New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • 11 killed, 12 injured as COCIN leader raises alarm over fresh Plateau attack

    11 killed, 12 injured as COCIN leader raises alarm over fresh Plateau attack

    JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has called on security agencies to urgently intervene in the Sabon Layi community in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State following a deadly attack allegedly carried out by armed assailants.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, Dachomo appealed to law enforcement authorities to respond swiftly to the situation in the troubled community.

    “Pray for Sabon Layi, Barkin Ladi. All law enforcement agencies should take note and intervene urgently, please,” he said.

    The cleric, who has consistently spoken on attacks affecting Christian communities in northern Nigeria, alleged that the assault occurred on May 7, 2026. According to him, initial reports indicating that 10 persons were injured did not reflect the full scale of the incident. “Our findings from the ground today confirm that 12 persons were critically injured while 11 innocent souls were killed,” he stated.

    Dachomo said one of the victims was a four-year-old child, lamenting what he described as the growing loss of humanity and compassion amid recurring violence in affected communities.

    “Eleven human beings. Eleven destinies. Eleven families thrown into darkness,” he said.

    The cleric, who accompanied his statement with graphic images allegedly showing victims of the attack, further accused some sections of the media of downplaying the scale of the violence (denying what he said is a genocide against the people) despite repeated killings in parts of Plateau State. “How many more bodies must be buried before the truth is acknowledged? How many mothers must cry themselves to sleep? How many children must die in silence?” he queried.

    Citing several biblical passages, Dachomo urged the international community and relevant authorities not to ignore the plight of victims and displaced families. He said many of the injured victims were struggling to access adequate medical care, while affected families faced difficulties covering treatment and burial expenses.

    The cleric also called for justice, protection for vulnerable communities and stronger humanitarian support for survivors of attacks across the region. “The world may choose silence, but Heaven sees every tear. God is watching. And one day, every hidden evil shall be brought into the light,” the statement added.

    Authorities in Plateau State had yet to issue an official response on the latest casualty figures at the time of filing this report.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported the killing of an entire Christian family in Plateau State. The victims — Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, and two children, Precious and Ishaya — were allegedly killed by radical Islamists on April 27, 2026, and laid to rest three days later in Kwi, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Their only surviving son managed to escape through a window during the attack.

  • SERAP asks Tinubu to probe alleged ₦26.9bn USPF fraud

    SERAP asks Tinubu to probe alleged ₦26.9bn USPF fraud

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct relevant authorities to investigate the alleged disappearance and diversion of ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

    The organisation specifically called on the President to mandate the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to account for the funds.

    SERAP also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, as well as anti-corruption agencies, to launch a prompt and effective investigation into the allegations.

    The group said any individual found culpable should face prosecution where sufficient evidence exists, while all missing or diverted funds should be recovered and returned to the treasury.

    The allegations are contained in the 2022 audited report published by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025.

    In a letter dated May 9, 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation described the USPF as critical to expanding telecommunications access in underserved and rural communities.

    “The USPF is vital to expanding telecommunications access in underserved and rural communities, and any diversion of its funds directly undermines its mandate to bridge the digital divide, support infrastructure development and promote inclusive connectivity,” the letter stated.

    SERAP said the allegations, which include unaccounted expenditures, irregular contract awards, failure to remit public funds and payments for services not rendered, raised serious concerns about financial accountability within the agency.

    According to the organisation, failure to investigate the allegations and recover the funds would undermine efforts to achieve digital inclusion and deprive Nigerians of essential services.

    The group warned that poor access to affordable internet connectivity continued to affect citizens’ ability to exercise fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, education and participation in public affairs.

    SERAP further argued that inadequate connectivity was widening socio-economic inequality by excluding millions of Nigerians from economic opportunities, financial services, healthcare information and civic participation.

    Among the allegations cited from the Auditor-General’s report was the failure of the USPF to remit more than ₦13.8 billion, described as annual operating surplus between 2016 and 2019.

    The report also alleged that the agency claimed to have spent over ₦11.7 million on international trainings during the COVID-19 lockdown period without supporting documents, while more than ₦2.8 billion in contracts were allegedly awarded without approval or procurement records.

    The Auditor-General further queried alleged payments of ₦8 million to a non-existent fund manager, over ₦6.4 billion spent on projects not captured in the approved 2020 budget, and another ₦2.8 billion allegedly spent without documentation between January and May 2021.

    Additional allegations include failure to remit more than ₦300 million in stamp duties, failure to deduct over ₦144 million in withholding tax, and payment of over ₦391 million to consultants without evidence of work done.

    SERAP gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its recommendations, warning that it could initiate legal proceedings in the public interest if no action was taken.

    The organisation also cited constitutional provisions and international anti-corruption conventions, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, as the legal basis for its demands.

  • Amnesty International condemns killing of 12 in Plateau community attack

    Amnesty International condemns killing of 12 in Plateau community attack

    ABUJA, Nigeria — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the killing of at least 12 people during what it described as a “horrific midnight attack” on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State in the country’s northcentral.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the rights organisation said 10 other persons were currently receiving treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during the attack.

    According to Amnesty International, the victims included pregnant women and children.

    “The victims include pregnant women and children. Entire families were locked up in rooms of their homes and slaughtered one by one,” the organisation stated.

    Amnesty International accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to effectively address Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

    “The utter failure of President Bola Tinubu’s government to address widespread insecurity is costing lives. While the government of Tinubu is claiming to be tackling the endemic security crisis, the death toll tells a different story,” the statement added.

    The organisation warned that Plateau State was becoming increasingly unsafe, with repeated attacks on rural and urban communities forcing residents to live in fear.

    “Many communities are dotted with mass graves of people killed by gunmen on rampage,” Amnesty said.

    The rights group further accused Nigerian authorities of repeatedly failing residents of Plateau State, noting that recurring attacks by armed groups had deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, liberty, physical safety and livelihood.

    Amnesty International called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts aimed at ending the violence and ensuring accountability for those responsible.

    The organisation also demanded justice and adequate compensation for victims and survivors of the attacks.

    “Victims and survivors must be given adequate reparation,” the statement concluded.

  • Armed robbers invade Offa transmission station, TCN declares force majeure

    Armed robbers invade Offa transmission station, TCN declares force majeure

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared force majeure on the Offa 132kV Transmission Substation following a robbery incident at the facility.

    According to the company, the substation, located in Offa, was invaded by heavily armed men who reportedly forced their way into the control room and held personnel on duty hostage at gunpoint.

    In a statement issued by General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the attackers allegedly ordered the operator on duty to shut down both the Offa and Ojoku 33kV feeders at exactly 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

    The assailants were also said to have demanded a total shutdown of the substation. During the incident, some control switches and relay buttons were reportedly tampered with, while the 40MVA transformer was shut down at about 1:07 a.m.

    TCN disclosed that efforts were immediately made to restore operations after the incident.

    According to the company, the 40MVA transformer was restored at 1:13 a.m., while the Offa 33kV feeder was restored at 1:14 a.m. The Ojoku 33kV feeder was subsequently restored at 2:15 a.m.

    The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to efficient electricity transmission across the country.

    “TCN regrets the inconvenience this incident may have caused and reaffirms its mandate to transmit bulk electricity efficiently to distribution companies’ load centres across the country,” the statement said.

  • Matawalle highlights strategic partnerships at SAHA Expo 2026, says Nigeria committed to strategic defence diplomacy

    Matawalle highlights strategic partnerships at SAHA Expo 2026, says Nigeria committed to strategic defence diplomacy

    ISTANBUL, Türkiye — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has described the SAHA Expo 2026 as one of the leading global platforms for the defence, aerospace and industrial sectors.

    The exhibition is being held at the Istanbul Expo Center from May 5 to May 9, 2026.

    Matawalle said Nigeria was honoured to engage with global industry leaders, defence stakeholders and international partners participating in the event.

    Highlighting the significance of the exhibition to Nigeria’s efforts at tackling insecurity, the minister disclosed that he held strategic discussions during the Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions with Secretary of Defence Industries of Türkiye, Haluk Görgün.

    According to him, the discussions focused on bilateral cooperation in defence and security, capacity-building initiatives, technology transfer and strategic collaborations aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of both Nigeria and Türkiye.

    “In view of the evolving security landscape across the African continent, our discussions further underscored the critical importance of multidimensional partnerships in promoting regional stability, strengthening collective resilience, and advancing a shared vision for global security,” Matawalle said.

    As part of activities at the exhibition, the minister also visited several exhibition stands, including that of Nigeria’s indigenous defence company, DICON-D7G, alongside MKE and other leading defence manufacturers showcasing advanced military technologies and innovations.

    Matawalle reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strategic defence diplomacy, indigenous capacity development and international collaboration in addressing contemporary security challenges.

    “Nigeria remains resolute in its pursuit of strategic defence diplomacy, indigenous capacity development, and international cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges,” the minister stated.

  • Delta police arrest three suspects, recover pump-action guns at Asaba bridge

    Delta police arrest three suspects, recover pump-action guns at Asaba bridge

    ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) —Operatives of the Buffalo Patrol Team of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three-armed suspects and recovered two pump-action guns loaded with seven live cartridges during a stop-and-search operation at the Head Bridge in Asaba.

    According to a statement today, issued by SP. Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, the operation was carried out on May 6, 2026, at about 7:06 p.m. while officers were conducting routine security checks at the bridge linking Delta State and Anambra State.

    Police said the operatives intercepted a black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep with registration number ABJ 254 CD for routine inspection.

    The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Chukwu Emeka Okeke, 30; Ndudo Tochukwu, 37; and Oraka Kaosiso Chukwu, 34.

    According to the police, officers conducted a detailed search of the vehicle based on reasonable suspicion, during which two pump-action guns and seven rounds of live cartridges were allegedly recovered.

    The suspects were immediately arrested and taken into custody, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.

    The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for what he described as their vigilance and professionalism.

    He reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating the movement of illegal arms and other criminal activities across the state.

  • Kenyan police foil burglary attempt, arrest suspect in Kisumu

    Kenyan police foil burglary attempt, arrest suspect in Kisumu

    KISUMU, Kenya (NPA) — The National Police Service on Friday said officers successfully foiled an attempted burglary at Holo Trading Centre in Kisumu County, leading to the arrest of a suspect.

    According to a security report issued by the service, officers attached to Holo Police Station in Kisumu West Sub-County responded to a distress call from a security guard in the early hours of Friday.

    Police said that upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a suspect on the rooftop of a building after allegedly dismantling part of the roofing in an attempt to gain entry into the premises.

    The suspect, who was reportedly armed with a sword, allegedly ignored initial orders to surrender and charged at the responding officers before eventually giving up.

    Police said the suspect was immediately arrested and taken into custody pending arraignment.

    A sword and a metal bar were recovered from the scene and secured as exhibits, according to the statement.

    The National Police Service commended the vigilance of the security personnel and the swift response of the patrol team, noting that their actions helped prevent possible loss of property.

    The service also urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through emergency lines and other official reporting channels.

  • Ondo Police assures robust security ahead of bye-election as CP and REC meet

    Ondo Police assures robust security ahead of bye-election as CP and REC meet

    AKURE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ondo State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free bye-election across the state. Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, at the Command Headquarters in Akure on May 7, 2026.

    Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and reviewing security strategies for the electoral exercise. CP Lawal emphasized that the Command, as the lead agency in election security, has already commenced strategic operational planning to safeguard voters, INEC staff, electoral materials, and facilities. He pledged that adequate security would be deployed to polling units, collation centers, and other critical locations.

    “We are fully committed to protecting lives and property, and to ensuring that citizens exercise their civic responsibilities without fear or intimidation,” CP Lawal stated.

    The Commissioner highlighted ongoing measures including intelligence gathering, visibility policing, strategic patrols, and coordinated operations to prevent disruptions before, during, and after the election. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his support in strengthening the state’s security architecture, and to Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic guidance.

    In his remarks, Dr. Agboke commended the Police Command for its professionalism and proactive measures, assuring that INEC remains committed to fairness, neutrality, and integrity in the conduct of the bye-election. He pledged continued collaboration with the Police and other stakeholders to deliver a transparent and hitch-free process.

    CP Lawal further called on political actors and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, while thanking residents for their cooperation and timely sharing of credible information with security agencies. He concluded with a reassurance that the Command is prepared to guarantee peace, safety, and public confidence throughout the electoral period.

  • U.S. Treasury sanctions Iraqi oil official, Iran-backed militias over oil smuggling, terror financing

    U.S. Treasury sanctions Iraqi oil official, Iran-backed militias over oil smuggling, terror financing

    WASHINGTON, U.S. (NPA) — The United States Department of the Treasury has announced sweeping sanctions targeting Iraq’s oil sector and senior figures linked to Iran-backed militias, accusing them of diverting Iraqi oil revenues to finance terrorism and destabilising activities across the Middle East.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the sanctions form part of Washington’s intensified “Economic Fury” campaign aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran and disrupting its regional proxy networks.

    Among those sanctioned is Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly, Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil, who U.S. authorities accused of abusing his office to facilitate the diversion and smuggling of Iraqi oil for the benefit of Iran and allied militia groups operating in Iraq.

    The Treasury Department also sanctioned senior figures linked to the Iran-aligned militias Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, both of which Washington has designated as terrorist organisations.

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused the Iranian Government of exploiting Iraq’s natural resources to fund militant operations.

    “Like a rogue gang, the Iranian regime is pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people,” Bessent said.

    “Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran’s military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners.”

    According to OFAC, Maarij allegedly used several official positions within Iraq’s oil sector, including his former role as head of the Iraqi parliament’s oil and gas committee, to support a network controlled by oil smuggler Salim Ahmed Said.

    U.S. authorities claimed the network mixed Iranian crude with Iraqi oil and exported it using forged Iraqi government documentation to evade international sanctions.

    The Treasury Department alleged that millions of dollars worth of oil were transported daily from Iraq’s Qayarah oil field to export terminals linked to the smuggling operation.

    Washington also accused militia-linked economic officials of using front companies, government contracts, and the oil trade to finance armed groups and coordinate activities with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), which the United States classifies as a terrorist organisation.

    Among those designated is Mustafa Hashim Lazim Al-Behadili, also known as Sayyid Awn, described by the U.S. as a senior economic official within Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq.

    The Treasury Department further announced sanctions against four Iraqi companies allegedly controlled by Al-Behadili and operating in the country’s oil and transport sectors.

    Additional sanctions were imposed on senior officials of Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, including Ahmed Khudair Maksus Maksus and Mohammed Issa Kadhim al-Shuwaili, whom U.S. authorities accused of facilitating weapons procurement and coordinating financial transactions with members of the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

    Under the sanctions, all assets and financial interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction are to be frozen, while American citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

    The Treasury Department warned that foreign financial institutions and companies doing business with sanctioned individuals or entities could also face secondary sanctions and restrictions under U.S. law.

    Washington said the measures are part of broader efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to block Iran’s access to revenue streams used to fund militant operations and regional influence networks.

  • Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Arnold to Release “Sokoto Declaration” on May 30

    Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Arnold to Release “Sokoto Declaration” on May 30

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —Aloy Ejimakor, activist lawyer and counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, says the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has authorised the announcement of a new document titled “The Sokoto Declaration.”

    According to Ejimakor, the declaration was jointly authored by Kanu and Mike Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and former mayor of Blanco City, Texas.

    Kanu is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Nigerian Federal High Court on November 20, 2025.

    In a statement accompanied with a campaign banner, Ejimakor said the declaration represents “a statement of common cause, a call to all who value human rights and self-determination, and a light for the path ahead.”

    “As Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, I have been authorized by him to announce that he has been working with Mazi Mike Arnold, and together they have drafted The Sokoto Declaration,” the statement partly read.

    Ejimakor disclosed that the document would be formally released on May 30 through Biafra Radio.

    Arnold had earlier attracted attention on March 26, 2024, after publishing a lengthy article titled “Great Britain’s Dirtiest Secret,” in which he criticised the British Government’s handling of Kanu’s case.

    In the article, Arnold argued that Kanu, a British passport holder and founder of IPOB, had been targeted for advocating Igbo rights and self-determination.

    He also alleged that IPOB was designated a terrorist organisation in 2017 under former President Muhammadu Buhari without trial or sufficient evidence, although subsequent court rulings reportedly challenged aspects of the designation.

    As of the time of filing this report, details of the contents and specific direction of “The Sokoto Declaration” remain unclear, particularly regarding its implications for Kanu’s agitation, IPOB’s objectives, and the broader issues surrounding the separatist movement.