NEWS
Nasarawa Police Apprehend 18 Suspected Criminals
Joseph Hans Apuu, Lafia
No fewer than 18 suspected criminals have been arrested and paraded by the police in Nasarawa state.
This followed intelligence gathering on the nefarious activities of criminal elements which mandated the command to launch a serious manhunt on the criminals hibernating in some identified hot spots within the state.
Parading the suspects before newsmen at the command’s headquarters on Monday in Lafia, Shettima Jauro Muhammed, the acting commissioner of police revealed that 5 suspects were arrested for kidnaping, 10 for armed robbery, 1 for rape, 2 for culpable homicide while 7 fire arms and 27 ammunition were recovered.
He said the press briefing provides an opportunity to showcase to members of the public the sustained efforts of the Nasarawa State Police Command towards the actualization of a crime Free State.
He revealed that “On 30/11/2023 at about 1930hrs, based on credible information, one Mohammed Sani ‘M’ of Agyaragu Tofa was tied on both hands and legs and locked up in a room where he starved to death and hurriedly buried by his family members on allegation of witchcraft, Police operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, Lafia swung into action and got the duo of Hassan Ismail and Mohammed Sani all males of Agyaragu Tofa arrested.
Efforts were ongoing to arrest all individuals involved in the dastardly act.
“On 28/11/2023 at about 2330hrs, a detachment of Police operatives attached to Obi Division while carrying out Vehicular patrol along Adudu-Azara road intercepted two motorcycle riders carrying three passengers each.
Upon reasonable suspicion, a thorough search was conducted on them where one AK 47 Rifle and twenty six (26) rounds of 7.62MM live ammunition were recovered from the following suspects, namely: Omiya Ijimi, Mable Ijimi, Tertenge Simon, Unjihga James, Kenneth Tsoka, Aandover Simon, Tamun Simon and Beega Simon all males of Ibuan village of Obi LGA. Investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia.
“On 31/10/2023 at about 1430hrs, a complaint was lodged at Nasarawa Eggon Division by one Justina Samuel that, she returned from the Market and found out that her 5 year old daughter was walking abnormally; upon enquiry, she revealed that she was sexually molested by one Habu Yusuf 21 years old, of Egbukumu Area, Nasarawa Eggon.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, the suspect was trailed and arrested. Preliminary Investigation revealed that Habu Yusuf has also sexually molested two of his elder brother’s children between the ages of 8 and 10 before nemesis caught up with him. He has confessed to the commission of the crime and investigation is ongoing”; the Ag CP revealed.
The CP revealed further that “On 20/09/2023 a complaint was lodged at Awe Area Command by one Mohammed Sani of Ampana Village, Awe LGA that he received a phone call and was asked to pay a ransom of three million Naira or risk being kidnapped.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, an investigation was launched into the case, which led to the arrest of one Bala Salihu ‘M’ 35yrs at a location meant for the collection of ransom. The suspect has confessed to the crime and investigation is ongoing.
“On 14/11/2023 at about 2000hrs, information was received that three armed men attacked a provision store at Doka Village, Doma LGA.
“Reacting to the ugly development, a combined team of Police men and members of the community went after the criminals; in a bid to escape, the criminals threw away one AK 47 rifle with one live ammunition and took flight.
“The firearm, one live ammunition, and sixs hellsl of expended ammunition were recovered at the scene. Effort is ongoing to arrest the criminals and bring them to book.
“Sequel to the Investigation into a reported case of kidnapping at Deddere where a Fulani settlement was invaded by suspected kidnappers and one Hafsat Alhaji Jafar was shot dead and her Husband abducted.
“Police operatives launched a discreet investigation into the case, which led to the arrest of the duo of Abdulmumini Abubakar ‘M’ 27yrs and Ahmed Maisaje AKA Gona ‘M’ 30yrs on 15/11/2023.
“Two cell phones belonging to the kidnappers that were recovered at the scene of crime were traced to them. They have subsequently confessed to the commission of the crime. Complaint was lodged at Nasarawa Eggon Division that one Rabiu Yakubu was on his way to Arugbadu Gida riding on a Bajaj Boxer Motorcycle but was attacked by three armed robbers and his Motorcycle snatched.
“Reacting to the ugly development, Police operatives launched a manhunt for the criminals. Consequently, the duo of Dahiru Abdulmumini and Mohammed Lawal all males of Arugbadu along, Lafia East Development Area, Lafia were arrested and have confessed to the commission of the crime. Effort is ongoing to arrest one Abdulkareem Sule that is on the run to recover the stolen motorcycle.
“On 19/11/2023 at about 0940hrs, a distress call was received by the Anti-kidnapping unit that the two suspected kidnappers were arrested by the resident of Akunza Migili Village, Obi LGA while cooking in the forest. Upon receipt of the information, Police operatives raced to the scene and took over the suspects namely: Mohammed Sani ‘M’ 28years and Abdullahi Usman ‘M’ 20 years all males of Trailer Park, Agyaragu/Akunza Jarmai.
Items recovered from the victims include cooking utensils, food stuff, one machete, two torch lights and pairs of black slippers, all were items carted away from the residence of one Ayele James of Akunza Migili Village when it was invaded on 12/11/2023,” he said
The CP disclosed that all the suspects upon conclusion of investigation would be charged to a Court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”
By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.
There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.
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