria Police Force

December 8, 2023
EFCC closes case in alleged N3.1bn suit against Suswam, Oklobia

Abuja: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, closed its case in the trial of former Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue and his co-defendant and ex-Finance Commissioner during his tenure, Omadachi Oklobia, after calling eight witnesses.

EFCC’s Counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court, Abuja that he would be closing his case at the conclusion of the testimony of 8th prosecution witness (PW8), Adewale Agunbiade.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had, in the 11-count amended charge dated Oct. 15, 2020, accused the duo of diverting N3.1 billion belonging to the state.

The EFCC alleged that the money formed part of the proceeds of the sale of shares owned by Benue and its firm, Benue Investment and Property Company Limited in some companies.

Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, Atolagbe told the court of the presence of his last witness, Agunbiade, a Compliance Officer with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), in court.

The PW8 told the court that Suswam operated a naira account and a dollar account with the bank.

The witness said over $200,000 was deposited in the dollar account between Aug. 2014 and July 2015 in tranches.

He said Suswam, on his own, paid a total of $175,000 in cash into the account between Feb. 18 and July, 2, 2015, at the Garki Area 11 branch.
The prosecution tendered some documents through the witness, including statements of transaction in both accounts from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 31, 2015.

Reading from the statement of account, Agunbiade gave details of other transactions in the dollar account to include August 8, 2014 where he said that a cash deposit of $10,000 was made by Ibrahim A.at the Ikoyi branch of the bank.

“On 11th August, 2014, there was a cash deposit of $10,000 dollars by Aremu at Garki, Area 3 branch; on 29th September, 2014, a cash deposit of $10,000 was made by Ibrahim Sanni Magaji at Wapa, Kano branch.

“On 29th October, 2014, a cash deposit of $10,000 paid by self was made at Garki, Area 11 branch in the FCT; on 30 October, 2014, a cash deposit by self of $10,000 was made at Area 11 Garki branch.

“On 3rd November, 2014, a cash deposit of $10000 by self was paid at Area 11, Garki branch; on 17th February, 2015, a cash deposit of $20,000 was made by self at Area 11, Garki branch,” the witness said.

During cross examination by Suswam’s lawyer, Chinelo Ogbozor, the witness said he became a compliance officer in GTB in Sept. 2020.
Agunbiade said there were substantial steady credit inflows into the dollar account between Sept. 14, 2011 and Sept. 16, 2015,
The PW8 said the credit inflows between 2014 and July 2, 2015 were not unusual.

When asked if the two accounts were currently blocked, the witness said: “I do not know the status of the accounts as at today, but I believe they were restricted at some point.

“I do not know the circumstances under which the accounts were restricted. I do not know if there is a court order freezing the accounts.”
Agunbiade, while being cross examined by Oklobia’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, said it was the EFCC that wrote his bank to demand for information about the accounts.

On whether the transactions in the accounts breached any known regulation, the witness said: “I did not notice any infraction in the transactions in the accounts.”

While Ogbozor told the court that she would need time to consult with her client on what next step to take after EFCC closed its case,

Frokoro told the court that his client would opt for a no-case submission, which he said would be filed within two weeks.

Justice Mohammed, consequently, adjourned until Jan. 9, JN. 10 and Jan. 11, 2024 for the adoption of the 2nd defendant’s written address in respect of his no-case submission and the possible opening of defence by the 1st defendant.(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)/Flowerbudnews

December 6, 2023
Attack on Election Tribunal Secretary, others , Kogi Police Commissioner orders Investigation

By Biola Lawal
Lokoja (Flowerbudnews): The Police Authorities in Kogi have commenced investigation into the reported attack on the Secretary to the Kogi State Governorship election Tribunal, Mr David Umar Mike and two others.

The probe followed a directive of the state Commissioner of Police after the victims lodged complain at the Criminal Investigation Department, Kogi State Police Headquarters,a statement y the Public Relations Officer, DP William Ovye Aya disclosed.

The police statement read:

On Monday 04/12/2023 at about 1820hrs one Mr David Umar Mike ‘m’ Secretary to Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal along with Labode Apreala (f) Confidential Secretary and Hassimu Adamu Assistant Secretary, came to State Criminal Investigation Department, Kogi State Police Headquarters and reported that on the said date three of them left their Hotel rooms in Lokoja about 1300hrs heading to their Office at the High Court Complex driving in his (David’s) Peugeot 406 Car.

That just before the CBN at about 1320hrs one SUV vehicle which had earlier overtaken him blocked his car with two other SUVS following behind.

All of them surrounded and blocked him as he attempted to reverse. That he saw about seven hooded men all heavily armed and dressed in black attire who shot severally into the air and dragged him and his two other colleagues out of their car, ransacked the car and made away with all the the documents including Petitions filed by four (4) Parties namely Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP)/two (2) Record Books/a Bag containing his personal items.

He claimed to have also reported to the DSS Office. Hence a thorough and diligent investigation into the incident has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command.

The attention of the Kogi State Police Command has been drawn to series of distorted information on the incident hence the need to set the records straight.

The general public is advised to avoid statements that may prejudice ongoing investigation into the matter. The Command also appeals to anyone with useful information on the alleged incident to provide same to the Command. The public will be updated as investigation progresses. (Flowerbudnews)

December 6, 2023