Crime Facts

Facebook Twitter Youtube
Post Date : July 6, 2022

Buhari Visits Kuje Prison Hours After Attack

  President Muhammadu Buhari has visited the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Channels Television had reported that the facility recently came under attack by gunmen who freed hundreds of inmates, including 64 Boko Haram members being held in custody. Shortly before the President’s arrival, the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, had told journalists that there were strong indications that terrorists invaded the facility to free their members. He had also stated that the Federal Government was working hard to ensure that other fleeing inmates were being recaptured and brought back to the facility. “Most likely, they are Boko Haram because we have a sizeable number of Boko Harams that are in detention,” the minister said. “Presently, we could not locate any of them. I think there are about 64 Boko Haram (members) in prison, they have all escaped.” Also, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) had also said one operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and four inmates died during the incident. NCoS spokesman, Umar Abubakar, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the terrorists used explosives on the centre’s fence and its main entrance to gain access to the facility. Noting that a total of 16 inmates and three custodial officers were injured during the attack, Abubakar stated that 879 inmates initially escaped from the facility while 443 of them had been recaptured. Others are still at large. “The Service will deploy its Corrections Information Management System in synergy with National Identity Management Commission to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody,” Abubakar stated.  

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

Update: Five killed, 443 recaptured as terrorists bomb Kuje Prisons

  No fewer than five persons were reported killed on Tuesday night after terrorists, numbering over 200 bombed the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS in Abuja. Among those killed was a civil defence personnel attached to the facility, while four inmates, said to have attempted an escape were also killed. About 879 inmates had escaped from the facility. However, 443 of them were recaptured, while the same number are currently still at large. Spokesman of the Service, Chief Superintendent Abubakar Umar in an updated statement added that suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Abba Kyari and other high profile inmates are still in custody, contrary to reports (not in Vanguard) that he had escaped. Umar said, “the attackers broke into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje using explosive devices through the main entrance and the fence of the facility respectively, killing a personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Custodial Centre and living three (3) personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service seriously injured”. He said, “a total of 879 inmates escaped from the facility during the unfortunate attack. As at the time of this report, 443 have been recaptured, 551 inmates are currently in custody, 443 inmates are still at large, 4 inmates dead and 16 inmates sustained various degree of injuries and are being treated at the moment. However, efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates. *The Service will deploy its Corrections Information Management System (CIMS) in synergy with National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody. This is also to confirm to the general public that DCP Abba Kyari and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape. They are presently in custody, hale and hearty. “Recall that after the attack at the Medium Custodial Centre in Agbolongo, Oyo state, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, met with the heads of the security agencies under his supervision where the idea of Joint SecurityTaskforce comprising the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was formed to Forstall further breaches on custodial facilities. As at the time of the attack on the Kuje facility, we have 38 military personnel on ground in addition to personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence, DSS and our Armed Squad.This is the Minister’s efforts to rejig the security architecture of our facilities. *The public is also informed that some of the attackers were killed while some escaped with gunshot wounds. We, therefore, appeal to hospitals and other medical institutions and practitioners to report anyone that comes to them for treatment for gunshot injuries to the nearest law enforcement agency. *The Controller General of Corrections Haliru Nababa FICMC, mni appreciates the efforts of other security agencies for coming to the rescue of the Service in a timely manner. He calls on the public to volunteer useful information that may lead to the arrest of the fleeing inmates. The CG has reassured the public that the unfortunate incident is been handled with every sense of dedication and professionalism. He further extends his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives during the attack and wishes the injured ones a quick recovery”.

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

Presidency defends Buhari’s plan to travel to Dakar — hours after Kuje attack

  Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, says terrorist attacks in the country should not prevent President Muhammadu Buhari from fulfilling international obligations. Adesina said this on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the end of the weekly federal executive council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. Gunmen had attacked the Kuje prison in the federal capital territory (FCT) on Tuesday night, freeing over 500 inmates including Boko Haram insurgents. Hours before the incident, the president’s security team was attacked in Katsina state.   Amid the spate of attacks in the country, Buhari is set to travel to Dakar, the Senegal capital, to participate in the International Development Association (IDA) for Africa summit. He is expected back in the country on Thursday. Reacting to criticisms trailing the president’s imminent trip, Adesina said Buhari should not disregard his duties. The presidential spokesman said a trip cancellation is tantamount to giving in to the terrorists.   “Yes, the president should go because there’s an international conference meant for heads of states and presidents. He should attend. You should never give in to terrorists,” Adesina said. “The moment terrorists begin to stop you from doing things, then we might as well throw up our hands in surrender. The president should go ahead. It is an international obligation.”

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

Ekiti man bags life sentence for raping Octogenarian

  An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced one Durodola Ogundele to life imprisonment for raping an 85-year-old grandmother. The defendant was charged to court and tried on a count charge of rape. The charge reads, “That Ogundele, on 15th day of June, 2021 at Ayetoro Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, within the jurisdiction of the honourable court, did rape an 85 years old woman. “The offence is contrary to Section 2 of the Ekiti State Gender Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019,” it stated. In her testimony before the court, the victim’s daughter, said, “My mum told me that the defendant did not allow her to sleep. She said the defendant came to her room around 1:00 am, rubbed a balm all over her body, including her anus and vagina, massaged her body, sucked her breasts and forcibly had sex with her. “When I tried to find out from the defendant, he said, my mother must have been dreaming. “The matter was first reported at Ido Ekiti Police Station before it was transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigerian Police Force, Ado Ekiti,” she said. The prosecutor, Folasade Alli, who called five witnesses including the Investigating Police Officer and a medical doctor, tendered the victims’ statement, defendants’ statement, and a medical report from Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti among others, as exhibits. The defendant, who spoke in his own defence through his counsel, called no witnesses. In the court judgment, Justice Monisola Abodunde said that the prosecution established through cogent circumstantial evidence “that the defendant intentionally and calculatedly penetrated the vagina and anus of the victim with his penis after rubbing a dark balm on her body and private part”. The judge pronounced, “The defendant is found guilty as charged for rape contrary to Section 2 of the Ekiti State Gender Based Violence (Prohibition Law) 2019 and he is convicted, and accordingly sentenced to Life Imprisonment in line with Section 2 (2) of Ekiti State Gender- Based Violence (Prohibition Law) 2019”.

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

“Bribery fired you, Okorocha replies Imo ex-deputy gov, Agbaso

  The former governor of Imo state and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha, on Wednesday said his former Deputy Governor, Matine Agbaso, was impeached because of alleged collection of bribery of N458 million from JPROS construction company in 2013. Okorocha disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri, through his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, while reacting to a statement credited to Agabso. Nigerian Pilot had reported how Imo former deputy governor, Jude Agbaso on Monday, lampooned Rochas Okorocha and labelled him the worst Imo gov ever. According to the former governor’s anger was that, “ln Agbaso’s latest vituperation, he described his government as the worst. But he failed woefully to say how. With his impeachment, he could not have been a reliable and honest witness or commentator on Okorocha and his governorship in lmo. His assessment of Okorocha’s government should be adjudged, prejudiced and jaundiced, on arrival. Null and void. Of no effect whatsoever.” He continued: “Ten years after, Sir Jude Agbaso has remained excessively angry or aggrieved over his impeachment in 2013, by the lmo State House of Assembly, for allegedly demanding and collecting N458Million bribe, from Mr Dina, the Managing Director of JPROS Company, that had N1.3 billion Contract for the Reconstruction of Sam. Mbakwe Road, Owerri. “Jude Agbaso should have covered his face in shame, instead of resorting to incessant, unwarranted and unprovoked media attacks on Okorocha. “Since 2013, when he was impeached as the Deputy Governor of lmo State, Agbaso has not relented in attacking his destiny helper and benefactor, Distinguished Senator Rochas Okorocha, in the media and uncalled for. And the simple reason is that he has not been able to find his feet, since he was impeached as Deputy Governor. Ten years after, he has remained staggering, thinking about which leg to put forward first. “The JPROS M.D, who let the cat of the alleged N458 million bribe out of the bag, appeared before the 7- man judicial panel, set up by the Assembly then to investigate the bribe claim and he gave a vivid account of What happened. How the money was paid through bank accounts in Lebanon and Dubai. lt was not Okorocha who testified against him. “Instead of appearing before the panel to defend himself and to confront the JPROS M. D, he went to court to stop the Panel. The trial Judge, Justice Florence Duruoha-we threw out his suit, describing it as, incompetent. The judge added that ” from the facts before the court, he was not denied a fair hearing “. lt was not Okorocha that said that, but the court and on his suit. “Twenty-four members of the Assembly including Hon. Adaku lhuoma, who moved the motion for his Impeachment, in her capacity as the majority leader of the House and excluding the speaker, signed for his impeachment. The remaining two members travelled within the period in question. Okorocha didn’t play any role to that effect. “Okorocha made Agbaso Commissioner for Works, even as a sitting Deputy Governor. ln other words, he was Deputy Governor and also Commissioner for Works. And if the M. D of JPROS could boldly come out to claim that, he demanded and collected an N458 million bribe, and he could not appear to defend himself, against Dina’s claim, one could imagine what must have been the case, with other Contractors who could not have had the kind of courage the JPROS M.D had. “Okorocha had trusted Agbaso by allowing him to double as Deputy Governor and as Commissioner for Works, which no other governor had done in the state. And Okorocha’s aim for doing that was grossly defeated because the beneficiary of the kind gestures, decided to play rough, following Dina’s claim and similar stories of improprieties. One could also fathom easily, why some of the roads constructed under him as Commissioner for Works, were the ones described by opponents of Okorocha as “China” roads,” Okorocha said.

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

2023: Obi National phenomenon, not southeast agenda, Ohanaeze tells Nigerians

  The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the popularity of the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi as a manifestation of a fresh political order and the desires of Nigerians across all divides, and a nightmare for Nigeria’s treasury looters and adherents of the old political order. According to Ohanaeze, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, APC and PDP are nervous over the realization that 2023 elections might be difficult for them since Nigerians are tired of their deception and re-cycling of failed politicians. Stating further that Nigerians are now being conscious for the first time to rewrite Nigeria’s tragic tales of woes with relief for competence and trusted Presidency in 2023. “Obi is the emblem of New Nigeria that will depose maladies in government since 1999, PDP and APC Presidential candidates are now losing sleep over the level of consciousness of Nigerians and have resorted to the backing of Janus-faced groups and individuals to blackmail Mr. Peter Obi and thwart the public attention on him “Those nefarious networks and clandestine meetings on how to pitch ethnicity, agitation, and twist the records against Mr. Peter Obi will continue to go awry, like Nnamdi Azikwe, Obi’s popularity and support base is outside the southeast and his acceptance across the country is for his competence, age, and transparency in governance, he remains a monster to Atiku and Tinubu. “Nigerians are looking forward to beholding a credible and transparent electoral process in 2023, President Buhari should ensure that INEC restores the confidence of Nigerians by maintaining neutrality in 2023, we are doubtful if the INEC National Chairman can give Nigerians, free, fair, and credible elections in 2023”.

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

Kuje Attack: Nigeria’s Security Architecture Must Be Reviewed – Falana

  Human rights activist, Femi Falana, has called for the review of Nigeria’s security architecture following the latest attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory. Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who made this call on the Channels Tv Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday morning, said no one is safe in the country. The activist was reacting to the attack on the prison reportedly by over 300 terrorists who deployed sophisticated weapons as well as explosives to overpower security men and free inmates on Tuesday night. Falana said, “These are very disturbing developments. Kuje is almost the most secure in our country of all our custodial centres. “So, if terrorists could launch a successful attack and release prisoners, the situation calls for a general review of the security architecture in the country. “These coordinated attacks clearly shows that there are serious problems that the government has refused to address the security of the country.” He said apart from the regular press statements from the government condemning attacks, it had not dealt frontally with insecurity. “Out there, nobody is secure. Every government must control the monopoly of violence but here, the criminal elements have taken over and they are now in firm control of violence in the country and that requires the authorities to sit down and address the problem,” the legal practitioner said. He challenged the government at all levels to take intelligence reports more seriously, saying the government got regular intelligence reports but refused to act on them. Over 1,000 inmates, including Boko Haram commanders, reportedly escaped from the facility following the attack. Residents said sounds of gunshots were first heard around 10pm on Tuesday. This attack is coming a few hours after the attack by terrorists on the advance team of President Muhammadu Buhari to Katsina State ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The convoy carrying the advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers of the State House was attacked in Dutsinma, Katsina State Tuesday evening. Two persons were reportedly injured in the attack described by the presidency as an ambush. Before the attack on the president’s convoy, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Aminu Umar, and one other officer were killed in a clash with bandits at a village called Yauni in Zakka district, Safana Local Government Area of the state.

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

(CLARIFICATION) Kuje Prison: Abba Kyari, others still in custody — Official

  Reports that suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, was among inmates that escaped from the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday night, is false, Vanguard has learned. A top official of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, who who spoke to Vanguard, said the terrorists that bombed the facility attempted to gain entry into Kyari’s cell, but could not. A group of terrorists, on Tuesday night, attacked the prison in Abuja, the nation’s capital, with bombs and other high calibre arms. Recall that besides Kyari, other high personalities in the prison are former governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame, and Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said over 600 of the inmates fled the prison when it came under attack. He, however, said about 300 had been recaptured, while 300 were still at large. Insider source But a source, who spoke to Vanguard under the condition of anonymity, revealed that over 1,000 inmates escaped. The source said: “Abba Kyari is not missing. The total population of the Kuje Prison inmates is about 1,476, and only 111 of the inmates refused to escape and decided to remain in the prison as 90 percent of the inmates escaped. “Those that decided not to escape included former Governor Jolly Nyame of Taraba state, Farouk lawal, Abba Kyari and four of his officers: Retired AVM and also 107 other inmates whose jail term is less than three months remaining and some who are innocent of what they were accused of. “There are also a few other good Senior Citizens. In total, over 1,300 inmates escaped. Only 111 refused to escape. “Any other press release that tells you there are more than 111 inmates in Kuje Prison today is completely false. “All persons that volunteered to remain behind were counted by 2a.m. today and the total is 111 persons. “Expect the usual false press releases this morning from the security agencies trying to defend themselves and mislead Nigerians and the President. “Don’t believe any of the security agencies that will start misleading the public with false press release that it was ‘attempted jailbreak, terrorist were repelled, prisoners were re-arrested’.”

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

All Boko Haram suspects escaped from Kuje prison, says defence minister

  Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, says 64 Boko Haram suspects in Kuje prison in the federal capital territory (FCT) are missing. The minister spoke on Wednesday at a media briefing at the facility in Abuja. Gunmen had attacked the prison with explosives on Tuesday night. Shuaib Belgore, permanent secretary, ministry of interior, had said the assailants came to the prison “very prepared” with explosives. A resident had told TheCable that gunshots were heard for over 30 minutes, causing panic among residents. Magashi said the attackers are Boko Haram insurgents and 64 of its members who were inmates in the facility cannot be found. “What actually happened, they came in their numbers and released some of the inmates. We are now trying to set the kind of inmates they released,” he said.   “We are trying to see what we can do to see that all escapes within the prison accommodation are brought back to the prison yard. “About 994 inmates, we have about 600 already inside now. Many people are being recaptured. The people who came to do this from the records belong to a particular group, from all indicators they are Boko haram. “Presently we could not locate any of them. Currently, they are about 64 of them as inmates and we could not locate them.” Security operatives are currently on a search and rescue mission with support from the air force to retake the inmates at large.

Read more
Post Date : July 6, 2022

Buhari warns new ministers against corruption

  President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, warned that any of the seven newly inaugurated ministers “caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law”. This was as he urged them to eschew corruption saying public officers must be above board. According to a statement signed on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President issued the warning at the swearing-in ceremony, which preceded the virtual Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa. The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are: Ikechukwu Ikoh (Minister of State, Science and Technology); Umana Umana (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs); Udi Odum (Minister of State, Environment); Ademola Adegoroye (Minister of State, Transport); Umar El-Yakub (Minister of State, Works and Housing); Goodluck Opiah (Minister of State, Education) and Nkama Ekumankama (Minister of State, Health.) Speaking to the new cabinet members, Buhari called for collaboration with their older colleagues and announced the reassignment of portfolios in his cabinet, saying the new redeployment is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results. He said, ‘‘I begin this address by welcoming on board, all newly sworn-in members of the Federal Executive Council. I also congratulate you because the process that you all passed through to reach this stage has been rigorous and meticulous. ‘‘I, therefore, urge you to consider your emergence out of millions of equally qualified Nigerians within the purview of selection from your State, as a call to duty that imposes the obligation to serve the nation diligently and presents to you the unique opportunity to work hard in service to the Government and the country. ‘‘This administration has been in the saddle since 2015 and is now on the home stretch of its second term, as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections. All through, it has vigorously pursued the three main electoral objectives namely: Securing the nation; Diversifying & growing the economy as well as fighting corruption. ‘‘You must resist bad counsel, resist temptation and be circumspect in your utterances and conduct. You must totally eschew corruption and be above board because if caught there will be no sacred cows.” He further asked the newly appointed ministers to await further communication on their appropriate Ministerial Mandates from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. ‘‘You are all coming on-board at this time with new energy, ideas, experiences and vigour, to join the existing team so that the implementation of policies, programs and projects associated with these electoral objectives would be escalated and accelerated. ‘‘There is still so much to be done for our country in the areas of infrastructure development, energy, access to finance, access to justice, technology and innovation, trade, agriculture, education and security. The list is inexhaustible,’’ he said. The President also urged the new ministers to study their sectors, take wise counsel, reach out to key stakeholders, consult and collaborate with older cabinet colleagues and focus on driving key programs already initiated by the regime. He charged them to “be loyal to your President and your country.’’ At the meeting, Buhari re-assigned at least four ministers to new portfolios. They include: Senator Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science and Technology (formerly Minister of State, Health); Mu’azu Sambo, Minister of Transportation (formerly Minister of State, Works and Housing); Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State, Niger Delta (formerly Minister of State, Environment) and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development (formerly Minister of State, Transportation). Prior to the commencement of the FEC meeting and swearing-in ceremony, the Council observed a minute of silence in honour of the Secretary-General of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Mohammed Barkindo, who died on Tuesday in Abuja.

Read more
Search

Account

Cart

  • Main menu