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Tag: Suspects

  • Police arrest 7 suspects linked to killing of lawyer

    Police arrest 7 suspects linked to killing of lawyer

    The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects allegedly involved in the killing of Mr Bright Owhor, a lawyer based in Port Harcourt.

    Owhor, aged 46,  was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on July 6 at his residence on Market Road in the Rumuomasi area of Port Harcourt.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Command, told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday that the arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation.

    She stated that following the incident, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed to investigate and ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.

    “Following meticulous intelligence work and technical surveillance that lasted over ten days, all individuals involved in the killing of Owhor were identified and apprehended,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko revealed that preliminary investigations showed the suspects, aged between 22 and 34, had assumed various roles in the execution of the crime.

    “The suspects’ roles ranged from: the shooter, gang leader, arms supplier, armed operative, handler of stolen vehicles, and driver of the getaway vehicle.

    “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Deygbam Secret Cult group and admitted their involvement in the murder.

    “The suspects also confessed to withdrawing funds from Owhor’s bank account and referenced recent cult-related violence between the BS and G12 Deygbam factions in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt,” she added.

    The police spokesperson confirmed the recovery of arms and ammunition from the suspects, including four locally made pistols, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, and two live cartridges.

    Others include a minibus, a Toyota Camry saloon car, and an MTN sim card.

    Iringe-Koko stated that the successful operation reflects a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement across the state.

  • Police apprehend 2 over Anambra kidnappings

    Police apprehend 2 over Anambra kidnappings

    The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed the arrest of two suspects by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad and Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

    The suspects are Celestine, a 52-year-old man, and Jacinta, a 45-year-old woman, both residents of Oba in Idemili South LGA.

    Their arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday in Onitsha by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

    Ikenga stated the arrest occurred on 13 April 13,  under the new operation codenamed ‘Udo Ga Chi,’ targeting kidnapping and violent crimes in the state.

    During a search of their residence, police recovered a pump-action gun, seven single-barrel dane guns, and 28 live cartridges, allegedly, from the suspects.

    Acting on fresh information from the suspects, operatives recovered two AK47 rifles and two empty magazines at their hideout in Omasi, Ayamelum LGA.

    The suspects are linked to a kidnap case in Nnewi from July 2024, where N17.5 million was paid as ransom for the victim’s release.

    Ikenga revealed that Celestine allegedly works as a native doctor, creating charms and storing weapons for the criminal gang.

    Jacinta allegedly gathers information about potential victims before the gang strikes, aiding in the planning of their criminal activities.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to pursue such cases to their logical end.

    He emphasised the importance of this approach in preventing further criminal acts and ensuring public safety across Anambra.

  • Police confirm arrest of suspect over death of Bumpa co-founder

    Police confirm arrest of suspect over death of Bumpa co-founder

    The Police Command in Lagos State has confirmed the arrest of a female driver for allegedly causing the death of Adetunji Opayele, popularly known as Teejay, the 32-year-old co-founder of Bumpa.

    NAN reports that the tragic incident occurred on March 4 on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The suspect, a healthcare professional, was reportedly driving when she collided with Opayele, who was riding his power bike.

    Eyewitnesses alleged that the suspect refused to assist the unconscious Opayele, citing concerns about staining her car.

    Bystanders struggled to find medical help as several hospitals allegedly refused to treat him.

    The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Nigerians alleging a possible cover-up.

    Many have demanded that the charges against the suspect be upgraded to manslaughter instead of reckless driving.

    But the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the suspect had been arraigned on a two-count charge related to Opayele’s death.

    “We can confirm that following a discreet and thorough investigation, the suspect was arraigned at Court 1, Tinubu, on March 12, following her discharge from the hospital,” Hundeyin said.

    “She is facing charges of reckless and careless driving on a public highway, which resulted in the death of Opayele.

    “The court granted her bail in the sum of N1 million, and the case has been adjourned until April 16.

    “It is statutory procedure that police actions terminate once cases are charged to court.”

    Hundeyin urged the public to allow the judicial process to take its full course in accordance with the law.

    “Everyone is enjoined to allow justice to be served in this matter.

    “The Lagos state police command remains committed to transparency, fairness, and justice.”

    Hundeyin quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, on behalf of the command, to have expressed condolences to Opayele’s family and loved ones over the unfortunate accident that led to his untimely death.

  • Troops arrest 2 suspects over killing of Catholic priest

    Troops arrest 2 suspects over killing of Catholic priest

    Troops of the special military taskforce, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have arrested two suspected killers of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH, on Wednesday in Jos.

    NAN repots that Okechukwu, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kafachan, Kaduna State, was abducted on March 4, at about 9:15 p.m.

    Okechukwu, who was  abducted at his residence in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, was later found dead on March 5.

    Zhakom said that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, following a raid troops conducted in a settlement at Warsa-Piti community of Lere LGA of the state.

    “The suspects were arrested following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti community, Lere LGA of Kaduna State.

    “During preliminary investigation, the prime suspect, a 33-year-old man, confessed to have been contracted by another man, living in the same house with the slain priest to kidnap him.

    “Troops in a follow-up operation arrested the suspect at Agwan Sarki, Tachira in Kaura LGA.

    “The suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation,”he said.

    The media officer said that investigation were still ongoing to unravel the whereabout of the remaining persons who participated in the henius crime.

  • Police detain 2 murder suspects in Lagos

    Police detain 2 murder suspects in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State has detained two suspects for prosecution over their alleged involvement in a fight that resulted in a man’s death.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    He said that the incident happened on Saturday at NPA Road, Victoria Island area of the state.

    Hundeyin said that a man reported the case at the Victoria Island Police Divisional Station.

    “The suspects and the victim engaged in a fight over a yet to be determined issue.

    “In the process, the victim sustained severe injury.

    “He was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina for treatment where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, ” he said.

    The spokesperson said that based on the report, a team of detectives visited the scene.

    “The hospital was also visited where the corpse was inspected and photographed.”

    The image maker said that the corpse was deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

    He stated that the suspects involved in the fight that led to the man’s death had been apprehended and were currently in police custody.

    According to him, investigation is in progress.

  • Edo: Police detain 5 suspects for alleged killing of 7-year-old boy, vigilante commander

    Edo: Police detain 5 suspects for alleged killing of 7-year-old boy, vigilante commander

    The Police Command in Edo says it has arrested five suspects in connection with two different killings in the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of the command, CSP Moses Yamu.

    Yamu said that the killings include an alleged gruesome murder of a 7-year-old boy, and the assassination of a local vigilante commander.

    He said that one Mr John Okojabhole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, reported the murder of his son, Evans Okojabhole, on Feb. 22.

    According to him, the boy, who had been declared missing 24 hours earlier, was later found dead with his stomach ripped open, his ankles severed, and some fingers cut off.

    ”His mutilated body was dumped in a bush near their home.

    ”Following preliminary investigations, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

    “The police transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.”

    The PPRO said that in another incident, the command was investigating the killing of one Victor Ogedengbe, 50, the Vigilante Commander of Erah Camp in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.

    ”Ogedengbe was reportedly attacked and killed in his farm on Feb. 25 by suspected herdsmen.

    ”The Chairman of Owan East LGA reported the incident at Afuze Police Division, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.

    ”The suspects are all residents of Erah community, and they have also been transferred to the SCID for further interrogation,” he said.

    Yamu, disclosed that the police had also increased security in Uzanu and Okpekpe communities following the recent killing of two farmers by suspected herdsmen.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state.

    He quoted the commissioner as urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agents by reporting suspicious activities.

    “We appreciate the support from the general public and appeal for continued cooperation. If you see something, say something,” the police boss was quoted as saying.

  • Police nabs suspect linked to kidnap of medical students in Benue

    Police nabs suspect linked to kidnap of medical students in Benue

    The Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja said it has arrested a suspect linked with the Aug. 2024 kidnap of 21 medical students in Benue.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 7, Mr Benneth Igweh said this during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Igweh said the suspect and two others, now at large, were members of a gang that specialises in armed robbery and kidnapping in Benue and environs.

    According to him, the suspect had confessed being a member of the gang responsible for the Aug. 2024 kidnap of 21 doctors in Benue.

    He said the suspect had also confessed to have carried out several robbery operations along Adiga Road in Benue where he had snatched different motorcycles from travelers.

    Igweh said the suspect who admitted selling the motorcycles and sharing the proceeds with his gang members, said he used a lot of charms for protection during his criminal operations.

    The AIG said the suspect also confessed to selling his rifle to one retired soldier in Akpodo for N25,000.

    He said efforts were being intensified by the zone to ensure that the fleeing members of the gang were apprehended and prosecuted.

    Similarly, Igweh said detectives attached to the Zone 7 Special Investigation Unit (SIU), recently arrested three suspects over theft of electric transformers, cables and motorcycles.

    He said the arrest followed an intelligence report that criminal elements around FCT, Kaduna and Nasarawa States had stolen electric transformers, cables and motorcycles.

    The AIG said the intelligence revealed that the items were assembled around the Kubwa and Bwari axis of the FCT.

    “Detectives attached to the Zone 7 SIU moved swiftly, which led to the arrest of the three suspects behind an abandoned filling station in kagini area of Kubwa and the recovery of the transformers.

    “Preliminary investigation reveals that the transformers are usually brought in very late at night and upon interrogation, the suspects said the transformers were brought to them by owners for repairs.

    “Further investigation reveals that only three out of the recovered transformers were genuinely brought to them for repairs,” he said.

    Igweh called on members of the public whose transformers were stolen to come forward with their proof of ownership to claim them.

  • Police nab 5 kidnap suspects, recover cash, weapons in Delta

    Police nab 5 kidnap suspects, recover cash, weapons in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has apprehended five kidnap suspects in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, told newsmen in Warri on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested on Thursday at their hideout in Ewu town, Ughelli South.

    Edafe said the suspected hoodlums were nabbed by the police crack squad attached to the Ughelli Area Command, following a tip-off.

    He said the suspects, upon interrogation, admitted to having abducted and released a septuagenarian woman after collecting N7.9 million as ransom.

    “On Sept. 12, 2024, the crack squad attached to the Ughelli Area Command, acting on a tip-off, stormed a brothel cum criminal hideout in Ewu town and arrested five suspects.

    “The suspects confessed to various armed robbery and kidnapping operations in Ughelli and environs, including the kidnap of a 70-year-old woman, whom they kidnapped on Sept. 8, and collected a sum of N7.9 million before her release,” said Edafe.

    According to the spokesman, items recovered from the suspects include one single barrel, three locally made cut-to-size guns and N450,000.

    Other items are one Moniepoint Point of Sales (PoS) machine, one OPAY POS machine, and wraps of weeds suspected to be Cannabis sativa.

    Edafe said the suspects were in their custody pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

  • Police recover N3.9bn from suspects after defrauding Interswitch

    Police recover N3.9bn from suspects after defrauding Interswitch

    Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre has arrested at least 16 suspects for financial fraud against a leading African digital commerce platform, Interswitch Limited.

    The sum of N3.9bn cash and properties had so far been recovered from the suspects, with efforts ongoing to recover more.

    Reading out the achievements of the police at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee joint press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Department of State Services’ spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said the centre made the arrest and recovery following a petition from Interswitch Limited regarding a glitch on its financial portal.

    He added that eight of the suspects had been convicted

    Afunanya said, “ The Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre tackled a massive financial fraud case, acting on a petition from Interswitch Limited regarding a glitch on its financial portal.

    “The swift response led to the arrest of over 16 suspects, eight of whom have been convicted. The operation recovered over N3.9bn in cash, properties, and vehicles, with ongoing efforts to recover additional looted funds.”

    Afunanya also said the police in Taraba arrested a notorious kidnapper and recovered arms and ammunition from him.

    He said, “In a parallel operation, the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad of Taraba State command arrested a notorious kidnapper, seizing three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 19 rounds of live ammunition, 23 expended rounds, and five solar panels from his premises.”

    He added that the police foiled a kidnap attempt and killed nine kidnappers.

    Afunanya said, “Similarly, on July 4, 2024, the Lagos State Command operatives thwarted an attack by a notorious kidnapping gang. In a fierce gun battle, nine kidnappers were neutralised, and significant weaponry, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a PoS machine, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles were recovered. Investigations continue to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    “In another notable case, on April 24, 2024, 18-year-old Mallam Adamu Adamu was rescued from captivity in Kasda, Jakusko LGA, Yobe State.”

    Police operatives raided the gang’s enclave, arresting three suspects and recovering two AK-47 rifles and a magazine with 26 rounds of live ammunition. The suspects will be charged to court following the investigation’s conclusion.”

  • Police nab 4 suspects over murder of retired Brigadier General

    Police nab 4 suspects over murder of retired Brigadier General

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested four suspects over the murder of a retired Brigadier General, Uwem Udokwere, in his Sunshine Estate home in Abuja.

    Mr Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the suspects were arrested by police operatives from Utako Division on Sunday following credible intelligence.

    Igweh said the suspects were responsible for the attack, robbery and killing of the retired officer on June 22 in his residence at Sunshine homes Estate in Kabusa area of Abuja.

    The commissioner said the suspects who had confessed to the crime, said that they stabbed the general when he tried to resist them with his pistols.

    Igweh said the knife used for the crime and the deceased stolen phone were recovered from the suspects.

    He said efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover the pistols taken away from the deceased.

    The commissioner said operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit on May 26, trailed and arrested two wanted and notorious kidnap suspects in Dei-Dei Area of Abuja.

    Igweh said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence were escapees of Kuje Prison break in 2022.

    He said the duo were members of the kidnap syndicate that stormed livestock estate in Dei-Dei sometimes in December, 2023, kidnapped 17 victims and collected huge ransom before their release.

    Igweh said the suspects had confessed to the crime and had collected the sum of N400, 000 and N300, 000 respectively as ransom.

    He said the suspects had told police operatives during investigation that their syndicate was one of the four kidnapping groups terrorising FCT and its environs.

    The commissioner said 91 rustled cattle, four sheep and one AK-47 rifle were recovered from the suspects.

    He said operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit of the command, in a streak of coordinated clearance operations on some identified bandits camps, arrested an informant, logistics supplier and POS operator to kidnappers.

    Igweh said the suspect was the chief informant and logistics supplier to the whole kidnapping groups under the general command of a suspect, currently on the run.

    The commissioner said the suspect had confessed to be the facilitator of the movement of nurses, hard drugs and sex workers on request to the kidnapping groups.

    “He is also the financial courier through whom money is distributed or shared on request to the kidnapper’s families and has distributed about N20, 000, 000 on behalf of the kidnappers.

    “He has confirmed that the group led by the suspect at large, has over 15 members, all having AK-47 rifles and that, there are sub groups under him,” he said

    Igweh said the suspects would be charge to court upon completion of investigation.