New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • NSCDC Urges Federal Government to Boost Manpower for Effective Security Delivery

    NSCDC Urges Federal Government to Boost Manpower for Effective Security Delivery

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): As the global community marks World Civil Defence Day 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called on the Federal Government to increase its manpower to enable the agency to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities more effectively and address the nation’s security challenges.

    The appeal was made during a lecture delivered by Professor Tyoor Fredrick Terhemba in Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the event. Speaking on the theme “Managing Environmental Risk for a Resilient Future: A Civil Defence Perspective,” Prof. Terhemba emphasized that human assets, utilities, and property remain the most critical national infrastructures, underscoring the need to strengthen the NSCDC’s workforce to meet international standards of policing.

    The NSCDC, a member of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), reiterated its vital role in disaster management, mitigating environmental hazards, and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

    In a statement issued by ACC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, the agency announced that activities marking World Civil Defence Day 2026 would conclude on Friday with a grand finale at the NSCDC National Headquarters Parade Ground in Abuja.

    Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi also urged the Corps to enhance its intelligence-gathering capacity, assuring that the NSCDC remains committed to discharging its core mandate in protecting lives and property.

  • Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Israel for bilateral talks and to strengthen defense cooperation, on Thursday visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

    In a statement posted on his official X account, Modi expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying him during the visit. “I placed a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I am grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit,” he wrote.

    Modi also toured the Hall of Names, a solemn memorial space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the experience, he stated: “The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.”

    Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, serves as Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The center is dedicated to preserving their memory, honoring survivors, and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.

  • Nigeria Navy Hands Over 9 Suspected Oil Thieves to EFCC

    Nigeria Navy Hands Over 9 Suspected Oil Thieves to EFCC

    AKWA IBOM, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS) Jubilee, on Wednesday, handed over nine suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Commander, Commodore Mohammed Manga, told newsmen in Ibaka that the suspects were apprehended over oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the state.

    Manga said that on Monday, men of the command apprehended the suspects with a wooden boat at an oil platform situated offshore Asabo Oil Field in Akwa Ibom.

    The commander said that the boat and the nine-man crew members were intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the platform.

    “The wooden boat and the tools used for the illicit activity were confiscated in line with extant regulations and operational procedures,” he said.

    He said that preliminary investigations had revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal bunkering activities.

    “Illegal oil bunkering is a criminal act that undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and threatens maritime security. It causes significant environmental degradation,” he said.

    Manga said that the navy had intensified its anti-illegal bunkering operations within the state to ensure that the nation’s oil assets were safe.

    “The base is committed to combating maritime crimes within its area of operations.

    “This arrest is part of sustained operational efforts aimed at actualising the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

    “Our patrols are strategically designed to protect critical national assets, safeguard offshore and coastal infrastructure, and secure commercial maritime routes within our operational environment,” he said.

    The commander warned perpetrators of illegal maritime activities to desist immediately, saying that the navy remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.

    Receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of EFCC, Mr Taiwo Adetona, said that the commission would ensure a thorough investigation on the matter, and that those found liable would be prosecuted accordingly. (NAN).

  • Tinubu Urges Acting IGP Disu to Restore Public Confidence in Police

    Tinubu Urges Acting IGP Disu to Restore Public Confidence in Police

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police (AIG), Tunji Disu, following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.

    During the ceremony, the President charged Disu to “restore peace and strengthen security nationwide,” emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust in the police.

    Expressing confidence in the appointee, Tinubu urged Disu to lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at all levels, and prioritize the safety of lives and property. “It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” Tinubu added.

    In a statement issued by the State House Press Office and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a critical moment. He tasked Disu with rebuilding public confidence in the police’s capacity to collaborate effectively with other security agencies and to advance the security pillars of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said.

    The Nigeria Police Council is expected to meet next week to ratify the appointment, after which Senate confirmation will follow.

  • Ex-NNPC General Manager Sentenced in U.S. Over $2.1 Million Bribery Scheme

    Ex-NNPC General Manager Sentenced in U.S. Over $2.1 Million Bribery Scheme

    LOS ANGELES, U.S. (NPA): A U.S. District Court has sentenced Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a 58-year-old Nigerian-American and former General Manager of the Upstream Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to 87 months in prison for accepting $2.1 million in bribes from Addax Petroleum, a Switzerland-based subsidiary of Sinopec, China’s state-owned oil and gas conglomerate.

    According to a court statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, on Monday, 23 February 2026, obtained by Newpost Africa, Okoronkwo was convicted of corruption, money laundering, and tax fraud. He was also ordered to pay $923,824 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to forfeit $1,039,997, representing the net proceeds from the sale of a home purchased with illicit funds.

    Court documents revealed that in 2015, Okoronkwo facilitated Addax Petroleum’s oil drilling rights in Nigeria in exchange for bribes. He concealed the payments by channeling them through his law firm’s trust account (IOLTA), falsely declaring them as legal fees. He also misled auditors, dismissed executives who questioned the transactions, and used the funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of a car and a home.

    In November 2017, Okoronkwo used part of the illicit proceeds to make down payments on a house in Valencia, California. His misconduct came under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and IRS Criminal Investigation, with support from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    In January 2026, the State Bar of California suspended Okoronkwo’s law license, following the corruption probe that ultimately led to his prosecution and conviction.

  • Nigerian Immigration Officers Accused of Arresting and Extorting Youths En Route to Visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

    Nigerian Immigration Officers Accused of Arresting and Extorting Youths En Route to Visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Three Nigerian youths have alleged that officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) arrested, detained, and extorted money from them on 22 February 2026, while they were travelling from Kano to Sokoto to visit the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    According to a report and video obtained by Sahara Reporters, the youths claimed they were stopped at a checkpoint at the entrance of Zamfara State, detained for seven hours, and later abandoned after being forced to pay money.

    One of the victims, identified as Cruise Naija, recounted:

    “On our way to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto, we were arrested and detained for seven hours, extorted, and left stranded in Zamfara State by Nigeria Immigration.”

    He alleged that the officers accused them of attempting to travel illegally to Libya, despite their explanation that they were heading to Sokoto. Their bags and phones were searched, and photographs showing him with activist Omoyele Sowore and other Nigerian activists were reportedly used to brand him an “activist.”

    The youths further claimed they were denied access to make phone calls and warned about the dangers of the area. They said they were taken into a room where other detainees were being held and told to pay ₦200,000, plus ₦30,000 for transportation to Sokoto.

    After allegedly paying ₦30,000 through a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, they were placed on a truck. However, the driver later claimed he had only received ₦3,000, leaving them stranded without funds. They said they had to call friends and relatives to send money before continuing their journey.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.

  • Police Service Commission Announces Screening of Constable Recruits from March 9, 2026

    Police Service Commission Announces Screening of Constable Recruits from March 9, 2026

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced that the Physical and Credential Screening of 50,000 police constable applicants will commence on 9 March 2026. This exercise is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s workforce.

    In a statement issued on 24 February 2026 by PSC spokesperson Torty Njoku Kalu, all candidates who have successfully completed the online recruitment registration are directed to report to their designated centres nationwide between 9 March and 18 April 2026 for the screening exercise.

    Applicants are required to log in to http://npfapplication.psc.gov.ng to check their status, print the necessary documents, and present them at the screening venues. The mandatory documents include:

    •             Guarantor’s Form

    •             Application Submission Slip

    •             Invitation Slip (with assigned table number)

    •             Credential Screening Form

    •             Physical Screening Form

    Candidates must also present the following original and duplicate documents:

    •             National Identity Number (NIN) printout or card issued by NIMC

    •             O’ Level (GCE/SSCE) Certificate

    •             Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age

    •             Local Government/State of Origin Certificate

    •             Trade Test/Certificate (for specialists only)

    •             Duly completed and signed Guarantor’s Form with photocopies and passport photographs of referees attached

    •             Recent passport photographs

    Dress Code: White canvas shoes, white T-shirts, white shorts, and white stockings.

    The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), mni, emphasized that the recruitment exercise is free of charge and will be conducted with transparency and accountability. He cautioned applicants against online impostors and fraudulent individuals seeking to exploit the process, stressing that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.

  • Peter Obi Condemns Edo Violence, Calls for Collective Action

    Peter Obi Condemns Edo Violence, Calls for Collective Action

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Former Labour Party presidential candidate and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the international community following an attack by suspected political hoodlums in Benin City, Edo State, on February 24, 2026.

    In a statement issued on February 25, Obi paid tribute to former Edo State governors Chief John Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, describing them as leaders who “served Nigeria honourably in various capacities.” He noted that their support reinforced his faith in shared humanity and the collective hope for a better Nigeria.

    Reflecting on the incident, Obi recalled his own experience with political violence during his tenure as governor of Anambra State. He said such challenges had strengthened his resolve to pursue leadership positions, emphasizing that governance must restore order, security, and public trust.

    Calling on citizens not to be intimidated, Obi stated: “The growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility. As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people. This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion—leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.”

    Obi reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. With political alliances forming ahead of the polls—where incumbent President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to seek a second term—the dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape remain uncertain as the election season approaches.

  • BREAKING: El-Rufai’s Arraignment Stalled, Adjourned to April 23

    BREAKING: El-Rufai’s Arraignment Stalled, Adjourned to April 23

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — Confusion over the custody and prosecution of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, continued on Wednesday as his scheduled arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja was stalled.

    El-Rufai was absent in court, prompting his defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, to request an adjournment. Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Abdumalik granted the request, noting that the defendant’s absence rendered his bail application premature.

    The case has now been adjourned to April 23, 2026. El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The allegations include:

    • Cybercrimes — unlawful interception of communications.
    • Violation of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003).
    • Interception of the phone conversation of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, which the DSS claims El-Rufai admitted to during a televised interview.

    The charges were brought under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Communications Act.

  • Police Launch Investigation into Attacks on ADC Leaders and Former Governor’s Residence

    Police Launch Investigation into Attacks on ADC Leaders and Former Governor’s Residence

    EDO STATE, NIGERIA (NPA): The Edo State Police Command has confirmed a series of violent incidents in Benin City on Tuesday, targeting leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the residence of former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun. The attacks occurred shortly after Labour Party candidate in the recent Edo gubernatorial election, Olumide Akpata, defected to the ADC.

    In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Eno Ikoedem said hoodlums infiltrated a political gathering at the ADC State Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, causing panic and a stampede. “At about 14:55 hours, during political activities at the ADC Secretariat, some hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering and caused commotion, which led to a stampede at the end of the occasion, shortly after the programme was officially concluded and most dignitaries had departed,” the statement read.

    The police reported that the attackers overturned furniture, vandalised plastic chairs and canopies arranged outside the venue, and chased party members away. Patrol teams responded swiftly, but the hoodlums fled upon sighting the operatives. No fatalities were recorded, though one woman sustained minor injuries during the stampede. She was treated at a nearby chemist and later discharged. Security has since been reinforced around the secretariat.

    In a related development, the command confirmed gunshots were reported at the residence of Chief Oyegun, who also serves as ADC State Chairman. Police operatives arriving at the scene observed extensive damage, including shattered windscreens and body parts of vehicles parked outside the property. Spent bullet casings were recovered from the premises. No casualties were reported.

    Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full-scale investigation into both incidents. “The Command is committed to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those responsible for these attacks,” the statement concluded.