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Category: Security

Drama as Uromi Chief Imam counters police rescue claims, says ransom was paid

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The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has refuted claims by the police that he was rescued from his abductors, revealing instead that his release came only after a ₦6.5 million ransom was paid.

The cleric, who was kidnapped on July 9 in Uromi, Edo State, clarified the circumstances of his release in response to an earlier statement issued by the Edo State Police Command.

According to the police, Imam Obhakhobo was freed as a result of “sustained pressure” mounted by their operatives. The statement, signed by police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu, credited law enforcement efforts for the Imam’s return.

But in an interactive session with journalists, the Chief Imam said contrary to the police claim, he paid ransom to the kidnappers.

“I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central, I was kidnapped on July, 9, 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road,”

“I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police” he said

He said upon his return from captivity, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information, which he provided.

He said after explaining what transpired to the DPO, he was surprised to see the police “trying to take credit for doing nothing”.

“My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police.”

He however expressed appreciation to those who prayed for him and showed concerns during his period in captivity.

 

(DailyTrust)

Delta Police Neutralize Six Kidnappers, Arrest Five Suspects, Recovers N5m Ransom

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

In its avowal to make Delta state peaceful and crime free, the Command, through the spokesman, SP Bright Edafe said six kidnappers has fell to superior fire power of the police in a gun battle with its operatives, arrested five kidnappers, recovers N5m ransom and various arms .

According to Edafe, on 12th July 2025 at about 0630hrs, the command Special Anti-kidnapping and cyber crime squad, CSP Godwin Osadolor led operatives and trailed suspected kidnappers terrorising Delta State to their hideout at Ogwashi Ukwu in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State, where a suspected kidnapper named Sanusi Abdulahi was arrested in possession of ransom of N5m which was part of the ransom they collected from one of thier victims. Preliminary investigation revealed that they were allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings at Ibusa Ogwash-Ukwu, Obulu-Okiti, Isele-Ukwu, Isele-Asagba and most recently the kidnapping of a young lady at Ogwash-Ukwu on the 9th July 2025. The suspect, Edafe revealed led the operatives to their hideout at Second Deputy, and Oko in Asaba, where four other members of his gang were also arrested.

 

similarly, Edafe disclosed that on the 9th of July, 2025, at about 0835 hrs, along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway, near the Unenurhei axis, Operatives of CP-Special assignment team in a sting operation raided the hideout of Solomon Danisco a.k.a Picolo, Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, Whisky Rufus, a.k.a Asawana,a native of Ewu community. During the operation, the suspects, heavily armed, engaged the operatives in a fierce gun duel during which the suspects and their gang members sustained serious gunshot injuries. They were taken to the hospital, where six of them were confirmed dead while two others are still receiving treatment. Exhibits recovered, according to the image maker, includes four locally-made guns and nineteen rounds of live cartridges.

Concluding, Edafe released these numbers below as the commands’ dedicated control room phone numbers:

– 08036684974

– 08114895600

– 08025666914

Crime & Law Edo : Gunmen abduct Chief Imam of Uromi

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The Chief Imam of Uromi, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, who also serves as the President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in the Edo-Delta region, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen.

The cleric was seized around 2 p.m. on Sunday near his home in the Angle 90 area of Uromi, located in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to eyewitnesses, the Islamic leader had just completed one of the daily prayers and was out to purchase food for his family when the assailants struck and took him away by force.

Speaking on the incident,  Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), denounced the abduction in strong terms.

He said the act was both shameful and unacceptable, urging those responsible to release the cleric without delay or conditions.

“I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don’t have such.Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them,” he said.

Igbinidu also appealed to the Edo State Government to take decisive action to safeguard citizens and ensure the Imam’s safe return.
“They are the ones that have the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and without harm.Government should also put up all efforts to ensure that the citizens are able to sleep well with the two eyes closed and work freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination,” he said.

A family member said that the kidnappers have made contact and are demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has raised alarm within the Muslim community, particularly due to the Imam’s prominent status and commitment to youth development.

Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for confirmation proved unsuccessful, as calls and text messages to the spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, went unanswered.

Niger: Bandits overpower security operatives, kill 10, including police officer

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At least 10 people, including a mobile police officer and a local vigilante, have been killed in a deadly attack by bandits in Mangoro community, located in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents who spoke to Daily Trust revealed that Mangoro and nearby communities have been under the control of the armed criminals since Tuesday, following a violent confrontation in which the bandits overpowered a joint security team made up of police officers and vigilantes.

In addition to the fatalities, several others—including members of the local vigilante group—sustained gunshot injuries, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.

One of the residents who didn’t want his name mentioned said the vigilantes and police tried their best but could not contain the firepower of the bandits whom he said were in a large number and armed with sophisticated weapons.

“Four people including one mobile police, one vigilante and two farmers lost their lives. The Vigilantes and police truly confronted them but they overpowered them. In fact, the vigilantes ran out of ammunition and had to run. Our Vigilantes truly need support from authorities, especially those in the Mangoro community, because that is their regular route”, he said.

Another source said no fewer than 13 lives including vigilantes were lost; many others including the Vigilantes sustained bullet injuries.

He said bandits also destroyed telecommunication masts, disrupting communication.

The Chairman, Mariga LGA, Abbas Adamu Kasuwan-Garba, confirmed the attacks but did not confirm the casualties.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he was going to verify and revert but he had not done so as of the time of filing the report.

 

WE HAVE BROUGHT POSITIVE INNOVATIONS AND READY TO SACRIFICE TO MAKE PSC WORK – ARGUNGU

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

A two day workshop on Strengthening Institutional capacity for effective Police oversight for Board Members, Directors and Heads of Departments and Units of the Police Service Commission has ended in Abuja.

 

The two day workshop was a product of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as part of its supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project (SPAAT). It was also organised with further support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) in recognition of the Commission as a critical institution for ensuring a rights-based, transparent, and accountable policing system.

 

The workshop titled “Strengthening Institutional capacity for effective Police oversight served as a Strategic entry point, aligning directly with broader democratic governance and security Reforms in Nigeria. The two day workshop focused on internal governance and Public accountability.

 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, said the new Governing Board has brought positive innovations in the management of the Commission.

 

DIG Argungu said the Board was committed to making genuine sacrifices to make the Commission work not only for the nation but also for the Staff component.

 

He said the Commission belongs to all, (management and staff) stressing that if the staff do not individually care for the progress of the organisation, “then the PSC is in trouble”.

 

He said the Governing Board will do its best to put the Commission in the right global best practices and noted that they will remain open to entertain constructive criticism.

 

DIG Argungu said there was need for the Management and staff to continue to share ideas since, according to him, the Commission, is “bigger than any of us”

 

Also speaking at the closing Ceremony, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission said the participants are returning to work galvanised to make a difference and help the Commission meet the expectations of Nigerians. ” We are here for two days, and we are now fully prepared to do our work”. He thanked the President for appointing them to serve the nation in these capacities and paid glowing tributes to the Chairmen of both the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions.

 

Napoleon Enayaba, Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, pledged the continued partnership of UNDP and the Commission stressing ” I can see commitment in this Board”. He also commended the commitment of staff at the workshop and noted that serving the people requires dynamism . ” We remain committed to this journey with the Commission”, he declared.

 

The two day workshop had seven paper presentations, which included; Understanding the PSC mandate and Legal framework with DIG Argungu as facilitator; Strengthening Oversight and Accountability in the Police Force with Dr. Otiver Igbuzor, former PSC Board Member as facilitator; Effective Policy Implementation for Recruitment, Promotion and Discipline; with Ms Ime Olufunmilayo Enang as facilitator and Strengthening Institutional Governance and Performance Management with Dr. Joe Abah, former Director General of Bureau of Public Reforms as facilitator.

 

There were also sessions on Enhancing Complaints Management and Public Trust, facilitated by Ms Odinaka Lagi, Programme Director NULAI; Digital Transformation for Effective Police oversight facilitated by Dr. Amina Sambo’Magaji, AI expert and Funding, Partnerships and Sustainability strategies facilitated by Mr. Sean Tait, Executive Director, APCOF.

Edo Police Arrest 16 Suspected Cultists, Recovers Firearms, Ammunition

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

In a major crackdown on cult-related activities, the Edo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists across various parts of the state, recovering an assortment of weapons and illicit substances in the process.

 

Among the recovered items from the cultists were five firearms, 18 rounds of live ammunition, two battle axes, a fabricated pistol, cutlasses, and a vehicle. A bunker of “ice,” a known illicit drug, was also confiscated.

 

One of the key arrests includes 33-year-old Bello Salami, a confessed member of the Maphite Confraternity, allegedly involved in the killing of three vigilante operatives along Wire Road in Benin City. He was apprehended at the Benin Airport while attempting to flee the state.

 

Other suspects include, Abdulahi Eriamiator (18) and Moses Humphrey (25 years), both members of the Vikings Confraternity. arrested in Also arrested in

Aduwawa, Ahmed Hakeem (23 years) of the Aye Confraternity, whose arrest led to a sting operation in South Ibie, Etsako West LGA, resulting in the arrest of five others and the recovery of weapons and narcotics. Ogbe Osaghele (29 years), caught in Irrua with a cut-to-size shotgun and cartridges, Itua Odion (22 years), apprehended in Ekpoma with a pistol and two cartridges hidden in an unregistered Lexus RX 350. He confessed to being the Esan Zonal Leader of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Black Axe, Hamza Umoru (27 years), Emmanuel Udeh (27 years), Kalifa Kabir (24 years), and Ashiru Ahmed (22 years) were arrested in Auchi disguised as scrap scavengers with a concealed pump-action rifle, Jerry Orobor (50 years), arrested in Amagba, Benin, where police recovered a double-barrel shotgun, 10 cartridges, and a face cap bearing Aye Confraternity insignia.

 

Police say investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court soon as the Commissioner of police , Monday Agbonika, assures the residents of the security of their lives and property.

Oyo: Police arrest provost, admission officer, others over alleged certificate forgery

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The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 15 students of Mufutau Lanihun College of Education, Ibadan, for the alleged possession of forged Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) statements of results.

The forged results were reportedly meant for processing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) regularisation.

Also arrested were the institution’s Provost, Prof. Lawal Musliudeen Ayodele, and the Admission Officer, Mr. Abiodun Gbolade.

The College of Education is said to be affiliated with Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State, for degree programmes in Education.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the students went to the JAMB office with the fake certificates, but they were discovered by an official (name withheld).

A credible source said the students, who were in their first or second year at the College of Education, were issued the NCE certificates to process direct entry into Akungba University.

Upon receiving the complaint from the JAMB office, a team of operatives attached to the command raced to the scene and arrested the 15 students. The allegedly forged documents were recovered from them.

Nigerian Tribune further gathered that, during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being students of AAU, Akungba, affiliated with the College of Education, and claimed the statements of results were issued by the college’s management.

The confession reportedly led to the arrest of the institution’s Provost and Admission Officer.

The JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, is said to be aware of the incident.

When contacted, the Command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrest of the suspects, adding that investigation is still ongoing.

Court Jails Man One Year For $5000 Money Laundering in Lagos

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Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced one Mbonu Somto to one year imprisonment for money laundering.

Somto was arraigned on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of $5000 (Five Thousand United States Dollars) brought against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

*Details later*

Police Oversight: National Assembly Pledges Support For PSC 

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As a two-day workshop on Strengthening Institutional capacity for effective Police oversight began today, Wednesday 2nd July, 2025 in Abuja for Board Members, Directors and Heads of Departments and Units of the Police Service Commission, PSC,the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori Ahmed who declared the workshop open acknowledged the challenges facing Police oversight and the urgent need to enhance institutional frameworks that promote transparency, professionalism and Public trust in law enforcement.

According to the Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, Senator Ahmed said that Commission plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force operates within the highest standards of integrity and service delivery.

 

Ahmed said the theme of the workshop “underscores the critical need for robust, accountable and efficient Policing system in Nigeria”.

 

The Senate Committe Chairman disclosed that the workshop presents a unique opportunity for Board Members, key Management and technical officials of the Commission to engage in capacity building initiatives that will further empower them to carry out their oversight mandate effectively.

Senator Ahmed urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop adding “the knowledge and skills you acquire here will not only enhance your individual competences but will also contribute significantly to the broader goal of transforming Policing in Nigeria.

 

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions, Honourable (Barr) Aliyu Wakili Boya in his goodwill message said Strengthening institutional capacity for effective Police oversight require a multi-faceted approach involving independent oversight bodies such as the Commission, Police Accountability measures and community engagement.

 

Hon. Boya said this includes enhancing the capacity of external oversight bodies, promoting Transparency and accountability within the Police Force, and fostering trust and Cooperation between Police and the Community.

He said Strengthening the Police Service Commission capacity, fostering accountability within the Police and encouraging public participation, “Nigeria can create a law enforcement system that is transparent, accountable and respected by the citizens it serves” adding “as a parliament, we are committed to ensuring the legal support is provided for initiatives that require legislation”.

 

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, in his opening address said in a rapidly evolving security landscape, “the need for robust oversight mechanisms cannot be overstated. According to the PSC Chairman “effective oversight is not just about accountability – it is about building public trust, fostering operational excellence, and ensuring that Policing aligns with democratic values and the rule of law.

 

DIG Argungu noted that while the Commission have made progress in executing our mandate, there are still challenges such as procedural bottlenecks, funding, gaps in legal frameworks and the dynamic nature of Policing demand”.

 

He urged the participants to actively engage in all the sessions, ask critical questions and contribute to the development of practical solutions. ” let us approach this workshop with an open mind, a collaborative spirit and a shared determination to translate discussions into tangible reforms” adding that “as we commence this workshop, let us remember that the ultimate beneficiaries of our efforts are the Nigerian people – who rightfully expect a Police Force that is professional, accountable and human rights-compliant”.

 

DIG Argungu noted that the success of this initiative will be measured by the Commission’s ability to institutionalize the knowledge gained and implement Reforms that enhance public safety and confidence in policing.

 

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Napoleon Enayaba in his goodwill message said ” at the heart of this workshop lies a fundamental principle: that oversight is indispensable to trust. “The Police Service Commission, as Nigeria’s constitutionally mandated civilian oversight body, plays a critical role in ensuring professionalism, transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.”

 

Mr. Enayaba said UNDP’s engagement in the workshop through the supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project, ” is anchored in our broader commitment to people-centred security”

 

He said the Reforms must not only strengthen institutions but must also deliver real improvements in people’s everyday experiences of safety, dignity and justice”.

PSC Extols President Tinubu On Completion And Commissioning Of Roads In Dakibiyu, Jabi.. Says Wike Has Transformed FCT For Good

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission has expressed sincere gratitude and commendation to Mr. President on the Completion and commissioning of roads in Dakibiyu District Jabi in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

 

According to a Statement released by the Commission’s Head, Press And Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON today, officially commissioned the newly constructed collector Road CN8 (Asuquo Okon Street) from Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to Arterial Road N1 and other connecting Roads in Dakibiyu District of Jabi, Abuja.

 

The Commissioning which attracted eminent Nigerians was held along Asuquo Okon Street by the Corporate Headquarters of the Police Service Commission in Jabi Abuja.

 

The Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani who represented the Commission at the ceremony extolled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold steps in infrastructural development of the country which had suffered several years of neglect.

 

Chief Onyemuche who spoke at the sidelines of the Commissioning ceremony said the PSC is one of the major beneficiaries of the newly constructed road project and will remain eternally grateful to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his decision to rehabilitate the roads around the area.

 

He noted that visitors to the Commission will henceforth enjoy the good road network while settlements around Dakiyibu will be opened up for businesses and other related endeavours.

 

Chief Nnamani called for support for this government as it continues to give Nigerians the dividends of democracy.

 

He noted that the Commission will continue to ensure that the Nigeria Police operates within the law and encouraged to give off their best in the service of the nation.