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.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
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It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
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Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
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