Crime
Teenagers Arrested For Faking Abduction, Demanding Ransom
Adetunji Adeleye, the state commander of a local security agency known as the Amotekun Corps, revealed the arrest of two teenagers (names withheld) during a press conference held in Akure.
The girls, aged 13 and 15, had faked their own abduction and hid from their mother.
Amotekun boss said “The two (girls) hid themselves inside and began to call that they were kidnapped while demanding a ransom of N100,000 from their parents.”
According to Commander Adeleye, the girls devised a plan to disappear and then contacted their parents, pretending to be kidnapped.
They demanded a ransom of N100,000 while threatening to harm the abductees unless the money was paid within 24 hours.
Their actions also extended to issuing threats to the town’s monarch.
The joint operation between the Amotekun Corps and the State Security Service (SSS) led to the apprehension of the teenagers as they were able to track the phone line used to make the ransom demands.
During the investigation, one of the girls confessed that they spent a night at their grandmother’s house and left early in the morning without notifying anyone.
She revealed that their motive behind faking the abduction was due to their dissatisfaction with their mother’s treatment of them.
Commander Adeleye further disclosed that in addition to the teenagers, over 20 other suspects were paraded by the Amotekun Corps.
Among the arrested individuals were those involved in supplying food to kidnappers and hostage takers. Additionally, some suspects who had allegedly raped their victims for multiple days were apprehended in the Ilaje Local Government Area.
The commander highlighted that numerous ATM cards were found in the possession of certain suspects, who could not provide a satisfactory explanation of how they obtained them.
It is suspected that these cards may belong to the victims of their kidnappings.
Commander Adeleye issued a public warning to be cautious of individuals pretending to be balloon vendors on motorcycles or in taxis.
These perpetrators reportedly use a tranquilizing substance to make their victims fall asleep and lose their memories.
In Abuja, a man named Alex, suspected of being involved in ritualistic practices and internet fraud, was arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a hook-up girl named Olivia for ritual purposes.
The incident unfolded at a hotel in Wuse Zone 5, where hotel staff intervened after hearing Olivia’s screams.
Read Also: European Parliament Lifts Restrictions On Ukraine’s Use Of Western Weapons Against Russia
They discovered her in a disturbing state—completely naked and bound with tape, her mouth sealed and her limbs tied.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police, addressed the situation, stating, “The FCT police command is aware of the video circulating regarding a lady who was criminally confined at Top View Hotel on September 17, 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster for a money ritual.”
Akeh further noted that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken Alex into custody but has not yet transferred him to the police for further investigation.
“The FCT police command is awaiting the handover of all parties involved to initiate a thorough and discreet investigation. We will provide further updates as the situation develops.”
In a dramatic turn of events, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday night at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge located in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, resulting in gunfire during the altercation.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, limiting access to EFCC agents and other security forces.
Related News: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has since left the lodge, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo. Following the incident, normalcy appears to have returned to the vicinity.
This latest attempt to apprehend Bello follows his long-standing status on the EFCC’s wanted list for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion. After months of evading capture, a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, indicated that the former governor had agreed to attend an EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal advisors, and political allies.
However, the EFCC responded by clarifying that Bello is not in their custody and remains a wanted individual due to the serious money laundering charges against him, as reiterated by spokesman Dele Oyewale.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has debunked reports of wanted former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello surrendering himself to the Commission.
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
ALSO READ: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
It wrote, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
#EdoDecides2024: Tensions Escalate In Edo As PDP Supporters Protest Election Results
#EdoDecides2024: Shaibu, Oshiomhole Deliver LG For APC
Okuama Inks 9-Point Peace Accord With Okoloba
#EdoDecides: PDP Triumphs In Esan North-East, Ovia South-West LGA
#EdoDecides2024: APC Claims Victory In Orhiomwon, Owan East LGA
#EdoDecides: REC Threatened, Official Injured In Stampede, Says INEC
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
