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Police Arrest Eight Suspected Kidnappers, Recover N4m Ransom In Delta

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The Delta State Police Command has arrested over eight suspected kidnappers and recovered N4 million ransom from them.

Parading the suspects on Thursday at the police headquarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi said the command is tackling the menace of kidnapping with all available resources to ensure the arrest and prosecution of these hoodlums disturbing the peace in Delta State.

He said, “Proactive policing, intelligence gathering and raid of criminal hideouts are part of the proactive policing approach of the Command.

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“I welcome you all to this press briefing where I will be showcasing some of the command’s achievements in the past one week.

READ ALSO:Why We Defected To APC In Delta —  Okowa

“On May 12, 2025, operatives of the Dragon patrol team, while conducting a stop and search along Kwale/Ozoro express road, intercepted a gold colour Toyota Sienna bus loaded with passengers from Ughelli en route to Asaba.

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“Upon search of the vehicle, the sum of N3.1 million was recovered from four suspects: Abubakar Alwalu, 25, Usman Husseini, 25, Adamu Mohammed, 30, and Anwalu Umaru, 23.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects belong to a gang of five and were allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of a lady at Ughelli in her house, held her captive for four days, and collected a ransom of 4 million. The victim has identified the four suspects. Investigation is ongoing.

“Also, on May 10, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) trailed and arrested a suspected kidnapper and gang leader named Abdullahi Ibrahim, 22, of Ekenwa Community in Ovia North-East LGA of Edo State at Ore town of Ondo State.

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“The suspect led the operative to the arrest of another suspects and member of his gang known as Adamu Usman 24, both taking refuge in Ore town.

READ ALSO: Delta Police Kill Four Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons

“Upon interrogation, suspects led operatives to a forest along Ore-Lagos expressway by a popular area called “Stepdown” where one AK 47 rifle loaded with 14 rounds of live ammunition and a locally made long gun with 6 rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Suspects are in custody and the investigation is ongoing.”

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CP Olufemi said the command arrested another suspected kidnapper and recovered one AK-47 rifle, N900,000 ransom, among others.

According to Olufemi, on the same May 12, 2025, acting on credible intelligence relating to a kidnap incident at Itego community, Ibusa, where one man (name withheld) was kidnapped and an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom.

The Commander Special Anti-kidnapping and cyber-crime squad swiftly mobilize operatives and stormed Koka junction Asaba where one of the suspects later identified as Lawal Tasiu 26, resident of FCT Abuja was arrested after a hot chase.

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READ ALSO: Delta: Site Engineer Murdered By Employees, Police Arrest Two Suspects

“Upon search of the suspect, the sum of N900,000 was recovered from him. During Interrogation, the suspect stated that he is a member of a syndicate terrorizing Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku/Issele-Azagbe environs, and the money in his possession is part of his share of the ransom collected.

“On May 13, 2025, the suspect led operatives to their hideout at Issele-Azagba area where one AK 47 rifle, one pump action gun, two AK 47 magazines, 87 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.”

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In another development, CP Olufemi said the command arrested a child trafficking suspect who drugged a mother with a juice and made away with her two-month-old baby boy in the Warri area.

He said DPO Ekpan Police station embarked on an intelligence-led investigation, trailed and arrested the suspect Mrs Joy Temitope Oyetimi 49, and after discreet interrogation, the suspects stated that indeed she was the one who stole the baby, noting that the baby who is now five months old has been rescued and handed over to his parent.
(PUNCH)

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One Injured As Truck Falls Off Lagos Bridge

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A fully loaded six-tyre truck on Saturday plunged off the Oshodi Bridge in Lagos after reportedly suffering brake failure, leaving one man severely injured.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said its operatives swiftly intervened to rescue the victim and restore traffic in the area.

According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, was laden with toner printing materials when it lost control while descending the Oshodi-Oke bridge inward Mile 2 and fell into the terminal ditch below.

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“In an exemplary display of operational precision and institutional alertness, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and traffic orderliness as its operatives today rescued a severely injured male victim following a ghastly accident involving a fully loaded six-tyre truck with registration number AKD 135 YK, which suffered a brake failure and plunged off the Oshodi Bridge into the terminal ditch while descending from Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2.

READ ALSO:Four Escape Death As Trucks Collide In Anambra

Preliminary information gathered from the scene indicated that the ill-fated truck, reportedly laden with tonner printing materials, experienced a critical mechanical failure while descending the bridge, thereby losing control before skidding off the carriageway and tumbling into the terminal below,” Taofiq said

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He added that LASTMA officers arrived at the scene within minutes to commence rescue operations and prevent secondary accidents.

He said, “Upon arrival, the officers immediately commenced rescue operations and successfully extricated a male victim who sustained grievous injuries in the accident.

“The injured man was expeditiously conveyed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the driver of the truck was apprehended and handed over to security operatives from Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation into the cause of the brake malfunction and other contributory factors.”

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READ ALSO:Five Die As Dangote Truck Crashes Into Tricycle In Ogun

Taofiq noted that the accident could have resulted in more casualties but for the prompt and coordinated efforts of LASTMA officials who diverted traffic and cleared the wreckage.

“To forestall secondary collisions and ensure the safety of road users, LASTMA operatives swiftly cordoned off the accident scene, diverted vehicular movement, and supervised the clearance of the wreckage thereby restoring traffic normalcy within a remarkably short period,” he said.

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The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response.

“Mr. Bakare Oki, lauded their exceptional response, diligence, and adherence to standard safety protocols during the operation.

READ ALSO:Obasanjo Holds Memorial Service For Late Wife, Stella, Says She Lived Serving Others

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“He reiterated the Agency’s unrelenting vigilance in ensuring the protection of lives and property on Lagos roads, particularly during the ember months, when traffic density and accident risks are significantly heightened,” the statement stated.

According to the statement, Oki said the agency remains vigilant in protecting lives and property, especially during the ember months when road accidents are more frequent.

He noted that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic points for quick emergency response.

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“Mr. Oki further emphasized that the agency’s ongoing 24-hour traffic management operations were instituted to guarantee seamless vehicular movement across the state before, during, and after the festive season.

READ ALSO:Truck Rams Into Students In Ogun, Kills WASSCE Candidate

“He disclosed that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic nodes and corridors for optimal coverage and swift emergency response,” the statement said.

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Oki urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to “proactive traffic regulation, timely rescue operations, and continuous public enlightenment to make Lagos roads safer for everyone.”

READ ALSO: Truck Crushes Vigilante Members To Death In Edo

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The Oshodi area, particularly the busy Oshodi-Apapa Expressway corridor, serves as a major transport node in Lagos, linking routes from the port and mainland and regularly experiencing severe traffic gridlocks.

Heavy-duty trucks, including those laden with cargo bound for terminals and depots, are frequent contributors to the congestion.

Mechanical faults, including brake failure and tyre bursts, remain a recurring cause of road accidents across Nigeria.

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According to the FRSC 2022 compendium, mechanical/vehicle-defect factors account for about 10 per cent of road crashes nationwide.

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50 Arrested For Violating Environmental Sanitation Laws In Edo

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The Environmental Taskforce on Saturday arrested no fewer than 50 persons in Benin for violating environmental sanitation laws in Edo State.

The suspects were arrested in Egor Local Government Area of the state as the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Saidi Akintayo, led a monitoring operation across the city.

The operation covered strategic areas such as Third East Circular Road Junction, Sapele Road, Ekiosa Market, Siloko Road, Ugbowo, and New Benin Market, amongst others.

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Akintayo said the exercise aimed at ensuring compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation directive of the Edo State Government.

READ ALSO:CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo

The commandant, who led his management team, said the exercise also aligned with the corps’ renewed drive to support federal and state efforts toward maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for residents.

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“A clean environment is a healthy environment. It is our collective duty as citizens to ensure that our surroundings are kept clean at all times,” he said.

“The corps will continue to support government efforts by enforcing compliance and sensitising the public on the importance of environmental hygiene.”

During the exercise, residents and traders were seen sweeping drains, clearing refuse, and cleaning up their premises, a development that the NSCDC boss described as “encouraging.”

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READ ALSO:Reps To Probe Edo, Delta Communal Crisis

The commandant’s team later visited the local government secretariat, where he was received by the Executive Chairman, Osaro Eribo.

At the secretariat, the 50 suspected offenders were arraigned before a mobile court.

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The commandant lauded the synergy among local authorities, the environmental task force, and security agencies, describing it as crucial to sustaining the gains of the exercise.

He reiterated the NSCDC’s readiness to enforce environmental laws, support public health initiatives, and maintain peace and order across Edo.

READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

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Our presence underscores the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment,” he said.

“We will continue to stand with the government to ensure Edo remains clean and safe for all.”

In a similar development, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Mr Gabriel Idusere, who joined the monitoring exercise, commended residents for their cooperation.

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He, however, acknowledged public complaints about the delay in refuse evacuation.

Idusere assured that the council had put in place measures for prompt waste collection, particularly in markets and densely populated areas.

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Police Arrest Lovers, Others For Murder, Robbery In Sokoto

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The Police in Sokoto State have arrested two lovers who allegedly conspired to kill a young man, Ali Salisu, in Gidan Kacha village, Gada Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the deceased, a resident of Darnawa village, was lured to his death by his girlfriend, Rukayya Amadu, who allegedly plotted with another lover, Hamisu Ibrahim, to rob and murder him.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the tragic incident occurred on October 4, 2025, when Rukayya invited the victim to a secluded area in Dabagi bush for a private meeting.

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Unknown to him, Rukayya had arranged with Hamisu to set a deadly trap. When the victim arrived, Hamisu ambushed him, tied a rope around his neck, and strangled him to death before fleeing with his red Kasea motorcycle.”

READ ALSO:Why We Arrested Sowore – Police

It said further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Lawali Abdullahi and Ibrahim Abdullahi, who received the stolen motorcycle in Sokoto without verifying its ownership.

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The police, however, confirmed that all four suspects have been arrested and are in custody and would soon face prosecution for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, armed robbery, and receiving stolen property.

Police arraign man for wife’s murder in Enugu
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the police investigators for their swift action, describing the case as “a reminder that crime, no matter how carefully concealed, cannot go unpunished.”

The police boss described the case as both tragic and instructive, saying it shows how misplaced trust and deceit can lead to unimaginable loss.

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READ ALSO:Tinubu Nominates New Minister

“We call on citizens to exercise caution in personal relationships and to avoid secluded areas, especially at night,” the CP Musa said in the statement.

The police also warned buyers and traders to always confirm ownership documents before purchasing valuable items such as motorcycles, vehicles, or electronics.

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“Receiving stolen property is a serious offense. Ignorance will not absolve anyone from criminal liability.”

The Command further urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, assuring them that all information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

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