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Abuja Police Nab 7 ‘One Chance’ Robbers

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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.

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BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.

READ MORE: N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.

Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.

The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.

This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.

 

 

 

 

More to follow………. 

 

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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