Crime
Lagos Husband Murders Wife Over Choice Meal
In the Olota area of Lagos’ Alimosho Local Government Area, an unidentified husband has killed his wife due to her not preparing his desired meal last Thursday.
The conflict arose when the husband, returning from work, found that his wife had only made noodles instead of his favorite dish.
Consequently, an anonymous eyewitness, fearing intimidation, shared that the accused individual left the deceased at home following an alleged assault involving a blow to her head and severe beating.
The source mentioned that a neighbor had to contact the husband upon witnessing the wife’s convulsions.
It was discovered that despite attempts by the husband and neighbors to swiftly transport the convulsing wife to the hospital, their efforts were in vain as she reportedly passed away en route.
While a police source mentioned the suspect’s arrest by the Lagos State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had not confirmed this at the time of the report.
Regarding the incident, a source at the Meiran Police Division stated that the suspect was apprehended after the deceased victim’s brother reported the matter to the station.
The source said, “It was the brother of the deceased who came to report the matter. He said the husband killed his sister.
“However, nobody has come forward to tell us that it was her husband who killed her. We have arrested the husband. The matter has already been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.”
On whether there was an indication that it was the husband that killed the wife, the police source said it was difficult to tell as they suspected the family had buried the deceased.
The source said “There is no indication yet, but we cannot say that we stop investigation. We will allow justice to prevail and the district unit to perform its duties to know if it was the husband who beat her to death as claimed.
“When we got there, none of the neighbours was willing to give us viable information concerning this. It happened on Thursday. Up to this morning, before we transferred the matter to Panti, nobody had come out to attest to the claim or the cause of death.
“We didn’t see the woman. Before they could report to us, the family had already gone to bury her according to Islamic rites. The father of the deceased even came to the police station and said he had forgiven the son-in-law, even if the claim was true.
“But the brother of the deceased insisted that it was the husband who killed his sister (wife). He said he hit his wife with an object and left her inside their apartment. He said it was the neighbour who called to tell him that the wife was convulsing. She died before they could rush her to the hospital.” the source added
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.
READ ALSO: Osun Shooting: Adeleke Sues For Peace As IGP Orders Immediate Arrest Of Moses Lohor
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.