TheNewsGuru

Tag: Theft

  • Court orders arrest of Access Bank’s MD, others for theft, contempt

    Court orders arrest of Access Bank’s MD, others for theft, contempt

    Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court has ordered the arrest of Access Bank’s acting Managing Director, Bolaji Agbede and three others for allegedly failing to appear for arraignment.

    Access Bank logo
    The judge’s order also affected Balmoral International Limited, DDSS International Company Limited, and Adejare Adegbenro.

    Justice Harrison issued the arrest warrant after the Lagos State prosecution counsel, Uthman̈ Rilwan informed the court that he had served the defendants with notice, but they failed to attend the arraignment.

    The Lagos State government had filed a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and attempted theft against the defendants.

    When the case was called, Rilwan informed the court that the day’s purpose was to arraign the defendants; however, they were absent despite receiving notice of the court date.

    The prosecutor stated that on or about September 2, 2013, at Plot 1261, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the defendants conspired to commit theft.

    He alleged that Adejare, Balmoral, Access Bank, and Agbede stole the property of MOB Integrated Services at Plot 40b, Burdillion Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by using it as security for a loan without the complainant’s consent and subsequently entered into a consent judgment.

    Additionally, they were accused of attempting to steal the property of MOB Integrated Services on May 26, 2019, by offering and granting DDSS International Company Limited a credit facility of N1 billion.

    According to the prosecutor, these offences contravened Sections 411, 280, and 21 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

    Rilwan stated, “My Lord, this matter is for arraignment today, and the defendants have been duly served with a copy of the charge. We request the court to issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest to ensure they attend proceedings on the next court date.”

    Consequently, Justice Harrison issued a bench warrant against the second to fifth defendants, Balmoral International Limited, Access Bank, Bolaji Agbede, and DDSS International Company Limited.

    The judge directed that the bench warrant be executed against the principal officers and adjourned the case until February 24, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendants. [newsnowonline.com]

  • Army detains 2 soldiers over alleged theft in Dangote Refinery

    Army detains 2 soldiers over alleged theft in Dangote Refinery

    The Nigerian Army (NA) says its has detained two soldiers allegedly involved in a reported case of theft at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Nigerian army was deeply concerned over its personnel’s involvement in criminality.

    Nwachukwu said that act of criminality, which was prevented by the proactive intervention of vigilant troops and private security operatives on duty at the refinery, was totally unacceptable and highly regrettable.

    He said that such act does not represent the ethics and values of the Nigerian army, adding that the two suspects had been identified and currently under custody.

    According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects were hired by a civilian contractor simply identified as Mr Smart, who claimed he wanted to recover some Armoured cables he had left behind on the refinery’s premises.

    “Unknown to the soldiers, the said contractor, sensing trouble as they approached the security post, excused himself from the vehicle and bolted, leaving them behind.

    “Further investigations are ongoing to fully ascertain the depth of culpability of the apprehended soldiers.

    “Additionally, the stolen cables have been recovered and are in safe custody,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the army was working closely with the management of  Dangote Refinery to ensure  thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident.

    He reassured the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be meted out to the culprits, adding that no act of criminality would be condoned amongst its personnel.

    “The Nigerian army remains steadfast in ensuring that the key values of discipline and integrity are adequately entrenched amongst its personnel.

    “We shall also continue to cultivate and promote dedication and a culture of accountability and ethical behaviours within our ranks,” he added.

  • Abakaliki residents lament increasing rate of burglary theft, cult clashes

    Abakaliki residents lament increasing rate of burglary theft, cult clashes

    Abakaliki residents have continued to call attention to the increase in the rate of burglary, theft of food stuffs and cult clashes in Ebonyi.

    Recent cult clashes in some parts of Abakaliki led to loss of lives, just as the clashes have had untoward effects on business activities in parts of Abakaliki Local Government Area.

    Some residents have complained that aside cult activities, burglaries and theft of foodstuffs had become worrisome.

    Mrs Chinenye Orji, a resident said many had lost valuable items and foodstuffs to burglars and to petty thieves.

    She said assailants once forced a neighbour to empty her bank account using a Point of Sale machine they carried into the victim’s house.

    “It is so bad; we no longer sleep with our eyes closed. There are fears everywhere because of cult activities in some parts,’’ she said.

    Another resident, Mr Job Okereke, told NAN that burglars raided his neighbour’s apartment in broad daylight on Tuesday and carted away foodstuffs unchallenged as occupants had gone away to their various businesses.

    “We need government and security agencies’ intervention. Our businesses are crumbling and the economic situation in the country is not helping either,’’ he lamented.

    Responding, Chairman, Abakaliki Local Government Council, Mr Ebere Nwogba, assured that government was determined to address the situation to ensure restoration of peace and orderliness in the area.

    “To end violence and cult-related activities in Abakaliki and environs, I have had an enlarged security meeting with security chiefs, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

    “It is sad that cult activities and burglaries are inflicting pains on the people, particularly on bereaved families,’’ he said.

    Efforts to get police reactions were abortive.

  • Finally, Police arrest customer who absconded with N55m Benz during test drive in Abuja

    Finally, Police arrest customer who absconded with N55m Benz during test drive in Abuja

    … netizens react

     

    Finally the police has accosted a man who had previously absconded with a Mercedes Benz worth N55million.

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command had disclosed their ongoing efforts to locate the stolen Mercedes Benz GLB 250, which was taken by an individual posing as a customer in Abuja.

    According to additional reports, Mohammed Manga, a car dealer, had raised the alarm after a suspect known as Henry, who disguised himself as a customer, fled with the vehicle during a test drive.

    Mohammed explained that one of his fellow car dealers had entrusted the Mercedes Benz to Henry, who claimed to be a potential buyer.

    Unfortunately, trouble arose when Henry requested to test drive the car.

    To the dismay of the car dealers, Henry swiftly accelerated and escaped with the vehicle, remaining hidden thereafter.

    Approximately three days later, Mohammed reported the incident to the police.

    However, there is now news that Henry, the customer-turned-thief, has been apprehended by law enforcement.

    A social media user shared the update, stating, “Do you all remember this car that was stolen from Abuja while it was being test-driven? The thief has been caught in Asaba.”

    See some reactions below:

    Duke of Africa: “My question is how did he pass all the multiple police checkpoints from Abuja down to Asaba?”

    Dean of violence: “The Benz wey this Asaba self too much. Any small thing Benz, Any small thing Benz, werey won kon oppress Okpanam road boys, DLA girls, DBS babes, Anwai road girls, he wan shut down Don and Masters, werey wan oppress for Xhrine, he wan come pack for ShopRite car park.”

    Alfoor: “Police is not the issue here, customs is the issue. How did he move past the numerous checkpoints without license plate.”

    Ola: “You are asking how he passed, police get scared of stopping this type of cars. You can’t see ordinary citizen driving this type of car, only few can afford it.”

    Diamond: “Mama always praying for the grind to pay and now the grind have paid’ see ya serious Bf wan oppress us for this our small ASABA wey we dey manage he test run car from Abuja reach town with no down payment.”

  • Alleged theft: OAU reacts to death of final year student on campus

    Alleged theft: OAU reacts to death of final year student on campus

    The administration of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a part 5 student of the institution.

    This is contained in a release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, sent to journalists on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.

    Olanrewaju did not name the student, but stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.

    The incident was said to have happened in the Awo Hall of the institution.

    “Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident.

    “The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.

    “The University administration hereby commiserates with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

    He admonished students to desist from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate actions.

  • Alleged N580. 2m theft: Court remands 2 Shari’a Court judges, cashier, 16 others

    Alleged N580. 2m theft: Court remands 2 Shari’a Court judges, cashier, 16 others

    A Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered that two State Shari’a Court judges, a cashier and 16 other financial registrars be remanded in a correction centre for alleged N580.2 million theft.

    The police charged Bashir Kurawa, Saadatu Umar, Tijjani Abdullahi, Maryam Jibrin-Garba, Shamsu Sani and Hussaina Imam with five counts of criminal conspiracy, joint act, criminal breach of trust by public servant, theft and forgery.

    Others are Sani Ali Muhammad, Sani Buba-Aliyu, Bashir Baffa, Garzali Wada,, Hadi Tijjani Mu’azu, Alkasim Abdullahi, Yusuf Abdullahi, Mustapha Bala Ibrahim, Jafar Ahmad, Adamu Balarabe, Aminu Abdulkadir,Abdullahi Zango and Garba Yusuf.

    Chief Magistrate Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti, ordered the remand of the defendants and adjourned the matter until Feb.1, for hearing

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Zahraddeen Kofar-Mata told the court that an official complaint was received by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission from the State Ministry of Justice on Aug. 20, 2021.

    He alleged that between 2020 and 021, Imam used her position as a cashier at the State Shari’a Court of Appeal, conspired with four others and one Suleiman now at large, to forge letter head papers of Sharia Court of Appeal.

    “The defendants forged the signatures of the two signatories to the Stanbic IBTC bank account 0020667440 belonging to the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal and stole N484 million.

    Kofar-Mata alleged that the defendants fraudulently authorised the bank to transfer the amount to various bank accounts without the consent of the authorised persons.

    He also alleged thatv from 2018 to 2021, the defendants criminally conspired, breached the trust as a public servant, acted jointly and create 15 fake civil servants’ death benefit files and fraudulently siphoned the sum of N96.2 million.

    “The N96.2 million was remitted by the Kano State Pension Fund Trustee to the bank accounts of Kano State Sharia Court Appeal.

    “The defendants stole the said amount through eight Sharia Courts under the Kano State Sharia Court Appeal without the consent of the authorizing authority”

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 97, 79, 315, 287 and 363 of Penal Code.

    The Defence Counsel, Malam Garzali Datti, prayed the court to exercise its jurisdiction judiciously and admit the defendants on bail.

    He argued that the application was brought pursuant to section 35 and 36 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 as amended,168 and 172 of Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019 Kano.

  • Kenyans drag UK to ECHR for alleged colonial abuses, land theft, torture in 20th century

    Kenyans drag UK to ECHR for alleged colonial abuses, land theft, torture in 20th century

    A group of Kenyans has dragged the United Kingdom before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), for alleged colonial abuses, land theft and torture, crimes they say were committed during the 20th century,  in western Kenya’s Kericho region, now one of the most important in the world for tea production.

     

    The Kenyans claim that they were forcefully evicted from their land by British settlers during colonial rule.

     

    The group filed the suit over what it said was colonial-era land theft, torture and mistreatment, demanding justice, TheNewsGuru.com reports.

     

    According to the group’s lawyer, Joel Kimutai Bosek, the UK has been avoiding the matter whenever it has been brought up for years now, and that is the reason they went to court to file a lawsuit.

    Kenyans drag United Kingdom before ECHR over alleged colonial abuses, land theft, torture
    European Court of Human Rights building

     

    The Kenyans are seeking an investigation and redress for crimes they say were committed in western Kenya’s Kericho region, now one of the most important in the world for tea production.

     

    “The UK Government has ducked and dived, and sadly avoided every possible avenue of redress. We have no choice but to proceed to court for our clients so that history can be righted,” said lawyer Joel Kimutai Bosek, who is representing the group.

     

    The crimes the UK is being accused of which were committed during the colonial era include forced evictions from ancestral lands.

     

    Bosek, who is representing the Talai and Kipsigis peoples, in a statement to the media said the UK government has “avoided every possible avenue of redress,” forcing the group to proceed to court.

     

    The Kenyans that dragged the United Kingdom are  from the Talai and Kipsigis communities in Kericho County who suffered at the hands of the British colonialists numbered over 100,000. They were evicted from ancestral lands around Kericho in the early 20th century.

     

    Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

     

    It would be up to the court to quantify how much redress could be owed to victims, the legal team said.

     

    In 2019, they submitted online petitions to the UN demanding an apology and compensation for the colonial crimes meted out against them.

     

    Kenya gained its independence from the colonial government in 1963. To this day, historians say the resistance from the Mau Mau rebel group hastened the end of colonial rule in Kenya.

  • FG moves to tackle crude oil theft

    FG moves to tackle crude oil theft

    The Federal Government through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it has developed key initiatives aimed at reducing to the barest minimum activities of crude oil theft and illegal artisanal refining.

    Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, made this known at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Public Private – Dialogue on Crude Oil Theft and Artisanal Modular Refineries on Thursday in Lagos.

    Komolafe said that an unprecedented level of theft estimated at a daily average of 103,000 barrels which was recorded in 2021 had grown to 120,000 barrels in first quarter of 2022.

    He added that daily average production in 2021stood at 1.5 million barrels while the national production advised by the commission was 2.2 million barrels.

    “Consequently, only 58 per cent of the technical rate was achieved in 2021 and similar performance has continued in 2022 hence the need for more concerted efforts across all quarters to stem the tide.

    “Unfortunately, the amount of oil received at the terminals indicates that over nine million barrels of oil is lost to crude oil theft amounting to a loss of one billion dollars in first quarter of 2022,” he said.

    Komolafe said that the effect from this level of theft had resulted in the declaration of force majeure, shortage of wealth, a hostile, unsafe environment and was a disincentive to investors in the Nigerian upstream sector.

    He added that many operators had deliberately shut down facilities and pipelines which had further aggravated the low oil production also impacting gas production both for domestic utilisation and exports.

    He said that in view of the development and the ongoing government’s efforts to enable the industry deliver production target of three million barrels daily in three years, the commission has developed some key initiatives.

    Komofale said that the initiatives were aimed at mitigating oil theft and creating enabling regulatory environment for local refining in Nigeria.

    He said they include: a roadmap for tackling the insecurity challenges in the industry, identifying and implementing areas of collaboration between government and operators in ensuring that operators realise their full production potentials.

    Others, he said were massive collaboration with the top civil echelon of the Nigerian security forces for a robust security for both operators and host communities.

    “The commission is also promoting the implementation of modern security technology for real time loss detection that would enable swift and more proactive responses.

    “We also advocate a refinery regulation in terms of establishment of more modular refineries to curb activities of artesians from refining crude which is outside the ambit of the law and absolutely below acceptable minimum standards of technology in the 21st century,” he said.

    Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, President, LCCI, expressed concerns over Nigeria’s battle in recent years with dwindling revenue, security challenges, weak infrastructure, rising inflation, high cost of production, and a burdening and unsustainable fuel subsidy.

    Olawale-Cole said that crude oil theft had taken a worrisome dimension spiking production costs to $32 a barrel with losses from pipeline vandalisation and theft overwhelming the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

    He added that the development had led to several indigenous oil firms contending with rising operational expenses driven mostly by personnel, maintenance, and security costs.

    Olawale-Cole said that there were also concerns about the culpability of the nation’s security agencies, noting that barges of oil could not be stolen and moved on the coastal waters without the collaboration of some powerful stakeholders.

    “The menace of oil theft has become a national disaster and a critical threat to our revenue base as Nigeria is losing crude oil at the level of about 91 per cent of output.

    “Nigeria lost $3.2 billion to crude oil theft between January 2021 and February 2022, as revealed by the NUPRC, the LCCI Oil Producers Trade Section, and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG).

    “This menace has prevented Nigeria from meeting its crude oil output capacity,” he said.

    The LCCI President reiterated the chamber’s position in favour of the removal of fuel subsidies and full deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector to attract required investments into the sector.

    He said that the twin factor of fuel subsidy payments and crude oil theft have combined to deny Nigeria the gains of the high crude oil price on the international market.

    “No investor wants to invest in an industry where they cannot even recover their cost of production.

    “While we expect some respite from the commencement of commercial private sector refining and modular refineries, we call on the regulators to ensure a conducive business environment that supports these investments coming on stream soon,” he said.

  • FG is determined to end crude oil theft – Sylva

    FG is determined to end crude oil theft – Sylva

    The Federal Government says it is determined to stop the economic devastation occasioned by the activities of illegal refiners, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the country.

    The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said this on Wednesday at Bonny Island, Rivers, while addressing officers of the 146 Battalion and other security agencies represented in the fight against oil theft.

    Sylva was on an assessment tour on some illegal refinery sites at the Niger Delta region creek with the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor, and Group Managing Director, NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, among other dignitaries.

    Sylva said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that the illegal activities must stop and had called for an assessment of the devastation occasioned by the activities of the criminals.

    Addressing officers of the 146 Battalion, Sylva said, “you are here on a mission, I commend you for all the good work you have done our nation depends on this asset to survive , oil and gas is one of the major sustaining asset of the country.

    “Unfortunately, we have had a lot of insecurity around oil facilities and pipelines, this can no.longer be condoned. Mr President has directed that this must stop.

    “You are here as gallant officers to protect these facilities, hence forth we will be working closely with you to ensure that there is zero loss to our production.

    “You have done so well so far as the Chief of Defence Staff said, there is still ground to cover, so let us all work together and protect these national assets for the good of all,” the minister said.

    The minister said the final solution to the problem required three elements which included involvement of the community, the government security and the operating companies.

    He said the government was determined to stop it because it could not afford the continuation of the insecurity in the industry adding that the criminals have their days numbered.

    “We are here to reclaim this industry for the country because the country has lost so much from the activities of these criminals and government can no longer afford these activities,” the minister said.

    Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen.Lucky Irabor, said the assessment became necessary because of the economic loses being witnessed in the oil and gas sector.

    Irabor said the economic losses were so huge and currently the economy of the country was bleeding.

    “We urge you to revert the trend,” he charged the 146 battalion.

    According to the CDS, our drive is to look at the value chain within the oil and gas space and get the actual criminals and those supporting them.

  • CRUDE OIL THEFT: Militia group in Bayelsa allegedly recruits youths

    CRUDE OIL THEFT: Militia group in Bayelsa allegedly recruits youths

    A militia group said to belong to a militant identified as General Endurance Amagbin, in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has allegedly started recruiting youths for the illegal crude theft operations in the communities.

    It was gathered that the Militia group subjected traditional rulers of Igbemotoru, its satellite communities Lasukugbene, Beberegbene and Peremabiri communities, to an unofficial oath of allegiance for his operations or get dethroned or killed.

    According to residents of Igbomotoru, Oyeregbeni and Peremabiri communities, there was palpable fear in the area over the rising cases of attacks and forceful takeover of traditional institutions by some gunmen.

    It was also gathered that the affected communities are hosts to multi-million dollars Trunk 18 inches diameter Crude Oil Tebidaba/Igbomotoru/Brass pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited.

    Furthermore, many security personnel deployed to the area have allegedly been compromised by the operations of General Endurance Amagbin and his boys while he has started his cooking of crude oil known as “Kpo fire” in the area.

    The Paramount Ruler of Igbomotoru (West Bomo) Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, HRH Asemighen Ayibaikie Ofongo, BUO X, in a petition sent to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, to come to the rescue of the Bayelsa communities as the militia groups have continued to molest, beat up, vandalise houses and loot properties of those who go against their illegal activities in the area.

    Ofongo, in the letter with reference number IGBO/Security/10102/Vol.1/32/22, pointed out that he was also a victim of the wrath of these gunmen with their leader, self-styled Amagbin subjecting him to the personal oath of allegiance to their operations and announcing his dethronement on state radio without the approval of the state government.

    According to the petition, “The youths and elders of Igbemotoru community have become refugees in their community. The people of the Community and surrounding communities have not had any positive change since the self-styled General Endurance arrived. And he has also boasted that he has a connection to the top and that petitions sent out are sent back to him promising anyone writing such petition to be ready to accept any consequences of their actions.

    “This has emboldened him to recruit jobless youths into his army in other to vandalize houses, loot properties therein.”

    The worried monarch recounted that on the 11th of December,2021, the militia leader, Amagbin, ordered his squad to bring him at gunpoint, “Ammanawei was escorted under gunpoint by six gunmen into a waiting horsepower speed boat to a bush and into a shrine.

    “I was ordered by the militia leader to take an oath of allegiance to him. When I protested and insisted I have earlier before my ancestors and even God sworn to be impartial in the discharge of my duties, he ordered his gunmen to fire several rounds of bullets above my head as a warning.

    “I realized I could be shot dead in the shrine, so I succumbed to save my life and took the oath. Again, on the 12th of December, 2021, the Igbomotoru 1 community chiefs under the directive of the militia leader convened a meeting of all people of the town.

    “The meeting has no other agenda besides the dethronement of the Amananawei. Some persons who attended the meeting queried the veracity of such a dethronement exercise. While many walked out of the meeting and the meeting ended on that note. Within days, a special announcement was sponsored by the militia leader and his boys of the dethronement on two radio stations in the state capital.

    “The state government reacted spontaneously and denounced the dethronement as an exercise in futility and of no effect whatsoever. The paramount ruler as well went on air and denounced the purported dethronement. As it is now, I and some others who are against the notorious activities of Endurance Amagbin in the Igbomortoru community are not allowed access to our own community. We are calling on the Government to convene a peace meeting and in synergy with the Federal Government to please mop up all illegal arms and ammunition in the possession of non-state actors like the militia group now terrorizing the innocent people of Igbomotoru community.”