Crime Archives | Page 4 of 4

84 Victims Rescued as Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring in Oyo

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a human trafficking ring in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The police stormed the building where 83 individuals and a child from a house in the Orogun area of the city, were being held against their will. Preliminary reports suggest that the victims, believed to be nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were lured to Nigeria under the pretence of being offered employment opportunities. There are also claims that the perpetrators extorted significant sums of money, reportedly in dollars, from the victims’ parents and relatives as part of the elaborate scheme. The rescued individuals are currently at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where authorities are conducting further investigations to ascertain the full details of the case.

Banditry: 578 Massacred in North Central States in Six Months

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago14 mins

244 slain in Benue, 137 in Plateau, 104 in Nasarawa, 57 in Kogi By Oluseye Ojo, Lagos; Scholastica Hir, Makurdi; Jude Owuamanam, Jos; Abel Leonard, Lafia; and Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja Between November 2024 and April 2025, at least 578 Nigerians were killed by armed bandits, killer herders, and other criminal groups across the six North Central states, according to findings by Saturday Sun. This figure was compiled from media reports of multiple attacks in the region during the specified period. State-by-State Breakdown: The data, gathered from media sources, comes in the absence of official government or security reports. It is possible that unreported cases exist, which could increase the death toll. BenueBetween November 2024 and April 2025, suspected armed herders were responsible for over 27 attacks across Benue State, including Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Otukpo, Guma, and Makurdi, resulting in 244 deaths. Notable incidents include: Victims included farmers, hunters, and a policeman. In March, several people were murdered in brutal attacks, including five farmers thrown into the River Katsina-Ala. PlateauIn Plateau, attacks started in December 2024, with a series of violent incidents in 2025. Notable attacks include: NasarawaNasarawa recorded a spike in deaths beginning in February 2025. Key incidents include: KogiKogi experienced intermittent attacks with the following fatalities: NigerIn Niger, bandits carried out sporadic attacks: KwaraKwara recorded its only bandit-related fatalities on April 21, 2025, in Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji communities, with 7 killed. The figures reflect the ongoing insecurity in the North Central states, exacerbated by armed bandits and herders, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and effective security measures.

Uromi Killings: Edo Slams IPOB Over ₦‎6 Billion Compensation Claim

Uromi Killings: Edo State Condemns IPOB’s ₦6 Billion Compensation Demand

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago15 mins

The Edo State Government has dismissed as baseless the allegation by the Indigenous People of Biafra that Governor Monday Okpebholo allocated N6bn to compensate “Fulani terrorists” in the wake of the Uromi killings, where 16 hunters from Kano State were lynched. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, condemned the claim made by IPOB, calling it a malicious attempt to incite ethnic division and destabilise the peace of Edo State. The statement described the accusation as not only false but also a dangerous distortion of facts aimed at sowing discord within the state. “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed terrorist organisation by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which it falsely accuses Governor Monday Okpebholo of allocating N6bn to compensate so-called ‘Fulani terrorists’ and alleges betrayal of the people of Edo State,” Itua said. “We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilise the peace and unity of Edo State.” The controversy stems from an incident that occurred on March 28, when 16 hunters from Kano State were brutally lynched in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi. Following the killings, Governor Okpebholo visited Kano to appeal to the families of the victims and to prevent any reprisals. A subsequent delegation from Kano State also visited Edo to discuss compensation for the families of the deceased hunters. However, IPOB, in a release on April 21, alleged that the Governor had paid billions of Naira in compensation for the northern hunters, a claim that the Edo government swiftly refuted. “No compensation of N6 billion was approved or paid to any group,” Itua stated, calling the figure “fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading.” The government also criticised IPOB for attempting to exploit the tragic incident to advance its agenda of ethnic disintegration and violence. “It is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehood and incite hatred under the guise of activism,” the statement continued. “Their desperate attempt to drag Governor Okpebholo into their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration will fail.” Governor Okpebholo’s administration, according to Itua, has been committed to justice, peace, and the safety of all Edo residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. The statement reaffirmed the government’s rejection of any efforts to incite ethnic violence and emphasised that Edo State is known for its unity, hospitality, and progressive values. “We reject IPOB’s attempts to use blood-stained rhetoric to cause unrest in our land,” the statement read. “Efforts to export their terrorist ideology into Edo State are dead on arrival.” The Edo government called on security agencies to investigate the sources of the inciting publication, emphasising that no group, no matter how loud, should be allowed to threaten public peace or incite ethnic violence.

Alleged $1 Billion Scam: Court Orders Arrest, Remand of Six CBEX Promoters

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago12 mins

The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over an alleged $1 billion investment fraud. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s ex-parte motion on Thursday, stating that the detention is necessary pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution. The accused individuals — Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim — were reportedly behind a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. According to the EFCC, the defendants used ST Technologies International Limited and CBEX to lure unsuspecting investors with promises of high returns. In court filings, the EFCC revealed that it received intelligence on the alleged fraud in April 2025, which was assigned to its Cybercrimes Section. The agency argued that the suspects are currently at large and need to be placed on a red watch list to facilitate their arrest and ensure accountability. The commission added that its preliminary investigation shows a prima facie case of an investment scam. It emphasized its constitutional duty to investigate financial crimes and enforce law and order, stressing that a warrant of arrest is crucial for proper investigation and prosecution.

Gunmen Kill NKST Pastor, Wife, and One Other in Benue State

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Tragedy struck in Benue State as unknown gunmen shot and killed a pastor of the Nongu U Kristu hen Tiv (NKST) church and his wife. The victims, identified as Rev. B.T. Iorngaghem and his wife, were attacked while serving at Zum Kelase U Gyenku in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area. In a separate but related incident within the same LGA, another victim, Thomas Tertindi Amuda Kachii, was reportedly gunned down by a local militia group known as “Government UCHA.” According to eyewitness accounts, he was killed in his father’s compound in Mbatyu, Lumbuv, Ucha, during the early hours of the day. The deceased, Thomas, was the son of Zaki Amuda, the kindred head of Mbatyu community. As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued any official statement regarding the killings. The community remains in mourning as calls for justice and improved security intensify.

Police Officer Commits Suicide In Port Harcourt

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

A heartbreaking incident occurred in the Eagle Island area of Port Harcourt during the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as Inspector Maxwell Zabu, a serving police officer, was reported to have died by suicide. As reported by Dez Mayorz News, Zabu, widely recognized as a committed and hardworking officer, allegedly ended his life by shooting himself in his residence. The exact details surrounding the event are still unknown. His sudden death has left colleagues and members of the community in deep shock and mourning, as he was held in high regard by those who knew him.At the time this report was compiled, the Rivers State Police Command had not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

Suspected Fraudsters Arrested for Impersonating Police to Defraud Traders in Niger State

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspected fraudsters who pose as police officers to swindle unsuspecting traders of their money and cattle at different markets. The suspects identified as Aliyu Abbas, 35, of Funtua, Katsina; Jibrin Idris, 35, of Gwiwa, Jigawa; Musa Ya’u of Daura, Katsina; and Abubakar Yahaya, 45, were arrested on April 16, 2025. Spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the arrest in a statement, said the suspects were found to be in possession of a handcuff, N1.2 million, cut-to-size papers, liquid chemicals for counterfeiting notes, and two mobile phones. “On 16th April, 2025 at about 3pm, acting on a credible intelligence that a syndicate of four men who specialized in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public in various markets around Niger State were sighted at Izom cattle market, planning to defraud a person after selling his cattle,” the statement read. “Based on this, Police operatives of Maje Div mobilised to the scene and intercepted one black Mercedes Benz vehicle with Reg. No. KTU 747 HF with the following suspects; Aliyu Abbas 35yrs of Funtua, Katsina, Jibrin Idris 35yrs of Gwiwa, Jigawa, Musa Ya’u of Daura, Katsina and Abubakar Yahaya 45yrs of Daura, Katsina. “On interrogation, the suspects confessed to being fraudsters and a sum of one million, two hundred thousand naira was recovered from them. Other exhibits include a bunch of cut to size papers, liquid chemicals claimed to be used for counterfeit notes, handcuff, and two phones. “Some victims identified the syndicate as fraudsters who had swindled them of their money and cattle at different markets. It was also said that at times, they do present themselves as policemen to their victims or counterfeit notes producer and other means of defrauding people. “The suspects are under further investigation and will be charged to court after investigations