Navy parades 11 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

29th January 2024

The Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder, stationed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reported the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves in Krakrama Creeks, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. The suspects were apprehended aboard a wooden boat loaded with equipment intended for the construction of an illegal refining site.

Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, revealed the details while presenting the suspects and seized items to the media in Port Harcourt on Monday. The suspects, along with the confiscated items, were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Commodore Igbo, represented by NNS Base Operations Officer, Commander Sa’id Kabir, highlighted that the seized items, which included 20 gas cylinders, were carefully concealed in the boat to avoid detection by security operatives.

He stated, “In line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategic mandate on zero tolerance for crude oil and other petroleum products theft, the Base has been resolute in conducting operations to deny the oil thieves freedom of action in its Area of Operations."

The interception occurred during a routine patrol around Krakrama Creeks on January 23, 2024. The suspects, who were transporting materials for an illegal refinery site in the Bille general area (Degema Local Government), claimed to have been contracted by an individual named Mr. John. The base is actively pursuing the arrest of Mr. John and other individuals involved in the illegal activity.

Emphasizing the commitment to combating criminal activities in the region, Commodore Igbo cautioned oil thieves and criminal elements within Bile and other parts of Rivers State, affirming that the Base would spare no effort in ensuring their apprehension and prosecution.

Deputy Superintendent Monday Lawal from the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the NSCDC, upon receiving the suspects and seized items, asserted that a thorough investigation would be conducted. If found guilty, the suspects would face prosecution.

Lawal stated, “As we are going out of this place (base) to the command, we will subject all of them to proper investigation, and anybody found culpable of the allegations based on what has been handed over to us would be prosecuted.”

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Railway Vandals and Illegal Miners Apprehended by NSCDC, FCT Command

 Railway Vandals and Illegal Miners Apprehended by NSCDC, FCT Command

In a recent development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, successfully apprehended two suspected railway vandals and eleven individuals engaged in illegal mining activities. The Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit of the command played a crucial role in capturing the railway vandals, who were found guilty of willfully vandalizing rail tracks and traffic lights in the Wuye Area of the territory.

The NSCDC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, executed a coordinated operation resulting in the arrest of 11 suspects involved in illegal mining at Izom, a community situated at the FCT and Niger State boundary. Comfort Okomanyi, the spokesperson of the NSCDC in FCT, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu, who led the suspects to the command, emphasized the proactive measures taken to deter criminals within the territory. He underscored the commitment to combat various forms of criminality, including vandalism of critical national assets, illegal mining activities, and more.

"There is no plan to retreat on this mission as they must all be brought to book. Active efforts are underway to apprehend their masterminds who are still at large," declared Odumosu, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of those responsible for economic sabotage through illegal mineral resource exploitation.

Warning against criminal activities, the Commandant affirmed a zero-tolerance approach to vandalism of critical national assets, one-chance syndicates, scavengers, and kidnappers within the FCT jurisdiction. He assured citizens that the NSCDC remains dedicated to identifying and apprehending individuals or groups engaged in activities undermining safety and prosperity.

As the apprehended suspects undergo investigation, the NSCDC affirms its commitment to charging them to court, leveraging the obtained information to determine their culpability or potential affiliation with other notorious criminal syndicates involved in illegal mining operations within the FCT.

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Court remands 2 to correctional centre over missing manhood

The Chief Magistrate’s Court II sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday remanded John Shadrack, 22, and William Isaiah, 33, to a Correctional Centre for assaulting Mr Felix Tuoyo, 70, over an alleged missing manhood.

The defendants were remanded on two-count charges of conspiracy and assault.

The prosecuting officer, Insp. M. Ebirie, had told the court that on Oct. 24, at SPAR Shopping Mall in Port Harcourt, the defendants assaulted Tuoyo and his wife, Susan, over a suspicion that the old man stole Shadrack’s manhood.

 

Ebirie explained that the defendants, and others currently at large, conspired and committed a felony, an offence punishable under section 516(A) of the Criminal Code, cap 37, Vol.ll, law of Rivers state of Nigeria.

He said that the defendants and others at large on the same date and place, unlawfully assaulted the duo by giving them fist blows on their body which caused bodily harm and a fracture on the wife’s left leg.

 

According to him, this is an offence punishable under section 355 of the Criminal Code, laws of the Federation as applicable in Rivers State.

 

After listening to the prosecutor, the Chief Magistrate, R. N. Ibanibo, ordered that the defendants be remanded in the correctional centre and adjourned the case until Nov. 27 for a hearing.

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Father Defiles 12-Year-Old Daughter in Lagos

Father Defiles 12-Year-Old Daughter in Lagos

 

A police Prosecution Witness Inspector, Glory Eyo, on Monday, narrated to the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos how a father, Abdullah Abiodun, allegedly defiled his 12-year-old daughter.

Eyo who was led in evidence by the state prosecuting counsel, Olushola Sholeye, told the court that the minor was defiled by her father in the Badagry area of the state.

The witness also told Justice Abiola Soladoye that it was the defendant’s son, Usman (a younger brother to the victim), who caught his father in the act and raised the alarm.

She said, “Abiodun was at home with his daughter (the victim), his younger brother, and a visitor who came to visit.”

“After the visitor left, Usman was chased out by his father, and the defendant told him to leave the house. When he left, Abiodun removed his daughter’s pants, held her neck, and tried to insert his penis in her private parts.

It was in the process of doing it that the daughter screamed. Her brother heard the noise and entered the house where he saw his father on top of his sister.

“The defendant tried to chase Usman away and then the victim ran out and reported to their neighbor that her father was trying to have sexual intercourse with her.

“The neighbor then reported the case to the Baale, before it was reported to the Lagos State Police Badagry Division,” she said.
Consequently, Justice Abiola Soladoye adjourned the case till December 16, 2023, for continuation of trial.

The defendant was arraigned on June 3, 2021, on a count of unlawful defilement of a child preferred against him by the state.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at their residence in the Badagry area of the state.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

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Naira Marley, Sam Larry Sue Magistrate, Police, Demand N40m As Compensation

The controversial singer, Abdulazeez Fashola, alias Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite, Samson Eletu, alias Sam Larry, have filed a fundamental rights suit to challenge their continued detention over the death of 27-year-old singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, alias Mohbad.

Joined as defendants in the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos were the police and the Lagos magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun, who ordered their remand in police custody for 21 days.

Naira Marley and Sam Larry are each demanding N20m damages from the defendants.

In the suit filed through their lawyer, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), they are urging the court to declare that the continued detention “at the Homicide Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Panti, Yaba, Lagos State since October 4, 2023,” constituted a violation of their rights.

They are seeking “an order of the court releasing the applicants forthwith.”

In the affidavits attached to their suits, deponents said, “Their travails started between October 3 and 4, 2023 when they were arrested by the police on the alleged connection of the applicants with the death of one Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.

“On the 4th day of October 2023, the Commissioner of Police sought an order in the Magistrates’ Court, held at Yaba to remand them for 30 days.

“Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun granted the police application to remand them for only 21 days in the custody of the police.

“The 21-day remand order granted by Chief Magistrate Olatunbosun has since lapsed on October 26, 2023, and the order has not been renewed.”

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Suspected Armed Robbers Attack TASUED Hostel, Rape Four Female Students

At least four female students at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, were reportedly raped on Tuesday when some suspected armed robbers invaded a hostel at the institution.

 Reporter obtained claimed that criminals, in the early hours of Tuesday, invaded hostels at Abapawa, an off-campus area of the varsity and carried out the heinous act.

In a swift reaction to the incident, Deputy Governor of the State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun, and Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, reportedly rushed to the university.

The number two citizen of the state who paid a visit to the victims before they were moved to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, regretted the incident as she described the incident as “distressing and brutal” on her Facebook page.

“Earlier today (Tuesday), after receiving the distressing news about an armed robbery at some TASUED hostels and the brutal rape of four female students, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON directed me to immediately visit the victims and the campus on a fact-finding mission and to pledge the Government’s support in ensuring this doesn’t happen again.

“I have visited with the girls who are now being cared for and given the necessary support to heal from their trauma at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at OSUTH.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is of utmost importance, and I subsequently had a crucial meeting with the Management and Students of TASUED. I was joined by the Ogun State Commissioner for Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu and the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, where we discussed concrete steps to bolster security measures and foster a safe environment on campus and the adjacent host community,” Salako-Oyedele.

She quoted the CP as having promised to hunt down the perpetrators of the crime.

“The Ogun State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and that our institutions remain safe spaces for learning and growth. The CP has promised that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetuators are brought to book and justice prevails

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IGP CONDEMNS POLICE OFFICERS, CIVILIANS’ MURDER IN BENUE BANK ROBBERY ATTACK

 

IGP CONDEMNS POLICE OFFICERS, CIVILIANS’ MURDER IN BENUE BANK ROBBERY ATTACK

Tasks CP, surrounding states to fish out perpetrators

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Saturday, October 21, condemned the bloodbath by armed bank robbers carried out in five banks in Otukpo, Benue State, on Friday, October 20.

RALD NEWS MEDIA also record that the IGP also described the violent act as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.

It will be recalled that the bank robbery resulted in the tragic loss of lives of police officers and innocent civilians. 

In a statement by the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by this senseless act of violence. 

IGP Egbetokun disclosed that two of the armed robbery suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape, 

“The assailants who orchestrated this brazen act of criminality had in murdered sleep, as their actions have shaken the Otukpo community to its core,” the IGP said.

He assured the public that every resource and effort would be dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

Also, in response to the incident, the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive and coordinated effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. 

To achieve this, the IGP ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command, and directed surrounding state commands to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for the atrocity committed.

This, he said, would be a follow up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday. 

The FPRO said that the IGP had put all commands and formations on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria, more so that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the ember month challenges which are often characterised by bank robbery and other related crimes. 

“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects. 

“Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” the FPRO quoted the IGP to have said. 

The police chief reiterated the NPF’s commitment to the safety and security of the Nigerian people, standing united against acts of violence and criminality and vowing to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice.

 

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DPO shot dead as Police confirm attack on five commercial banks

The Nigerian Police, Benue State Command has confirmed the Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP. John Adikwu and three other operatives killed during the armed robbery raid on commercial banks in Otukpo town of the state.

The armed robbers invaded some banks in the Otukpo area, on Friday afternoon .

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP. Catherine Anene, in a statement, also confirmed that five banks were robbed simultaneously.

 

Anene added that in a hot pursuit of the outlaws afterwards, security operatives gunned down two of the armed robbers while still on the trail of other who abandoned their vehicle and ran into the bush along Otukpo – Taraku axis.

“On 20/10/2023 at about 1615hrs, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA and Stanbic bank Otukpo simultaneously.

“The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP. John Adikwu and other Police teams in the area engage them in a gun dwell but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks.

 

“More police teams in collaboration with other security agents have been deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilising the area and prevent these robbers from escaping.

“The robbers who were intercepted along Otukpo-Taraku road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process. Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest area and are been chased by the police.

“The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital. Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment,” the PPRO explained.

She noted that nvestigation into the matter had commenced but however silent on the number of civilians killed during the robbery incident

Meanwhile, one of the military personnel who engaged the armed robbers on their escape route confided that security couldn’t do much in engaging the daredevils while the illicit operation went on because of the crowd of innocent people at the scene.

“We waited for them on their escape route and engaged them, they had to abandon their vehicle towards Taraku town. We pursued them into the bush and fell two of them. We apprehended one alive.”

 

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the armed robbery attacks on some commercial banks in Otukpo town.

Alia in a statement by his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, described the robbery incident as an affront on the state, especially that it took place at the exact time the security Council meeting was in progress at Government House in Makurdi.

The governor sympathised with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered by the robbers during the robbery.

 

 

He said, “It is an unfortunate development that people who were on duty, especially police officers, were shot and killed in cold blood by those mindless robbers.

“But they cannot get away with this. Already, security agencies are on their trail and must apprehend and bring them to justice”.

Alia therefore called on the people of the state to be vigilant and always endeavour to report suspicious movements around them all the time.

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