Metro

Police Arrest 72 Suspected Criminals In Edo, Others, Rescue 22 Abductees

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, said its Tactical Squad, in the last two weeks, has arrested a total of 72 crime suspects and rescued 22 persons in its efforts to restore peace and order to affected communities.

The police stated that the combined efforts of its Intelligence Response Squad and Special Tactical Squad, resulted in the arrest of the suspects, 34 of whom were involved in kidnapping.

“Within the last two weeks alone, the NPF Tactical Squads comprising the Intelligence Response Squad and Special Tactical Squad have made significant strides, resulting in the arrest of 72 criminal suspects, including
34 individuals were involved in the kidnapping.

“Additionally, 22 rescues were made, along with several other recoveries, within the last two weeks,” Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed in a statement.

He explained that the police, acting on intelligence of killings and unrest caused by rival secret cults in Edo State, arrested four suspects, and recovered other arms and ammunition.

“Following an ongoing investigation into the daily killings and unrest caused by rival secret cults in Edo State, operatives from FID-IRT arrested Edosa Obasuyi, Abumere Endurance, Monday Otubu, and Esther Abumere in the Ekpoma area of Edo State. The suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity and admitted to their involvement in the killings and cult activities in the mentioned area.

“A search of their residences led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, numerous voter cards belonging to different individuals, 19 live cartridges, four expended cartridges, one wooden carved gun, illicit drugs, charms, and their cell phones.

“During interrogation, they affirmed that the killings in the state were carried out by the Eiye confraternity as a result of rivalry between Eiyes and Maphites. Efforts are underway to apprehend more fleeing members of the group and bring the area under the law,” he said.

Adejobi also disclosed that on January 27, 2024, operatives of the IRT apprehended one Bello Umar, a 28-year-old Fulani man from Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, suspected of being a kidnapper, along with approximately ten other gang members.

Umar reportedly confessed to their involvement in numerous kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna State expressway, with his base located in the Rigina Forest in Kaduna State, and also admitted to receiving ransom amounts ranging from ₦100 million to ₦40 million. Upon his arrest, ₦2.2 million, his share from a recent ransom collection was recovered.

The statement also cited another case, where the Police, upon receiving information that an unknown caller threatened the inhabitants of Kwarra Village under Shiriro LGA of Niger State, launched a detailed investigation which revealed that the caller had threatened to attack the village unless 4 million Naira was paid to him.

Police operatives immediately swung into action and successfully arrested one Lawal Mohammed, aged 22. Upon arrest and consequent investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had once escaped from police custody before his arrest. He further confessed that he had given out the number of his uncle, who happened to be the village head, to the kidnappers to obtain money from the proceeds.

“Also, operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accouterments from Kaduna to Zamfara state, precisely Shinkafi LGA. In the process, a spot search was conducted, and the following items were recovered: 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets.

“Two suspects – Mushiri Abubakar, aged 28, and Ahmed Mohammed, aged 40 were arrested. Mushiri Abubakar confessed that he is a childhood friend of an Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji,” the statement further read.

According to the NPF spokesperson, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, underscored the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, noting that the recent achievements “reflect the dedication of the Force to combating crime and restoring peace to troubled regions even as public safety and security remain top priorities.”
PUNCH

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

8 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

9 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

12 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.