Connect with us

Metro

Police detain 123 suspects, rescue 19 kidnap victims in Enugu

The Police Command in Enugu State says it has 123 people in its custody over their alleged involvement in various crimes in the state.

The command also disclosed that it rescued 19 kidnap victims and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, said this at a news briefing in Enugu on Thursday.

Uzuegbu said that the suspects were detained in connection with alleged murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism, among other crimes, between July and August.

He also said that the police recovered 15 assault rifles, including an AK-47, 25 pump action guns and 35 other firearms.

Other weapons were 710 live ammunition of different calibres, 187 live cartridges, 17 motor vehicles, 11 tricycles and eight motorcycles.

He said that several incriminating exhibits were recovered during the operations by the command’s personnel.

According to him, many of the suspects have been arraigned and remanded in Custodial Centres.

Uzuegbu said that at about 5 pm on August 21, police operatives serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad recovered an AK-47 rifle at New Artisan, Enugu.

He said: “The recovery followed the operatives’ swift response to credible information alleging the milling around of suspicious persons in the area.

“The suspects, upon sighting the operatives, opened fire on them.

“However, the operatives promptly returned fire, forcing the hoodlums to escape with gunshot wounds and abandoning the rifle.

“However, a discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

The state police boss further said that at about 1:30 am on August 19, a combined team of tactical police operatives busted a kidnappers’ hideout at New Artisan and apprehended five suspects.

He said that the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation and aiding further discreet investigations aimed at fishing out others at large.

“Also, at about 2 am on August 15, operational and tactical police operatives of the command raided the camp of the outlawed IPOB/ESN renegades at Aninwede Nkwubor, Emene, Enugu.

“The subversive criminal elements, on sighting the operatives, opened fire on them, but the operatives returned fire at a superior level, neutralizing two of them, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Incriminating exhibits, including firearms the hoodlums snatched from security operatives after attacking them, were recovered,” while discreet investigations are ongoing to arrest those at large,” Uzuegbu said.

He lauded Gov. Peter Mbah for being pragmatic in handling security issues.

He challenged the residents and landlords to be more mindful of their environment.

“I appreciate Gov. Peter Mbah for taking the bold and pragmatic steps of demolishing houses and facilities used in harbouring and perpetrating acts of abduction and kidnapping in the state.

“The exercise will serve as a morale booster to us, especially as we execute our security operations and frantically work towards making Enugu State uninhabitable for kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“I call on citizens of Enugu State, particularly landlords, hoteliers, and owners of uncompleted buildings, to be mindful of who they accommodate in such structures,” he further said. 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Metro

Jigawa tanker explosion claims 209 lives, injured 99 – Report

Hafizu Inuwa, Chairman of the Jigawa Tanker Explosion Investigation Panel, has said that 209 lives were lost and 99 others injured in the accident.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Oct. 14, a fuel tanker exploded in Majiya town killing hundreds and injuring several others.

Sequel to this, Gov. Umar Namadi constituted a 25-member investigative panel to unravel the causes of the accident and recommend measures to avert future occurrences.

Inuwa said this during the presentation of the committee’s report on Wednesday in Dutse.

He said the accident claimed 209 lives, 38 injued persons were still on hospital admission and 61 others discharged while 167 families affected.

“It was further discovered that the inferno resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of Naira,” he said.

Inuwa attributed the accident to a number of factors, including damaged speed-breaker and potholes located near the scene.

He said the committee also identified night driving and speeding as contributory factors to the inferno.

“The inferno was possibly ignited by combined factors, including but not limited to friction of metallic containers with hard surface or other containers, as victims were scooping the spilled fuel”.

The committee, he said, recommended regular inspection and enforcement of safety protocols by petroleum transporters and other articulated vehicles.

Others include upgrade of emergency response centres, establishment of a trauma and burns units in health facilities, as well as establishment of a road traffic control agency.

“Where the victims or their relatives are seemingly old and vulnerable, government should provide them with social protection and enroll the most vulnerable victims and their relatives into the Danmodi Care Programme,” he said.

The chairman further lauded the state government for its empathy, moral and psychological support to the affected community as well as the timely response to the disaster.

Responding, Namadi promised to implement the recommendations of the committee, to ensure safety and welfare of the citizens.

Continue Reading

Metro

NAFDAC uncovers warehouse with unregistered products in Lagos

NAFDAC has uncovered a warehouse with unregistered products in Lagos State

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has uncovered a warehouse in Oke-Afa, Okota, Lagos State, stocked with unregistered and expired supermarket items.

NAFDAC made this disclosure on Wednesday night in a statement it shared on its official X account.

“Acting on intelligence, a NAFDAC team raided the facility, apprehending operators offloading a 20ft container filled with unregistered carbonated drinks,” the statement read.

“A further inspection revealed over 14 rooms packed with unregistered and expired products, some of which were contaminated by rats, indicating poor storage conditions.

“The facility was placed on hold, with all operations suspended pending further investigation.”

The agency said it has invited the management to provide sourcing evidence including the Global Listing for Supermarket Items (GLSI) certificate.

It also warned of the risks posed by unregulated products, particularly as the festive season approaches.

NAFDAC has further urged consumers to remain vigilant by verifying product sources and reporting suspicious activities to its nearest office.

Continue Reading

Metro

Akwa Ibom approves N955b for 2025 budget

Akwa Ibom State has approved a budget of N955 billion for 2025

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council on Wednesday in a meeting presided over by Governor Umo Eno approved a draft budget estimate of N955 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

A breakdown of the estimate shows that while N300b is for recurrent expenditure, N655 billion is for capital projects.

The recurrent expenditure represented a 14 percent decrease from that of 2024 while the capital expenditure of N655b reflects a 13 percent increase compared to 2024.

The commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, made this known in a statement he signed.

Ememobong said the council also approved a supplementary budget of N89b for 2024 being “an augmentation of the N82.4b incorporated into the 2025 appropriation bill.”

“The meeting, chaired by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno started with the presentation of the 2024 supplementary estimates and the draft recurrent and capital budgets for 2025 by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance,” Ememobong said.

“The supplementary budget reflects savings of N8,922,513,000 and an augmentation of N82,414,029,890, incorporated into the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

“For the 2025 draft estimates, the proposed recurrent expenditure is N300,000,000,000, representing a 14% decrease from last year, while the capital expenditure is pegged at N655,000,000,000, reflecting a 13% increase compared to 2024.”

According to the commissioner, the projected Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is N80,000,000,000, a 28% rise over the 2024 figure, adding that the council approved both estimates and directed their submission to the State House of Assembly for legislative review and further action.

He said the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, presented a report on pothole assessment and repairs, assuring that the state was on course to achieve a “no pothole” status.

In a major policy review, the council also approved the implementation of a 65-year retirement age for non-academic staff of state-owned tertiary institutions, effective 1st January 2025.

The council also approved the award of road projects across three senatorial districts in the state.

The projects included the construction of a 12.5km road spanning Ibesit-Ikot Oto-Ikot Ekpenyong-Ikot Akama-Itung-Ediene Attai-Ikot Ebak in Oruk Anam and Mkpat Enin LGAs.

Others were the construction of a 2.7km road from Nto Obio Akpan-Ikot Obong-Urua Akpan in Essien Udim LGA, and a 2km road from Ikot Uso-Udo Atan-Nto Obodem Mbiaso in Ikot Ekpene LGA.

Similarly, the construction of a 10.9km road with two 40m-span bridges spanning NSAID’s Use-Use Ikot Amama-Ibiaku Ikot Erica-Itong Nkwot Edem Edet in Ibiono Ibom and Ikono LGAs was also approved.

“Re-award of the 21.5km Ikot Ayan Ediene-Ikot Nita-Urua Naira-Ikot Nseyen-Nkwot-Nnung Ukim road, including a 45m-span bridge, in Ikono LGA,” Ememobong said.

“Construction of a 2km access road to the School of Health Technology in Etinan LGA. Construction of a 7.7km road, including State Housing Road with spur, Ikot Obiokpon/Ibong Road with spur, and Mount Zion Road with spurs in Ikot Ekpene LGA.”

Continue Reading

Metro

NSCDC operatives kill 50 Boko Haram members in ambush

NSCDC operatives killed over 50 Boko Haram members in an ambush in Kaduna State

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) neutralised over 50 boko haram members during a cross-fire in Kaduna State.

This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC Spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.

He said that the incident took place on Monday evening.

Afolabi said that a special monitoring squad comprising of 80 officers and men were deployed to survey and monitor the recently vandalised national grid installation in Shiroro area of Niger state.

He said that the operatives drawn from the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS) were sent to assess the state of damage, conduct surveillance activities and possibly arrest and bring perpetrators to book.

He said that the team were attacked while crossing from the Shiroro axis after the surveillance and monitoring oversight of the installations.

“ From the top of a hill located at Farin-Kasa, the group opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team using different sophisticated weapons.

“The NSCDC operatives in the ambush however not overwhelmed by terrorists, repelled the attack and successfully neutralized over 50 of the terrorists in the crossfire,” he said.

According to him, as at the time of filling this report, about seven operatives of the corps were currently missing.

‘Efforts are currently underway to locate them in the bush. While a few others who sustained various degrees of Injuries are currently undergoing medical treatment in a Medical facility,” he said.

Afolabi added that, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, while awaiting the full briefing on the incident from the officers on the field described the attack as callous, unfortunate and an attack too many on security operatives who have sworn to the defence of the country.

Audi commended the courage, resilience and gallantry of the operatives in neutralising over 50 of the bandits despite the attack from the mountain top, affirming that the corps is proud of them and would never forget such unflinching commitment.

He said that the corps being the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI) will not be deterred by the attack but will strengthen efforts in actualising President Tinubu’s renewed hope aganda.

“The NSCDC will ensure the revival of the power sector for a stable electricity supply nationwide,” he said.

Continue Reading

Metro

Students stranded as transporters strike over shooting of Osun park manager

Students have been left stranded as transporters strike over the shooting of Osun State park manager, Nurudeen Iyanda a.ka Alowonle

Many students in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, did not attend their schools as commercial transporters refused to convey them and other residents to their destinations.

The transporters, mostly mini-bus drivers popularly known as Korope, shunned the roads in protest against the shooting and hospitalization of the chairman of the Osun State Park Management System, Nurudeen Iyanda, popularly known as Alowonle.

Alowonle was allegedly shot in the stomach after being arrested over a domestic issue by men of the State Police Command on Tuesday.

He was said to have been rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for medical attention.

The state government disclosed that Alowonle had been on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Many commercial transporters have converged on the hospital premises since their chairman was rushed to the hospital and refused to work.

As a result, many school children could not go to school as transporters deserted the roads.

Some schools around Ilesa Garage, Ataoja, and Old Garage areas were shut down as tension enveloped the areas.

The acting Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun Command, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, claimed that Alowonle was shot while trying to escape from custody.

Giwa-Alade explained that Iyanda had initially been arrested alongside some associates on Monday over allegations of murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and malicious damage.

The Osun State Government had raised alarm over what it described as “the shooting to near death in police custody” of Alowonle, over “a domestic matter.”

A statement by Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in the state, on Tuesday night called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Moses Lohor, the Head of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, accusing him of a willful act of attempted murder.

“We demand police impartiality and commitment to the rule of law without fixation on partisan considerations,” Alimi had said.

In another statement on Wednesday morning, Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, quoted Governor Ademola Adeleke calling for peace and particularly pleading with transport workers statewide not to take laws into their own hands and allow state and federal authorities to address the issue for justice to prevail.

The governor noted that he had spoken to the Inspector General of Police and that immediate actions had been directed by the police authorities to bring to book those who shot the State Park Management System chairman.

“I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not to take laws into their own hands. I have acted on this sad incident. I spoke with the police chief and I had a closed-door meeting with the Commissioner of Police. Justice will be served.

“We will not allow agents of violence to destroy the peace and stability of our dear state. Do not be provoked to violence. Go about your normal duties while we handle this serious threat to the peace of our state,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, following the fatal shooting of Alowonle, the statement noted that the Inspector General of Police has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Head of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Osun State, Moses Lohor, and members of his team for alleged attempted murder.

The statement disclosed that Lohor’s arrest order was confirmed by the Special Adviser to Adeleke on Security, Samuel Ojo, after a closed-door meeting between the governor and the State Commissioner of Police.

“Moses Lohor had shot Mr. Alowonle in the abdomen at the police station after his arrest over a domestic brawl with a neighbor. The park chairman is currently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

“Mr. Ojo narrated that the police authorities frowned upon Moses’ conduct as unprofessional, illegal, unauthorized, and against the operational code, noting that Moses and his men are about to be moved to Abuja this morning.

“We can confirm that the police authorities at the highest level have acted decisively on this matter. A clear punitive directive was issued by the IG. The governor has directed we follow up to ensure that justice is served,” the statement said.

Continue Reading

Metro

Four Nigerian Students in UK Sentenced to Jail for Violence

Four Nigerian Students in UK Sentenced to Jail for Violence

Four Nigerian students in the UK have received prison sentences for participating in a brutal knife altercation in Leicester.

The event reportedly took place on November 4, 2021, on New Park Street, resulting in one victim sustaining several stab injuries.

Leicester City Police uncovered the perpetrators using CCTV recordings, mobile phone tracking, and help from the public.

After a six-week trial that ended in October, the court delivered the verdicts on November 14.

A comprehensive report was shared on the Leicester police website last Thursday.

The students—Destiny Ojo, Habib Lawal, Ridwanulahi Raheem, and Joshua Davies-Ero—all in their early 20s, were handed sentences varying between two and seven years.

Destiny Ojo received a seven-year prison term for charges of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Lawal was sentenced to five years for related offences, while Raheem received a three-year term for violent conduct and carrying a knife.

Davies-Ero was handed a two-year sentence for his involvement in violent conduct.

Justin Asamoah, a 22-year-old fifth defendant, admitted to possessing a knife and is scheduled for sentencing on November 22.

A Leicester Police spokesperson reportedly praised the public for their support during the investigation and emphasized the importance of addressing violent actions to maintain community safety.

Detective Constable Sean Downey, commenting on the case, said, “This incident underscores the grave dangers of violent disorder. It is fortunate that the injuries sustained were not more severe or fatal. This could have been a very different investigation.”

He added, “We thank everyone who supported the investigation. As a force, our priority is public safety. Violent behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending