CRIME
Police Apprehend Killer’s of Funke Olakunrin, Afenifere Leader’s Daughter.
By Gom Mirian, Abuja
The Nigerian Police Force have said its operatives have arrested four suspected killers of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the Pan – Yoruba socio – cultural organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasorantin.
It could be recalled that on July, 12, 2019, a 58 year old woman heading to ore from Akure in Ondo state, was attacked and shut by some gunmen, alleged to be bandits.
In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba on Thursday, the suspected killers were said to have been arrested following the Inspector General of Police, Mohamed Adamu’s directives to carry out massive manhunt for the killers with the aim of arresting and bringing them to justice.
After sveral months, the police finally apprehended the culprits through another operation, where the arrest of one Auwal Abubakar was made leading to the arrest of two other members of the gang, namely : Mohammed Shehu Usman and Lawal Mazaje in Benin, Edo state.
“On 8th April, 2020, conducted an Identification Parade at the Federal SARS Headquarters, Lagos which led to the positive and physical identification of three (3) suspects, Adamu Adamu, Lawal Mazaje and Mohammed Shehu Usman by a survivor of the earlier crime. The survivor gave a clear description of the roles each of the identified suspects played in the killing. At this point, the suspects capitulated and voluntarily offered a no-holds-barred confession on how Mrs Funke Olakunrin was killed.
Investigations indicate that the operation that led to the killing of Olakunrin was carried out by eight armed kidnappers and robbery suspects headed by one Tanbaya who is currently declared wanted by the Force.
While the four suspects are in custody, efforts are being intensified to arrest the other four on the run.
Mba said “the 8 – man gang has their operational base and membership spread in the South – Western part of the country and Edo state. Investigation has also revealed that they are responsible for series of high – profile armed robbery and kidnap operations in the region. They attack, vandalise and steal components of critical national Infrastructures such as electrical and telecommunications installations”.
“The Inspector General of Police hereby declare the principal suspect, Tambaya (other names unknown) wanted for his involvement in the death of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin. ” Tambaya, a Nigerian, speaks Hausa, Fulfulde and pidgin English languages. ” He is fair in complexion and in his late 20s- between the age of 27 and 30.
” His last known address is Isanlu, Kogi state, he has visible scars from stitches on his forehead down to his nose and mouth”.
Meanwhile, the IGP appreciates Nigerians for the patience and support to the Police throughout the period of the investigations into the unfortunate incident”.
He however, assured that the suspects will be diligently prosecuted on completion of investigations and the force will not relent until every member of the gang, still at large is arrested and made to face the law.
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.