Crime
Nigerian Army Plotting To Frame 15 Abuja Cattle Dealers For Assassination, Terrorism
The Nigerian Army is facing accusations of plotting to falsely implicate 15 Abuja-based cattle dealers in a series of terrorist activities, including an assassination attempt on one of its officers.
According to an ex parte motion filed by the Army, the detained men allegedly conspired with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to carry out violent attacks.
However, the military failed to provide any specific details about these alleged activities, leaving several gaps in the case.
The ex parte motion, according to SaharaReporters claims that the suspects were involved in various terrorist attacks, including the brutal murder of 17 Nigerian Army officers in Ukwuoma, Delta State.
They were also accused of participating in an attack on a Joint Task Force unit in Askira Uba on June 25, 2024, as well as suicide bombings in Gwoza and a military base in Damboa, Borno State, on June 29 and 30, 2024.
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However, the suspects’ lawyer, Barr Abdulwahab Aliyu, strongly refuted these allegations, presenting an alibi.
He argued that his clients could not have been involved in the attacks while in detention, stating, “Twelve of them were initially arrested on May 17, 2024, and three others subsequently. How then could they have participated in terrorists’ attacks on targets as claimed while in detention?”
The controversy began when the cattle dealers were arrested at a military checkpoint in Borno State on May 17, 2024, while on their way to purchase cattle.
The Army accused them of possessing large sums of cash, which led to their detention. The military also seized over N88 million and 341 heads of cattle from the dealers.
According to their lawyer, the only offense they committed was carrying a large amount of cash during daylight travel.
Despite a court ruling on August 6, 2024, that ordered the release of the detainees and the return of their seized property, the Nigerian Army has continued to hold them in custody.
The court had also awarded damages of N10 million to each detainee for unlawful arrest and detention.
However, the Army refused to comply with the ruling, prompting the detainees to seek further legal action.
On November 23, 2024, it was reported that the Army was still holding the 15 detainees in defiance of the court order.
Barr Aliyu confirmed that the Army had failed to appeal the ruling but instead filed a motion to keep the detainees in custody, despite already agreeing to release them without returning the seized money and cattle.
The families of the detained cattle dealers have expressed concern over their prolonged detention.
They argue that their loved ones are being arbitrarily held in an attempt to force them to abandon their legal claims for the return of the seized property.
One family member lamented the hardships they have faced since the arrests, stating they have been left without the means to support their children or meet their basic needs.
In a recent development, the detainees’ legal team filed for a garnishee order against 18 Nigerian Army bank accounts in an effort to enforce the court’s judgment.
The next court session is scheduled for December 10, 2024, where the Army will be required to produce the detainees and address the legal motions filed against them.
The families have called on the military high command and President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure justice is served.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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