Crime
Suspected Kidnapper Arrested While Attempting to Withdraw Ransom at POS
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate while allegedly attempting to withdraw ransom money from a Point-of-Sale terminal in Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Muhamodu Sanni, was arrested around the Obudu/Woru axis following an intelligence-led investigation into the abduction of three persons in Obudu Village on July 28, 2026.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday through the command’s X handle.
According to the statement, the police expanded their investigation beyond the scene of the abduction to trace the communication, logistics and financial channels allegedly used by the kidnappers.
The investigation reportedly led detectives to Sanni, who was intercepted at a POS outlet while allegedly attempting to cash out proceeds linked to the abduction.
The statement read in part, “The sustained offensive of the Kwara State Police Command against kidnapping has recorded another significant breakthrough, as intelligence-led operations successfully penetrated the support structure of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Obudu/Woru axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area, culminating in the arrest of Muhamodu Sanni while allegedly attempting to cash out ransom proceeds linked to a recent abduction.”
The police said Sanni, during interrogation, allegedly provided useful information about the ransom collection process and identified two other suspected members of the syndicate as Aminu and Umar.
The PPRO said the information obtained from the suspect had strengthened the command’s understanding of the syndicate and provided fresh leads for further investigation.
She quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, as assuring residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.
Adekimi also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to the police to support efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities in the state.
It was gathered that the attacks occurred on Tuesday night and were reported in at least four locations, including Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol Village.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association confirmed the killings in a statement on Wednesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
The association said gunmen attacked Gwa-Wereng Rim, killing Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, while his cousin, Yakubu, was fatally injured.
The statement added that “47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze was also killed by suspected attackers at Kyeng Village, Bachi District, at about 8:30 p.m.”
A resident of the affected area, Lyop Gabriel, said the attack at Gwa-Wereng Rim “occurred at about 9:30 p.m., when gunmen reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on residents.”
According to the BYM statement, “another attack was recorded at Dorong, where attackers allegedly set houses ablaze, causing destruction of property and forcing residents to flee in fear.”
At Jol Village, the association said “armed attackers reportedly engaged local vigilantes in an exchange of gunfire, further heightening tension in the community.”
The National President of the BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, who also confirmed the killings, condemned the attacks, describing them as “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods and safety of rural communities.”
BYM “called on security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance and pursue those responsible for the attacks.”
It also urged the security agencies “to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice.”
The association further appealed to the Plateau State Government and other relevant authorities “to provide immediate assistance to affected families and communities, particularly those who lost loved ones, homes and other property in the attacks.”
BYM “extended its condolences to the families of Mwagwong and Kaze, while wishing Yakubu a speedy recovery.”
The association “urged residents to remain vigilant, peaceful and united, stressing that concerted efforts were required to prevent further escalation of violence in affected communities.”
It “called for urgent and decisive security action to protect lives and property and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.”
Contacted, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not immediately available for comment on the killings, as his phone indicated that it was switched off.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs estimated at ₦6.2 million and arrested two suspected drug dealers in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The operation also led to the recovery of ₦598,400 in cash.
The development followed directives by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for sustained intelligence-led operations and the dismantling of criminal hideouts across the country.
In line with the directive, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, intensified operations against criminal elements and their operational bases across the state, resulting in the latest breakthrough.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acted on credible intelligence concerning the activities of suspected illicit drug dealers operating in Obosi.
According to him, the operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and arrested two male suspects identified as Nzube Onyedikachukwu, alias “Onyeoma,” 47, and Ugochukwu Azia, 20.
Ikenga said a search of the hideout led to the recovery of large quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs valued at ₦6.2 million, alongside ₦598,400 in cash.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, while the location was allegedly being used as a gathering point by suspected criminal elements after carrying out their operations.
“Some of the suspected criminals reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the police,” Ikenga added.
He said the suspects were currently in police custody, while investigation had commenced to determine the source and distribution network of the suspected illicit drugs, identify other persons connected to the operation and establish the circumstances surrounding the recovered cash.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, reiterated that the command would sustain intelligence-led raids, targeted operations and proactive policing aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and denying criminals safe havens across the state.
He also urged residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the police by providing credible and timely information on suspicious persons, criminal activities and identified criminal hideouts.
A 33-year-old Nigerian, Uchenna Okirie, has been murdered by his roommate in a violent and unprovoked attack in Norwich, United Kingdom, with his killer sentenced to life imprisonment.
Okirie, popularly known as Uche, was a graduate of the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he studied Economics. He was killed on November 22 at Somerleyton House on Somerleyton Street, Norwich.
His 28-year-old roommate, Benjamin Katabana, was convicted of murder at Norwich Crown Court and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.
Killer Katabana jailed for life
According to the BBC and Norfolk Constabulary, Katabana used WhatsApp messages to lure Okirie into the communal corridor of their shared accommodation, where he attacked him with a knife.
Okirie was reportedly using his phone when Katabana initially stabbed him once before repeatedly attacking him and kicking him in the head while he lay on the floor.
He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 6am. A post-mortem examination established that he died from a stab wound to the chest.
CCTV footage captured the two men meeting in the corridor shortly before the attack.
After killing Okirie, Katabana activated the building’s fire alarm and walked to Bethel Street Police Station, where he surrendered to officers.
He reportedly told police: “I have killed someone, I think.”
The murder weapon was never recovered, while Katabana declined to explain his actions during police interviews, repeatedly responding “no comment”.
At the trial, Katabana had pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but was subsequently convicted of murder by a jury.
The court heard that Katabana had five previous convictions for seven offences, including an earlier incident in which he kicked someone in the head while the victim was lying on the floor following an assault.
Sentencing him, Judge Bate said Katabana acted impulsively and used violence to resolve issues.
Katabana’s defence argued that his actions were linked to a traumatic upbringing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the court heard that he had armed himself with a knife before contacting Okirie and arranging to meet him.
Senior investigating officer Alix Wright of Norfolk Police described the killing as a deliberate attack.
“This was a violent and unprovoked attack,” Wright said, adding that Katabana deliberately lured Okirie into the corridor through WhatsApp messages after arming himself with a knife.
Wright expressed sympathy for Okirie’s family, saying police hoped the conviction would provide them with “a measure of justice” for their loss.
Okirie, who was 33 when he was killed, had lived in the building where the attack occurred and was reportedly taken by surprise when Katabana confronted him.
Katabana will serve at least 20 years in prison before he can be considered for release.
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Chekwube Agbo, for alleged armed robbery and recovered a locally made pistol and a live cartridge from him.
The suspect was arrested on Monday, August 10, 2026, at about 1:45 p.m. at Obollo Etiti in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, following credible information provided by a member of the public.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect had arrived at a hotel purportedly to lodge when police operatives, acting on the information, searched his bag and found the firearm and ammunition.
The police said Agbo was subsequently taken into custody along with the recovered exhibits.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of an armed robbery gang that specialised in threatening and robbing Point-of-Sale (POS) operators of their valuables.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that other members of the gang fled the scene following his arrest.
The police said the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the individual who provided the information that led to the arrest.
Giwa also urged residents to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police, assuring the public that the Command would continue to work with citizens to prevent and tackle crime across the state.
Suspected rival cultists clashed at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday, with gunshots reportedly fired during the confrontation.
The clash was said to have involved two rival cult groups identified as the Vikings and Clansmen confraternities, allegedly in a battle for supremacy.
Although the immediate cause of the confrontation could not be ascertained, the violence reportedly erupted during the ongoing Students’ Union Government Week of the university.
A viral video of the incident circulating on social media showed students scampering for safety as gunshots rented the air. No casualty was reported.
Following the incident, academic activities were temporarily disrupted as many students reportedly left the campus or took shelter in classrooms and hostels to avoid being hit by stray bullets.
Commenting on the incident, a Port Harcourt-based rights activist, Charles Jaja, said the clash suggested that the university management had lost control of the campus.
Jaja urged the university authorities to take decisive measures to address the activities of cult groups, describing the development as unacceptable in an institution of higher learning.
He said, “Yesterday’s gunshot at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is a sad reminder of what a university ought not to be and I think that the school management has lost control of its campus.
“There must be a deliberate attempt by them (management) to do things differently. And I think that they should understudy what was done at the Rivers State University under the watch of Prof. Barineme Fakae as Vice Chancellor then.
“The model he used was simple. It was just enforcement of rules and intelligence-driven security and swift sanctions, which was what was needed to push cultism to the barest minimum and gave birth to the peace on the campus.
“This is what I advocate because at a time a university, which is supposed to be a place for character building, research and learning, has now become a theatre for cultism and violence. This is unacceptable.”
Also speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday morning, another rights activist and National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, expressed concern over repeated cult clashes in and around the institution.
Wiro described the latest incident as embarrassing to the university and the Rivers State Government.
“There have been reported cases of cult clashes in and around the university in the last one year before the latest incident on Monday.
“Such repeated incidents suggest the security arrangements in the institution may not be adequate. It will also erode the confidence of parents in the security architecture of the university, and many parents may not want their children to be enrolled in the university.
“I use this medium to call on the Rivers State Governor, who is the visitor to the institution, to invite the leadership of the university with a view to discussing ways of enhancing security in and out of the institution,” he stated.
When contacted on Tuesday morning, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the incident involved a clash between rival cult groups on the campus.
Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said police operatives responded promptly to a distress call and arrived at the scene, restoring calm.
She added that no police officer fired a shot during the operation.
“It was a clash between two cult groups. The police responded promptly and arrived at the scene in good time, successfully bringing the situation under control. Investigation is ongoing.
“No shots were fired by the police, as the officers only took proactive measures necessary to contain and arrest the situation. No lives were lost. However, members of the groups fled the scene, while investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved,” she stated.
-
Entertainment5 days agoWhy Ayra Starr wad denied visa, S’African envoy explains
-
Entertainment5 days agoP-Square Feud: Jude Tore Our Family Apart, Says Brother Henry
-
Uncategorized4 days agoEnugu tasks partners on measurable improvements in health outcomes
-
Politics5 days agoOsun Crisis: Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack EFCC Boss
-
News4 days agoBristol Airport Suspends Flights Over Runway Defect, Passengers Stranded
-
Politics4 days agoSoludo Celebrates Ex- Governors Ngige And Obiano
-
Crime3 days agoEkwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival Over Kidnap of Jesco Oil CEO
-
Uncategorized4 days agoGov Mbah Bags Transformational Leadership Award, Promises More