Crime
Police Arrest Illegal Firearms Manufacturers In Benue
The Benue State Police Command says members of a gang engaged in illicit manufacturing of firearms have been apprehended.
According to Sewuese Anene, the command’s public relations officer, the syndicate was busted on November 15 during an operation on Adikpo-Vandeikya Road.
The PPRO said, “On 15th November the team stormed their hideout and arrested one Fater Terkula and Jem Demesugh.
“An on-the-spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of the six locally-fabricated barretta pistols and motorcycle.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Ternenge kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa, also known as Japan, Aondo Kusugh, Chukwudi Udeh and nine others.
“Additional exhibits recovered from them include two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus.
“The suspects confessed that they have been in the business of producing and selling arms as well as training teenagers in arms manufacturing.
“Three teenagers of less than 13 years of age were also arrested at the training ground.”
Anene said the command also arrested two suspected armed robbers, after their victim, one Misaq Eke of Ugondo District, Makurdi, incidented the matter at the E Police Division.
He said a suspected ritualist was also arrested.
“During police routine patrol along Barracks Road, Makurdi, the police received information that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist, his pregnant wife and five others had arrived Makurdi from Delta and were carrying out ritual activities.
“The team rushed to the scene and arrested the spiritual leader, his wife and five others.
“During our investigation, followers of the ritualist stated that they were involved in some ritual activities in Delta that did not yield any money as promised. So, Godspower told them that the spirit had directed that they should move to Benue where further directives would be given to them on how money would be made.”
Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter and two others, have been slated for arraignment today (thursday) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
They face charges related to an alleged N2.7 billion fraud linked to the failed Nigerian Air project.
The proceedings are set to unfold before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
The charges, based on court documents, accuse Sirika of granting undue advantage to certain entities in Abuja between April 2022 and March 2023.
The anti-graft agency has accused Sirika of misusing his authority by awarding a N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up to Tianero Nigeria Limited.
This alleged action is said to contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
In a separate charge, the EFCC alleges that on or around August 18, 2022, in Abuja, Sirika utilized on or about August 18, 2022 ia, Sirika “did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, whose alter ego, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma are your daughter and son-in-law respectively, by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1.498,300,750.00.”
The anti-graft agency asserted that Sirika’s actions amounted to a violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, rendering him liable to punishment under the same section.
In count three, the EFCC accused Sirika of criminal breach of trust “while serving as the Minister of Aviation and in his capacity as a public officer” on or around August 18, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the court.
In late April, the former aviation minister was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency and interrogated for several days.
Zamfara State is in the grip of fear and mourning following a series of vicious attacks by bandits, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and the abduction of a branch manager of Taj Bank in Mandir Laura.
In a daring raid, approximately fifteen armed bandits stormed the manager’s residence in Rijiyar Gabas, seizing him and vanishing into the night.
Meanwhile, Faru Town in Maradun local government area witnessed a bloodbath as bandits struck, leaving eight residents dead.
Eyewitnesses recount the terror as the attackers besieged the town, instilling fear and chaos before retreating with captives into the surrounding forests.
The incidents have prompted widespread outrage and renewed calls for urgent action to stem the tide of violence plaguing Zamfara State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reached an out-of-court settlement with renowned barman, Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding charges of naira abuse.
This development surfaced during the latest court proceedings presided over by Justice Kehinde Ogundare.
Cubana Chief Priest has been facing a three-count-charge related to the misuse of the national currency at a social gathering, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Details later.. . ..
Wike’s Wife, CJN’s Daughter-in-Law Nominated For Judicial Position
Platform Petroleum targets a billion-dollar investment
LSFRS, NNPC Ltd Sing Discordant Tunes Over Lagos Depot Fire
Robin van Persie Appointed Head Coach Of SC Heerenveen
Alakija Hails Gov Adeleke
JUST IN: FG Announces Launch Date For Student Loan Applications
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
