Category: Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two elderly men in Umuahia, Abia State, for allegedly selling illicit substances to teenage secondary school students.

An 84‑year‑old pensioner, Godfrey Orji, was apprehended by security guards at Saint Silas Secondary School, Old Umuahia, after he was caught supplying drugs to two teenage students. He was handed over to the police and later transferred to NDLEA custody. One of the students, a 15‑year‑old SS2 boy, confessed that Orji had been his supplier and that he resold the drugs to fellow classmates.

Similarly, 75‑year‑old Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora was arrested at his patent medicine store on Club Road, Umuahia, where NDLEA operatives recovered 4.64 kilograms of opioids, including tramadol and diazepam. Both men are expected to face prosecution, while the teenagers have been placed on counselling and rehabilitation.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 9.5‑kilogram consignment of ADB Chminaca, a synthetic cannabinoid classified as a dangerous new psychoactive substance, concealed in a carton at a courier firm. Another seizure at a logistics company uncovered 300 grams of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden in ladies’ handbags.

According to a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, DLEA Headquarters, Abuja, the agency also raided the home of wanted dealer Lukman Badmus, alias Lukman Ogombo, in Ajah, recovering codeine syrup and skunk. A follow‑up operation at his wife’s shop on Lagos Island led to further seizures, including 42 compressed blocks of skunk weighing 22.5 kilograms.

Elsewhere, NDLEA officers intercepted methamphetamine concealed in custard containers along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, arrested a wanted couple in Ekiti linked to a 117‑kilogram skunk seizure, and raided multiple locations in Oyo and Edo States, recovering over 5,000 kilograms of cannabis and arresting several suspects, including a 75‑year‑old woman.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers across Abia, Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, Kogi, and Edo Commands for their supply‑reduction efforts, balanced with ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities nationwide.

KADUNA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised two suspected bandits, recovered rustled livestock and arrested several suspects during a series of operations across Kaduna State.

The operations, conducted between June 20 and June 21, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and communication devices containing incriminating materials.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, the troops recorded the successes as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West region.

According to the statement, on June 20, troops, acting on credible intelligence, responded to a cattle-rustling incident in a community in Kaduna State.

The troops engaged the fleeing criminals in a firefight, neutralising two suspected bandits and recovering weapons, ammunition and rustled livestock.

The military said the operation disrupted the criminal activity and enabled the recovery of the stolen animals.

However, one civilian was reportedly killed during the incident by the bandits.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops intercepted two suspected bandits during a night patrol.

A search of the suspects allegedly uncovered digital materials linking them to terrorist and bandit activities. They are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

On June 21, troops on a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals who retreated into nearby bushes after coming under pressure.

The troops pursued the suspects and apprehended two suspected bandit informants while recovering motorcycles and communication devices containing incriminating evidence.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects may have been involved in criminal activities within the area.

Meanwhile, troops also responded to a civil disturbance in Mararraba community following the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking.

According to the military, the crowd attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway before security personnel intervened.

Troops restored normalcy, dispersed the crowd, secured critical facilities and ensured the free movement of commuters while maintaining a security presence to prevent further unrest.

The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness, describing the latest successes as evidence of the military’s determination to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

He assured residents that ongoing intelligence-led and offensive operations would continue to enhance security and dismantle criminal networks across the region.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas seven days to ensure that members of the National Assembly refund all monies, allowances, and benefits derived from the N110 billion vehicle procurement and support allowance schemes declared unlawful by a Federal High Court.

In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP said the demand followed a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, which held that the expenditure of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members breached procurement laws, constitutional obligations and the public trust.

The rights group urged Akpabio, Abbas and the National Assembly to establish effective mechanisms to ensure that future procurement and spending of public funds strictly comply with due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money principles.

SERAP also called for the institutionalisation of public hearings on the National Assembly’s budget during every budget cycle and the proactive publication of detailed budgetary and expenditure information to enhance transparency and public participation.

According to the organisation, Justice Bogoro’s ruling makes it imperative for lawmakers to make full restitution for the unlawful expenditure.

“Allowing lawmakers to retain benefits derived from unlawful and unconstitutional expenditure would be entirely inconsistent with the constitutional duty to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power and would undermine public confidence in democratic institutions,” SERAP said.

The group argued that no public official should retain benefits obtained through conduct that has been judicially declared unlawful and unconstitutional.

“Restitution is necessary to uphold the rule of law, restore public trust and ensure accountability for violations of constitutional and statutory duties,” it added.

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a series of operational successes with the arrest of a suspected cult leader, an armed robbery suspect and an alleged receiver of stolen property in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The command said the operations, carried out in Mowe, Ago-Iwoye and Warewa, also led to the disruption of a planned cult initiation exercise, the recovery of a stolen motorcycle and the retrieval of parts of a 10KVA generator valued at ₦650,000.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said the breakthroughs reflected its proactive and intelligence-driven approach to crime prevention and law enforcement.

According to the statement, operatives of the Mowe Division arrested 26-year-old Ewebiyi Afeez, identified as a leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating within the area.

The police said the arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that the group was planning an initiation exercise aimed at recruiting new members and expanding its activities.

“Through sustained surveillance and proactive deployment, operatives successfully arrested the suspect and disrupted the planned cult initiation exercise before it could be executed,” the statement said.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his leadership role and involvement in cult-related activities during interrogation and has been transferred for further investigation and prosecution.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Ago-Iwoye Division foiled an armed robbery attack involving a commercial motorcyclist along the Ita-Merin axis of the town.

Police said the victim was attacked on June 16 by two passengers who allegedly struck him with a hammer, inflicting injuries, before making away with his motorcycle.

One of the suspects, identified as Segun Ona Anjo, 32, was apprehended after residents pursued and intercepted him following a distress alert.

Police officers who responded to the scene prevented an attempted mob action against the suspect and restored order.

The stolen motorcycle and the hammer allegedly used in the attack were recovered as exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated as part of a network targeting commercial motorcyclists along isolated routes, using hammers and other weapons to dispossess victims of their motorcycles.

The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the criminal network.

Meanwhile, detectives attached to the Warewa Division arrested Umar Sulaiman over the alleged diversion and illegal disposal of a 10KVA generator rented for legitimate business purposes.

The generator, valued at ₦650,000, was reportedly sold for ₦15,000 before police traced parts of the equipment to Kara-Isheri.

According to the police, the suspect was arrested while dismantling the generator into parts, some of which were recovered as exhibits.

Investigators believe the suspect may be linked to a wider network involved in similar fraudulent activities involving rented equipment.

Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism and swift response of the officers involved.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and sustained pressure on criminal elements across the state.

Ojajuni also assured residents that Ogun State would remain hostile to criminals and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

YOLA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Adamawa State Police Command says it is reviewing a viral social media video containing statements capable of heightening tensions between members of the Bachama and Chobo communities in Lamurde Local Government Area.

The Command, in a statement on Saturday, expressed concern over the content of the video and assured residents that proactive security measures had been put in place to prevent any threat to public peace, safety and order.

According to the police, security deployments have been reviewed and strengthened in strategic locations across the affected communities, while intelligence-gathering efforts have been intensified to identify and address potential security threats.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabiru Umar Hassan, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Abubakar Haruna, to further strengthen security measures in the area and coordinate confidence-building engagements with community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders.

The police said the initiative is aimed at sustaining peace, promoting dialogue and preventing any breakdown of law and order.

“The Command views the development with serious concern and wishes to assure residents that proactive security measures have been emplaced to prevent any threat to public peace, safety and order,” the statement said.

The Command also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against the spread of unverified information, inflammatory comments, hate speech and other content capable of inciting violence or creating panic.

Community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders were encouraged to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts and promote mutual understanding among residents.

The latest development comes months after deadly communal clashes rocked parts of Lamurde Local Government Area.

In March, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri imposed a 24-hour curfew on affected communities following violent confrontations that claimed lives and displaced residents.

The violence was linked to a long-running land boundary dispute between the Bachama and Chobo communities, which escalated into deadly attacks and reprisals.

The police said they remain committed to maintaining peace and security in the area and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent violence.

Authorities have continued to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to prevent a recurrence of the communal unrest that previously destabilised the affected communities.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — A legal practitioner, Blessing Agbomhere, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking an investigation into the sources of funds, financial activities and sponsorship arrangements of activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

In a petition dated June 11, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Agbomhere urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into the income, assets and funding arrangements of the two public figures.

According to the petitioner, the scale and frequency of advocacy campaigns, media engagements, legal interventions, public enlightenment programmes and mobilisation activities undertaken by Adeyanju and VeryDarkMan have generated public interest regarding the sources and transparency of the funds used to sustain such operations.

Agbomhere argued that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, substantial financial resources deployed for organised public campaigns and advocacy efforts should be subject to scrutiny to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

He called on the EFCC to determine whether all funds received, controlled, expended or administered by the duo were lawfully acquired and properly accounted for.

The petitioner also requested that the commission investigate bank accounts, corporate entities, foundations, trusts, associations, platforms and intermediaries allegedly linked to their financial activities.

He further asked the EFCC to ascertain whether any aspect of their financial dealings reveals indicators of money laundering, unlawful enrichment, tax evasion, unlawful fundraising, foreign financial interference or other economic and financial crimes.

Agbomhere expressed concern that undisclosed sponsorship arrangements, particularly from foreign interests, could have implications for public confidence and national security.

According to him, authorities should determine whether any local or foreign individuals, organisations, foundations, corporations, political interests or governments are directly or indirectly supporting the activities of the two men.

The petition also urged the EFCC to collaborate with intelligence, security and financial regulatory agencies where necessary to assess any potential national security concerns arising from the source, movement or utilisation of funds associated with their activities.

However, Agbomhere clarified that the petition does not seek to establish criminal liability against Adeyanju or VeryDarkMan.

He stated that the request was intended to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence, adding that a finding that all funds were lawfully acquired and utilised would equally serve the public interest.

The EFCC has yet to publicly respond to the petition as of the time of filing this report.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid.

According to the statement, CSP Iniedu is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, operational policing, intelligence management, institutional accountability and administration.

A native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Iniedu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has undergone several professional trainings in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, human rights-based policing, strategic communication and intelligence analysis.

Before his appointment, he served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and spearheaded initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

He also previously served as Public Relations Officer of the Police College of Information Technology in Kobape, Ogun State, among several other operational and administrative assignments across the country.

Over the course of his career, CSP Iniedu has held a number of strategic positions within the Force, including Operations Officer at Maisandari Division in Yobe State Command, Area Crime Officer at Umuahia Area Command in Abia State, Staff Officer at the IGP Secretariat, Force Headquarters, and Second-in-Command of the 50 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja.

He also served as Officer-in-Charge of the Force Headquarters Situation Room, where he supervised the coordination and dissemination of crime and security information across the country.

The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in the new spokesperson’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department and strengthen communication between the police and the public.

According to the IGP, Iniedu’s professional experience and extensive background in public engagement and policing will further enhance the Force’s strategic communication efforts and support ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Members of the public and media organisations have been encouraged to engage with the new Force Public Relations Officer through official communication channels provided by the Nigeria Police Force.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command has announced restrictions on human and vehicular movement and reiterated a ban on armed escorts ahead of the Enugu North Senatorial Bye-Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, said the measures were aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process across the affected local government areas.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner warned that armed escorts and unauthorised security personnel would not be allowed in or around polling units and other designated restricted areas during the election.

Giwa stressed that only police officers and other security operatives officially deployed for election duties would be permitted to operate at polling centres.

According to him, security personnel assigned to election duties will provide outer-cordon security, conduct patrols and respond to security incidents where necessary.

“Only Police personnel and other security operatives officially deployed for election duties are permitted at polling units,” he said.

The Police Commissioner also announced a restriction on human and vehicular movement from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 6:00 p.m. on election day across the six local government areas of Igbo-Etiti, Igbo Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani.

He explained that the restriction would not apply to electoral officials, accredited election observers, journalists and other persons engaged in verifiable essential duties.

Giwa urged political parties, candidates, supporters, voters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.

He warned that anyone found violating the restrictions or engaging in activities capable of undermining the election would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner further called on residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, activities and electoral offences.

He assured the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.

The Enugu North Senatorial District, comprising six local government areas, will hold a by‑election on June 20, 2026, to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Labour Party Senator Okey Ezea, who passed away on November 18, 2025, after a brief illness.