CRIME
Whistle Blowing Policy Working For EFCC-Magu
From Chris Gaga, Makurdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has recorded much success in the fight against cyber crimes and other corrupt practices across the country.
The Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu who disclosed this in Makurdi, Monday said several court convictions of fraudsters, and arrest of yahoo boys and other related criminals were some of the feat achieved by the commission recently.
Magu was in the Commission’s Makurdi Zonal Office Monday on a sensitization visit, and to mobilize indigenes against corruption.
He said the fight against corruption was beyond political, social or tribal biases adding, the last two governors indicted by the commission for corrupt purposes were all members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
“There is no political inclination. You can’t turn me round. If you are corrupt, we go after you and we usually conduct preliminary investigation before you are invited and if you are invited, it means there is something.”
He noted that the era where political bigwigs fly abroad for luxurious parties was over, adding that “these days, it no longer happens. They no longer attend flashy parties especially when they travel abroad. I think the fear of EFCC is the factor.”
Magu admitted that corruption was still on the increase despite tireless efforts of the commission.
He, however, said it was no longer business as it used to be, noting that the EFCC was not deterred as conscious efforts to fight against the menace were in place.
Speaking on the establishment of a Zonal office in Benue in December, 2018, Magu said the desire to mobilize everybody to be part of the fight against corruption informed their decision.
“We wanted our services to reach out to everyone especially those at the grassroots. Corruption has eaten deep into our country. It is like the rain that is beating every body. So we must take everybody along and we cannot do it alone.”
The Chairman therefore, solicited support and cooperation of every indigene of Benue state to fight the menace, while reiterating his vow to go after corrupt officials no matter how highly placed.
Magu also challenged the media to partner the commission in the fight against corruption.
“You must also realize that you have a responsibility in the fight against corruption. As journalists you are corruption hunters and for us to succeed you must be partners as investigators.”
He also disclosed that whistle blowing was still ongoing as it was working. “Whistle blowing is working and we are paying. What causes the delay in paying is that sometimes, we have to go through the rudiments of court. It takes time and it has to be completed before we can pay,” he added.
CRIME
Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno
The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.
10 while riding a tricycle.He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.
He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.
“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.
“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)
CRIME
Niger Police Command Arrests Three Suspects over Assault on Council Boss
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlami Abdullahi Saku was assaulted and seriously injured over his inability to settle a campaign loan he obtained, the State Police Command said three suspects were now in their custody over the incident.
Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun in a release on Wednesday said On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.
Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.
He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.
The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.
The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.
“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”
The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.
However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.
CRIME
Chief Imam’s Sallah Ram Stolen in Jos
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.