Crime
Zamfara Lawmaker Arrested Over Alleged Banditry, Kidnapping
Aminu Ibrahim, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Kaura Namoda State Constituency, has been arrested by the Police on charges of banditry and kidnapping.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, CP Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, confirmed Ibrahim’s arrest in an exclusive interview.
Dalijan also disclosed that Alhaji Jafaru Abdullahi Kumburki, the District Head of Kaura Namoda, and Nasiru Muhammad, a former chairman of the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, are also in police custody for similar offenses.
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Additionally, three district heads from Danjibga, Bukkuyum, and Unguwar Gyauro in Tsafe and Bukkuyum LGAs are being investigated for their alleged involvement in these criminal activities.
However, their identities remain undisclosed.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the District Head of Kaura Namoda, in collaboration with suspected bandit accomplices Alhaji Bala and Hali Sidi, allegedly kidnapped nine individuals from Gidan Sambo village in Kaura Namoda LGA, extorting N800,000 in ransom before releasing the captives.
CP Dalijan revealed that Ibrahim, the lawmaker, was implicated in the abduction of 80-year-old Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada from Kasuwar Daji village.
Furthermore, the former chairman of Kaura Namoda LGA is accused of conspiring with Hali Sidi and Alhaji Bala in the kidnapping of Alhaji Ango from Kumurya village.
Dalijan said, “The district heads of Danjibga, Unguwar Gyauro and Bukkuyum will face an investigative panel set up by the state government over their involvement in banditry activities.
“Prior to the formation of the panel, the police had conducted an investigation on the matter and submitted their report to the state governor (Dauda Lawal) for further action.
“Police authorities will continue to identify, arrest and subsequently prosecute anybody found participating in banditry and other related crimes.
“Investigation is still ongoing and I can assure you that whoever is found directly or indirectly involved in this case will be invited for questioning,”
. . . 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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July 29, 2024 at 8:17 am
You have my deepest gratitude for publishing this insightful and comprehensive piece.