New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Engr. Dave Umahi condoles family of slain Ebonyi monarch

    Engr. Dave Umahi condoles family of slain Ebonyi monarch

    ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has paid a condolence visit to the family of His Royal Highness Eze Francis Igwe, father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, in Alike Ikwo Local Government Area. The visit follows the brutal killing of the traditional ruler by alleged kidnappers.

    In a statement by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister (Media), Umahi condemned the act and urged the bereaved to remain steadfast in faith despite the painful loss. He described the killing as a disturbing reflection of society’s cruelty, saying, “When I heard of this occurrence, it was like a dream. The people that did this are not human beings.”

    He added, “Such strange acts show the Bible is being fulfilled. He was a father to us, a man of wisdom, committed to God and humanity. My prayer is that the wrath of God will be upon those responsible.”

    Umahi consoled the family, pledging support: “Your mother is now our mother; we must care for her. I commend the Governor for his efforts to save our father, though it pleased God otherwise. I assure you, I am part of your family, and you have my shoulder to lean on.”

    Former Deputy Governor Barr. Kelechi Igwe thanked the Minister for standing with them: “On behalf of HRH Eze Igwe’s family and cabinet, we are grateful. The storms you have weathered teach us to be strong, and we are strong.”

  • Lagos Fire Service cracks down on safety violations in Amuwo‑Odofin, Badagry Expressway corridor

    Lagos Fire Service cracks down on safety violations in Amuwo‑Odofin, Badagry Expressway corridor

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The Lagos Fire Service has intensified its crackdown on noncompliance with safety regulations to curb rising fire emergencies across the metropolis. The enforcement involves on‑the‑spot checks targeting major industrial hubs.

    Controller General Margaret Abimbola Adeseye led the team to the Amuwo‑Odofin Industrial Layout and the Badagry Expressway corridor, tightening oversight of industrial and commercial sectors. She stressed that the Lagos State Government is adopting a zero‑tolerance approach to negligence, ensuring validity of fire safety documents, insurance cover, preparedness, functionality of firefighting equipment, and proper storage arrangements.

    Adeseye expressed concern over poor compliance in several facilities, citing inadequate storage, poor ventilation, and obstructed gangways as serious risks. While some companies maintained acceptable standards, others fell short. She warned that organisations must cooperate with the agency and implement recommendations or face sanctions.

    The inspection covered diverse businesses, including Bijoux Building Company, Sweet Home Bathroom Limited, and Adems Market. The team also assessed cold rooms at Premium Aquaculture Limited, production lines at PrimaQq Corporation Limited, and facilities at Lacasera Company Plc (Plant 2), Ovas Luxury Doors, and Primlaks Nigeria Group. Reviews included Paramount Frozen Foods Limited, Venus Processing and Packaging Limited, and Best Store.

    In a statement, the agency said detailed audits were conducted across manufacturing and temperature‑controlled environments. Adeseye reiterated that the Service remains focused on safeguarding investments and lives through strict compliance and prevention of avoidable industrial disasters.

  • Oyo Police arrest armed robbery suspects in Ibadan, recover weapons and stolen property

    Oyo Police arrest armed robbery suspects in Ibadan, recover weapons and stolen property

    IBADAN, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested suspected armed robbers and recovered weapons and stolen property during a stop‑and‑search operation in the General Gas area of Akobo, Ibadan.

    One suspect, Abiodun Adeyemi Michael, was intercepted with a Magnum Pump Action gun loaded with six live cartridges, along with numerous mobile phones — including iPhone 17, iPhone 15, iPhone 13, iPhone 8, iPhone XR, iPhone 16 Blue, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Tecno Camon, Tecno CKG, Tecno Spark 20, Tecno CM6, five Redmi phones, and a Samsung Galaxy S10. Other recovered items included a Wi‑Fi device, a power bank, an Oraimo radio, four wristwatches, and ₦130,000 in cash.

    Michael reportedly confessed to participating in a robbery with three accomplices. Two suspects, Olaoluwa Pamole and Ahmed Ismail, were later arrested at Access Hotel in the Sawmill area of Iwo Road, Ibadan. The third suspect, identified as Lamidi, remains at large.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the suspects admitted involvement in the theft of a Honda car, ash in colour, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Following the arrests, Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna directed that the case be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for discreet investigation and prosecution. He also ordered that the fleeing suspect be tracked down and brought to justice.

    Public Advisory: Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station. Individuals who have recently lost valuables to robbery in the Egbeda and Toll Gate areas are encouraged to visit the Command Monitoring Unit to claim recovered items, subject to verification of ownership.

    The Command reassures residents of their safety and its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

    For Emergencies, Contact:

    • Oyo State Call Response Center Toll‑Free Line: 615
    • Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.
  • Increased terrorist attacks: We are in control––Defence Minister

    Increased terrorist attacks: We are in control––Defence Minister

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 11, 2026 —Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says the country’s military maintains control over insecurity despite renewed terrorist attacks in the North East.

    Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja after a strategic meeting with Service Chiefs to review operational strategies nationwide. He said the meeting assessed the current security situation and strengthened efforts to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements.

    “We had a quick meeting to review our strategy in all theatres. We are aware of the issues, but I assure Nigerians the Armed Forces are working tirelessly to keep the country safe,” he said.

    The minister acknowledged military casualties but stressed terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier losses. “We know we have suffered some casualties, but terrorists and bandits are taking more. We are eliminating their commanders and destroying assets,” he added.

    Musa urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces, warning that tackling insecurity required a whole-of-government and society approach. He cautioned against false information on social media, noting that misinformation could undermine security efforts and troop morale.

    He appealed to media organisations to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through videos and materials produced by criminal groups. “When you use their videos and pictures, you give them the opportunity to shine and demoralise our troops,” he said.

    Musa further urged citizens to report suspicious activities, warning that those aiding terrorists would be treated as accomplices. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces and congratulated the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assuring him of strong collaboration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting comes amid a resurgence of attacks in the North East. The military has lost personnel in recent days while eliminating scores of terrorists and their commanders. (NAN).

  • Pope Leo sacks San Diego Bishop accused of stealing $250,000

    Pope Leo sacks San Diego Bishop accused of stealing $250,000

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — Pope Leo has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta of San Diego, following his arrest on suspicion of embezzling $250,000 from his congregation, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

    Shaleta, who has led the Chaldean Catholic community in San Diego since 2017, pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of embezzlement and money laundering during a court hearing on Monday, according to local media.

    San Diego Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero said the alleged crimes occurred in 2024 and were uncovered by a church employee who noticed missing funds, KGTV reported. Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the United States, according to the sheriff’s office.

    His lawyer told the court that the bishop had been planning a trip to Germany.

    The Chaldean Catholic Church, which follows an Eastern Christian liturgical rite but recognizes the pope’s authority, has about 71,000 members in San Diego, Vatican statistics show.

  • Nigerian Army launches landmark simulation training workshop, aims for operational excellence

    Nigerian Army launches landmark simulation training workshop, aims for operational excellence

    Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Nigerian Army has commenced its Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) Training Workshop, themed “Leveraging Joint and Multi-Agency Capabilities to Strengthen Troops’ Adaptability and Resilience during Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations.”

    Declaring the workshop open on March 10, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness through simulation-based training. He described the initiative as a vital tool for improving adaptability, decision-making, and coordination without the logistical constraints of large-scale field exercises.

    According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Adebowale David Adejimi, the COAS urged participants to fully engage in discussions, share professional experiences, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen operational effectiveness. He emphasised that insights gained from the workshop would significantly improve joint and multi-agency collaboration in tackling contemporary security challenges.

    The event drew senior officers from Army Headquarters departments, commanders from various units and formations, as well as representatives of selected paramilitary agencies. Participants will benefit from lectures delivered by seasoned resource persons, followed by intensive interactive sessions designed to foster cooperation and innovation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

    The Nigerian Army views simulation training as a cornerstone of modern military preparedness, ensuring troops are equipped to respond effectively to complex and dynamic operational scenarios. By leveraging joint and multi-agency capabilities, the workshop underscores the Army’s determination to achieve excellence in safeguarding national security.

  • Trump’s bombing of Iran is a simple farmer-herder conflict—Mike Arnold consoles Pantami

    Trump’s bombing of Iran is a simple farmer-herder conflict—Mike Arnold consoles Pantami

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — Mike Arnold, a former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, USA, and now a leading activist on religious violence in Nigeria, has ridiculed Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of Digital Economy Technology, Isa Pantami, after a viral video showed him weeping over the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayotola Khamenei.

    Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and Africa Arise USA, issued a sarcastic statement on Monday in response to Pantami’s grief. He asserted that the U.S. President’s bombing of Iran and the killing of its leader should be seen as nothing more than a “farmer-herder conflict.”

    He wrote: “Oh, poor terrorist. He should know that Trump bombing Iran is not really Trump’s fault. He couldn’t help himself; it was just global warming. A simple farmer-herder conflict. Maybe he should dialogue with Trump, understand his position, offer him government money and jobs. They are brothers, after all. Maybe then Trump will stop bombing Iran and we could all be happy together.”

    Arnold’s remarks reference the official stance often taken during the Buhari administration, in which Pantami served as a cabinet member. At the time, the government frequently described widespread killings by armed Fulani herdsmen as “farmer-herder clashes.”

    That narrative persisted until the Tinubu-led government reclassified such attacks as acts of terrorism, declaring that anyone who sacks villages and kills civilians would be treated accordingly. Analysts note that this shift in terminology has sharpened the mandate of security agencies, enabling them to respond more decisively to protect communities across Nigeria.

  • Breaking: One dead in Lagos trailer accident, traffic gridlock hits Ketu-Ojota

    Breaking: One dead in Lagos trailer accident, traffic gridlock hits Ketu-Ojota

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) has reported a road accident in the Ketu area of Lagos, resulting in one casualty and heavy traffic congestion.

    In a statement issued Tuesday, the agency confirmed: “A flatbed trailer loaded with iron suffered a brake failure at Ketu towards Mile 12, resulting in one casualty.”

    LASTMA noted that efforts are underway to remove the trailer and other affected vehicles from the scene, with officials deployed to manage traffic flow.

    As a result of the incident, a significant traffic backlog has built up around Ojota. Motorists heading towards Ikorodu, Ojota, or exiting Ikorodu Road onto the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been advised to exercise caution and consider alternative routes to ease the gridlock.

    The agency assured commuters that traffic control measures are fully in place and urged drivers to remain patient while clearance operations continue.

  • Amasiri knows nothing about missing heads, Princess Joy Omagha Idam tells Ebonyi Government

    Amasiri knows nothing about missing heads, Princess Joy Omagha Idam tells Ebonyi Government

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) —March 10, 2026 —Princess Joy Omagha Idam, a Nigerian community advocate, publisher of Weekenders Magazine, and former Assistant Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Council, has raised alarm over governance failures and human rights violations amid the ongoing communal crisis in Amasiri, Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. A vocal critic of the alleged military crackdown in the community, Idam has called for urgent intervention to protect civilians and restore accountability.

    Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show, as monitored by Newpost Africa, Princess Joy Omagha Idam condemned reported military raids and property destruction in Amasiri, describing them as “clear violations of citizens’ rights.” She argued that the unrest reflects deeper governance and accountability failures rather than being an isolated local disturbance.

    Highlighting the human toll, she noted that families have been displaced, livelihoods disrupted, and communities left in fear. When asked about allegations of missing human heads from the neighbouring Oso (Idima/Ọkpọrọjọ) community, Adamson firmly denied Amasiri’s involvement. “Amasiri does not know anything about any head,” she said. “Soldiers have been in Amasiri. Have they found the heads? Amasiri doesn’t know anything about the killing.”

    She explained that the community was in mourning at the time of the incident, with more than twenty burials taking place, stressing that cultural practices such as not burying in December further complicated the accusations.

    On the Ebonyi State Government’s boundary commission, Idam criticised the process and described it as unworkable. She pointed out that key stakeholders — including members of the Amasiri Development Union executive — remain in detention, while the traditional ruler has been dethroned, leaving the committee without crucial input.

    Regarding Amasiri’s petition before the International Criminal Court, she said there has been “no update yet,” but expressed hope that the case, which raises multiple human rights concerns, would be acted upon.

    Rejecting claims that Amasiri is the aggressor, Idam drew an analogy: “If you own a property in Maitama and some people are encroaching on your land, will you allow them to take what is your heritage?”

    She urged the authorities to prioritise dialogue and transparency over force in resolving the crisis, warning that continued militarisation would only deepen mistrust and prolong suffering.

  • We’ll defeat terrorists, strengthen economy, Tinubu assures Nigerians

    We’ll defeat terrorists, strengthen economy, Tinubu assures Nigerians

    POLITICS (Agency Reports) —March 10, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured Nigerians that the country would never allow agents of instability to undermine its peace, unity and sovereignty, assuring that terrorists would be defeated.

    Tinubu gave the assurance while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He acknowledged the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in promoting peace, stability and moral guidance within their communities.

    “Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated.

    They leave trails of blood in their wake. But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender.

    “We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,”

    Tinubu also pledged to continue using the mandate given to him to strengthen the economy and promote prosperity.

    “I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve.

    “All I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty.

    “I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are gradually getting relief.”

    He said the administration had taken decisive steps to stabilise public finances and avert economic collapse.

    “We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy. It was very daunting and challenging when we took over. But today I can say with pride and joy that we have survived,”

    He said no state governor was now struggling to borrow from banks to pay workers’ salaries.

    Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to increasing investment in critical sectors such as agriculture and education.

    He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, assuring them that his administration remained focused on building a safer, secure and prosperous country.

    In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, thanked the president for hosting leaders of the two major religions at the breaking of fast.

    He said the gathering symbolised unity and prayed for peace, stability and divine guidance for the country and its leadership.

    Abubakar represented the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

    Also speaking, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured the president of the church’s support for efforts to strengthen the economy and security.

    Okoh represented the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr Stephen Baba-Panya.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional rulers and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones attended the event. (NAN).