Police detain tricyclist over officer’s death

 The Police command in Gombe State on Tuesday confirmed the detention of a tricyclist for allegedly killing Insp Kambarawa Wazani, while enforcing the state’s motorcycle ban.

DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a press statement issued to journalists in Gombe.

He said the tragic incident occurred on Friday around 7 p.m. at the Deputy Governor’s office junction, Bauchi Road, Gombe.

According to him, the rider, speeding from Jeka da Fari, hit the officer, who later died shortly after being rushed to hospital.

“Kambarawa Wazani, 40, was hit by a reckless tricyclist during enforcement of the motorcycle restriction. Sadly, he lost his life in the line of duty,” he said.

Abdullahi confirmed that the tricyclist was detained after being discharged from hospital.

“The Command urges all road users to obey traffic rules and exercise caution, especially near police checkpoints, to avoid accidents and safeguard lives,” he said.

In a related development, Abdullahi dismissed false social media reports concerning a motorcycle accident at a police checkpoint.

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

He clarified that contrary to claims, the rider was not carrying a pregnant woman, nor was he attacked by an officer.

The spokesperson explained that the rider, Rabi’u Gidado, was alone on a Haojue Lucky motorcycle when he sighted Police Patrol 999 personnel on duty.

“In an attempt to evade the checkpoint, he accelerated, lost control, and fell, sustaining an injury to his lower limb,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the victim was immediately taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, where he received treatment.

“Contrary to fake reports, he was not carrying a pregnant woman. The accident resulted from reckless speeding while evading lawful enforcement,” Abdullahi stressed.

He further said that efforts were ongoing to trace the originators of the misleading report for necessary legal action.

The spokesperson reiterated that the police remained committed to public safety, security, and the rule of law, while urging residents to cooperate with directives and avoid spreading misinformation.

(NAN) 

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

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.

Police launch investigation on suspected murder in church A’Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has commenced investigation into the suspected murder of a-45-year-old man found in pool of blood while sleeping with his family inside Church.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

John said that preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred on Tuesday, at about 12:10 a.m., in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.

“The victim, his wife, and children were sleeping at a Church in Ikot Oku Usung village, when a gun shot was heard in the church.

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”It was later discovered that Mr Udeme Uko has been shot on his head suggesting either a suicide or an attack from enemies.

“The command was alerted to the incident by concerned citizens who received the report from the victim’s wife, and on receipt of the information, a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime.

“During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse of the deceased has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” John said.

The police spokesperson said that the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has directed a thorough and swift investigation to be conducted in order to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act.

Azare gave assurance that all necessary resources would be deployed to ensure the perpetrators were brought to book.

(NAN)

Police arraign serial killer ‘Olori Esho’ for alleged murder

The Police have arraigned a suspected serial killer, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, over the alleged murder of eight individuals and the permanent maiming of a woman in Lagos State.

The 44-year-old defendant was brought before Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola at the Ogba Chief Magistrates’ Court on an 11-count charge.

According to the police, the charges include conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a poisonous dagger, threat to life, possession of international passports, and other dangerous weapons.

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Olori Esho, who is also accused of being part of an unlawful society, was said to have carried out the killings across several parts of Lagos between 2010 and 2025.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The Police Prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, informed the court that further investigation is ongoing and requested the defendant be remanded pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Chief Magistrate Tanimola ordered that Akinwande be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for 30 days in the first instance.

Further hearing has been adjourned while the court awaits the DPP’s legal advice.

Police arrest seven suspects linked to killing of lawyer

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)

Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

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.

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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)

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

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.

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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.

Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

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.

17 Police officers injured in 2nd night of Ballymena riots

Seventeen police officers have been injured following a second consecutive night of sustained violence in Ballymena, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher warned that the ongoing rioting “risks undermining” the criminal justice process into an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage girl in the County Antrim town over the weekend.

Stormont ministers issued an urgent appeal for calm, insisting that the justice process must be allowed to run its course.

In a joint statement, ministers from across the power-sharing executive said those involved in the disorder “have nothing to offer society but division and destruction.”

Police reported that officers came under sustained attack for several hours, with petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks, and fireworks being thrown at them in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena on Tuesday night.

Riot police were deployed, with officers using plastic baton rounds, water cannon, and dog units to try to disperse the crowds.

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

Sporadic disorder was also reported in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and north Belfast.

The violence followed a peaceful protest earlier in the week, held in support of the family of a girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted in the area.

Two teenage boys have been charged in connection with the case and spoke to the court via a Romanian interpreter.

During Tuesday night’s unrest in Ballymena, multiple businesses and homes were damaged, and several vehicles were set on fire. Police confirmed that:

Seventeen officers were injured, with some requiring hospital treatment.

Five individuals were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in custody.

One male was arrested for disorderly behaviour on O’Neill Road in Newtownabbey.

Roads in affected areas were temporarily closed to ensure public safety but have since been reopened.

Fifteen officers were also injured during similar violence in Ballymena on Monday night.
(dpa/NAN)

Police arrest Church member for alleged kidnap of two priests

 Police in Adamawa have arrested a 34 year-old Church member for allegedly kidnapping reverend fathers, Abraham Samman and Matthew Dusami of Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo respectively.

SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Yola.

Nguroje, however, said the victims had been rescued unhurt, and a locally fabricated gun was recovered from the suspect.

“The command carried out a coordinated rescue operation at a particular criminal hideout situated at a remote side of Gweda Malam area, connecting Numan and Demsa LGAs.

“Rescue operations had commenced from Feb. 21, 2025, in various criminal hideouts within the state.

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

“It yielded positive results as one Tahamado Jonathan Demian, 34 years old, and a member of the same Church with the Victims, was arrested for their kidnapping.

“The Command’s Planned operation had successfully rescued the two Reverend Fathers unhurt, and no dime was paid as ransom,” he said.

According to Nguroje, the victims are now receiving medical attention.

He further stated that the suspect had been taken into custody for discreet investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, expressed gratitude for the support the command was receiving from the state government, other security agencies, and the public.

Morris, therefore, encouraged them to sustain the cooperation and collaboration for timely response to emergency situations to achieve peace and security across the state and beyond.

(NAN)