Category Archives: Crime

NDLEA seizes 2.318 tons of marijuana in Kwara

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has intercepted and  seized 2.318 tons of cannabis in the last one week in Kwara.

The NDLEA Commander in the state, Hajia Fatima Popoola, said this at a news conference in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Popoola said that the cannabis were intercepted during two operations along Offa and Omu Aran axis of the state command at about 3:00 am and 5:30 am.

She said that four suspects arrested in connection with the seizures, concealed the drugs among sacks of saw dust.

“This is one of the biggest seizures we’ve made in a single week in recent time, and the street value of what we seized runs into at least billions of naira.

“This shows just how serious the drug use and trafficking have become in Kwara,” she said.

Popoola said that one of the suspects, a driver, was caught with 1.2 tons of cannabis, another suspect with 300kg of cannabis, while the remaining 720kg seizure was linked to two suspects.

Read Also: NDLEA arrests notorious drug kingpin in Delta

The drugs were reportedly concealed in Canter trucks and disguised as ordinary goods with sacks of saw dust to deceive NDLEA officials at the check points.

“A J5 vehicle was checked, which appeared to be empty, but we found it loaded with cannabis, and these operations took place mostly between 3:00 am and 5:30 am, when traffickers often move to avoid detection,” she said.

The commander, who noted that drugs are at the root of many criminal activities, added that, “no sane person wakes up to commit inhumane acts or violent crimes, most of the time, there is drug influence behind it.”

She said that security challenges in such places like Kaiama, Chikanda, Patigi, Edu, and Omu Aran were drug-related.

The commander said that while only two tons of drugs were seized in 2024, the command has seized over 2,000 kilograms between January and August  2025.

She attributed the feat achieved to the synergy among sister security agencies, saying that, “the NDLEA is not working alone. We are working with the police, army, civil defence, and traditional rulers.”

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the agency for the feat, adding the arrests and seizures reflected the commitment of his administeation to eliminate drug abuse in the state.

Represented by Alhaji Saadu Salahu,  the Senior Adviser/Counsellor,  AbdulRazaq said the state was working closely with the NDLEA in mobilising traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and religious institutions to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We need to educate the younger generation on the health implications of involvement in drugs,” he said.

He urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking requires everyone’s support.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the event was attended by the representatives of traditional rulers, military and para-military agencies.

(NAN)

Police arrest Ogun PDP officials, INEC staff with cash, party denies wrongdoing

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Security operatives in Ogun State have arrested some officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside two staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after they were allegedly found in possession of a large sum of money.

The arrest reportedly took place at a hotel in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, and was captured in a viral video circulating on social media on Saturday.

In the footage, two INEC officials — a male and a female — were seen squatting beside PDP officers while being interrogated by security personnel. The unidentified officer in the video alleged that the INEC staff had received cash from the PDP officials at the hotel.

Read Also: Absence of INEC witnesses stall proceedings at Edo governorship tribunal

One of the arrested INEC officials admitted that his supervisor instructed him to collect the money from the politicians. However, the PDP chairman, who identified himself as an official of the party in Ogun State, denied any involvement in vote-buying.

“You are just showing money; I don’t know anything about it,” the PDP official insisted during questioning.

The incident has sparked controversy online, with many Nigerians demanding transparency from both the electoral body and political parties. The PDP has yet to release an official statement addressing the arrests.

Phyna accuses Dangote of privacy violation over sister’s accident, questions public statement

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Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has strongly criticised the Dangote Group over its handling of the recent accident involving her sister, Ruth Otabor.

Ruth sustained severe injuries in a truck accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on August 13, 2025, which led to the amputation of her leg.

In a social media post, Phyna accused Dangote Group staff of visiting her sister at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital without seeking family consent to take photographs, alleging that the images were later shared publicly.

“Who gave you permission to snap any member of my family and post it online? What disrespect. You send staff members to the hospital today and decide to turn it into content? I just pray this kind of picture didn’t happen with my sister,” she wrote.

Read Also: Dangote assures medical care, compensation after truck accident involving Phyna’s sister

The reality TV star also questioned the company’s choice of words in its official statement, particularly referring to her sister as “Mrs. Ruth Otabor,” asking what “narrative” they intended to create.

Phyna further demanded that cameras be prohibited in any future meetings or discussions related to the matter, stressing the need for privacy and respect. She also criticised the company’s promise of “appropriate compensation” and a “quick recovery,” pointing out that her sister had already lost a leg and that the bike rider involved in the accident was also in critical condition.

The Dangote Group had earlier confirmed its involvement in the accident, pledging comprehensive medical care and compensation for Ruth, in line with its welfare policy.

The incident has continued to spark public outrage, with celebrities and fans joining Phyna in demanding justice and accountability.

Dangote assures medical care, compensation after truck accident involving Phyna’s sister

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The Dangote Group has confirmed that one of its trucks was involved in a tragic accident that left Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, with life-changing injuries.

The incident occurred in Auchi, Edo State, and resulted in the amputation of Ruth’s leg due to the severity of the impact.

In a statement, the company expressed deep concern over the accident and pledged to cover Ruth’s medical expenses while also providing adequate compensation in line with its welfare policy.

Senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, alongside the company’s insurance team, visited Ruth and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, where she is currently receiving treatment. They also met with law enforcement authorities to discuss the incident and ensure all necessary support is provided.

Read Also: Phyna accuses Dangote of privacy violation over sister’s accident, questions public statement

“Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family. This action reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected,” the statement read.

The company further assured that Ruth will receive “comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation” while wishing her a full and speedy recovery.

The accident has sparked public outrage after Phyna took to social media to demand justice for her sister. Several celebrities, including Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw, have joined the call for accountability.

News Access NG will continue to follow this story and provide updates on Ruth Otabor’s recovery and the company’s support efforts.

Obi condemns arraignment of Ibom Air passenger

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Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, describing it as a display of “double standards” and “inadequacies” in Nigeria’s justice system.

In a statement on Monday, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson, stressing the need for Nigerians to uphold good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”

However, he strongly criticised the treatment of Emmanson, who was publicly stripped, arraigned in court, and remanded in custody, while another individual who allegedly delayed a flight and endangered hundreds of lives remains free.

Read Also: Peter Obi reaffirms 4-Year single-term pledge

“Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies,” Obi said, adding that it was “unacceptable” for such actions to be meted out selectively.

He argued that Emmanson’s offence does not compare to crimes committed by “those parading themselves as excellencies” who loot public funds without consequence.

Obi also questioned why the other offender in the Ibom Air saga had neither been arrested nor arraigned, accusing authorities of favouring the influential over the powerless.

“We must end this selective treatment of the poor or less privileged. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly,” he said.

Calling on the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to explain the apparent bias, Obi insisted that the rule of law must be upheld as the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.

Fed Govt to arraign Owo Church attack suspects today

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The Federal Government will on Monday arraign five men accused of carrying out the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

The suspects, Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar, are scheduled to appear before Justice Obiorah Egwatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. They face a nine-count charge bordering on terrorism.

The arraignment comes three years after the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced that those responsible for the massacre had been apprehended.

Read Also: Police arrest seven suspects linked to killing of lawyer

The National Security Council had previously linked the brutal attack to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

On that tragic Sunday, heavily armed assailants stormed the church during mass, detonated explosives, and opened fire on worshippers, killing more than 40 people and injuring dozens.

The massacre shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.

Davido pays tribute to late son Ifeanyi with custom cufflinks at Miami wedding

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Afrobeats superstar Davido paid a touching tribute to his late son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, during his white wedding to Chioma Rowland in Miami by wearing custom-made cufflinks bearing the boy’s picture.

The singer shared a photo of the special accessory on his Instagram story as he marked the lavish ceremony, which brought together prominent personalities from Nigeria’s business, political, and entertainment circles. Music stars including Adekunle Gold, Teni, and Zlatan Ibile were among the high-profile guests.

Read Also: Davido reveals spending $3.7m on white wedding

Davido revealed that the Miami wedding cost an eye-watering $3.7 million, describing the expenditure as “crazy.”

The ceremony marks the final stage of the couple’s union, following their traditional marriage in June 2024 and a court wedding in March 2023.

Davido and Chioma have endured both heartbreak and joy in recent years — from the tragic loss of their son, Ifeanyi, in 2022, to the birth of twins in the United States in 2023. The Miami wedding served as a celebration of their enduring love and shared resilience.

Court remands five over alleged murder

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An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court, on Friday remanded five men, Ademola Temitope, Obaleye Mayode, James Oluwafemi, Jamiu Idris and Ochim Godwin, at a correctional centre over an alleged murder.

Ademola Temitope, 20, Obaleye Mayode, 50; James Oluwafemi, 40; Jamiu Idris, 21 and Ochim Godwin, 23, are facing trial over the alleged murder of a resident, Oluwaseun Emeka.

The Prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on July 27 at Ado-Ekiti.

Oriyomi said that the defendants and others now at large attacked and killed Emeka under the pretext that he was a thief and terror in the community.

Read Also: Court acquits Medical Doctor of cybercrime charges 

He said that the offence contravened Section 234 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Stephen Ademuagun, Mr Toyin Oluwole and Mr Sunday Balogun, prayed the court to grant their clients bail, and promised that they would not jump bail..

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, declined taking the defendants’ plea for want of jurisdiction.

He ordered that the case file should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice, and adjourned the case until Aug. 28 for mention.

(NAN)

Court acquits Medical Doctor of cybercrime charges 

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed cybercrime charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police against a female medical doctor, Bolanle Aseyan.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu discharged and acquitted Aseyan, stating that the police failed to prove the essential elements of the alleged offences.

The Inspector-General had arraigned Aseyan on a four-count charge of defamation, harassment, and intimidation against another doctor, Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya.

The police alleged that Aseyan used social media platforms to harm Ogunsanya’s reputation. He was said to be her former boyfriend.

Read Also: Court of Appeal affirms Aiyedatiwa’s election

The charges were filed under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, which addresses online threats and cyber harassment.

To support the case, the police presented three witnesses. Aseyan also called two witnesses to testify in her defence during the trial.

Justice Lifu, while reviewing the matter, noted both doctors were once in a romantic relationship before it turned sour.

He further observed that the two had sexual relations while in the United Kingdom and later made conflicting social media posts against each other.

The judge held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore could not secure a conviction.

Specifically, the judge said the defendant’s alleged Twitter handle used in the cyberbullying was not tendered as evidence before the court.

Justice Lifu also said there was no proof of threats or intimidation, but rather evidence of a previous affectionate relationship.

Consequently, the judge dismissed all four charges, discharged and acquitted Aseyan, and declared the case closed.

He ordered the police to immediately return all seized items, including her international passport, upon service of the judgment.

Aseyan said she met Ogunsanya online in 2019 and travelled to the United Kingdom in 2020, where she claimed she was raped.

She stated that upon arrival in Leeds on March 7, 2020, tired and disoriented, Ogunsanya offered her wine shortly after she got to his home.

She alleged that after taking the drink, she passed out and later woke up to find that he had allegedly had sex with her without consent.

Aseyan further claimed that Ogunsanya maltreated her before she returned to Nigeria shortly after the alleged incident.

(NAN) 

Three Ghanaians extradited to U.S. over $100 Million romance scam, fraud scheme

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The United States has extradited three Ghanaian nationals accused of participating in an international fraud ring that allegedly stole more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Isaac Oduro Boateng (a.k.a. Kofi Boat), Inusah Ahmed (a.k.a. Pascal), and Derrick Van Yeboah (a.k.a. Van) arrived in the U.S. on August 7, 2025, and are set to appear before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.

A fourth suspect, Patrick Kwame Asare (a.k.a. Borgar), has also been charged but remains at large.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton alleged that the four were senior members of a Ghana-based criminal network that targeted vulnerable individuals — many of them elderly — by creating fake online romantic identities to gain their trust before defrauding them. The group also carried out sophisticated business email compromise attacks, deceiving companies into transferring large sums of money.

“Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice,” Clayton said.

Read Also: Don’t apply for visa just to give birth – US warns pregnant Nigerians

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia condemned the scheme, describing it as an “appalling” exploitation of trust for financial gain.

Investigators allege the network laundered the stolen funds through West Africa, with leaders known as “chairmen” — including Boateng and Ahmed — overseeing operations.

All four defendants face multiple charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen money, and receipt of stolen money. Each charge carries penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The extradition was secured through collaboration between U.S. authorities and Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General, with support from Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Police Service – INTERPOL, Cyber Security Authority, and National Intelligence Bureau.

The case is being prosecuted by the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner leading the proceedings.