Crime Facts

EFCC arrests suspected Yahoo boys in Owerri

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Monday, arrested seventy-five suspected yahoo boys in Internet fraud at different areas, in Owerri in Imo State. According to EFCC, most of the suspects were students aged 18-30 one students were involved after personal information about their crimes. The anti-graft agency also said that officials arrested twenty nine at Nekede in Owerri with various documents indicating crime. EFCC promised to release the suspects after investigation.

NRC suspends train operations along Abuja-Kaduna route indefinitely

  The Nigerian Railway Corporation has suspended train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route indefinitely, The PUNCH reports. The NRC made this known in a post via its official Twitter handle @Official_NRC on Tuesday morning. In a terse statement, the NRC stated that the suspension was due to unforeseen circumstances. “Dear passengers, due to unforeseen circumstances, Train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route has been temporarily suspended. Further communication would be given in due course.” The PUNCH had reported how terrorists bombed the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks and attacked a train filled with passengers on Monday night. The PUNCH had also reported that security operatives were deployed to the scene of the attack. The attack came a few days after the terrorists attacked the Kaduna International Airport where an aircraft was prevented from taking off. A source who spoke to The PUNCH at the scene of the attack told one of our correspondents that “they (terrorists) planted IED. When it went off, it derailed the train. There was pandemonium everywhere and some people may be kidnapped.” Details later…

EXTRA: Nigeria’ll be better if Tinubu becomes president —Lagos lawmakers

  Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, said that Nigeria will be better for if Bola Tinubu emerges the country’s next president in 2023. This was as President Muhammadu Buhari, eulogised the presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tinubu, as he clocks 70 years, saying he always placed the welfare and unity of the nation above personal interest. The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said he joined members, leaders and chieftains of the APC in rejoicing with the national leader of the party. The statement reads: “President Buhari affirms the contributions of the party stalwart to the political, economic and social development of the country, setting a standard in leadership, governance and philanthropy. “As the former governor of Lagos State turns 70, the President notes and salutes his courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed by the vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in the people, institutions and governments, without minding tribe or creed. “President Buhari joins family members, friends, business and political associates in celebrating the septuagenarian, who has diligently and progressively risen on the nation’s political ladder since 1992, fighting for the democratic rule against many odds, angling for people-focused development and supporting visionary and purposeful leadership.” Gbajabiamila pays tribute to Tinubu at 70Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to Tinubu on his 70th birthday. The speaker noted with delight Tinubu’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy in the past decades, saying he has unmatched credentials. Gbajabiamila said: “With these, Tinubu’s services to his fatherland are most needed at a time like this, the speaker stated further. “I recall how Tinubu used his acumen to turn things around in Lagos State when he served as governor for eight years.” Referring to Tinubu as the pillar of modern developmental strides in Lagos State, Gbajabiamila said: “He will go down in history as one of the best and most impactful democrats Nigeria has had.” He’s a visionary, master strategist—Sanwo-OluAlso, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, yesterday, described Tinubu, as “a visionary, consistent, loyal, enigmatic and master strategist” whose democratic credentials are scholarly materials for study in political economy. Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said: “Tinubu is very consistent in his thoughts and actions about the development of Lagos State and Nigeria. “Asiwaju Tinubu, like a colossus bestrides Nigeria’s socio-political space with vigour and vision. He stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people, even at the risk of losing his life and personal belongings during the dark days of the military junta. “A position he took along with other progressives during the annulment of the June 12 struggle led to the end of the military interregnum and was replaced with normal government, which we all enjoy today. “With the return to democracy, Asiwaju displayed political astuteness, courage and sagacity to save Nigeria from degenerating into a one-party state.”His financial wizardry and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State, has taken our dear State to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as the fifth largest economy in Africa. “There are not many leaders in contemporary Nigeria that are as detribalised as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose heart accommodates every section of the country.” Tinubu, a trailblazer, change-maker—Sen AdeolaOn his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos West) has described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a trailblazer and change-maker in the contemporary history of Nigeria as he marks his 70th birthday. In a statement, Senator Adeola said: “Asiwaju Tinubu has impacted so much on the lives of many individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and his role in the political history and development of Nigeria in recent times remains unparallel. He is indeed one of the great sons of Nigeria as a pro-democracy activist, senator, governor and national leader of the foremost political party in Nigeria’s history. “Tinubu is the quintessential politician with a large heart, an unparallel forgiving spirit and a true nationalist in his brand of politics adding that more than ever, Nigeria needs the kind of leadership that Asiwaju Tinubu has demonstrated in resolving issues and interventions for positive developments over the years.” Meanwhile, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, said that Nigeria will be better for if Tinubu emerges the country’s next president in 2023. The lawmaker, led by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, said this during a Special Plenary organized to honour the former governor of the state on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The members of the House during the plenary, took turns to pour encomium on Tinubu who they described as the benefactor to all of them and others in the state, Nigeria and across the world.Obasa said that it was better to celebrate those who have contributed immensely to the betterment of the society like Tinubu. He said: “Tinubu is our benefactor and mentor, to our colleagues; this is the man who had made the difference. “We want to recognise his contributions to the development of our democracy especially in Lagos. Today, we have reasons to celebrate him.”Other lawmakers, who spoke about Tinubu’s achievements, described him as a promoter of peace, a great philosopher, a professional technocrat, a pathfinder of modern Lagos, a destiny helper, an economic Engineer, a total democrat and an accredited economist.

N2.9bn Fraud: Court Threatens To Strike Out FG’s Case Against Okorocha

  A federal high court in Abuja has threatened to strike out charges of misappropriation of N2.9 billion against a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the threat after the federal government for the second time failed to serve the 17-count criminal charge against Okorocha and six others over the offences. The prosecuting counsel, Cosmos Ugwu, had pleaded with the court for an adjournment to enable the prosecution to serve Okorocha. But the judge reminded him that a similar application was made on February 22, after the prosecution again filed to proceed with the trial. The judge ruled that, “Let me place on record, that this is the second time this flimsy excuse is being made to justify the absence of the first defendant (Okorocha) in court to take his plea. “As the prosecutor, you must demonstrate seriousness in the discharge of your duties. This is the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter.” The EFCC had on January 31, filed a 17-count charge against Okorocha and six others over money laundering. The anti-graft commission claimed that the former two-term governor, who served from 2011 to 2019 before being elected senator for Imo West, had made it difficult to reach him. Other defendants in the matter, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited and Legend World Concepts Limited, did not object to the adjournment. The case has been fixed for May 30.

Azman Air suspends flights to Kaduna over airport attack

  Azman Air has announced the suspension of flights to Kaduna over the recent attack on the Kaduna international airport. The airline’s management disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday. On Saturday, gunmen had shot into the runway of the airport, killing a security guard. The gunmen were, however, repelled by security operatives. An Azman Air flight was said to have been delayed for 44 minutes as a result of the incident, but passengers on the aircraft flew safely from Kaduna to Lagos. Giving an update on its decision following the incident at the airport, Azman Air said the suspension is to ensure that the safety of travellers and workers is guaranteed. “The management of Azman Air will like to inform the general public that we will be halting our operations into Kaduna airport for a few days,” the statement read. “We understand the security situation around the airport has been handled and normalcy has been restored accordingly, but it is imperative for the management to re-evaluate its operational procedures into the airport to ensure maximum safety of equipment, staff and passengers are fully guaranteed. “The bedrock of our operations is safety and we will continue to explore every option to aid its delivery to the highest standard.”

Gunshots Were Fired But We Are Now Safe, Says Passenger On Attacked Train

  One of the passengers on board the train that ran into explosives on its way to Kaduna from Abuja says they are now safe. Daily Trust had reported how terrorists around the train, which left Abuja around 6pm on Monday. Commenting on the incident, the passenger identified as Anas Danmusa said the attackers fired several gunshots. Danmusa said passengers had to hide under the seats until security operatives stormed the scene. “Please this is an emergency. We are inside train at the moment. Kidnappers planted explosives and the train engines have been ruined. We are helpless. Abuja to Kaduna train. Gunshots still being fired right around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm we have been here. Between Katari to Rijana. I am a living witness,” he initially tweeted. He later wrote back to confirm the presence of security operatives, saying, “We are safe now.” Details later… DailyTrust

Wike: I will withdraw from presidential race if PDP zones ticket to north

  Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, says he will withdraw from contesting the presidency if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones its ticket to the north. The River governor spoke on Monday in an interview with Channels Television. On Sunday, Wike declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2023 general election. Over the past few months, the Rivers governor has reiterated his position that the PDP should zone its 2023 presidential ticket to the southern part of the country. To address the zoning concern, the PDP recently inaugurated a 37-member zoning committee to make a recommendation on its presidential ticket. “I am a very sincere person. There is nothing that can make me, because of power, violate simple agreement — whether it is written or unwritten; that makes you a gentleman,” he said. “Just as I am today, if the party says they are zoning it to the north, I have no problem.” Asked if he will still run for the position if the PDP presidential ticket goes to the north, Wike said: “I will not run. I will obey the party, but what I don’t agree with is for people to say that there should not be zoning.” “For me, that is why I have never left this party since 1998. Every decision must not be good to you. What is important as a party person is I believe in the party,” he added. “The party has given me everything. I won’t because of the decision leave the party. I won’t do that. “It is your belief in the party. I have no other place; I have no other party to go to. I cannot leave my party.”

Bandits kill 15 in fresh attack on Kaduna village

  Bandits have reportedly killed 15 persons during an attack on Hayin Kanwa village, Yakawada ward in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A resident in the community, Alhaji Mohammed Buwala, told journalists 15 bodies were buried on Monday morning. He said: “Killings and kidnapping in Giwa are getting out of hand, as people are being killed and kidnapped daily. “The situation is terrible because 15 more people were killed at Hayin Kanwa just yesterday (Sunday) night by bandits. “Since Thursday, these bandits have been attacking villages killing people,” he said. Kaduna police spokesman ASP Muhammed Jalige did not pick calls to confirm the incident. Bandits attacked nine villages in the Local Government last Thursday and killed about 50 people as well as razed several houses.

Troops Swoop On IPOB/ESN Hideout In Anambra, Recover Arms, Other Dangerous Weapons

  Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army (NA) conducting clearance operations along Anambra/Imo States border communities today dislodged a criminal hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate; Eastern Security Network ( ESN) in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. In a statement military spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, explained that the notorious groups have serially launched attacks on defenseless civilians and security targets from the hideout. “During the clearance operations along the border communities, troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave. “They were overwhelmed by troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their hideout. After over running their camp, the gallant troops carried out further exploitation and recovered a cache of arms, comprising 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns and 6 machetes. Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, simcards, monitor and a laptop. “One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered,” the army spokesman enunciated. According to him, investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion), who is said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinates the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area. General Nwachukwu said the suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohort. He urged members of the general public to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity.

Gunmen Enforce IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Order In Enugu

  Gunmen believed to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) reportedly shot at passengers in the New Market area of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday. The bus conveying the passengers, who left their homes early to attend to their businesses, was said to have been riddled with bullets. A source said the gunmen struck around Colliery Hospital, killing some passengers. But there were also conflicting reports on the casualty figure as some sources claimed that at least two persons were killed, although the police said there were no deaths. Enugu Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident, said there was no known death recorded. Ndukwe said, “There was a shooting incident at Odegba, along Iva Valley Road, Enugu in the early hours of this morning, by yet-to-be identified armed men, which led to the injury of two persons. “However, the victims are responding to treatment at the hospital where they were promptly taken to by Police Operatives, who swiftly responded to a distress call on the incident. “Meanwhile, investigation has been launched to fish out the fleeing miscreants, please.”