New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Police arrest man with fresh human head and palms in Ogun, nab others over stolen Lexus

    Police arrest man with fresh human head and palms in Ogun, nab others over stolen Lexus

    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.

  • FRSC debunks viral video, denies assault on motorist in Abuja

    FRSC debunks viral video, denies assault on motorist in Abuja

    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.

  • NBC warns broadcasters over Code violations ahead of 2027 elections

    NBC warns broadcasters over Code violations ahead of 2027 elections

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a formal notice to broadcasters across Africa’s most populous country over rising breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in news, current affairs, and political programmes.

    The directive, released by the Office of the Director-General through the Public Affairs Department, followed what the regulator described as a sustained increase in violations of the 6th Edition of the Code. The Commission said broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that depart from their core obligation to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.

    The NBC warned that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, it will enforce strict and uncompromising compliance with all provisions of the Code, particularly those relating to fairness, accuracy, balance, hate speech, incitement, and respect for constitutional institutions.

    Highlighting key concerns, the Commission pointed to what it described as a growing crisis in anchor and presenter professionalism. It said there has been a noticeable departure from ethical standards, including instances where presenters express personal opinions as facts, fail to provide balanced perspectives, or allow inflammatory content during broadcasts.

    The regulator also raised alarm over the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors, noting an increase in content that promotes divisive narratives, incitement, and disrespect for national unity. It stressed that such practices violate provisions prohibiting hate speech, subversion of constituted authority, and content capable of inciting public disorder.

    According to the Commission, broadcasters are expected to ensure that all sides to issues of public interest are equitably presented, preferably within the same programme, while maintaining professionalism in the coverage of sensitive topics such as politics, communal conflicts, and national security.

    The NBC further stated that any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinions as facts, bullied or intimidated guests, denied fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality will be deemed to have committed a Class B breach under the Code. The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding broadcast standards and warned that violations will attract appropriate sanctions as the country prepares for a critical electoral cycle.

  • NCoS hands over reformed ex-inmate to Gwagwalada traditional leader, seeks community support

    NCoS hands over reformed ex-inmate to Gwagwalada traditional leader, seeks community support

    ABUJA — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has handed over a reformed ex-inmate to the Aguma of Gwagwalada as part of efforts to promote offender reintegration and reduce recidivism.

    The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, formally presented Abdulkadir Mohammed, an indigene of Gwagwalada, to the traditional authority following the completion of his custodial sentence.

    Mohammed, who served four years and four months, acquired vocational skills in shoe-making during his time in custody. As part of his reintegration support, he was provided with a shoe-finishing machine to enable him to establish a small business. In a symbolic gesture, he presented a pair of handmade shoes to the Aguma, demonstrating his transformation.

    Jen called on the Aguma and the Gwagwalada community to support the former inmate by providing space for his business and encouraging his reintegration. He urged residents to avoid stigmatising ex-offenders, noting that many have undergone meaningful rehabilitation and are prepared to contribute positively to society.

    He said the initiative reflects the Service’s commitment to transforming custodial sentences into opportunities for personal development, and appealed to stakeholders to support reformed individuals in building productive lives.

    Responding on behalf of the Aguma, Bala Waziri commended the initiative and pledged the community’s support for Mohammed’s reintegration. He also expressed appreciation to the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for his leadership and commitment to rehabilitation programmes nationwide.

    The event underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service to strengthen vocational training, rehabilitation and partnerships with communities to ensure sustainable reintegration of former inmates.

  • Police arrest seven over Otukpo UTME candidates’ abduction, rescue victims in Benue

    Police arrest seven over Otukpo UTME candidates’ abduction, rescue victims in Benue

    MAKURDI, Nigeria—April 18, 2026 — The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the abduction of passengers in Otukpo Local Government Area, while also rescuing an unspecified number of victims.

    The arrests followed a coordinated joint security operation involving the police and other security agencies after the kidnapping incident, which occurred on April 15. Operatives carried out a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, leading to the successful rescue of some victims. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention, although authorities did not disclose their exact number.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that intelligence gathered during the operation led to the apprehension of the seven suspects, who remain in custody as investigations continue.

    The police also addressed reports circulating in sections of the media claiming that the victims were part of a convoy transporting candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The command dismissed the claims as inaccurate, clarifying that the abducted individuals were passengers travelling in a bus bound for Makurdi and were not linked to any organised group of students.

    The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and restore normalcy in the affected area.

    Authorities have urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information to security agencies, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling criminal activities.

  • Abuja court jails driver for assaulting FRSC officer

    Abuja court jails driver for assaulting FRSC officer

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 17 April 2026 (NPA) — An Abuja court has sentenced a driver, Abdulkadri Adamu, to two weeks’ imprisonment for attacking and injuring an operative of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) after refusing to comply with traffic directives.

    In a statement on Friday, the FRSC said Adamu, who was driving an overloaded Nissan Almera with registration number YAB 796 EQ, resisted lawful arrest during a routine operation at ECWA Junction, Karu, on Thursday, 16 April 2026. Reports indicate that he violently engaged the patrol team leader, lifting and forcefully throwing him to the ground, causing serious injuries.

    The injured officer was rushed to a medical facility in Karu, where he received emergency treatment, regained consciousness, and is undergoing further medical evaluation for suspected fractures.

    Swift intervention by members of the public led to Adamu’s arrest and handover to the police. He was arraigned in court, where he did not deny the charges. The presiding judge found him guilty and sentenced him to a two-week remand, set to expire on 23 April 2026.

    Reacting to the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed strongly condemned the assault, expressing concern over the rising trend of attacks on personnel. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to the safety and welfare of its officers, warning that aggression against FRSC operatives will be met with the full weight of the law.

    Mohammed urged motorists to respect constituted authorities and cooperate with enforcement officers, stressing that FRSC personnel are on the roads to save lives and ensure safer highways for all Nigerians.

  • Amnesty International warns of intensifying civilian suffering in Sudan

    Amnesty International warns of intensifying civilian suffering in Sudan

    INTERNATIONAL — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has sounded the alarm over worsening atrocities in Sudan as the country marks three years since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The organisation said the conflict continues to intensify, leaving civilians exposed to indiscriminate attacks, looting, sexual violence, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.

    Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, warning that “minimal, half-hearted and lacklustre responses” from the African Union, the UN Security Council, and other international actors have emboldened perpetrators. She urged urgent action to prioritise civilian protection, accountability for war crimes, and unhindered humanitarian access.

    Since April 2023, Amnesty has documented systemic abuses by both the SAF and RSF, including unlawful killings, rape, sexual slavery, torture, enforced disappearances, and widespread looting. The organisation highlighted atrocities such as the April 2025 attack on Zamzam, Sudan’s largest camp for internally displaced persons, where RSF fighters killed civilians, pillaged property, and displaced over 400,000 people. Similar abuses were reported in El Fasher after the RSF seized the city following an 18-month siege.

    Amnesty called on the UN Security Council to expand its referral of the Darfur conflict to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to cover crimes across Sudan, and urged the international community to increase funding and pressure both sides to allow lifesaving aid. “The Sudan conflict is not forgotten; it is being deliberately ignored and neglected. Behind this neglect are countless human beings undergoing untold suffering as the world looks the other way. This has to stop,” Callamard said.

  • UN Secretary-General urges end to Sudan’s three-year war amid worsening humanitarian conditions  

    UN Secretary-General urges end to Sudan’s three-year war amid worsening humanitarian conditions  

    INTERNATIONAL — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Sudan’s warring factions to urgently end the conflict that has ravaged the country for three years, leaving millions displaced and the nation on the brink of collapse.  

    Marking the grim anniversary, Guterres reminded the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, that nearly 34 million people now require humanitarian assistance, while more than 4.5 million have fled across borders. “This nightmare must end,” he declared, urging the parties to embrace dialogue rather than violence.  

    The war, which erupted in April 2023, stemmed from a bitter power struggle between the SAF and RSF over military integration and political control. What began in Khartoum quickly spread nationwide, destabilising neighbouring states and undermining Sudan’s fragile transition following the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir.  

    Sudan has suffered catastrophic losses: over 40,000 lives have been lost, and about 14 million people—nearly a quarter of the population—have been forced from their homes. Hospitals, schools, and water systems lie in ruins, while inflation, food shortages, and unreliable electricity have deepened the crisis.  

    The UN has described Sudan as the world’s worst humanitarian emergency, with 21 million people lacking access to health services. Disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and mass displacement have left families in despair, pushing millions into refugee camps across the region. Guterres stressed that only a credible, inclusive, civilian-led political process can restore hope and stability to the Sudanese people.

  • Nigerian Army honours General Braimah, Captain Azubuike and fallen heroes at Maiduguri Burial

    Nigerian Army honours General Braimah, Captain Azubuike and fallen heroes at Maiduguri Burial

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has paid tribute to its officers, including the late Brigadier General Omo Braimah, who was recently killed in a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP, alongside other fallen heroes, laid to rest with full military honours today.

    In a solemn ceremony held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, Brigadier General Braimah, Captain Azubuike Michael Esimai, and other soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice were buried amidst deep sorrow and reflection.

    Grieving families, comrades, and dignitaries gathered to honour their service. The fallen were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless commitment to defending Nigeria. Their sacrifice stands as a stark reminder of the heavy price that members of the Armed Forces pay daily to safeguard peace, unity, and security.

    Present at the ceremony were the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; and other senior officers. They described the fallen as patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and gave their lives so that others might live in safety.

    Prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their families. The grief of loved ones underscored the human cost of Nigeria’s security efforts, even as the courage of the departed remains a source of pride and inspiration.

    The whole nation mourned alongside their families and colleagues, united in grief and gratitude for the bravery of these men who placed duty above self. As Nigeria reflects on their sacrifice, it is reminded that the relative freedom and stability enjoyed today come at a profound cost — paid by heroes who gave everything in service to their fatherland.

  • Uganda Police distributes 50,000 coffee seedlings to officers to boost welfare and income

    Uganda Police distributes 50,000 coffee seedlings to officers to boost welfare and income

    KAMPALA, Uganda — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Uganda Police Force has begun distributing free coffee seedlings to its officers as part of measures to improve their welfare and reduce complete reliance on salaries.

    According to a statement issued by the police, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance officers’ welfare, boost household incomes, and promote self-reliance. The empowerment programme was carried out by the Directorate of Welfare, Production and Sports of the force, under the supervision of AIGP Hadijah Namutebi, Director of Welfare, Production and Sports.

    The distribution event took place at the Police Duty Free Shop in Nsambya, where a total of 50,000 coffee seedlings were handed out with support from the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture.

    The statement quoted AIGP Namutebi expressing her appreciation to the Ministry for its timely intervention and continued support toward improving the livelihoods of police officers. She emphasised that the Directorate of Welfare remains committed to empowering officers to actively engage in income-generating ventures, particularly through agriculture, which she described as sustainable and beneficial in the long term.

    Namutebi further encouraged officers to take full advantage of the Police Duty Free Shop by accessing quality building materials at subsidised and affordable prices. She noted that such initiatives are designed to support personal development, strengthen financial stability, and improve the overall quality of life for officers.