Category: Crime Diary

LOKOJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.

The rescue operation was carried out on June 17 as troops intensified efforts to consolidate recent gains recorded from coordinated ground and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts in the state’s forested areas.

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation formed part of sustained military actions aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Brigade’s area of responsibility and denying terrorists freedom of movement.

Troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base, Oshokoshoko, were conducting a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the victims.

The deployment followed a recent air interdiction mission against a known terrorist enclave within the forest.

Military authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims regained their freedom after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing from intense military pressure mounted on their camps.

The rescued victims were immediately secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location.

They were later moved to a military medical facility where they received medical attention and were stabilised.

The Army said the victims were also debriefed to provide intelligence that could support ongoing operations aimed at locating and neutralising remaining terrorist elements in the area.

Efforts are underway to reunite the victims with their families after the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.

The Army noted that the successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of ongoing coordinated operations against terrorists and other criminal groups threatening security in Kogi State.

Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism.

He described the rescue as a testament to the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property within its operational area.

Sidi reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations.

The latest rescue comes amid intensified military offensives across several parts of the country aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling criminal hideouts, and securing vulnerable communities.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khan Salihu was kidnapped before his death, describing the claims as false, misleading, and entirely fabricated.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Command said the late senior police officer was never abducted or involved in any criminal incident before his death.

According to the police, Salihu briefly complained of feeling unwell and was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

The Command stated that doctors confirmed him dead upon arrival at the medical facility.

“DCP Khan Salihu was never kidnapped at any time prior to his demise. The report is entirely false, misleading, and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever,” the statement said.

The police expressed concern over the publication of what it described as an unverified and reckless report, accusing the media platform responsible of failing to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities before publication.

According to the Command, the report not only misinformed the public but also caused unnecessary distress to the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the deceased officer.

The police described the publication as insensitive, particularly at a time when loved ones and members of the Force are mourning the loss of a senior officer who served the country with distinction.

The Command further stated that there was no evidence linking Salihu’s death to any form of criminal activity and urged members of the public to disregard the report in its entirety.

It also called on the media organisation responsible for the publication to withdraw the story and issue a public correction and apology.

“The publication represents a serious breach of responsible journalism and has unnecessarily misled the public while causing avoidable pain to the family and colleagues of the deceased,” the Command stated.

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to providing accurate and verified information to the public and urged citizens to rely on official communication channels for information relating to police matters.

The Command also reaffirmed its resolve to combat misinformation and ensure that members of the public receive timely and factual updates on matters affecting security and law enforcement.

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs in separate operations across the state.

The Command disclosed that one of the suspects was arrested during an ongoing investigation into a series of robbery incidents within the Ughelli area.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed the suspect’s alleged involvement in several robbery operations, including an attack that occurred along Aro Street, Ughelli, in April 2026.

Acting on information provided during interrogation, operatives traced and arrested another suspected member of the gang, identified as 26-year-old Cosmos Erueseke, at a hideout in Ughelli.

The arrests were carried out at about 5:40 p.m. on the same day, with both suspects currently in police custody.

The Command said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.

In a separate operation, operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Vice Squad intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number FST 242 YK during a stop-and-search exercise along the Ozoro/Oleh Expressway.

The operation was conducted at about 4:00 a.m. on June 14.

Police authorities said the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush immediately after being stopped for routine questioning.

Despite an immediate pursuit by officers, the suspect escaped.

A subsequent search of the abandoned vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

According to the police, the recovered items include suspected Codeine, Tramadol, Swinol, Man G, and Vega products.

The exhibits have been taken into custody, while investigations have commenced to identify and arrest the fleeing suspect as well as uncover the source and destination of the drugs.

Commenting on the operations, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to duty.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen security across the state.

The police chief also urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and criminal investigations.

The Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has argued that the Federal High Court committed a fundamental legal error by allowing Kanu to represent himself during a trial involving offences carrying severe penalties.

Ejimakor, in a statement titled “How Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Self-Representation Flawed His Conviction,” contended that under Nigerian law, the right to legal representation in cases involving capital offences or offences punishable by life imprisonment is a mandatory constitutional safeguard that cannot be waived by a defendant.

According to him, the issue is expected to form a major plank of Kanu’s appeal against his recent conviction.

The lawyer said that following consultations between Kanu and his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the IPOB leader elected to personally conduct his defence during the proceedings.

He noted that the trial court accepted the decision after Kanu reportedly declined the offer of court-appointed counsel.

However, Ejimakor argued that the acceptance of that decision was inconsistent with established principles of Nigerian criminal jurisprudence.

“The central question before the Court of Appeal is whether a defendant facing charges that carry the death penalty or life imprisonment can legally waive his right to counsel. The answer, in law, is no,” he stated.

According to him, while Section 36(6)(c) of the Constitution grants accused persons the right to defend themselves either personally or through legal practitioners of their choice, that provision cannot be interpreted in isolation.

He argued that the constitutional guarantee must be read together with the broader principles of fair hearing and existing statutory provisions governing serious criminal trials.

Ejimakor specifically cited Section 267(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which mandates courts to appoint legal representation for any defendant charged with a capital offence or an offence punishable by life imprisonment where such a defendant is not represented by counsel.

“The operative word is ‘shall’, which imposes a mandatory duty on the court and leaves no room for discretion,” he said.

According to the lawyer, once Kanu’s legal team stepped aside, the trial judge was legally obliged to appoint another lawyer to represent him regardless of whether he consented to such representation.

He maintained that Kanu’s refusal of legal representation could not override a statutory obligation imposed on the court.

Ejimakor further cited previous Supreme Court decisions, including Josiah v. State (1985) and Ganiyu v. State (2013), which held that legal representation in capital trials is a condition precedent to the validity of such proceedings.

According to him, the apex court had consistently ruled that trials involving serious offences conducted without legal representation could be rendered a nullity.

He acknowledged that the trial court may have considered Kanu capable of conducting his own defence because of his education and articulate presentation, but argued that personal competence could not substitute for professional legal representation in a criminal trial involving complex constitutional and evidentiary issues.

“A capital trial involves intricate rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and constitutional safeguards that require professional legal expertise. Allowing a defendant to navigate such proceedings alone creates a fundamental constitutional defect,” he argued.

Ejimakor therefore urged the Court of Appeal to carefully examine the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s self-representation and determine whether the proceedings complied with constitutional and statutory requirements.

The lawyer maintained that the issue goes to the root of the trial and could have significant implications for the validity of the conviction.

Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on November 20, 2025, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism-related offences and incitement linked to his broadcasts and activities as leader of IPOB.

KATSINA, Nigeria — Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director Defence Information.

She and her husband, who tragically died in captivity days ago, were abducted by bandits a few weeks earlier.

The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts under Operation FASAN YAMMA. During sustained offensive operations, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village.

According to a statement signed by Samaila Uba, Major General, Director Defence Information on Monday, in the encounter, Mrs. Abubakar was shot by the criminals before they abandoned her and fled under overwhelming military pressure.

She was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical treatment at a military hospital, where she is responding positively.

The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to ensuring her full recovery and providing necessary support to her family during this difficult period.

He stressed that troops will continue operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to rid communities of terrorists not only in Katsina but across the nation.

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of four persons and the injury of two others following a suspected cult-related shooting in Ilorin, the state capital.

The incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday in the Post Office area of the city, prompting a swift response from security operatives.

According to the Police Command, a group of about five-armed men stormed a bamboo bar located along the railway corridor and opened fire on people gathered at the venue before fleeing the scene.

Police operatives responded immediately to a distress call and evacuated the victims to the Police Clinic for emergency treatment.

However, medical personnel confirmed four of the victims dead, while two others are currently receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack was linked to cult-related activities.

The Command disclosed that two suspected members of a notorious cult group connected to the incident have been arrested.

According to police authorities, the suspects are currently in custody and are providing useful information to investigators aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.

The Command said tactical, intelligence, and covert operatives have been deployed to track down all those involved in the attack.

“The suspects currently in custody are assisting ongoing investigations, while efforts are ongoing to ensure that every individual connected to the crime is arrested and prosecuted,” the police said.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence and a serious threat to public safety.

The police chief assured residents that the Command would leave no stone unturned in bringing all perpetrators to justice.

“The Command views the incident as a grave threat to public peace and safety and will not relent until all those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

The Command extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

Residents were also urged to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

The Kwara State Police Command reassured members of the public that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of such violent incidents and maintain security across the state.

CALABAR, Nigeria (NPA) — The Cross River State Police Command has announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, altered, defaced, unregistered, or missing number plates.

The exercise, according to the Command, is part of efforts to strengthen public safety, enhance intelligence-led policing, and prevent criminals from using unidentifiable vehicles to perpetrate unlawful activities.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the operation is in compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers across the state to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures to identify and sanction violators.

According to the Command, any vehicle found operating in violation of registration regulations will be subjected to thorough scrutiny, while offenders may face sanctions, including the impoundment of their vehicles in line with existing laws.

The police expressed concern over the growing number of vehicles operating on roads across the state with concealed, defaced, or completely absent registration plates.

The Command noted that such practices undermine security operations and make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace vehicles linked to criminal activities.

Vehicle owners and operators have therefore been advised to ensure that their number plates are properly affixed, clearly visible, and issued by the appropriate authorities.

Motorists were also urged to maintain valid vehicle documentation and comply fully with all registration and traffic regulations.

The police reassured residents that the enforcement exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.

The Command called on members of the public to cooperate with officers carrying out the operation, stressing its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents of Cross River State.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its alleged failure to account for approximately ₦5.9 billion reportedly spent on the incorporation, transition, and rebranding of NNPC into NNPCL.

According to reports, NNPC paid ₦2.9 billion for incorporation expenses from petroleum product proceeds, while the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) charged another ₦2.9 billion to crude oil revenue for the same purpose, bringing the total rebranding cost to ₦5.9 billion.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1248/2026 filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to compel NNPCL to account for the expenditure. The group is asking the court to direct NNPCL to provide a comprehensive reconciliation statement detailing the financial transactions, the contractors involved, and how the funds were utilised.

SERAP also wants NNPCL to disclose the names and positions of government officials who authorised the release of the funds, and to clarify whether the expenditure complied with procurement laws and due‑process requirements.

The organisation argues that Nigerians have a right to know who approved the spending, who received the funds, and whether the rebranding represented value for money.

The suit, filed by SERAP lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, describes the spending as a grave violation of public trust and a breach of constitutional and international anti‑corruption obligations. SERAP insists that transparency and accountability are urgently needed in the management of public resources within the petroleum sector.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has reportedly raised concerns about the expenditure, describing it as excessive and unjustifiable, and calling for further investigation and legislative scrutiny.

The transformation of NNPC into NNPCL followed the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which required the corporation to become a commercially oriented limited liability company fully owned by the federal government.

SERAP maintains that the failure to account for the ₦5.9 billion undermines public confidence and violates constitutional provisions mandating transparency and the abolition of corrupt practices.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International has condemned the alleged attack on peaceful protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, calling for an immediate investigation into the incident that reportedly left human rights activist Omoyele Sowore hospitalised.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the rights organisation described the incident as a reckless assault on citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

According to Amnesty International, Sowore reportedly collapsed during the protest and was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.

The organisation said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.

“The deliberate targeting of Omoyele Sowore must be investigated,” Amnesty International stated.

The group argued that any action directed at activists solely for participating in peaceful demonstrations constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights and undermines democratic principles.

“Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International further accused Nigerian authorities of increasingly resorting to force and intimidation in response to peaceful civic engagement and dissenting voices.

The organisation expressed concern that actions against protesters could have a chilling effect on the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

“The Nigerian authorities are clearly using violence to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the statement added.

The rights group also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that the government has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to protecting civil liberties and fulfilling Nigeria’s human rights obligations.

According to Amnesty International, democratic governance requires the protection of citizens’ rights to freely express their opinions, organise peacefully, and participate in public affairs without fear of harassment or violence.

The organisation urged authorities to uphold the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments guaranteeing freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

The Democracy Day protest was held as Nigerians marked the anniversary of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in the country’s history and a symbol of the nation’s democratic struggle.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from security agencies regarding Amnesty International’s allegations.