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 arrested former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds intended for Delta State during his tenure.
Okowa, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was detained after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate on Monday in response to an official summons.
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According to an EFCC source, Okowa is accused of failing to account for the N1.3 trillion derived from the federation account, as well as an additional N40 billion he allegedly invested in shares of UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
The investigation suggests that Okowa acquired an 8% stake in a major Nigerian bank to support the offshore LNG venture, with funds purportedly misallocated from state resources.
Beyond the LNG shares, investigators are probing whether Okowa redirected state funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Asaba.
Okowa is currently held at an EFCC facility in Port Harcourt as the inquiry continues.
The high-profile arrest comes as Okowa, who was the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, faces scrutiny over his financial conduct in office.
Amid repeated absences from court, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy tied to alleged misappropriations totaling N1.3 billion.
The ruling, handed down Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, calls for Ranesh’s immediate arrest following his failure to respond to multiple court summonses.
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Justice Egwuatu cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), empowering the court to issue an arrest warrant against defendants who evade appearance.
“The defendant is legally obligated to appear, and the court is authorized to issue a warrant for arrest if he does not,” Justice Egwuatu said, setting January 13, 2025, as the next court date, adding that no objections will be considered unless Ranesh is present.
Ranesh and two Dana Group subsidiaries—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—face serious allegations from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2018, Ranesh and his companies engaged in fraudulent activities, including the unauthorized sale of industrial generators valued at N450 million, which had been pledged as collateral in a debenture agreement.
Additional charges allege the misappropriation of N864 million from bond funds meant for operations at the Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina, and a N60.3 million transfer to an external account without authorization.
The charges, filed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Moshood Adeyemi, cite violations under the Criminal Code Act.
In court, government lawyer Mojisola Okeya-Esho argued for the arrest warrant, stating that Ranesh had disregarded court orders to appear for arraignment.
Defense counsel B. Ademola-Bello challenged the prosecution, contending that jurisdictional issues must be addressed before proceeding with the case.
Justice Egwuatu dismissed these objections, underscoring that Ranesh’s presence in court is required before other arguments can be entertained.
The matter is now adjourned until January 13, 2025, with the warrant remaining active until the defendant is brought to court.
In a shocking act of violence, armed assailants targeted the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a female detainee.
The attack occurred shortly after midnight along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway.
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State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed the incident, revealing that the gunmen arrived in three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on the police facility.
“Our personnel successfully repelled the attack,” Isa stated.
However, the attackers resorted to using dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and exposing the detainees inside.
During the chaos, the gunmen attempted to free detainees, leading to the fatal shooting of the female suspect.
Unconfirmed reports suggest she was in custody related to a child trafficking case.
In the aftermath of the attack, police swiftly initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators, employing advanced technical methods to track their movements.
Commissioner Isa announced the arrest of one suspect, who is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the identities of additional accomplices.
“We are making significant progress in our investigation,” he affirmed.
Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.
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