Crime
Apprehension In Anambra Over Plot To Disarm Agunechemba Security Squad
By Okey Maduforo Awka
There are strong fears that the personnels of Agunechemba Security Squad under the Udo Ga Chi Security Operations may be disarmed following the assault on Miss Jennifer Elohor by the security outfit at Oba in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state.
The plot is on the account of public outcry over the dastardly acts of the security operatives which it is alleged by some candidates for the November 8th gubernatorial election in Anambra state that they are going to be used to fight the opposition during the election.
Recall that in 2003 a popular security outfit as it where, the Bakassi Boys set by the then Gov Chinwoke Mbadinuju was disarmed ahead of the election over allegations by the traducers of Mbadinuju that the personnels were being used to fight them by the late governor .
Most of the members of the security outfit were arrested and disarmed by the federal security operatives before the election in order to stop Mbadinuju from securing a second term in office.
Mbadinuju ultimately became the only governor the People’s Democratic Party PDP extraction that could not return to office after the 2003 general elections .
It is not clear when this unslought would take place but it is being feared that the complaints of some gubernatorial candidates in the November 8th gubernatorial election and the reactions of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC may have given impetus to this plot which is feared my take place before the election.
Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu shortly after the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by election had accused the Anambra state government of using the Agunechemba Security Squad to harass and intimidate voters on the day of the said election alleging that the Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim of master minding the incident which has been dismissed by government authorities.
According to one of the campaign organization members of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Comerade Tony Uche the use of the Agunechemba Security Squad is a ploy to force Anambra voters into voting for a candidate that is not of their choice and this may play out in subsequent elections in the state.
“If you see the number of the Vigilante personnels that came with them on over twenty trucks to highjack the election but the youths resisted them ”
“, Ukachukwu never ordered anyone to attack the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Environment but that the youths felt that they cannot be intimidated by the vigilante personnels that came to Osumenyi” he contended.
Also in reaction to the assault on the female corps member gubernatorial candidate of the Labor Party Chief George Moghalu expressed similar fears ;
“This is devoid of politics and I stand in my position to say that Udo Ga Chi should be disbanded and trained before you can constitute them to as a security outfit”
“I call on the Federal government to come into this matter because the girl in question is a corps member on National service to her father land and the Udo Ga Chi people are exceeding their bounds ”
“He should be protected by the Federal government because she is on National service and she is a proper of the federal government”
Moghalu expressed fears that the security outfit may be used to attack political opponents in the November 8th gubernatorial election urging the Federal government to look into the matter.
“Even their activities in the last by election has shown that they we constituted for the November 8th gubernatorial election in Anambra state”
“,We are waiting for them in November 8th gubernatorial election and we are demanding that the Federal government should provide enough security in the November election to check mate the activities of this state government security outfit” he said.
Gubernatorial candidate of the Young Democratic Party YPP Sir Paul Chukwuma also described the assault on the female corps member as a prelude to what may happen in the coming election.
“The government’s carefree attitude has further exacerbated the abuse by this setup, always in the news for extorting Ndi Anambra, killing them, or abusing them. Yet, the insecurity in Anambra State has continued to escalate with no clear end in sight”
“This particular incident must not be swept under the carpet, like the ones before it. I am calling on the Government of Anambra State to take a firm stance against these public abusers and bring them to justice. I also call on the security agencies to ensure that these abusers are not only rounded up, but are compelled to face the law”he said.
Special Adviser to Gov Charles Soludo on Security Rtd Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi in reaction to this alleged plot said that he is not aware of the disarming of Agunechemba adding that the governor is in a better position to speak on the matter .
“The Chief Security Officer of Anambra state is Gov Charles Soludo and he is in a better position to comment on this ” he said.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Information Dr Law Mefor reechoed the same reaction that he is not aware of the plot .
Special Adviser to Soludo on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi could not pick his calls as it was gathered that he was in a meeting but he had earlier explained that the actions of the personnels were unprofessional adding that the nine members of the outfit have been suspended and are facing investigation.
He described the assault on the female corps member as most unfortunate noting that the outfit remains resolute in ensuring that crimes and criminality are eradicated from the state .
He noted that the personnels have been under going training on how to engage with the public adding that there is nothing to fear about in the operations of the Agunechemba Security Squad.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, violated the conditions attached to a court-approved medical visit while in the commission’s custody.
The anti-graft agency also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements made during the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the ICPC said it approved El-Rufai’s medical visit in compliance with a Kaduna State High Court order and in keeping with its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
According to the commission, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor. However, El-Rufai was absent when proceedings commenced on the first day.
The ICPC said its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to convey El-Rufai to court, he declined to accompany them, insisting on seeing his personal physician.
The commission stated that no prior request had been made for the medical consultation and that when questioned by its medical doctor, El-Rufai reportedly said he had no immediate medical complaints but explained that his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, requested that he consult his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 15, 2026, to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the trial judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Kaduna State Chief Judge on a petition seeking the transfer of the case.
Despite the adjournment, the ICPC said it approved the hospital visit in line with the court’s directive.
The commission said its medical and security personnel accompanied El-Rufai to the private wing of the National Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday and remained outside the consultation room at the request of his family members while he was being attended to by an oncologist.
However, the ICPC alleged that it later discovered photographs posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showing the former governor receiving several visitors, including Professor Abubakar, during the period designated for the medical consultation.
According to the commission, the photographs suggested that the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court.
“The images and post by Isa Kudan indicated that the arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order,” the statement said.
The commission said it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with professionalism, patience and courtesy, but alleged that its goodwill had been abused.
It added that it would bring the alleged violation of the court order to the attention of the court.
The ICPC also announced that Professor Bello Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law, warning that it would not tolerate any abuse of its goodwill or disregard for court orders.
The controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal deepened on Monday following the reported arrest of the father of the council’s embattled promoter, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The Federal Government has listed the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 10 others as prosecution witnesses.
The arrest of Adeyemi’s father reportedly took place at the family’s residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday. According to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, police officers stormed the residence and took the elderly man into custody.
“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to appear in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.
Eyewitnesses alleged that police officers arrived in four vehicles, prevented neighbours from intervening, and took the elderly man to a police station. A family friend who was visiting the residence was also reportedly arrested, while Adeyemi’s aged mother was left in a state of shock.
The development has sparked concerns among legal practitioners and human rights advocates over the legality of the arrest.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, cautioned against drawing conclusions without knowing the reasons behind the arrest.
“If a person is arrested solely to pressure a suspect to surrender, such an arrest is unlawful,” Osigwe said. “However, if the father is himself a suspect or a person of interest in the investigation, then the law permits his arrest.”
Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sam Erugo, maintained that arresting a parent for an offence allegedly committed by a child is unlawful.
According to Erugo, Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, expressly prohibits arrest by proxy or in lieu of another person.
He, however, urged the Nigeria Police Force to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stressing that the public deserves a clear explanation from the authorities.
The Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the reported arrest as of the time of filing this report.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday one man was killed in front of his shop in the northeastern city of eMalahleni by unidentified criminals.
It gave no more details on the incident, which it said took place on Sunday, June 28 — on a weekend when tensions were building up ahead of nationwide anti-migrant rallies last week.
Vigilantes have attacked foreign nationals and looted foreign-owned shops on numerous occasions in the last few months, as South Africans blame immigrants for problems such as crime and unemployment. Migrant rights groups say foreigners are being used as scapegoats for deep-rooted problems.
Ghana said last week one of its citizens was fatally wounded in a shooting during the anti-immigrant demonstrations. South Africa said his killing was not related to the protests and accused Ghana of spreading misinformation.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks against migrants. Police said they arrested 900 people during last week’s protests.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday: “We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance… against foreigners is not addressed.”
Crime
Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Native Doctor, Others in Intelligence-Led Operation
A coordinated operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard has led to the rescue of a kidnapped man and the arrest of four suspected criminals, including a man allegedly linked to ritual activities connected to the abduction.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the Ette axis of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area following credible information that a young man, identified as Samson Eleje Abah, had been lured into a forest and abducted by suspected criminals.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Forest Guard stormed the location, rescued the victim unharmed, and arrested three suspects identified as Reuben Okwudili, Reuben Gebechukwu Chinoso, and Reuben Emeka.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Forest Guard said further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of John Agbo, a resident of Ofante Egberi in Kogi State, who allegedly travelled to the community to perform ritual activities believed to be connected to the kidnapping. He has also been transferred to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to the agency, preliminary findings, supported by consultations with community leaders, revealed that residents had previously raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities of some of the suspects and had consistently provided intelligence to security agencies.
Community leaders condemned the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat crime. They also announced the imposition of traditional sanctions on the family of the principal suspects in accordance with local customs, stressing that criminality would not be tolerated in the community.
Describing the operation as another major breakthrough in its intelligence-led security campaign, the Forest Guard reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, violent crime, and other security threats across Enugu State.
The Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and swift response.
“We commend our operatives for their professionalism and prompt action in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” Olasoji said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
“The Forest Guard will sustain aggressive patrols and deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu State,” he added.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, stole more than ₦7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in a midnight cyberattack.
Olukoyede made the revelation during the public presentation of two books authored by retired High Court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
According to the EFCC chairman, the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts from her bank account. She told him that about ₦7.2 million—money she had saved over six years for her child’s education—had been fraudulently withdrawn.
He said the commission immediately swung into action and, despite legal restrictions limiting certain investigative activities in the state where the incident occurred, successfully recovered the entire sum before the close of business that same day.
Olukoyede said the incident underscores the increasing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and warned that many people only appreciate its devastating impact after becoming victims.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary and the public to combat internet-related crimes more effectively.
The EFCC boss also urged the National Assembly and legal experts to review existing laws to accommodate the use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations, noting that current legal provisions make it difficult for AI-generated evidence to be admitted in court.
Also speaking at the event, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts to recover stolen public funds traced to foreign countries.
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