Tag: Murder

Sad! Wife confesses how how she hired hitmen to extinguish husband

The Pretoria High Court in South Africa on Wednesday, August 13, heard a confession from accused Bafana Matotsoe, who claimed that in June 2022, Rebecca Mfolo, widow of the late Aubrey Mfolo, approached him to find a witchdoctor to kill her husband, citing marital problems.

Matotsoe, a former taxi driver for the family, said that by September 2022, Mfolo called again, this time asking him to help arrange a hit.

According to the testimony, Matotsoe introduced her to co-accused Lucky Kudumane, who allegedly agreed to carry out the killing for payment.

Kudumane then brought in others, including Sifiso Manana and a man named Lucas, who remains at large.

Matotsoe recounted that on January 10, 2023, Kudumane told him they were ready to act, with the deceased’s daughter allegedly agreeing to leave the gate and house unlocked. That night, Matotsoe said he dropped Kudumane, Sifiso, and Lucas at the victim’s Letlhabile home. The group allegedly tied up Aubrey Mfolo with masking tape, transported him to Letlhabile cemetery, and Lucas fatally shot him three times.

Rebecca Mfolo, in her own confession, said she hired the killers because her husband was abusive, possessive, and unfaithful, claiming he had impregnated another woman. She alleged years of physical and emotional abuse, including threats to set her alight, and said she had been forced to sleep separately with her children for safety.

Kudumane’s statement alleged that a woman named Dineo and Matotsoe approached him with the murder plot, stating Mfolo had previously sought hitmen but failed to agree on payment. On the night of the killing, the group reportedly gained entry to the house with the help of Mfolo’s 17-year-old granddaughter, who led them to the bedroom where the victim was sleeping.

The four accused face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, while police continue to search for Lucas, who is still on the run.

August 14, 2025
NBA orders boycott of sittings over murder of lawyer

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Anambra Chapter has condemned gruesome murder of its member, Mr Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia.

Iloakasia, a member of Otuocha Bar was killed alongside his client in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area as they were returning from court sitting in Ekwulobia High Court on May 15.

The NBA, in a statement signed by K.G. Abonyi, Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, described the mysterious attack as a “blatant assault” on the legal profession and the rule of law.

They said that the NBA, Anambra Chapter, was deeply grieved and aggrieved by the ‘senseless” killing, especially as the tragic loss of Awa P. Awa, former Vice Chairman of Ihiala Branch of the NBA, remained fresh in their memories.

Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, directed all lawyers to boycott all court sittings in the state from May 20 to May 21 in protest against the murder of their colleague.

According to the lawyers, justice must be served, and we demand that the relevant authorities leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

“We appreciate the swift response of the Commissioner of Police, Anambra who promptly visited the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment and directed the commencement of preliminary investigations into the murder.

“However, we urge the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators do not evade justice.

“Speedy action is crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this horrific crime,

“Too many lawyers have been sacrificed to insecurity in this state and the legal profession cannot thrive under an atmosphere of fear and insecurity,” it said

The NBA called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to revamp and strengthen security operations across the state to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future

May 17, 2025
Police detain 7 murder suspects in Lagos

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has detained seven murder suspects in two weeks.

The command’s Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this while briefing newsmen at the command headquarters on Monday in Lagos.

Hundeyin said that the Ikotun Division of the command received a report on March 30 about a 46-year-old man, who was allegedly stabbed in the chest with a broken bottle by a woman, 36, during an altercation at Abaranje.

“The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“The suspect has been arrested while the corpse has been deposited at a morgue, for autopsy, ” he said.

Similarly, the police spokesperson disclosed that a report was made on March 30,at Ijora Badia Division about a 38-year-old allegedly beaten to stupor by a 21-year-old man, at the rail line, Ijora Badia.

He said the victim later died at Apapa General Hospital.

In the same vein, Hundeyin said that on April 1, a concerned citizens from Badagry reported a tragic incident that a suspect (currently at large) opened fire on three elderly persons aged 75, 70 and 59.

“All victims were rushed to the Badagry General Hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

“The corpses have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy. A 33-year-old man, who
(allegedly) accompanied the prime suspect to the scene was apprehended.

“The following day, April 2, the wanted suspect was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead, ” he said.

The spokesperson said that the police also apprehended three murder suspects in the Agege area of the state.

“On March 31, a complainant reported at Abattoir Division that his 28-year-old younger brother allegedly engaged in a fight with three people at Abattoir Market, Agege.

“In the process, he was stabbed on the neck with a sharp object and died on the spot.

“Based on the report, a team of detectives of the command visited the scene and
arrested the three suspects, ” he said.

The image maker said on March 26, a man was also apprehended for allegedly beating his 27-year-old daughter to death at Ojo area of the state.

Hundeyin, however, said that all the suspects are to be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

April 8, 2025
Just in: Alleged Fulani herdsmen murder young graduate in Abuja

A young Igala graduate, identified as John Johnson, has been brutally murdered and dismembered in what is believed to be an attack by suspected herdsmen.

The incident occurred in Zaina, near Angwar Hakimi, Orozo, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, leaving his family and community in deep mourning.

Monitored reports indicate that Johnson met his untimely death on March 29, 2025, while attending a Boys’ Brigade camp in the area. Sources say he had already endured immense hardship, having lost his father to a prolonged illness just the previous year.

The Chief of Igala in Orozo, Amadu Zachariah, confirmed the attack and lamented the failure of security forces to apprehend the perpetrators. He revealed that the Boys’ Brigade had initially set up camp in Zaina, but due to an impending rainstorm, the group decided to relocate to a nearby church for shelter.

According to Zachariah, two group leaders later returned to the original campsite to retrieve their belongings. It was during this moment that suspected herdsmen ambushed them. One leader managed to escape, but tragically, Johnson was caught and killed.

Eyewitness Account of the Attack
Recounting the harrowing event, Zachariah explained:

“Unfortunately, that night, the weather took a turn for the worse, and they had to move the children to a nearby church for safety. After ensuring the children were settled, two of the group’s leaders went back to retrieve their belongings.

“On their way, they were ambushed by individuals suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. One of them managed to escape, but John Johnson was not so lucky. He was attacked, and by the time the villagers arrived in response to the survivor’s alert, Johnson had already been killed.”

Local authorities were promptly informed, and a police investigation commenced. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered that Fulani herdsmen residing in the area had fled, raising suspicions about their involvement.

“The police were notified, and upon reaching the scene, they found that the Fulani herdsmen who had been living around the area had packed up and disappeared,” Zachariah stated. “The leaders of the Fulani community have assured the police that they will assist in identifying the culprits, but as of now, no arrests have been made.”

This lack of immediate justice has left the community frustrated, with residents calling for swift action from security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

Tributes and Calls for Justice
The senseless murder of John Johnson has sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the entire Orozo community. The Fortress Ministry in Abuja, where Johnson was an active member, officially announced his passing, describing his death as a martyrdom for his unwavering faith.

In a statement released to the press, Rev. Samuel Ikani, the head of Fortress Ministry, expressed sorrow over the incident:

“With deep sorrow but unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, Fortress Ministry Abuja announces the homegoing of our beloved brother, Bro. Johnson Enyo-Ojo John, who transitioned to glory on March 29, 2025.

“Bro. Johnson was martyred while standing firm in his commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He lived a life of devotion, service, and unwavering love for God, inspiring us with his courage and dedication.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Despite attempts to reach the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, for a statement, there has been no official response to calls and messages seeking clarification on the investigation’s progress.

Meanwhile, concerned citizens and advocacy groups have called on the authorities to intensify their efforts in apprehending the assailants. Community leaders emphasize the need for improved security measures in the region to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A Plea for Action
John Johnson’s murder underscores the growing insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where reports of attacks by suspected herdsmen have become increasingly frequent. His family and community are now pleading for justice, urging the government and security agencies to act decisively to ensure that such incidents do not continue unabated.

As the nation mourns yet another victim of violent attacks, the call for better protection of citizens remains louder than ever.

March 31, 2025
Edo Police hunt for man for killing fiancee, daughter ahead wedding

The Police Command in Ed, has launched a manhunt for a suspect who is alleged to have killed his fiancée, known as Mama Hallelujah, and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle.

CSP Moses Yamu, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), announced this on Tuesday in Benin, via a statement.

Yamu explained that the gruesome murder of the mother and child was discovered on March 18, by a concerned neighbour in Ovbiogoe Community, near Ekiadolor, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the concerned neighbor had reported a foul smell coming from the victim’s residence on Idiangbona Street.

”Acting on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekiadolor, alongside operatives, forced their way into the apartment, which had been locked from the outside.

”Inside, they found the decomposing bodies of the woman and her child.

“The woman had a deep cut on her head, suspected to be from a machete, while the child was lifeless on the bed,” Yamu explained.

According to him, preliminary investigations implicated the suspect, who has been missing since the discovery.

”The couple have been preparing for their wedding, scheduled for March 29 before the tragic incident.

“All evidence so far points to the fiancé, who has since gone underground. The police are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring his arrest,” CSP Yamu stated.

He assured the public that the command was fully committed to bringing the suspect to justice, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.

“We appeal to members of the public to assist with credible information that can lead to his apprehension. Justice must be served for the victims,” he said.

He added that the police had intensified investigations, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary for further examination.

March 25, 2025
Police arrest 2 for murder of woman accused of witchcraft

The Biu Police Area Command has detained two suspects in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old woman accused of witchcraft practices.

The Commissioner of Police, Borno Command, Mr Yusuf Lawan confirmed the incident to NAN via telephone interview on Saturday.

Lawan said the deceased, Hajara Saleh, was murdered on Feb 21, in Bantine community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

He gave the names of the suspects as Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad and Ya’u Muhammad aged between 20 and 30 years.

The commissioner said the suspects allegedly conspired to kill the victim, accusing her of practicing witchcraft and bringing misfortune to the community.

Lawan said the woman sustained injuries on her neck, legs, and hands, resulting to her death.

He said that the police were alerted of the alleged crime by a residents of Dadinkowa Gunda ward who reported the incident at about 11:00 a.m.

“Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered that the victim had already been buried according to Islamic rites by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other family members,” the commissioner said.

Lawan explained that in spite of the burial, police investigators managed to photograph the victim’s remains and gather critical evidence.

He added that two suspects were arrested immediately, while one was still at large, assuring that the police had launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

The commissioner described the attack as barbaric and unjustified, warning that accusations of witchcraft should not be used as an excuse for violence or extrajudicial killings.

“The police are fully committed to bringing all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. The public must understand that the law does not permit people to take matters into their own hands,” he said

According to him, the suspects are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and other related offenses, noting that they would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

Lawan therefore, urged community members to report suspicions of witchcraft or other grievances to the police rather than resorting to jungle justice.

February 22, 2025
CP orders thorough investigation into couple’s gruesome murder in Ekiti

The Police Command in Ekiti State has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Caleb Leranmo and his wife, Taiwo Leranmo.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Mr Sunday Abutu on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to immediately conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the couple’s death.

NAN reports that the couple was gruesomely murdered at their residence on Tuesday in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti.

Abutu said that the police received a distress call on at about 07:00hrs on Tuesday that a murder incident occurred at Igirigiri Road, Odo-Ado area of Ado-Ekiti.

He said that operatives from Odo-Ado Division were immediately deployed to the scene.

According to the PPRO, on getting there, the late ASP Caleb Leranmo was found in a pool of his own blood with his private part severed.

He added that the deceased’s wife, Taiwo Leranmo, was also found besides his in a pool of her own blood with brutal head injuries.

“The couple was rushed to the hospital where they were both confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” he said.

The command’s spokesman further said that their bodies were later deposited in the morgue for preservation and further medical examination.

Abutu added that a cutlass, which was found with blood stains was recovered from the scene of the incident.

The late ASP Leranno was serving with the Police Command in Ekiti State, until his unfortunate death(

February 19, 2025
Man to die by hanging in Abeokuta over murder

An Abeokuta High Court on Wednesday sentenced 22- year-old Jamiu Malomo to death by hanging for stabbing a sex worker to death.

Malomo, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was convicted on a one count charge of murder.

Delivering his judgment, Justice .O. Ogunfowora held that the prosecutor proved his case beyond reasonable doubts that Malomo was guilty of the offence as charged.

The judge held that the evidence presented by the prosecutor were not controverted, hence, the conviction and sentencing to death of Malomo by hanging.

“You are hereby guilty of killing Asisat Akande as preferred against you. You will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on you,” he said.

During the trial, the state prosecuting counsel, Mr A. M. Adebayo, Deputy Director, Public Prosecution, said the convict committed the offence on July 18, 2021 at about 9:30pm at Ori-Apata area community, Oke-Aregba, Abeokuta.

Adebayo said the convict picked Akande, who worked as a commercial sex worker at 3AD Bar at Panseke area to his house for sexual pleasure at an agreed fee of N10,000.

“After satisfying his sexual urge, he gave the deceased sex worker N8,000 instead of the agreed sum of N10,000.

“The situation led to an argument between him and the deceased, with the convict stabbing her on the neck with a knife, which led to her death,” he said.

He told the court that police detectives, however, arrested the convict at the 3AD bar in Panseke while trying to pick another girl for sexual pleasure.

Adebayo said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 316, and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, laws of Ogun 2006, which stipulates death sentence for offender.

January 23, 2025
Musician’s Murder: Police begins orderly room trial of inspector

The Police Command in Enugu State has begun orderly room trial of Inspector, Joseph Ozonwanji, allegedly involved in the murder of Enugu-based musician, Chikezie Nwamba, popularly known as “Igbo-Jah”.

The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Sunday in Enugu, said that the orderly room trial followed the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department conclusion of investigation into the incident.

Ndukwe said that “the detention and investigation of Ozonwanji happened shortly after his alleged shooting of the musician on Friday, Oct. 25, within the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad Headquarters, Enugu.

“Consequently, the orderly room trial of the implicated Ozonwanji has commenced and the trial will facilitate the next course of action in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures.

“The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, SP Ekeleme Chidobe, to allow for a comprehensive review of the Squad’s operations.

“The commissioner reaffirms his commitment to ensuring that justice is done in the case and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism among all police officers in the state.

“The state police boss call on the citizenry to continue to keep faith and support the police, especially in bringing this case to a justifiable conclusion,” he said.

October 28, 2024
Housewife sentenced to death by hanging for killing ex-husband

A High Court in Birnin Kebbi on Monday sentenced a woman, Farida Abubakar to death by hanging for killing her former husband, Chief Magistrate, Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim.

Abubbakat was arraigned before the court for murder on Aug. 25, 2022 while the main charge was filed on July 26, 2023.

The prosecution said that the convict stabbed chief magistrate Muhammad-Ibrahim with sa sharp object on his abdomen, neck and left arm which led to his death .

Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of the state, who adjudicated on the case, Justice Umar Abubakar held that the court was convinced that the accused person based on the evidence adduced by the prosecution.

“The defendant was last seen with the deceased in his house in Birnin Kebbi, shortly after, he was found dead.

“Circumstantial evidence linked the defendant to the offence.

“The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish guilt against the accused person beyond reasonable doubt within the boundary of evidence adduced.

“With the extra judicial statement of the accused person and the testimony of 12 prosecution witnesses, the court is overwhelming convinced that the circumstantial evidence is an irresistible fact that she was the one who killed the deceased.

“The evidence adduced is cogent, compelling, not controverted.

”Her Hijab was found smeared with blood. It was her intention to kill him. She knew death will be the consequences of her action. The offence committed at a time the deceased was about to marry a new wife.

“The court is satisfied, it is clearly established that the defendant mercilessly planned and marshalled the attack with sharp object, obviously to cause death or knowing the consequence of her act to cause death or does not care.

“The court has found you guilty of culpable homicide and bodily harm, the court has convicted you as charged.

“The court has sentenced you to death by hanging in accordance with section 191(b) penal code law of Kebbi State. You are to be hanged by the neck until you are dead.

“The court has also sentenced you to seven years in prison for causing bodily harm in accordance with section 224 (1) of penal code law of Kebbi State,” the Judge read out in the judgment.

In mitigation, the defence counsel, Mudashiru Sani, holding brief for Abdulnasir Sallau, described the convict as first time offender with aged parents.

The counsel said that the convict was her parents’ caregiver and also has a young daughter in need of motherly care.

He pleaded with the court to give the convict lighter sentence, so that she could finish her time and come back to the society as reformed individual, considering her age.

In reply, the Prosecuting Counsel, who is the Director, Public Prosecution in the state Ministry of Justice, Lawal Hudu-Garba, enjoined the court to follow the latter of the law to serve as deterrent to others from committing the same heinous offence.

Shortly after the judgment, the defence counsel, Sani, said, his client would appeal the verdict.

June 4, 2024