Crime
3 Arrested For Diverting Bags Of Rice To Church
Three individuals have been apprehended by detectives from the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Alagbon branch of the Force Criminal Investigations Department in Lagos.
These individuals are part of a well-known criminal syndicate that specializes in the theft and diversion of goods from unsuspecting dealers, then proceeds to sell these stolen items to buyers located throughout the country.
The three suspects, Shoyombo Olutoyin, Taiwo Adeyemo and John Nma, were arrested, after they allegedly diverted bags of rice worth N9.5 million from a seller in Edo State, in the pretext that they were taking it to their church to sow seed.
In their alleged act, the three suspects reportedly diverted a total of 280 bags of rice from a seller named Isah Abdullahi.
As part of their scheme, they donated 50 bags of rice to a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Benin City, claiming it was a form of sowing seed.
However, they absconded with the remaining 230 bags, which they intended to sell in the market at Mushin, Lagos.
During a parade of the suspects in Lagos, Commissioner of Police Godwin Eze, who oversees the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) at Alagbon, revealed that one of the suspects assumed the identity of the church’s General Overseer.
According to him: “The suspects went to a rice market in Benin City, convinced the seller that they would buy 280 bags and lured him to the church, where they gave him the cheque.
“The story took a different dimension after the seller suspected that the cheque they gave him may not be genuine and came to the church, where they packed the bags of rice and saw just 50 bags. On enquiry, he was told that the people that brought the rice left with other bags. He reported to the incident police in Benin and they started an investigation.
“Fortunately, while they were busy working round the clock with Edo Police command, they did not know that the fraudsters were already at a popular market in Mushin, Lagos, negotiating to sell the bags of rice at N5 million.
“However, based on intelligence report, detectives at SEB, Alagbon, Lagos led by Ovie Akpoyibo tracked and arrested them at the market. They also recovered the 230 bags of rice. The investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.”
Crime
Terrorism: Police Neutralises ESN Kingpins, Destroys Camps In Imo
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
Crime
$345,000 Fraud: EFCC Withdraws Arrest Warrant For Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Crime
Counsel To Otudeko Protests Alleged N12.3bn Fraud Charges
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..