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Category: Crime

Drama as passenger caught stealing N290,000 from foreigner aboard Ibom Air flight

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There was a mild drama onboard an Ibom Air flight on Wednesday after a male passenger was apprehended for allegedly stealing N290,000 from a foreign traveller’s luggage inside the aircraft’s overhead compartment.

 

The incident, which occurred shortly before the plane was set to depart from Lagos to Abuja, triggered chaos among passengers until Aviation Security officers intervened. The suspect was eventually removed from the aircraft and handed over to the police.

 

An eyewitness onboard the flight said the drama unfolded around 7:00 a.m. as boarding was being completed. The foreign passenger reportedly raised an alarm when he discovered that N290,000 in cash had disappeared from his bag stored in the overhead locker.

According to the witness, who preferred to remain anonymous, the cabin crew quickly began an internal investigation. Another passenger then claimed to have seen a man rummaging through the foreigner’s luggage shortly before the alarm was raised. The accused passenger, however, denied the allegation.

An airport worker, who also asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the money was later found on the suspect following a body search prompted by another passenger’s suggestion.

 

He said part of the cash was recovered from the suspect’s socks, while the rest was discovered hidden beneath his seat.

Confirming the development on Thursday, Ibom Air’s spokesperson, Annie Essienette, said the airline’s prompt response helped contain the situation.

 

She said, “Yes, the incident is true, and the timely intervention of both the crew and security operatives helped to restore calm immediately. The suspect was handed over to the police. However, the victim is not interested in pressing charges, so the suspect may be released.”

 

(PUNCH)

Delta State Police Swoop On Hideouts, Nabs Internet Fraudsters, Ritualists, Recover Firearms

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

The hardworking Delta State police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Edafe Bright has confirmed that acting on credible intelligence related to cult activities around Ibusa and its environs always, Operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) last week, stormed the residence of one

 

 

Onwugbenu Olisa, adult ‘m’ of Umunye by pass by Power Line Ibusa Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. Now, at large, arrested in the said house was one Okechukwu Okwudili Nwanolue, male, 45 years, a native of Abala-Obodo community in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State. Upon search of the residence, one pump action loaded with three(3) live cartridges, two(2) laptops suspected to be devices used for internet fraud, a live snail and other fetish items concealed in a shrine were recovered. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

 

 

In another development, Bright said operatives of CP-SAT, acting on credible intelligence related to an armed syndicate terrorising the Sapele-Warri road, deposed their unsuspecting victims of their valuables. On 07/10/2025, at about 0630hrs, operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team ( CP-SAT ) stormed a criminal hideout at Adheje Community along Sapele-Warri road, where two (2) suspects, viz Lucky Tenaera ‘m’ 24yrs, a Native of Okwetolor community, Sapele LGA of Delta State and Prince Emma Esemedafe ‘m’ 38yrs, a native of Effurun in Uvwie LGA of Delta State, both residing at Adheje community, Sapele LGA, Delta State. One locally made long gun, eleven (11) an ATM card, and other items. Suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing.

Man arrested for reportedly killing wife after child’s birthday in Auchi

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Police operatives in Edo State have arrested a middle-aged man identified as TJ for allegedly murdering his wife, Queen, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

 

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, September 30, after the couple had celebrated their two-year-old son’s birthday. TJ was said to have attacked his wife with an axe and fled the scene afterward.

 

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the couple showed no sign of disagreement before the incident.

 

“There was no sign of a quarrel between them. We all went to bed that night, but by morning, neighbours didn’t see them come out and assumed they were still asleep.

It was their little boy who later came out of the room with bloodstains on his body. When people saw the stains and noticed he wasn’t injured, they rushed into the room and found the woman lying lifeless in a pool of blood, her throat slit,” the source said.

 

The witness added that the suspect had disappeared from the area immediately after the killing, prompting neighbours to alert the police.

 

The case was subsequently reported to the Auchi Police Division, which launched a manhunt that led to the suspect’s arrest.

 

Confirming the development, CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo Police Command, said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation.

The suspect has been apprehended and moved to the State CID for proper investigation,” Yamu said.

Kidnapping: NBA warns lawyers to steer clear of 9 LGAs in Kebbi

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi Branch, has advised its members to avoid travelling to nine local government areas in the state identified as high-risk zones for kidnapping.

 

Branch Chairman, Aminu Hassan, announced the directive in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

 

According to him, the affected local governments are Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa, Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya and Augie.

 

Hassan said the resolution followed an emergency meeting convened on Saturday after the abduction of a member of the association, Mr. Isyaku Muhammad-Danjuma, who was kidnapped on Wednesday along the Ibeto–Birnin Kebbi road in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

 

The chairman said the association condemned the incident and expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity nationwide.

 

He added that the branch had resolved that its members would boycott court sessions from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10 to protest their colleague’s abduction and draw attention to the worsening security situation.

 

“Upon the expiration of the boycott period, members are also urged to suspend handling of terrorism-related cases, including those involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice,” Hassan said.

He assured that the association would engage relevant authorities to secure the safe release of the abducted lawyer and urged the government and security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace and public confidence.

 

Hassan further said the branch would collaborate with the judiciary to create alternative venues for court proceedings to reduce travel to unsafe locations.

 

He commended members of the Bar, the judiciary, the media and the general public for their solidarity, calling for unity in the pursuit of justice and peace.

Prostitution: Diddy bags 4-year jail term after emotional court hearing

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American music icon Sean “Diddy” Combs has been handed a 50-month prison sentence following his conviction on prostitution-related offences.

 

Prosecutors had sought an 11-year term, but Judge Arun Subramanian settled on just over four years after an emotional hearing that lasted the entire day on Friday.

 

Combs’s legal team had argued for a lighter punishment of 14 months — roughly the time he has already spent in custody at a Brooklyn facility.

 

Before the sentence was announced, the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul addressed the court and expressed regret for his actions.“I am truly sorry,” he said. “I ask your honour for mercy. I beg your honour for mercy.”

 

In July, a jury cleared Combs of the more

serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering but found him guilty of two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.

 

His former partner, singer Casandra Ventura, popularly known as Cassie, wrote a powerful victim impact statement urging the court to consider “the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control.”

 

Ventura described years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, recounting harrowing experiences she endured during their relationship.

 

Alongside another woman identified only as Jane, Ventura said she was forced into “freak-offs” — sexual encounters with hired men that Combs arranged and occasionally filmed.

The entire courtroom watched actual footage of Combs kicking and beating me as I tried to run away from a freak off in 2016,” she revealed.

 

She added that she continues to battle nightmares and flashbacks “on a regular, everyday basis.”

 

Prosecutor Christy Slavik told the court that Combs had yet to show genuine accountability.“His remorse was qualified. It’s as though he thinks the law doesn’t apply to him,” she said, noting that he had scheduled speaking engagements in Miami, seemingly anticipating a lighter sentence. She described this as “the height of hubris.”

 

In defence, attorney Nicole Westmoreland portrayed Combs as “an inspiration” and a “social justice crusader.”“No, Combs is not larger than life. He’s just a human being. He’s made mistakes,” she said, insisting that he was remorseful and that “it’s of no benefit to anyone to warehouse him in a prison.”

 

Combs’s six adult children also made emotional pleas for leniency. His eldest son, Quincy Brown, described him as “a changed man,” while one of his daughters, D’Lila Combs, told the judge, “Please, please give our family the chance to heal together. Not as headlines but as human beings.”

Woman sets self ablaze, dies in late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa’s family home

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Bauchi was recently plunged into sorrow following the death of a middle-aged woman who reportedly set herself ablaze inside the family home of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The woman, reportedly the daughter of a former Sharia court judge in the state, was said to have been rescued by bystanders and rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where she succumbed to severe burns.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Mohammed Ahmed Wakil describing it as ‘most unfortunate’. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu had ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

‘On the 26 September, at approximately 11:05 a.m., an unidentified woman, who has now died, went to the family house of late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. After being informed that the person she sought was absent, she produced a gallon of petrol and set herself ablaze’, Wakil said.

According to the police, the woman was rescued alive and admitted to ATBUTH, where she was able to give a statement before her passing. She reportedly claimed she did not know the liquid was petrol, insisting she believed it was water.

Neighbours and acquaintances disclosed that the woman had a history of mental illness, which emerged following the birth of her last child.

Her body has since been released to her family for burial.

The state Police Command extended condolences, expressing hope that her family would find strength in the wake of the tragedy.

BREAKING: Court orders Police to halt tinted permit enforcement

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A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to maintain the status quo in a case brought by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is challenging the legality of the recently revived tinted glass permit policy.

The Police had reintroduced the permit system through its digital platform, POSSAP, following widespread complaints about officers harassing motorists with factory-fitted tints.

Enforcement officially resumed in June 2025 after a 30-day grace period and was later extended twice — first to August, then to October — to give road users more time to register. Authorities defended the move on security grounds, arguing that criminals often rely on vehicles with heavily tinted glass to escape detection.

The suit, however, raises questions about whether the Police acted within the limits of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, which only allows permits for “good cause,” such as medical or security needs.

Aikpokpo-Martins and other critics argue that the blanket enforcement infringes on constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement, places unnecessary burdens on motorists, and risks fueling harassment by law enforcement officers.

More details to follow…

(VANGUARD)

Edo police neutralize 2 kidnap suspects, recover arms

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The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers during a bush combing operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area.

 

In a statement released on Wednesday in Benin, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed that the operation was carried out on September 30 following credible intelligence reports.

 

According to him, operatives from the Amedokhian Tactical Division, led by SP Peter Ogah, teamed up with local hunters and vigilante groups to raid suspected hideouts along the railway track leading to Ubiaja.

 

“During the operation, the team encountered a gang of suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the operatives.

“In the ensuing gun duel, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries,” Yamu said.

 

He said that one AK-47 rifle with breech number 4148, 33 rounds of live ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered at the scene.

 

The neutralised suspects, he said, were taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead.

 

The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives of the Tactical Division recovered an English-made double-barrelled shotgun with breech number 03273286 on the same day.

 

He said the gun was recovered alongside two live cartridges during another bush combing exercise around Idumogun community in Ukoni, also within Esan South East LGA.

He said Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry of the operatives, hunters, and vigilante groups for their swift response and synergy in combating crime.

 

“The command remains resolute in its commitment to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

 

“We urge the public to support our community safety partnership initiative and informal policing efforts to ensure a safer state,” he quoted Agbonika as saying.

 

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report emergencies via 08037646272 or 08077773721.

Armed robbers kill Arise News journalist in her Abuja home

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A news anchor, reporter and producer with Arise News Channel, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has been killed by armed robbers who raided her residence in Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

 

Below is the statement by Arise News on the incident:

 

TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU

 

December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025

 

 

It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.

 

Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.

 

Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.

 

We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.

 

 

 

Hadiza Usman-Ajayi

 

For Management

Two drug kingpins arrested with consignments of cocaine, heroin, meth in Lagos 

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

As NDLEA intercepts 3 bandits’ suppliers with Colorado, Opioid supplies in Borno, Yobe; destroys 24,146kg skunk in Edo forests

 

Two drug kingpins: Victor Nwosa and Felix Chika Obiegbu have been arrested by operatives of a Special Operations Unit (SOU) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after consignments of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine being prepared for export to Europe and beyond were recovered from their Lagos homes following weeks of intelligence and surveillance on their criminal networks.

While 64-year-old Nwosa parades himself as a successful textile merchant, 49-year-old Obiegbu is known to many as a businessman who is into wine distribution but beneath their outward appearance is their hidden illicit drug business unearthed by NDLEA operatives after months of intelligence gathering on the two syndicates led by them.

At the time they were preparing their consignments for export, NDLEA-SOU operatives who have for months put them under surveillance, swooped on them in different parts of Lagos. Nwosa was arrested on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at his 16 Femi Kila street, Okota home where 4.33 kilograms of heroin and 448 grams of cocaine were recovered during a search of his house. In his case, Obiegbu was arrested on Thursday 11th September at his 5 Shada Shonefun street, Aguda Surulere home where in the course of a search, 2.902 kilograms of methamphetamine were uncovered and seized.

Attempts by suspected suppliers of illicit drugs to terrorists and bandits in Borno and Yobe to move illicit drugs concealed in engine compartment of a Mercedes Benz jeep and a lady’s travelling bag were also thwarted by NDLEA operatives on stop and search operations in the two states.

In Borno, following weeks of intelligence, NDLEA officers on Saturday 27th September arrested Baba Kaka Ibrahim, 26, at Njimtilo village while driving a Mercedes Benz GLK marked JRE 987 AE towards Damaturu road. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 39, 380 pills of tramadol 225mg and exol-5 stuffed in the engine compartment of the jeep.

Same day in Yobe state, NDLEA operatives intercepted a lady Halima Adamu along Damaturu-Maiduguri road, where 39 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 1.4kg were found concealed inside the casing of her travelling bag. A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of another lady linked to the consignment, Habiba Muhammad, at her Baga road, Maiduguri home.

Two suspects: Aliyu Sani, 27, and Yahaya Tata, 26, were on Saturday 27th September arrested by NDLEA operatives along Zaria – Kano road, Gadar Tamburawa, Kano state with 30,030 pills of tramadol seized from them, while three suspects: Friday Elebechi, 35; Tobin Godgift, 30; and Aya Clement, 30, were arrested by NDLEA operatives at Swali jetty, Yenagoa, Bayelsa on Monday 22nd September after 12kg of skunk, a strain of cannabis and 50 Diana AAA cartridges were recovered from them.

A 45-year-old ex-convict Femi Owoeye (aka Do Good) was on Thursday 25th September arrested by NDLEA officers at his 24 Oke-Igele street, Ikere Ekiti home. He was found in possession of 32kg skunk and 10.5grams of tramadol. He had been convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment for a similar drug trafficking offence in 2016.

In Kaduna, a suspect Adedamola Olayeni, 56, was on Monday 22nd September arrested with 404 blocks of skunk weighing 262.6kg at the Abuja – Kaduna tollgate. The consignment was found in his Honda Pilot jeep marked MKA 499 TT, coming from Osogbo, Osun state and heading to Katsina state. Another suspect, Zubairu Haruna, 30, was on Wednesday 24th September found with 506grams of methamphetamine at the Gwantu – Fadan Karshi check point, Kaduna while a follow up operation in Gombe state led to the arrest of the actual receiver of the consignment Babangida Mohammed, 25.

No fewer than 85,100 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from the trio of Dauda Abubakar; Abdullahi Umar and Ismaila Muhammed at Apapa area of Lagos on Monday 22nd September, while NDLEA operatives in Abuja the following day Tuesday 23rd September arrested Opeyemi Ogundipe, 40, with 2.1kg Colorado along Abaji- Gwagwalada expressway.

In Edo state, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 23rd September destroyed a total of 12,115.6kg skunk on 4.846244 hectares of cannabis plantation at Uromi forest in Esan West LGA where two suspects: Ernest Uche, 44, and Felix Mugorga, 31, were arrested and 345.5kg processed substance was evacuated. At Ogu forest, Igueben LGA, no less than 12,031.245kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on 4.438442 hectares of cannabis farm on Wednesday 24th September with 106.1kg processed consignment evacuated. A truck conveying 82 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal with a total weight of 1,025kg was intercepted by NDLEA operatives along Wareke-Auchi road, Etsako West LGA on Friday 26th September while two suspects: Kabiru Abdulahi, 35; and Anas Safiyanu, 20, were apprehended in connection with the seizure.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of RCM Primary School 1, Igboora, Oyo; Champion International Academy, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu; Government Day Secondary School, Babban-Mutum, Katsina; Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Dakata Kawaji, Nasarawa LGA, Kano; Solomon Primary School, Oko Balogun, Epe, Lagos while the Kogi state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Ejeh Ankpa, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu in Ankpa.

While commending the officers and men of the SOU, Borno, Yobe, Edo, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, FCT, Ekiti and Bayelsa Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues nationwide to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency. He noted that “the success of the various operations across the country underscores our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria from illicit substances that threaten public health and national security. Every gram of these dangerous drugs we seize and remove from our streets and communities, reinforces our determination to protect our youths, disrupt criminal networks, and strengthen national security.”