By Okey Maduforo, Awka

The Anambra State Police Commands has dismissed allegations by a human rights organisation that its operatives demanded N600,000 from the sister of a suspected cultist allegedly linked to several cult-related killings in Awka.

The Command also said it had commenced investigations into the gruesome murder of popular Awka socialite and celebrated Master of Ceremony, Aiza Nwosu, who was reportedly gunned down about two weeks ago.

The police said investigations into the murder and other cult-related killings in Awka had led to the identification of Nwosu Kenechukwu as a person of interest.

According to the Command, Kenechukwu’s sister, Miss Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, was arrested after investigators established that she allegedly became aware of efforts by police operatives to apprehend her brother and assisted him in evading arrest.

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Reacting to reports published online, including allegations raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said Jennifer was not arrested simply because of her relationship with the suspect.

Ikenga said: “The Command considers it necessary to clarify the facts and set the record straight.

“The Command’s investigation established that Nwosu Kenechukwu has emerged as a person of interest in ongoing investigations into several cult-related killings in Awka.

“Further investigation established that Ms. Jennifer became aware of efforts by Police operatives to apprehend her brother and subsequently assisted him in evading arrest.

“Her arrest was therefore made in the course of a legitimate criminal investigation arising from her alleged conduct, and not merely on account of her relationship with the suspect, as suggested in the publication.”

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The police spokesperson also categorically denied allegations that N600,000 or any other amount was demanded as a condition for Jennifer’s release.

“The Command also categorically and unequivocally denies the allegation that ₦600,000, or any other monetary consideration, was demanded as a condition for Ms. Jennifer’s release.

“At no time did the Police demand or impose any financial payment as a condition for her release,” he said.

Ikenga explained that Jennifer was later granted bail in accordance with established police procedures after undertaking to cooperate with investigators and assist efforts to locate and apprehend her brother, who remains a person of interest in the investigation.

He said the Police Command remained committed to the rule of law, due process and the protection of fundamental rights, stressing that such principles did not prevent the police from taking lawful investigative measures against persons reasonably suspected of aiding suspects to evade arrest or interfering with criminal investigations.

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“The Command will not be distracted by unverified narratives capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations or misleading members of the public,” Ikenga added.

He said the Command’s priority remained uncovering the circumstances surrounding the cult-related killings, identifying all persons connected to the crimes and ensuring that anyone found culpable was brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The Police Command also urged media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to verify sensitive allegations with the appropriate authorities before publication, particularly where such reports could mislead the public, undermine confidence in law enforcement or compromise ongoing investigations.

“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to professional, accountable and intelligence-driven policing, and will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without fear, favour or distraction,” Ikenga said.

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The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across several states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in an intelligence-led operation.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to Iniedu, the investigation began following the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.

Police detectives, acting on intelligence, arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4.

The police said Popoola allegedly confessed to participating in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.

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Her information reportedly led investigators to Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State.

“Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody,” Iniedu said.

Further information obtained during the investigation reportedly helped detectives locate Ifakunle, who was rescued in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.

The investigation was subsequently expanded after police uncovered evidence suggesting that the alleged criminal network operated across state boundaries.

On September 2, police operatives extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them.

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Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation.

The police said the investigation also uncovered allegations that some victims who died in the custody of members of the alleged syndicate were transferred to individuals suspected of involvement in ritual activities.

This development led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.

Iniedu further disclosed that the police had received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network.

He said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that the operation be sustained.

The IGP also ordered the police to dismantle the entire network, locate additional missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Nigeria Police Force assured the public that investigations would continue to establish the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s operations, locate other possible victims and identify all persons involved.

Police authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children to the appropriate security agencies.

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An Egyptian court has sentenced television personality Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death after finding them guilty of operating an organised criminal network involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs.

The Cairo Criminal Court handed down the sentences on Saturday, September 5, following a trial involving 28 defendants.

Nine other defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted. The death sentences are, however, subject to appeal and are not yet final.

Prosecutors accused the group of importing raw materials used to manufacture synthetic narcotics in Egypt for distribution and sale. The defendants also faced charges relating to the possession of firearms and ammunition without the required licences.

Authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kilogrammes of narcotics and drug-manufacturing materials during investigations. Two apartments allegedly used as laboratories for producing the drugs were also identified, while weapons, manufacturing equipment and other items linked to the alleged offences were confiscated.

The prosecution relied on the testimony of 20 witnesses, alongside digital evidence including messages, photographs and videos. Chemical analyses and other forensic evidence were also presented before the court.

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Khalifa, 39, has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged drug operation. Her lawyer, Mohamed El Gendy, has announced plans to appeal the conviction, citing alleged procedural irregularities during the trial.

Before issuing the death sentences, the court referred the case to Egypt’s Grand Mufti, as required under the country’s legal procedure in capital cases. The Mufti’s opinion is advisory and does not legally bind the court.

Khalifa has often been described in international reports as a prominent Egyptian television presenter. However, Ahram Online recently disputed descriptions of her as a major national television personality, noting that although she had worked in television, her media profile before her arrest was relatively limited.

She was arrested in April 2025 and remained in custody while the case proceeded through the courts for more than a year. The trial attracted significant public attention in Egypt, particularly as details of the allegations and footage from the proceedings circulated widely online.

Khalifa is also facing a separate criminal case involving the alleged kidnapping and assault of a young man. That case is unrelated to the drug-trafficking convictions that resulted in the death sentences.

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The September 5 judgment represents the trial court’s conviction of Khalifa and the other defendants. However, the sentences remain subject to Egypt’s appeals process, which could result in the convictions or penalties being reviewed by a higher court.

Late Nasiru Marafa

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has confirmed the death of its University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
The university announced his death in a statement signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to the statement, Marafa died on Sunday in what the institution described as a sudden and untimely death.
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau,” the statement said.
The university did not disclose further details about the incident or identify those responsible for the shooting.
Marafa was described as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the institution meritoriously and occupied several positions of responsibility during his career.
NOUN said he was appointed its Bursar in September 2026.
The university described his death as a profound loss, mourning him as a “distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”
The institution extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and other members of the university community.
It also prayed to Allah to grant the bereaved family and the entire NOUN community the strength to bear the loss.
The university said details of the burial arrangements would be announced once released by the family.
It prayed that Allah forgive Marafa’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

At least 37 suspected oil thieves have reportedly died after inhaling a substance believed to be petroleum fumes during an alleged oil theft operation in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, around Okari Jetty.

According to reports, more than 100 people, mostly youths from Okrika and neighbouring communities, had converged on the area to allegedly siphon petroleum products from a pipeline linked to the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical facility and the Port Harcourt Refinery.

The suspects were said to have arrived in boats and were loading the products when a strong smell suddenly spread across the area.

Several of the youths reportedly collapsed after inhaling the substance, with some falling into the river.

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While 37 people were said to have died, several others who escaped the scene were reportedly taken to hospitals for treatment after developing serious respiratory complications.

However, details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and authorities have not independently confirmed all the reported figures or the exact substance responsible for the deaths.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Blessing Agabe, confirmed that an investigation had commenced.

According to Agabe, the victims were reportedly involved in an attempt to steal crude oil, although no formal complaint had been received by the police at the time of the report.

She said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the facts.

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The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft, particularly in communities located around petroleum infrastructure.