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Tag: Arrest

  • Putin ‘not worried’ about being arrested in Mongolia next week

    Putin ‘not worried’ about being arrested in Mongolia next week

    Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to travel abroad in spite of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

    Putin is due to visit Mongolia on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

    Russia’s neighbour recognises the court’s authority and so is technically bound to honour the arrest warrant issued in March 2023.

    But Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the threat of arrest, saying on Friday: “We are not worried. We maintain a wonderful dialogue with our friends in Mongolia.”

    This would be Putin’s first trip to an ICC member state since he launched his all-out war against Ukraine in February 2022.

    He skipped a meeting of BRICS countries in South Africa 2023, for instance.

    Peskov answered in the affirmative when asked whether the arrest warrant had been an issue when preparing for the trip to Mongolia.

    “Of course, all aspects of the visit were meticulously prepared,” he said, according to local media.

    The Kremlin said Putin is travelling to the country at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh in order to expand cooperation.

    Mongolia has sought a good relationship with its powerful neighbours China and Russia, while also maintaining ties to the West.

    Because Mongolia is economically dependent on Russia, it is considered unlikely that the country would risk relations by arresting Putin.

    The ICC accuses Putin of being responsible for the abduction and deportation of children and minors from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine to Russia.

    Moscow refers to the incidents as evacuations.

  • Arrests ‘ll be made over reports I died in Switzerland – Ned Nwoko

    Arrests ‘ll be made over reports I died in Switzerland – Ned Nwoko

    Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) has dismissed reports claiming that he died in Switzerland.

    Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that the reports were entirely false and malicious.

    ”In recent weeks, I have also been subjected to unwarranted insults and accusations regarding the purchase of a car for a little content creator.

    “These claims are baseless and misleading. Whether this is a misguided joke or a deliberate act of malice, it has gone too far and will not be tolerated.

    “I am taking immediate legal action against those spreading these falsehoods. Arrests will be made, and anyone involved should be prepared to face the consequences.

    “This is not a matter of influence; it is about holding those responsible accountable for their harmful actions.

    I will not tolerate any attempts to malign my character or to downplay the seriousness of this situation.

    “If you are involved in these activities, expect to face legal repercussions without delay,”  Nwoko warned.

  • Navy operatives rescue 8 trafficked victims, nab eight stoways

    Navy operatives rescue 8 trafficked victims, nab eight stoways

    Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have arrested eight suspected stowaways during their attempt to board two-speed boats.

    Disclosing this in a Tuesday statement, the Director of Naval Information, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said five of the eight suspects admitted that they wanted to travel abroad.

    He said unknown to the suspects, the patrol team of NNS Beecroft had sighted them during a patrol conducted on July 13, 2024.

    According to the naval authorities, the latest arrest in Lagos brings to 33 stowaways nabbed between January and July.

    NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos Channel,” the statement read.

    “The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.

    “The suspects and speed boats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port, and Marine Command for further investigation.

    Similarly, eight female trafficked victims and two drowning fishermen were rescued by the Nigerian Navy units across the nation’s maritime domain.

    In the past week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, also rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking and 2 drowning fishermen. Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period.

    “Specifically, on July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.

    “Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent,” Adams-Aliu said.

    The victims were later handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons while further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing.

  • Marwa elevates 5,042 NDLEA officers, gives 15 commands, 70 personnel special awards

    Marwa elevates 5,042 NDLEA officers, gives 15 commands, 70 personnel special awards

    . Creates 5 new strategic commands, deploys body cameras for operational efficiency

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has approved the promotion of a total of Five Thousand and Forty-Two (5,042) personnel in an exercise that saw two senior officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN; 22 as Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, ACGN and 66 as Commander of Narcotics, CN.

    The promotion, which followed weeks of examination and interviews conducted for qualified candidates, is part of an ongoing exercise to enhance human resource management, particularly on staff motivation and welfare, for efficiency and effectiveness in the achievement of organizational goals.
    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday 10th July 2024 at an event to decorate some of the promoted officers with their new ranks and reward 15 commands and 70 personnel for outstanding performances in the first half of 2024, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said prompt and timely promotion of all deserving and qualified officers remains top on the agenda of his leadership.

    According to him, “I am pleased to say that we continue to wax stronger on this journey we embarked on three and a half years ago when we decided to turn around the fortunes of this agency, by improving our performance as a precursor to reversing the perilous drug use situation in our dear country, Nigeria.

    “On this occasion of the 8th edition of the commands’ awards and commendations ceremony, we have every reason to be thankful because our performance continuously justifies our conviction in Offensive Action, WADA and other reforms that we undertook.

    For our modest efforts, we have received plaudits at home and abroad. What that means is that we have to do more. The reward for work well done is more work, and in our case, we cannot rest on our oars until all the objectives of our mandate are fully achieved. May I remind us that the bottom-line is a drug-free Nigeria.

    “On our part as management, we are trying to keep the motivation going, by ensuring that we provide everything necessary to make this work safe, secure and conducive for everyone working in this Agency. Our new barracks in Adamawa, Abuja and Lagos are almost complete and will be commissioned soon.

    The recent promotion of 5, 053 officers speaks volumes about our dedication to prompt and timely promotion of officers. It is symbolic of our effort to break the jinx of stagnation, which was once an albatross for our personnel.
    “To further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, we are creating five strategic commands in Lagos, FCT, MMIA, Apapa and Tincan. Also in this regard, we’ll be deploying body cameras for the use of our officers on strategic operations for the purpose of ensuring their safety and the integrity of such operations.”

    For the officers, men and women of the Agency, Marwa charged them to remain upright in the discharge of their duties. His words, “Let me also seize this occasion to pass some messages to the NDLEA personnel. We have come a long way. In three and a half years, we have taken down as many as 50 identifiable drug cartels, some of them important spokes in the wheel of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine distribution in the country and the global trafficking network. We have seized a huge quantity of illicit drugs and we have convicted record numbers of drug offenders.

    “We have achieved many milestones without soiling our integrity and I expect us to continue on that course. Our core values of integrity, hardwork and transparency, among others, must be respected at all times. We need to continue to justify the trust reposed in us by society, and our government, as well as our international partners and governments supporting us across the globe. We have raised the standard and it must not be lowered at any cost or by any means.

    “That is to say, we will not take kindly to any news of infractions, indiscipline or corruption from the field or any command.

    The least we demand of any officer of this proud agency is to be upright and committed to our goals, while management continues to work on our welfare. The strides of the past three years have put behind us the tribulations of the previous 30 years. We owe the agency allegiance to maintain its integrity. We owe the public a duty to not betray the trust reposed in us. We owe our government, and our partners and stakeholders supporting us a duty to get the job done.

    “Therefore, we must not fail in giving the required sacrifice, patriotism, commitment, honesty, hard work, and all the virtues that go along with this important job and service to the nation and mankind. You have my assurances and those of the management of NDLEA that we shall not relent in the pursuit to create the best paradigm of work, welfare and reward for you.”

    At the end of the ceremony, the NDLEA boss proceeded to have a closed-door meeting with all commanders and directors where he outlined the tasks ahead for their implementation in their different areas of responsibility.

  • Doomsday cult leader faces trial for d£aths of over 400 followers

    Doomsday cult leader faces trial for d£aths of over 400 followers

    The leader of a Kenyan doomsday cult went on trial on Monday on charges of terrorism over the deaths of more than 400 of his followers in a macabre case that shocked the country and the world.

    Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie appeared in court in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa along with 94 co-defendants, an AFP journalist said.

    Journalists were removed from the courtroom shortly after the start of the hearing to enable a protected witness to take the stand.

    Mackenzie, who was arrested in April last year, is alleged to have incited his acolytes to starve to death in order to “meet Jesus”.

    He and his co-accused all pleaded not guilty to the charges of terrorism at a hearing in January.

     

    They also face charges of murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and child torture and cruelty in separate cases.

    The remains of more than 440 people have been unearthed so far in a remote wilderness inland from the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi, in a case that has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”.

    Autopsies carried out on 100 bodies have found that while starvation appeared to be the main cause of death, some of the victims — including children — were strangled, beaten, or suffocated.

  • Statement on arrest of Okoli issued in error – Labour Party

    Statement on arrest of Okoli issued in error – Labour Party

    The Labour Party says its press release of June 30, alleging  arrest of Dr Chigbo Okoli, Chairman of the party’s Registration and Revalidation Committee, was issued in error.

    The retraction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja,  jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the party’s National Transition Committee (NTC), Mr Abdulwahed Omar and Mr Nnawuihe Nwauwa, respectively

    Recall that the NTC, in the earlier statement, called for the immediate release of Okoli purportedly arrested by suspected persons alleged to be officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “This is to advise that our earlier press release regarding the suspected arrest of Dr Chigbo Okoli, Chairman of Labour Party’s Registration and Revalidation Committee was issued in error.

    “His phone was damaged and sent for repairs, making hm unreachable for about three to four days .

    “Unfortunately, attempts to reach him degenerated into some false grapevine claims, which were very worrisome in the circumstance.

    “The error is deeply regretted and should be disregarded, as Dr Okoll was never arrested, detained or missing,” the party officials recanted.

    They called on the general public to take note, stressing that, all inconveniences were deeply regretted.

    NAN

  • Reps demand NCAT director, auctioneer’s arrest over 2 choppers sale

    Reps demand NCAT director, auctioneer’s arrest over 2 choppers sale

    The House of Representatives has demanded the arrest of an alleged unlicensed auctioneer and Director, Quality Control, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, for providing false information on oath.

    The alleged false information was in respect of the sale of two helicopters for $1.2 million.

    The lawmakers want the duo to be arrested by the police in the National Assembly.

    Rep. Ademola Kuye, Chairman, Committee on Public Assets, said this was part of the resolutions of the committee after interacting with the management of NCAT and other relevant bodies in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation into the alleged illegal sale of the two choppers by NCAT.

    In December 2023, the House commenced an investigation into the state of public assets in the country.

    He said the committee’s mandate was to recover assets and moribund public assets within and outside Nigeria.

    This, he said, said the aircraft was sold without the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

    Kuye expressed worry that the two choppers bought at $2.4 billion were sold at $1.2 billion without following due process.

    “We requested documents of any kind of joint venture; there has been no response to that, whether you have one or not.

    “We requested a list of assets, including a comprehensive description and specification of all your listed assets, rented apartments, including acquisition dates and methods, and the current status and conditions of such assets.

    “We cannot specifically say that you have satisfied all of these requests. Though you tried to answer some of them, your responses are not adequate,” he said.

    The lawmakers also queried the use of an unlicensed auctioneer who failed to provide the needed response to inquiries.

    Mr Musa Alkali, Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, said urged the recovery of the two helicopters.

  • Man allegedly drowns In Lagoon to escape arrest

    Man allegedly drowns In Lagoon to escape arrest

    A man simply identified as Azeez, has allegedly jumped into the lagoon in Lagos and drowned, to avoid arrest for being accused of stealing some bags of cement.

    The Spokesperson of the Police command in Lagos , SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Sunday.

    Hundeyin said that the Director in charge of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) operations in Lagos Central, (name not mentioned), reported the case to Ikoyi Police Division on Friday at about 12.20 p.m.

    Hundeyin said that the director reported that at about 10.45 a.m. on Friday, he received a call that there was an incident at Lekki/Ikoyi Link Bridge.

    According to him, on getting to the scene, he met a large crowd gathered by the waterside, watching the lifeless body of a man who had drowned.

    “The deceased was later identified as Azeez. He was later confirmed dead by paramedics of Pre Hospital Care, Lagos.

    “It was discovered that one Elijah Amos, the seller of the cement, was pursuing the deceased before he jumped into the Lagoon, because he was alleged to have stolen some bags of cement,” Hundeyin said.

    The image maker said that the scene was visited by the police, while the corpse had been evacuated to Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy and preservation.

    Hundeyin said that investigation into the case was in progress.

  • Governor Oborevwori congratulates Olu of Warri at 40

    Governor Oborevwori congratulates Olu of Warri at 40

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, as he clocks 40 years on April 2.

    Governor Oborevwori stated that since His Majesty ascended the throne of his ancestors, the Itsekiri nation has remained peaceful and welcoming to investors.

    In a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori, said Ogiame Atuwatse’s reign has immensely benefited the people of Warri Kingdom, Delta State and indeed the nation.

    “One thing that stands out is your royal bearing, which is evident in the impeccable way you have carried out your responsibilities and has continued to be a source of glory and pride for the traditional institution.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I felicitate with your Royal Majesty, Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri on the occasion of your 40th birth anniversary.

    “You have exhibited excellent leadership since ascending the throne of your forebears by leading a moral life and serving as a source of inspiration and unity for your subjects,” Governor Oborevwori said.

    The governor prayed God to continue bestowing upon His Majesty health and wisdom so that he could lead the customary business of his kingdom and make significant contributions to the advancement of Delta State.

  • AGF, Fagbemi calls for suspension of criminal probe against Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah

    AGF, Fagbemi calls for suspension of criminal probe against Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah

    …slams IGF for disobeying valid court order

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has blasted the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his penchant to disobey valid judgements of the court

    He warned that such outright disregard for extant Court Orders not only undermines his Office as Chief Law Officer of the Federation under Section 174 of the Constitution but also ridicules the laudable initiatives embarked on by the Nigeria Police to ensure peace, order, and security of the nation.

    The warning followed a judgement of both FCT High Court in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/0924/18 and Appeal Court judgement which ceded the right to own and have access to the immovable property known as Plot 413, Guzape District, Cadastral Zone A09, Abuja to the Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd.

    It was gathered that the Nigeria Police following a petition by one High Chief Jacko Eloho, the Managing Director of Jackmaq International Company Limited against Senator Ikechukwu Obiora and his company, the Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd alleging forgery of the title documents of Plot 413, Guzape District, Cadastral Zone A09, Abuja, commenced a criminal investigation against them in flagrant disregard to both judgements of the courts.

    In a media release, e-signed by High Chief Eloho had claimed that a letter of intent to develop, manage, and operate a designated park site in the Federal Capital Territory was issued in 3rd July 2007 with reference No. AMMA/P&R/S.500, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency (Department of Parks and Recreation) issued to Messrs Gozbuks Nig. Limited Park No. 413 A09, Local Park, Guzape District of 0.13452 hectares for the recommended use of Outdoor Events, Recreation, Barbecue, and Snack Spot, and same was allocated under stated terms and conditions, duly signed by TPL Luka Bulus Achi.

    “The ownership of Park Plot 413 A09 Guzape District was later transferred to Jacksmaq International Company Limited which has since taken possession of the said property.

    “Sometimes in the year 2018, a company by the name Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd owned by Senator Ikechukwu Obiora came up with an allocation letter of offer Grant/Conveyance of approval with reference No. MFCT/LA/MISC.10197 with serial No. 013244 which prompted the Managing Director of Corporate Ideals Securities Limited to attempt to displace our company’s title which attempt was resisted.”

    Following their resistance, the Corporate Ideals Securities in what they described as “a surreptitious manner” relying on alleged forged title documents and without joining them, “commenced Suit No: FCT/HC/0924/2018 Between Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd VS. HON. Minister Federal Capital Territory & Anor which suit was heard and determined by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory per Hon. Justice A. A. I Banjoko and the Judgement delivered on 6th February 2019”.

    It added, “Upon being informed of the Judgement, our Clients by an application to the Court sought and obtained an Order setting aside the judgement delivered by the trial High Court which application was granted by the Ruling of 16th March 2021, which set aside the earlier Judgement.

    “The Company, Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd, being aggrieved with the Order setting aside the Judgement, appealed to the Court of Appeal which on 19th September 2022 set aside the latter decision of the trial High Court and directed our Clients if aggrieved proceed to appeal against the Judgement of the trial Court.”

    He noted that on the advice of the Court of Appeal, they filed two applications at the Court of Appeal against the Judgement of the High Court of the FCT per Hon Justice A.A.I Banjoko:

    “The first is the application dated 27th June 2023 seeking the leave of the Court to appeal against the said Judgement. The second is seeking an Order granting a stay of execution of the trial Court’s Judgement. Both applications have since been served on Corporate Ideals Securities Limited.”

    He, however, stated that the Nigeria Police Force acting on their Petition investigated Senator Obiora’s title documents which he used to obtain the judgement under reference, and concluded that same was forged and recommended that both Senator Obiora and his company be prosecuted for the offences.

    But the Attorney General in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun with Ref. No: PEI/CRD/5068/1/109, dated 27th February 2024, blasted the Inspector General of Police for initiating such an investigation, warning the police to desist from abusing court orders, and ensuring that the judgement creditors were restored to the property as the judgement of both courts commanded.

    Titled: “RE: Petition Against Malicious Prosecution Of Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd And Its Directors By The Nigerian Police Force. Compliance With Judgment And Orders Of Court,” Fagbemi directed that Police and Messrs Jackmaq International Company Ltd and its agents “should immediately vacate the premises in line with the judgment of the Court, to enable the Applicant to take full possession of the property”.

    He noted that if there are “extenuating facts and circumstances which may warrant a reversal of the judgement of the Court, the Police may wish to initiate a further appeal to the Supreme Court for judgment.”

    The AG’s letter partly read: “The allegations of forgery of title documents against the Applicant (Corporate Ideals Securities Lad), which is currently under investigation by the Police is based on a petition by Jackmaq International Limited. The allegations have already been conclusively dealt with by the High Court of FCT and reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal in favour of Corporate Ideal Securities Ltd. The Courts validated the title of Corporate Ideals Securities Ltd.

    By virtue of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), all State Authorities, including the Police, are obligated to enforce the decisions and Orders of the Courts, regardless of allegations surrounding the delivery of the said judgement. It is pertinent to note that a judgement (even when unpleasant) remains valid until overturned by a superior court on appeal.

    “The decision of the Police to initiate criminal investigation or prosecution concerning the alleged forgery of title documents, despite the High Court and Court of Appeal Judgements that found no evidence of forgery or fraud, not only challenges the judicial powers of the Courts but also contradicts the provisions of Section 287(3) of the Constitution.

    “I wish to strongly condemn the failure of the Police officers involved in this case to adhere to my earlier advice to exercise restraint particularly as it affects enforcement of Orders of Courts of competent jurisdiction. Such blazing disregard for Court Orders not only undermines my Office as Chief Law Officer of the Federation under Section 174 of the Constitution but also ridicules the laudable initiatives embarked on by the Nigeria Police to ensure peace, order, and security. It is pertinent that Police officers resist any advances by affected parties to be used to settle scores in violation of extant Court Judgements.

    “I therefore strongly advise that any ongoing investigation or prosecution for forgery and other criminal allegations against Corporate Ideal Securities Limited, its director(s), or agents, relating to the disputed property be suspended. The Police and Messrs Jackmaq International Company Ltd and its agents should immediately vacate the premises in line with the judgement of the Court, to enable the Applicant to take full possession of the property.

    “Where there are extenuating facts and circumstances which may warrant a reversal of the judgement of the Court, the Police may wish to initiate a further appeal to the Supreme Court for judgement.”