CRIME
EFCC Arraigns Benue Woman Over N3m Fraud
From Chris Gaga, Makurdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi zonal office, Monday, arraigned one Anna Ogbole and her company, Henot Global Business Limited on a one – count charge for allegedly obtaining the sum of three million, two Hundred Thousand Naira under false pretence.
She was arraigned before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon sitting at the Federal High Court Makurdi.
The office of the zonal head, EFCC, Makurdi had received a petition from a complainant against Mrs. Ogbole alleging that he entered into an agreement with the suspect to finance a contract she was awarded.
The complainant alleged that he made a contribution to the sum of Three Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N3,200,000) towards the execution of a contract and the proceeds there from to be shared between them.
The charge read in part:
“That you Ann Ogbole being a Director and acting on behalf of Henot Global Business Limited and you Henot Global Business Limited on or about 21st November, 2017 at Makurdi within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, obtained the sum of N3, 200, 000.00 ( Three Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) from one Adima Godwin Egbe under false pretence that you will partner with him to execute a contract entered into between Henot Global Business Limited and State Universal Primary Education Board (SUPEB), with intent to defraud which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2) of advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.
The accused, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to her.
Prosecution counsel, Y. Y.Tarfa, asked for a trial date and urged the Court to remand the accused in prison custody. He raised a clarification to the Court on the issue of the case being in lower Court. He pointed out that the case at the lower court was based on Issuance of Dud cheque while the one at the Federal High Court is based on Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. He also prayed for an accelerated hearing.
However, the counsel to the accused, M. O. Ozuba raised a preliminary objection to the arraignment of the defendant for a similar case before the State High Court Makurdi and that prosecuting counsel filed the same matter at the Federal High Court.- Counsel to the defendant urged the Court not to arraign his client, but the Court told him to file a formal application to be heard as there was no formal application before the Court.
He made an oral application for bail of his client on liberal terms which the Court granted.
Justice Olajuwon granted bail to the accused in the sum of N1.5 Million Naira with one surety in like sum,
The surety must show proof of relationship to the defendant, and Present a letter of identification to the Court.
Also, he would to show evidence of three years tax clearance, and must reside in Makurdi and submit two recent passport photographs. Address of the surety must be verified by the registrar of the Court and the prosecutor must verify the documents the surety would present to the Court.
Anna Ogbole was remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions and the case was adjourned to November 5, 2019 for trial.
CRIME
Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver over Minor’s Kidnapping, Assault
A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the student’s father before abandoning her along Oton Road, Sapele.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement in Warri on Sunday.
According to Edafe, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.
“The suspect subsequently contacted him (the father), demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid,” the statement added.
The police said the girl was abandoned along Oton Road after the ransom was paid and later reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.
Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The school principal and vice-principal were also invited for questioning as the police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.
Edafe said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026.
The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.
The police spokesman added that arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
The commissioner assured that “investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice”.
He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to “exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children”, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.
CRIME
Enugu CP Orders investigation into Man’s Death During Police Operation
From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu (male) during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Oficer, Enugu State command, Daniel Ndukwe said that the CP has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.
Preliminary findings indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates. Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia.
He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools. The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged 17–28. Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.
During the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape. While pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped. Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
CP Giwa has urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action. He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.
CRIME
Police Officer Shoots Female Colleague to Death, Kills Self in Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two police officers in Ajaokuta Local Government Area after a male officer allegedly shot his female colleague, before turning gun to shoot himself.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliu Afusat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP), on Sunday, said the Command was investigating the fatal shooting at ASCO Camp, Ajaokuta, on October 23, in which two serving police officers died.
According to the statement, “the incident was reported at 11:04 p.
m., and the Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta, led a team of police officcers to the scene.“Preliminary findings indicate that Corporal Amos Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi and thereafter shot himself. Both officers were taken to separate medical facilities, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the mortuary of ASCO Hospital.
“An AK-47 rifle and four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene as exhibits.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation. The circumstances and motive remain subjects of investigation, and the Command will not speculate on matters yet to be established.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, extends his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers over this tragic incident. The Command will provide verified updates as appropriate” the statement said.


