Crime
Police Nab 9 Suspects Over Killing Of Personnel In Delta
The Police have apprehended nine suspects in connection with the murder of six police personnel during a special operation in Evil Forest, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, on February 26.
These arrests are part of a larger operation resulting in the capture of 3,685 criminal suspects over the past eight weeks.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, revealed these statistics, noting that the Nigeria Police Force has also rescued 401 kidnapped victims and recovered 216 firearms, 3,601 ammunition, and 82 vehicles during this period.
He said, “In the past eight weeks, we recorded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 537 cases of murder, 126 cases of armed robbery, 214 cases of kidnapping and 39 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.”
The IGP, in addressing the abduction and killing of six police personnel, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic violence inflicted upon officers carrying out their duties.
He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers, emphasizing solidarity and support during this challenging period for the entire Police community.
“I like to firmly reiterate that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the killers of these personnel, and many others, do not escape the long arms of the law.
“In this respect, I am pleased to note that we have made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident. A total of nine suspects have been apprehended and are currently assisting in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
“Undoubtedly, we are closing in on the key actors and other parties to the crime. Be assured that we will not rest on our oars until the murder of our colleagues are avenged with justice,”
He assured that the police will persist in fulfilling their obligations to the families of the victims, striving to alleviate their pain and suffering during this difficult period.
Regarding recent achievements, Egbetokun highlighted that the Police Force has successfully secured the release of insurance claims for deceased police officers, which had been pending for approximately eight years, through relentless efforts.
He said “We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques totalling N7,263,391,051.73K to 2,514 families of deceased police officers.
“Apart from actualising a consistent bi-monthly release of insurance benefits to the families of our departed colleagues who had died in the course of their service to the nation, (including payment of some backlogs of insurance claims), the Force has recently concluded the registration process of the NPF Insurance Company Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission and we are steadily progressing towards the operationalisation of the Company.” he added
He further mentioned that the establishment of the new company will facilitate the direct processing of insurance funds from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Additionally, the IGP announced the rescheduling of the maiden Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony to honor deserving officers, both living and deceased, who have demonstrated exceptional service at their respective duty posts. The ceremony is now set to take place on April 15, 2024.
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………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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