Category: Crime Diary

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra has declared that its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), would continue operations across communities in the Southeast which it claims are threatened by armed groups and criminal elements.

In a press statement dated April 30, 2026, and signed by Mazi Chikadibia Ezeoziem, the group accused Fulani herdsmen, jihadist groups and other armed actors of posing what it described as an existential threat to communities in the region. The group further alleged that the Nigerian government and security agencies had failed to adequately protect lives and property in the Southeast.

IPOB also accused political leaders, governors, traditional rulers and community leaders in the region of abandoning their responsibilities to safeguard local communities from insecurity.

According to the statement, the Directorate of State of IPOB said it derived its mandate from what it described as the Biafran people and therefore possessed the authority to deploy ESN operatives to communities facing security threats.

The separatist movement stated that it would not seek approval from politicians, traditional rulers or community leaders before deploying ESN operatives to areas it considered vulnerable.

The group also claimed that its intelligence units were monitoring alleged threats from armed groups and gathering information for what it described as proactive security operations.

IPOB further alleged that some individuals within communities in the Southeast were collaborating with the Nigerian state and external armed actors to destabilize the region.

“The DOS want to assure them that we have unassailable intelligence on who they are and their activities of sabotaging ESN operations and betrayal of our land,” the statement said.

The organization, which is headquartered in Germany, remains proscribed by the Nigerian government. Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was convicted by a Nigerian court on charges related to terrorism-linked offences, unlawful broadcasting and incitement under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the Criminal Code. His legal proceedings, however, have continued to generate political and legal debate within and outside Nigeria.

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the SWAT unit, Ogun State Police Command, have arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered a stolen cow valued at ₦1.7 million, alongside a knife and an operational vehicle used in the crime.

According to a statement issued by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 30, 2026, at about 2:30 a.m., when rustlers invaded a dairy farm at Omitoro Village via Coker, Ifo/Ibogun axis and stole a cow.

Police said the suspects, identified as Muhammed Monsur and Olaseinde Olatunji, attempted to flee in a mini bus, popularly known as Korope, but were intercepted following a distress call and alarm raised by locals. The prompt intervention led to their arrest, while two other accomplices escaped into the surrounding bush.

Recovered exhibits include the stolen cow, a knife, and the operational mini bus. The cow was photographed for evidential purposes and later released to its owner after receiving necessary attention. The vehicle has been secured at the Ibogun SWAT office.

Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects are part of a four‑man gang. Efforts are underway to track down the fleeing members, while the arrested suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response of the operatives, assuring that the Command remains resolute in ridding Ogun State of criminal elements.

The Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Gombe State Police Command has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media alleging that the residence of Mr. Nafiu Bala was set ablaze in Gombe State.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the police said no such incident had been recorded anywhere in the state.

“The Command confirms that the report is false, as no such incident has been recorded anywhere in the State,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Ahmed Chuso, urged members of the public to disregard what the command described as misinformation designed to mislead the public.

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security across Gombe State and warned against the spread of unverified information capable of creating tension.

The viral images and claims surfaced on social media hours after the Supreme Court of Nigeria restored the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate President David Mark.

The apex court had set aside an earlier order of the Court of Appeal directing parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

In its judgment, delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, the Supreme Court held that the preservative order issued by the appellate court was unnecessary and improper because the appeal had already been dismissed.

The court ruled that there was effectively “nothing left” for the appellate court to preserve, consequently vacating the directive and returning the substantive leadership dispute to the Federal High Court for determination on its merits.

The ruling effectively restored the David Mark-led leadership structure of the ADC, including former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who currently serves as the party’s National Secretary, pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

MINNA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Niger State Office, has hosted a capacity‑building lecture on asset disclosure aimed at deepening officers’ understanding of compliance and ethical standards in the public service.

Held at the Commission’s conference hall in Minna, the session featured Mr. Gabriel Dairo, a representative of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), who delivered a detailed presentation on the legal and procedural framework of asset declaration.

In his opening remarks, the Resident Anti‑Corruption Commissioner (RACC) welcomed the guest lecturer and participants, stressing that transparency and accountability are critical to reinforcing public trust. He described strict adherence to asset disclosure requirements as both a legal obligation and a moral compass for public officers.

Mr. Dairo’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s statutory and institutional architecture governing asset declaration. He outlined step‑by‑step procedures for completing declaration forms, clarified common misconceptions, and warned that failure to properly declare assets could attract sanctions under existing laws.

An interactive session followed, allowing participants to raise practical challenges and discuss technical nuances of the declaration process.

A total of 17 officers attended the lecture, which was widely described as timely and impactful. Participants noted that the training sharpened their procedural knowledge and reinforced values of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

The ICPC Niger State Office reaffirmed its commitment to continuous capacity building and collaboration with institutions such as the Code of Conduct Bureau, as part of broader efforts to promote transparency and strengthen anti‑corruption initiatives across Nigeria’s public sector.

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a motorcyclist and subsequent attack on the Kara Police Outpost in Moniya, Ibadan, following an incident on April 24, 2026.

According to a statement signed by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, preliminary reports indicate that two officers attached to the Kara Outpost were allegedly conducting an unauthorized stop‑and‑search when they intercepted Sanni Salisu, 35. During the encounter, Salisu reportedly suffered what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, collapsed, and was rushed to Modupe Hospital, Akinyele, where he was pronounced dead.

The incident triggered unrest, with aggrieved individuals attacking the Kara Police Outpost and setting parts of the facility ablaze. Property destroyed included three motorcycles and a Mazda patrol vehicle, while one officer sustained severe burns. Reinforcements were later deployed to restore order.

The deceased has been evacuated to Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary for autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved, who are currently in custody, and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Command cautioned against false narratives circulating on social media and urged residents to rely on official updates. It reiterated its zero tolerance for indiscipline, stressing that any officer found culpable will face the full weight of the law.

CP Olugbenga appealed for calm and assured that justice will be served, while commending the Inspector‑General of Police for his support in strengthening professionalism and accountability. The Command urged residents to remain peaceful and law‑abiding, and to cooperate with investigators.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with global institutions as part of ongoing efforts to enhance national security.

Speaking on April 29, 2026, while receiving a delegation led by Professor Randolph Charles Kent of King’s College London (KCL) at Army Headquarters, Abuja, Lt Gen Shaibu described the six‑year collaboration as a strategic enabler for building intellectual capacity, leadership development, and operational effectiveness. The partnership, facilitated through the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), expands access to world‑class military education and supports the Army’s drive toward a more professional, adaptive, and resilient force.

According to a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the COAS emphasized that contemporary security challenges demand forward‑looking strategies anchored in collaboration, innovation, and knowledge‑sharing. He highlighted NARC’s role as a critical think tank in generating policy‑relevant ideas and fostering inter‑agency synergy to address Nigeria’s evolving threat landscape.

Lt Gen Shaibu also underscored the growing influence of the digital information ecosystem on national security, warning of vulnerabilities linked to information warfare and malign influence operations. He called for deeper academic and institutional collaboration to develop proactive, research‑driven solutions.

In his remarks, Professor Kent commended the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to partnership, noting that the Yale‑NARC African Leadership Centre programme thrives on mutual knowledge exchange and shared expertise. He said such collaborations are vital in navigating global uncertainties, fostering innovation, and strengthening collective capacity to respond to complex security challenges.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of Mr Mene Ogidi on April 26, 2026, in Effurun, Delta State.

According to a statement issued on April 29 by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, the officers were withdrawn from the Delta State Command and subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings at Force Headquarters, Abuja. The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) found that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were deemed unlawful, unprofessional, and a betrayal of the oath to protect life.

The Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, approved the committee’s recommendations and forwarded them to the Police Service Commission for ratification. Upon completion of administrative procedures, the officers will be handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution.

The IGP reiterated the Force’s zero‑tolerance stance on extrajudicial actions, stressing that “no uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law.” He extended condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them that justice will be served in a manner that reinforces public confidence and accountability.

The Police urged members of the public to remain calm and law‑abiding, reaffirming its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity.