Category: Cityscope

BENIN CITY, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Edo State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against criminal elements posing as law enforcement officers in Benin City and surrounding areas.

According to a statement signed by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command uncovered a well-organized syndicate responsible for harassment, abduction, and extortion of citizens. Victims reported being unlawfully stopped along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, forcibly conveyed around the city, and taken to Point of Sale (POS) operators to withdraw money under duress.

Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, ordered a discreet, intelligence-driven investigation that led to the arrest of several suspects, including serving and dismissed police personnel. Those arrested include:

• Goodluck Jaja (POS Operator)
• ASP Bonny Paul Onajite
• Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom
• Inspector Arebame God’s Power
• Corporal Mordi Philip
• Destiny Emmanuel (Dismissed Police Corporal)
• Corporal Okon Elvis
• Samuel Nicholas (Mini Bus Driver)
• Etim Bright (Mini Bus Driver)

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects exploited police uniforms and accoutrements to deceive victims, tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Serving officers are undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials, and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Command urged victims of the syndicate to come forward with information to aid prosecution. It also warned POS operators and merchants against colluding with individuals, including those in uniform, in unlawful transactions.

Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the Command stressed that no individual is above the law. CP Agbonika assured residents that the operation aligns with the mandate of Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to restore public confidence and sanitize the system.

YOLA, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the killing of a young man in the Michika axis of the state.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, fdc, condemned the incident and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution. He urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.

In a related development, the Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the killing of Friday Isah, 25, in Mubi North Local Government Area. Items recovered in connection with the crime will be treated as exhibits.

Police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, ANIPR, quoting the State Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to justice and public safety. He urged residents to remain law‑abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

IBADAN, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of ten suspects accused of impersonation and forgery in Ibadan, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

According to a statement by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, the arrests were made on 9 April after actionable intelligence revealed that a syndicate was operating from a hideout in the Ogunpa area of Ibadan. The group allegedly specialised in forging official documents, certificates, and stamps belonging to government agencies, banks, and private organisations.

The suspects were identified as Mumini Akanbi (62), Quadri Muhammed (31), Salami Tajudeen (50), Oladipupo Hammed (45), Oladipupo Taiwo (40), Olorunosebi Kazzeem (42), Fatai Akanni (54), Alamu Kazeem (60), Olalekan Afeez (42), and Alex Olanrewaju (64). All have reportedly confessed to their involvement and are assisting investigators.

Search warrants executed at their operational bases led to the recovery of incriminating exhibits, including forged police character certificates, Nigeria Police Force CID stamps, Oyo State Government ministry stamps, and stamps belonging to commercial banks and private organisations.

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, while also praising members of the public for providing timely intelligence. He emphasised the importance of community partnership in crime prevention and urged residents to remain vigilant.

The statement further highlighted the Inspector-General of Police’s “People-First Policing Strategy,” which prioritises community engagement and intelligence-led policing to enhance public safety nationwide.

The Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion. Citizens were advised to obtain documents only through official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to rid the state of criminal activities and called on residents to continue supporting security agencies in sustaining peace and order.

AKURE, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned three suspects for a string of traffic and criminal offences, including disobedience of traffic regulations, obstruction, assault on police officers, abduction of a police officer, resisting arrest, and reckless driving.

According to a statement issued by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer, the first incident occurred on 3 April when Olopade Abraham, accompanied by Emmanuel Taiwo, disobeyed traffic lights at Cathedral Junction, Akure, while driving a Toyota Avensis. A Senior Traffic Warden, ST Oliniju Kehinde, attempted to enforce compliance but was taken away in the vehicle when the driver diverted to an unknown destination. A patrol team from Fanibi Division intercepted the car at Winners Chapel Junction, rescuing the officer and arresting the suspects.

In a separate incident on 5 April, a police patrol team intercepted a vehicle driving against traffic at the Oba‑Ile axis. During enforcement, Mrs Adeyanju Tolutope and her husband, who remains at large, resisted arrest. Mrs Tolutope assaulted Inspector Tolulope before being taken into custody, while efforts continue to apprehend her fleeing accomplice.

All suspects have been charged in court for prosecution.

Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism and restraint of officers involved, noting that their swift actions reflect the Command’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and safeguarding road users. He expressed appreciation to Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his support and strategic guidance, which continue to strengthen the Command’s operational effectiveness.

The Command reiterated its zero‑tolerance stance on traffic violations and assaults against law enforcement officers, urging members of the public to comply with traffic regulations and lawful directives. Violators, it warned, will face decisive legal consequences.

OWERRI, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Imo State Police Command has launched a full‑scale security operation to track down those responsible for the killing of the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community.

Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, PSC(+), MNIPS, confirmed that tactical units, supported by operational assets and working in synergy with other security agencies, have been deployed to hunt down the perpetrators of the attack, which occurred along Asa Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command received a distress report from Ohaji Division on 10 April at about 4:30 p.m. Armed assailants attacked the monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme (Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom), killing him alongside five other victims yet to be identified.

Police operatives dispatched to the scene recovered the burnt remains of the deceased, which have since been evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.

The Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with intensive operations underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession. Additional security measures have been implemented to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in the area.

The Commissioner of Police and his management team have also carried out an on‑the‑spot assessment and confidence‑building visit to the Ochia community, reassuring residents of the Command’s resolve to restore calm and maintain a sustained security presence.

While extending condolences to the family of the late monarch and other victims, CP Bosso pledged that the perpetrators would be arrested and brought to justice. He urged members of the public with credible information to assist the investigation by reporting to the nearest police station or contacting the Command through its emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 and 0814 802 4755.

KANO, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Kano State Police Command has arrested four suspects linked to a car theft syndicate and recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla LE traced to Ibadan.

The Command also confirmed the recovery of a stolen Pontiac Vibe abandoned in Katsina after the suspects fled the scene. In a statement issued today, the Command noted that investigations into the arrests are ongoing. It urged members of the public to claim the recovered Corolla with valid proof by contacting the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) on 07063407910, while remaining vigilant against vehicle theft.

In a related development, the Kano Police arrested a 43‑year‑old suspect for stealing a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle in the Badawa axis of the city. The motorcycle was promptly recovered following a swift response by officers.

Despite these successes, the Command emphasised the need for continued vigilance among motorists and riders. It reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime, dismantling syndicates, and ensuring public safety, while encouraging citizens to cooperate actively with law enforcement efforts.

ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigerian activist, journalist, politician and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has warned that revelations of an alleged assassination plot against him confirm a long‑standing pattern of intimidation and violence aimed at silencing dissent.

In a statement today, Sowore said the disclosure by Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as “@IjeleSpeaks2,” was “not an isolated incident” but part of a deliberate campaign to target voices challenging injustice. He recounted past encounters with Ofoegbu, including efforts in 2024 to resist what he described as attempts to eliminate him while in detention, and stressed that such threats are calculated rather than random.

Sowore linked the latest revelation to his own history of violent attacks, including being shot at close range by police, beaten nearly to death, and the killing of his brother, Felix Olajide Sowore, in 2021. He recalled similar attempts dating back to his student activism at the University of Lagos in the 1990s, when he survived attacks by security forces and cult gangs allegedly mobilised by the military regime.

“These were not random acts; they were calculated efforts to silence me, to force me into retreat, and to break my resolve as a public conscience and a revolutionary,” Sowore said. He added that the threats have often extended to those around him, reflecting a broader strategy of intimidation.

While noting that Ofoegbu did not personally disclose specific details of the alleged plot to him, Sowore insisted that repeated attempts on his life remain ongoing. “It is too late. The struggle for total liberation is already in motion. Nothing can stop it,” he declared.

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Detectives of the Ajuwon Division, Ogun State Police Command, have arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a family member and an attempted secret burial in Akute, Ogun State.

The suspects — Maureen Okirie (35), Salia Karikari (15) and Jubril Karikari (12) — were apprehended on Thursday, 9 April, following an anonymous tip‑off about suspicious activity. Police officers arrived at the scene and reportedly caught one suspect attempting to bury the blood‑soaked body of Stanley Okirie (38) in a shallow grave.

According to a statement signed by DSP Oluseyi B. Babasayi, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, preliminary examination revealed a severe head injury. Investigations suggest the victim was attacked with a wooden pestle, while relatives conspired to conceal the crime. The suspected weapon has been recovered, and the body deposited at Life Channel Mortuary, Olambe, for autopsy.

The suspects are in custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, condemned the act as “cruel, inhumane and deeply disturbing,” particularly given the family connection. He stressed that such violence and attempts at cover‑up would not be tolerated, assuring the public of a thorough and transparent investigation.

Ojajuni urged residents to remain security conscious, report suspicious activities promptly, and continue cooperating with the Police in efforts to rid society of criminal elements.