Metro

Police Begin Probe Into Death Of Hotel Worker In Edo

Published

1 year ago

August 11, 2024

The Edo State Police Command has announced that an investigation is underway into the mysterious death of Fidelis Osaghae in the Auchi area of Edo State.

Fidelis, an employee of Valchi Fast Food and Bar, is reported to have died under questionable circumstances on Monday, 29 July 2024, after allegedly being summoned by his employer, Valentine Oyemike, in the early hours of the morning.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Joel, informed our correspondent on Saturday that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

“The case has been transferred to the homicide section of the SCID for investigation. It is a case of murder, not theft. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary. The outcome will be made public as soon as it is concluded.”

The deceased’s wife, Esther, has called for an investigation into her husband’s suspicious death.

Speaking to our correspondent last Tuesday, the nursing mother said she grew concerned when she woke up around 5 am and discovered that he had not returned from work.
She said, “My husband went to work on Sunday, 28 July.

While at work in the early hours of Monday, 29 July 2024, he called me on a video call at about 1:30 am. It is his usual practice to video call me if he is delayed in returning home.

He later rushed home at 2:30 am and told me his boss had asked him to bring ‘something’ back to work. He then left and returned to work around 2:30 am, saying he would be back soon. When it was about 5 am, I woke up and realised he had not returned. I started calling his phone but could not reach him.”

She later claimed to have contacted the supervisor at the facility, who assured her that everything was under control and ended the call. Esther added that Mr. Valentine later called her to come to the hospital.

“Several attempts to reach the supervisor to find out what happened to my husband were unsuccessful as she no longer answered her calls. Later that morning, around 6 am, I received a call from Mr. Valentine, who told me to come to Favour Hospital, Afasho, Edo State. I asked him if there was a problem, but he assured me that all was well with my husband. Since I am a nursing mother, my elder sister went to the hospital on my behalf.”

Esther said that upon arriving at the hospital, her sister found her husband’s body in Mr. Valentine’s car.

She added that the hospital later informed her that her husband’s corpse was rejected because it was brought in dead.

She also noted that she and her sister observed strange marks and injuries on the deceased’s body, which may have been a result of torture and pain inflicted before his death.

In a petition titled “Request for Investigation into the Death of Mr. Fidelis Osaghae on 29 July 2024 in Edo State,” filed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on behalf of the deceased’s wife, the Inspector-General of Police is urged to investigate her husband’s death.

Signed by the Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi, the foundation alleged that the local police division in Auchi has shown a lack of willingness to investigate the matter thoroughly and has already exonerated Mr. Valentine, who is reportedly an influential person in the area.

“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death are suspicious, and we strongly believe that he was in the custody of Mr. Oyemike Valentine until his death.

“We are unable to place our confidence in the investigation by the Auchi division due to concerns of interference and compromise,” the petition partly read.

The foundation also claimed that the police have failed to take necessary actions to address the suspicious homicide, raising concerns of police complicity and cover-up.

“We acknowledge the presumption of innocence until proven guilty before the law in Nigeria. However, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death demand a thorough investigation,” said Fadeyi.

He added that the IGP has acknowledged receipt of the petition and is expected to order a swift and comprehensive investigation into the matter.

When contacted, Valentine declined to comment, stating that he had been invited by the police.

He said, “I cannot make any comment. I have been invited by the police, and that is where I am going now. Thanks.”

Metro

Police Recover 75 Stolen Phones, Five Laptops In Lagos

Published

8 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Police Command has recovered 75 mobile gadgets and five laptops abandoned by fleeing suspects during a routine patrol conducted by the Rapid Response Squad in Ikeja.

The operation, according to the command, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and combat property crimes across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the recovery followed the interception of two suspects who abandoned two large “Ghana Must Go” bags upon sighting police operatives near Allen Roundabout, Ikeja.

“On Sunday, 5th October, 2025, at about 5:30 a.m., operatives inspected the bags and discovered 32 iPhones of different models, 38 other smartphones of various brands such as Samsung, Redmi, Tecno, and Honour, as well as five laptops, several smart wristwatches, AirPods, a Samsung Tab, and a Sorapad.”

Speaking on the recovery, the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said, “Preliminary investigation indicates that the items were stolen property hurriedly abandoned by the suspects.”

“Members of the public who may have lost similar devices are advised to visit the RRS Headquarters, Alausa, with verifiable proof of ownership for proper identification and reclaim,” the statement read.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, commended the RRS operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.

He assured residents that the command would continue to enhance patrol visibility and maintain public safety across all parts of Lagos.

The command had earlier arrested four members of a notorious car-snatching and armed robbery syndicate said to be responsible for several violent attacks on vehicle owners within and outside the state.

In a statement on Friday, Adebisi said the suspects were arrested by officers of the Command’s Tactical Squads following intelligence-led operations between October 15 and 17.

Adebisi said, “The notorious and vicious armed robbery and car-snatching gang was responsible for a series of violent attacks on vehicle owners.”

Metro

NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

Published

12 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals, South-South Zone, have dismantled an illegal mineral storage network uncovered within the Onne axis of Rivers State.

CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, the efforts was in a bold step to protect the nation’s resources and ensure the safety of local communities.

It said the operation, led by DSC Emmanuel Abiahu, followed credible intelligence and was carried out in collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, just as the team discovered warehouses stockpiling mined minerals without valid permits, licenses or evidence of royalty payment to the Federal Government.

It said the illegal activities does not only undermine the economy but also poses environmental and safety risks to residents.

DSC Abiahu noted that the action was in direct response to the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, who has consistently emphasized the need to protect Nigeria’s solid mineral wealth and create a fair, regulated space for legitimate miners, investors, and communities that depend on the sector for livelihood.

He warned that all operators within the region must comply with the law or face decisive enforcement action, adding that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the environment through sustained surveillance and collaboration with stakeholders.

The NSCDC called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that will help curb illegal mining and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s natural resources serve the people and the nation at large.

Metro

Nigerian Troops Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Chinese Nationals

Published

12 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Army has rescued at least 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, on Saturday.

The statement said the daring rescue, was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025, adding that the operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.

According to the army, the victims, who included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in both states, stressing that some of the captives were said to have been held for more than four months before their release.

It further explained that the successful rescue was a result of the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity in the region.

“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.

“The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.

“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months,” the statement said.