Metro

Two Arraigned For Allegedly Selling Nigerian-used Car As Imported

Published

11 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

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.