Crime
Man arraigned for stealing N.5 million in Osun
By Funmilayo Olusanya
A 32-year-old man, Abdulkareem Mohammed has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly running away with a bag belonging to one Abdulsalami Iyabo.
Mohammed was docked on Thursday on two count charge edging on conspiracy to commit felony and theft.
Police prosecutor, Adeoye Kayode said the man and others still at large fled with a bag containing items worth N535,000 on September 10, at Okefia area, Osogbo.
Read also>>>Man jailed for 6 months for burgling female hostel in Osun
The charge sheet obtained by Biztellers reads that: “You Abdulkareem Mohammed and others now at large, on or about the 10 day of September 2022, at about 10:00pm at Okefia area, Osogbo, Osun State, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
“You Abdulkareem Mohammed and others now at large, on the same date, time, place and in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal a bag containing the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (#250,000:00k) (2) one Tecno mobile phone valued (#13,500:00k) (3) one Wristwatch valued (#4,000:00k) and (4) one IBEDC Prepaid Card total value (#267,500:00k) property of Abdulsalami Iyabo ‘f and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences.
Defense Counsel, Okobie Nagite urged the court to grant the defendant’s bail in most liberal terms noting that the allegations are bailable.
The presiding Magistrate, O.A. Daramola granted the accused bail with N50,000 and one surety in like sum. He adjourned the case to 27th October for hearing.
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………..