Category: Crime Diary

AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the arrest and prosecution of social media creator “Justice Crack,” warning that the case raises serious constitutional questions.

Meeting in Awka, Anambra State, NEC adopted a resolution stressing that the matter touches directly on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, and access to information.

While acknowledging the importance of military discipline and operational security, the Council insisted that any state response must remain firmly anchored in law and constitutional safeguards.

NEC cautioned against the use of arrest, detention, and criminal prosecution in ways that could suppress lawful expression or intimidate citizens.

“Constitutional rights may only be restricted within limits reasonably justifiable in a democratic society and in strict compliance with the law,” the resolution declared.

The Council urged authorities to ensure that all actions in the case comply fully with due process, legality, and proportionality, reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to defending constitutional freedoms.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy has formally handed over 125 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following a successful anti‑smuggling operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base Epe in Lagos State.

Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY‑168YC on 29 April 2026, laden with the smuggled rice suspected to have entered Lagos through illegal border routes.

A statement issued by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, noted that officials of the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base Epe, on 5 May 2026, for the formal handover of the seized items. The exercise was conducted on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by Acting Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.

In line with established inter‑agency collaboration procedures, the seized goods were transferred to Customs for further investigation and necessary action.

The Navy emphasized that the successful interception and handover underline its continued commitment to combating smuggling, protecting Nigeria’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective cooperation with sister agencies.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment,” the statement added.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from enforcing certain provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code against broadcasting stations.

The order, issued by Justice E. D. Iosiagor on May 4, 2026, followed an application filed by the plaintiff, Adewale Akinseni, through his counsel, A. Olumide Fasika (SAN).

In the ruling, the court restrained the NBC, its officers, agents, and affiliates from imposing sanctions or levying fines based on specified sections of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, pending the hearing and determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.

The affected provisions include Sections 1.10.3, 3.1.1(a), 3.4.1(b), 5.3.3(b), 5.4.1(a), and 5.5.1(b) of the Code.

The court held that the interim relief was necessary to preserve the subject matter of the suit until the substantive application is heard.

The matter has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

The case, which was argued by counsel to both parties, is expected to test the scope of the NBC’s regulatory powers over broadcast stations and the enforcement of its code provisions.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged robust collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure peaceful and credible elections across the country.

Disu gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, attended by members of the Force Management Team and INEC national commissioners, focused on strengthening the security architecture for upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship polls, bye-elections, and the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, discussions centred on addressing prevailing security challenges and ensuring adequate protection for electoral processes nationwide.

In his remarks, Amupitan emphasised the need for proactive security strategies and specialised training for personnel, stressing the importance of guaranteeing a safe voting environment for all citizens, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

Responding, Disu described the visit as timely and critical to sustaining democratic stability, noting that the Nigeria Police Force has activated strategic measures to safeguard the electoral process.

He said these measures include intelligence-driven operations to curb political violence, cult-related activities, and voter intimidation, as well as coordinated plans for the secure movement of electoral materials and personnel.

The IGP added that the Force is strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and deploying strategies to counter misinformation during the electoral cycle.

He assured that officers deployed for election duties would strictly adhere to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, noting that personnel are undergoing training on rules of engagement and human rights protection.

Disu reiterated that the Police, as the lead agency in election security management, would enforce a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, warning that any officer found compromising the integrity of the process would face disciplinary action.

He further pledged the Force’s commitment to providing a secure environment for all voters, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, while calling for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Unity Advocacy Group (UAG) has called for a thorough investigation into allegations that about 150 members of a Fulani community died in a military-controlled detention facility in Kwara State, urging Nigerians to remain calm.

The group’s Convener, Ifeanyi Aigbedion, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Aigbedion said the claim, reportedly attributed to Amnesty International, remains unverified and should not be treated as established fact.

He stressed that allegations of such magnitude require proper verification by competent authorities before any conclusions are drawn.

He warned that the circulation of unconfirmed reports, particularly on sensitive security and ethnic issues, could inflame tensions and undermine national unity.

According to him, while the allegations are serious and warrant attention, they must be subjected to a transparent and independent investigation through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

Aigbedion noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces have maintained a record of professionalism and respect for human rights in both domestic operations and international peacekeeping missions.

He added that the military’s conduct under the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS frameworks has earned recognition for discipline and adherence to international humanitarian standards.

The UAG convener also cautioned against narratives that could misrepresent security institutions based on unverified claims, stressing the importance of balanced and fact-based reporting.

He called on relevant authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation and make the findings public in order to address speculation and restore public confidence.

Aigbedion reaffirmed the group’s commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence, urging the media and the public to prioritise accuracy, restraint and responsible communication in handling security-related matters.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed grave concern over the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordering the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to pay N100 million in damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in a defamation suit.

The ruling, which imposed significant financial penalties, public apologies, and annual interest payments, stemmed from a September 2024 incident during which DSS operatives reportedly visited SERAP’s Abuja office without prior notice, questioned staff members, and stationed armed personnel outside the premises.

Amnesty described the judgment as a dangerous precedent, warning that it risks undermining freedom of expression, association, and civic participation in Nigeria. “The judgment sends a deeply troubling signal about the state of civic space in Nigeria,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. The organisation characterised the case as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), aimed at intimidating civil society and discouraging accountability efforts.

The rights group urged Nigerian authorities to quash the ruling and end judicial harassment of SERAP and other civic actors, stressing that defamation laws should not be misused to silence critics. Amnesty referenced Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, adding that Nigeria’s international obligations require protection of these rights.

Amnesty warned that misuse of defamation suits against civil society could weaken oversight, discourage whistleblowing, and undermine anti‑corruption efforts. “Civil society organisations must be able to carry out their legitimate work without fear of harassment or punitive legal action. Undermining these efforts ultimately harms the public interest and erodes trust in democratic institutions,” the statement concluded.

GUSAU, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA of the Nigerian Army, have intensified offensive operations against suspected terrorists in Zamfara State, killing two insurgents and recovering weapons during coordinated clearance missions across parts of the state.

According to a statement issued on May 5 by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), the operations were launched in the early hours of May 4 targeting identified terrorist enclaves in Talata Mafara and Maradun Local Government Areas.

The military said the operations covered strategic locations including Maikwanuga village in Talata Mafara LGA, as well as Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji villages in Maradun LGA.

During the offensive, troops reportedly engaged armed terrorists in Tungar Magaji village with what the military described as “overwhelming firepower,” resulting in the death of two suspected terrorists while others fled the area.

Following the encounter, security forces conducted a search operation and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The military said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts within the Bagega–Sunke forest corridor and restore security to affected communities in the North-West region.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property and will continue to sustain offensive actions against terrorists within its area of responsibility,” the statement said.

The task force also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence to aid ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordering the organisation to pay N100 million in damages to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamation.

Justice Yusuf Halilu, who delivered the ruling in Abuja, also directed SERAP to publish public apologies, pay N1 million as litigation costs, and a 10 per cent annual interest on the damages until the judgment sum is fully settled.

Reacting to the decision, SERAP described the ruling as “seriously flawed” and a threat to civic space and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

The organisation said it had instructed its lawyers, including Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, to immediately file an appeal against the judgment.

SERAP further described the suit as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), alleging that the legal action was designed to intimidate civil society organisations and discourage accountability advocacy.

The group also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of allegedly using defamation laws and state institutions to suppress dissenting voices.

The case originated from a September 2024 publication by SERAP alleging that DSS operatives unlawfully entered its Abuja office after the organisation called for an investigation into corruption allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

DSS argued that the publication defamed its officials personally, but SERAP maintained that its statements were directed at the agency as an institution and not at individual operatives.

The ruling adds to growing debates over civic freedoms, defamation laws, and the relationship between state institutions and civil society groups in Nigeria.