Crime
JUST IN: Kaduna Police Hunt Killers Of Slain NYSC Corps Member
The Kaduna State Police Command verified on Thursday the tragic killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Grace Chalya Silas, by unidentified attackers.
ASP Mansir Hassan, the Command’s spokesperson, revealed in an exclusive conversation with The PUNCH that the state Police Commissioner, CP Musa Yusuf Garba, has ordered a search for the perpetrators.
During her mandatory national service in Kaduna, Chalya Silas was fatally stabbed while jogging in Barnawa, Kaduna South Local Government Area, on Wednesday morning. Friends and coursemates from the University of Jos expressed their grief on Facebook.
Confirming the incident, ASP Mansir Hassan, the Kaduna Command’s Public Relations Officer, characterized the death of the Corps member as “tragic.”
After an emergency meeting of the command’s top hierarchy, Commissioner of Police CP Musa Yusuf Garba directed the Barnawa Divisional Police Officer and operatives to actively pursue the perpetrators of the Corps member’s murder, as stated by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan.
The police spokesman said, “It’s a very tragic incident. She was performing her early morning jogging(exercise) when some miscreants(phone snatchers) on motorcycles pounced on her.
“The victim’s name is Grace Chalya Silas. She was a Corps member serving in Kaduna South.
“When the case was reported to the police, operatives responded swiftly and moved to the scene of the crime where they saw the victim in the pool of her own blood. She was rushed to the clinic, where she was later confirmed dead.
“Since the incident was reported to the police, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Yusuf Garba, held an emergency meeting with the top hierarchy of command over the matter. We are already in touch with NYSC in the state.
“The CP has directed the Barnawa DPO and Area Commander, to immediately hunt for killers of the Corps member and fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.”
Crime
Terrorism: Police Neutralises ESN Kingpins, Destroys Camps In Imo
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
Crime
$345,000 Fraud: EFCC Withdraws Arrest Warrant For Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Crime
Counsel To Otudeko Protests Alleged N12.3bn Fraud Charges
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..