Crime
Vigilance Group Mops Up Illegal Arms In Anambra
A vigilance group is poised to embark on a mop-up of prohibited firearms from unlicensed individuals or groups in Anambra State.
Director, Media and Publicity of Anambra Vigilance Group, Chief Nweke Nweke, made the disclosure at a press conference on Sunday.
He explained that the move was informed by their discoveries that hoodlums and criminal elements operating in the state have acquired firearms illegally.
Nweke added that the move has the backing of the state police command and other security teams, and comes with the objective of identifying persons who have legally and illegally acquired firearms.
He expressed optimism that the effort would lead to controlling legitimate users, and recovering firearms from illegal holders and users.
He said, “The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is not relenting on his campaign promises to make Anambra State liveable and prosperous. We are solidly behind the administration’s resolve to secure the environment for investors, residents, and others.
“We will wipe out all the hoodlums constituting security threats in the State. Only the AVG is allowed to bear firearms like pump actions in Anambra State.
“It is a prohibited device but you can see some unidentifiable individuals and groups using them.
“(The) AVG with other joint security teams will embark on mop-up action to identify people or groups using prohibited firearms and recover them from the public. Genuine users will be checkmated.
“It has been discovered that most of these hoodlums, who are causing security challenges in the state and all over Nigeria, acquired firearms illegally. We are calling on the public to assist security with relevant information.
“We are also calling on individuals or groups with genuine reasons to possess firearms to identify with relevant authorities.”
He maintained that firearms such as pump actions were prohibited from non-AVG members with the exception of private security guards either registered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps or known to the state government.
He also enjoined the public to see the AVG as partners in progress, especially by making ways for them while in traffic, as delaying their convoys could affect their drives to apprehend criminals.
“We are committed to the protection of lives and properties in Anambra State as baby police. If you see us on the highway or streets, kindly give way for our convoys.
“Don’t stop us. Do not try to obstruct our movements or operations. Do not call us unprintable names as we try to serve you better. If you stop us, it can make us not meet up with our targets. You don’t know if there are criminals we are trying to catch up with,” he added.
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………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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