Crime
Troops Capture Boko Haram Commanders, Logistic Suppliers, Rescue Victims
In a decisive move in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) have captured suspected Boko Haram commanders and arrested terrorist logistic suppliers and collaborators.
Biztellers reports that the NA also secured the surrender of several terrorists and released victims to their families.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday morning, the NA stated that troops have successfully rescued kidnap victims from various locations and recovered looted items from hoodlums posing as protesters.
ALSO READ: Nigerian Army Arrests Officer For Mistakenly Killing #EndBadGovernance2024 Protester
The NA accounted for the exploits thus, “On 4 August 2024 in Borno State, while acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists’ movements, troops apprehended two Boko Haram commanders who infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mobbar Local Government Area. The suspects, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp, had previously led attacks on troops in the area. The troops also apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, Mallam Mustapha Ismaila (49 years) and Abdulmudalabi Haruna (30 years old) and rescued two minors during the operations. Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families have surrendered to troops stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas. The surrendering came at the heels of upscaled operations against the terrorists.
In another operation in Yobe State on 4 August 2024, three Boko Haram collaborators were arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area. During preliminary investigation, the suspects admitted to being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities in the general area. Items recovered from the suspects include two motorcycles and several mobile phones.
In Kogi State, troops arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Egbe Community of Yagba Local Government Area. The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialized in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist. The same troops responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident involving the former Chairman of Kabba Local Government Area. They engaged the terrorists in Egbe Forest, capturing one suspect and rescuing the victim. He has since been reunited with his family.
Relatedly, troops in Ebonyi State responded to a distress call about a kidnap incident in Ezza-Umuhuali Village of Ishielu Local Government Area. The troops aborted the kidnap attempt and arrested a suspect in possession of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, 48 different International passports, and other assorted items.
Troops deployed in Jigawa State have also arrested nine hoodlums involved in looting a shop in Kazaure town. Troops recovered items, including 255 bags of fertilizer, 3 bags of rice, a solar panel, and five motorcycles from the looters.
In a similar development in Plateau State, troops arrested five suspected cultists and recovered a locally made pistol and a cartridge. The troops also apprehended a suspect involved in motorcycle theft at Kara Market in Jos North Local Government area.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their commitment in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency and sundry crimes. He noted that the successes achieved in capturing key Boko Haram commanders, arresting their logistic suppliers, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering looted items from hoodlums are highly commendable.
These operations demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army in restoring peace and security in our nation. We urge spirited members of the public to support the security agencies by providing credible information to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
Crime
#EndBadGovernance2024: Atiku Decries Dehumanisation Of Minors
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has lamented that minors were subjected to sub human conditions for daring to stand up for their fundamental rights by allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance2024 protests.
The former Vice President wept bitterly in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Friday.
He expressed shock that the horror was being perpetrated “on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government”.
He cited extant legal provisions guaranteeing the rights to protests and children’s rights to dignity.
ALSO READ: #OndoDecides2024: INEC Ends PVC Collection
“I find it reprehensible that a man who claims to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy and had led protests now demonises those who decide to demonstrate against the effects of his harsh and draconian policies,” he added.
He made the assertions in reaction to a group of minors who collapsed at the court while being arraigned for participating in the #EndBadGovernance2024 protests in August 2024.
Atiku wrote, “A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been brought to my notice.
“The horrible scene reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp once again reflects the low premium the current government places on the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.
“For emphasis, Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act guarantees dignity of the child.
“It states that, “Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be ‐ (a) subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including sexual abuse; (b) subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
The children are being prosecuted for their alleged role in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place between August 1 and August 10, 2024. If they are just being arraigned three months later, one can only imagine the sort of dehumanizing conditions they had been subjected to and have been detained all this while.
“I find it reprehensible that a man who claims to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy and had led protests now demonises those who decide to demonstrate against the effects of his harsh and draconian policies.
“Children who are the most affected by these policies have every right to protest peacefully, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Child Rights Act. A nation can be assessed by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens. It is saddening that even underage children are not spared from the wickedness of T Pain.
“The disturbing condition under which the alleged accused children were brought to court projects the very justification for their participation in the protest in the first place. -AA”
Crime
BREAKING: NPF Arraigns VDM Over Impersonation
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Friday, arraigned social media influencer cum critic, Martins Otse, also known as, VeryDarkMan (VDM) for impersonation.
The NPF made the disclosure in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Friday.
Recall that VDM was arrested by the FCT Police Command after he appeared in a video clip dressed like an Inspector of Police.
ALSO READ: VDM Apologises Publicly For Wearing Police-Like Attire
He has also tendered his apologies.
However, the NPF revealed under the subject ‘Impersonation: VDM to appear in Court today, FCT Command leading prosecution’ that the action wastto underscore “commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse.”
The NPF wrote, “In response to recent developments, VDM, whose real name is Mr. Martins Otse, is set to appear in court today following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.
“The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse.
“Interested persons are encouraged to follow up on the proceedings as the case unfolds.”
Crime
Bobrisky Removed From KLM Flight To Amsterdam, Alleges Arrest By EFCC
Popular Nigerian social media personality and cross-dresser, Okuneye Idris, known as Bobrisky, was detained by immigration officials late Thursday night at the airport while preparing to board a KLM flight to Amsterdam.
In a post shared with his followers on Instagram, Bobrisky claimed he was injured during a confrontation with immigration authorities and alleged that his detention was orchestrated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ ALSO: EFCC Probes Top Bankers, Bobrisky Case Still Ongoing
“Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured,” he wrote.
The incident marks the latest chapter in a series of legal and social controversies for the social media star.
Just two weeks earlier, on October 22, Bobrisky reportedly faced a similar situation when he was intercepted by authorities at the Sème border, allegedly attempting to flee Nigeria.
This recent series of detentions follows Bobrisky’s high-profile legal case earlier this year.
In April, he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira abuse, initially serving time at Kirikiri Prison.
However, rumors quickly emerged claiming that he spent only three weeks in custody before being discreetly moved to a private facility.
The alleged preferential treatment reportedly involved a ₦15 million bribe paid to authorities, fueling widespread speculation about celebrity influence in legal matters.
In late September, the situation intensified when social media influencer VeryDarkMan released an audio recording purportedly implicating Bobrisky.
In the leaked recording, Bobrisky allegedly suggested that musician Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, had approached him in prison, requesting ₦10 million in exchange for helping secure a presidential pardon.
Following the leak, Falana and Falz issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bobrisky on October 16, demanding a retraction and a public apology for what they described as defamatory comments.
Bobrisky however denied the allegations, stating that he was not responsible for the audio content and urged the Falanas to address their concerns to VeryDarkMan instead.