Connect with us

CRIME

Police Absence Stalls Proceedings at Taraba Judicial Panel

Published

on

Federal High Courts
Share

From Samson Zanunga Jalingo 

The absence of the representatives of the police on Monday stalled the sitting of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry investigating the allegations of police brutality in Taraba State.

At the first sitting held in Jalingo, the state capital, three petitions were mentioned for hearing with their legal aides present, but the police as defendants to the suit were absent.

During Monday’s session, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Christopher Awubra, considered the submission of the counsel to the petitioners and noted the absence of the respondents and their representatives.

He adjourned the hearing of the petitions to Wednesday, for the defendants to appear and defend the petitions against them.

“We have considered the submissions of counsel to the petitioners and are mindful of the absence of the respondents and their representatives if any.

“Counsel to the commission has urged the commission to oblige for a further adjournment to enable the respondents or representatives to appear and defend the petitions,” he said.

According to Justice Awubra, justice will be better served when all parties to the petitions are accorded adequate time to make presentations to the hearing of the petitions.

“In this light, therefore, we are prone to allow for a further adjournment in the interest of justice and these petitions are further adjourned to the second day of December 2020 for hearing,” he added.

Just like in other states, the Taraba State government set up and inaugurated the panel to among other things, investigate the allegations of police brutality.

This followed a nationwide protest by youths in many states across Nigeria, which was later hijacked and triggered violence in some parts of the country.

In the wake of the demonstration, the Federal Government bowed to pressure to scrap the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) – a unit of the Nigeria Police allegedly notorious for harassing and extorting Nigerian youths.

CRIME

Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver over Minor’s Kidnapping, Assault

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

CRIME

Enugu CP Orders investigation into Man’s Death During Police Operation

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

CRIME

Police Officer Shoots Female Colleague to Death, Kills Self in Kogi

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Top Stories

Business News9 hours ago

Customs CG Tasks Officers on Discipline, Integrity

ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers and...

NEWS23 hours ago

Bayelsa Deputy Gov Tasks Nigerians on Effective Service

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has urged Nigerians to make selfless service...

NEWS23 hours ago

CIPPON Urges FG to Protect Nigerian Printing Industry

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) has renewed its call on the Federal...

NEWS23 hours ago

Mbah Declares Emergency on Nsukka-Adani Road

ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has declared an emergency on the Nsukka-Adani Road, describing it as...

NEWS23 hours ago

Oborevwori Mobilises Support for Tinubu, APC 2027 Victory

ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for massive support for President Bola Ahmed...

NEWS23 hours ago

Growing Threat to Opposition Politics and Democracy

ShareBy Pius Mordi Democracy thrives on competition, tolerance, freedom of expression and the willingness of those in power to accommodate...

Uncategorized23 hours ago

NCDMB, NLNG Commit $9m to Endowment of Professorial Research Chairs in Six Varsities

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) have launched...

NEWS23 hours ago

2027: Obi Visits Benue, Vow to Unite Nigeria if Elected

ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to unite Nigeria,...

NEWS23 hours ago

Wike Targets Tourist Destination Status for Apo-Karshi Road

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to transform the...

NEWS23 hours ago

Alt Bank Appoints Gul Khan as Managing Director

ShareThe Alternative Bank Ltd (Alt Bank) has appointed Gul Khan as its new Managing Director, following approval by the Central...