Crime
JUST IN: Soldier Responsible For Bauchi Youth’s Death, Says Police
The Bauchi State Police Command has reported that Habibu Aminu was killed by joint military forces from Operation Safe Haven during a confrontation with youths in Lere town, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to eyewitnesses, one person died and six others were injured by bullets when the military conducted a raid on the homes of individuals involved in a dispute at a checkpoint in Lere.
SP Ahmed Wakil, the Command Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the deceased, Habibu Aminu, was from Lere village in Tafawa Balewa LGA.
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The incident occurred after a disagreement between members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Lere village and the Operation Safe Haven personnel stationed in Tafawa Balewa.
Wakil said, “It’s important to note that the Command swiftly responded to the situation. Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed, dispatched a Unit of the Mobile Police Force to the area for reinforcement.
“Additionally, a team of seasoned detectives has been constituted to conduct a professional, diligent, and timely investigation to ensure that justice is served.
“The officers involved in the incident will be identified and held accountable according to the law. The Commissioner of Police is committed to a meticulous investigation process that utilizes all necessary protocols, including technical and scientific tools.
“It is crucial to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out to provide justice and resolution in this matter.”
Babawo Lauwawu, a survivor who was injured in the incident, stated that the clash was triggered by the alleged enforcement of a curfew in Lere.
He said, “Yesterday (Tuesday) shortly after I left our Mai Shayi joint, we just heard that a curfew had been imposed on Lere town starting from 10pm and we didn’t know who and the reason for the imposition of the curfew, but we all complied and entered our houses around 9pm.
“Unfortunately, around the 9pm we just heard gunshots from the security even before the time of the curfew while we were inside our houses and in the process, they shot me on my leg. We obeyed their directives and we didn’t know why they were shooting sporadically.”
. . . 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.”
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.
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………..
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