Connect with us

Crime

25 Ivorians Rescued From Kidnappers, Eight Suspects Nabbed

Published

on

Police Investigate Mutilated, Headless Bodies Found In Ibadan

 

As many as 25 Ivorian nationals have been rescued from the hands of a cross-border kidnapping syndicate operating in Ogun State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, offered details of the cross-border crime in a statement on Friday.

He revealed that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) freed the victims and apprehended eight suspects in connection with the crime.

It was gathered that their liberation followed a swift and coordinated operation in collaboration with the Interpol.

Biztellers reports that the operation was launched in response to a formal request from the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abidjan.

ALSO READ: Okpebholo Vows To Sustain War Against Cultism, Kidnapping

According to Adejobi, the NCB’s request followed a report by Kaussi Marianman, who alleged that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga.

The duo lured their victims with a promise to secure travel documents to Belgium.

However, on arrival, Adejobi said Pierre was allegedly held captive, and the suspected kidnappers demanded a ransom of 2.5 million CFA francs, approximately ₦6.6 million.

He stated, “The operation was triggered by a report filed on April 23rd, 2025, by Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman at NCB Abidjan alleging that her son, Ladji Yoa Pierre, had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses by some individuals who were later identified as Simon Oliver and Michael Odunga, promised to facilitate his travel documents to Belgium.

“Once in Nigeria, Ladji Yoa Pierre was held captive, with the abductors demanding a ransom of two million five hundred CFA (equivalent to six million six hundred and twenty-five thousand Naira).”

Adejobi added that the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL Annex Lagos, Bode Ojajuni, immediately deployed a team of experienced investigators to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.

He added that on May 5, 2025, the operatives stormed Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, rescuing two victims and arresting two suspects.

According to Adejobi, a follow-up operation at Ejegun Itele in the same area led to the rescue of 23 additional victims, including Ladji Yoa Pierre himself, and the arrest of six more suspects.

“Upon receiving the request from NCB Abidjan, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Annex, Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni psc, immediately deployed a team of trained investigators to rescue the victim and apprehend his abductors.

“On May 5th, 2025, the team successfully stormed the hideout of the abductors rescuing two victims and apprehended two suspects at Osehi Hotel, located at Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State. Subsequent operation conducted at Ejegun Itele, Ado-odo-Ota resulted in the rescue of 23 additional victims, including the said Ladji Yoa Pierre, and the arrest of six more suspects,” he added.

Following the successful rescue, Adejobi said Pierre was reunited with his mother, who travelled from Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria.

He said the remaining 24 rescued victims were handed over to the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Zone A Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, for further processing.

At the moment, “The eight apprehended suspects are in Police custody undergoing investigation for possible prosecution,” he explained.

In response to this successful operation, Adejobi said the Head, NCB Abidjan in its letter dated May 6, 2025, expressed deep appreciation and compliment to the NPF and Interpol Unit for the brilliant operation leading to the rescue of the victims and hope to strengthen collaboration between both agencies towards tackling trans-border crimes.

Crime

Court Pushes Malami, Son’s Terrorism Financing Trial to April 15

Published

on

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.

During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.

SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm

“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.

Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.

Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.

Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.

The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.

The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.

Continue Reading

Crime

How Routine FRSC Patrol Exposed Wanted Driver, Recovered Stolen Sienna

Published

on

A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.

The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.

While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.

SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC

The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.

The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.

The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.

In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.

 

Continue Reading

Crime

Election Scandal in Abuja: Woman Busted With 20 Voter Cards in Kabusa

Published

on

A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.

The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.

She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.

SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying

Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.

He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.

Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.

This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.

Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

2
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x