Crime
Over 87 FCT residents killed, 176 kidnapped under Tinubu – Investigation
The incidents led to the death of no fewer than 87 residents of the FCT, while 176 were kidnapped within the period.
The figures were sourced from Beacon Consulting, a local firm monitoring security issues in the country, and several media reports on violent attacks, including kidnapping and killings in the FCT.
Since the assumption of office of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, on August 16, 2023, there’s been a rise in violent attacks in the nation’s capital.
The FCT is facing alarming surge in insecurity, prompting concerns among residents and the authorities. The capital city, once considered relatively immune to the prevalent security challenges in other parts of the country, is now grappling with an escalating wave of criminal activities, particularly kidnapping.
According to a 2020 report by SB Morgen, Abuja was ranked 11th among locations with frequent abductions, a stark revelation of the evolving security landscape in the region.
Over the last three years, close to 50 kidnap cases have been recorded in Abuja, involving over 200 persons. The severity of the issue becomes more apparent when examining the data from January 2021 to June 2023, revealing approximately 40 recorded cases with 236 victims. Between October and December 2023 alone, there were 13 recorded kidnap incidents, impacting 80 victims.
These incidents are not isolated to specific areas but have occurred in various locations within Abuja, including Gwagwalada Kuje, Lugbe, Pegi, Abaji, Keti, and Kwali. What is particularly concerning is that these incidents seem to occur unchallenged by security agencies, allowing criminal elements to operate with impunity.
The economic toll of the rising insecurity is substantial, with confirmed ransom payments totalling N653.7m between 2021 and 2022. Residents and businesses in the affected areas are bearing the brunt of the security challenges, and the impact on daily life and economic activities is becoming increasingly pronounced.
The most notorious among the incidents over the past seven months includes the abduction of seven persons, including six girls kidnapped on January 5, 2024, in the Bwari Area Council.
Latest amongst the incidents was the abduction of the wife and one of the in-laws of a lawyer, Cyril Adikwu, on Thursday, January 18, at the Nigerian Army Post Housing Scheme in the Kurudu area of Abuja.
The incident, according to a neighbour of the victims, occurred around 10pm in the Phase 2 area of the estate.
Also, on January 7, 2024, armed men abducted 12 from an estate in the Bwari area of Abuja.
On December 12, 2023, a total of 23 residents of the Dei-Dei community in the Bwari area of the FCT were also abducted.
A nursing mother and three children were kidnapped in Abuja on December 12, 2023. An Abuja-based musician and his band members were kidnapped on December 18, 2023, while two persons were kidnapped in the Mpape area of the FCT on July 16, 2023.
Following a rise in the incidents, Nigerians have called on the Federal Government and the security agencies to find a lasting solution to the problem.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday launched the Special Intervention Squad in the FCT to curb the activities of kidnappers and bandits wreaking havoc, especially in border towns within the territory.
The squad is charged with patrolling and securing the communities in the border areas of the FCT, and intervening to curb and mitigate violent attacks in the nation’s capital.
Following the inauguration of the SIS, its operatives commenced patrol across the FCT and border towns, villages and hamlets.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who spoke with one of our correspondents in an exclusive interview, revealed that the deployment of the officers would be all over the FCT, with more attention to crisis-prone areas and exits out of the city.
He added that the creation of the SIS was aimed at addressing the security concerns in the FCT.
“The deployment will be all over, with more attention to crisis-affected areas and exits out of the city. It is a general operation aimed at addressing the security concerns in the FCT,” Adejobi said.
The Commander of the FCT SIS, Bennett Igwe, who led the operatives on Tuesday in Bwari, Kawu, Kubwa and Gwagwalada, among others, and into Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kogi states, told our correspondent that the SIS operatives would be stationed in the borders and would be moving in and out of the FCT to apprehend bandits and other insurgents disturbing the peace of the capital city.
He added that the SIS was under the command of the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters hence its operatives were not limited by borders.
Igwe said, “We are here tonight in Kawu, where about 23 persons were kidnapped. As you’ve seen, we’ve toured the whole of Bwari, and we have shown the criminals that we are ready and we want our people to be at peace.
“As we’re stationed here and patrolling Bwari, our other officers are also currently patrolling other border towns in the FCT; our operatives are patrolling Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Maraba, and other border towns, villages and hamlets. And we’re moving in and out of the border states of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kogi. We will flush the bandits out and return peace and harmony to the FCT.”
The scourge of abduction, which has strangulated social and economic activities in the North-East and the North-West, has spread nationwide as bandits and other criminal elements have moved their operations into major cities across the country, especially the FCT in recent times.
The hoodlums, who hitherto operated on highways and in rural communities, have in recent times escalated their attacks on residents of Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna and other urban centres.
Unveiling the SIS at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Egbetokun said the alarming rise in criminal activities without equivocation demanded immediate and resolute action.
He noted that the approach of the police was comprehensive, adding that beyond immediate intervention, the SIS would also engage in community-oriented policing.
“The alarming rise in these criminal activities without equivocation, demands immediate and resolute action from us all. It is thus with a determined spirit that I proudly announce the inauguration of the Special Intervention Squad.
“Conceived as an elite unit of the Nigeria Police Force, the SIS composed of specially trained, well equipped and highly mobile police officers, and possesses the capacity for rapid intervention and effective containment of significant security breaches, such as those currently threatening the suburb of the FCT and creating panic generally.
“This initiative is not just born out of necessity, but out of foresight, diligent planning and commitment to enhancing the already robust security architecture of our nation’s capital.”
Operatives of the SIS visited several villages and hamlets in the Bwari area of Abuja where there had been several attacks by insurgents over the past weeks.
One of our correspondents, who followed the operatives during the show of force, observed that the officers stormed Bwari with several Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles and buses, and a helicopter.
The NPF had in late 2023 announced that the deployment of 40,000 operatives of the Special Intervention Squad who were undergoing training, would begin with Katsina and nine other states including the FCT.
The Force Headquarters also revealed that the proposed commanders, who would be in charge of the squad, would be trained in Mexico while noting that the deployment to the 10 carefully selected states was to pilot the activities of the SIS.
Following his assumption of office in June, Egbetokun announced the establishment of the SIS.
He noted that the SIS would be a standby team of specially trained officers to quickly intervene in large insecurity occurrences, adding that it was part of the a priority in his administration’s endeavour to combat the threat of violent crime.
During a recent visit to Owerri, the Imo State capital, the IG stated that the other 27 states would immediately follow the 10 pilot states that were selected based on the recent violent crime assessment conducted in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Adejobi noted that the SIS would not operate like the defunct Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad which was notorious for human rights abuses.
The Force spokesperson also revealed that operatives of the SIS which were drawn from the Police Mobile Force would not be involved in escort duties, while noting that the squad’s commanders would operate under the command of commissioners of police in their respective states.
In June, Egbetokun announced plans to withdraw PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties.
The IG, who spoke during a meeting with squadron leaders and tactical commanders at the Force Headquarters, said the development was to allow the force to take back its place in the internal security architecture of the country.
Meanwhile, while clarifying the misunderstanding in regards to the IG’s directive concerning the proposed withdrawal of the PMF from specialised escort and services for VIPs, Adejobi noted that the NPF did not intend to strip VIPs (who are legally and statutorily entitled to police escorts) of their security details, noting that doing so would be unsafe and counterproductive.
He said, “Get the message right: We understand that there has been some misunderstanding regarding the directive of IGP Olukayode Egbetokun about withdrawing members of the Police Mobile Force unit from specialised escort and services for VIPs. It’s crucial to provide clarifications to address this.
“First and foremost, let us be clear: at no point did the Force intend to strip VIPs (who are legally and statutorily entitled to Police escorts) of their security details. Doing so would be unsafe and counterproductive. Instead, the objective is to reassign the withdrawn PMF personnel to the recently established Special Intervention Squad.”
Crime
BREAKING: Sowore Hospitalised After Attack in Ekiti, Brother, Campaign Members Reportedly Macheted
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been rushed to hospital following a violent attack by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at Tawakal’tu Restaurants and Catering Services, left several members of Sowore’s entourage, including his brother, with suspected machete injuries.
Eyewitnesses alleged that armed men stormed the restaurant, attacked Sowore and members of his campaign team, and briefly abducted the activist before he was reportedly taken to hospital.
Sources linked the attackers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) provided information about Sowore’s location.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
One source claimed that Sowore was rushed to hospital after the incident, although details surrounding his reported abduction, subsequent release and the extent of his injuries remained unclear as of press time.
The attack reportedly triggered panic at the restaurant, forcing customers and other occupants to flee for safety. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the disturbance.
Sowore’s Team Accuses DSS
Reacting to the incident, Sowore’s media team accused the DSS of compromising his security by allegedly disclosing his exact location to the attackers.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the team described the assailants as government-sponsored thugs and vowed that the attack would not deter Sowore’s political activities.
The African Action Congress had earlier raised concerns over his whereabouts, calling on the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to urgently establish his location and guarantee his safety.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
The AAC further warned that it would mobilise a mass protest at the Ekiti State Government House should security authorities fail to take decisive action.
Similarly, Sowore’s campaign organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to intervene.
The incident occurred during Sowore’s visit to Ekiti State for political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the activist was in Ekiti for campaign engagements. The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly confirmed that an attack occurred but disputed claims that Sowore was abducted.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the incident, the identities of the attackers and the extent of the victims’ injuries had yet to be independently established.
Crime
Estate Developer Commits Suicide After Emotional Farewell Video, Leaves Properties to Wife, Children
A prominent estate developer in Ondo City, Mr Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has reportedly died in a suspected suicide incident after leaving behind an emotional farewell video containing messages to his family.
Kayode, the owner of Esther Estate, reportedly recorded a video which subsequently surfaced on Facebook, addressing his family, speaking about his properties and paying a heartfelt tribute to his wife.
In the recording, the deceased reportedly stated that he was acting without coercion, although he did not disclose the circumstances that informed his decision.
He appealed to his relatives and other concerned individuals to ensure that all his properties were handed over to his wife and children, who currently reside in Canada.
In what appeared to be an emotional farewell, Kayode described his wife as a wonderful woman who stood firmly by him throughout his life, expressing appreciation for her loyalty, sacrifices and unwavering support during their marriage.
News of his death has thrown parts of Ondo City into mourning, with residents, friends and associates expressing shock over the tragic development.
Members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Omolore Parish, Yaba, Ondo, where the deceased was reportedly a prominent member, were also said to have been deeply saddened by his passing.
The video has since generated reactions on social media, with sympathisers extending condolences to his family.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, while official confirmation of the suspected cause of death was not available at the time of filing this report.
Kayode’s passing has left his family, associates and members of the Ondo community mourning a man whose final message centred largely on the welfare of his wife and children.
Source: Myexclusiveinfo
The Asankragwa Divisional Police Command in Ghana has dismissed 10 reported cases of alleged missing manhood after medical examinations confirmed that all the complainants had their genitalia intact and medically normal.
The Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Vitus Napen, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asankragwa on Monday, October 26, 2026.
According to him, the first complaint was recorded at Wassa Dunkwa on October 17, with nine additional cases subsequently reported across the division.
Giving a breakdown, Napen said Wassa Dunkwa recorded six cases, Asankragwa two, while Aboi Nkwanta and Breman recorded one case each.
He explained that the complainants alleged that their genitalia disappeared after coming into physical contact with other individuals.
However, medical examinations conducted on all 10 complainants established that none had lost their genitalia.
The police chief attributed the growing scare to panic, anxiety and misinformation, warning residents against raising false alarms capable of triggering violence and public disorder.
He cautioned that individuals found responsible for spreading false claims could face prosecution for offences relating to the publication of false news and deceiving public officers.
Mob Attacks Police Vehicle Over Alleged Missing Manhood
Meanwhile, the police commander condemned an incident at Breman, where an angry mob vandalised a police patrol vehicle during an attempt by officers to rescue a suspect accused of causing a man’s genitalia to disappear.
Napen disclosed that the mob smashed the rear windscreen of the patrol vehicle while attempting to lynch the suspect.
Describing the attack as criminal, he warned that anyone found assaulting security personnel or destroying public property would be arrested and prosecuted.
He urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and allow security agencies to investigate complaints through appropriate procedures.
The commander also appealed to traditional rulers, opinion leaders and assembly members in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality to intensify public enlightenment and discourage the spread of unverified allegations.
He encouraged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to mob action.
Napen added that no arrests had been made in connection with the vandalism as of the briefing, but assured that investigations were ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Source: Graphic Ghana
…Suspect allegedly targeted female POS operators, used Facebook to lure victims
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Ugbor Chika Paul, over allegations of serial rape, armed robbery and sextortion involving female victims in different parts of the state.
The Command disclosed that a mobile phone recovered from the suspect contained nude photographs and video recordings of several identified and unidentified female victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly specialised in luring female Point-of-Sale (POS) operators to isolated locations under the guise of conducting financial transactions before robbing and sexually assaulting them.
According to the police, the suspect also operated a Facebook account under the fictitious name, Franklin Umeh, which he allegedly used to lure another victim into his trap.
Giving details of the incidents, Ndukwe said the first victim, a 20-year-old POS operator at Akwata Market, Enugu, was allegedly lured to a bush behind St. Peter’s Church, Coal Camp, around 11 a.m. on May 21, 2026.
The suspect reportedly raped the victim and dispossessed her of N600,000.
In another incident on August 11, 2026, a 30-year-old female POS operator from the same market was allegedly taken to the same location around 5 p.m., where the suspect attempted to rape her before robbing her of approximately N120,000.
The police further disclosed that a third victim, aged 21, was allegedly contacted through Facebook by the suspect, who introduced himself as Franklin Umeh.
She was reportedly lured to Old Park, Enugu, around 11:30 a.m. on October 4, 2026, before being taken to a secluded bush around Udi Siding.
At the location, the suspect allegedly raped and sexually assaulted her, recorded her nakedness and robbed her of N100,000 and her mobile phone.
He subsequently demanded an additional N200,000 from the victim, threatening to circulate her nude video if she failed to comply.
The police alleged that he also used the victim’s stolen phone to contact some individuals on her WhatsApp contact list.
Ndukwe confirmed that investigations were ongoing, adding that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon their conclusion.
The Command appealed to other persons who might have fallen victim to the suspect’s activities to come forward with useful information to assist investigators.
It equally encouraged women experiencing cyberstalking, sexual blackmail or sextortion to report such incidents to the police rather than suffer in silence.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to tackle sexual violence, robbery and other criminal activities across Enugu State.
He urged residents, particularly women and business operators, to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police formation.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested one Ugwumba Enyinnaya for allegedly posing as a qualified legal practitioner and engaging in legal practice for over 11 years without the required credentials.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, explaining that the suspect was apprehended following investigations into a petition bordering on obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the police, Enyinnaya allegedly collected N650,000 from one Chukwu David in March 2026, claiming he would facilitate the processing and approval of a street-naming request in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
The petitioner reportedly entrusted the money to the suspect after he presented himself as an experienced lawyer capable of handling the transaction.
However, investigations by police operatives subsequently revealed that Enyinnaya had allegedly been impersonating a legal practitioner for more than a decade.
Police said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he was not a qualified lawyer.
A search conducted at his residence reportedly led to the recovery of several items, including a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait showing him dressed in barrister’s attire, a legal wig and gown, and purported Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Other exhibits recovered included court judgments allegedly obtained by the suspect and several legal documents purportedly prepared by him, including powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance.
The command confirmed that the suspect had been charged to court.
Reacting to the development, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Okafor, commended the investigating officers for exposing the alleged impersonation.
She urged residents to exercise caution when engaging individuals offering legal services and ensure that their professional qualifications are properly verified.
The commissioner further encouraged members of the public to report suspicious individuals and activities to the police to prevent unsuspecting citizens from falling victim to fraud.
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