Category Archives: Crime

EFCC arrests 32 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 32 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi State as part of its ongoing clampdown on cybercrime across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the arrests were made by operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate. The suspects were apprehended in the Sabon Kaura and Gwalameji areas of Bauchi, following credible intelligence reports linking them to fraudulent internet activities.

During the operation, a number of items believed to be proceeds of cybercrime were recovered from the suspects. These include multiple mobile devices—nine Samsung phones, 15 iPhones, one Infinix, three Redmi phones, and two iPads—as well as eight laptop computers.

Read Also: EFCC drops fraud cases against Oba Otudeko

Other items recovered include a Peugeot 406 vehicle, two PlayStation 4 consoles, one PlayStation 5, four Neonx Auto motorcycles, a Maxi E50KWH generator, and a pistol.

Oyewale noted that the suspects are currently in custody and will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in combating cybercrime, warning that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in line with the law.

Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

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The Police Command in Kogi says it has recovered the body of Mr Ayo Aiyepeku, a photo-journalist, allegedly murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday day in Lokoja.

Ovye-Aya explained that Ayobami’s corpse was found on Sunday evening at a location around WAEC office, Crusher Zone 8 axis in Lokoja.

The command’s spokesperson said Aiyepeku was gruesomely murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo on Tuesday night, July 22 in an office near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.

“Yes, the corpse of the photo-journalist has been found. It was discovered on Sunday evening somewhere around WAEC office, Zone 8 axis of Lokoja.

“The corpse has been deposited at Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.

“The discreet investigation will help us uncover what truly happened,” Ovye-Aya said.

He appealed to the victim’s family, colleagues and the public to provide credible information to aid the investigation.

Read Also: Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has made a passionate appeal to police authorities and the Kogi government for justice.

Mr Timothy Aiyepeku, the deceased’s elder brother, and his uncle, Dr Ibikunle Jide, who spoke to NAN, appealed for justice.

They pleaded with Gov. Ahmed Ododo and security agencies to help unravel the mystery behind Ayobami’s gruesome murder, and punish the perpetrators.

“Now that the body has been found, we once again appeal to the Federal and Kogi governments and police authorities to uncover the mystery behind the killing.

“We commend the Police for their effort so far, and the media for ensuring the incident receives wide coverage and public attention,” they added.

Aiyepeku’s assailant had after killing him, loaded his corpse into a deep freezer and disposed it off.

It was gathered Ayobami’s body was found by residents of the area who raised an alarm.

Residents were said to have been attracted to a nearby bush in the area by foul odour from the decomposing body of the late photographer.

On sighting his corpse, residents alerted the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, who immediately arrived at the spot in company of some security agents to recover the body.

(NAN)

Army debunks viral video of foreign arms dealer’s arrest in Zamfara

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 The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media purportedly showing the recent arrest of a foreign arms dealer, clarifying that the footage in question was outdated and misleading.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, gave the clarification in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Anele confirmed that the video portrays the arrest of one Shehu Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national who was apprehended over three years ago by the Police Command in Zamfara on May 14, 2021.

She stated that the suspect was nabbed in a joint intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to her, the suspect confessed to have illegally supplied over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal elements across Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger States.

She added that “the resurgence of the old video on social media is therefore, at best, aimed at misinforming the public, while undermining the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Read Also: President Tinubu charges Army to defeat terrorism, insurgency

“The Nigerian Army maintains zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conducts, and where there are proven cases of such involving its personnel, appropriate disciplinary actions are always taken in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant military regulations.

“While the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel was indicted or arrested in connection with the matter.”

Anele, therefore, urged the public to disregard the recirculated video as outdated and misleading.

She advised content creators and social media influencers to verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing same to avoid unnecessary panic or confusion.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We shall continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and communities in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality threatening peace and stability in our country,” she stressed.

(NAN)

Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

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 Troops of 63 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in a raid in Warri, Delta.

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‎Spokesman of the Brigade, Capt. ILiyasu Bawa, disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday in Asaba.

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‎ ILiyasu said the raid was carried out on July 19, following a tip-off on the activities of the suspects.

Read Also: President Tinubu charges Army to defeat terrorism, insurgency

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‎He said that the suspects, all males between the ages of 16 and 29, were arrested in some apartments that served as an internet fraud training center within the area.

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‎Iliyasu said Items recovered from the suspects include 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, nine laptop chargers, a table phone, and two WiFi devices.

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‎He said the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation for the next line of action.
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‎He assured Deltans that the Nigerian Army will continue to support the fight  to rid the society of the menace of cybercrime and other forms of criminality.

(NAN)

Prime suspect in murder of two AAUA students is dead – Police

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The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of Oladele Femi, the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Femi, popularly known as “Tallex”, was the landlord of one of the victims, John Abba, who went missing alongside his female friend, Eloho Okah, on June 20, 2025.

Police spokesperson DSP Olushola Ayanlade, speaking to journalists on Saturday, said the suspect died in hospital after battling a strange illness.

“Yes, he is dead. He had been under medical supervision since his arrest and had been in and out of hospital. He passed away yesterday,” Ayanlade confirmed.

Read Also: Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

Before his death, Femi had reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting his role in the disappearance and murder of the two students. The decomposing remains of Okah have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate Abba’s body.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Kola and Michael, who allegedly withdrew ₦800,000 from the late Abba’s bank account during his captivity.

The police also recovered a Lexus RX 350 SUV, which belonged to Abba, from one of the suspects. The vehicle and bank transactions became critical leads that tied the suspects to the case.

Femi and his accomplices reportedly lured and murdered the victims before burying their bodies in a shallow grave on the property.

While the death of the primary suspect may complicate further prosecution, police authorities say the investigation is still active, and efforts to recover Abba’s remains and bring all accomplices to justice are ongoing.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage among students and residents in Akungba, who are calling for tighter security and justice for the slain undergraduates.

Man steals aeroplane in Canada, 22 Years after mysterious Boeing 727 disappearance in Angola

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In a rare and bold incident that stunned aviation authorities, a man in Canada stole a small aircraft from Victoria International Airport and flew it without authorization—22 years after a similar but far more mysterious aviation theft shocked the world.

According to CNN, the man, whose identity has not been revealed, stole a Cessna 172—a small aircraft typically used for flight training—and flew it about 40 miles north to Vancouver International Airport, one of Canada’s busiest. The incident forced air traffic controllers to temporarily restrict movements in the airspace.

Audio from the control tower captured the urgency of the situation as the stolen plane approached:

“We do have an aircraft that has been stolen and is in the vicinity of the airport,” one controller told pilots. “Just in case anything starts heading towards you, you have the ability to move at your discretion.”

Read Also: Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama administration of trying to undermine Trump in 2016 Election

Though the thief reportedly lacked flying experience and circled the airport for some time, he managed to land the aircraft safely. Police officers were already waiting and arrested him immediately upon landing. He was the only person on board.

A Haunting Parallel: Angola’s Missing Boeing 727
This latest incident echoes a mystifying case from 2003, when two men stole a Boeing 727 from Luanda International Airport in Angola. The aircraft, which had previously been operated by American Airlines, was parked and unused after plans to convert it were abandoned.

On May 25, 2003, an American pilot and a mechanic boarded the plane, fueled it with 14,000 gallons, and took off without clearance. Despite global efforts to trace the plane, it disappeared without a trace. Neither the aircraft nor the men on board have ever been found.

The event remains one of the great aviation mysteries of modern history.

Aviation Security Under Scrutiny
While the recent Canadian theft ended without casualties or damage, it has raised fresh questions about the vulnerability of aircraft at secured airports and the ease with which unauthorized individuals can gain access.

Though the two incidents are decades apart and differ in scale, both highlight ongoing concerns about airport security, flight school aircraft management, and how breaches still occur despite modern surveillance and control systems.

Alleged Drug Trafficking: Court adjourns Ahmadu Abubakar’s trial to July 24

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the trial of Ahmadu Abubakar, who is facing charges of drug trafficking, to July 24, 2025.

Presided over by Justice Isaac Dipeolu, the case was earlier scheduled to continue on Thursday, but the proceedings were stalled following a request for adjournment by the defence counsel.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is prosecuting Abubakar for allegedly importing 164.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa into Nigeria. According to court filings, the drugs were smuggled from Canada and hidden inside eight jumbo suitcases.

Read Also: Appeal Court affirms Olaoye as Soun of Ogbomoso

In its submission, the NDLEA claims Abubakar conspired with Ughenu Nnaife Francis, who was convicted for a similar offence in May 2024, and another alleged accomplice known simply as “Black”, who is reportedly still at large.

The agency further stated that Abubakar procured Francis to assist in the illegal importation of the banned substance.

The charges levelled against the defendant are in violation of Sections 11(c) and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The case will now continue on July 24, as the court awaits further submissions from both the prosecution and the defence teams.

Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including cultism and theft, in Uyo and surrounding communities.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, two of the suspects confessed to being members of a notorious cult group known as the Vikings, while the other two were arrested for theft-related offences.

DSP John said the arrests followed credible intelligence received from residents, prompting a discreet operation by officers of the command in Ikot Ambon village, near Uyo, on Sunday, July 14.

“At about 9:20pm, our operatives carried out a strategic raid in Ikot Ambon where two suspected cultists were apprehended,” she stated.

Items reportedly recovered from the scene include a locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, and a wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, among other items. She added that a manhunt has been launched to track other members of the cult group who remain at large.

Read Also: Police arrest three suspects over attack on NANS members

In a separate operation, the command arrested a suspect from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Tuesday, July 15, in connection with the theft of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number UWN 84 XD. The arrest followed a report from the vehicle’s owner, which led to a targeted investigation and the eventual recovery of the stolen truck.

Also on the same day, police officers responded to a distress call at Itiam Bus Stop along Oron Road in Uyo, leading to the arrest of another suspect for allegedly stealing a split-unit air conditioner.

The police spokesperson confirmed that all arrested suspects are in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

DSP John reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“We are ever ready to respond to any breach of peace. We encourage residents to report any suspicious persons or movements in their surroundings,” she said.

Stay with News Access NG for more updates on security and crime across Nigeria.

7/7 anniversary: Police vow to halt ‘Cult Day’ violence

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 The Police Command in Lagos State has assured residents of its strong commitment to maintaining maximum security during the Cult Day celebration on Monday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.

He noted that July 7 is often marked by chaos, mayhem, and killings among rival cult groups, often involving violent reprisals.

The Commissioner of Police said the command is fully prepared, with personnel mobilised to apprehend and prosecute any cultists before violence can erupt.

He added that Anti-Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Squads, Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Department, and other special units have all been mobilised.

According to him, preventive and detective strategies are already implemented to ensure cultists do not disrupt the state’s peace.

He said security operatives have been deployed across the state to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

“Based on credible intelligence, some cult groups plan to launch attacks and reprisals on July 7,” Jimoh warned.

He stressed that the police have put robust measures in place to prevent any such violent activity.

“The command is fully prepared to maintain law and order,” Jimoh said, adding no group would be allowed to breach the peace.

Acting on intelligence, he said the police raided cult hideouts in Mushin on Sunday, arresting 52 suspected cultists.

Jimoh said the suspects were apprehended while preparing for violent attacks and are currently in police custody.

He stated that the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

Read Also: Police arrest three suspects over attack on NANS members

The CP also warned hotel owners and recreational facility managers against harbouring cult activities.

He said such establishments must not allow their premises to be used for cult meetings or violent gatherings.

“Violators will face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh warned.

The CP also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against cultism and related crimes.

He stated that the consequences of engaging in cult activities are severe and offenders will be prosecuted.

Jimoh held an operational meeting on Sunday with commanders of Anti-Cultism and Tactical Units at the Command Headquarters.

He charged them to ensure no cult group disturbs the peace or causes harm in any part of the state.

“The command’s crime prevention and detective units remain on high alert and committed to protecting all residents,” he said.

Jimoh encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via 08063299264 and 08065154338.

(NAN) 

NDLEA detains couple, two daughters for alleged drug running

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Sunday said it has arrested and detained a businessman, his wife and two daughters over alleged drug peddling.

In a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media And Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in Abuja, stated that their family friend was also taken into custody.

Babafemi said that this came after investigation revealed that the family ran a major illicit drug distribution network in Lagos involving the family friend.

“The couple was first arrested on Friday, June 13 by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Ojo area of the state and transferred to NDLEA along with 277.5kg skunk.

Read Also: NDLEA intercepts businessman with 81 wraps of cocaine at Lagos airport

“While they were still being investigated in custody, credible intelligence revealed that the family business was going on in his house.

“This led to a raid of their home and a packing store where 231kg of the same substance was recovered on Tuesday, July 1.”

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos on Wednesday, July 2 intercepted a frequent flyer for drug trafficking.

Babafemi said that the suspect specialised in conveying goods for customers from Nigeria to Italy and vice versa.

“He was found to have hidden 7,660 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg inside food items packed among other goods he was conveying to Italy.

“He claimed that he was to be paid the sum of 800 euros upon successful delivery of the drug consignment in Italy,”he said.

(NAN)