TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kidnap

  • Police confirm kidnap of 6 persons on Kaduna-Abuja highway

    The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of six persons in Rijana village along Kaduna-Abuja expressway on Sep. 7.
    The Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo said in a press statement issued on Monday in Kaduna that two of the victims were however abandoned by the bandits.
    According to him, the kidnappers who were in military uniform intercepted a commercial bus registered ABJ 905 XC around 11:30pm at a point near Rijana and took away the victims.
    “Patrol teams within the axis were quickly mobilised to the scene and engaged the hoodlums as a result of which one Rofiat Tijjani, aged 17, and one other person, both of Tudunwada Kaduna, were released by the criminals in their desperate attempt to escape.
    “Both victims were taken to the Rijana police station alongside the vehicle.
    “Efforts are still on to rescue the remaining four victims and arrest the criminals,” Sabo said.

  • Kidnap of Siasia’s mother: Police deploy marine components to Odoni

    The Police have deployed some marine components to Odoni waterways, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa, for the rescue of the kidnapped 79-year-old mother of Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles’ coach.
    Unknown gunmen invaded Odoni community in early hours of Monday and kidnapped the old woman and two others, Mrs Florence Douanana, 65, and Selekire Douanana, 17.
    The Bayelsa Police Commissioner, Mr Uche Anozia, told journalists on Tuesday during his visit to Odoni that the command was doing everything possible for the victims to regain freedom from their captors.
    “This incident occurred on Monday at about 2:00 am. This is the river Nun through which the captors came and kidnapped them.
    “I and the Bayelsa command’s Tactical Team were here yesterday, Monday, and we are here today again.
    “The police are on top of the game in order to rescue the victims. I am assuring the public and the relatives that no stone will be left unturned to ensure their rescue.
    “We have deployed the marine component to the waterways in the area,” he stated.
    On curbing kidnapping, the police commissioner said the command would continue to work hard to take control of the marine landscape in the state.
    “You know Bayelsa is 80 percent water and that means that our operations are mainly focusing on waterways,” Anozie said.
    Mr Commander Siasia, 93-year-old father of the former coach, commended the efforts of the police and appealed to them to redouble them to bring back his kidnapped wife.
    “My wife was taken away since yesterday and up till now, I have not set my eye on her. Please, help me to bring her alive to me. Thank you for your efforts,” he said.

  • 40 kidnap victims regain freedom in Zamfara

    The Zamfara Police Command has secured the release of no fewer than 40 people being held in various hideouts by volunteer vigilante groups and bandits in the state.
    Their rescue followed reconciliation and peace agreement processes jointly put in place by the Zamfara State Government and the Police Command in the State
    The agreement led to the freeing of no fewer than 40 kidnap victims from their captors between Thursday and Friday in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Bello Matawalle as part of the agreement, had extended an amnesty offer to bandits in the state to surrender their weapons and embrace peace.
    The Police Command also followed the pledge by asking all repentant bandits who had innocent persons in their captivity to release them in furtherance of the peace treaty.
    This led to the rescue of initial 25 persons of Fulani extraction comprising men, women and children who were initially held by volunteer vigilante groups.
    The 25 victims had been released by their captors in Dansadau Emirate of Maru Local Government Area of the state where they were detained by vigilantes since April 9, this year.
    Another 15 persons comprising 13 males and two females were rescued by the police from the hands of bandits operating in the bushes of Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.
    This was confirmed to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Mohammed Shehu.
    He said, “Today being 5th of July 2019, the Commissioner of police Zamfara State Command, CP Usman Nagogo, has once again perfected the release of fifteen (15) kidnapped victims from the hands of armed bandits in Shinkafi LGA.
    “It will be recalled that yesterday 25 Fulani’s abducted by YANSAKAI volunteer group since on the 9th of April, 2019 were successfully released to the Commissioner of Police who later handed them over to the state executive governor,” the PPRO stated.
    In his response to the development, the National Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Kiruwa applauded the efforts of the state government and Police Command for the initiative.
    He expressed confidence that all victims under the captivity of the bandits would soon be released to the government in order to reunite them with their relations.
    While receiving the kidnapped victims from the Commissioner of Police, Matawalle commended the commissioner for his dedication and total commitment towards ensuring peace in Zamfara.
    He also described the release of the kidnapped persons as a sign that the peace process was succeeding and urged for continued support and prayers from the people of the state.
    The governor directed the Government House Clinic to check the medical statuses of the victims and said the state government would organise a ceremony that would bring the Fulani, vigilante members and other people to witness the handing over of the victims to their respective families to further demonstrate that the peace process was working.
    NAN gathered that one of the rescued victims, Haruna Na-Hantsi wa a national of the neighbouring state of Maradi in Niger Republic.
    Another victim, Ibrahim Mohammed Moriki, a Community Health Worker attached to Kuturu Primary Healthcare Center said he was kidnapped by bandits over 20 days ago while some of those rescued along with him had spent more than two months in the hands of the bandits before he joined them.
    He informed the governor that they were released from a village called Kagara in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State before they were brought to the Gusau Government House.

  • Nasarawa businessman planned own kidnap – Police

    The Police in Bauchi said on Thursday that it has arrested one Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed of Nassarawa State for allegedly planning his own kidnap.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abubakar Kamal, said this in Bauchi while parading 86 suspects arrested in 13 months for various offences across the state.

    Kamal said that one Tijjani Mohammed of Sabon Fegi in Lafia town, Nasarawa State, had on May 12, reported at the Lafia Police Area Command that his brother, Abdullahi Mohammed, left home for business in Kano.

    He said Tijjani told the police that Abdullahi later called and informed him that he and others were kidnapped near Gusau while on their business trip to Zamfara State.

    Kamal said Abdullahi told Tijjani that the abductors demanded a ransom of N10 million and directed the family to deliver the ransom for his release.

    He emphasised that Tijjani said the ransom was later reduced to N1 million and the abductors directed that the money be brought to Bauchi state.

    Kamal said that the command operatives attached to Anti-kidnapping Squad later arrested one Haruna Saidu of Gamawa Local Government Area in Bauchi state who had come to collect the ransom.

    He said that further investigation by the operatives led to the discovery of the alleged abductor (Haruna Saidu), and victim (Abdullahi Mohammed) at the residence of the alleged kidnapper, Haruna Saidu.

    “Investigation revealed that Abdullahi Mohammed, a businessman, after his businesses collapsed, conspired with his friend Haruna Saidu and staged a false kidnapping in order to force his family to pay ransom,” Kamal said.

    He said that the suspects would be charged to court after completion of investigation.

  • Alleged kidnap: Counsel seeks to call Femi Falana as witness in Evans’ trial

    The Lagos State Prosecuting counsel, Mr Y.G Oshoala, in the trial of the suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans, on Thursday filed an application seeking to add Mr Femi Falana,SAN, as a witness in the case.

    Oshala told an Igbosere High Court, Lagos that an issue came up during trial within trial which required that “we call an additional witness”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Jan. 16, Evans, told the court that his confessional statement which he made to the police after his arrest in 2017, was made under duress.

    Therefore a trial within trial was conducted to ascertain whether the defendant’s statement was actually made under duress.

    Evans is currently facing two separate charges, bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder, before Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

    In the first charge, Evans is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

    In the second charge, he is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Oshoala told the court that during trial within trial Evans mentioned that Falana came to visit him while in police custody but was prevented from seeing him due to excessive torture which he was going through.

    The prosecutor therefore said he would want to call the SAN as a witness for the interest of justice.

    But the counsel to Evans, Mr R,B. Ekeh, said that he has not responded to the application, adding that other defendants’ counsel said that they were not served with the application.

    Oshala said that “the issue came up during trial within trial of the first defendant (Evans) therefore does not concern the other defendants”.

    Justice Adedayo Akintoye ordered that all the defendants be served, “those concerned will reply”.

    After this argument, the third defendant’s counsel, Mr S.E. Okeke, holding the brief of Mr J.C. Jiakponna, told the court that he had a bail application.

    He informed the court that he has served the medical director of Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, the order made by the court on May 23, in which the director was orderd to issue a medical report on the state of health of the third defendant (Linus Opara).

    The counsel had claimed that Opara had a failed operation in prison which might require treatment at an outside hospital.

    Okeke, however, said that the prisons “have not reacted to it.

    “We will move our bail application after the prisons have reacted to the court’s order”.

    NAN reports that all the proceedings above took place when the second charge was called, in which Evans is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

    Earlier, the first defendant’s counsel adopted his written address in the first charge.

    He told the court that it was the former counsel to Evans, Mr O.I. Ajanuku that prepared the address, adding that he would adopt same as his argument to the trial within trial in this particular charge.

    The Lagos State prosecuting counsel said he had filed a reply and would adopt it as his argument.

    Justice Akintoye, consequently, adjourned the case until Sept. 18 for ruling on the first charge and hearing of bail application on the second charge.

    NAN reports that the alleged kidnap kingpin was arrested on June 10, 2017 and was in August 2017 arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi at an Ikeja High Court for kidnapping.

    He was also arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of Ikeja High Court, Lagos, on different charges.

  • Gunmen kidnap canteen owner in Oyo, demand N20m ransom

    Some unknown gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, have abducted a canteen owner identified as Mrs. Folakemi Olufunmilayo, in Igbo-Ora, town in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo state.

    It was gathered that Olufunmilayo, who operates a food canteen along Igbo-Ora – Abeokuta Road, was Kidnapped on Sunday.

    The victim was said to have been whisked away around 10:30pm on Sunday.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred when the kidnappers swooped on the area, few minutes after he closed for the day’s business.

    Sources explained that the kidnappers announced their arrival and presence in the area with sporadic gunshots, which led to the injury of four people trying to scamper for safety.

    The family of the victim later reported the case to the nearby police station as the area became deserted immediately the news filtered into town.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the kidnappers had demanded the sum of N20 million for the release of the victim.

    The victim is yet to be released as at the time of filing this report.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, Mr. Olugbenga Fadeyi, who confirmed the abduction, insisted that the police patrol team are on the trail of the abductors.

    Fadeyi said, “A case of abduction: On 23/6/29, one Mrs. Folakemi Olufunmilayo ‘F’ Age 50YRS.

    “The owner of Hosanna Foods Canteen was abducted within her premises by her regular customer who could be recognised.

    “Police patrol teams are on the trail of the hoodlum.”

  • Police confirm former health minister’s son kidnap

    Police confirm former health minister’s son kidnap

    The Police Command, Oyo State on Wednesday confirmed the kidnapped of Mr Dayo Adewole, son of former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

    Dayo was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday at about 6 p.m, at gunpoint on his farm in Iroko, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, SP Olugbega Fadeyi, in Ibadan said that the police were in serious chase of the suspected kidnappers.

    Fadeyi said that the police got the information that four armed men went to the farm to kidnap the young man and they immediately gave the armed men a hot chase.

    He also said that the police team, led by Area Commander, Moniya, gave the chase and the vehicle allegedly used for the kidnap of Dayo was recovered in a bush.

    “We have continued to give a serious manhunt for the rescue of the victim.

    “The anti-kidnapping squad, police patrol men among others have been deployed so that the young man can be rescue,” the PPRO said.

    When asked if he was aware whether the kidnappers have contacted the victim’s family, Fadeyi said he was not aware of that.

    Effort to get reaction from the former Minister, Adewole, proof abortive as call put to him was not going through.

  • Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Edo

    Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Isaac Agubi in Edo State.

    Father Agabi who is the priest in charge of Holy Name Catholic Church, Ikpeshi, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state was kidnapped last Sunday.

    It was gathered that the cleric was abducted along Auchi-Igarra road at about 5.00 p.m. while returning to his parish.

    The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the report.

    He said the cleric was abducted by gunmen who took him away in his Toyota Corolla with registration number SMK 252 FC.

    Nwanbuzor said rescue efforts have already been activated.

  • Operation ‘Puff Adder’ records another breakthrough, nails 18 kidnap suspects

    Operation ‘Puff Adder’ records another breakthrough, nails 18 kidnap suspects

    From Jonas Ike, Abuja

    …recovers catches of ammunition

    Police detectives working under Operation Puff Adxder, recently launched by the Inspector-General of Police Ag.IGP Adamu Mohammed through series of detailed, intensive and sustained investigative operations, successfully arrested eighteen (18) more notorious kidnappers and armed robbers at different times and places across the country. A total of twenty- two (22) AK 47 riffles, five (5) locally fabricated pistols and a cache of live ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

    The combined team of crack detectives from IRT, TIU and other Operatives, using actionable intelligence obtained from the Spiritual god father of the kidnappers and other multiple sources, tactically “smoked out” the kidnappers and armed bandits from their hide-outs in Birnin Gwari, Rijana, Katari, Mai Daro and Buruku Forests in Kaduna State before they were eventually arrested at different locations and times in Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Kogi states respectively.

    Meanwhile, Police investigations have positively linked the arrested suspects to some of the most heinous crimes committed in kaduna States and its environs in recent times. Specifically for example, Abubakar Ibrahim alias Dan Habu, aged 37 years and a native of Kabam in Igabi local Government Area of Kaduna state, who was arrested on the 15th April 2019 at Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, confessed to the Kidnapping and gruesome murder of HRH King Agom Adara of Kajuru LGA and many other kidnappings and murders. Similarly, the arrested gang members were also indicted by investigations for the kidnap and murder of Mallam Yakubu Usman, 40 years old male of Jere LGA, Kaduna State and many other crimes.

    All the eighteen (18) male suspects listed below are currently in Police custody, assisting in the on-going investigations. They are: Abubakar Ibrahim Alias Dan Habu, 37 years native of Igabi local Government Area of Kaduna State; Johnson Okafor 44 years, native of Anambra State and resident of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State; Shaibu Iliyasu Alias Smally, 20 years native of Rijiana Kaduna Road Abuja; Ishaik Dabo Alias Keke 38 years native of Maraban Jos Igabi LGA of Kaduna State; Mohammed Nasiru 25 year native of Manunfashi LGA of Katsina State; Aminu Haruna 25 years native of Galadimawa Village in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State; Shafiu Alhaji Gudau 25 years native of Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State; Auwalu Hamisu 24 years native of Tashan Fulani village in Manunfashi LGA of Katsina State; Ado Ya’u, 35 years native Of Rigoji Village in Kafur LGA of Katsina State; Ibrahim Yusuf, 30yrs native of Kujama Village Kaduna State; Ibrahim Audu, 22yrs native of Kujama Village Kaduna State; Salisu Ajah, 50yrs native of Galadimawa Village Giwa LGA Kaduna State; Nasiru Umaru, 25yrs native of Manumfashi LGA Katsina State; Magaji Abubakar, 27yrs native of Kujama Village Kaduna State; Salisu Ali, 18yrs native of Kujama Village Kaduna State; Lawal Shadari, 22yrs native of Rijiana Village Kaduna State; Junaidu Lawal, 18yrs native of Rijiana Village Kaduna State and Usman Musa, 43yrs native of Rijiana Village Kaduna State.

    Although, the suspects belong to different loose, fairly independent but vicious criminal gangs, their operations are centrally coordinated by their spiritual god father Mallam Salisu Abubakar. Efforts are currently being intensified to arrest other gang members still at large, and recover all weapons in the gangs’ armory.

    While commending his men for this and many other feats, the IGP re-assures the nation that Nigeria Police working in concert with other security agencies will not rest on its oars until kidnappings and other violent crimes are subdued, and sanity restored to the land.

  • NBA bars members from handling kidnap cases in Edo

    The Benin Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), on Thursday, barred its members from handling cases of kidnapping.

    The branch made this known in a communiqué signed by its Chairman Mr Collins Ogiegbaen and Secretary Mr Pius Oiwoh on Thursday in Benin.

    The association said it is withdrawing its services from all suspects whose offences are related to kidnapping against the background of incessant cases of kidnap and attempted kidnap of its members.

    “The branch hereby order the immediate withdrawal of services of all lawyers registered with it from defending persons charged with the grievous and felonious offences of kidnapping and armed robbery.

    “İn this regard and for purposes of emphasis, the branch resolves that all lawyers registered with it are forthwith prohibited from appearing for kidnap suspects either at the police station or in any court within the state.

    “That this order for the withdrawal of services to persons charged with the aforementioned offences shall be with immediate effect until otherwise reviewed by a subsequent meeting of the branch.

    “Consequently, any member of the bar found flouting the resolution/directive shall be heavily sanctioned accordingly,” it said.

    The branch added: “That the bar resolves to write to the judges of the criminal division of the high court of the state to dispense speedily with cases of kidnapping and armed robbery pending before them.

    “They are also to formally report to the branch counsel who appears indolent or shows lack of capacity or diligence in prosecuting these cases including members of the bar who are fond of filing frivolous applications before the court to delay the speedy hearing and determination of these cases, for sanctions.

    “The bar resolves to inflict maximum sanctions and punishments on state counsel who are found to have compromised their briefs or show lack of capacity or appears indolent in the prosecution of persons charged with the heinous crimes of kidnapping and armed robbery.

    “And on defence counsel who has formed the habit of aiding criminals through unconventional methods and unlawful means to escape the long arm of justice,” it added.