New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Borno police arrest 65 suspects, recover large cache of illicit drugs in Maiduguri raids

    Borno police arrest 65 suspects, recover large cache of illicit drugs in Maiduguri raids

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Borno State Police Command has arrested 65 suspects and recovered large quantities of suspected illicit drugs during a series of coordinated raids across Maiduguri as part of a renewed crackdown on crime and anti-social activities.

    The operation followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, ordering police commands nationwide to intensify efforts against criminality.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, directed the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Anti-Social Vices Unit to sustain aggressive enforcement operations across the state.

    According to the statement, the raids were conducted on July 9 and 10 in different parts of the Maiduguri metropolis.

    The suspects were arrested for offences ranging from public nuisance to the possession and consumption of suspected illicit drugs, as well as other anti-social activities.

    Police said the operation led to the recovery of 460 wraps of suspected cannabis (Indian hemp), 395 tablets of D5, 100 tablets of Exzol, two Tramadol capsules, one shisha pot, two ice bunkers, and two packs of other suspected illicit substances.

    The Command disclosed that all the suspects and the recovered exhibits remain in police custody while investigations continue.

    It added that those found culpable would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

    Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Borno State.

    He also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.

    The Command assured members of the public that it would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and reducing the prevalence of illicit drug abuse and other related offences in the state.

  • SERAP sues INEC over alleged N800bn diversion of FAAC funds for APC campaign

    SERAP sues INEC over alleged N800bn diversion of FAAC funds for APC campaign

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking a court order compelling the electoral body to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about ₦800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations for political and campaign purposes.

    The suit follows media reports alleging that APC governors have been making monthly deductions from their FAAC allocations into a dedicated campaign fund to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026 and filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to investigate the allegations and enforce the campaign finance provisions of the Electoral Act.

    Specifically, the organisation is seeking an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the alleged diversion of public funds and to require the APC and the affected governors to disclose details of any campaign contributions, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.

    SERAP is also asking the court to order INEC to commence a formal review of political financing by all political parties and candidates to determine compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly regarding campaign donations and funding sources.

    In the suit, filed by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in the democratic process.

    According to the organisation, opaque political financing remains a major avenue for corruption and threatens the credibility of elections.

    “These allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government,” SERAP said.

    The organisation argued that the alleged diversion or opaque use of public funds poses a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

    It maintained that large public financial flows, coupled with weak transparency and oversight mechanisms, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory investigative powers.

    SERAP further contended that Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political donations, require disclosure of campaign contributions, enforce spending limits and impose sanctions where violations occur.

    According to the organisation, political parties that exceed prescribed donation limits are liable to fines of up to ₦10 million, in addition to forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed donation limits may be fined up to five times the excess contribution.

    The suit also argued that the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international anti-corruption and human rights instruments prohibit the misuse of public resources for political advantage.

    SERAP cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, all of which require transparency, accountability and fairness in political financing.

    According to the organisation, any diversion of public funds for campaign purposes would distort electoral competition, undermine democratic integrity and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    SERAP maintained that INEC has a constitutional responsibility to investigate allegations capable of compromising electoral credibility and ensure full compliance with campaign finance laws.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

  • JUST IN: NDLEA arrests South African woman with 5.75kg heroin, seizes N10.3bn cannabis at Lagos Port

    JUST IN: NDLEA arrests South African woman with 5.75kg heroin, seizes N10.3bn cannabis at Lagos Port

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a South African woman at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after allegedly discovering 5.75 kilograms of heroin concealed in her luggage, while using her three-year-old son as cover to avoid suspicion.

    The agency also announced the seizure of 4,143.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis valued at more than ₦10.3 billion at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos, alongside the arrest of an alleged drug courier who excreted 100 wraps of methamphetamine after arriving in Nigeria.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the South African suspect, Will Jessica Ann, 38, was arrested on July 6 during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways Flight QR1433 from Doha to Abuja.

    NDLEA said the suspect initially denied travelling with any checked luggage. However, officers later established that two suitcases containing the illicit drugs bore baggage tags matching the claim tags attached to her passport.

    The agency said the bags contained 14 large blocks of heroin weighing 5.75kg.

    “She later admitted ownership of the luggage, claiming she had forgotten that she checked in the bags,” the statement said.

    Investigations indicated that the suspect travelled from Cambodia through Doha to Abuja and is believed to be linked to a transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating between Cambodia and South Africa.

    According to the NDLEA, intelligence reports suggest she and her husband, Jan Coenraad De Jager, who is based in Cambodia, are members of the international drug network.

    In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Onyechere Daniel Chinadu, a 48-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, shortly after he arrived from Madagascar via Addis Ababa aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    A search of his luggage led to the recovery of 87 wraps of methamphetamine concealed inside clothing.

    During interrogation, the suspect told investigators that he had worked as an Okada rider in Lagos for about 15 years before allegedly being recruited into drug trafficking by a friend based in Uganda.

    He claimed he ingested additional drug pellets in Uganda before travelling to Madagascar, where immigration authorities reportedly denied him entry, forcing him to return to Nigeria.

    Unable to state the exact quantity of drugs he had swallowed, NDLEA placed him under medical observation.

    Over the next three days, the suspect excreted 13 additional pellets, bringing the total recovery to 100 wraps of methamphetamine weighing 1.715kg.

    Meanwhile, at the Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers, working jointly with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, intercepted 8,287 nylon bags of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 4,143.5kg during a joint examination of a container imported from Canada.

    The agency estimated the street value of the seized drugs at more than ₦10.3 billion.

    Babafemi said the seizure followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the NDLEA’s Maritime Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Apapa Strategic Command.

    The agency also thwarted an attempt to export 2.5kg of skunk, a strain of cannabis, concealed inside a gas compressor destined for Cyprus through a Lagos-based courier company.

    Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through sensitisation programmes in schools and communities across the country, including outreach activities in Ebonyi, Kano, Ekiti, Ogun and Rivers states.

    Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the agency’s efforts in combating drug trafficking while sustaining public awareness campaigns.

    He urged officers nationwide to remain vigilant and continue intensifying both enforcement and preventive measures against illicit drug activities.

  • Umahi calls for autopsy after report on death of woman in his Ebonyi county home

    Umahi calls for autopsy after report on death of woman in his Ebonyi county home

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded to a report questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila at his country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State, reiterating his call for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of her death.

    The reaction followed a report by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death were shrouded in secrecy.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister said he received news of Habila’s death with profound shock and sadness and had since extended his condolences to her family.

    According to the statement, emergency measures were immediately initiated after the incident, including contacting medical personnel from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, while the Nigeria Police Force was promptly notified in accordance with the law.

    The statement added that after Habila’s death was confirmed, Umahi personally met with her parents, offered his condolences and advised that an autopsy be conducted to scientifically determine the cause of death.

    However, it said the family declined the recommendation at the time.

    The minister’s office also clarified that Miss Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years.

    According to the statement, Umahi has renewed his call for an autopsy following recent public discussions surrounding the incident.

    “Following the recent developments and in the interest of ensuring that the truth is established beyond doubt, the Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted. He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

    The minister appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their investigations without interference.

    “We therefore urge the public to exercise restraint, refrain from speculation or premature conclusions, and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities without interference,” the statement added.

    The minister also expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of her soul.

    Sahara Reporters had alleged that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death were not transparent.

    The publication’s claims have not been independently verified by Newpost Africa at the time of filing this report.

  • Kenyan police dismiss rumours of ‘disappearing body parts’, warn against spreading false claims

    Kenyan police dismiss rumours of ‘disappearing body parts’, warn against spreading false claims

    MOMBASA, Kenya (NPA) — Kenyan police have dismissed as false and baseless rumours circulating on social media alleging that people in parts of the country’s Coast region are mysteriously losing body parts after greeting strangers.

    The Coast Regional Criminal Investigations Officer, Benson Kasyoki, made the clarification during a press briefing, urging residents of Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties to disregard the claims and remain calm.

    According to Kasyoki, reports suggesting that individuals lose their male private parts after shaking hands or greeting strangers have no factual or medical basis.

    “This is completely false information. It’s baseless and there’s no proof of that. Medical experts confirmed there was no loss of organs, physical harm or disappearance in any of the reported cases,” he said.

    The senior police officer explained that criminal groups were exploiting the rumours to distract members of the public before carrying out robberies and muggings.

    “What we are witnessing is just a tactic by criminals calculated to distract members of the public so that they can rob them,” Kasyoki said.

    He appealed to members of the public to stop sharing the unverified claims on social media platforms, including TikTok and WhatsApp, warning that the rumours were creating unnecessary panic.

    “It has not been verified,” he said, urging residents to report any suspicious incidents to the nearest police station or Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) office.

    Kasyoki disclosed that police had so far recorded 19 related incidents, with 17 cases already before the courts, while investigations into the remaining cases are ongoing.

    He also confirmed that authorities are investigating two deaths, one each in Mombasa and Kilifi, in connection with separate incidents.

    According to him, individuals who claimed to have lost their private parts after encounters with strangers were medically examined, after which the allegations were found to be false.

    Police subsequently arrested the complainants for making false claims.

    Kasyoki warned that law enforcement agencies would not tolerate the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of causing public panic.

    He said anyone found fabricating or circulating false reports would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.

  • South Africa arrests UK triple murder suspect in Johannesburg

    South Africa arrests UK triple murder suspect in Johannesburg

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — South African police have arrested a man wanted by authorities in the United Kingdom over the alleged murder of his wife and two young daughters.

    The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced on Saturday that Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma was apprehended in Kensington, Johannesburg, following a coordinated operation involving the SAPS Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit.

    According to the police, Tshuma is wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, whose bodies were discovered at their home near Bedford, England.

    Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended officers involved in the operation for what she described as a swift and well-coordinated response.

    “This arrest demonstrates that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives. Anyone who believes they can evade justice by fleeing to our country should know that SAPS will work tirelessly with international law enforcement partners to trace, locate and arrest them,” Dimpane said.

    The police said the suspect is expected to appear before a South African court on Monday as legal processes relating to the case commence.

    Authorities did not immediately disclose further details regarding possible extradition proceedings.

  • Lagos police arrest five suspected cultists, recover weapons and suspected drugs

    Lagos police arrest five suspected cultists, recover weapons and suspected drugs

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal gangs operating in the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.

    In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, the command said that operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out the operation following credible intelligence.

    According to the police, the operation began with the arrest of Abubakar Ayomide, 25, also known as “Garbazin”, who allegedly led investigators to the group’s hideout, where four other suspects were apprehended.

    The other suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf, 23, Ahmed Abibu, 24, Abubakar Shafi, 23, and Fatai Mohammed, 25.

    Police alleged that the principal suspect confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and had provided useful information to investigators.

    The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the group and conclude investigations before prosecution.

    A search of the hideout led to the recovery of a battle axe, a UTC knife, two other knives, a hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items suspected to be criminal charms and other exhibits.

    Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai warned cultists and other criminal elements operating in Lagos State to abandon their activities or face the full weight of the law.

    He said the command would continue intelligence-led operations across the state to combat cultism and other violent crimes.

    The police commissioner also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all reports would be treated confidentially.

    Police said investigations into the case are continuing.

  • Army details joint operation that freed Oyo schoolchildren after 56 days of captivity

    Army details joint operation that freed Oyo schoolchildren after 56 days of captivity

    IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has disclosed details of the intelligence-led operation that secured the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, revealing that the month-long mission involved a coordinated effort by multiple security agencies and local vigilantes.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, the Army said the operation culminated in the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by suspected terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

    According to the Army, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps.

    The Army said the operation, which lasted for more than one month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks, disrupting their logistics chain and locating their hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.

    It disclosed that security operatives carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other parts of the country, significantly weakening the terrorist network.

    According to the statement, sustained pressure from the coordinated operations forced the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally.

    The Army added that further operations are continuing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

    It explained that the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the safe recovery of the pupils and teachers while minimising collateral damage.

    However, the Army disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation, although it did not provide further details on the casualties.

    The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

    The Army expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his strategic guidance and support throughout the operation.

    It also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and other participating security agencies for their collaboration.

    The Army further thanked members of the public and the media for their support and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent crime.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu confirms rescue of Oyo schoolchildren, teachers after 56 days in captivity

    JUST IN: Tinubu confirms rescue of Oyo schoolchildren, teachers after 56 days in captivity

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on schools in Oyo State, bringing an end to their 56-day captivity.

    The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when suspected Ansaru terrorists raided three schools in Oriire Community, Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

    Announcing the development on Friday, the President said all the abductees were rescued alive and unharmed during a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation without the payment of ransom or any concession to the terrorists.

    “Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks,” Tinubu said.

    “The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.”

    Earlier, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed profound joy over the successful rescue and praised the security agencies for their professionalism and determination throughout the operation.

    According to the statement, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police worked round the clock for 56 days to secure the release of the victims without collateral damage.

    The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the rescue mission.

    President Tinubu expressed regret over the trauma endured by the pupils, teachers, their families and the nation since the abduction.

    “I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” he said.

    The President described the rescue as a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and commended the officers and personnel of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the police for bringing the prolonged ordeal to a successful conclusion.

    He also vowed that those responsible for the abduction and the killing of Mr Oyedokun during the attack would be brought to justice.

    “My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” Tinubu said.

    The President commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.

    In addition, Tinubu directed emergency management agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care, trauma counselling and other relief support for the rescued children and their teachers.

    The successful operation ends more than seven weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the victims and is expected to bring relief to their families and communities, while reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

  • JUST IN: Amnesty International urges FG to respect NBA independence ahead of elections

    JUST IN: Amnesty International urges FG to respect NBA independence ahead of elections

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed concern over alleged directives attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), regarding the forthcoming national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urging the Federal Government to respect the association’s independence.

    In a statement on Friday, the human rights organisation said Nigerian authorities should refrain from any direct or indirect interference in the internal affairs of the NBA.

    According to Amnesty International, the NBA alleged that the purported directives include the disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), postponement of the elections, termination of the current election service provider, establishment of a caretaker committee, introduction of National Identification Number (NIN) verification for voters, and amendments to the NBA Constitution to remove universal suffrage.

    Amnesty International said the scheduled election of the association’s national officers should proceed as planned.

    “The scheduled election of the NBA’s national officers must proceed as planned. Any attempt by the Federal Government to dictate, control or interfere with the governance and electoral processes of the association would constitute an unjustifiable attack on the independence of the legal profession, the rule of law and civic space in Nigeria,” the organisation said.

    The group stressed that the Nigerian Bar Association is an independent professional body and not an agency or department of government.

    It argued that the Federal Government has no legal authority to issue directives on how the association conducts its elections or manages its internal affairs, adding that any such action would be inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law protecting freedom of association and the autonomy of professional organisations.

    Amnesty International called on the authorities to withdraw any directives affecting the NBA’s electoral process, respect the association’s autonomy and ensure that its elections are conducted freely, fairly and without intimidation or political interference.

    The organisation added that safeguarding the independence of the legal profession is essential to strengthening the rule of law, protecting civic space and preventing abuse of state power.

    Neither the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation nor the Federal Government had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.