Crime
Amnesty Looms For Edo Cultists, Illegal Arm Possessors
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has dangled a window of restitution for cult members in the state to renounce and turn a new leaf.
In a related development, those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty.
Governor Okpebholo made this known on Tuesday while meeting with the leaders of Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities over land and insecurity concerns in Benin city.
ALSO READ: Awards Nite: Dangote Splashes N11bn in Gifts, Cash on Cement Distributors, Customers
While reinstating his administration’s resolve to develop the proposed new city around the communities, the Governor said a technical committee will soon be announced to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the menace of violent crime including kidnapping.
A major component of the amnesty programme for such youths will include skills acquisition and empowerment programme in order to make them useful to themselves and to the society on the long run, said Governor Okpebholo.
He further assured the visiting community leaders of his support to bring about lasting peace in their communities, especially as government embarks on the development of the new city in their domain.
According to him, peace will be restored to all restive communities in the State, including Obagie, Oke-oroma and Amagba in Benin city.
He, however, assured that government was ready to listen to the victims of demolition by the immediate-past administration.
“Those whose properties were affected should see the Committee on Land Resolution with their papers.”
On the development of LOT ‘A’ in the new city plan, the Governor said that government will look around and protect the traditional sites in the process of developing the new town, while those in LOT ‘B’ can come forward with their documents to the committee once the process commences.
The Governor also added that government was ready to carry out a regularization of land properties in the affected areas so that property owners could have their lands backed in other LOTS.
He, however, called on property owners in the state to register their properties with Edo Geographical Information System.
“Survey your land and register them with Edo GIS so that you can collect your land titles.”
In their reaction, the community assured the Governor of their total support, especially in the development of the LOT ‘A’ in the new city and in his drive to improve the security of their communities.
Pa. Michael Omoruyi, Pa Abel Emokpae and Ebo Amagba, spoke respectively for Obagie, Oke-Oroma and Amagba communities.
Recall that Edo State Government during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, had serially engaged the communities in violent confrontations, which the communities described as regrettable because of the loss of lives and properties.
They commended Governor Okpebholo for setting up the committee to engage them, saying it was the first time that the State Government was interfacing with them since 2017 when their lands were first acquired by government.
Governor Okpebholo had a few weeks ago set up the Committee on Land Resolution in the State, with Dr Tony Ikpasaja as the Chairman and Dr Abdulwasiu Oyakhire as Secretary.
Other members of the Committee include the Surveyor-General of the State, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning, a State counsel from the Ministry of Justice and Dr Felix Iyalomhen from the office of the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
Airfares Likely to Rise as Aviation Fuel Price Spikes by 80%
Shell Completes Turnaround Maintenance on FPSO, Resumes Production at Bonga
Sahara Group expands fleet with new 40,000 cbm LPG Carrier
NATO Shoots Down Third Iranian Missile in Turkey
Inside Tinubu’s Closed-Door Meeting With Opposition Leaders – SDP, IPAC Reveal Details
Defections Won’t Break PDP in Sokoto, Says Former Senator Gada
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Things To Know About Threads, Zuckerberg’s Twitter-like App
h4xq6j
jneesp
msmo7q
I gotta favorite this internet site it seems invaluable extremely helpful
fantástico este conteúdo. Gostei muito. Aproveitem e vejam este conteúdo. informações, novidades e muito mais. Não deixem de acessar para aprender mais. Obrigado a todos e até mais. 🙂
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific web site.
Really great info can be found on blog.
Hello. fantastic job. I did not expect this. This is a splendid story. Thanks!
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.
You are a very bright individual!
I carry on listening to the news bulletin lecture about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange agreement between us!
I have recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.