Crime
Police Thwart Abduction Attempt Of Judge, 5 Others In Katsina
On Saturday night, unidentified gunmen launched an attack on residents of Tijjani Malumfashi Housing Estate in Malunfashi, Katsina State’s Local Government Area, with an apparent attempt to abduct several individuals.
Approximately 50 armed individuals arrived in the area around 11pm, wielding sophisticated weapons and firing shots into the air upon arrival.
These attackers organized themselves into groups and proceeded to enter residences, forcibly bringing out occupants.
Fortunately, a timely response from the police, military personnel, and local vigilante groups prevented the kidnappings. Notably, a judge named Alkali Saidu was among those saved from being taken by the gunmen.
Reports indicate that at least six individuals were forcibly removed from their homes, bound, and blindfolded by the assailants before security personnel arrived on the scene.
A source said “The Divisional Police Officer in Malumfashi, alongside a team of policemen, soldiers and the vigilante groups, successfully repelled the attack.
“There was heavy exchange of fire between the hoodlums and security personnel for over an hour before they (the gunmen) took to their heels.
“But one of the victims, a prominent businessman, Alhaji Zaharaddeen, popularly known as Danmaliki was shot by the gunmen and is currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Kwandala Malumfashi.”
In the wake of the incident, residents of Malumfashi have expressed their appreciation for the timely and courageous response of Divisional Police Officer Bello Umar and the military.
Their intervention successfully thwarted the hoodlums’ attempts to abduct numerous individuals within the estate.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Police Command, Aliyu Abubakar, confirmed the occurrence of the incident.
He stated that an investigation into the matter had already been initiated and assured that further details would be provided.
He said “Yes, we are aware of the incident but investigation has commenced and we shall let you know the outcome later.”
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has issued a public summons for former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, requiring him to appear in court on October 24.
This summons follows the filing of a 16-count charge of alleged fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC has accused Bello, alongside two others—Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—of criminal breach of trust involving a staggering sum of N110.4 billion.
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The public summons was issued by Justice Maryanne Anenih on Thursday, after the EFCC reported difficulties in serving Bello with the charges.
Bello’s absence led to the postponement of his arraignment, which was originally scheduled for Thursday.
This latest development follows prior efforts to compel Bello to attend court, including a May ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite that mandated his physical presence, as well as a recent order from the Court of Appeal.
Darius Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State, has been granted bail of N150 million by a high court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ishaku appeared in court on Monday alongside Bello Yero, the former permanent secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, facing serious allegations including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds.
The two defendants pleaded “not guilty” to a total of 15 charges during their arraignment.
In a court session on Thursday, their legal teams presented bail applications, which were not opposed by the prosecution.
Rotimi Jacobs, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stated that he had no objection since the defendants had previously been granted administrative bail.
Judge Sylvanus Oriji approved the bail, requiring each defendant to provide two sureties in the same amount as the bail.
The sureties must be responsible citizens residing in the FCT, with verifiable office and residential addresses.
Additionally, at least one surety for each defendant must hold a director-level position in the civil service.
The court imposed restrictions on both men, preventing them from traveling outside the country without prior approval and mandating that they deposit their travel documents with the court.
Ishaku, 70, who governed Taraba from 2015 to 2023, was previously invited by the EFCC in July 2023 regarding financial transactions during his tenure, resulting in his initial release on bail.
However, both Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the EFCC on September 27, 2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 33 individuals suspected of involvement in internet fraud during a recent operation in Port Harcourt.
The agency announced the arrests via its X account (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
The suspects were apprehended in a sting operation in the Iwofe and Ogboro areas of the city, following credible intelligence regarding their alleged criminal activities.
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Along with the arrests, the EFCC seized a range of items, including several mobile phones, laptops, and boxes containing counterfeit United States dollars.
The operation also revealed fake stamps from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Customs, airport clearance, DHL, and FedEx, as well as two vehicles.
The suspects are currently in custody and will face charges in court upon the completion of ongoing investigations.
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