Crime
Edo Special Security Squad Dismantles Major Kidnappers’ Den, Arrests Suspects
Edo State’s offensive against violent crime gained momentum at the weekend with another decisive victory, with the demolition of a property used as a major operational base by kidnappers in Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the operation, executed by the Edo State Special Security Squad, which also led to the arrest of suspects, underscores the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration’s intensified commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence across the state.
The suspected kidnappers, according to a government house statement, identified as Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, were arrested following a “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance.”
On being paraded, the suspects confessed to their role in the abduction of one Blessing Nosa, for whose release a ransom of ₦30 million was collected.
The duo sealed their fate after allegedly abducting another business person and demanding a staggering ₦500 million ransom; an act that triggered an expanded multi-agency response and sustained tracking that culminated in their arrest.
At the demolition site, the Coordinator of the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, gave an overview of the operation.
He noted that the dismantling of the hideout was aligned with Gov. Okpebholo’s directive to adopt offensive security tactics that prevent crime before it festers.
Idemudia stressed that the administration’s stance on criminality remains uncompromising. “These individuals have been in this trade for some time, and it is deeply unfortunate,” he said. “Let this serve as a clear warning: under Governor Okpebholo’s watch, Edo State is not a safe haven for kidnappers or any criminal elements.”
He added that similar operations will continue across the State to ensure that criminal networks are systematically disrupted and eliminated.
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Community leaders also echoed their support for the government’s actions. The Okaighele (youth leader) of Egbai community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, commended Gov Okpebholo for what he described as “a courageous and long-overdue intervention.” He revealed that the area had for years been exploited by criminal gangs, expressing relief that the administration has now taken decisive steps to restore safety.
“This hideout has been a source of fear for our community,” the youth leader noted. “We thank Governor Okpebholo for acting swiftly and for prioritising the safety of our people.”
The demolition marks yet another milestone in Gov Okpebholo’s broader security reforms, which include the reinforcement of rural surveillance, expanded community-based intelligence networks, and the strengthening of inter-agency coordination initiatives that residents say have begun to shift the state’s security landscape.
As Edo advances into its new phase of governance under the SHINE Agenda, the administration maintains that security remains the bedrock upon which economic growth, social stability and community development must stand.
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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