Crime
EFCC Secures Jail Terms For NIS Employee In Gombe, Another In Bauchi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured different jail terms for an employee of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Gombe and another person in Bauchi.
The anti-graft agency took to its verified X handle to announce the victory in the battle against financial crimes on Friday.
According to the tweet, those jailed were, Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert and Saleh Haruna who the court found guilty “of obtaining by false pretence”, and “forgery”, respectively.
It stated that “Gilbert’s journey to prison began when his victim petitioned the EFCC after realizing that he had been defrauded over a non-existing Nigerian Correctional Services’ (NCS) job while all efforts to get his money back proved abortive.
“Haruna, on the other hand, bagged his imprisonment when a petitioner alleged that he conspired with one Mohammed Mustapha Sallah to defraud him of the sum of N950,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) being payment for a landed property, which he neither took possession of nor his money returned to him.”
The EFCC wrote, “Justices H.H Kereng and Muazu Abubakar of the Gombe State High Court, Gombe and Bauchi State High Court, Bauchi have convicted and sentenced Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert and Saleh Haruna to different jail terms for fraud.
“Gilbert, an employee of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) was prosecuted on a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N800,000.00 (Eighth Hundred Thousand Naira) by the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while Haruna faced a two-count charge bordering on forgery.
“Gilbert’s charge reads: “That you Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert on or about 28th May 2021 in Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N800,000.00 (Eighth Hundred Thousand Naira) from Akoh Daniel Acoustic by falsely representing that the said sum was for job placement with the Nigerian Correctional Services which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Law”
“Count two of Saleh charge reads: “That you Mohammed Mustapha Sallah and Saleh Haruna sometimes between 2013 and 2014 at Bauchi, Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court criminally “forged” a public government document and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 364 of the Penal Code and punishable under 364 of the Penal Code Law.”
“While Gilbert pleaded “guilty” to his one-count charge, prompting prosecution counsel, A.M Labaran to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, though the defence counsel, Yusuf Ali pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, Haruna pleaded “guilty” only to count-two of his charges, prompting prosecution counsel M.Ugbe to pray the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.
“Justice Kereng afterwards one-year (sic) convicted and sentenced Gilbert to one-year imprisonment with an option of fine of N60,000, while Justice Abubakar convicted and sentenced Haruna to five years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and adjourned till July 8, 2024, for hearing on count one of the charges.
“Gilbert’s journey to prison began when his victim petitioned the EFCC after realizing that he had been defrauded over a non-existing Nigerian Correctional Services’ (NCS) job while all efforts to get his money back proved abortive. Haruna, on the other hand, bagged his imprisonment when a petitioner alleged that he conspired with one Mohammed Mustapha Sallah to defraud him of the sum of N950,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) being payment for a landed property, which he neither took possession of nor his money returned to him.
“Meanwhile, the Gombe Zonal Command of the EFCC on June 25, 2024, arraigned Haruna’s alleged accomplice, Mohammed Mustapha Sallah before Justice Abubakar. He is facing prosecution on three-count charges, bordering on conspiracy, forgery and intent to defraud.
“One of the counts reads: “That you Mohammed Mustapha Sallah sometimes between 2013 and 2014 at Bauchi, Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud induce one Ismaila Abdullahi to deliver to you the sum of N950,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) as payment for a landed property belonging to you Mohammed Mustapha Sallah which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.”
“He pleaded “not guilty” to all three count charges, following which prosecution counsel, M.Ugbe asked the court for a trial date, adjournment and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCS), while the defence counsel, Mohammed Hassan pleaded for a short adjournment to fast-track the defendant’s release on bail.”
“Justice Abubakar remanded Sallah in Bauchi State Correctional Centre and adjourned the case till July 8, 2024 for hearing of his bail application.”
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.
READ MORE: FG Allocates N112bn To Enhance Child Safety, Education In Three Years
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.
READ MORE: NCS Bars PoS Services, Others Within Apapa Command Premises
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.