Crime
$87m Fraud: Police Arrest Afriq Arbitrage CEO, Jesam Michael
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest of Jesam Michael, the Chief Executive Officer of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation.
According to the police, Michael’s arrest followed an earlier report he made to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in which he alleged that he had been defrauded of $87 million by one Mr. Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan.
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“Upon the arrest of Mr. Oluwasesan, he admitted to the charges but contested the amount involved, asserting it was significantly lower than claimed by Mr. Michael,” the police statement read.
Authorities disclosed that concerns later emerged regarding a forfeiture agreement between both parties, which resulted in the recovery of various assets from Oluwasesan.
Suspicion arose after Michael reportedly transferred the recovered properties into his personal name rather than that of his company, raising serious questions about his motives.
Additionally, numerous AAS investors have lodged complaints about their inability to withdraw their principal funds or promised returns for over 18 months, leading to a preliminary investigation into the company’s operations.
Despite multiple requests from law enforcement, Michael allegedly failed to provide verifiable medical records for an operation he claimed to have undergone, valid proof of legitimate trading activities, or a viable repayment plan for affected investors.
The police noted that his failure to provide credible evidence—especially regarding his health claims, which he said had prevented him from granting full system access—cast further doubt on his credibility and the integrity of AAS.
“The Nigeria Police Force firmly dismisses Mr. Michael’s claims of harassment, asserting that the genuine victims are the many innocent and unsuspecting investors who placed their trust and money in the Afriq Arbitrage System, only to face continued uncertainty and financial distress,” the statement added.
Michael was arrested on Thursday by operatives of the IGP SIU and is currently undergoing interrogation regarding the management of investors’ funds.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
“The Force will continue to uphold our mandate, ensuring a thorough, unbiased investigation aimed at protecting innocent citizens from fraud and financial exploitation,” the statement concluded.
Crime
Wife Dies in Ogun House Fire as Police Take 56-Year-Old Husband Into Custody
The Ogun State Police Command has taken a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, into custody in connection with a suspected arson incident that claimed the life of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in the Igbo-Edu area of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following information that a house had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.
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The Ogun State Police Command disclosed the development in a press release issued on Sunday, stating that the husband was in custody in connection with the incident.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at a mortuary for post-mortem examination to establish further details surrounding her death.
The police also disclosed that the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, assured the public that the matter would be investigated diligently and professionally in accordance with the law.
According to the statement, the commissioner assured the public that “the matter will be investigated diligently and professionally in accordance with the law.”
Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that allegations of serious crimes would receive appropriate investigative attention.
The command also called on members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly and provide credible information that could assist crime prevention and ongoing investigations.
“The Command urges members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly and provide credible information that may assist crime prevention and ongoing investigations,” the statement read.
The circumstances surrounding the fire and the alleged involvement of the husband remain subject to investigation.
Crime
NDLEA Arrests 85-Year-Old Woman With 179kg of Cannabis in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka, after recovering 179 kilogrammes of skunk from her during anti-drug operations in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ehimeka was among six suspects arrested during raids conducted by NDLEA operatives in the area as part of a series of nationwide operations targeting illicit drugs.
The operations in Edo State also led to the recovery of another 220.8 kilogrammes of skunk, alongside smaller quantities of cannabis and other controlled substances.
ALSO READ: Edo Police Probe Officer Seen Firing Rifle During Clash With Traffic Officials
The arrest was one of several recorded during the agency’s nationwide operations, which resulted in major drug seizures across multiple states.
In Lagos, the NDLEA seized 8,725 kilogrammes of tramadol hydrochloride powder worth over ₦6.98 billion at Apapa Port. The shipment, which originated from India, had been declared as maize starch.
The agency also intercepted cannabis concealed in palm oil at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The consignment was allegedly intended for Saudi Arabia, while two suspects were arrested in connection with the case.
In Ondo State, operatives destroyed an estimated 7,500 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on three hectares of farmland and arrested five suspects.
Other seizures were recorded in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, including large quantities of tramadol, Exol-5 tablets and cannabis.
The operations formed part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs across the country.
Crime
Bandits Kill 70-Year-Old Man in Katsina, 27 Victims Rescued
A 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kasim, has been killed during a bandit attack on Gamji Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, while 27 abducted residents have been rescued by security forces.
The Katsina State Government disclosed this in a press release issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the statement, about 40 armed bandits, led by a suspected gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, invaded the community in the early hours of October 16, 2026.
SEE ALSO: Two Suspected Bandits in Police Net in Katsina
The attackers reportedly arrived on 20 motorcycles, abducted 27 residents, mostly women, children and elderly people, and rustled six cows.
The government said Kasim was shot dead during the attack.
Following credible intelligence, troops of the 17 Brigade, working with local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, moved to block the attackers’ escape routes towards the Madaci forest enclave.
At about 6 p.m. on the same day, the troops engaged the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and successfully rescued all 27 abducted residents.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention.
The statement added that joint security teams had commenced clearance operations to flush out the remaining members of the gang and prevent possible reprisal attacks on the community.
The Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents across the state.
Mu’azu commended the troops and community-based security groups for their swift response to the incident.





