Crime
Police Arrest Four in Enugu for Demolishing, Looting Private Estate
Four suspects have been arrested by the police in Enugu for allegedly trespassing into a fenced private premises and demolishing two houses therein, in an apparent land grabbing attempt.
The invaded property is a swat of land,with a few buildings, situated along Ugwogo – Opi Road, Ibeagwa, Nike, measuring approximately 8.5 hectares.
The land is said to belong to Enugu based transport company, Peace Mass Transit, Limited.
The arrest of the suspects followed complaints of malicious damage, criminal trespass, and conspiracy to commit crime, filed Tuesday at the Nike Police Station, by the Public Relations Officer of the company, Mr Progress Ezeh.
In his statement to the police, the PRO reported that some unknown persons, suspected to be land grabbers, had forcefully invaded the gated premises overnight on Monday, with a bulldozer, demolishing every structure in sight!
They first pulled down the perimeter fencing round the property, moved deep inside to demolish one unit of 3-bedroom main building,in the centre ,and a big security building by the gate area, Mr Ezeh told the police in his statement.
The hoodlums also allegedly took away aluminium sheets, iron rods, iron gate and movable items from the vandalised property.
Police reportedly moved into action swiftly and in the course of early investigation, apprehended four persons,took them into custody: two on Tuesday and another two this(Wednesday) morning.
The company representative told journalists this(wednesday ) morning that police findings had also led to recovery of some of those items looted from the premises by the hoodlums, many from the accomplice/receiver in another part of the town.
The company is urging the police to investigate the attack thoroughly, and particularly extend their searchlight to possible sponsors beyond the suspects already in custody.
Owner of PMT, Dr. Samuel Onyishi, told journalists he had contacted the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory, Barrister Uche Anya, to find out if he knew anything about the attack on the property.
“He told me categorically he knew nothing about it, and did not send or authorise anyone to do any such thing”, Dr. Onyishi said.
“He even asked me to record his voice; and that if the state government needed to revoke my land, they would first invite me to defend the move”, Onyishi added.
Attempts to speak to the Investigating Police Officer(IPO), Inspector Lucy Agbo, on the matter was unsuccessful.
Calls to the Enugu State Police Officer, Superintendent Dan Ndukwe, were not answered.
Land grabbing has been a recurring , worrisome menace in parts of Enugu, particularly in parts of Nike and Awkunanaw area of the capital city, a trend that has compelled the Governor Administration to enact an edict against the practice!
The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and five others have been arrested and detained by the state Police Command following a raid on his residence in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The police said one of those arrested at the SSG’s residence was Oladele Abiodun, a suspect on its watchlist in connection with alleged criminal offences.
This was disclosed by the Osun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement obtained in Osogbo.
Ojelabi also said a total of N4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, one photocopier and one printer were recovered from Igbalaye’s residence.
Others arrested alongside Igbalaye were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The PPRO said a police team, acting on intelligence that members of a criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo, carried out a lawful raid and apprehended the suspects.
“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Voter’s Cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.
“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences, which may include:
“Bribery of voters (vote-buying), contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions.
“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.
“Harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice.
“Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” the statement read in part.
The command emphasised that the allegations against the suspects have far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice and the credibility of the democratic process.
“Accordingly, investigations are being intensified to identify all persons connected with the recovered exhibits, establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and determine the full extent of any criminal enterprise,” the statement added.
The Osun Command said no individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law, adding that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution.
It urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and continue providing credible information to assist the police in preventing crime and ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral processes.
The Osun State Government on Wednesday accused the state command of the Nigeria Police Force of invading the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, without a search warrant.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
He also claimed that those the police met on the premises were arrested.
Alimi further alleged that the SSG’s residence was burst into by a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
The family of slain military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdulrazaq Abdulkareem Udeh, has rejected reports that he was killed while resisting a kidnapping attempt in Abuja, insisting that the senior Army officer was deliberately assassinated by armed attackers.
The family made its position known on Wednesday, contradicting earlier security reports that claimed the colonel died after confronting gunmen who allegedly attempted to abduct him at his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a Facebook post, the deceased’s brother-in-law, Ali Chukwudi, described the incident as a calculated assassination rather than a failed kidnap attempt.
“Yesterday, Nigeria failed one of its finest,” Chukwudi wrote. “My brother-in-law, Colonel Abdulrazaq Abdulkareem Udeh, a senior intelligence officer who dedicated years of his life to defending this nation, was not killed while resisting a kidnapping, as some reports claimed. He was deliberately targeted and brutally assassinated.”
According to him, the attackers shot the officer in the head, killing him instantly, before opening fire on other members of the household.
“They shot my sister, his wife, in the leg. The driver and the gateman were also shot in the legs. As I write this, my sister is in the hospital, fighting to survive,” he said.
Chukwudi lamented that the officer’s life was cut short just months before a promotion he had earned through years of dedicated service.
Describing the killing as an attack on a patriotic soldier, he called for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that everyone involved is identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“This was not just another tragic incident. It was a calculated attack on a man who served his country with honour. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” he stated.
He also prayed for the repose of the officer’s soul and the recovery of his injured wife.
The family’s account differs significantly from preliminary information released by security sources after the attack. Initial reports indicated that gunmen ambushed Colonel Udeh shortly after he arrived home on Monday evening and attempted to abduct him. According to those reports, the officer resisted despite being outnumbered before he was shot at close range.
A security source familiar with the early investigation had said, “He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price.”
The attack also left the colonel’s wife, driver and security guard with gunshot injuries. All three are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Before his death, Colonel Udeh served in several key military intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces. He participated in operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and also undertook specialised international assignments in Chad and France.
His killing has reignited concerns over the security of serving and retired military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory, coming barely two years after the killing of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere during an attack on his Abuja residence in June 2024.
The Kano State Police Command has rescued nine passengers who were abducted after armed bandits attacked a commercial bus along the Jos-Kano highway in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Kano, saying the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on July 26.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Doguwa Division received a distress call reporting that a Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number BKK 6824 XA, travelling from Jos to Kano, had been attacked around the Folgore Forest axis, between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.
Kiyawa said five suspected armed bandits, reportedly armed with machetes and a firearm, blocked the highway, attacked the vehicle and abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.
He said the DPO immediately mobilised tactical police operatives to the scene, where they engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
The police spokesperson said the swift intervention of the operatives led to the rescue of nine victims, while another male passenger later escaped from captivity.
He, however, disclosed that three victims — one male and two females — remained in the custody of the abductors.
The rescued passengers were taken to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation and were reported to be in stable condition.
Kiyawa said the command had intensified operations, deploying additional tactical teams and enhancing intelligence gathering efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended members of the public for providing timely information that contributed to the rescue operation.
Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
He added that investigations into the incident were ongoing, assuring that further updates would be made available to the public.
The arrest was effected by troops of Operation Hadin Kai according to an X post by security professional, Zagazola Makama.
Identifying the suspect as Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility, NAOTF, Lagos with service number: 23NA/84/1939, Makama said he was apprehended by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander at about 6:30pm on July 25, 2026 by.
He had earlier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, 2026, where he allegedly went into hiding.
This made the army high command to declare him wanted.
According to Makama, “The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.
“The arrest is a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplices,” Makama said.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 55-year-old Lagos businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, over an alleged attempt to export 3.30kg of cocaine concealed in the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs destined for the United Kingdom.
The NDLEA said Chinedu, a clothing trader at the popular Balogun Market on Lagos Island, was arrested on Thursday, July 23, 2026, following the interception of the cocaine consignment at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a day earlier.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, three cargo agents—Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina, Adeleke Abiola Taoheed and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim—were initially arrested for handling the shipment.
The agency said their arrests led to the apprehension of Kenneth Okakpu, who allegedly delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.
Okakpu’s arrest, according to the NDLEA, provided investigators with information that led to the identification of Chinedu as the alleged kingpin behind the operation. He was subsequently arrested while allegedly attempting to send another consignment of cocaine to the UK.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives arrested a 31-year-old entrepreneur, Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo, at her residence in Surulere, Lagos, following the seizure of 2.80kg of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis.
The agency said the consignment arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight on Monday, July 20, 2026, before Chukwu-Edo was arrested the following day.
Also at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives recovered 2.24 million pills of Tapentadol 250mg, with an estimated street value of over N2.2bn, from a shipment that arrived from India aboard an Air Maroc flight.
The agency said the recovery followed intelligence-led operations and a joint examination of the cargo on Friday, July 24.
This came shortly after NDLEA operatives intercepted a consignment of tramadol concealed inside containers of black soap and allegedly destined for the UK at a courier company in Lagos on Wednesday, July 22.
At the Apapa Seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives also uncovered 4,777 sachets of Canadian Loud weighing 2,388.5kg, with an estimated street value of over N7.1bn.
The drugs were allegedly concealed inside three vehicles packed in a shipping container. The consignment was uncovered during a joint examination on Monday, July 20.
In Katsina State, NDLEA operatives arrested 30-year-old Mustapha Sani during a patrol operation at Baure, Safana Local Government Area, and recovered 323 rounds of military-grade ammunition allegedly concealed on him.
The ammunition reportedly comprised 200 rounds of 7.62mm and 123 rounds of 7.6mm.
Another suspect, 30-year-old Abubakar Amadu, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation at Jere, along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, with 73 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition allegedly concealed inside kegs of red oil.
The NDLEA said both suspects had been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, the agency said its operatives recovered 1,286kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds during a raid on a warehouse in Ilushi community, Esan South-East Local Government Area, on Sunday, July 19.
The operation also led to the arrest of 45-year-old Ojore Onweze, who was allegedly found with 60kg of skunk, and 30-year-old George Agwumede, who was allegedly arrested with 13kg of the same substance.
-
Education3 days agoHostel Building Collapses at Federal Polytechnic Oko, Students Feared Trapped
-
Politics3 days agoWhy Buhari didn’t openly support Tinubu in 2023 APC primary — Ex-SGF Babachir
-
Health5 days ago20,966 Nigerian Health Workers Migrated Abroad in One Year – Report
-
News3 days agoFG Budgets About N1tn for SUVs, Empowerment Amid Rising Borrowing Pressure
-
News3 days agoOji River College Gets N127.1bn for 393 Empowerment Projects — Tracka
-
Politics4 days agoEnugu NDC Passes Vote Of Confidence On Dr. Johnpaul Anih-Led State Exco, Warns Against Destabilisation
-
News2 days agoNnamdi Kanu Terminates Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s Legal Representation, Withdraws IPOB Mandate
-
Opinion2 days agoThe Real Ethnic Bigotry Is Ugwuagbo’s Dangerous Ethnic Stereotyping, Not Governor Mbah’s Appointments