Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • Police impound imported military uniforms in Aba

     

    Kidnap
    By Admin
    Umuahia, Aug. 28, 2018 (NAN) Abia Police Command has impounded a large quantity of military uniforms, allegedly imported from China and stocked at a warehouse in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.

    The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Anthony Ogbizi, made this disclosure at the Umuahia Central Police Station on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen on the achievements recorded by the command in the fight against crime and criminality within the last two weeks.

    Ogbizi said that the owner of the warehouse, one Michael Onuoha, was arrested for alleged conspiracy, aiding and abetting the unlawful procurement, importation and possession of the uniforms, which were mainly camouflage.

    He alleged that the Managing Director of Messrs U.U Iruoha, one Uche Iruoha, popularly called Urchman, shipped the uniforms in a container to Apapa Port, Lagos, from where they were transported to Aba in March.

    The police commissioner said that Onuoha was arrested on Aug. 16 but that Iruoha was still in China.

    Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Ibrahim, the Commander, 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, who accompanied the police boss at the briefing, said that the army was worried by the development.

    Ibrahim said that it was disturbing that unscrupulous persons wear military uniforms and camouflage to commit crimes.

    He said that the organisation was collaborating with the police and other security agencies to check the phenomenon and ensure that perpetrators were arrested and brought to book.

    In a related development, the police also arrested two officials of a new generation bank in Umuahia for alleged conspiracy to defraud a high profile customer of the bank.

    The suspects, which included a Marketer, Mr Promise Nwangene, and Customer Service Officer, Kenneth Ebereonu, were alleged to have collected the bank account details of the customer, names withheld, including the Bank Verification Number and Automated Teller Machine, which they posted online.

    The police commissioner said “their intention was to begin to steal the N1 million in the account but nemesis caught up with them.”

    He alleged that Nwangene “in a bid to pass the information to his accomplice, Kenneth, mistakenly sent it to a WhatsApp group chat, where it was intercepted by a friend of the customer, who alerted the management of the bank.”

    Nwangene told newsmen that they collected the bank details in order to reactivate the account for the owner and that no fraud was intended.

    He said that he saved the information to be able to access it for the reactivation of the account but “mistakenly” posted it online.

    To further diffuse the allegation of fraud, the two suspects said that no money had been removed from the account since July 1, when the information was posted, to date.

    “We would have started removing money from the account or eloped since July 1, if the intention was to commit fraud,” they said.

    Also in police net were a 65-year-old iron bender, Mr Chukwuma Orji, and two others, arrested in connection with the alleged kidnap of Dr. Innocent Iwegbu, a medical doctor with the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

    Ogbizi said that one of the suspects, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, who confessed to the crime, said that Orji, who lived close to the victim, allegedly availed the gang with the information that led to his kidnap.

    He said that police busted the gang with the assistance of the people of Ohokobe Ndume community, near Umuahia, where the victim was held hostage in a hideout.

    The gang had demanded N5 million ransom from the relatives of the doctor before he was rescued on Aug. 16.

    The command also arrested four robbery and rape suspects for allegedly terrorising the Ohuhu communities, near Umuahia, with machete and other dangerous weapons.

    They were alleged to have broken into the house of one Mrs Osinachi Stephen in the area, where they allegedly gang raped her and dispossed her of her valuables.

    Ogbizi also said that the command recovered a Toyota Camry, which was snatched from the owner, one Mr Augustine Uchenna, at a gunpoint in Umuahia.

    He said that two suspects, Kalu Kalu and Ndubuisi George, were arrested in connection with the theft of the vehicle.

    He said that the police also recovered N385,000 being part of N695,000 allegedly snatched from one Nnamdi Nwosu by robbers, said to be operating in a stolen tricycle (Keke Napep).

    The police boss said that Nwosu was on his way to deliver the money from his master to somebody at Umuobasi Village in Umuahia before he was attacked.

    He said that the robbers chopped off Nwosu’s finger, when he attempted to resist them.

    He said that the command had also recovered the stolen tricycle.

    Ogbizi appealed to residents of the state to be vigilant and assist the police with relevant information that could help in crime reduction.

    He said that the command would not rest on its oars but would sustain the war against violent crimes in the state.

    He said that the suspects would be arraigned at the end of the ongoing investigation. (NAN)

  • Buhari engages troops in Katsina

    President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the troops deployed to Kastina to tackle bandits in Zamfara state and ordered the soldiers to be ruthless in carrying out their assignment against bandits.

    The president gave the order when he addressed the 1000-strong military force assembled to check the menace of the bandits and other criminal elements at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport Katsina, on Saturday.

    The Federal Government had on July 29, assembled military personnel, comprising the army, air force, police and the civil defence to help in tackling the activities of the bandits.

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed fighter aircraft to Katsina, the airport with the closest proximity to Zamfara, to allow for immediate and effective response to the menace of the bandits.

    The president had also authorised the engagement by NAF, of advanced satellite surveillance technology to help in accurate detection of movement and locations of the bandits.

    Troops deployed to tackle bandits salute President Buhari

    The bandits had been terrorising innocent rural dwellers, razing down several villages and towns across the local government areas of Zamfara, and also kidnapping for ransom.

    President Buhari, who expressed satisfaction with the way and manner the soldiers were carrying out their assignment, said that Nigerians deserved some peace.

    ‘‘Nigerians are looking up to you and us to secure the country. What is happening in the areas of operations is disgraceful.

    “I’m very pleased with the way officers and men are firmly putting it down and I want you to be as ruthless as humanly possible. Nigerians deserve some peace.

    “When we came into government, what we promised was security. The country has to be secured to be managed.’’

    Secondly, on economy, he said that more than 60 per cent of the population of Nigeria was under 30 year and a lot of them do not have the opportunity to be educated to secure respective jobs and with high expectation.

    Special salute to President Buhari by troops deployed to battle bandits in Zamfara

    “The third undertaking we made is to improve the economy and the third is to fight corruption. We have been doing our best and we depend a lot on you to do what is needed in the field.

    “I do not want you to spare any cattle rustler, armed robber or any bad element who thinks he is above the law.

    ‘‘I commend you for the job you have been doing so far and I assure you that I will continue to be a worthy Commander-in-Chief,’’ he said.

    The president, who donated five bulls to the military personnel, departed for Abuja after the Sallah break in his country home, Daura.

    President Buhari leaves with his encourage after interacting with the troops

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State and other government dignitaries were at the airport to wish the president safe trip back to Abuja.

    While in Daura, the president had received seven APC governors, many members of the National Assembly including Sen. Shehu Sani as well as cabinet ministers, who paid him Sallah homage.

    President Buhari also used the opportunity to hold various family meetings with relatives.

     I

  • Army troops kill 3 Boko Haram terrorists, recover weapons in Borno

    Army troops kill 3 Boko Haram terrorists, recover weapons in Borno

    The Nigerian Army says its troops have killed three Boko Haram insurgents while on fighting patrol in Kukawa in Baga Local Government Area in Borno on Sunday.
    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, disclosed this in a statement released in Maiduguri on Monday.
    Chukwu said the terrorists were intercepted by troops of 82 Division Task Force Brigade Deployed in the area.
    He said that the troops, while on fighting patrol at Kukawa general area got information on the terrorists’ activities in Kalamari village, 30 Kilometres to Kukawa town.
    He said the insurgents who were on a looting and extortion spree in the village were intercepted by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
    “During the encounter following a superior fire power of the troops, three members of the Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised,”he said.
    The director listed items recovered from the terrorist to  include, three AK 47 rifles; two magazines and four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
    “Meanwhile, the gallant troops have continued with aggressive fighting patrol, as efforts are ongoing by the troops to track down other fleeing members of the Boko Haram Terrorists from any hideouts.
    “Members of the general public are advised to report any suspicious movements or activities in their general area to the law enforcement agents for prompt action,” he said.(NAN)

  • Pandemonium as another man shot dead in Ado-Ekiti

    There was confusion in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Monday evening as another man was shot dead by unknown gunmen in broad daylight. (more…)

  • Tragedy: 4 policemen killed in ambush by kidnappers

    By Moses Omorogieva
    Four policemen working with the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have died in the service of their nation, killed on Saturday in Kaduna State by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    Six of the kidnappers were also killed in the exchange of gunfire.

    The leader of the team, Mr Abba Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, confirmed the killings and the deaths of the gallant policemen to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    Kyari said the incident happened when the suspected gunmen ambushed the operatives during a follow up operation on the kidnapping of one Sheikh Ahmad Adam Algarkawy in Rigasa area of Kaduna.

    Inspector Haruna Ibrahim: also killed

    Inspr. Mamman Abubakar

    Sgt. Emmanuel Istifanus: Killed by the kidnappers
    “The incident occurred sequel to the kidnapping of Sheikh Ahmad Adam Algarkawy in Rigasa area of Kaduna State on Aug. 2, 2018 and his subsequent release after ransom was paid.

    “In follow up to the case on Aug. 11, 2018, IRT operatives arrested two of the kidnappers in a remote settlement inside Rigasa Forest in Kaduna State.

    “As the team was coming out of the bush with the arrested kidnappers, other gang-members hiding inside the bush ambushed the IRT team and opened fire which resulted to the death of four IRT operatives.

    “Those killed are three police inspectors – Benard Odibo, Mamman Abubakar, Haruna Ibrahim – and one Sergeant, Emmanuel Istifanis.

    “Bodies of the deceased operatives were deposited at St. Gerald Hospital Mortuary, Kaduna State, for autopsy.

    “Very serious efforts in progress to get the killers to justice,” he said.

    Abba Kyari also disclosed in a post on Facebook that six of the deadly Kidnappers also died during the gun-battle.

    “One Officer was Treated for Bullet Wound and discharged while the remaining officers who survived the ambush are in good health condition.”

  • Police arraign 3 security guards for alleged negligence

    Three security guards were on Monday arraigned at a Kado Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja over alleged negligence.

    The defendants are Enoch Daniel, Willams Terso and Nnaemeka (surname unknown), all of Sensitive Professional Security Company Ltd. in Abuja.

    The defendants are standing trail on a count charge of negligent conduct.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

    The Prosecutor, Judith Obatomi, told the court that on July 30, one Ayodeji Obatayo of Plot 48, Anthony Enehero St., Utako, Abuja, reported the matter at Utako Police Station.

    Obatomi said the defendants were deployed to the complainant’s office as security guards to secure and safeguard his office.

    “The defendants formed a criminal intention and abandoned their duty post which paved way for burglars to gain access to the office.

    “The security guards were expected to be on duty at the time the crime was committed.

    “The absence of the security guards paved way for burglars to gain access into the office and stole three 53 inches television sets worth N225,000
    “During police investigations, all effort to recover the stolen three 53 inches television sets proved abortive because the defendants could not give satisfactory account of the said television sets,’’ Obatomi said.

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 196 of the Penal Code.

    The Presiding Judge, Alhaji Ahmed Ado, granted the defendants N20, 000 bail each with a surety each in like sum
    Ado said that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until Sept. 18 for hearing. (NAN)

  • NASS Blockade: Leaked police report shows why Daura did it

    A leaked report of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on the reckless and unauthorised blockade of the National Assembly on Tuesday by masked DSS operatives has buttressed suspicions that it was ordered by the sacked Lawal Daura at the behest of some ‘powerful politicians’.

    The IGP said the blockade was done with the intent to “incite and weep up sentiment of the National Assembly members against the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

    The report said Daura was not officially invited by the leadership of the National Assembly to send his hooded and masked men to mount the blockade on 7 August and there was no crime committed prior to the invasion.

    Lawal Daura: sent mercenaries to National Assembly instead of EOD experts

    He did so on a “claimed intelligence report that unauthorised persons were planning to smuggle “undisclosed weapons and incriminating items into the National Assembly Complex. He did not inform the Acting President, neither did he share the information with the Nigerian Police Force or other security agencies.”

    And to underscore the false premise of the so-called intelligence relied upon by Daura, he did not deploy anti-terrorist forces or EOD experts or specialists to the National Assembly, the IGP said.

    Instead Daura sent armed officers of the DSS, who were wearing masks to disguise their identities, and who acted more like “mercenaries, hired to carry out executions.”

    The Police boss concluded: that “it is crystal clear that the principal suspect, Lawal Musa Daura may be acting the script of some highly placed politicians to achieve selfish political goals, hence his unilateral and unlawful decision to invade the `National Assembly Complex”.

    In a related development , Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, told Channels TV on Wednesday that the government was shocked  to see hooded operatives of the DSS at the National Assembly. And he revealed that contrary to the video images circulating on social media that some PDP legislators were prevented from entering the National Assembly, about 25 of them were found sitting at the lobby, inside. There was no single APC legislator around.

    “It was very embarrassing to the Acting President. People started calling us to say that it was on television that APC members were being allowed in while PDP members were not. I was immediately instructed to go there and find out what was happening. I went and found about 25 PDP lawmakers sitting in the lobby. I looked around and couldn’t find a single APC lawmaker. I went back and asked because what we were told was that the APC senators were inside trying to impeach the Senate president and I found out it was not true.

    IGP Ibrahim Idris: His interim report in criculation

    ” So What was happening? I asked the DSS operatives – if you barricaded the gate because you anticipated trouble,  then how did the legislators inside gain access? Who did you discuss with?

    “The acting President was not aware so who authorised you to mount the barricades? If you are going to take such a measure as a security Chief, then you must consult the commander-in- chief.

    “He needed to be consulted and then he would tell you whether or not to go ahead. But he was in the dark and did not know anything about it. He got to find out about that incident like you and me.

    Babafemi Ojudu: 25 PDP legislators were inside the National Assembly at time of blockade

    “The PDP is given to drama and misleading the public. The other time they alleged that the police had stormed Saraki’s house and it later turned out that the vehicles that were used to block his house belonged to the operatives that were attached to his security detail.

    “Something is wrong somewhere. I think they are trying to work on the people’s imagination and get some kind of sympathy so they concoct these stories. A member of that PDP caucus alleged that he was kidnapped and had to hide in a tree for 11 hours. All those things are just drama. It is all part of their plot.”

    On why Acting President sacked Daura, Ojudu responded:

    “President Buhari is on vacation and if you look at the provisions of the constitution, the president committed a letter to the National Assembly indicating that the Vice President would act in his position. He has all the powers of the president. The question of whether or not he consulted the president is not important. What is important is that the Acting President found something that was wrong and he acted quickly to assure Nigerians and the rest of the world that our democracy is on course.”

    Read the IGP report verbatim here:

    IGP report 1
    IGP report 2
    IGP Report 3
    IGP Report 4
    IGP Report 5

  • 4 policemen die during gun battle with bandits in Kaduna State

    Police Command in Kaduna State said four of its operatives had died during a gun battle with bandits in the state.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Sabo Yakubu, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday.

    “At about 0630hrs on Aug. 11, a team of detectives attached to IGP intelligent Response Team ( IRT) while on operation along Jankasa village of Rigasa in Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State was ambushed by bandits.

    “After a Fierce gun battle, 4 of our policemen paid the Supreme Sacrifice,” Yakubu said.

    He said no arrest had so far been made but assured that all the culprits would be arrested and prosecuted.

    He said a team of reinforcement had been mobilised to the area in order to bring the perpetrators to book.

    “We appeal to the general public to assist the police with useful information toward ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and prosecuted,” the police spokesman said. (NAN)

  • Police arrest ATM fraud syndicate, recover 30 ATM cards in Enugu

    By Maureen Ojinaka
    The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested a three-man Automated Teller Machine (ATM) fraud syndicate operating within Enugu city.

    In a statement on Friday in Enugu, the command’s spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said  the police operatives recovered 30 ATM cards belonging to different individuals from the syndicate.

    Amaraizu said the syndicate was smashed by the command’s Anti Cultism Squad who acted on a well-coordinated intelligence information.

    He said the syndicate specialised in swindling their victims of  hard-earned money from their bank accounts through their ATM cards transactions.

    According to him, they do this smartly under the pretext of offering assistance to customers, but exchange their non-workable ATM cards to the genuine customers’ own.

    “They will pick the real ATM cards and also spy on the pin code of the genuine customers’ cards.

    “They use this trick to wreck havoc on the affected victims and hereby withdrawing all the customers’ deposit in a matter of some hours,’’ he said.

    He gave the suspects’ names as Chinweuba Ogodo, a tricycle operator in the city, and from Ezza in Ebonyi; Okechukwu Nwoke, a bus driver from Ahiazu Mbaise,Imo; and Sopuruchi Emmanuel from Alayi Bende, Abia; all resident in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said that Ogodo regretted his involvement in the crime and blamed it on lack of knowledge.

    He said Ogodo confessed that as a commercial tricycle rider, he was always contracted by Nwoke and Emmanuel to convey them to banks with crowded ATM customers where they hanged around to discover their preys.

    He said that a full scale investigation into the incident had begun.

    The police spokesman advised members of the public to be vigilant, security conscious and wary of those that would try to offer them help at any ATM machine. (NAN)