Crime
Police Rescue ‘Baby Factory’ Victims
The police in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria, said they have rescued 12 victims of child trafficking during a sting operation on two suspected “baby factories” in the state.
The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the police also arrested four suspected operators of the “baby factories”.
She said the victims, consisting of two adult males and 10 pregnant women, including teenagers, were forcefully kept in the factories after they were brainwashed by the operators.
She said “On January 7, at about 4:45 p.m., we received credible intelligence on the activities of a child trafficking ring in Igwuruta and Omagwa communities in Rivers.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the command’s C41 Intelligence Unit operatives raided two houses (factories) at Igwuruta and Omagwa communities where victims of child trafficking were kept.
“In the operations, four suspected operators of the factories, including two men and two women were arrested by our operatives,” she said.
Ms Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, who revealed the identities of the victims and suspects, said the suspected traffickers were led by a 40-year-old woman from Igwuruta community in the state.
According to her, the pregnant victims were aged between 15 and 29 at the time of their rescue.
“Investigation reveals that when the victims are delivered of their pregnancies, the syndicate leader takes the babies and pays the victims N500,000.
“All the victims confessed that they were lured into the illegal sale of their children because they were promised money to meet their financial challenges.
“The case has been transferred to the command’s Criminal Investigation Department while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest those who had already bought children from the factories,” she added.
The command spokesperson said a Honda Pilot SUV with registration number: Lagos FST 607 AX was recovered from the leader of the syndicate.
She called on members of the public to come forward with credible information about the activities of criminals in their areas.
(NAN)
. . . 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.”
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………..
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