Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • Offa robbery: Police insist Saraki must honour invitation

    By Joseph Edeh

    The Nigeria Police Force said it would not hesitate to use all instruments of law to ensure that the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, honoured its invitation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on July 23, invited Saraki to report to the Head of Intelligence Response Team ( IRT) on July 24 at 8 a.m. in Guzape, Abuja, over the recent Offa robbery.

    NAN reports that armed robbers attacked five commercial banks in Offa on April 5, during which 17 persons, including policemen and a pregnant woman were killed.

    “The Senate President must honour Police Invitation; otherwise the force will not hesitate to use all the instruments of the Law to ensure compliance with the law,”he said.

    The Force Spokesman, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said that Saraki was being expected to report to the police.

    Moshood said the invitation was aimed at the president of the senate to make more clarification following his indictment by five suspects in the robbery.

    Meanwhile, the force has denied laying siege at the residence of Saraki on Tuesday.

    “The force wishes to categorically state that there was no authorised deployment of Police personnel to besiege the residence of the Senate President or his deputy as reported in the media.

    “The police personnel seen in pictures in the media were those in the convoy of the Senate President and others attached to him,”the police spokesman said.

    He said that the inspector-general of police had directed a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts in the episode.

    He said that the force would not allow justice to be perverted by this distraction, adding that it would ensure that the rule of law prevailed.

    NAN reports that as at 3 p.m when this report was being filed, Saraki had not reported to the police.( NAN )
    JPE/AMY
    ===

    Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

  • Troops neutralise 4 IPOB/ESN members in Anambra, recover arms

    Troops neutralise 4 IPOB/ESN members in Anambra, recover arms

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu: Troops of Joint Task Force South-East, code-named Operation UDO KA II, has neutralised four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during a gun duel.

     

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.

     

    Unuakhalu said that the troops encountered the irredentist group on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, while on a routine patrol.

     

    According to him, Troops of Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA II) encountered an ambush, staged by IPOB and its armed affiliates ESN using Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along Orsumoghu-Ukpor Road in Anambra State.

     

    He said: “During the firefight, the gallant troops countered the ambush with superior firepower neutralising one member of the irredentist group.

    “Two AK-47 rifles were recovered at the scene of the fire fight while others escaped into the nearby bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

     

    “On further exploitation of the withdrawal route, three more bodies of IPOB/ESN members were recovered who died from gunshot wounds sustained during the fire fight.”

     

    The army spokesman said that the Operation UDO KA II wishes to reassure the good people of the South-East of its unwavering resolve and commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region.

     

    He said that the troops would not relent in the fight to end the security challenges in the region.

     

    “The Task Force, therefore, calls on law abiding and good citizens of the South-East not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information which will lead to ending the menace of insecurity occasioned by activities of the irredentist group in the region.

    “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

  • BREAKING: Ondo police rescue eight kidnapped CAC members

    BREAKING: Ondo police rescue eight kidnapped CAC members

    Barely 20 hours after their abduction, the Ondo State Police Command on Saturday said it had rescued eight out of 25 people who were kidnapped on Friday.

     

    Twenty-five members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo State were kidnapped by some hoodlums suspected to be gunmen, in the state, on Friday evening

     

    The victims, who were said to be choristers of the church, were reportedly attacked and kidnapped on the Benin-Akure Expressway, around the Ifon area in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

    They were said to be travelling to Ifon, for a burial ceremony, while the hoodlums waylaid them and dragged them to an unknown destination in the bush.

     

    Speaking on the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed that eight of the victims had been rescued while efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.

     

    “Good news!, eight victims rescued, effort is on to rescue others unhurt”, she said on a WhatsApp platform.

     

  • Breaking: Kidnappers demand N60m ransom to release Benue Commissioner

    Breaking: Kidnappers demand N60m ransom to release Benue Commissioner

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi:  The unknown gunmen, who kidnapped the Benue Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, have allegedly demanded a ransom of N60 million from his family.

    A family source told newsmen on Friday in Makurdi that the abductors made the demand in a phone call to a member of the family on Friday.

    NAN further reports that according to the source, the recipient of the call, name withheld for security reasons, said the “kidnappers have resorted to torturing the commissioner to press home for their demand”.

    The source said they called and placed their phone on loud speaker so that the beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.

    NAN also reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam in Ukum LGA and kidnapped him on 24th Sept. around 8pm.

    Eyewitnesses told NAN that the kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including the the Commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down before they took away the victim.

    The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles and sped away.

    Gov Hyacinth Alia, in his reaction, has strongly condemned the abduction and directed security operatives to ensure the safe release of his Commissioner.

    However, when asked if the kidnappers have made contact with either the family or government, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, simply said “investigation is ongoing”. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Antigraft: EFCC secures 1,688 convictions in 9 months

    Antigraft: EFCC secures 1,688 convictions in 9 months

     

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja:    Abdulkarim Ckukkol, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency, in its war against corruption, economic and financial crimes, has secured 1,688 convictions between January and September, this year.

    Ckukkol disclosed this on Friday at the Passing out Parade of Detective Assistant Course 4 Cadre for 331 cadets of the commission at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga.

    According to him, the EFCC in 20 years of existence, has made a huge difference in the affairs of the nation.

    “Through the efforts of the commission, odious image of Nigeria as a 419 hub, with the attendant negative effect on our economy, was erased.

    “The Commission’s investigation activities have led to the recovery of asset running into billions of Naira.

    “Last year (2022), the commission secured a total of 3,785 convictions, the highest by any law enforcement agency in Nigeria in a single year.

    “Between January and now, the commission recorded 1,688 convictions. The figure is bound to increase as more cases are brought to conclusion in the courts,” he said.

    He said that the commission, in addition to enforcement activities, would continue to pursue its prevention mandate with relentless vigor through engagement with different stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.

    According to him, the commission recently broke new grounds in this endeavor with the commencement of test transmission of its radio station, EFCC Radio 97.3 FM.

    “The initiative promises fresh vista of opportunities for public engagement as the commission strives to get the people to own the fight against corruption,” he said.

    He urged the cadets to bolster the efforts of the Commission to consolidate on the achievements of the past and secure its place as a premier law enforcement agency not only Nigeria but the world.

    He urged them to be committed to the profession they signed up for, and should know that law enforcement, especially fighting economic and financial crimes, is a crucial national service.

    He described it as “a career” which takes years to build but could be destroyed in a moment of careless indiscretion or poor judgment.

    “For you to run this race and fulfill your dream as an EFCC officer, you must at all times stay focused and uphold the values of the Commission which are Integrity, Courage, Professionalism and Collaboration.

    “I must also sound a note of warning that the Commission will not condone any indiscipline, as violation of the established code of conduct will be met with appropriate sanctions,” he said.

    The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, Mr Baba-Shani Umar, urged the new cadets to stand on the precipice of new beginnings.

    “I urge you to remember the principles that have been instilled in you: integrity, Courage, professionalism and Collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.

    “Carry these values as your compass, and they will guide you through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead,” he said.

    The Commandant, Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Nasarawa, DCP Ikioye Orutugu, urged the cadets to make use of the training they had received in eradicating corrupt practices in the country.

    Orutugu admonished them to use their talents as well as skills acquired to contribute their quota to the fight against economic and financial crimes.

    He also stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation and mutual understanding among other sisters agencies as witnessed between EFCC and the Nigeria Police for the growth of the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • EFCC arraigns oil firm CEO for allegedly defrauding Access Bank N4.4bn

    EFCC arraigns oil firm CEO for allegedly defrauding Access Bank N4.4bn

    By Adenike Ayodele

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned the Chief Executive Officer of Emee Oil And Gas Nig. Ltd., Florence Onojame, who  allegedly defrauded Access Bank of N4.4 billion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) reports that Onojame appeared before an Ikeja Special Offences Court alongside her company, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving fraudulently-obtained property.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    EFCC counsel, Mr Fatai Mohammed, thereafter prayed the court for a trial date and  remand of the defendant.

    Mohammed told the court the defendant  committed the offences with four others  at large, sometime in February 2022 in Lagos.

    The counsel said that the defendant stole N4.4 billon which she  fraudulently transferred via Primusplus, an electronic banking platform of Access Bank, using her company’s login details.

    He added that the defendant further transferred the sum into several accounts domiciled with the bank.

    The prosecution counsel further submitted that the defendant retained the control of  N100 million in her Access Bank account with the name of her company and  transferred the sum  from Total Energy Nig. Ltd. account, knowing same to be proceeds of criminal activities.

    Defence counsel, Mr Williams Onate, however, informed the court that a bail application for his client had been filed before the court and served on prosecution.

    “We will be praying for a short adjournment for hearing of the bail application and that the defendant be ordered to remain in the custody of the EFCC,” Onate said.

    According to EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 278, 326 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Justice Mojisola Dada ordered that the defendant should be kept at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending hearing of her bail application.

    Dada adjourned the case until Oct. 10 for hearing of the bail application.

    NAN

  • DSS establishes new directorate, appoints Afunaya as pioneer director

    DSS establishes new directorate, appoints Afunaya as pioneer director

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has established the Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications (DPRSC) and appointed Dr Peter Afunanya as the pioneer Director.

     

    A statement from the Directorate on Wednesday in Abuja said the establishment of DPRSC was part of efforts by the DSS to sustain its engagement with citizens and the public.

    The statement said the directorate was also to deepen democratic governance, transparency and accountability in its service delivery.

    It said Afunanya, the erstwhile Public Relations Officer of DSS, would head the directorate as the supervising director and also be in charge of the service’s public communications.

     

    The statement said the appointment took effect from Sept. 26, adding that DSS had commended its Director-General, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi for the initiative to expand and appoint Afunanya to pilot the directorate.

     

    “Afunanya comes to his new role with over 20 years vast and rich experience in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security administration, VIP protection/detailing, investigation and counterterrorism.

     

    “The new director is also experienced in open source intelligence management, background checks and security vetting, surveillance, security sector/intelligence governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research and peace advocacy.

     

    “He has also gathered experience in alternative dispute resolution, development communication, interagency cooperation/liaison, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management and strategic communication,” the statement said.

    Afunanya holds a Ph.D in Security and Strategic Studies from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin.

     

    It said the new director obtained a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo after graduating from the Abia State University, Uturu with a Second Class Upper Division in English Language

  • Police arrest 92 suspects, recover fire arms in Enugu in one-month

    Police arrest 92 suspects, recover fire arms in Enugu in one-month

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu:   The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested 92 suspects in different parts of the state for various offences including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism.

    The exhibits recovered from the suspects included: four AK-47 rifles, 66 firearms of different calibres, 333 live ammunition of different calibres, 25 vehicles and other incriminating items.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in a press briefing in Enugu on Tuesday attributed the success recorded within one month of his assumption of duty in Enugu, to application of the right policing strategies.

    Uzuegbu said new strategies were devised to tackle existing and emerging security challenges in the state.


    He said that these strategies were subsumed in his grassroots-driven, proactive, people-oriented and problem-solving policing thrust, which is in line with the policing vision and mission of the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

    According to him, I have met and interacted with critical security stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, heads of other security agencies and many others, on the best ways to collectively tackle security challenges in the state.

     

    He said: “These engagements, I must tell you, have started paying off as we are making remarkable progress in tackling violent crimes of kidnapping, armed robbery and the criminal activities of subversive criminals.

    “It is a known fact that it is humanly impossible to totally eliminate crimes in human society.

    “However, I want to assure the good people of Enugu State and visitors that we remain committed to ensuring that maximum security and tranquility are maintained in the state.


    “I want to state without ambiguity that negative insinuations on the security situations in Enugu State are false and unfounded. It amounts to making a mountain out of a molehill.

    “I, therefore, make bold to say that the state remains peaceful and a safe haven for visitors and investors to come and meaningfully carry out their lawful businesses.”

    Uzuegbu expressed gratitude to Gov. Peter Mbah, for the support and encouragement he had been giving the command since his assumption of duty about a month ago.


    The CP noted that the establishment of the Distress Response Squad (DRS) was one of the governor’s key operational supports to the police in the state. (Flowerbudnews)

  • EFCC arrests 80 suspected illegal miners in Kwara

    EFCC arrests 80 suspected illegal miners in Kwara

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    No fewer than 80 suspected illegal miners have been arrested by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) within the last 10 months.

    Mr Michael Nzekwe, Zonal Commander, in charged of the zone, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin, when he received on courtesy visit, Mr Abdulquawiy Olododo, the Kwara Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development.

    Nzekwe narrated how intelligence had revealed the operation of illegal mining sites across the state and the efforts of the EFCC in checking the menace.

    According to him, this culminated in the arrest of no fewer than 80 suspected illegal miners with truckloads of assorted minerals within the last ten months.

    ”It is alarming the rate at which the resources of the state are being plundered by artisan/illegal miners.’ If the resources are channeled through the right sources and put into good use, they are enough to sustain the economy of the state and make it self-reliant.

    He noted that Kwara was enormously endowed with mineral deposits and the resources available in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state were enough to turn it to a ‘small London’, if properly harnessed.

    He added that the fight against corruption particularly illegal mining required the support of every individual for it to succeed.

    He described the commissioner’s visit as timely and commended Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for appointing young and vibrant people into his cabinet.

    He added that the choice of the commissioner as the helmsman of the ministry would no doubt turn the sector around for good.

    Earlier Olododo reiterated the state government commitment to collaborate with the EFCC in tackling illegal mining of natural minerals in the state.

    He said that the state government was firmly in support of what the EFCC was doing particularly, in its efforts in checking unauthorised mining activities and other economic crimes in the state.

    ”The government is not unaware of the challenges you are facing in carrying out this arduous task.

    ”This administration is determined to compliment your efforts as it is focused on how to properly organise and harness the potentials in the mining sector to attract local and foreign investors,” he said.

    The commissioner, added that he was aware of all the commitments made so far by the EFCC even before he assumed duty as the commissioner in charge of solid minerals development.

    While urging the zonal commander not to relent its efforts in sanitising the state of corruption, he called for more collaboration and synergy among agencies of government especially in the ongoing anti-corruption crusade by the commission.

    NAN