NEWS
Abuja Police Nab 7 ‘One Chance’ Robbers
The FCT Police Command made a public display on Friday, presenting a notorious ‘one chance’ gang comprising seven individuals allegedly responsible for instilling fear in the residents of the nation’s capital.
Among those arrested are Rita Geoffrey, Musa Bashiru, Ruth Friday, Isa Paul Abdulateef, Murtala Olawale, and Loveth Amos.
CP Haruna Garba, in a media briefing, stated that Rita Geoffrey confessed to her involvement in multiple ‘one chance’ activities within the FCT over the past three years. The group is also suspected of being connected to the tragic killing of a woman.
After their confession, the police arrested Mohammed Aliyu Lawal, a Point of Sale (POS) operator reportedly utilized by the syndicate to withdraw money using victims’ ATM cards.
Garba confirmed that following extensive investigations, the suspects would be charged in court to face the appropriate legal consequences.
The CP said: “Between 1st of December till date, the anti-one chance clearance squad of the Command while clamping down on one chance elements impounded seventeen (17) vehicles without number plates and with tinted glasses.
“The operators of these vehicles are currently being interrogated to determine their culpability in the one-chance activities, those found culpable at the end of the investigation will be charged to court.” he added
Garba detailed recent police interventions in curbing criminal activities, citing actions taken between November 28 and December 29. During this period, the command apprehended 11 individuals linked to ‘one chance’ crimes, seven kidnappers, and their associates.
The police successfully recovered three vehicles, five firearms, and 30 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, 43 suspects were publicly paraded, while one kidnapper lost his life during these operations.
He further highlighted the command’s activities from December 1 to the current date, which led to the arrest of nine ‘one chance’ suspects, 12 individuals involved in armed robbery, and two rape suspects.
Five stolen vehicles, five firearms, and 12 rounds of ammunition were recovered. In total, 23 suspects were presented to the public during this time frame.
“On 03/12/2023 at about 2345hrs, police operatives from Dops State Headquarters on pin-down and stop and search at Power House roundabout Asokoro arrested three suspects namely; Abubakar Aliyu 19 yrs, Bashir Musa 19yrs and Abba Jafaru 20 yrs all males of Uke Village, Nasarawa state.
“During the search, a Baretta pistol was recovered from them. During interrogation, suspects confessed to have burgled so many houses. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation”.
He went further that: “On 15/12/2023 at about 1800hrs, acting on credible intelligence, that one chance syndicate were all out and planning on how to carry out their criminal activities.
“Police operatives from Galadima Division swooped on them and arrested two (2) suspected one chance operators namely Humphrey Peter and Patrick Onomuoder, while three others escaped.
“During interrogation, suspects freely confessed to being part of the criminal elements that terrorize the Life-Camp, Karmo, and Gwarimpa axis.
“Their operational vehicle, a Toyota Carina E without a registration number was recovered from them. Suspects are cooperating with the police to arrest other members of their gang on the run”.
Garba reported that police officers from the Wuse division, engaged in a Pin-down/Stop and Search operation along Herbert Macauley way, intercepted a Nissan Altima Saloon car bearing Registration No. BWR 488 SV, driven by Najibu Abdullahi ‘M’.
During the routine search, CP Garba disclosed that they found five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a military jungle hat, Naval insignia, and buttons in his possession. Consequently, Abdullahi was swiftly apprehended and is presently detained for thorough interrogation.
He said “Going by the above analysis, you will agree with me that the crime rate in the Federal Capital Territory has dropped immensely.
“I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that, there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe, that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT.
“This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are coming in droves to FCT to reside and do businesses due to prevailing peace and security in the city.” he added
The police chief affirmed that Christmas unfolded without any significant security breaches. Garba noted that crucial locations such as the Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), various recreational centers, places of worship, and other vulnerable points received sufficient security measures.
Confirming the absence of any reported incidents during the period, Garba assured the public that the security strategies implemented during Christmas would be replicated and reinforced for the upcoming New Year festival.
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine
“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.