Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • Police arrest “fleeing” MD of Awka-based private security outfit

    Police arrest “fleeing” MD of Awka-based private security outfit

     

    Commissioner of Police,  Anambra, Aderemi Adeoye

    By Chimezie Anaso
    Awka: The Anambra Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Chief Jeff Nweke, the Managing Director of Blue Shield Securities, a private security company in Awka.

    The Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday.

    NAN reports that the police had accused Nweke of sponsoring nude protest in Awka against the police with a view to evading criminal charges against him.

    The command also accused him of illegal possession of forearms, land grabbing, shooting of police personnel and terrorism.

    It claimed that the matter was charged to three courts but that the suspect refused to appear in any.

    The police boss said that the suspect had “been on the run” but was arrested in Abuja on Friday.

    “Yes, Jeff Nweke has been arrested, he was arrested in Abuja last Friday.

    “His arrest is with respect to the various charges against him and his arraignment, which he has evaded,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

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  • EFCC Alerts Public on ATM Swapping Fraud

    EFCC Alerts Public on ATM Swapping Fraud

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  (EFCC), has  advised Nigerians to beware of fraudsters using Automated Teller Machine,  ATM, Debit Card swapping to defraud unsuspecting victims.

    EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale said that the alert became necessary following several complaints to the commission by Nigerians who had been duped through ATM card swapping..

    The EFCC statement read:

    EFCC has been inundated with barrage of complaints from well- meaning Nigerians concerning unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, which investigations by the Commission have linked  to Automated Teller Machine,  ATM, Debit Card swapping or fraud.

    The modus operandi of fraudsters involved in this nefarious practice involves keeping a debit card of the same bank, and in the guise of helping a confused bank customer at any ATM point, swaps the card in such a hurry that the customer would not notice and at the same time memorises the pin used in trying the fake cards.

    These cards get stocked in the machine due to a wrong pin and the fraudster quickly abandons the victim, advising him/ her to report to the bank while making away with the victim’s card to make immediate withdrawals from the account.

    This card swapping typically happens in any service delivery point, such as Point of Sale, POS, terminals, ATM points, among others.  The fraudulent practice is gaining momentum across the country and the banking public is enjoined to be more circumspect in the use of debit cards.

    In view of the foregoing, the following tips may be useful in avoiding further financial losses by the banking public.

    1. Cards should be kept in sight or a safe place. Whenever you get your card back after making any payment, make sure it is actually your card and not just one that looks similar.
    2. Regularly check your bank statements for any unknown transaction.
    3. Set transaction alerts to monitor any activity on your accounts or with your bank card.
    4. Cover the keypad with your hand or body when entering your PIN at POS terminal/ATM machines.
    5. Do not be in a rush to make payments or withdrawals and request for assistance only from officials of the bank.
    6. Call your banks to block your ATM cards immediately when your cards are stuck in the ATM machines or whenever you observe any irregularity.
    7. Ensure you know your bank’s ATM off line blocking code and quickly make use of it whenever it is misplaced or stolen.
    8. Dial the USSD code *966*911# and follow the pop-up instructions to block your ATM card instantly.

    The EFCC will not relent in safeguarding personal, corporate and national finances in its quest to rid our nation of all forms of economic and financial crimes. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Curfew in Sierra Leone After 2nd Gunfires Within 3 Months 

    Curfew in Sierra Leone After 2nd Gunfires Within 3 Months 

     

    By Paul Ejime

    Freetown: (Flowerbudnews):   Sierra Leone’s government has slapped a nationwide curfew on the country following what it called an attempt by “some unidentified individuals to break into the military armoury at the Wilberforce Barracks” in the nation’s capital Freetown on Sunday morning.

    The barracks is near the Presidential Lodge.

    A statement by the Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah said the individuals “have all been repelled.”

    Residents in the capital spoke of sporadic gunfire Saturday night/Sunday morning, with the capital enveloped by uncertainties on Sunday morning.

    No casualty has been reported in the second exchange of gunfire in Sierra Leone after a similar incident in September following the June controversial presidential and legislative elections in the country.

    The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) declared sitting President Julius Maada Bio of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) re-elected with 56.17% in the presidential vote.

    His opponent Samura Kamara and his main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) rejected the results citing alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

    Civil society organizations as well as local and international election observers Missions in their separate reports said the electoral process, especially the result management lacked transparency.

    There have been some behind the scenes efforts to douse the political tension generated by the disputed elections to prevent Sierra Leone from sliding back to instability after its 10-year devastating civil war from 1991.

    Meanwhile, from his social media X handle, President Bio has confirmed the alleged attack and the blanket curfew on the country, saying: “As the combined team of our security forces continue to (root) out the remnant of the fleeing renegades.”

    “I bring you greetings from the Presidential Lodge, in Freetown,” the president said, adding: “The Peace of our beloved nation is priceless, and we shall continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability.”(Flowerbudnews)

  • Kidnappers Resurge in Kuje Forests, Abduct, Kill Villagers

    Kidnappers Resurge in Kuje Forests, Abduct, Kill Villagers

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    Kuje (Abuja FCT):(Flowerbudnews): Dare-devil kidnappers have resurged in Kuje Forests area of Abuja, abducting and killing villagers at will again.

    Flowerbudnews learnt that the resurging kidnappers’ menace was coming after some months of respite experienced by residents after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The recent victims were residents of the agrarian village of Sabo in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja who have been thrown into panic and mourning following the killing of two of their youths by marauding kidnappers.

    Reliable sources told Flowerbudnews that the
    dare-devil kidnappers invaded the village, and abducted people at random.

    ”The two young men, who were abducted along with others, aawere later killed by the kidnappers even before issue of ransom could be negotiated,” the sources told Flowerbudnews.

    ”Foul smell emanating from the deep in the forests led to search which resulted in the discovery of the decaying bodies of the two young men,” the sources disclosed.

    ”About six other decaying bodies were also found around those of the two youths,” Flowerbudnews was told.

    Many residents of Kuje area of Abuja appealed to President Tinubu for special attention to the resurging situation of insecurity in their area.

    A resident of Kiyi village in the Kuje area, Mustapha Sefiu suggested the establishment of military cantonments in the vast Kuje Forests to tackle the kidnappers and perpetrators of other criminal acts.

    He commended President Tinubu for the relative peace and security enjoyed in villages in Kuje area since the President assumed office.

    Flowerbudnews recall that many villages were tormented by kidnappers in Kuje area early this year with the menace subsiding drastically since the new APC Administration took over governance. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • How troops foiled attack on Yobe gov’s convoy – DHQ

    How troops foiled attack on Yobe gov’s convoy – DHQ

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja:  The Defence Headquarters said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade foiled the attack by terrorists on the convoy of Yobe Governor along Maiduguri-Damaturu road on Saturday.

    A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Monday in Abuja, said the troops also recovered the two vehicles affected in the incident.

    He said one military truck driver, four police escorts and one DSS operative wounded in the attack were in stable condition.

    According to him, one of the injured police escorts died shortly on arrival at the Specialists Hospital Damaturu.

    “Reinforcement of troops from 29 Task Force Brigade led by the Brigade Commander are conducting fighting patrol in the area to locate the terrorists who carried out the dastardly act.

    “The two vehicles affected in the incident include one military MRAP and one civilian escort vehicle whose tyres were shot at during the incident, have been safely recovered to the military camp at Benisheikh.

    “Operations are ongoing to hunt and destroy the terrorists that perpetrated the attack,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the governor’s convoy was ambushed by terrorists while returning to Damaturu from Maiduguri, about 6 kilometers from Benesheikh town on Saturday.

    The governor was not in the convoy when it was ambushed.

    The Secretary to the State Government and some other top government officials who were in the convoy were unhurt. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • At last, freedom for 4,068 prisoners begins from Kuje

    At last, freedom for 4,068 prisoners begins from Kuje

    The Federal Government has disclosed that it has raised N585million to be used for the payment of fines to secure the release of 4, 068 inmates across the federation

    Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the money was donated by several organisations as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, to the country.

    He said the first phase of the release of the inmates would commence from the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.

     

    The Interior Minister spoke on the sidelines of the 27th Ministerial Committee Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA, which held at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

     

    In attendance at the meeting were Ministers of Justice and heads of anti-corruption agencies from all the countries within the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

     

    Tunji-Ojo, who was a special guest at the meeting, said the Ministry of Interior would further collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to tackle the swelling number of awaiting trial inmates in various detention facilities in the country.

     

    He said: “While the Ministry of Justice is in charge of judicial administration, the Ministry of Interior controls the Correctional Institutions, which are transformatory centers that are meant to ensure that inmates have their fundamental rights protected. Of course, they become rehabilitated to be reintegrated back into the society.

     

    “Synergy is key and that is what we have, especially with the Justice Ministry.

     

    “The Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Interior must work hand-in-hand to make sure that the target of the judicial system comes to fruition. The target is not to punish people. It is to remodel, rehabilitate and reintegrate them.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, understands that. So, it is like end-to-end- a value chain. The Judiciary will do theirs through the courts, then, the Ministry of Interior will take it from there to make sure that they (inmates) come out better and are integrated back into the society.

    From here, I am heading straight to the Kuje Correctional Center. We are flagging off the release of about 4,068 inmates. These are people that are non-violent offenders. People that are in, due to their inability to pay fines.

     

    “I said it a couple of weeks ago that we are going to raise about N585m through CSR from corporate bodies, which God has helped us and we have been able to do that.”

  • Women Affairs Minister drags couple to court over defilement of 9-year-old daughter

    Women Affairs Minister drags couple to court over defilement of 9-year-old daughter

    Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Ohanenye, has instituted a lawsuit against an Enugu couple, Mr Ifeanyi Enwelum and Mrs Christabel Enwelum, over the defilement of their nine-year-old daughter.

     

    Counsel to the minister, Mr Chuma Oguejiofor, told newsmen on Saturday in Enugu that the suit, numbered E/987/2023, was filed at the Enugu State High Court to enforce the fundamental rights of the minor.

     

    According to Oguejiofor, the suit is seeking six prayers from the court.

     

    “First, a declaration that the minor is entitled to respect for the dignity of her person and should not be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment by the respondents.

     

    “Second, a declaration that Mr Enwelum’s carnal knowledge of the minor between Jan. 2022 and June 2023 constituted an infringement of her right to dignity.

     

    Third, a declaration that the respondents’ attempt at compromising and sweeping earlier charge, Number MEN/319C/2023 under the carpet, was against the law.

     

    “That taking the minor to their residence, Number 13/15 Onoh Crescent GRA, Enugu, to live with them as if nothing had happened constituted mental, emotional or psychological torture for the minor.

     

    “We are also seeking an order of the court that the applicant in the person of the Minister of Women Affairs and the Ministry take immediate custody of the minor and cater for her needs henceforth.

     

    “Fifth prayer is a court order restraining the respondents by themselves or through their agents or privies from having anything whatsoever to do with the minor till she reaches the age of 21 years.

     

    “The sixth prayer is that respondents be made to pay N10 million damages jointly and severally,’’ Oguejiofor said.

     

    Mr Enwelum, step-father of the minor, reportedly had several unlawful carnal knowledge of her between Jan. 1, 2022 and June 10, 2023 at his 13/15 Onoh Crescent, GRA Enugu residence in Enugu North Local Government Area.

    The minor’s biological mother, Mrs Christabel Enwelum, was reported to be negligent as she did not protect her daughter from repeated penetration of her vagina.

     

    The penetrations were confirmed by Dr Samuel Ndukwu, medical practitioner at the Nigerian Police clinic, Enugu.

     

    A bail earlier granted Mr Enwelum by an Enugu Magistrate’s Court caused public outcry making the minister to query the rationale behind it.

     

    The minister queried the rationale for the bail considering the nature of the crime and the spate of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the country, especially in Enugu State.

     

    At a news conference on Oct. 17, the minister said the Ministry would take up legal action against the couple to ensure that the minor gets justice as well as serve as deterrent to others who might want to toe the same line.

     

    “This minor has been molested severally by her stepfather who has deflowered her and given her diseases as confirmed at the hospital and by the lawyer and mother of the girl.

    The matter was taken to court, but unfortunately, a magistrate released the man on bail.

     

    “We want to know why he was released in spite of grave allegations made against him simply because the minor’s mother cried that she did not want her husband to be jailed,’’ the minister told the October news conference.

     

    “What about the voiceless girl? What about the torture and emotional pains the girl went through and threat not to disclose the molestation?” she queried.

     

    “We are suing the woman for negligence. If she was not negligent, this girl would not have suffered this thing for a long time,’’ the minister stressed

     

  • Unknown Gunmen attack police patrol, kill 2 officers in Ebonyi

    Unknown Gunmen attack police patrol, kill 2 officers in Ebonyi

     

    By Christian Ogbonna

    Abakaliki:.  Suspected hoodlums on Friday, attacked a police patrol and shot two officers dead in Ebonyi.

    SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command in the state made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Friday.

    Onovwakpoyeya explained that the attack occured along Nwofe road, outskirts of Abakaliki, Ebonyi capital.

    According to her, today, Nov. 17 at about 08:30am, Operatives of the Command on patrol were attacked by armed hoodlums using a tinted Highlander vehicle with registration number unknown.

    “Two of the Operatives were fatally wounded while one is currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

    “The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Augustina Ogbodo, on receiving the distress call immediately dispatched tactical teams to the scene, who equally swung into action by giving the hoodlums a hot chase but the hoodlums escaped.

    “The Commissioner of Police also visited the scene of the incident with her management team for on the spot Assessment,” she added.

    The PPRO called on the general public and individuals to avail the Command with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing hoodlums.

    She added that the commissioner had reiterated the command readiness for adequate security of lives and property in the state.

    “The Command is assuring the people of round the clock visibility patrol of the nooks and crannies of the state,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Troops neutralise 6 bandits, recover Guns and 40 sets of uniforms in Kaduna

    Troops neutralise 6 bandits, recover Guns and 40 sets of uniforms in Kaduna

    By Mohammed Tijjani
    Kaduna:  The 1 Division Nigerian Army, said it’s troops have killed six suspected bandits in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya said this in a statement, on Thursday in Kaduna.

    Yayaha said that the operation was carried out on Nov. 16, adding that 40 pairs of police and military uniforms and nine motorcycles were recovered.

    According to him, troops of 1 Division and operation Whirl Punch swooped on the bandits following credible intelligence.

    “The highly motivated troops carried out an offensive clearance operation to bandits strongholds in Sabon-Birni, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro-Ngede Allah and Kidenda all in Birnin Gwari LGA.

    “In the fire fight that ensued when contact was made, troops neutralized six bandits, recovered two AK 47 rifles, four AK 47 rifle magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 40 pairs of bandits uniforms and nine motorcycles.”

    Yayaha said the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, who is also the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, applauded the troops for their gallantry.

    He charged them not to relent until all terrorists, bandits and other criminals in the division’s area of responsibility are completely neutralised. (NAN)(nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews