Crime
Abductors Of A’Ibom NYSC Members Seek Additional Ransom
Kidnappers who had previously received N13 million in ransom from the families of eight Akwa Ibom State graduates, abducted in Zamfara State while en route to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sokoto State, are now demanding an additional N200 million.
The victims, who were initially taken captive on August 17, have endured 26 days in the hands of their abductors.
In the midst of this ordeal, the families of the victims have turned to fasting and prayer, seeking divine intervention in the fate of their loved ones.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous but is a sibling of one of the victims, revealed that the kidnappers are also insisting on N200 million more as ransom for the release of the seven corps members and the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus driver currently in their custody.
The source, said: “We don’t know how we are going to raise that kind of money. Everybody was shocked when two parents, who have been over there since the incident happened told us that after they released the balance N8 million (to make up N13 million ransom negotiated) they waited for long for the kidnappers to release our brothers and sisters, but they didn’t.
“They said instead, the kidnappers contacted them to demand N200 million ransom. We have paid N13 million already. First, we paid N5 million, later N8 million to make up the N13 million. Some parents sold their lands, some even collected loan to raise the N13 million.
“We have not received any help from government. We found it difficult to raise that N13 million. So, how are we going to raise this fresh ransom of N200 million? We have deliberately kept this development from my mother. I don’t think that poor widow will survive if she hears this. We are suffering and helpless.”
A different perspective from a relative closely linked to the parents of one of the victims revealed heightened worry. The families were notified on Monday that their children’s health was deteriorating due to the harsh conditions of their captivity.
The woman who could not hide her anguish, lamented: “In fact all the parents and their family members have resorted to fasting and prayers. Our children in captivity told us to pray for them, that they are very weak.
“As we speak, I just returned from church. We are believing in God to help us bring back our children. God will not fail us. The parents don’t have that kind of money those people are demanding. Where would they get that kind of money?”
Recall that last week, following the initial payment of N5 million from the initially negotiated ransom of N13 million by the families, the kidnappers set a deadline of September 6 for the remaining N8 million to be paid.
When the distraught families were unable to meet this deadline, the captors extended the grace period to September 9, 2023, in response to the pleas of the victims’ parents who requested more time to gather the outstanding N8 million.
Crime
Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
A police officer is reportedly dead and another injured following an attack by unknown gunmen on a police checkpoint in the Ohafia area of Abia State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Ugwu Abba Asaga, has sparked concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.
The Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack. However, when contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured reporters that she would provide updates, but no further details had been shared as of the time of this report.
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This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Abia State. On Monday, the Abia State government accused unnamed politicians and external parties of fueling kidnappings and violence targeting security personnel and civilians since May 2024. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The promoters of violence and insecurity in the state will pay a heavy price,” the statement read.
However, John Okiyi Kalu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, criticized the government’s position. He argued that insecurity in the state should not be politicized but rather addressed through actionable measures.
The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with citizens calling for swift action to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and security personnel alike.
Crime
Ebonyi Police Crackdown Leaves Labourer Dead, Three Others Injured
A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.
Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.
The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.
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An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.
“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”
The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.
Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.
“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.
Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.
Crime
IGP Files Fraud Charges Against Ex-Senator, Two Others Over N400m Scam
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against former Nigerian senator Andy Uba and two others, accusing them of defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, of N400 million.
The charges, which include two counts, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, along with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, is alleged to have conspired with Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large, to defraud Uboh in 2022.
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According to the charges, the accused individuals falsely claimed they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone who could pay N400 million.
“The accused persons collected the N400 million from Mr. Uboh and converted it into their personal use,” the police said, describing the actions as a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act of 2006.
The police also revealed that six witnesses would testify against the accused parties.
The case was officially filed on 10 October 2023 by Abdulrashid Sidi from the Police Legal/Prosecution Section.
During a hearing on 13 November, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants had been evading the service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.
“The defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order, which had prevented the police from bringing them to court,” said M.L. Anthony, a lawyer for the prosecution.
“It was only after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.”
The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until 18 February 2025.
This delay allows time for the defendants to appear in court and take their plea, following the prosecution’s efforts to ensure they are properly served with legal documents.