Crime
Police Storm Abeokuta Hotel, Arrest Two Soldiers, 20 Others
Security operatives in Ogun State have apprehended 22 suspects including two men identified as serving soldiers during a coordinated raid on a hotel in Abeokuta believed to be hosting a cult gathering.
The police operation, which unfolded at Hilton Hotel in the Osiele area of Abeokuta around 8:20 p.m. on Friday, July 25, was the result of actionable intelligence.
A team comprising officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit, Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, and the SWAT team stormed the location under the command of SP Adejoh Israel.
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Confirming the arrests in a statement released on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the suspects were believed to be affiliated with the Aiye cult group.
“Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team comprising operatives from Odeda Division, Aregbe Division, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT, led by SP Adejoh Israel, stormed the location at about 2020hrs on 25th July, 2025,” Odutola said.
She added, “The operation was targeted at suspected members of the Aiye confraternity gathered at the hotel.”
A total of 22 individuals were arrested during the swoop, including 19 males, three females, and two military officers.
Among items recovered at the scene were a locally fabricated short gun, a UTC-branded axe, and several blue berets linked to the cult group’s regalia.
Odutola stated that there were no injuries during the operation and that all suspects have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Anti-Cultism Unit in Eleweran for further questioning.
“Recovered from the suspects were one cut-to-size locally made gun, one UTC axe, and several blue beret caps associated with the cult group,” she confirmed.
The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to reiterate the command’s determination to curb cult-related violence and criminal activities in Ogun State.
She said, “The state police command remains resolute in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes and urges residents to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing operations.”
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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