New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Ogun Police crack child‑stealing syndicate, arrest couple, rescue three children in Mowe

    Ogun Police crack child‑stealing syndicate, arrest couple, rescue three children in Mowe

    ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled a child‑stealing syndicate in Mowe, arresting a husband and wife and rescuing three stolen children in a swift intelligence‑led operation.

    According to a statement issued by DSP Oluseyi B. Babasayi, Police Public Relations Officer, the arrests followed a complaint lodged on 17 May 2026 by a resident of Omo Onile, Mowe. The complainant reported that while receiving medical attention at a clinic on 16 May, one of the suspects, Oluwarankami Kehinde Ugochukwu, deceitfully collected her four‑month‑old baby under the guise of assisting with care, but absconded with the child.

    Detectives immediately mobilised, placing motor parks and strategic locations under surveillance. Acting on credible intelligence, officers tracked the suspects to their hideout at the Kekere Ekun area of Mowe on 18 May 2026, where the stolen infant was rescued alongside two other children found in their possession. The suspects, Oluwarankami Kehinde Ugochukwu and her husband, Ugochukwu Mathew, were promptly arrested.

    Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the rescued children had earlier been declared missing in a 2024 child‑stealing case, where the same deceptive method of pretending to offer assistance was used. The biological parents of two of the children have since been contacted and positively identified their wards.

    The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for discreet investigation.

    Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni commended the swift response and professionalism of Mowe Division officers, reiterating the Command’s resolve to sustain the fight against child trafficking, abduction, and violent crimes across Ogun State.

  • Tinubu hails NDLEA over historic bust of Nigerian‑Mexican drug syndicate

    Tinubu hails NDLEA over historic bust of Nigerian‑Mexican drug syndicate

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling a sophisticated transborder drug cartel, describing the operation as a landmark success in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics.

    The announcement came after NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), revealed details of the major bust on Wednesday. The operation, which spanned weeks of intelligence gathering and coordination with international partners, led to the arrest of foreign nationals, Nigerian kingpins, and other collaborators. Chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million were seized.

    President Tinubu praised the agency’s professionalism and courage, noting that the breakthrough sends a strong message to organised crime networks.

    “This successful operation demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President said.

    He urged NDLEA operatives to remain vigilant and avoid complacency, stressing that West Africa has become a major concern in the global war against narcotics, with drug barons exploiting the region as a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals bound for Europe and North America.

    Tinubu warned that drugs pose not only a critical security threat but also a grave danger to the future of Nigerian youth, many of whom have fallen victim to addiction and exploitation by traffickers.

    Calling for collective responsibility, the President urged Nigerians to support NDLEA by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

    “This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law,” he declared.

    The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accentuates Tinubu’s administration’s resolve to intensify the war against drug trafficking and safeguard Nigeria’s youth from the scourge of narcotics.

  • LASCOPA raises alarm over adulterated, harmful palm oil in Lagos markets

    LASCOPA raises alarm over adulterated, harmful palm oil in Lagos markets

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over the increasing circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across Lagos State, warning residents to remain cautious while purchasing the product.

    The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, disclosed that complaints from consumers and ongoing market surveillance operations revealed the presence of contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil being sold by some traders to unsuspecting buyers.

    According to him, some unscrupulous dealers are adulterating palm oil with harmful substances in an attempt to maximise profits at the expense of public health and consumer safety.

    Solebo warned that adulterated palm oil may contain dangerous substances, including candle wax, chemicals, dyes and other impurities that are unsafe for human consumption.

    He stated that the contaminated products could cause serious health complications such as food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue damage, liver complications and other long-term health risks.

    The LASCOPA boss urged consumers to carefully examine palm oil before purchase by checking for unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments or suspicious appearances that may indicate contamination.

    He also advised residents to buy food products only from trusted and reputable vendors while insisting on quality and safe products.

    As part of enforcement efforts, Solebo disclosed that the agency recently sealed a shop allegedly involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque in Lagos Island Local Government Area.

    According to the agency, the action forms part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard products in the marketplace.

    Solebo warned traders and distributors involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil to immediately desist from the practice or risk facing legal sanctions under Lagos State consumer protection laws.

    The agency further urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of adulterated food products, deceptive trade practices and other consumer rights violations through LASCOPA’s official communication channels for investigation and enforcement action.

    LASCOPA reaffirmed its commitment to continuous market monitoring, consumer sensitisation, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure residents have access to safe, wholesome and quality products across Lagos State.

  • Police launch disciplinary action against officer over viral threat video

    Police launch disciplinary action against officer over viral threat video

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of a police officer captured in a viral video making threatening remarks against members of the public filming police activities.

    The officer, identified as ASP Newton Isokpehi, was seen in the video allegedly issuing threats to individuals recording police operations, sparking widespread reactions on social media.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, the police described the officer’s actions and utterances as unacceptable, unprofessional and inconsistent with the ethics and code of conduct of the force.

    According to the statement, the conduct displayed in the video contradicts ongoing police reform efforts aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, professionalism and citizen-focused policing across the country.

    The police reiterated that members of the public have the legal right to record officers carrying out their lawful duties provided such actions do not obstruct operations, compromise safety or interfere with official activities.

    The statement noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has consistently maintained that public accountability and transparency remain essential to modern policing standards.

    Following the incident, the officer involved was identified and summoned to the Anambra State Police Command headquarters where disciplinary procedures have reportedly commenced.

    The Force stated that it does not tolerate threats, intimidation, abuse of office or any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

    The police further emphasized that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and should not attract harassment or intimidation from officers while carrying out their duties.

    According to the statement, a formal update on the outcome of the disciplinary measures against the officer will be made public in due course.

    The Nigeria Police Force also appreciated citizens for their continued partnership and constructive engagement toward improving professionalism and accountability within the country’s policing system.

  • Kaduna court jails two ex-bank officials over theft of customers’ funds

    Kaduna court jails two ex-bank officials over theft of customers’ funds

    KADUNA, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentencing of two former bank officials over theft involving funds belonging to customers of Access Bank Plc in Kaduna State.

    The convicts, identified as Obadofin Daniel Bamise and Hadiza Oyiza Yakubu, were sentenced by Justice A.A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna.

    According to the EFCC, both defendants were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency on separate one-count charges bordering on theft.

    The charge against Obadofin alleged that he fraudulently stole N433,000 while working as an employee of Access Bank between November 5, 2024 and January 23, 2025.

    Yakubu was similarly accused of stealing N806,000 within the same period while serving as a staff member of the bank.

    The offences were said to contravene provisions of Section 274 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

    During the court proceedings, both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.

    Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Moses Arumemi, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

    Justice Bello subsequently convicted the two former bank officials and sentenced each of them to seven years’ imprisonment with an option of N50,000 fine.

    Investigations by the EFCC revealed that the convicts allegedly carried out unauthorised withdrawals from the accounts of 305 customers who were beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s palliative scheme.

    According to the anti-corruption agency, the fraudulent transactions totalled N7,842,700.

    The EFCC further disclosed that the unauthorised withdrawals were allegedly diverted into accounts belonging to coordinators of the palliative scheme.

    The commission said the convictions underscore its ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and protect Nigerians from economic exploitation within the banking sector.

  • Lagos Police arrest suspected car theft syndicate members, recover five stolen vehicles

    Lagos Police arrest suspected car theft syndicate members, recover five stolen vehicles

    IKEJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on vehicle theft and robbery with the arrest of suspected members of a car-snatching syndicate and the recovery of five stolen vehicles linked to the gang.

    According to the police, the arrests followed a report of a stolen Toyota Camry 2008 model, which triggered a painstaking intelligence-led investigation by operatives of the command.

    Through technical and tactical intelligence, the stolen vehicle was traced and recovered at the point of re-registration, leading investigators to uncover a criminal network allegedly involved in stealing and trafficking vehicles across states.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate operated mainly within Lagos State while concealing and disposing of stolen vehicles in Ibadan and Ilorin. During the operation, police operatives arrested one Segun Olawuwo, 58, in Ibadan, where another suspected stolen Toyota Corolla 2008 model was recovered from him.

    Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Femi Afolabi, 53, and Sunday Ugbomudia, 53, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Police said one Toyota Camry 2008 model and one Toyota Corolla 2006 model, both suspected to have been stolen, were recovered from the suspects.

    The arrests also led to the recovery of another stolen Toyota Camry 2012 model, which had reportedly been sold to an unsuspecting buyer in Ibadan.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by Abimbola Adebisi, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in multiple car-snatching and robbery operations within and outside Lagos State.

    The police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen vehicles connected to the criminal network.

    The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their professionalism, resilience and commitment in tackling criminal activities across the state.

    He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies to support ongoing crime-fighting efforts.

  • Marwa launches NDLEA Radio Station, warns against drug abuse culture among Nigerian youths

    Marwa launches NDLEA Radio Station, warns against drug abuse culture among Nigerian youths

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has called on Nigerians to resist what he described as the growing toxic pop culture promoting illicit drug abuse among young people across the country.

    Marwa made the call on Thursday during the official commissioning of the NDLEA’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA boss urged stakeholders, parents, institutions and citizens to join the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to protect the nation’s youth population from substance abuse.

    Speaking at the event, Marwa warned that drug abuse continues to pose serious threats to national security, public health, economic productivity and the future of Nigeria’s workforce.

    “We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being. A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection,” he said.

    According to him, the newly launched radio station would serve as a platform to counter narratives that glorify drug abuse and replace them with messages promoting sobriety, recovery and responsible living.

    Marwa said the NDLEA decided to establish the station because enforcement alone cannot completely solve the country’s drug abuse crisis.

    “With the benefit of hindsight, I have always maintained that while enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars,” he stated.

    The NDLEA Chairman explained that radio remains one of the most effective tools for public engagement because of its ability to reach citizens directly in homes, marketplaces, schools and workplaces.

    He described the launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM as more than the unveiling of a radio station, saying it represents a national campaign aimed at amplifying hope and promoting social transformation.

    According to him, the station will focus on advocacy, awareness creation, youth engagement and behavioural change as part of broader efforts to combat substance abuse nationwide.

    Marwa also praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the budget for the station, while appreciating the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission, international partners and NDLEA personnel for supporting the initiative.

    “To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement,” Marwa appealed.

    In his goodwill message, the United Nations Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the NDLEA for adopting radio broadcasting as a strategic advocacy tool.

    He noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan and supports a balanced approach that combines enforcement, education and public engagement.

    Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, described the radio station as a strategic instrument for national orientation, youth engagement and social transformation.

    Ebuebu stressed that protecting young Nigerians from substance abuse remains a critical national development priority.

    Similarly, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Bala Musa, praised the initiative as a major platform for citizens’ reorientation and positive attitudinal change across the country.

  • Vandals desecrate 140 Belgian military graves, authorities launch investigation

    Vandals desecrate 140 Belgian military graves, authorities launch investigation

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — Belgium’s Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken has announced that about 140 Belgian military graves were vandalised overnight between Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19, at the military cemetery in Houthulst.

    According to the minister, the cemetery, which is managed by the War Heritage Institute, suffered extensive damage after vandals pried loose a large number of metal memorial plaques from gravestones.

    He disclosed that around 10 gravestones were severely damaged or completely broken during the attack, while several memorial plaques were also badly damaged.

    Francken stated that all displaced grave plaques had since been recovered by the WHI War Graves Service.

    “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this shameless act of vandalism at a place where we safeguard the memory of those who gave their lives for our country, our freedom, and our democracy,” the minister said.

    Authorities described the incident as a desecration of a sacred memorial site dedicated to fallen soldiers who died in service to Belgium.

    The Belgian police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vandalism.

    As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not identified the individual or group responsible for the attack, while the motive behind the desecration also remains unclear.

    The incident has sparked outrage among residents and officials, with calls for those responsible to be brought to justice.

  • COAS tasks commanders on accountability, combat readiness, operational excellence

    COAS tasks commanders on accountability, combat readiness, operational excellence

    ABUJA, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has charged commanders across the Nigerian Army to strengthen operational effectiveness through strict accountability, professionalism and result-driven leadership amid evolving security challenges facing the country.

    Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge while delivering his closing remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Bi-Annual Conference 2026 held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites in Asokoro, Abuja.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said the conference successfully achieved its objectives by providing a platform for critical assessments and strategic discussions aimed at improving military operations nationwide.

    The COAS noted that deliberations during the conference focused on strengthening operational responses, enhancing training frameworks and adapting to the realities of Nigeria’s contemporary security environment.

    He stated that the outcomes of the conference are expected to build a more agile, combat-ready, technologically advanced and mission-oriented army capable of responding effectively to emerging threats. Highlighting ongoing capability improvements within the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Shaibu disclosed that the service has acquired additional tactical drones and reconfigured Army aviation assets for combat operations.

    According to him, the new assets have significantly enhanced intelligence gathering, precision targeting, operational mobility and casualty evacuation during military operations.

    The Army Chief also emphasised ongoing progress in recruitment, advanced military training, professional education and leadership development within the force. He stressed that discipline, competence and merit-based leadership remain critical to strengthening institutional integrity and maintaining a highly professional fighting force.

    Reaffirming his “soldier-first” philosophy, the COAS said troop welfare remains central to operational success, noting that well-motivated personnel operating under conducive conditions are more effective in carrying out military assignments.

    He subsequently directed commanders to prioritise the welfare of troops through prompt payment of entitlements, improved healthcare services, educational support and better welfare packages for personnel and their families.

    Lieutenant General Shaibu further urged participants at the conference to ensure that resolutions reached during deliberations are translated into measurable operational achievements on the field.

    According to him, the true value of the conference lies not in discussions alone but in the effective implementation of strategies and decisions reached during the gathering.

    The Army Chief also appreciated Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Armed Forces.

    He further commended the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies for their collaboration and support toward national security operations.

    The conference also featured the presentation of commendation plaques to senior officers who successfully completed their tours of duty, alongside the unveiling of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Feature Centre insignia.

  • Bayelsa Police launches Violent Crime Response Unit, inaugurates civilian oversight board

    Bayelsa Police launches Violent Crime Response Unit, inaugurates civilian oversight board

    YENAGOA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Bayelsa State Police Command has officially launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board at its headquarters in Yenagoa, marking a significant step in strengthening security and public trust in policing across the state.

    The ceremony, held on 20 May 2026, was attended by top officials and stakeholders. Representing Governor Douye Diri, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, commended the Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for establishing the VCRU nationwide. He described the initiative as a strategic move to combat violent crimes, enhance accountability, and reinforce internal security.

    According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Musa Mohammed, the governor assured the command of continuous government support in tackling violent crime. Also present was AIG Abubakar Zubairu, Zone 16 Headquarters, who charged officers to uphold professionalism and abide by Force Order 237 in their operations.

    Commissioner of Police Iyamah Daniel Edebor reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He urged residents to support the police with credible and timely information to aid crime prevention and detection.

    The newly inaugurated Civilian Oversight Board includes representatives from civil society and community stakeholders, such as Barr. Beimonyo Vivien Brisibe, PhD, High Chief Nengi James, OON, and Dr Nemmenegbor James, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC). Their role is to strengthen accountability and ensure community perspectives are integrated into policing strategies.

    The Bayelsa Police Command emphasised that the launch of the VCRU and the oversight board reflects a new era of community‑driven policing, designed to reassure residents and build confidence in law enforcement.