TheNewsGuru

Tag: Suspects

  • Police arrest three suspects with links to murder of UNIBEN Professor

    The police have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a Professor in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Paul Otasowie of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

    The killing of Prof. Otasowie on Wednesday night is coming 24 hours after Edo ace musician, Osayomore Joseph, was abducted by gunmen.

    Rising insecurity situation in the state has heightened fears among residents in the state as several persons have been kidnapped in the past two weeks.

    Sources said late Otasowie was killed after the gunmen failed to kidnap him at his residence at Siluko Road in Oredo local government area.

    Another source said Prof. Otasowie was shot dead by the armed men in front of his residence while coming down from his storey building.

    The deceased was a former director of UNIBEN’s Industrial Training and Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme.

    Spokesman for the university, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, who confirmed the killing said the institution was yet to get full details of the killing.

    He said, “We lost him (Otasowie) Thursday. We are trying to gather the right information now (because) we are getting different versions.

    “The first version said that it was an assassination (while) the second version said that it was armed robbery, that he was inside a car and they shot him.”

    “For now, the university cannot ascertain what has transpired. But we are sending delegates now to the house to meet with the family.

    “We commiserate with the family and it is a big blow to the university. He was one of the persons who have ensured that work is done and done well.

    “The vice-chancellor, Prof. Orunmwense is saddened with this development. We just wish that this insecurity in Edo State is looked into. Just recently, (Joseph) Osayomore was kidnapped.

    “The level of insecurity now is becoming something else. The vice-chancellor commiserates with the family and the school is mourning,” the spokesman added.

    Edo police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said three suspects have been arrested in connection to the killing of Prof. Otasowie.

    DSP Nkombe stated that the police received distressed call from neighbours in the area and when policemen got the scene, they found the Professor already dead.

    Nkombe said nothing was taken from the late Otasowie.

    On the abduction of Managing Director of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park Dr. Andy Ehanire and Osayomore, DSP Nkombe assured that the police would soon rescue them.

    He said all efforts were being put into securing their release.

  • 661 pump-action guns: Suspects recant, plead guilty to charges

    In a swift u-turn against their initial stands, two of the five men facing trial for the importation of 661 pump-action rifles into the country, on Monday indicated their interest to enter into a plea bargain.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the suspects, being prosecuted by the Federal Government for the importation of the fire arms had ealier pleaded not guilty.

    The defendants – Mahmud Hassan, Oscar Okafor, Donatus Achinulo, Matthew Okoye, said to be at large, and Salihu Danjuma – had been arraigned by the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF on June 14 before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Despite their stance, the trial judge, Ayokunle Faji, refused their bail applications in view of the gravity of the charges levelled against them.

    The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 25 for trial.

    However, at the resumed proceedings on Monday, the second and third defendants, Oscar Okafor and Donatus Achinulo after changing their lawyers, indicated their intentions to change their plea from not guilty to guilty.

    The application was made orally on behalf of Mr. Okafor by Rotimi Jacobs, his new lawyer, and on behalf of Mr. Achinulo by another lawyer, Paul Ananaba.

    However, the judge directed the defendants to notify the AGF of their decision.

    The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 26.

    In the charges, the AGF said the accused persons brought 661 pump-action rifles into the country from Turkey through the Apapa Port in Lagos, using a 40-feet container, which they falsely claimed contained steel doors.

    To facilitate the illegal importation, the accused allegedly forged a number of documents including a bill of lading, and a ‘Form M and a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report.’

    According to the prosecution, in order to evade payment of customs duty, the accused allegedly forged a bill of lading issued at Istanbul on January 9, 2017, falsely claiming that it was issued at Shanghai, China.

    In the forged bill of lading, they allegedly filled “steel door” as the content of the container instead of rifles.

    They were also said to have allegedly offered a bribe of N400,000 to an official of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, attached to the Federal Operations Unit to influence the said officer not to conduct a “hundred per cent search on the 40-feet container with number PONU 825914/3.”

    The prosecution also alleged that the first accused, Mr. Hassan, corruptly gave N1 million to government officials at the Apapa Port in order to prevent the search of the container by officials.

    In the last count, the Nigerian government alleged that the defendants had between 2012 and 2016 illegally imported several double-barrelled shotguns, pump-action rifles and single-barrelled shotguns into the country through Lagos.

    The eight counts pressed against them border on conspiracy, importation of prohibited firearms, forgery, altering of documents, and bribery.

    The offences were said to be contrary to sections 1(2) (c), 1(14) (a) (i) and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Nigerian Customs has since dismissed four of its officials in August according to a statement issued by Joseph Atah, its public relations officer.

     

  • Hector Joberteh’s murder: Police arrest suspects

    Hector Joberteh’s murder: Police arrest suspects

    The Lagos State Police Command has detained three suspects in connection with the killing of Gulder Ultimate Search season 3 winner, Hector Joberteh.

     

    Ratifying the arrests, the recently appointed Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, said the suspects are being quizzed about the murder of Joberteh who was trailed to his apartment and then shot at close range.

     

    He said, “Some yet-to-be identified hoodlums pretending to be friends of the deceased, gained access into the apartment of Hector Jobarteh, 38, in the presence of his brother, one Victor Jobarteh, at 8, Olufowora Close, New Oko-Oba.

     

    “They shot the said Hector on the chest without any dialogue and fled from the scene.

     

    “The Divisional Police Officer and a team of policemen quickly rushed to the scene after a distress call and the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died.

     

    “Nothing was removed from his house. The corpse was taken to Orile/Agege Hospital morgue for autopsy.

     

    “Enquiries carried out from neighbours revealed that the deceased may have been a victim of business transaction that went sour.

     

    “To us, this is a clear case of murder and all angles are being investigated.

     

    “I want to use this opportunity to assure the family and indeed Lagosians, that the police will use every asset at its disposal to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous act are not only brought to book, but diligently prosecuted”.

     

  • Customs impound 37 smuggled exotic cars, arrest 17 suspects

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it impounded 37 brand new exotic vehicles estimated at N1.3 billion after bursting a smuggling ring.

    Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) spoke on the seizures while addressing reporters at the Customs Training School in Lagos.

    He said the seizures were made by officers and men of the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja and the CGC Compliance Team in Lagos.

    The vehicles, according to Ali, include eight Lexus sports utility vehicles (SUVs) – LX570, 2017 model; 12 Land Cruiser SUVs – GXR, 2017 model and 17 Toyota Hilux of 2016, 2013, 2012, 2012, 2011 and 2009 models.

    Ali added that his men also seized 12,081 bags of smuggled parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N149million.

    It was gathered that some of the smugglers used the number plates on some of the new vehicles as a decoy to beat Customs’ checks. But unknown to them, Customs officials had been monitoring their movement for days before swooping on them.

    Sources closed to the service said when some of the smugglers saw the Customs team on the unapproved routes, they abandoned the vehicles and jumped into the bush to evade arrest.

    The FOU Comptroller, it was gathered, employed credible information and community relation, including collaboration other security agencies, in bursting the smugglers.

    Ali said the service had not received any order from the Federal Government unbanning the importation of vehicles and rice through the land borders.

    According to the Customs boss, his men also confiscated huge parcels and sacks of Indian hemp with duty paid value of N12.7 million.

    The duty paid value of all seized items was over N1.6 billion

    Seventeen suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

    Eleven of the suspects, it was learnt, were released on bail. Six are still in detention.

    “The 37 vehicles have a duty paid value of N1,374,122,679.00. Similarly, the 12,081 bags of smuggled parboiled rice have a duty paid value of N149,007,658.

    “Apart from the seizure of vehicles and rice, the reinvigorated anti-smuggling operations yielded another 156 assorted seizures including bales of used clothing, Indian hemp and used tyres that are inimical to the health of our people and our country.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government policies banning the importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders are still in force. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute to work towards crippling smugglers and getting them out of the illegitimate business.

    “In the face of security and economic challenges, no responsible government will fold its hand while unpatriotic elements continue to engage in illegal activities that will further compress national economic and security well-being of her people.”

     

     

  • Police arraign seven Badoo suspects

    Police arraign seven Badoo suspects

    Seven alleged members of the dreaded Badoo cult who have been causing unrest in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State were on Friday brought before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court.

    The accused, Afolabi Kessington (25), Ismaila Shaibu (36), Mutiu Nurudeen (26), Ibrahim Bello (25), Lukman Mohammed (35), Gift Itafa (50) and Sheriff Adewunmi (23).

    The accused faced four-count bordering on conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society.

    They, however, pleaded innocence of the charges.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Fidelis Dike, said that the accused committed the offences between July 3 and July 5 at Powerline, Agbala area of Ikorodu and also at Irawo Estate, Owode-Onirin in Lagos.

    He said that the accused, who are members of the Badoo cult, had conspired and gathered in the above-mentioned areas to have their meeting, which was deemed illegal.

    The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened Section 42(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Kofo Ariyo, admitted each of the accused to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.

    The case has been adjourned until Aug. 9, for mention.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Lagos State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilance groups recently commenced a clampdown on criminals in Ikorodu and its environs. About 100 suspected members of the cult were arrested during the raid.

     

     

    NAN

  • Badoo cult: Police arrest 87 fresh suspects, declare 20 others wanted

    Badoo cult: Police arrest 87 fresh suspects, declare 20 others wanted

    Following a tip off and strong intelligence gathering, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in collaboration with other security agencies have arrested 87 persons suspected to be members of the gang of ritual killers, Badoo, which has been terrorising residents of Ikorodu and other Lagos communities.

    Twenty other suspects have also been declared wanted for cultism and kidnapping in the affected areas.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Lagos State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilance groups had last Saturday commenced a clampdown on criminals in Ikorodu and its environs. About 100 suspected members of the cult were arrested during the raid.

    However, most of the suspects arrested were said to have been released after screening.

    For cult-related killings, the police declared Moshood alias Mosho, Alfa a.k.a. King of Boys, Papa, Fela, Alakoto and Chukwudi wanted, while Agbara, O/C, Keremini, Femi alias FM, Pencil, Ogidan, Jaru, Allen, Bush, Happiness, Fagbo, Junior, Nuru and Jamiu are wanted for kidnapping.

    Those arrested were said to have been caught during an all-night operation on suspected Badoo hideouts at Owutu and Odogunyan.

    Urging the public to provide useful information that could lead to their arrests, the police noted that the people that had been arrested or declared wanted were all Ikorodu residents.

    A police source said: “The raid was an extensive operation on the two areas – Odongunyan and Owutu. The operation was necessitated by more intelligence on the membership of the dreaded cult group and their mode of operation.

    “Before the operations, the police in conjunction with members of the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps (LNSC) and Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) met with herbalists and babalawos in Ikorodu and its suburbs on the need to collaborate to wipe out the cult group.”

    At the meeting, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Fatai Owoseni, represented by the officer in charge of operations, Imohimi Edgal, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), was said to have warned the native doctors and local vigilantes to eschew jungle justice.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had during the week promised to flush out the criminals insisting they were not ghosts as made to believe in some quarters.

     

  • Photos: Police, OPC raid Badoo hideouts in Ikorodu, arrest over 100 suspected ritualists

    Photos: Police, OPC raid Badoo hideouts in Ikorodu, arrest over 100 suspected ritualists

    Sequel to the incessant attacks on innocent lives by members of deadly criminal gang in Ikorodu, Lagos State, popularly known as “Badoo,” Police officers, in conjunction with members of Odua Peoples Congress, (OPC) on Saturday raided the different hideouts of the gang arresting over 100 suspected members.


    The raid according to inside sources was a follow up to series of meetings the police authority had with different local vigilante in the area.

    Members of OPC and other vigilante groups who were conversant with the terrain had led heavily harmed police officers to some locations suspected to be the den of the group, where over 100 of them were rounded up.

    It was gathered that the unabated activities of the cult group had compelled the Lagos State Police authority to approach members of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), led by its leader, Otunba Gani Adams last week, for possible collaboration and assistance.

    “The serial attacks by those boys in Ikorodu are becoming a thing of worry for the police in the state; the police considered it imperative and expedient to seek for partnership of vigilante groups in Ikorodu, led by the OPC.

    “Sincerely, the activities of those Badoo boys must be stopped; this massacre must not be allowed to go on unabated; it is seriously threatening the serenity of that town,” the source had disclosed.

  • Just in: 5 suspects arrested over planned attack on banks in Lagos [Photo added]

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP’s) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on Friday announced the arrest of five suspected armed robbers who had planned to attack some banks in Lagos.

    The IRT Commander, ACP Abba Kyari, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Kyari said the arrested suspects also participated in the killing of four policemen and an Army Captain in Ikorodu in April, this year.

    The commander said that the suspects were arrested at Ikorodu and Ajah areas of Lagos State, as they perfected the planned attacks on the banks.

    He said their arrest was part of the IGP Ibrahim Idris’ effort to neutralise the threat posed on Lagos by the notorious new militant leader called America.

    According to him, America was also responsible for last week’s kidnap of school children in Epe.

    “Five key members of the notorious militant group led by America, who have perfected plans to attack and rob five banks in Lagos have been arrested in Ikorodu and Ajah areas of Lagos state.

    “They were all arrested after several days of unrelenting follow-ups by the IRT.

    “Four of the arrested suspects are militants, who were sent by their gang leader, America, to survey the banks.

    “The team was also to hire two operational buses that will be used to convey the militants to and from the river banks, to the commercial banks.

    The fifth suspect is a security man in one of the banks targeted to be robbed,” Kyari alleged.

    The commander, however, noted that the banks targeted were located in Lekki and Ajah areas of Lagos state.

    He said that the suspects confessed to have chosen the targeted banks because of their proximity to the river banks.

    “All suspects arrested have confessed to the planned robberies and confirmed that they were sent by America, their boss in the creeks, to survey the banks, together with the bank security man who allegedly brought the job to the militants.

    “Also, America had fixed Thursday, June 1, as the date for the attack on the banks, before his boys were arrested by the IRT.

    “The suspects are cooperating with detectives in the investigations,’’ Kyari added.

     

    NAN

  • Assassination attempt on Melaye: Court grants N1m bail each to suspects

    A Kogi High Court sitting in Lokoja has granted bail to five persons including the Administrator of Ijumu Local Government Area, Taufiq Isah, charged with alleged attempt to assassinate Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye.

    Justice Arome Akogwu, on Monday held that the three weeks the accused spent in custody was far beyond the period allowed by the constitution.

    The trial judge said the defendants, through their counsel, A.M. Aliyu in his oral application for bail, had undertaken to attend their trial, adding that the prosecuting counsel did not object to the presumption of innocence pleaded by Aliyu.

    Against this backdrop, Akogwu granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1m each with one surety in like sum.

    Consequently, the judge adjourned the case.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Nigeria Police, FCT Command recently paraded six persons in connection with Melaye’s assassination attempt.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Melaye was recently attacked at his residence at Iyala, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State.

  • Police arrest suspects for killing Uber driver, stealing vehicle

    Police arrest suspects for killing Uber driver, stealing vehicle

    Detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two suspects who posed as passengers and killed an Uber driver, in an attempt to steal his vehicle.

    The suspects and one other, who is at large, strangled the driver, Innevosa Emmanuel and disposed him of his KIA RIO salon car marked KTU 594DM.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspects always go after uber drivers with the intention of killing them and stealing their cars, to resell them to new buyers.

    The suspects boarded the vehicle from Ikeja to take them to Ogba, Oke-Ira during which they suddenly ordered the driver to make a U-turn and take them to Oremeji Street, Obawole area of Ogba, where he was strangled with a belt by the robbers and the vehicle was driven away.

    According to one of the suspects, he said they were three that participated in the killing of the driver.

    “I and Michael met at Ogba where I went to drink and we became friends. I told him how difficult things were for me that I needed to relocate to Benin to start all over again.

    “It was at this point that Michael told me about a deal that could fetch me some money that we could get a car and then sell it to his boss.

    “Michael then told me about one Alex (Emmanuel) who had a vehicle and we agreed to meet the following day. Since then we had been meeting and discussing how to buy the vehicle.

    “On the fateful day the Uber driver came, I was with Michael in his office and his friend Destiny was with him but I don’t know if he discussed the vehicle deal with Destiny.

    “Around 9:30p.m, we called the Uber driver to come and pick us at Tantalizer eatery at Ogba. I and Destiny were inside the vehicle with the driver, but Michael was outside while I was holding the belt.

    “Immediately I put the belt across the driver’s neck, Destiny dragged the belt and we strangled him. When we were satisfied that he was dead, we took his corpse to Oremeji Street and dumped him in front of a church around 10:30 p.m., without anybody noticing us.

    “After killing the driver, we took the vehicle to Michael’s boss to sell it. The buyer then inquired from us where we got the vehicle from and Michael told him that we killed the owner.

    “The buyer then said we should take the car away and Michael said we should take it to his house and park it outside, before taking it to another buyer in Benin.

    “Later we were tracked to Benin, arrested and brought back to Lagos.” the suspect said.

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects at the Command headquarters, said the command received a report of a missing Uber driver, whose car was stolen and the driver missing.

    Owoseni said since then, it has been an issue of concern and detectives through their sustained efforts towards the missing driver, two days ago arrested two suspects in connection with the missing driver.

    “The suspects posed as passengers, strangled the Uber driver and dumped his remains at Ogba and the vehicle was taken to Delta State, where it was recovered and the suspects arrested.”

    The Police boss said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

     

     

    NAN