Category: Cityscope

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman seen in a viral video attempting to stab her teenage daughter at 32 Tashoro Street, Opeki, Ayobo.

According to neighbours, the woman, described as “stubborn,” had a history of violence against her daughter and had allegedly stabbed her multiple times in the past. In the circulating video, she was restrained by neighbours after pinning the teenager to the ground, in what could have ended tragically.

In a statement issued Wednesday, police confirmed the arrest of the woman, described as seemingly mentally unstable, and said she is currently in custody. “The affected children have been rescued and safely handed over to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development for proper care, protection, and necessary welfare support,” the Command noted.

Authorities assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Residents were urged to remain calm as the situation is under control.

Observers have called for the woman’s mental state to be assessed, citing her erratic behaviour as a reflection of wider concerns about declining mental health among Nigerians amid economic pressures and rising living costs.

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old man, identified as Idowu Ashafa, for allegedly being in possession of a fresh human head and two severed palms concealed in a nylon bag in Igbesa area of the state.

The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of 17 April 2026 by operatives of the Igbesa Division during a routine patrol supervised by the Area Commander, ACP Folashade Tanaruno. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the arrest followed a stop-and-search operation led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Solotan K. Owolabi.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspect allegedly exhumed the human remains from a grave at Ido Itekun Village in Igbesa for suspected ritual purposes. Authorities said the implement used in carrying out the act has been recovered, while the scene of the incident has been visited and documented. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

In a separate development, operatives of the Ibafo Division have arrested three suspects over the theft of a vehicle and successfully recovered the stolen car. The suspects—Obada Ezekiel, 27; Emmanuel Timothy, 25; and Yaya Yakubu, 27—were apprehended on 18 April 2026 following a credible tip-off that led police to their hideout within the Ibafo axis.

Police investigations revealed that Obada Ezekiel, a private security guard attached to the vehicle, allegedly conspired with the two others to steal the ash-coloured Lexus RX 300 SUV from Lagos and move it to Ibafo for disposal. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be transferred to the SCID in Abeokuta for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift response and effective use of intelligence, which led to the arrests and recovery. He also appreciated members of the public for providing timely information and reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing.

The police assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official emergency channels.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a clarification over a viral video circulating on social media alleging that one of its officers assaulted a motorist in the Central Business District of Abuja.

In a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander, the Corps denied the claim, insisting that no officer attacked, threatened, or attempted to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle. It also clarified that the individual seen in the video holding an iron rod is not an FRSC officer.

According to the FRSC, the incident occurred during a routine traffic enforcement operation by its RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The vehicle in question was lawfully intercepted for traffic violations, including overloading and failure to comply with seatbelt regulations.

The Corps said the situation escalated when the driver became non-compliant and deviated from lawful directives, creating a scene that attracted public attention and heightened tension in the area. As the situation unfolded, a crowd gathered, raising concerns about potential disorder.

In the statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer, the FRSC maintained that its personnel exercised restraint throughout the encounter.

“It is important to categorically state that at no time did any FRSC personnel assault, threaten, or attempt to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle,” the statement said.

The Corps further explained that the individual seen wielding a rod in the video was a passerby whose actions have been misconstrued, leading to a distorted narrative of the incident.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the FRSC stated that its officers adhered to established procedures and demonstrated restraint and emotional intelligence in line with global best practices in enforcement and conflict management.

ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its campaign against organised crime, arresting 50 suspects and recovering high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, during nationwide operations.

The disclosure was made at a press briefing on 13 April at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.

According to Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the intelligence-led raids targeted syndicates involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

Between January and April 2026, police operatives dismantled multiple criminal cells, recovering 17 rifles of various models, 1 anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 5 walkie-talkie devices, 9 magazines, 3 mobile phones, and 1 Golf vehicle.

Among the most notable successes was the dismantling of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. Police also apprehended suspects responsible for the murder of three officers in Taraba State.

Further arrests targeted groups operating in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, including syndicates behind “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake police checkpoints. These operations led to the recovery of stolen property and the disruption of criminal networks.

In Benue State, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed his connection to a notorious bandit known as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding citizens, stressing that several suspects are set for prosecution while others remain under investigation. He said the achievements reflect the Police’s reliance on both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements.