Metro

Family Of Slain Policeman Seeks Justice, As Delta DPP Exonerates Main Suspect

Published

1 year ago

August 19, 2024

Editor

The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro, has reacted to the concerns raised by the family of one late Inspector Itobi Green, who was brutally murdered by an armed robbery gang in the state.

Inspector Green, along with his colleague, Inspector Bienowu Richard, were reportedly attacked and robbed of multiple AK-47 rifles on July 16, 2018.

Report says despite compelling evidence, including witness statements and the recovery of firearms from his residence, Chief Hyacinth Okolie was released following the Delta State Ministry of Justice’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi, thereby discontinuing the prosecution against him.

Okolie, a prominent figure in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, was initially arrested in connection with the crime.

On inquiry while the case was discontinued, the Director of DPP stated that there was no prima facie case against Okolie that warranted prosecution.

He added that those alleging that Okolie was guilty of wrongdoing should reinvestigate their facts.

However, when he was reminded him on the phone that charges had already been filed against Okolie under suite No. A/71/2018, indicating that a prima facie case had indeed been established, Mr. Orhorhoro ceased communication and directed the reporter to the Commissioner for Justice.

Attempts to reach the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls placed to his line.

Our correspondent has been unable to get a clear response as

Reasons why the Delta State Ministry of Justice terminated the prosecution of the suspect were unclear as at when filing this report, but two weeks ago, the Green family presented their grievances to federal authorities during a meeting in Abuja.

They accused the Delta State Ministry of Justice of prematurely releasing Okolie, who was arrested alongside other members of the gang.

The family maintained that Chief Okolie was identified as the mastermind and leader of the gang, with substantial evidence, including witness testimonies and the recovery of firearms from his home during a police raid.

According to a police investigation report (Reference AB: 4099/DTS/X/D13/VOL 3 dated 30th July 2018) prepared by then-Deputy Commissioner of Police (now AIG) Wale Abass, a nine-man armed robbery gang attacked and robbed Sgt. Ayo Fidelis and Cpl. Daniel Gana of two AK-47 rifles (breach numbers 09981 and 19874) containing fifty-nine rounds of live ammunition on 13th July 2018 and 16th July 2018. The gang also robbed Sgt. Godwin John of an assault rifle (breach number 07015337) with twenty-four rounds of live ammunition at Rain Oil Petroleum along the Benin-Asaba road.

Furthermore, Inspector Green, Sgt. Yakubu Mallam, and Inspector Bienowu Richard were attacked and robbed of two AK-47 rifles, one with breach number 0887722 and another without a breach number.

Tragically, Inspector Green was fatally stabbed multiple times by the assailants.

The investigation, conducted by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crimes Squad (SAKCCS), the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), and the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), resulted in the arrest of several suspects.

The family of Inspector Green remains deeply troubled by the nolle prosequi decision. They allege foul play and are calling for a thorough investigation by the Federal Government.

Elder Solomon Green, representing the family, has vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, condemning the release of Chief Okolie despite clear evidence and confessions implicating him as the gang leader.

Elder Solomon emphasized that a nolle prosequi does not equate to an acquittal, and he urged that the charges be reinstated.

Metro

Lagos: Police Arrest Security Guard For Stealing Generators, Others

Published

9 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old security guard for allegedly breaking into an apartment and carting away household items worth about N1.8 million.

Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed the arrest in a statement released on Saturday, adding that the suspect was tracked down by officers attached to the Iju Police Division.

He said operatives from the Iju Division apprehended the suspect following a report from a resident of the Ifako area, who returned home on August 15 to find his house burgled.

“Stolen items included a Sumec generator, a Fireman generator, a National air conditioner, and three air conditioner compressor engines, all valued at N1.8 million.

“Detectives arrested the suspect in the same neighbourhood after investigations revealed he conspired with others, who are still at large, to commit the crime,” Hundeyin said.

He added that the stolen items have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.

Hundeyin said the case would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in bringing criminals to justice and urged employers to conduct proper background checks before hiring staff.

Metro

NAF Kills 35 Terrorists In Border Airstrikes Near Cameroon

Published

10 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Air Force said it had killed more than 35 jihadists in raids Saturday on militant fighters that had gathered near the Nigeria–Cameroon border following an attempted attack on ground troops.

The air strike was the latest by the Nigerian military, which is battling a resurgence of attacks in the country’s embattled northwest.

“Acting on multiple intelligence from several sources, the Air Component executed precision strikes in successive passes, engaging the terrorists and neutralising more than 35 fighters at four identified assembly areas,” said a Nigerian Air Force statement.

It re-established communication with the ground troops that had been threatened, and they confirmed that the “situation around their location had been stabilised,” the statement added.

The strike had “intensified efforts” to dominate the battles field and “deny terrorists freedom of action,” said the statement.

While Nigeria’s 16-year-old insurgency has slowed since violence peaked around 2015, attacks have picked up since the beginning of the year.

The Air Force said the latest operation demonstrated the force’s commitment to providing close air support to ground forces, “while also disrupting terrorist logistics and movement corridors along the north east border regions.”

AFP

Metro

Police Arrest Man For Allegedly Dismembering Pregnant Sister-in-law In Kwara

Published

10 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The police command in Kwara says it arrested a man, who allegedly dismembered the body of his pregnant sister-in-law, Mrs Esther Enemo at Egbejila Road in Temidire community, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the command Spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the command wishes to inform members of the public of a tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of Aug. 21, at Temidire community in Ilorin.
‎
‎”At about 9 a.m., a resident of the area reported a suspected foul play within the residence of one Mrs Esther Enemo.

“In a swift response, a team of police detectives visited the scene, where the dismembered body of Mrs Esther Enemo (aged 39 years) was discovered in the bush behind her residence.

“Further search led to the recovery of other parts of her body concealed in a sack and dumped beneath a nearby community bridge.
‎
‎”The suspect, (names withheld), aged 29 years, younger brother to the victim’s husband, who was seen leaving the house a few minutes before the discovery of the incident, has been arrested in connection with the crime.

”Meanwhile, the husband has also been contacted for necessary clarification.
“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) morgue for autopsy.

‎”The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, assuring that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
‎
Ejire-Adeyemi expressed the command regret of the unfortunate incident and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculations that would incite fear or tension within the community.

He assured that the police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.

He urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that would aid ongoing investigations and security operations.

He reiterated the command to resolve to protect all residents and ensure peace prevailed in the state.

NAN