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Tag: law enforcement

  • Military Court Martial Two Officers Over Kaduna Bombing

    Military Court Martial Two Officers Over Kaduna Bombing

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has acknowledged errors in the drone strikes on the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State, resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent citizens.

    The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this information during a media briefing on Thursday.

    He stated that investigations had been completed, and the strikes were deemed a case of mistaken identity.

    Recall that the drone strikes occurred on December 3, 2023, and claimed the lives of several non-combatants in Tudun Biri village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

    The spokesperson for DHQ mentioned that the individuals responsible for the incident would be subjected to a military court martial.

    While he did not provide specific details regarding the disciplinary actions, he confirmed that the two personnel involved will face the consequences of their actions.

  • We didn’t shoot pro-Yahaya Bello protesters in Abuja —EFCC 

    We didn’t shoot pro-Yahaya Bello protesters in Abuja —EFCC 

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) refutes claims of firing at supporters of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, during a demonstration at its Abuja headquarters.

     According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, there was no such incident as depicted in a video circulating on social media.

    He said the operatives only dispersed the protesters who went to the commission’s headquarters to disrupt activities.

    The EFCC spokesperson added: ”No arrests were made as claimed by the group.

    “Two groups demonstrated at the commission today. The first group came with a letter of commendation in support of the EFCC anti-corruption fight.

    ”They presented their letter, which was received by the Director of Public Enlightenment Department, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, who promised to deliver their message to the chairman.

    ”Not quite long, another group came. These people were violent and destructive; the men of the commission had to chase them away.

    “It is not true, nobody was arrested and there was no shootout.”

    Bello’s supporters had gone to the EFCC office to protest his alleged political persecution.

    The pro-Bello protest was staged by the Kogi Youth Coalition.

    They claimed they were attacked by the EFCC operatives.

    The group claimed that the first group of protesters were allowed into the commission but the pro-Bello group were denied entry.

    Videos of the protesters struggling to make their statements while being harassed and scampering for safety flooded social media with a picture of a badly damaged vehicle.

    The group claimed that about 10 members were arrested while many were injured.

  • TETFund Denies Allegations of Misconduct Amidst ICPC Claims

    TETFund Denies Allegations of Misconduct Amidst ICPC Claims

    In a twist to recent developments, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has refuted assertions made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding his alleged custody. 

    Contrary to ICPC’s statements, Echono maintained that he remains in his office and was not detained.

    The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, previously stated that Echono was in their custody for questioning, indicating an ongoing investigation. 

    However, Echono clarified that while an official from TETFund was indeed invited by the ICPC for document submission, they have since been released.

    These developments follow earlier reports, revealing TETFund’s awarding of contracts totaling N7.6 billion to Fides Et Ratio Academy and Pole Global Marketing without the required approval from the federal executive council. 

    The contracts, aimed at enhancing capacity-building courses and learning management systems for 2 million students across higher institutions, raised concerns about due process.

    In response to the allegations, TETFund issued a rejoinder denying any wrongdoing and emphasizing adherence to due process in its procurement activities. 

  • Alleged N3bn Fraud: How Oyo-Ita, Allies Diverted Public Funds to Private Companies

    Alleged N3bn Fraud: How Oyo-Ita, Allies Diverted Public Funds to Private Companies

    Prosecution Witness Eight, (PW8), Hamma Adama Bello in the trial of former Head of Service (HoS), Winifred Oyo-Ita on Thursday, April 25, 2024 narrated before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how the 
    defendant and her subordinates diverted public funds into their private companies.

    Oyo-Ita, the first defendant is facing criminal prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC alongside her special assistants, Ugbong Okon Effiok (seventh defendant), Garba Umar (fourth defendant) and six companies: Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Slopes International Limited, U and U Global Services Ltd, Prince Mega Logistics Ltd and Good Deal Investments on 18-count charges bordering on misappropriation, official corruption, money laundering and criminal diversion of funds to the tune of over N3billion.

    The witness, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Faruk Abdullahi and H.M. Mohammed told the court that Oyo-Ita used Slopes International Limited and Good Deal Investments Limited-fifth and sixth defendants respectively to fraudulently award government contracts to herself through the fourth defendant, Umar. The first entry transaction of Good Deal Investment Ltd on February 2019 showed that money was paid into its Zenith Bank account to the tune of N42,748, 201.47 ( Forty-two million, Seven Hundred and Forty-eight Thousand, Two Hundred and One Naira, Forty-seven kobo). Umar, the witness said incorporated the company with Oyo-Ita’s full knowledge.
     
    “We called for the account statements of these two companies, upon analyzing them, we realized he (Umar) was paid several sums of money from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing where he is an employee. Upon interviewing the fourth defendant, he admitted that he was also a contractor. He also admitted to having paid the first defendant on several occasions from the proceeds of the transaction,” the witness said.
     
    On April 27, 2019, the witness disclosed that a transfer of N20, 2027, 142 (Twenty Million, Two Thousand and Twenty-seven, One Hundred and Forty-two Naira) was made in the name of Ibrahim Madu to the Zenith Bank account of Asanaya Projects Ltd. The mandate card of the account bears the signature and photo of the seventh defendant, Effiok.
     
    Investigation, according to the witness, also revealed that the seventh defendant incorporated Asanaya Projects Ltd in his name with the knowledge of the first defendant and that approvals were granted and payments made to the seventh defendant either through his personal account or to the account of the company. 
     
    According to the witness, “The seventh defendant upon interview confirmed he never travelled for most of the funds he received and that the first defendant was aware and benefitted on several occasions from the funds. The account of U and U Global Services Limited was also opened by the seventh defendant.
     
    “In summary, from 2015 to 2018, U and U Global Limited received several payments in the form of Duty Tour Allowances and estacodes. Sometimes, payments from the federal government were made directly to the account. For instance, on March 24, 2016, he received N40, 313, 453. 58 (Forty Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Three Naira, Fifty-eight Kobo). This particular payment was from the federal government.”
     
    Further in his testimony, the witness stated that “Exhibit O is the Fidelity Bank account of Prince Mega Logistics Ltd. On March 27, 2018 and April 6, 2018, there were four entries, N4, 950, 000 (Four Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira); N3,946,000; (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-six Thousand Naira); N4,676,000 (Four Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-six Thousand Naira) and N1,478,000 (One Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) from Thomson Titus Okure who used to be a colleague of the seventh defendant in the Account Department.

  • Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

    Three killed, dozens kidnapped as bandits invade Zamfara Emir’s palace

    Armed bandits raided the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Bunu, resulting in three fatalities and the abduction of several residents.

    The attack, occurred around 10 pm on Wednesday, also targeted the the residence of former Military Administrator Colonel Bala Muhammad Mande (rtd). 

    According to witnesses, the bandits attempted to gain entry into the palace by firing at the entrance gate. Fortunately, the gate was locked, preventing their access. However, they proceeded to vandalize nearby structures, including a GSM mast, and set fire to two generators.

    Sources revealed that the emir had been the primary target of the attack, as he had narrowly escaped a previous abduction attempt. Following the incident, he was quietly relocated to the state capital for safety.

    In their failed attempt to breach the palace, the bandits turned their attention to the former military administrator’s residence, firing shots that damaged the property. During their retreat from the town, they inflicted casualties, killing three individuals and abducting several others.

    A resident of the town who pleaded anonymity told Daily Trust: “We don’t know the number of people abducted because when the bandits started the shooting, residents ran into the bush for safety.

    “No one dared stay back when the bandits were firing shots. The magnitude of the gunshots was scary. Hence, we all ran into the bush for our dear lives.

    “We are calling on the government to provide enough soldiers to the town because the bandits may return again since they know the emir is in town.

    “All they want is to abduct the emir, and we don’t know why they want to kidnap him.”

    While the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara confirmed the attack and the abduction of one palace staff member, there are reports of additional abductions, including the Sarkin Gida of Zurmi Emirate and a local tea seller.

  • Suleja prison: Security operatives begin manhunt for escaped inmates

    Suleja prison: Security operatives begin manhunt for escaped inmates

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has initiated a search for 109 out of 119 inmates who exploited the collapse of the perimeter fence of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, to escape from custody during heavy rainfall on Wednesday night.

    According to a statement by the NCoS spokesperson, AS Duza, the incident occurred when the prison’s perimeter fence collapsed due to the prolonged and intense rainfall on Wednesday night, causing damage to the custodial facility and surrounding structures.

    He said while 10 of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives. 

    According to him, the NCoS has activated its recapturing mechanisms and is collaborating with other security agencies to track down the fleeing inmates.

    Part of the statement read: “The service has immedi­ately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunc­tion with sister security agen­cies have so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot chase to recapture the rest.

    “The service is not unmind­ful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era, and that they are old and weak.

    “The service is making fran­tic efforts to see that all ageing facilities give way for modern ones. This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six number of 3000-capacity ul­tra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing ones.

    “The service wishes to assure the public that it is on top of the situation and that they should go about their businesses without fear or hindrance. The public is fur­ther enjoined to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency.”

  • 119 Inmates Escape Suleja Correctional Centre Following Heavy Downpour

    119 Inmates Escape Suleja Correctional Centre Following Heavy Downpour

    Suleja Correctional Centre was thrown into chaos on Wednesday night as a severe rainstorm battered the facility, leading to the escape of 119 inmates.
    Mr. Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the incident, attributing it to the extensive damage caused by the downpour.

    The heavy rainfall destroyed the custodial facility and its surroundings, particularly damaging the perimeter fence and facilitating the escape of the inmates, according to Duza.

    In a statement released on Thursday morning, Duza revealed that immediate measures were taken to recapture the escaped inmates. Working in collaboration with other security agencies, the NCoS has successfully apprehended 10 fleeing prisoners, who have been returned to custody.
    However, efforts to locate and secure the remaining escapees are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies intensifying their search.

    “The Service recognizes the vulnerability of its aging facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era,” stated Duza. “Efforts are underway to modernize these facilities and enhance security measures.”

    Duza highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading correctional infrastructure, including the construction of six 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
    Additionally, existing facilities are undergoing reconstruction and renovation to address structural weaknesses and improve operational efficiency.

    The NCoS urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings to the nearest security agency. Despite the breach, authorities reassured residents of Suleja of their unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security in the region.

  • EFCC hands over recovered assets to Enugu governor

    EFCC hands over recovered assets to Enugu governor

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday, handed over 14 recovered assets to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State.

    During the handing over ceremony held at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, Olukoyede revealed that the assets recovered by the commission was forfeited to the Federal Government.

    He added that the EFCC began an investigation into the development since 2007, and had achieved the conviction of persons in relation to the matter.

    He also noted that the President, Bola Tinubu, ordered the handover of the assets which includes – real estate, radio and television transmission equipment, and medical facility, amongst others, to the Enugu State Government, following a request by the EFCC.

  • IG Egbetokun Denies saying Nigeria Not Mature For State Police

    IG Egbetokun Denies saying Nigeria Not Mature For State Police

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Ben Okolo, has said his comments at the National Dialogue on State Police in Abuja on Monday were his personal views.

    Okolo, who had expressively said that he was representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun at the event, said the country is not mature enough for state police despite Nigeria’s myriad of security challenges.

    He had also suggested that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to become departments under the Force.

    Following this development, his comments angered many Nigerians, who said the rising insecurity in the country demands urgent attention.

    Speaking at a briefing at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, Okolo retracted his comments and clarified some points.

    The police officer said his statement that “Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force” was a personal view and did not reflect the stance of the police force.

    According to Okolo, the comments were not that of the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force, adding that the position of the Force will soon be made known.

  • Naira Abuse: Bobrisky appeals against sentence

    Naira Abuse: Bobrisky appeals against sentence

    Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, A.K.A Bobrisky has approached the Appeal Court, challenging the six months sentence given to him by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

    He pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the court on a four counts charge bordering on naira abuse proffered on him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    However, the court on April 12 sentenced Okuneye to six months imprisonment without an option of fine to serve as a deterrent to others fond of abusing and mutilating the naira.

    Not satisfied with the verdict handed to him, Okuneye, through his counsel, Mr Bimbo Kusanu, has approached Court of Appeal, praying it to set aside the sentence.

    Specifically, Bobrisky is asking the court to replace the sentence with an option of N50,000 fine on each of the counts.

    In the notice of appeal, he submitted that the trial court imposed the maximum sentence on the appellant, who had no previous criminal record of conviction.

    He stated that there were options to impose a lesser sentence by the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

    He averred that the sentence imposed by the trial court against the appellant was punitive and contrary to the mandatory provisions of the ACJA.

    The appellant stated that the trial court did not consider the positive antecedent of the appellant, who did not waste the time of the court by pleading guilty to the charge.

    He stated that the appellant honoured the invitation of the respondent on the first invitation.

    He said that the trial court failed to exercise its discretion judiciously and judicially in sentencing the appellant, explaining that such an act had occasioned a miscarriage of justice against his client.