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Tag: law enforcement

  • Names of fleeing Niger inmates released

    Names of fleeing Niger inmates released

    In a bid to expedite the recapture of escaped prisoners, the Nigerian Correctional Service has released the database of inmates who fled from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.

    The escape, which has raised significant security concerns, prompted immediate action from the NCoS.

    The released database includes detailed information about the inmates, aimed at aiding law enforcement and the public in identifying and locating the fugitives.

    A total of 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Niger State on April 24, 2024.

    The incident, triggered by a relentless downpour that caused significant damage to the facility, resulted in a breach of the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to escape.

    While ten inmates were re-apprehended on April 25, three more were captured later that same day.

    On June 6, 2024, the NCoS Spokesperson, Abubakar Umar who spoke at a joint press briefing of the security, defence and response agencies, at the defence headquarters in Abuja noted that 23 escapees had been recaptured so far.

    Umar also assured the public of the service’s commitment to releasing the pictures of the fleeing inmates to aid in their identification and capture.

    “I want to say hear that there is a concerted effort by the service to recapture fleeing inmates. I want to put on record that we have been able to recapture 23 escapes, so far.

    “I want to also assure you that we are working hard to release the pictures of the fleeing inmates.”

    However, as of Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2024, checks by our correspondent via the website of NCoS revealed that the service has published the details of only 18 out of the 96 fleeing inmates.

    The names of the fleeing inmates published include; Ogbonna Kingsley, Auwal Mohammed, Mustapha Ibrahim, Suleiman Sani, Raphael Kingsley, Abdullahi Babangida, Idris Bashir, Umar Mustapha, and Ayuba Obidience.

    Others include; Lamido Gambo, Garba Fidelis, Mohammed Jibrin, Sylvester Allison, Albert Israel, Edoga Okwudili, Olaiya Stephen, Audo Usman and Ibrahim Aminu.

  • President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism

    President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism

    President Bola Tinubu has given order for increased cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement agencies and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He gave the order during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Saturday, during FBI Director Christopher Wray’s visit.
    President Tinubu called for greater focus on addressing cybercrime, terrorism, and related criminal activities through joint efforts.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Mr Tinubu acknowledged the FBI’s sophistication and reputation for excellence, expressing honor at the Director’s visit.

    “The visit of Director Wray underscores the importance of our partnership in eliminating local and global crimes,” President Tinubu stated.

    As Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with other West African nations in combating economic crimes.

    “We are working closely with our regional partners to tackle economic crimes and terrorism,” President Tinubu affirmed.

    President Tinubu further stressed the role of education in poverty alleviation, noting its significance in addressing the root causes of criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the diverse Nigerian agencies present at the meeting, actively involved in reducing crimes across the country.

    In response, FBI Director Wray praised President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing partnerships among government agencies to protect citizens from terrorism and cyber-enabled crimes.

    “We value President Tinubu’s efforts in countering terrorism, which poses a threat to both Nigeria and the United States,” Director Wray acknowledged.

    He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent successes in countering ISIS and other terrorist groups in West Africa, crediting effective coordination among security agencies.

    “We stand ready to support Nigeria in various aspects, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime prevention, and intelligence sharing,” Director Wray assured.

    Key security figures attending the meeting included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

    The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to deepen collaboration through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations, reflecting Nigeria’s proactive stance in leveraging international partnerships to bolster its security efforts against evolving threats.

  • BREAKING: Court frees Binance executives Gambaryan, Anjarwalla

    BREAKING: Court frees Binance executives Gambaryan, Anjarwalla

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged Tigran Gambaryan, a 39-year-old American, and fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla over alleged tax evasion.

    The duo, both executives of cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance, were dragged to court by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over alleged tax evasion.

    The court made the decision following fresh amended charges filed by the FIRS in view of a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa. 

    Recall that Gambaryan and fleeing Anjarwalla are facing a four-count charge by the Nigerian government brought before the court, a case now before Emeka Nwite, the trial judge.

    Even though Binance had no legal representation in court, Gambaryan took to the dock to have the charges read to him.

    But his counsel, Chukwuka Ikwazuonu, notified the court that his client had not been served with the charge, stating it was rather too hasty to have him take to the dock without knowing what his client is about to be tried for.

    The prosecutor from the FIRS, Moses Ideho, informed the judge that service of the charge hadn’t been possible due to lack of access to the defendant in custody. 

    This prompted the Court to order service of the charge on the defendant in open court. And following this, the judge adjourned till 19 April for arraignment of Gambaryan. 

    In the second case by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC, through its counsel E.E. Iheanacho informed the Court that he had served Gambaryan with the charge.

    But Mark Mordi, counsel for the defendant, this time around, said Binance, the company which he represents hasn’t been served, therefore arraignment couldn’t go ahead. 

    Moreso, as it’s a joint charge, Mordi argued that it’s necessary to serve every person individually with the charges before the case can go ahead. He also informed the Court that his client declined service of the charge on behalf of Binance because he wasn’t authorized to do so. 

    The prosecutor however maintained that the defendant, being a top official of Binance was a fitting representative of the company in this particular instance.

    But stated that in the alternative however, the Court can enter a not guilty plea for Binance to allow the case go ahead.

  • EFCC Picks New Date For Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment

    EFCC Picks New Date For Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly picked a new date for the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    The anti-graft agency fixed June 27 for a hearing in the alleged money laundering case instituted by EFCC against Bello at the instance of the anti-graft agency’s lawyers.
    According to Daily Post, the new date was fixed without prior information from the defendant’s lawyers.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel to Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached Aliyu AbdulWahab, SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the earlier date, June 13 date, would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.

    He said he was surprised when he heard that EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo was in court.

    He said, “They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsel would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, the lead counsel, has been calling us to say today is not convenient.”

    However, for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Bello was said to be ready to appear in court on Thursday.

    Adedipe added, “Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them.

    “We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide.”

  • Tinubu condmns Katsina attacks, gives marching orders to police, others

    President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of attacks against citizens in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    No fewer than fifty farmers were killed by rampaging armed bandits in three villages across Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday,

    The gunmen who raided farms across ‘Yargoje, Gatakawa and Dan-nakwabo villages shot sporadically at the farmers most of whom died on the spot.

    Several eyewitnesses said no less than fifty dead bodies were counted after the mayhem.

    While describing the latest attacks as grisly and sinister, the President emphasized that more will be done ”to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country”

    President Tinubu directed security agencies to go after the assailants and ensure that they are brought to justice.

    ”The President condoles with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” a statement signed by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated.

  • Boko Haram Terrorists Kidnap Passengers Along Maiduguri-Kano Highway

    Boko Haram Terrorists Kidnap Passengers Along Maiduguri-Kano Highway

    Some passengers travelling along the Maiduguri/Kano highway have been kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

    Reports obtained on Tuesday morning revealed that the insurgents carried out the abduction between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, which is located along the Damaturu highway, at approximately 5:50 pm on Monday.

    Daily Trust quoted a source to have disclosed that the terrorists barricaded the highway and forcibly took away several passengers.

    As a result of this incident, numerous travellers and commuters found themselves stranded on both ends of the usually bustling road.

    Consequently, many of the commuters were left with no choice but to return to Benishek and Auno, respectively.

    “There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles and some passengers were abducted.

    “We are not sure of the number as we speak but certainly there was an abduction on Monday evening,” the source noted.

    Some residents who spoke to journalists on the development narrated how many commercial drivers took refuge in their community momentarily when the insurgents were operating between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villages.

    “They came out with three wheelbarrow and I believe they were looking for food stuff. We don’t know how many people abducted but some commercial drivers came back and later returned to Maiduguri before reinforcement of military arrived,” the residents noted.

    A passenger, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters that he, alongside others were stranded for hours.

    “We were heading for Kano from Maiduguri when the driver got hinted about the attack and took a detour.

    “We have been waiting for the military to clear the road but we don’t know when. We are stranded here,” he said.

  • BREAKING: EFCC Withdraws Naira Abuse Suit Against Cubana Chief Priest

    BREAKING: EFCC Withdraws Naira Abuse Suit Against Cubana Chief Priest

    A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled in favour of celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, by granting a motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to discontinue its suit against him.

    The court’s decision comes after both parties revealed they were exploring a settlement in the matter.

    During the May 2 seating, the defense counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that parties were exploring a settlement, and the matter was adjourned until June 5 for a report on the settlement.

    The court then adjourned the case until June 5 (today) for report of settlement. However, on Wednesday, the defense requested an adjournment, and the case was fixed for June 25 for mention.

    Cubana Chief Priest is accused of tampering with N500 denomination funds while dancing at the social event. This the EFCC said contraves the Central Bank Act of 2007.

    He was later arraigned on April 17 on a three-count charge bordering on Naira Abuse.

  • Kaduna Assembly Okays El-Rufai’s Probe Over Abuse Of Office, Money Laundering

    Kaduna Assembly Okays El-Rufai’s Probe Over Abuse Of Office, Money Laundering

    The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee has submitted a damning report, exposing financial irregularities and corruption during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    The report was presented during plenary on Wednesday, by the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zacharia.

    The committee, tasked with investigating loans, grants, and project implementation from 2015 to 2023, revealed that most loans obtained during El-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes.

    Furthermore, due process was not followed in securing some of these loans, according to the Committee.

    The committee’s report accused former governor El-Rufai and his cabinet members of abuse of office, awarding contracts without due process, diverting public funds, and money laundering.

    The report also criticized the excessive borrowing during El-Rufai’s tenure, which has plunged Kaduna State into heavy debt.

    The committee recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and other indicted officials by security and anti-corruption agencies.

    Additionally, the report called for the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board.

    The committee also urged thorough investigations into key appointees from the last administration.

  • Alleged unresolved murder: IGP sued over failure to release report on Asabe

    The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja, over failure to release the probe report of an “unresolved murder” case on one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

    Fourteen years after police investigation on Mrs Waziri who was said to have intentionally hit a pregnant woman with her car, the prosecution agency is yet to release the report.

    According to a petition to the IGP, dated May 2, 2024, by a civil society organisation, Global Integrity Crusade Network(GICN) the police probed the incident but had failed since then to release its findings.

    In originating summons with suit number FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the, plaintiff prayed the court for an order of granting leaveto the applicant to apply for judicial review by way of Order of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to forthwith release to the Applicant based on the demand letter dated 2nd May, 2024 and attached hereto as EXHIBIT GICN 4 the FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso, with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on or about 30th May, 2010.

    The suit dated May 29, 2024, sought a declaration that the failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to release the information and documents requested for by the Applicant vide their letter to the Respondent dated 274 May, 2024amounts to a violation of Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and therefore unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal.

    The plaintiff also prayed the court to declare that that by a true interpretation of Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 the Applicant being a Public Official cum custodian of information at Nigeria Police Force which is a Public Institution within the meaning of Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 is obligated to furnish on request by the Applicant a comprehensive, just and fair information and documents as enumerated in their letter to the Respondent dated 2″¢May, 2024.

    In the suit, the plaintiff listed the following as facts in support of the grounds of the suit:

    That Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020gives the Nigeria Police Force power for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged; amongst other duties within or outside Nigeria.

    “On 2nd May, 2024 the Applicant wrote a letter to the Respondent requesting for acomprehensive and detailed FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORTof the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja on 30 May, 2010.

    “Till date, the Respondent has failed, refused and or neglected to avail the Applicant access to the information and documents requested vide their letter dated 2″4 May, 2024 which was received at the office of the Respondent on 3” May, 2024.

    “The 7 (Seven) days within which the Respondent is required by Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act. 2011 to furnish the Applicant with the information and documents sought began to run from 4th May, 2024 and elapsed on 10 May, 2024.

    “However, the Respondent did not comply with Section 4 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 by giving notice to the Applicant that access to all or part of the information sought will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the Section of the Act under which the denial is made.

    “Unless and until the Respondent is compelled by an Order of this Honourable Court, he will continue to refuse the Applicant access to the information and documents sought by them from the Respondent.

    “The failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to give the Applicant access to the information and documents sought is unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal.

    “The Applicant is aggrieved and hereby applies that this Honourable Court invokes the provisions of Freedom of Information Act, 2011 particularly Section 1 (3) thereof by issuing a Writ of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to allow the Applicant access to the information and documents sought in their letter dated 2 4May, 2024submitted to the Respondent in line with his duty under Section”.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter

  • IPOB killings: Identities of Soldiers Revealed

    IPOB killings: Identities of Soldiers Revealed

    Identities of the soldiers gruesomely murdered in Abia State by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have emerged.

    During the sit-at-home on Thursday, vehicles and tricycles were also set ablaze by the rampaging IPOB terrorists.

    The military, in a statement on Friday, confirmed that no fewer than five of its troops deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were killed and vowed to retaliate.

    According to Daily Trust, a signal obtained on Friday disclosed that two Sergeants, two Corporals and one Lance Corporal, were killed, while six civilians were killed in the crossfire.

    The soldiers were identified as:

    1. Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467)

    2. Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028)

    3. Corporal Gideon Egwe(10NA/65/7085)

    4. Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483)

    5. Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663)