New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • BREAKING: EFCC to arrest unregistered POS operators as CAC partnership targets financial crimes

    BREAKING: EFCC to arrest unregistered POS operators as CAC partnership targets financial crimes

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have pledged stronger collaboration to curb the risks posed by unregistered Point of Sale (POS) operators, warning that their unchecked activities threaten businesses and national security.

    The commitment was made when CAC Board Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Adah, led a delegation to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja to meet with Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

    Adah disclosed that “only about 20% of POS operators are registered with CAC, a situation inconsistent with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agent Banking Regulations 2026.”

    He stressed that unregistered operators create loopholes exploited by criminals, noting that ransom payments linked to kidnappings are sometimes routed through POS terminals.

    Adah called for EFCC’s support in enforcing compliance nationwide and proposed the creation of a reliable database of POS operators for law enforcement use.

    He emphasised that CAC and EFCC have interconnected mandates: while CAC registers and regulates companies, EFCC investigates and prosecutes financial crimes. “Neither of the two agencies can fight and win the war against economic and financial offences if we work alone. Collaboration is required,” he said, adding that stronger synergy should focus on data sharing, public sensitisation, and staff capacity building.

    He assured that the CAC Board is fully committed to the partnership, describing EFCC as a strategic ally in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system. “We see the EFCC as a serious and strategic partner in this drive to deepen corporate compliance, promote transparency, and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” Adah stated.

    Responding, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede echoed concerns about POS operators, describing their activities as a major challenge to the nation’s financial ecosystem. “If you do not regulate the activities of such key players, you will be having major problems and challenges within your financial ecosystem,” he warned. Olukoyede reaffirmed EFCC’s commitment to working closely with CAC, revealing that the Commission has established a dedicated desk to handle CAC-related matters and is currently investigating about 200 companies.

    He described CAC as the “gateway to economic growth in Nigeria,” noting that foreign investors’ first contact is often through the Commission.

    Olukoyede stressed that EFCC’s enforcement role complements CAC’s regulatory mandate, ensuring that fraudulent companies are exposed and prosecuted.

    The meeting underscored a united front between Nigeria’s corporate regulator and its foremost anti-graft agency, signalling tougher scrutiny of POS operators and corporate entities nationwide.

  • JUST IN: Police rule out bomb attack in Mushin explosion, arrest four over military uniforms

    JUST IN: Police rule out bomb attack in Mushin explosion, arrest four over military uniforms

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has ruled out terrorism, sabotage or the use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the explosion that occurred in the Mushin area of the state, saying investigations confirmed it resulted from a mechanical failure.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command said forensic and technical investigations found no traces of explosive materials, detonators, initiation systems, explosive residues or blast characteristics associated with an explosive attack.

    According to the Police, the incident was caused by the catastrophic failure of a pressurised mechanical component outside a vehicle.

    The police said the failure triggered a sudden release of energy that shattered the vehicle’s front passenger-side glass panels, leaving the occupant with minor injuries.

    “Based on these findings, the incident has been professionally classified as a mechanical explosion,” the statement said.

    The Command recalled that following a distress call on June 22 reporting a suspected explosion in Mushin, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit were immediately deployed to the scene.

    The area was cordoned off while officers carried out a comprehensive search and recovery operation before declaring the location safe and free of any IED threat.

    Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai had also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and assured residents of adequate security, urging them to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

    Meanwhile, the Command said operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted an unregistered MAN diesel truck at the Lagos exit point, conveying 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of suspected illicit drugs.

    The police said four suspects were arrested and are currently in custody.

    Preliminary investigations indicate that the military camouflage uniforms were allegedly being transported to the South-East.

    The Command said investigations are ongoing to determine the source, ownership and intended recipients of the recovered items, while efforts are also underway to apprehend other suspects linked to the alleged criminal operation.

  • Mbah hails Enugu DNA Forensics Centre as Africa’s first, boost for justice

    Mbah hails Enugu DNA Forensics Centre as Africa’s first, boost for justice

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has described the newly inaugurated Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) as the first facility of its kind in Africa, saying it represents a major investment in justice administration, public safety and scientific innovation.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Mbah said the centre would strengthen criminal investigations, improve prosecution, support scientific research and help build a safer society.

    “The safety of our people and the future of our society depend not only on infrastructure, but also on strong institutions, innovation and knowledge,” the governor said.

    “The commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, the first of its kind in Africa, is a major step in that direction.”

    According to him, the facility will enhance the use of modern forensic science in combating crime while providing advanced training for future forensic experts.

    “It is an investment in justice, security and the kind of future we are building for generations to come,” he added.

    The Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation is located at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.

    The facility was established through a partnership involving the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre.

    The centre is designed to provide scientific evidence for criminal investigations, support law enforcement agencies and strengthen Nigeria’s justice system through forensic DNA analysis.

    Its services include crime scene analysis involving fingerprints, footprints, blood, hair and other biological evidence, while also serving as a training and research hub for forensic scientists, medical professionals and students.

    Although located in Enugu, the facility is expected to serve law enforcement agencies and institutions across Nigeria.

    Mbah described the project as one of the most significant investments in the state’s security architecture, noting that it would leave criminals with fewer places to hide.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police also hailed the facility as a landmark initiative that would accelerate the integration of forensic science into Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

    Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Mbah said every policy and project undertaken by his government was aimed at building a prosperous and globally competitive Enugu State.

    “Brick by brick, we are building the Enugu we will be proud to live in and proud to show the world,” he said.

  • EFCC to arraign Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo over alleged $2.53m terrorism financing, money laundering

    EFCC to arraign Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo over alleged $2.53m terrorism financing, money laundering

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Bello Abdullahi Bodejo (the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani socio‑cultural association in Nigeria) before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering involving $2.53 million.

    The anti-graft agency disclosed on Wednesday in a statement that it had filed a 12-count charge against Bodejo, accusing him of receiving and possessing large sums of foreign currency suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    According to the EFCC, Bodejo is expected to take his plea before the court in the coming days as formal prosecution begins.

    The Commission alleged that Bodejo received multiple cash payments in U.S. dollars from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State who is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The charges allege that the transactions exceeded the statutory cash transaction threshold and were conducted outside the banking system, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.

    According to the charge sheet, Bodejo allegedly received $100,000 on January 11, 2022, and $200,000 on January 21, 2022, without routing the funds through a financial institution as required by law.

    The EFCC further alleged that he received $980,000 in cash on February 7, 2024, and another $500,000 on March 20, 2024, from the same source under similar circumstances.

    In one of the counts, the Commission also accused Bodejo of knowingly taking possession of $980,000 believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity, an offence punishable under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The EFCC said the alleged offences are punishable under various provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The Commission added that further proceedings would commence once the Federal High Court fixes a date for Bodejo’s arraignment.

    The EFCC has not disclosed whether Bodejo has entered any plea or secured legal representation. Under Nigerian law, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

  • JUST IN: Police, Trust Fund commission new Taraba Command Headquarters

    JUST IN: Police, Trust Fund commission new Taraba Command Headquarters

    JALINGO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) have commissioned a new Taraba State Police Command Headquarters and a modern Divisional Police Headquarters in Yorro Local Government Area of the state.

    The projects were inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, Morkwap Sebastine Dongshal, alongside the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, and representatives of the Taraba State Government.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Dongshal conveyed the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for supporting efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

    He said the new facilities align with the police leadership’s vision of improving welfare, modernising infrastructure and providing a conducive working environment for officers and personnel.

    According to him, enhanced infrastructure remains critical to effective policing and improved service delivery.

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the police through the provision of modern infrastructure and other critical resources.

    He said the newly commissioned facilities reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening internal security and enhancing the capacity of the police to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

    Sheidu assured that the Trust Fund would continue to partner with the Nigeria Police Force to improve operational efficiency, personnel welfare and policing services across the country.

    Representing Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas at the event, retired Commissioner of Police Cyril Agbe commended the Federal Government and the Police Trust Fund for what he described as a strategic investment in the security architecture of the state.

    He noted that the projects would contribute significantly to crime prevention, law enforcement and the overall development of Taraba State.

    The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance operational effectiveness, improve personnel welfare and deliver quality policing services to Nigerians.

  • U.S. sanctions Nigerian businesses, individuals linked to ISIS terrorism financing

    U.S. sanctions Nigerian businesses, individuals linked to ISIS terrorism financing

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — The United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and six entities across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa for allegedly facilitating financial transactions linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

    The U.S. Department of State announced the measures on Tuesday, in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Thomas Pigott, saying the action forms part of ongoing efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to disrupt ISIS financing networks and weaken the group’s global operations.

    According to the State Department, the sanctions target individuals and organisations accused of moving funds across borders to support ISIS activities, including attacks, recruitment and regional affiliate operations.

    Among those designated is France-based Miloud Abderrahmane, who allegedly provided information relating to the use of explosives to ISIS supporters.

    Also sanctioned is Boukich Abdelhakim, a Syria-based operative accused of using cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in several countries, including the United States.

    The third individual, Nigerian national Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, was identified as an alleged ISIS-West Africa facilitator whose money exchange businesses were reportedly used to channel funds linked to the terrorist group.

    The U.S. Treasury Department also designated six entities accused of supporting ISIS financial activities.

    The entities are:

    • Alkaram Danismanlik Gayrimenkul Ic ve Dis Genel Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey)

    • Spider Gayrimenkul ve Genel Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey)

    • Bitcoin Exchange Agent Idlib’s No. 1 Coin Exchange (Syria)

    • Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited (Nigeria)

    • Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited (Nigeria)

    • Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited (Nigeria)

    The U.S. government said the sanctions expose a network stretching from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria.

    The State Department noted that ISIS has increasingly decentralised its operations and relies on financial intermediaries and money transfer networks to sustain its activities globally.

    The U.S. also reaffirmed its security partnership with Nigeria, highlighting the joint operation conducted on May 16, 2026, which resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-highest-ranking ISIS official.

    “We will continue to use every diplomatic and legal tool available to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable wherever they operate and however they move money,” the department said.

    The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorist organisations.

    The U.S. designated ISIS, formerly known as Al-Qaeda in Iraq, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation in 2004 and continues to pursue measures aimed at disrupting its global financing and operational networks.

  • Amnesty condemns mob killing of Kaduna teacher, demands police probe

    Amnesty condemns mob killing of Kaduna teacher, demands police probe

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the mob killing of Malama Ummulkhairi, a mother of five and teacher, in Mararaban Jos community along the Kaduna–Zaria highway, describing the incident as a horrific example of growing jungle justice in the country.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights group said Ummulkhairi was attacked and killed on June 21 after a false alarm allegedly accused her of planning to abduct children while she was on her way to attend a Qur’anic recitation session.

    Amnesty International also called for an investigation into allegations that police officers handed the victim over to the mob that eventually lynched her.

    The organisation urged the Inspector-General of Police to probe claims by eyewitnesses that officers at a police station surrendered the victim to an angry crowd after the facility was invaded.

    According to Amnesty, some witnesses alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) stripped Ummulkhairi of her hijab and dragged her into the hands of the mob.

    Eyewitnesses told the organisation that officers on duty brought the victim out of the station and handed her over to the crowd, which subsequently killed her and set her body ablaze.

    Amnesty described the incident as another indication of the authorities’ failure to protect lives and prevent mob violence.

    According to the group, the persistent failure to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of jungle justice has encouraged a culture of impunity and emboldened violent mobs across the country.

    “This incident is yet another example of the shocking failure of Nigerian authorities to protect lives, leading to an escalation of mob violence as people increasingly take the law into their own hands,” the organisation said.

    Amnesty warned that mob attacks, often driven by suspicion, rumours and unverified allegations, pose a serious threat to the right to life and the rule of law.

    “It is appalling that mob violence is gradually becoming the norm nationwide. It is largely meted out based on suspicion, rumour or hearsay,” the statement added.

    The rights group described mob violence as one of the greatest threats to human rights in Nigeria, stressing that authorities must act decisively to end the trend.

    “The fact that these killings have persisted for years, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, highlights the authorities’ failure to uphold their obligation to protect people from harm and violence,” Amnesty said.

    The organisation called for a thorough investigation into the killing and urged authorities to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

  • BREAKING: Sowore rejects DSS account of courtroom incident, accuses agency of misleading public

    BREAKING: Sowore rejects DSS account of courtroom incident, accuses agency of misleading public

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected the Department of State Services (DSS) account of events surrounding his remand by a Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing the agency of orchestrating his alleged harassment and unlawful detention within the court premises.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sowore dismissed the DSS claim that it had launched an investigation into the conduct of operatives involved in the incident, describing the move as an attempt to mislead the public.

    According to him, the operation was allegedly planned and coordinated by senior officials of the agency.

    “The claim that they are investigating those who assaulted and unlawfully held me hostage is an insult to intelligence,” Sowore said.

    He alleged that DSS operatives harassed him from the Kuje Correctional Centre to the Federal High Court and later took control of parts of the court premises, intimidating lawyers and members of the public.

    Sowore further claimed that the operation was frustrated by the presence of supporters gathered outside the court complex.

    The activist maintained that he would continue to challenge what he described as abuse of power and suppression of dissent.

    “The struggle for justice, accountability and genuine democracy remains undiminished,” he said.

    However, the DSS, in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said the Director-General of the agency had ordered an immediate investigation into allegations involving its operatives during the incident.

    The agency said public concerns followed scenes showing Sowore in an altercation with an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service and a subsequent confrontation involving DSS personnel.

    According to the DSS, the case against Sowore originated from social media posts made in August 2025 in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a criminal.”

    The agency said it initially sought a retraction through a formal letter rather than arresting him, in line with its policy of resolving such matters through lawful and non-coercive means.

    It noted that when no retraction was made, charges were filed under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, seeking judicial interpretation of the legality of the statements.

    The DSS stressed that Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition at the commencement of the trial, a decision it neither opposed nor challenged.

    According to the agency, the circumstances that led to the revocation of his bail and subsequent remand were strictly the result of court proceedings and not actions taken by the service.

    “The issues that led to his bail revocation and remand were entirely premised on court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail,” the DSS said.

    The agency reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, civility and adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its responsibilities.

    Sowore was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following proceedings before a Federal High Court in Abuja, a development that has generated reactions from rights groups and political figures across the country, including the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter, who described the development as an affront on democracy.

  • Edo police arrest suspects, recover arms in Vegetable Market kidnap case

    Edo police arrest suspects, recover arms in Vegetable Market kidnap case

    BENIN CITY, Nigeria (NPA) — The Edo State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the investigation of the kidnapping incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of arms, cash and other exhibits.

    The operation followed directives by Governor Monday Okpebholo for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the crime.

    In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, the command said operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, launched a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.

    The operation led to the arrest of Marvelous Isaac, 32, on June 18 during a gun duel with police operatives, while another suspect identified simply as Precious was neutralised.

    Items recovered from the suspects included a Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, allegedly used in the kidnapping operation, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, N2.05 million in cash and a motorcycle.

    The police further disclosed that additional members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested on June 20 during separate operations in Benin City and parts of Delta State.

    The suspects were identified as Gift Raphael, 27, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael.

    According to the command, preliminary investigations and confessional statements linked the suspects to the Vegetable Market kidnapping incident and other criminal activities within Edo State.

    Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and dedication in tracking down members of the criminal network.

    He assured residents that the command would sustain its crackdown on criminal elements and ensure all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.

    “The Edo State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not relent until criminal elements are flushed out of the state,” the commissioner said.

    The command also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.

  • South Africa warns against violence ahead of anti-immigration marches

    South Africa warns against violence ahead of anti-immigration marches

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African government has urged citizens planning to participate in demonstrations against illegal immigration later this month to conduct their protests peacefully and within the confines of the law.

    Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia made the appeal during a media briefing on Monday, outlining the government’s security preparations ahead of the planned nationwide marches.

    Cachalia said while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, authorities would not tolerate violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any actions capable of threatening public safety.

    “Our message is clear: everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated,” he said.

    He warned that law enforcement agencies would deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt public order.

    According to the minister, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has heightened operational readiness across all provinces, with deployment plans designed to protect communities, critical infrastructure and public facilities.

    He said police would conduct daily operational assessments and continuous monitoring of the security environment to ensure a swift response to emerging threats.

    Cachalia added that the South African National Defence Force could be deployed to support police operations if additional capacity becomes necessary.

    The minister assured citizens that the government had established adequate coordination mechanisms across the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to maintain peace and stability during the demonstrations.

    He disclosed that engagements would be held with premiers of all nine provinces this week to strengthen a coordinated national response.

    “Government is prepared. Our law enforcement agencies are coordinated, our operational plans are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation daily,” he said.

    Cachalia also revealed that the JCPS Cluster recently met with leaders of the Zulu Royal House to promote messages of peace, tolerance and non-violence ahead of the protests.

    While acknowledging public concerns over issues affecting the country, he stressed that grievances must be expressed lawfully and peacefully.

    “Government hears those concerns. However, they must always be expressed without violence, intimidation or lawlessness,” he said.