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Gunmen Seize Ransom Bearer, Free Kaduna Pastor

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In a dramatic turn of events, kidnappers in Kaduna State have released Pastor Samson Ali, a 30-year-old cleric with the Evangelical Church Winning All, but detained the ransom bearer, Yusuf Ambi.

Ali was abducted from his home in Mararaba Aboro, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on April 8, 2025, just two weeks after being posted to the church.

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The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100m before agreeing to an undisclosed amount of money.

According to sources, a joint security team, including the Nigerian Army, police, and the Department of State Services was deployed to rescue the pastor.

READ ALSO: Catholics Protest Against Kidnapping In Edo

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However, after negotiations, the kidnappers released Ali, but detained Ambi, who had gone to deliver the ransom.

The kidnappers have reportedly been demanding more money or concessions in exchange for Ambi’s release.

The kidnappers released Pastor Ali, but detained the ransom bearer, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, demanding more money or other concessions for his release,” a source who has been following the matter said.

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The incident has sparked reactions online, with some expressing concern about the security situation in Kaduna State, while others have called on the government to take more effective measures to address kidnapping and banditry in the region.

READ ALSO: Kaduna Police Rescue 23 Kidnapped Victims

“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business in Nigeria, and it’s high time the government took decisive action to address this menace,” said a concerned citizen.

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The police authorities in Kaduna State have yet to confirm the kidnapping and release as there was no response to a call and message sent to the state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, as of the time of filing this report.

However, sources indicate that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers and secure Ambi’s release.

The ECWA community has expressed relief at the release of Pastor Ali, but prayed for Ambi’s safety.

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We are grateful that Pastor Ali has been released, but we are worried about the detention of our brother, Yusuf Shehu Ambi,” said a church official who crave anonymity.
(PUNCH)

 

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JUST IN: Yinka Ayefele In Tears As Fire Guts Fresh FM

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A fire outbreak has been reported at a popular Ibadan-based radio station, Fresh FM, at Felele area in Ibadan South-West local government area of the state capital on Friday.

The incident, which started a few hours ago, has disrupted other related activities at the station.

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Newsmen could not confirm neither the cause nor extent of the damage as at the time of filing this report.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Heavy Gunfire As Benue Community Comes Under Attack

Confirming the incident in a telephone chat, the General Manager, Oyo State Fire Services, Rev Akinyemi Akinyinka said, “our men are on the ground. The situation is under control.”

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Founded by popular musician and broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele, Fresh FM is one of the most listened-to radio stations in Ibadan.

Click link below to watch video:

https://cdn.pmnewsnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4YarRfs4-AQPEpS7eh4Sj40BSksJ46sTcwVZZAOsq-ibfVmfuQPhOk5ETRyO-ynZLu4qMgK2n6JR220C0oTevEDxrkfItsdBP66n3H7KR0u2_EYfLrs2ZsQ.mp4?_=1

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Lagos Woman Remanded For False Foreign Currency Declaration

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A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday remanded Ifunanya Phil-Olumba in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of falsely declaring and failing to declare foreign currency totaling $14,567, £1,030, and CA$40 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had preferred three counts against the defendant, accusing her of making false declarations to the Nigeria Customs Service and failing to declare foreign currency, contrary to Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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At the resumed proceedings, before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, the prosecution, led by Okezie Chineye, called two witnesses.

The first prosecution witness, an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mrs. Stella Ogar, told the court that the defendant was intercepted during inward clearance from the United Kingdom.

READ ALSO:Hoodlums Loot, Vandalise FG’s 80-bed Specialist Hospital In Oyo

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According to Ogar, the defendant declared only CA$4,000, despite allegedly being in possession of CA$14,000, alongside other undeclared sums.

We arrested her and handed her over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation,” Ogar testified.

The second prosecution witness, an EFCC operative, Felicia Paul, confirmed that the defendant was handed over to the commission by the customs.

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She stated that the defendant was interrogated and opted to make a written statement, which the prosecution sought to tender in evidence.

READ ALSO:FULL LIST: FG Approves Nine New Private Varsities

However, defence counsel, Edwin Anikwem, objected to the admissibility of the statement, contending that it was not obtained voluntarily and was made without the presence of counsel, contrary to legal requirements.

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However, Justice Dipeolu adjourned further hearing to August 19 for continuation of the trial.

The EFCC alleged that on July 22, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, the defendant falsely declared the sum of $4,000 while in possession of $14,567; failed to declare CA$40; and falsely declared £1,000 while in possession of £1,030.

According to the anti-graft agency, the offences committed contravened Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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Two Varsity Students Die In Bayelsa Road Crash

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A head-on collision between a truck and a commercial tricycle on the Yenagoa/Amassoma Road, Bayelsa State, has claimed the lives of two students from Niger Delta University, Amassoma.

The accident which occurred on Wednesday also left other passengers of the ill-fated tricycle critically injured.

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Residents attributed the accident to absence of road signs and overspending by drivers as the crash occurred at a bend on the road.

The truck negotiated the bend at high speed, lost control and hit the tricycle at top speed, crushing it.

READ ALSO:Gunmen kill community leader in Bayelsa

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A trader, Godspower Okilo told The PUNCH on Thursday that the truck driver was moving too fast, and by the time he realised the danger, it was already too late.

He said, “The Keke (tricycle) had no chance of escaping the danger because the tipper was already close to it.
“We’ve been complaining about reckless truck drivers on this road for years, but nothing changes.

“The dangerous impact left the tricycle damaged beyond recognition. Good Samaritans rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.

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“The bodies of the deceased were later evacuated to a nearby morgue.

READ ALSO:Four Sentenced To Death For Killing Driver In Bayelsa

This incident has renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Police Command should intensify patrols, introduce speed breakers, and conduct regular safety checks on heavy-duty vehicles.”

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Another resident of the area, Mrs. Ebike Ekain, said if the appropriate authorities do not act now, more lives will be lost to accidents in the nearest future.

The Yenagoa/Amassoma Road is without doubt the most dangerous road in Bayelsa State due to the number of accidents that occur every year.
The reconstruction of the stretch from the Etegwe Roundabout to Tombia Community resulted in several turns which motorists do not consider as they often drive at dangerous speeds.

READ ALSO:Cultists Hack Two Graduates To Death In Bayelsa

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The Federal Road Safety Commission usually dispatches an ambulance to the road which is stationed at Tombia Community and sometimes at the roundabout leading to Agudama-Ekpetiama Community.

Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Musa Muhammad, who confirmed the accident, said investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the accident.

Yes, an accident happened there and we are investigating the causes of the accident,” he stated.

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