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.
. . . 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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