Metro

Two Arraigned For Allegedly Selling Nigerian-used Car As Imported

Published

2 months ago

July 1, 2025

The Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday arraigned two men, Suleiman Lamu and Anas Abdullahi, before the Federal Capital Territory Magistrates’ Court in Dutse, Abuja, for allegedly selling a used car as a Belgium-used vehicle to a customer.

According to the nominal complainants, Manash Paul and Banwo Olagokun, after purchasing the car for over ₦6 million, they discovered that it was a Nigerian-used vehicle, previously registered twice in the country.

The complainants further alleged that the car caused significant stress for its owner due to its frequent breakdowns.

The defendants who were docked before Magistrate Mariam Muazu are facing a one-count charge bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and cheating, contrary to Sections 97, 312, and 322 of the Penal Code in the charge marked CR/DUT/716/25.

The charge brought against the defendants reads, “One Manash Paul on behalf of Mr Banwo Olagokun came to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Dawaki, Abuja, and reported you, Suleiman Buba Lamu and Anas Yau Abdullahi, both male.

“That he bought a Highlander Jeep which was falsely presented to him as a direct Belgium car with Chassis No: JTEDP21A540032900 for the sum of N6,100,000.00 only and was issued with Receipt No: 0177, dated 15/04/2025, from A.&S Halal Motors Ltd. During test-running and further investigation about the car, it was discovered that it had been registered by two different buyers.

“By so doing, you have committed the offences for which you are charged.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

Subsequently, the defence counsel made an application for bail for his clients, which was opposed by the prosecution.

The defence counsel stated, “Your Lordship, we humbly apply for bail to be granted to the defendants. The offence is a bailable offence.

“Where an offence is bailable, it becomes a constitutional right of the accused.

“The accused persons are ready to stand trial and will be available whenever the matter comes up. They are also prepared to fulfil the terms of the bail conditions granted.

“They will not obstruct investigation, and I believe that in this case, the investigation is concluded.

” On this note, we apply that their bail request be granted.”

The prosecution, in his objection, stated,“The defence counsel did not tell us if there is a surety.

“My Lordship, if granted bail, the defendants before this noble court will intimidate the witness.

“If this noble court considers granting the request, we urge the court to impose conditions that will mandate the defendants to appear before this court daily for their trial.

“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act demands that the defendants deposit a cost which is reasonable as a security for their bail.

“This sum shall be forfeited in the interest of justice if they jump bail.

“These are my humble submissions.”

The defence counsel, in his response, stated, “We have affirmed that the defendants are ready to make themselves available for trial.

“In the court of law, bail is a right, and that is the right we are invoking.

“We crave the indulgence of this honourable court to admit the defendants on liberal terms.”

The judge, after listening to the arguments of both parties, ruled, “I agree that bail is at the discretion of the court.

” I hereby grant the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties residing within the jurisdiction of the court.

“The sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and submit their passport photographs to the court.”

The matter was adjourned to July 28, for hearing.
(PUNCH)

Metro

Truck Crushes Man Rushing For Jumu’ah Prayers In Rivers

Published

4 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

A trailer loaded with goods has crushed a Muslim faithful rushing for Friday prayers to death in Port Harcourt.

According to Vanguard, the tragic incident happened on the ever-busy Nkpolu junction axis of the East-West road, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, around 2:05 pm.

It was gathered that the victim was crossing the busy road when a black SUV on speed knocked him down and that the truck, which was on high speed, crushed him to death.

A source, who witnessed the incident, narrated that the young man was behind some of his Muslim brothers, who were also going for the Friday prayers, when the incident happened.

The source, who gave his name simply as Tunde, said the other worshipers had crossed, but that the victim, who did not observe the traffic very well before entering the road, was knocked down by the vehicle.

The source said that when the SUV brought him down, a trailer that was on the speed lane ran over him, dismembering the body beyond recognition.

However, the Muslim faithful who were with him took over the highway in protest until police operatives arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, the police restored normalcy while the protesting Muslims took the remains for burial.

Metro

Three Killed As Suspected Bandits Ambush Motorists In Kwara

Published

13 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have allegedly launched a deadly attack on motorists along the Rore and Aranorin communities in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving at least three people dead.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, threw residents and travellers into a state of panic as news of the killings spread across the area.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the victims were seen lying lifeless on the roadside, their bodies partially covered with clothing and leaves by sympathisers who arrived at the scene after the attackers had fled.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the armed men, believed to be operating from hideouts in nearby forests, opened fire on the unsuspecting motorists in what appeared to be a coordinated ambush.

It remains unclear whether the attackers also abducted any victims during the assault, as details were still emerging as of Friday morning.

The attack is the latest in a growing wave of violence that has gripped Kwara State’s Ifelodun and Irepodun local government areas in recent months.

Communities such as Babanla, Shegbe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government have faced repeated attacks, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their ancestral homes.

Many victims have been kidnapped for ransom, while others have been killed in similar raids.

Residents expressed fears that the violence could escalate further unless urgent security measures are taken.

Some community leaders have called on both the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to the affected areas, noting that many villages have been left vulnerable as attacks continue unabated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident.

However, sources indicate that security operatives have been mobilised to the area to prevent further violence and reassure residents.

On August 24, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that hours after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of improved security, suspected bandits abducted two people in the area.

The governor visited the area to reassure residents and restore a sense of security amid ongoing fears of banditry and kidnappings.

However, the criminals struck soon after his departure, highlighting the persistent threat and heightening tension in the community.

The incident reportedly threw residents into fresh panic despite earlier promises of tighter security measures.

Metro

Suspected Amasiri Warriors Invade Ebonyi Community, Behead Farmer Amid Land Dispute

Published

13 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Tragedy struck on Tuesday, August 26, at Okporojo Idima, Oso Edda in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as armed warriors from neighbouring Amasiri community reportedly invaded the farmland of one Mr. Dike Nnachi, beheaded him, and took his head away as a trophy.

The attack marks a continuation of violent hostilities in the area, coming barely four months after the April invasion in which at least four people, including a pregnant woman and her 12-year-old son, were brutally killed.

That incident also left property worth millions of naira destroyed.

Residents told reporters that the latest killing has deepened fears across Oso Edda, as locals now question the effectiveness of the state government’s ongoing peace efforts.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, had, through the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, initiated dialogue between warring communities to stem the tide of violence.

However, Tuesday’s bloodshed is seen as a direct challenge to those peace moves.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that unless decisive action is taken, the violence could escalate further, leaving more lives and property in jeopardy.

In April, renewed violence broke out over a longstanding land dispute between Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and Okporojo in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The hostilities left houses and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, as attackers, reportedly from Amasiri, launched assaults on Okporojo.

The worsening security situation forced many residents of Edda to abandon the Amasiri road, opting instead to travel through Afikpo town due to fear of further attacks.

Although previous administrations attempted to resolve the crisis, including the release of a white paper based on a government committee’s recommendations, implementation has reportedly stalled, allowing the conflict to fester and violence to recur.