Category: Crime Diary

JUST IN: Tinubu Accepts Egbetokun’s Resignation, Appoints AIG Disu as Inspector-General of Police

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, citing pressing family considerations. The President commended Egbetokun for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture during his tenure.

According to a statement issued on February 24, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Egbetokun—appointed in June 2023—was originally scheduled to serve until June 2027 under the amended Police Act.

Following his resignation, the Presidency announced the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. The statement emphasized that the decision was taken “in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation” and in line with extant laws.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s “experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity,” noting that his appointment would provide “steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.”

In compliance with the Police Act 2020, the President will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

February 24, 2026
BREAKING: Peter Obi, ADC Leaders Escape Assassination Attempt in Edo State

BENIN CITY, NIGERIA (NPA): The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside senior figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), narrowly escaped an attack by armed hoodlums in Edo State, southern Nigeria.

The incident occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. According to Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, the assailants trailed party leaders to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where they opened fire at the gate and vandalized several vehicles.

Dr. Tanko described the incident as a “survived assassination attempt,” warning that “democracy is in danger.”

As of press time, neither the Edo State Police Command nor the state government has issued an official statement. Attempts by our correspondent to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, were unsuccessful.

February 24, 2026
Reno Omokri Urges El-Rufai to Be Thankful in Detention, Citing Dadiyata’s Disappearance

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has criticized calls for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over reported health concerns in detention. The appeal was made by El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, who disclosed that the former minister was experiencing nosebleeds.

In a Facebook post titled “So El-Rufai’s Family Want Him Released Because of a Common Nosebleed?” Omokri dismissed the claims, noting that nosebleeds are common among Nigerians during the Harmattan season. He argued that El-Rufai should be “thankful he is alive, eating, and has access to his lawyers and medications,” contrasting his situation with that of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.

Dadiyata, a Nigerian academic and social media critic, was abducted outside his home in Kaduna on August 2, 2019, and has not been seen since. Omokri stressed that El-Rufai’s family should consider the plight of Dadiyata’s wife, Khadija Ahmad Lame, and their two daughters, who have lived in trauma since his disappearance.

Omokri further alleged that El-Rufai himself bears responsibility for his current detention, referencing an Arise TV interview in which the former governor admitted knowing at least one police officer linked to Dadiyata’s disappearance. He suggested that the officer should be detained alongside El-Rufai for interrogation.

Dismissing the severity of El-Rufai’s condition, Omokri recalled that under his administration, prominent figures such as Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky suffered grave abuses in detention, while journalists including Luka Biniyat, Midat Joseph, Jacob Dickson, Sunny Yayock, and Stephen Kefas, as well as lawyer and music mogul Audu Maikori, were also detained.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over El-Rufai’s health, warning that the government would be held accountable should his condition worsen.

February 24, 2026
AIG Tunji Disu Launches Public Feedback Channel to Monitor Police Misconduct in Lagos

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Police officers in Lagos State will face stricter accountability measures following the launch of a public feedback channel by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu. The initiative, aimed at curbing misconduct, allows residents to report complaints directly to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, which is personally overseen by the AIG.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex, ASP Aminat Maiyegun, encouraged members of the public to share concerns or commendations through official channels: 07068865833, 08067167605, or pprofcidannex@gmail.com. She emphasized that the feedback system is designed to “promote accountability and professionalism” within the police force.

AIG Disu, who previously commanded the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and earned recognition for crime prevention successes, has introduced this direct interface with the public as part of his broader strategy for practical and transparent policing.

Reports of police misconduct in Nigeria remain widespread, ranging from arbitrary arrests to roadside extortion and bribery. In Lagos, civil society groups and media outlets documented multiple cases in 2025 of officers extorting motorists at checkpoints, often demanding cash under threat of unlawful detention. While the Lagos State Police Command confirmed disciplinary action against some officers, watchdogs argue that accountability has been inconsistent.

The new feedback mechanism is expected to strengthen oversight and rebuild public trust in law enforcement across Nigeria’s commercial capital.

February 24, 2026
NAPTIP Responds to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse in Nigerian Daycare Centres

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a public statement reaffirming its statutory responsibility to investigate cases of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

The announcement follows widespread online debate in Nigeria over allegations of child sexual abuse in daycare facilities, including accusations, counter-accusations, and subsequent recantations.

In its statement released Tuesday, NAPTIP said: “We are closely monitoring recent public discussions and concerns regarding alleged incidents of child sexual abuse and misconduct in daycare settings across Nigeria. The Agency remains committed to thoroughly investigating credible reports.”

The agency urged members of the public to provide verifiable information, stating: “We kindly request anyone with factual evidence, direct knowledge, or personal experience related to these matters to contact us confidentially via direct message or email at info@naptip.gov.ng.”

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Nigerian police had arrested a TikTok user, Mirabel, after she raised allegations of rape, which she later recanted and publicly apologised for, admitting the claims were false. READ HERE

February 24, 2026
Nigeria Accused of Paying Billions in Ransom to Boko Haram for Release of Schoolchildren — AFP

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Agence France-Presse (AFP) has reported that the Nigerian government allegedly paid millions of dollars in ransom to Boko Haram to secure the release of more than 230 children and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. Intelligence sources cited by AFP claim that, as part of the deal, two senior Boko Haram commanders were also freed.

According to AFP, the ransom money was flown by helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, near the Cameroon border, and handed over to militant commander Ali Ngulde. Due to poor communications in the remote area, Ngulde reportedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt of the funds before the first group of 100 children was released.

The mass abduction at St. Mary’s Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21 triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria. While dozens of children managed to escape, the remaining captives were freed two weeks later following negotiations led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The Nigerian government has consistently denied paying ransom to terrorist groups, reiterating its stance after the Papiri incident.

Boko Haram, founded in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, began as a religious movement opposing Western-style education and secular governance. Over time, it transformed into a violent insurgency responsible for mass abductions, attacks on schools, and widespread displacement. The group seeks to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, rejecting democracy and secular institutions. Though splinter factions such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have emerged, Boko Haram’s core objective remains the destabilization of Nigeria’s secular governance.

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The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the recent AFP report. However, its stance on matters of national security remains consistent and firm. Authorities continue to emphasize that ransom payments to terrorist groups are strictly against policy, reiterating that such actions only serve to embolden criminal networks and undermine broader counterterrorism efforts. Instead, the government has pledged to intensify its strategies for combating terrorism, focusing on renewed vigour in both military operations and intelligence-driven approaches.

February 24, 2026
Armed Intruder Shot Dead at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate: Motive Still Unclear

Palm Beach, Florida (NPA) – U.S. authorities are continuing to investigate the motive of an armed man who was fatally shot after breaching security at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.

The suspect, armed with a shotgun and carrying a fuel container, attempted to enter the property through the north gate at approximately 1:30 a.m. He was confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy. The incident ended when the man crossed into a restricted zone and was shot.

As of the time of filing this report, investigators have not established a definitive motive. Authorities are examining whether the breach was politically motivated, driven by personal grievances, or linked to mental instability. So far, only the circumstances of the intrusion and the weapons carried have been confirmed.

The breach raises questions given Mar-a-Lago’s extensive security measures. The estate is protected by a layered system overseen by the U.S. Secret Service, including robotic patrol units equipped with cameras and sensors, multiple gated entry points monitored by armed agents and local law enforcement, high-definition surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and strict access controls with background checks for visitors and staff. A 24/7 rapid response protocol is also in place.

Investigators now face the challenge of piecing together what the suspect intended before entering the restricted zone and being neutralized.

February 23, 2026
Court Convicts Firm for Illegal Bureau de Change Operations in Lagos

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, February 20, 2026, convicted AP Mcnisi Initiatives Limited for operating a Bureau de Change (BDC) business without authorization from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The company was fined ₦500,000, with the court ordering that its assets of equivalent value be forfeited to the federal government if the fine is not paid.

The conviction followed a one-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, alleging illegal foreign exchange transactions. Prosecutors told the court that the firm received ₦10 million for conversion into U.S. dollars but failed to deliver the agreed sum. Investigations revealed the company lacked a valid CBN licence to operate as a BDC.

Adekunle Fadibe Mcnisi, identified as the company’s principal, admitted the firm had no regulatory approval. The defendant later refunded the complainant, but Justice Dipeolu ruled that the offence contravened Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee Establishment Act, imposing the fine as penalty.

February 23, 2026
African Union Condemns Mass Killing of Civilians in Zamfara, Nigeria

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA (NPA): The African Union Commission has strongly condemned the killing of more than 50 civilians in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria, on 21 February 2026.

In a statement issued on 22 February, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, denounced what he described as “heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks” and the “abduction of women and children.” He stressed that the AU “unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children, as grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability.”

The Chairperson expressed the Union’s solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. He reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity and restore lasting peace.

Calling for “the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children,” Youssouf urged strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilians and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities, in line with the AU’s commitment to peace and stability across the continent.

Reports indicate that the attack was carried out by armed groups on motorcycles, who overran villages and killed residents indiscriminately. Nigerian security forces have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice and intensify operations against banditry and terrorism in Africa’s most populous country.

February 23, 2026
NDLEA Arrests Woman with Drugs Concealed in Fake Pregnancy; Ivorian Excretes 82 Cocaine Wraps at Kano Airport
ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a series of major drug trafficking arrests across the country, including a woman who attempted to smuggle tramadol disguised as a pregnancy and an Ivorian national who excreted 82 wraps of cocaine at Kano airport.

Fake Pregnancy Arrest at Seme Border

On Monday, February 16, 2026, NDLEA officers intercepted Rabi Muhammad, a 35-year-old businesswoman from Kano, at the Seme land border. The suspect was found with a protruding stomach, which upon inspection turned out to be a pink-colored calabash strapped to her body. Inside were 3,200 capsules of tramadol, concealed to resemble a baby bump. She was reportedly en route to Cotonou, Benin Republic, to sell the drugs.

Cocaine Ingestion Case in Kano

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers arrested Michael Gohouri, a 41-year-old Ivorian also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, during passenger clearance for Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan via Addis Ababa. A body scan revealed he had ingested illicit substances. Under observation, he excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms. Investigations showed he had ingested the drugs in Kano and was promised €5,000 upon delivery in Milan.

Arrest of Kolapo Oladapo Raji, Real Estate CEO

The agency also apprehended Kolapo Oladapo Raji, 57, Chairman/CEO of Trans Fortress Global Resources, a prominent real estate firm. Raji, who had been on NDLEA’s watchlist since 2025, was arrested at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, on February 12, 2026. Officers recovered 89.2 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from four large bags in his apartment.

Additional Seizures Nationwide
- Agbara, Ogun State (Feb 19): Ugwuja Kingsley arrested with 56kg of skunk.
- Oshodi, Lagos (Feb 17): Ekwe Arinze caught with 76kg of skunk.
- Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Rivers State: Joint operation seized 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
- Kogi State (Okene/Lokoja Highway): Two suspects, Ezenma Kingsley (26) and Ezeja Anthony (29), arrested with 7,300 tramadol pills.
- Ondo State (Feb 19): Bright Timothy (28) and Godwin Bernard arrested with 393kg of skunk and seeds in Iju forest.
- Bauchi State (Feb 17): Yahaya Adamu Gimba (48) arrested with 936kg of skunk in Azare town; additional 85.8kg recovered from accomplices.
- Delta State (Feb 17): Mgbeme Ejeoma (34) arrested with 37kg of skunk in Ughelli.
- Edo State (Feb 17): NDLEA raided Etiosa camp in Owan West LGA, destroying 1,266.8kg of skunk across three farms. Two suspects, including a 68-year-old grandmother, were arrested.
War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Campaign

Alongside enforcement, NDLEA continued its WADA sensitization programs nationwide, holding lectures in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. Recent outreach included Government Girls Secondary School in Yobe, Muslim Community High School in Oyo, and Model Government College in Lagos, among others.
February 22, 2026