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#ENDSARS: Forensic Firm Dismisses Reports

#ENDSARS: Forensic firm dismisses reports on indictment of Nigerian Army on Lekki shooting

A forensic firm engaged by the Lagos State government to investigate the alleged shooting of #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza in October last year, Sentinel Limited has dismissed reports on its indictment of the Nigerian Army on the incident.

The company’s representative, Joseph Funsho, had on Friday told the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing alleged brutality by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) said bullets fired at the scene of the incident were discovered to have been registered by the Nigerian Army.

He said: “The live ammunition presented by the Nigerian Army is of the same calibre as the cartridge casing submitted by the judicial panel.”

He, however, said the blank bullets did not match the records from the army’s inventory.

But in a statement issued on Sunday, Sentinel Forensic Limited dismissed reports on its indictment of the army on the shooting incident as false.

A group of soldiers had on the night of October 20, 2020, opened fire on harmless #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki area of the state.

The incident sparked angry reactions from Nigerians and the international community.

The statement read: “Öur attention has been drawn to news making rounds on the internet and social media platforms which suggest that our findings implicate and indict the Nigerian Army in the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll plaza on October 20, 2020. This biased and unbalanced reporting is false and fake news.

“Our forensic specialist commented that following an extensive scene investigation at the Lekki Toll Plaza by our team of specialist about 87 days after the incidence there was an absence of any physical evidence supporting the allegations of discharge of live ammunition by Nigerian Army personnel. This scene investigation was conducted days after Sentinel Forensics Ltd was engaged by the Judicial Panel of inquiry.

“With respect to the ballistic evidence presented to Sentinel Forensics Limited for forensic examination by the Judicial Panel our specialist indicated that two cartridge casings (from expended/fired) of 7 62 x 39mm ammunition was tendered by the Judicial Panel as evidence recovered at the scene, while one unit of live (unexpended/not fired) ammunition and one unit of cartridge case {expended/fired round) 7.62 x 33mm ammunition was tendered by the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigerian Army also tendered one unit of blank (unexpended/not fired) 7.62 ×51mm ammunition and one unit of blank expended/fired round) 7.62 x 51mm ammunition.

“Our specialist mentioned among other things that the live ammunition tendered as exhibit by the Nigerian Army was the same type of cartridge and calibre as the ammunition casings tendered by the Judicial Panel which is 7.62 x 39mm, while the blank ammunition tendered was of a different cartridge type 7.62mm x 54mm.

“Our specialist testified in accordance with the standard operating protocol in forensics and crime scene investigation which relies on the analysis of physical evidence backed by empirical scientific procedures to draw objective conclusions and inferences and not hearsay or sensationalism.

“In line with best practice and principles of fairness in adjudication parties are considered innocent until proven guilty and the role of an expert witness is never to ascribe innocence or guilt but to support the courts in its finding.

“We strongly advise all new outlets to desist from sensational reporting and reach out to us via our widely circulated contact address on any matter where they require our direct comments.”

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Four arrested as police uncover N500m Canadian-Australian visa scam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of approximately ₦500 million.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25), were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). All four are reportedly staff members of an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos, where the fraudulent activities were allegedly carried out.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects deceived their victims with false promises of securing work visas to Canada and Australia.

The case, initially lodged at the Ago Okota Division, was later transferred to the SCID for deeper investigation. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims,” Hundeyin stated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel and recruitment agencies. “Residents must exercise due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams. The Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements,” Jimoh said.

Further investigations uncovered that the syndicate includes other accomplices who are currently on the run. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and arrest all individuals involved.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues.

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Nigerian Air Force to acquire 49 new aircraft by 2026

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced plans for a major expansion of the Nigerian Air Force’s aerial fleet, with the acquisition of 49 state-of-the-art aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.Nearby concert tickets

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters in Abuja, Abubakar said the incoming aircraft will include three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets.

“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” the Air Marshal stated during his address at the event themed, Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.

He underscored the need for NAF personnel to adopt advanced, innovative, and data-driven maintenance practices, stressing that the expansion in operational capability must be backed by robust engineering and logistics support systems.Nigerian fashion

“In the last two years, NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” Abubakar said.

He added that significant investments have already been made in logistics infrastructure, spare parts, and ground support tools to ensure that all operable aircraft are fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, also spoke at the event, describing aircraft engineering as “the backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives.”

He said the rapidly evolving security landscape demanded a proactive and responsive approach to aircraft maintenance, and emphasized the importance of the annual conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, refining strategies, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence.

In addition to the planned acquisitions, the NAF has taken delivery of 15 new aircraft in the last two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes.

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Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community.

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councillor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report.