Crime
Abducted Army General: Gunmen Make Demands, Contact Family
The retired Major General and his wife were reportedly abducted on Saturday in Katsina State.Breaking News Alerts
Their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area by gunmen, who, according to witnesses, emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to a halt before abducting the retired officer and his wife into a nearby forest.
The road, according to residents of the area, is unsafe due to repeated bandit attacks.
A senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed to Daily Trust that he personally spoke with the abducted officer during the conversation facilitated by the bandit leader.Northern Nigeria Events
“I spoke with Major General Rabe through Kachallah Muhammad. He told us that he is hale and hearty and that his wife is also fine,” the official said.
According to the source, the retired general assured his family and associates that they are being adequately taken care of by their captors, a development that has somewhat eased anxiety among relatives and residents of the area.
The official further disclosed that during the interaction, Kachallah Muhammad made his demands clear, insisting on the release of his relatives, allegedly being held by Nigerian security authorities.
“He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official added.
The bandit leader, the source said, also expressed willingness to return to negotiations, indicating openness to dialogue aimed at restoring peace in Matazu and other areas under his influence.
“He said he is ready to go back to the negotiation table to achieve peace in Matazu and neighbouring communities,” the official said.
Family, residents express concern
Relatives and residents of Batsari have expressed deep concern over the abduction of the retired senior military officer, describing the incident as a devastating blow to both his family and the community that has benefited from his years of service and philanthropy.
A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired general, whom she described as the family’s breadwinner, was travelling to Katsina for a wedding with his wife when they were abducted.
“He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued unharmed,” she said.
A resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said: “If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility.”
Another relative, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired officer as the pillar of the extended family and appealed for his safe rescue.
Residents noted that the general had remained actively involved in community development projects in Batsari.
A community leader, Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari, said the retired officer was expected in the town on the day of the incident to discuss community matters.
Security expert, Abubakar Ibrahim, said the incident reflects a dangerous escalation of insecurity in Katsina State, warning that criminal groups appear to be growing bolder.
“The kidnapping of a retired Major General shows how emboldened bandits have become. It exposes the vulnerability of major highways and rural communities. If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the situation could further deteriorate.”
ENUGU, October 12, 2026 — The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video allegedly showing the torture and degrading treatment of a 60-year-old woman, Chinenye Okonkwo, in Amafu Village, Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to investigate the incident following the circulation of the disturbing video.
According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, police operatives from the Nkanu East Division have visited the victim and obtained her statement.
Preliminary findings indicate that Okonkwo was allegedly subjected to severe abuse, including being forced to eat human faeces, following accusations of witchcraft and claims that she was responsible for the death of her husband’s brother’s wife.
The police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest the suspects, who remain at large.
CP Giwa condemned the alleged abuse and degrading treatment, directing a thorough investigation and intensified efforts to apprehend those involved, including their accomplices.
He also warned members of the public against jungle justice and other forms of self-help, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The police command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents’ lives and dignity and ensuring that those responsible for the alleged incident are brought to justice.
The statement was signed by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, at the State Police Headquarters, GRA, Enugu, on October 12, 2026.
A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of Nigerian-American car dealer Oluwatobi Adegoke at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Correctional Centre over an alleged $680,000 vehicle-import fraud.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe issued the order on Friday following Adegoke’s arraignment by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of stealing.
According to the EFCC, Adegoke was arrested in July 2026 over an alleged cross-border scheme involving the purported purchase and importation of luxury vehicles from the United States to Nigeria.
Investigators reportedly linked him to a US-based syndicate allegedly targeting Nigerians seeking to purchase vehicles abroad.
The commission alleged that Adegoke, while residing in the United States, circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers, claiming he could procure and ship the vehicle to Nigeria.
The EFCC further alleged that two victims paid more than $320,000, equivalent to approximately ₦434.88 million, in connection with the transaction.
However, the charge before the court cited an alleged theft of $680,000 belonging to Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike.
According to the charge, the money was transferred to the bank account of Adegoke’s company, Omosco Auto Sales LLC, for the purchase of a 2022 G-Wagon from an individual identified as Mr Robinson.
The alleged offence is punishable under Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Adegoke pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following the plea, EFCC counsel Arazeem Adebayo urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant.
Defence counsel Olalekan Abiodun, whose earlier objection to the arraignment was overruled, subsequently asked the court to keep his client in EFCC custody pending the filing of a bail application.
The judge rejected the request and ordered that Adegoke be remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the case until January 13, 2027, for the commencement of trial.
The allegations against Adegoke remain subject to judicial determination.
The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State have reportedly been given the opportunity to choose any of the six South-West states for their national service.
According to Saturday PUNCH, the graduates were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Road, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, while travelling in two commercial buses belonging to Uko Akwa Ibom Motors. They were reportedly heading to Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Families of the victims disclosed that they paid ₦6 million per captive to secure their release, after the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million per person. One victim’s mother said the demand was later reduced to ₦15 million before the kidnappers agreed to accept ₦6 million following appeals from the family.
Relatives and well-wishers reportedly contributed money towards the ransom. Some family members also described the emotional and physical toll of the incident, with one mother revealing that she and her daughter had been hospitalised following the ordeal.
The Imo State Police Command, however, maintained that the graduates were rescued through sustained security operations and denied knowledge of any ransom payment. The police had announced their rescue on Wednesday, after which the victims were taken to a Department of State Services hospital in Owerri for medical evaluation.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, also visited the released graduates alongside senior security officials.
However, the NYSC had yet to officially confirm the reported offer allowing the graduates to choose their preferred South-West states as of the time of publication.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of corps members travelling long distances for national service. Similar kidnappings in other parts of the country have intensified calls for improved security measures and, in some quarters, the scrapping of the 53-year-old scheme.
Although the Federal Executive Council approved NYSC reforms in June 2026, including risk-sensitive deployment and a technology-driven mobilisation process, questions remain about how effectively the measures will protect young graduates from security threats.
ENUGU — The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested five male suspects in separate operations across the state and recovered three firearms, six rounds of live ammunition and other exhibits.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.
According to the statement, police operatives attached to Inyi Division responded to a distress call about an armed robbery at Umuaor, Umukabia Isiama Awlaw Community, Oji-River Local Government Area, at about 5:10 a.m. on October 7.
One suspect, identified as 26-year-old Arinze Osita Onwuaso, was arrested while other suspects reportedly fled the scene. Police said they recovered a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a pry-bar, hammer, scissors and chisel from him.
In a separate operation on October 5, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested two suspected cultists, 24-year-old Jonas Adejo, also known as J-Money, and 25-year-old Okoro Innocent, also known as Virus, at Umudioka Community in Nsukka.
Three live rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspects. Police said the two men confessed during interrogation to membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
Meanwhile, on September 25, operatives of Aninri Division, working with members of the Neighborhood Watch Group, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amagu Mpu Community in Aninri LGA.
The operation led to the arrest of 25-year-old Anichebe Ogbonna, from whom police said one locally made pistol was recovered.
Similarly, on September 18 at about 11:00 p.m., operatives of 9th Mile Division, acting on information and in collaboration with Neighborhood Watch members, arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka at Ameke-Ngwo, Udi LGA.
He was arrested over alleged involvement in armed robberies in the area. Police said one cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live cartridge were recovered from him.
The Command said investigations into the cases are ongoing and that the suspects would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended members of the public for providing information and praised the police operatives for their response to credible intelligence.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes, while urging residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive of security agencies.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Awka High Court, on Tuesday, denied bail to the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Mr Harrison Anazodo, who is standing trial over alleged offences relating to his activities as a pastor.
Anazodo had applied for bail on health grounds, but the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiora, rejected the application, citing concerns over possible interference with witnesses.
The development came as seven persons, believed to be members of the congregation, are expected to testify in the case.
The court adjourned the matter until October 16 for further proceedings.
Speaking shortly after the hearing, State Counsel, Victoria Ekwerekwu, commended the Anambra State Government for its efforts to tackle alleged fraudulent activities by some religious figures.
She said, “We thank Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitise our society from pastors who make the younger generation believe that making money without hard work is possible.”
According to her, the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Anazodo, although the state would still be required to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
“Today, there is a prima facie case against the accused, Mr Harrison Anazodo, though it is left for us to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
“The court ruled on the bail application and denied him bail because of the witnesses, to ensure that they are not interfered with. The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 16,” she said.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, expressed optimism that the case would be concluded expeditiously, stressing that the ultimate decision rests with the court.
“We have been here since 9am. The court considered the bail application filed by his counsel and, after weighing its merits, the judge ruled that bail should be denied.
“We are looking forward to the quick dispensation of the matter and we assure you that justice will be done and will be seen to have been done,” Mefor said.
-
Politics3 days agoOdii Shuts Down Abakaliki, Buys Fuel for Thousands of Supporters at Grand Reception
-
Entertainment5 days ago
The Green Panther: Meet the Singer Behind ‘Heal Nigeria’ and ‘Higher Higher’
-
Crime4 days agoFreed NYSC Graduates Offered South-West Postings After Kidnap
-
Business3 days agoValue Circle Africa berths in Enugu, promises wealth creation
-
Crime4 days ago
Court Remands US-Based Car Dealer Over Alleged $680,000 Fraud
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Over 30,000 Enugu Teachers Endorse Mbah, Tinubu, Cite Welfare Improvements, Increased Education Funding
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Enugu Alleges Opposition Plot to Import Armed Thugs, Bandits
-
Opinion2 days agoEBONYI GUBER 2027: Are Clergy, Youths, Political Stakeholders Becoming Accomplices in Bad Governance?