Metro

Celestial Church Members Mob PUNCHman, Police Probe Attack

Published

2 years ago

November 9, 2022

Editor

A security guard, identified simply as Rotimi, alongside worshippers of the Celestial Church of Christ, Sharon Parish, have brutalised a PUNCHman, Deji Lambo, on the church premises on Mobolaji Benson Street, Lowa, Igbooluwo, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

Deji had visited the church to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death of an electrician, Taiwo Akinlotan, who got electrocuted while fixing some electrical appliances in the church on Friday, November 5, 2022.

Upon getting to the front gate of the church, the reporter approached a young lady, asked for the head of the church, and was directed to a church member, one Mr Lambo, who after hearing the reason for the visit, took him into the church’s premises and introduced him to some colleagues.

A senior member of the church, who was among the colleagues, while attending to PUNCHman, called the Chairman of the church, Adeleke Oduwole, and handed his phone to him (PUNCHman) to explain the reason for the visit.

During the deliberation, the reporter told Oduwole that he wanted to speak with a church spokesman on the events that led to Akinlotan’s death.

Oduwole, thereafter, said he and some church members were with the deceased’s family members at the Ikorodu General Hospital to retrieve his corpse for burial.

Upon hearing this, Deji asked to speak to the victim’s family members in a bid to reflect their views in the report.

He told Oduwole that he would hang up the call so he could use his personal number to call the cleric back.

Shortly after hanging up, the spokesperson for the church, Akin Adesanya, called and while speaking with Deji, said he was informed that the reporter said the family petitioned PUNCH on the tragedy.

He, however, noted that the deceased’s family refuted the claim, adding that policemen were on their way to the church to arrest the reporter.

Afterwards, some church members, numbering about 30, descended on the reporter, pinned him down, seized his phones and demanded his means of identification.

Delta mob kills phone snatcher
Deji brought out his ID card but the church members seized it, pounced on him, as the security guard slapped him and labelled him a thief.

The church members, led by a woman identified simply as Iya Ibeji, also used their mobile phones to film the reporter during the assault.

The church members circled our reporter and interrogated him on his mission in the church as they alleged that he planned to destroy the church’s image.

Adesanya, who had yet to get to the church, later called another PUNCHman, Johnny Edwards, who confirmed his identity.

The spokesman thereafter drove to the church and rescued the reporter while being mobbed by the worshippers.

He subsequently drove PUNCHman out of the premises to his office, where he apologised for the assault.

However, the matter was reported at the Owutu Police Station.

Reacting to the development, Adesanya said the attack was caused by a gap in communication.

He said, “It is never in our character to take laws into our hands. The unfortunate incident negates everything we preach. The security officer in question has been relieved of his role immediately and handed over to the police for further questioning.

“The two parishioners that took out their mobile phones to record the incident have also been reprimanded. Upon going through their phones, we are happy to inform you that there was no recording of any sort found in them; one took pictures and the pictures were immediately deleted.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigations were ongoing into the matter.

Metro

Police Rescue Kidnapped Children In Lagos, Arrest Abductors

Published

11 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Editor

Men of the Lagos State Command have arrested one Tewase Peter and Ternugwa Paul for abducting two teenagers from Benue State.

A statement released today May 13 by the spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, says the victims, Precious and Agera, were rescued from their abductees in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

He stated that the victims were kidnapped while their mother was at the market.

The statement in part reads: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted from their home in Benue State while their mother was away in the market.

“After the mother’s numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact the older victim via his mobile phone, a Good Samaritan answered the phone while the suspects were not at home with the victims, and informed the mother that one of the suspects, Peter, accompanied by his friend, one Paul, had taken her daughters to Lagos with intentions to transport them to Ghana for forced labour.

“Upon receiving the information at the Lagos State Police Command, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department busted Peter’s place at Itaoluwo, Ikorodu, and rescued the victims successfully.

“Investigation is ongoing to apprehend all other individuals involved in this crime. Suspects would be arraigned at the conclusion of investigations.”

Metro

Three Suspects Connected To Series Of Kidnappings In Delta Arrested

Published

12 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Editor

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three suspected cultists in connection with a series of kidnappings in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and other communities in the state.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, May 12, 2024, said an automatic pump action gun and a new AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine were recovered from the suspects.

“On 9/5/2024 at about 0430hrs, the special team deployed to Ughelli by the commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi led by ASP Julius Robinson acting on technically generated intelligence stormed Oghara town and arrested a 28yrs suspect, who is a member of Eiye confraternity resident in Oghara Delta State,” the statement read.

“The suspect led the operatives to a hotel in Koko Junction Oghara where another suspect aged 46yrs and a member of Eiye confraternity was arrested and an automatic Pump Action gun was recovered from him.

“Consequently, upon further interrogation of the two suspects, they led the operatives to the arrest of another 32-year-old suspect in Sapele Delta State where one new AK-47 rifle with and an empty magazine were recovered.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects are linked to a series of kidnappings in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and the environs. The suspects are in custody and the investigation is ongoing.”

Metro

Police Arrest three-member One-chance Syndicate Terrorizing Residents In Rivers

Published

12 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Editor

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three members of a notorious one-chance syndicate terrorizing residents on flyovers in Port Harcourt and its environs.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, May 13, 2024, said the gang targeted women exclusively, with victims being severely beaten and robbed.

According to the PPRO, the arrested suspects, including a woman, made useful confessions that would lead to the arrest of the remaining members of the gang.

Iringe-Koko added that the gang managed to extort 1.8 million Naira from one victim using ATM cards and a POS machine.

“The Rivers State Police Command has recently made significant strides in the fight against crimes in the state, with the apprehension of a gang specializing in armed robbery and kidnapping on flyovers,” the statement read.

“This group, notorious for preying on unsuspecting victims using the one-chance tactic, has been a growing concern for authorities and residents of the state

“The gang, consisting of four individuals, operates under the guise of passengers in a taxi, targeting victims on flyovers. The modus operandi involves brandishing weapons such as a locally made pistol and daggers to intimidate victims before robbing them of their possessions.

“The gang’s criminal activities commenced in October 2023 when their leader, Smart Obele (currently at large), initiated the one-chance scheme with Michael Gershon, a native of Ikolinem-Ikot-Okon in Esemudim Local Government Area. Michael, aged 27, agreed to use his vehicle for these operations after a meeting over beer bottles, where the details were discussed.

“Nsikak Ibanga, aged 26, was introduced by Michael, having arrived in Port Harcourt from Akwa-Ibom state. Nsikak, described as a ‘fearless operator,’ joined the gang alongside Peace Paul, aged 22, who was informed by Michael that he would be sending her money frequently for withdrawal.

“The gang strategized their operations, targeting women exclusively and executing their plans every week starting at 9 pm. Their criminal activities were fueled by violence, with victims being severely beaten and robbed. Notably, they managed to extort 1.8 million Naira from one victim using ATM cards and a POS machine.

The apprehension of three suspects, Michael, Nsikak, and Peace, has resulted in confessions and cooperation with authorities to capture the remaining members of the gang. The Police have recovered the operational vehicle, an ash-coloured Mazda 323, and are commended for their use of technology in crime prevention.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urges residents to report suspicious activities promptly, emphasizing the Police’s commitment to ensuring public safety and combating criminal elements in Rivers State.”