www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Category: Crime

ICPC Recovered Over ₦20bn from Ghost Workers’ Pensions in 2024 – Chairman, Aliyu

Posted on by admin50

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has revealed that the commission recovered over ₦20 billion siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.Dr. Aliyu explained that the ICPC uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its preventive activities.The ICPC Chairman made this disclosure during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,” an interactive session organized by the ICPC for media executives, in Abuja.He emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress. Highlights of the Chairman’s briefing include but are not limited to the following areas.

Commitment to Due Process and the Rule of Law. According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. This ensures that while the Commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.“Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights. While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity,” he stated.Dr. Aliyu also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.“In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media.

However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised,” he added.Strategic Action Plan and Media Engagement. The ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).“We want our work to be evaluated based on our performance standards, not the need for attention or approval. Our commitment is to provide accurate information without exaggeration or self-promotion. Additionally, we pledge to respond promptly to media inquiries while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines,” he affirmed.Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to implement a Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments.The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level.Call for Media Collaboration. Recognizing the media as a vital stakeholder in the anti-corruption fight, Dr. Aliyu urged journalists to work closely with the ICPC to enhance public awareness and amplify the commission’s programs.In his opening remarks, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, fnipr, a lecturer in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Bayero University, Kano, and a vice president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the ICPC for the initiative, stressed the need for his colleagues to support the Commission’s mission by reporting credible and timely information.Similarly, Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, mni, Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed gratitude for the engagement.

She urged the ICPC Chairman to institutionalize regular interactions with the media to foster greater synergy and collaboration in the fight against corruption.

TASKFORCE ARRESTS TWELVE SUSPECTS FOR LAND GRABBING

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

Lagos State Taskforce today arrested twelve suspected land grabbers for allegedly terrorizing occupants of NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja.

The suspects were arrested following a report that they were obstructing lawful occupants of the area from carrying out their legitimate activities.

The suspects were also reported to have assaulted one Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, while wielding dangerous weapons.

The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally arrested the 12 suspects warned all land grabbers that the agency would not allow Lagosians get cheated out of their landed property or structure.

All the suspects have been charged to court

PSC Appoints New Police Chiefs For Taraba And Anambra State Commands

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Commissioners of Police for Taraba and Anambra State Commands.The Commission approved the appointment of Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere from Abia State as the new Commissioner of Police for Taraba State.

He takes over from CP Peter Oparah while Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu from Bayelsa State takes over the Anambra State Command from Obong Nnache Itam.The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni said the new Commissioners should quickly settle down to their new duty posts and ensure there is no gap that may necessitate a break down of law and order.He charged the new CPs to be dedicated and committed to duty and to assist ensure that Nigeria is freed of the menace of bandits and deviants. He said the Commission will continue to monitor their conduct and assist ensure they succeed in their new duty posts.The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation

Tragedy:Vice Principal, Wife, Three Children Die In Fire Incident

Posted on by admin50

The Vice Principal of Dugja Bayan Tasha Junior Secondary School in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Mallam Aliyu Mohammed, his wife, and three children have lost their lives in a fire outbreak in their house.

According to available information in the media space, the devastating fire outbreak occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

The development was confirmed by the Southern Borno Progressive Union and Biu Forum in different statements on Sunday.

In the statement on one of its social media handles, the union said: “We extend our deepest condolences on the tragic passing of Aliyu Mohammed, Vice Principal of Dugja B/Tasha JSS, and his entire family due to the devastating fire outbreak.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for the community and a great blow to the education sector in Borno, where his selfless service and dedication have contributed significantly to the growth of education in the state.”

The Biu Forum, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Bukar Umar Tashkalma, said: “The Biu Forum is deeply saddened on the tragic loss of Aliyu Mohammed (Danasabe) and his entire family of five, who perished in a devastating fire that engulfed their residence behind the motor park in Biu, Borno State, in the early hours of Sunday, 2nd February 2025.”

Seduction of Teenager In Lagos: Police Arrest IPO For Doctoring Case File, Doctors Report

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

Detectives at the Zone 2, Onikan Command, Lagos, have arrested the investigating police officer at Isheri Osun division, where the case of anal sexual assault of a teenage student was reported. The 16-year-old boy, Edozie Michael Chiagozie, was allegedly assaulted anally by a famous Lagos hotelier identified as Macdonald Okpara, last year ending, after which the teenager confessed to his mother and later ran mad.

The hotelier was subsequently arrested by detectives from Zone 2, Onikan, who were swiftly directed by the AIG in charge of the Zone, Adegoke Fayoade, to investigate the case. Reports said that after the arrest of the suspect, his lawyer claimed that they earlier reported the case to the same zone for proper investigation. However, police sources said that when their case file was recovered from one of the units in Zone 2, it was discovered that it was doctored. Sources said that both a confessional statement made at Isheri Osun division by another teenager sumply called Balogun, who suffered the same fate and reports from doctors at Mirable Center at the General Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, were doctored. Based on this, according to sources, the AIG directed that more investigations be carried out leading to detectives from the Zonal Oracle unit led by CSP Uba storming Isheri Osun police station.It was gathered that when they got there, the IPO who delivered the doctored report confessed that he removed some statements from the case file.

He later brought out the hidden statements, and it turned out to be that of a second victim who gave vivid details of what the hotelier did to them with documented evidence.The rattled detectives reportedly moved him to their office, where he is still undergoing interrogation with a view to disclosing who engaged him to remove the documents and how much he was paid.Reports said that earlier when detectives stormed the house of the hotelier at Egbeda area of the state for fact finding, he nearly deceived them by taking them to a hidden hideout but the detectives cleverly beat him to it and succeeded in locating his main house but it is yet to be ascertained if any incriminating evidence was found there.

However, sources said that they will also proceed to another of his solitary mansions near the hotel at Bucknor in Ejigbo division after they recieved information that the mansion is always isolated and nobody is allowed to enter there. Meanwhile, it was learned that the detectives may invite the police at Ejigbo division, whose men were accused of playing a clandestine role when detectives at Zone 2 stormed Empire hotel owned by the suspect for his arrest. Police sources alleged that as soon as detectives arrived the hotel and were frantically looking for the owner, he reportedly ran upstairs and made calls to Ejigbo division who sent some armed men to intervene. The source claimed the armed men arrived the scene but instead of allowing detectives from the Zone to carry out their duty, they made overtures for respite for the suspect which resulted in his escape that day.As it were, police sources hinted that close friends of the suspect have been making overtures to the police at the zone to give him a soft landing without success hence they have resorted to blackmailing detectives by accusing them of making frivolous monetary demands.

According to sources, it is believed that some high profile personalities are behind the suspect and are hell-bent on scuttling investigations. The source, however, assured that the AIG is on top of the case and has vowed to get to the root of the matter without minding whose ox was gored. As at the time of going to press, both the owner of the hotel known as Empire and the IPO are still in police net. Sources said the investigators are optimistic that they will soon make useful statements to the police.

Businessman undergoes surgery to expel 81 wraps of cocaine stuck in his stomach …7 days after ingesting illicit consignment, deported from Lebanon, nabbed at MMIA. As NDLEA intercepts 2,000kg skunk coming from Ghana at Lagos beach

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

In a near death experience, a 59-year-old businessman Chijioke Nnanna Igbokwe has undergone a surgery, exploratory laparotomy, to let out 57 out of 81 pellets of cocaine stuck in his stomach after seven days of ingesting the illicit substance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Igbokwe was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight on Sunday 26th January 2025. He was promptly taken for body scan, which revealed illicit drugs in his system. He was soon after taken into NDLEA custody for excretion observation. Investigation revealed that Igbokwe who claims to be into cloth business at Arena, Oshodi area of Lagos, departed Lagos on 22nd January to Addis Ababa where he ingested the 81 wraps of cocaine the following day 23rd January and boarded a flight to Beirut, Lebanon to deliver the illicit consignment for a fee of $3,000.

Upon his arrival in Beirut, he said he was refused entry because he had less than $2,000, the amount required to grant him entry. He was then deported to Addis Ababa where he attempted excreting the illicit drugs but could not. He thereafter proceeded to Lagos on Saturday 25th January with the consignment in his bowel. He was however arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport by NDLEA officers on 26th January. After five days under excretion observation, he could only expel 24 pellets following initial medical intervention at the Agency’s medical facility and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.

With the clock ticking for him and the complication of other underlining medical conditions, the suspect was eventually admitted at the tertiary facility where he had to undergo exploratory laparotomy to extract the remaining 57 wraps of cocaine stuck in his stomach after his wife and brother endorsed the necessary consent forms on Thursday 30th January. In all, a total of 81 pellets of the Class A drug with a gross weight of 1.943 kilograms were recovered from his stomach. Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Lagos on Wednesday 29th January intercepted a consignment of 2,000 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis produced in Ghana, at Lekki beach, where two suspects: Sunday Awoyede and Christopher Cletus attempted loading them into a truck.

The suspects, the skunk shipment and the van were immediately taken into custody. Another suspect, Lawal Idris Olasunkanmi was also arrested same day with 55kg skunk during a raid at his base in Mushin area of Lagos. Across the country, NDLEA Commands and formations continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week. Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Grand Light Model School, Ata Udosung, Akwa Ibom; Community Grammar School, Iganna, Iwajowa LGA, Oyo state; Ebute Afuye Primary School, Epe, Lagos state; Akwakuma Girls Secondary School, Owerri, Imo state; and Federal Government College, Kebbe, Sokoto state, while the Kogi state command of the Agency paid a WADA advocacy visit to Attah of Igala, HRH Mathew Opaluwa Oguche at his palace in Idah, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA Strategic Command for their vigilance and professionalism in handling Chijioke Igbokwe’s case, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) warned those involved in the illicit drug trade that they’re not only destroying the lives of others, but equally putting their own lives at great risk. He equally applauded the Lagos State Strategic Command for blocking the huge consignment of skunk from coming into the country. He recognized the concerted efforts of their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA social advocacy lectures and sensitization activities to create a balance in drug supply and demand reduction efforts of the Agency .

Senate President Receives PSC Leadership Calls For More Police Rrecruitment — Promises Senate Support

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The leadership of the Police Service Commission has paid a courtesy visit on the Senate President, Chief Godswil Akpabio, GCON, who used the occasion of the visit to call for more recruitment exercises in the face of the security challenges in the country.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, who led the delegation had informed the Senate President of pressing challenges undermining its performance which included poor funding and the need for independent budgetary allocation to the Commission.

DIG Argungu also made a case for the establishment of functional Zonal offices due to the geographical challenges of operating from a single location while oversighting Police Officers in the 747 local government areas and police stations across the country.

The PSC Chairman expressed the gratitude of the Commission to the Senate President for the close working relationship between the Commission and the National Assembly which he said has significantly enhanced the work of the Commission.

Chief Akpabio in his response said the need for more Police Recruitment was overdue but noted that there must be proper and effective screening of candidates to ensure that the best candidates are selected especially with the state of under policing in the country.

He assured the Commission that he would take up its problems with Mr. President and
work towards finding a resolution.

The Senate President commended the Commission leadership and urged them to continue to fulfil its mandate and persist in its endeavour to ensure a smooth and effective running of the organisation.

Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Head of Press and public Relations, said that those Present at the meeting were, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator osita Ngwu representing Enugu West and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi while Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission accompanied the Hon Chairman of the Commission.

1,088 arrested for financial crimes, $11m, N142bn recovered – Police

Posted on by admin50

No fewer than 1,088 suspects linked to various financial crimes have been arrested in separate operations in 2024.

The operations also led to the recovery of $11,450,000 and N142,261,254,228.80, according to a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said the arrests and recoveries were part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address its placement on the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

He said, “In February 2023, Nigeria was placed on the Financial Action Task Force grey list, designating the country as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorism financing.

“In response to this critical situation, the Nigeria Police Force has been actively tackling these issues through the establishment of specialised units such as the Special Anti-Fraud Unit, the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit.Related News

“Over the past year, these specialised units have made significant strides in combating financial crimes, resulting in the arrest of 1,088 suspects, securing 152 convictions, and recovering a total of $11,450,000 and N142,261,254,228.80.”

Adejobi said the National Cybercrime Centre had been particularly instrumental, accounting for the arrests of 751 cybercrime suspects and recovering N8.82bn, $84,000, and 115,237.91 USDT.

He added that one of the centre’s achievements was a cyber attack on Flutterwave, resulting in the arrest of 179 suspects involved in laundering over N11bn.

Adejobi said, “A notable achievement includes Operation Butterfly Net, addressing a cyberattack on Flutterwave, which led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over N11bn.

“In addition to the proactive efforts of the NPF, the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Sections has bolstered the framework surrounding financial investigations. The training of over 2,000 officers across various units in money laundering and terrorism financing investigations is reflective of the Force’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s global standing in combating financial crimes.”

How 11 family members died in Enugu tanker explosion – Siblings

Posted on by admin50

Eleven members of the same family from the Abofia-Agbaja community in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were among the victims of a tanker fire that occurred at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, on Saturday, PUNCH Metro has learnt.

According to an eyewitness, the fire broke out around 11 a.m., when according to an eyewitness, the tanker lost control while descending a hilly section of the road, crashing into vehicles ahead before spilling its contents and igniting a massive explosion.

The bereaved brother of the deceased Ebonyi 11 family victims, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwaji, who spoke with our correspondent amidst tears on Tuesday, said the explosion claimed the entire family of Mr. Jeremiah Nwaji who was travelling in their private Sienna to the village to bury their late father.

Nwaji narrated that the victims were on their way from Onitsha, Anambra State with his six children, wife, brother and servants to the village where their Sienna bus ignited fire from the explosion that burnt them to ashes.

According to him, his deceased brother who was the breadwinner of the family was conveying the entire family in his friend’s Sienna.

The deceased’s friend had given him the vehicle to enable him to carry all their belongings as his father was billed for burial, this Friday, before he met his death.

He said, “It was disheartening that we lost 11 members of the family in a controllable situation involving my eldest brother and breadwinner of our family, his wife, six children who are among a twin, our last born, our brother’s house help and servants.

“They were in a Sienna vehicle coming to Ebonyi State from Anambra where the incident occurred and were coming for our father’s burial which was scheduled to be held this Friday before his death leaving the family with two siblings as my mother gave birth to four males.”

He called on President Bola Tinubu to revisit the policy that banned the movement of tankers loaded with Premium Motor Spirit during the day, adding that many families had lost their loved ones in similar circumstances.

“As seen in advanced countries, our family is pleading to President Bola Tinubu to revisit the policy that stipulated that tankers should only move by night as seen before where drivers moved from 9:00 in the night till early morning where they pack to continue the next day seeing the havoc it is causing in our country.”

Also, the bereaved sister and widow, Mrs Chiamaka Onyibe, said the victim was the one paying her children’s school fees since she lost her husband.

She added that the family had lost their ‘divine helper’.

PUNCH Metro reports that the deceased was a classmate (2004 Set) of Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.

Police In Delta State Debunks Allegation Of Extortion By A Woman

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The police in Delta state, yesterday, clarified a suspect mother’s alleged extortion of N2.1million by its operatives

According to SP Edafe Bright, the Command spokesman, on the 22nd of October 2024, a complaint was reported via a petition written by Mrs Gladys Ubogu Okeoghene to the Area Commander Warri of Delta State Police Command in her petition, she alleged that a car dealer came to their house and carried a Mercedes Benz GLK and another Benz C400 which was involved in a minor car accident. She further stated that she and her son directed the dealer to sell the vehicles and used the money to buy another car but after the dealer sold the vehicles, he converted the money to his use and blocked her from reaching him.

The area Commander Warri directed a discreet investigation to be carried out which eventually led to the arrest of six male suspects namely Olayemi Abiodun Moses, Nowoke Precious, Tempo Mumandira Billion, Fabian Chinonso Udeh, Ahmed Farouk, and David Solomon. The suspects were arrested in Lagos and Abuja. Upon the arrest of all the six suspects, the investigation was narrowed and one David Solomon who is the dealer was charged to court for the offence of fraudulent conversion of the Mercedes Benz C 400 the vehicle was later recovered from one Olayemi Moses whom he sold to. Further investigation revealed that the GLK vehicle was duly sold for Four Million Naira (#4,000,000) and the money was sent to the son of the complainant one Highness Onoruikpe by one Austin who bought the GLK from Solomon and sent the money directly to Highness account with prove of payment from the buyer of the said vehicle and evidence was seen on the petitioner’s son Phone (bank sms alert).

Upon this new development, the Mercedes Benz C 400, which was earlier recovered and released to the petitioner, was returned to the station for another round of investigation since the petitioner was not honest in her earlier petition. It was at this point that the petitioner abandoned the vehicle and the case at the area commander in a bid to cover up her son’s mischievous actions. The Police did not at any point collect money from her as alleged.Edge disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has enjoined members of the press, social media users to verify facts before publishing.