News

Man Bags Life Sentence For Armed Robbery In Ekiti

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2025

An Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Wednesday sentenced a 27-year-old man, Alex Peter, to life imprisonment for armed robbery.

Peter was arraigned on December 29, 2022, on two-count of conspiracy and armed robbery.

He was also sentenced to nine years for conspiracy.

The charge read, “The defendant and others at large on 16th May, 2022 at Ado Ekiti within the jurisdiction did conspire to commit armed robbery on one Augustine Steven by stealing his red Bajaj motorcycle with registration number AMK 569 UJ and cash of N15,000.

“At the time of the robbery, he was armed with a cutlass and an axe, contrary to Sections 314 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.”

In his testimony before the court, the victim, a commercial motorcyclist, said the robbery happened at about 8:45pm along NTA Road, Ado Ekiti on that day.

He stated, “The defendant stopped me to take him to Judge’s Quarters. On getting there, he alighted from the motorcycle. I was expecting him to pay, but instead I saw somebody who emerged from the bush with a cutlass. I turned to the passenger, who already held an axe. They collected N15,000 cash from me and took my motorcycle away. I saw the defendant’s face clearly because there was light along the road. I reported the matter at the New Iyin Road Police Station.

“On the third day, I saw the defendant at a restaurant and grabbed him, some passersby helped me call the police. He initially denied robbing me of my motorcycle, but it was later found in his house when the police went to search his house.”

The prosecutor, O.S. Akinwumi, called four witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statements, motorcycle particulars, among others, as exhibits.

The defendant, however, spoke in his own defence through his lawyer, Stanley Okonkwo, and he called no witness.

In his judgment, Justice Adekunle Adeleye found the defendant guilty of the charges and sentenced him accordingly.

The judge said, “It is in evidence that the defendant himself confessed that he was one of the armed robbers.

“I find the defendant guilty as charged. On the whole, the defendant is hereby sentenced to nine years imprisonment for conspiracy and life imprisonment for the offence of armed robbery.”

On Tuesday, the Enugu State Police Command arrested a 42-year-old man, Chinweuba Edeh, for allegedly robbing a Point of Sale operator of ₦70,000 at gunpoint.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect was apprehended on October 17 at about 6:40 a.m. by operatives attached to the Nkanu West (Agbani) Police Division, following a swift response to a distress call from the female victim.

The victim reported that the suspect attacked and robbed her at Orie-Mba Akpugo Market in the Akpugo community of Nkanu West Local Government Area.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

14 minutes ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

35 minutes ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.