CRIME
Police Arrest Army General Over Arms Deal
The Commissioner of Police in Abia, Mr Ene Okon, said on Monday, that the command arrested five persons in the last 10 months, including a dismissed Maj.-Gen. for allegedly dealing in firearms.
Okon said that the army general (name withheld) was arrested last week with some firearms in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
He spoke at a news briefing in his office to highlight the achievements of the command since he assumed office in February.
He said that the command arrested 127 armed robbery suspects, 114 kidnap suspects and 150 alleged cult members during the period.
Also, he disclosed that 20 persons were arrested for alleged motorcycle snatching, adding that the command recovered 22 stolen motorcycles.
Okon also said that the command rescued 79 kidnap victims and recovered 88 vehicles, 120 firearms and 528 ammunition.
He said that 658 suspects were currently facing prosecution for different criminal charges.
The police boss also paraded 25 persons arrested in the last one-and-a-half weeks in connection with armed robbery, car and tricycles snatching in Ubakala, Umuahia.
He said that the suspects included a 12-member syndicate that allegedly specialised in the theft and dismantling of cars, which they sold to ready buyers in parts.
According to him, “this syndicate steals people’s vehicles at gun point and within 10 minutes to 20 minutes, they would dismantle them that it would be difficult for the owner to recognise.
“They will in turn sell the dismantled parts of the vehicles to buyers, who are aleady waiting at their hideout in Ubakala.”
He said that 12 members of the syndicate were arrested, while the hideout had been razed down.
Okon further said that operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) busted a notorious cartel that dealt in hard drugs at Ntigha in Isiala-Ngwa North Council Area of the state.
He said that the operatives made some arrests and recovered large quantities of cocaine and cannabis sativa, while two leaders of the cartel, who are natives of the area, reportedly escaped.
He said that the suspects would be properly arraigned at the end of the ongoing investigations.
He regretted that the command lost at least eight of its operatives in the line of duty in 2019.
Meanwhile, the police chief said that Umuahia now experienced an unprecedented peace and security with the arrest of the remnant of a notorious armed robbery gang, whose leader, popularly called Grave, was killed about two weeks ago during a cross-fire with men of SARS.
He assured the residents of adequate measures to consolidate on the successes so far recorded to ensure that they had a crime-free Christmas and New Year clebrations.
“The bonus I have for Abia residents is that they will have a peaceful celebration and sleep with their two eyes closed during the festivities,” Okon said.
He further said that the ban on the use of fireworks during the festivities was still in force.
He also said that police divisions had been directed to rid the streets of used tyres to prevent bonfires on major roads during the Yuletide. (NAN)
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)
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.
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.
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