CRIME
NAPTIP, DSS Rescue Trafficked Burundian Woman, Her Three Children in Imo
Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja
The combined operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Department of State Services (DSS), Imo State Command, have rescued a middle-aged Burundian woman and her three children suspected to be victims of trafficking, from a village in Imo State where they were being exploited by their trafficker.
The victims, Ms Siniremera Snadrine Bizimana and her three children namely: Murwaneza Zertha Maecy, Akimana Ken Bethel and Umwiza Goodluck Collins, were set free through the early morning sting operation carried out on their holding mud house located in Umunoha Village in Mbaitol Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Press and Public Relations Officer of NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent in a statement said investigation revealed that the victims were rescued based on a complaint from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees lodged at the headquarters of NAPTIP and further directive from the Director General of the agency, Dr Fatima Waziri – Azi.
It was gathered that the victims who have refugee status in Kenya, were trafficked to Lagos, Nigeria by yet to be identified human trafficker in September 2021 and thereafter moved to Umunoha, Imo State where their movement were restricted and forced into menial labour of all sorts on daily basis in order to feed.
Their traveling document and other valuable personal belongings were also confiscated by the unknown trafficker in the process.
In his explanation, the Commander, Imo State Command of NAPTIP, Mr. Earnest Ogbu, stated that account from the victims indicated that they may have been deceived by the trafficker into coming to Nigeria and a remote village in Imo State without any resistance.
Speaking on the development, Director General of NAPTIP, Dr Fatima Waziri – Azi, thanked all stakeholders and partners who provided information and assisted in ensuring a successful operation that led to the rescue of the victims.
The NAPTIP boss specifically appreciated the effort and collaboration of the Imo State Command of the Department State Services for providing the needed operational support and assured that those behind the ordeal of the victims shall be identified and prosecuted.
“I have directed our operatives to carry out diligent investigation on how the victims got to the village. The traffickers will be identified and made to face justice,” NAPTIP Director General stated.
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.