Crime
Army Arrests Four Kidnappers in Edo
A coordinated operation of the 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, Edo State has led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers.
Biztellers reports that the arrest followed intensified crackdown on kidnapping and related criminal activities along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
While parading the suspects at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, the Operation Officer, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, told newsmen that the troops conducted a “cordon and search operation” in both communities following rising concerns about persistent kidnapping incidents in the area.
According to him, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
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Capt Omotosho said: “During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities. Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered, which include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items.”
He added that two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander Jeep — were also seized during the operation, alongside other exhibits displayed during the parade.
Capt Omotosho noted that kidnapping activities along the affected corridors had become disturbing in recent months, but emphasized that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, has continued to make concerted efforts to curb the menace.
He described the latest arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”
However, the four suspects gave varying accounts of their arrest, denying involvement in kidnapping operations.
Frank Anthony, one of the suspects, said he was asleep when soldiers stormed the house where he was staying.
He claimed that he was only staying in the community because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.
Another suspect, Endurance Egwasa from Ahor community, said he was at home with his partner when soldiers arrived unexpectedly.
For Sunday Alex, he alleged he had only attended a burial and decided to sleep at his family house in the village.
The fourth suspect, Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, said he had rented a room after attending a burial that ended late.
On its part, the Army reiterated that the operation was part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and neighbouring communities.
Security agencies in Edo State have intensified joint operations to restore safety along major highways and rural communities that have witnessed repeated criminal attacks.
The Brigade assured residents that similar operations would continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are completely suppressed.
The Edo State Government has repeatedly expressed commitment to supporting military and security formations in ensuring peace and stability across the state.
The Army described the development as a significant step toward achieving that goal.
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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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