Category Archives: Crime

K1 denies alcohol allegations, apologises over Abuja Airport incident

Posted on by
Reply

Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over the recent incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, clarifying that the flask seen with him contained only water, not alcohol.

In a statement personally signed and released on Friday, K1 explained that he suffers from chronic dehydration, a medical condition that requires him to remain constantly hydrated on his doctor’s advice.

“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me,” he said.

According to him, the flask was empty during two separate security checks and was only filled with water at the airport lounge shortly before boarding. He further stated that he never entered the aircraft, so reports claiming he was deboarded were false.

Read Also: K1 denies unruly conduct in Abuja airport incident

“I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols,” K1 said.

The veteran musician apologised to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), airline operator ValueJet, and Nigerians at large.

His statement follows days of media reports alleging that the NCAA had taken disciplinary action against him over misconduct at the airport. K1 said CCTV footage would confirm his account and reaffirmed his respect for aviation rules.

“My unwavering patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built,” he stressed.

With over 50 years in the entertainment industry, K1 thanked his fans for their steadfast support and pledged to continue promoting Nigerian culture through his music.

Court remands notorious Lagos suspected assassin ‘Olori Esho’ over multiple murder charges

Posted on by
Reply

Court Remands Notorious Lagos Suspected Assassin ‘Olori Esho’ Over Multiple Murder Charges
A 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, has been remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, over a string of alleged murders and violent crimes spanning more than a decade.

Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola ordered that the suspect be held for an initial 30-day period, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The Nigeria Police Force filed an 11-count charge against the defendant, covering a wide range of offences including conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, membership of a secret cult, possession of a poisonous dagger, grievous bodily harm, threats to life, and possession of illegal arms.

Read Also: Police arraign serial killer ‘Olori Esho’ for alleged murder

According to the police prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, Akinwande and several others still at large allegedly carried out a series of killings and violent attacks between December 9, 2010, and April 5, 2025, at various locations across Lagos State, including Mushin, Idi-Araba, Surulere, and Fadeyi.

In one of the incidents, the defendant, allegedly armed with an AK-47 rifle, was said to have opened fire at No. 11 Mosalashi Street, Mushin, killing two individuals identified as Yusuf Bolakale (30) and Yusuf Ramadan (23).

He reportedly fled to the Alagbado area of Lagos, where he was eventually arrested by law enforcement.

The prosecution also claimed that on December 9, 2010, at Tiamiyu Street, Fadeyi, the suspect shot and killed a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, who was on an errand at the time of the incident.

In a more recent attack on July 31, 2024, Akinwande allegedly participated in a deadly clash between rival cult groups in Idi-Araba, which left six people dead, including individuals identified only as Anyila and Ojajo, alongside four others whose identities remain unknown.

The case has been adjourned pending further directives from the DPP.

Police arrest seven suspects linked to killing of lawyer

Posted on by
Reply

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.

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

“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.

(NAN)

NDLEA intercepts large cocaine, tramadol consignments at Lagos airport

Posted on by
Reply

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted consignments of cocaine and tramadol 225mg concealed in 71 vehicle side mirrors being sent to Libreville, Gabon.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi in Abuja on Sunday.

Babafemi said that the drugs were shipped through the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.

He said that not less than three suspects linked to the cargo have already been arrested in follow-up operations.

‘The first batch of the consignment consisting 57,420 pills of tramadol 225mg and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg were intercepted in a cargo going to Gabon on Air Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, July 19.

“A popular cargo agent Ihekweme Osinachi handling the shipment was immediately arrested, after which further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect Uzochukwu Chukwurah on Sunday, July 20.

Read Also: NDLEA detains couple, two daughters for alleged drug running

“Eleven parcels of cocaine with a total weight of 1kg were later recovered from four additional side mirrors being prepared for export found in the home of Uzochukwu on Monday, July 21.

“This brings the total number of parcels of cocaine to 68 weighing 2.60 kilograms,”he said.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives on Friday, August 1 arrested a businesswoman Mrs. Rosanna Nwafor at her shop within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos.

Babafemi said that her arrest followed the interception of 100 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of phenacetine.

This, he said was a cutting agent, concealed in ladies’ lipsticks going to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, through the export shed of the Lagos airport on July 10.

“Two cargo agents linked to the shipment were earlier arrested before the eventual arrest of Nwafor who runs the criminal trade as a family business with her husband Remigus Nwafor, currently on the run.

“In her statement, Mrs. Nwafor admitted she bought the lipsticks used to conceal the illicit drugs while her husband handled the actual concealment,”he said.

(NAN)

Army sustains onslaught, neutralises more terrorists, nabs others

Posted on by
Reply

Troops have continued to record more successes in neutralising and arresting terrorists in various operations across the country.

A credible source at Army Headquarters on Sunday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that some kidnapped victims and cache of arms were also recovered during the operations.

According to the source, several terrorists had been killed and apprehended from July 30 to Aug. 2.

In Borno, the source said the troops of 19 Brigade Garrison engaged Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists at Kekeno in Kukawa Local Government Area (NAN), forcing the insurgents to retreat following a heavy exchange of gunfire.

He said that troops recovered 67 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 81 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm belt links, and 21 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition during the pursuit.

“Also recovered were a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Monguno–Kekeno route, which was safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team,” he said.

In Taraba, the source said a joint operation by Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the Department of State Services (DSS) led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Wukari.

According to him, items recovered included 362 rounds of 7.62mm Special, one round of 7.62mm NATO, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and ₦842,100 in cash.

Read Also: Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

He added that troops of 63 Brigade Garrison, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, rescued three kidnapped victims comprising two female students and an adult male around Otulu Forest in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.

He said that one kidnapper was neutralised during the operation as well as recovery of one AK-47 magazine with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, five mobile phones, four school bags, and ₦3.6 million in cash.

According to him, the rescued victims were taken for medical care.

“In another operation, troops of 323 Artillery Regiment in Ondo State arrested a suspected criminal along the Ikare-Ekiti Road.

“The suspect was found in possession of a dane gun, machete, and a black mask and has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

“Similarly, in Ughelli South of Delta, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, working with Tantita Security Operatives, arrested a suspected illegal oil bunkering.

“The suspect was found with three sacks of illegally refined petroleum products. The arrest and materials were processed in accordance with Operation DELTA SAFE protocols,” he added.

The military source states that the coordinated operations underscored the Nigerian army’s resolve to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and restore peace across the country.

(NAN)

Court of Appeal affirms Aiyedatiwa’s election

Posted on by
Reply

The Court of Appeal, Akure Judicial Division, on Thursday affirmed the victory of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State in the Nov. 16, 2024 election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on June 4 upheld the victory of Aiyedatiwa, candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared petitions against him as “speculative.”

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Social Development Party (SDP) had filed appeals, alleging that the tribunal did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidence and exhibits submitted to the tribunal.

The three-man panel of Justice Nimpar Yargata, Justice K.I. Amadi and Justice I.M. Sani, unanimously struck out the appeals, for not substantiating the claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

The court said that the appellants could not substantiate their allegations against the election and APC.

The court noted that the petitioners failed to prove that there were over voting and electoral flaws in various polling units, wards and local government areas where the election took place.

The appellate court stated that the petitioners could not present credible witnesses at the tribunal to back up their claims of widespread irregularities in the various polling units across the state.

Read Also: 25 things to know about winner of Ondo election Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa

The court, therefore, imposed a fine of N1.5 million against the petitioners.

Reacting to the judgment, Aiyedatiwa described it as a welcome development, commending the Appeal Court justices for painstakingly going through the cases and delivering detailed and unanimous judgments.

“I give glory to Almighty God who orchestrated this journey from the beginning and used the good people of Ondo State.

“Over 366,000 electorate gave us their mandate on Nov. 16, 2024 to continue governing this state as the seventh democratically elected governor.

“That mandate was validated by the tribunal and has now been reaffirmed by the Appeal Court.

“While some political parties tried to overturn the people’s decision through the backdoor, the judiciary has fulfilled its role by upholding the choice made by the majority of voters across the 18 local government areas of the state,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa also appreciated his deputy, Olaide Adelami; his lawyers, APC leaders and members for their support.

The governor also extended the gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a level playing ground for all parties.

(NAN)

EFCC arrests 32 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
Reply

 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

Posted on by
Reply

 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.

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

‎
‎ 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

‎
‎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.

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

‎
‎He said the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation for the next line of action.
‎
‎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)