Local News
Police arrest eight suspects for kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery in Anambra
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested eight suspects for kidnapping, cultism, illegal possession of a firearm and armed robbery.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, September 13, 2024, said a long gun, one locally made Barreta, ammunition, and a stolen vehicle were recovered from the suspects.
“Anambra Police working on a technology-driven investigation arrested two suspects (names withheld) in their criminal hideout in Nnewi. The arrest is in a follow-up of the reported case of a kidnapped but later released victim on 19th August 2024 in Ihiala. The suspects confessed to being active participants in the crime and have already provided information to the Police that is aiding the Investigation,” the statement read.
“Also, Police-led Joint Security Operatives, Aguata Base, acting on credible information in the early hours of 12/9/2024 stormed a criminal hideout of suspected vandals and arrested five suspects namely, Okorie Miracle, Joshua Ifeanyi Ekwa, Aneke Okorie, Mmesoma Faithful and Chukwuzekwu Mba, all males and from Umunze, between the ages of 20 – 26 years, recovered locally made short guns, and vandalised electricity cables wire and tools, they used to commit the act. The suspects all confessed to the crime and currently assisting the Police with information to arrest other gang members and buyers of the vandalised items.
“Furthermore, Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) while on patrol today 13/9/2024 by 9:30 am along Nise/Agulu road accosted one Chigozie Ejikeme ‘m’ aged 25 years a native of Abagana who drove suspiciously in an attempt to escape security check.
“The Operatives searched him and found one locally made Bretta pistol with one live 9mm ammunition concealed on his waist. The suspect, upon interrogation by the operatives, confessed to being a member of the Black Axe secret cult. The suspect vehicle, a black Lexus was also recovered.
“All the suspects will be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation.”
Local News
4 Benue farmers remanded for allegedly desecrating place of worship
Four Benue farmers identified as Tever Ikyer, Tseyina Imbur, Tsavbee Akombu and Orshi Atule were remanded in prison on Friday after they were arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy, trespass, defilement of place of worship, act of terrorism and threat to hostage taking.
Insp Godwin Ato told the court that a letter of complaint jointly written by Elders of N.K.S.T Church, Andyar Ishan Diocese in Guma headed by Rev. Samuel Gbinde was received at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Benue Command on Oct 23.
Prosecutor said the letter stated that sometimes in September , the pastor and elders of the Church were holding an annual congress on the church premises when six persons armed themselves with dangerous weapons such guns, cutlass, sticks and stones and invaded the premises.
The invaders who were identified as Orshi Atule, Tseyina Imbur, Ndernen Aondowase, Tertsea Ikyerkyaa, Terver Ikyer and Tsavbee Akombo were said to have been shooting sporadically in the air and dispersed the congregation and also stole the offering realized on that day.
The petitioners stated further that on Oct. 16 and Oct. 26, the same gang invaded the church when prayers/service was ongoing by the men fellowship with a bunch of criminal charms in a clay pot and human feces in bags which they smeared on the alter and the church hall.
The letter further stated that the invaders smashed the clay pot of charms on the church alter and threatened to kidnap the pastor and worshipers if they ever step their feet in the church again.
Prosecutor said the suspects were arrested after Police investigation and they voluntarily confessed committing the crimes while others were at large.
However, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Kelvin Mbanongun did not take their pleas for want of jurisdiction.
Mbanongun adjourned the matter until Dec 19, for further mention.
Local News
Soldier who allegedly smuggles ammo to sell to bandits in Borno nabbed
The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended Private Bara’u Tajuddeen, a soldier with service number 22NA/82/3441, over alleged theft of military ammunition and anti-aircraft rounds.
Tajuddeen, assigned to the 19 Special Force Brigade in Maiduguri, was detained at the Maiduguri motor park en route to Kano, where he allegedly plannes to sell the stolen weapons to bandits.
Tajuddeen had been under surveillance and was intercepted while carrying the stolen ammunition intended for unlawful sale.
A police source is quoted to have said, “The Nigeria Police Force have arrested a soldier identified as Private Bara’u Tajuddeen with service number 22NA/82/3441, for stealing military ammunition and anti-aircraft rounds intended to sell for bandits.
“Private Bara’u Tajuddeen, is posted or working with 19 Special Force Brigade in Maiduguri and was arrested at Maiduguri motor park on his way to Kano, carrying the stolen ammunition.”
Local News
Cultists kill three brothers in Awka
Three brothers from the same mother have fallen victim to the relentless cult violent attacks in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Channels TV reports that in the latest casualty, Nonso, was k!lled in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon November 2 near Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka.
According to a close family source, Nonso’s k!lling is linked to the m#rder of his younger brother, Buchi, three months ago around Mac Don Eatery’s axis. Their eldest brother had also met a br#tal end in a previous attack and the tragic loss has left their mother without any children.
This latest incident brings the death toll from cult-related violence in Awka to no fewer than twenty persons in the past few weeks.
Rival cult groups have been engaged in a deadly turf war and the resulting violence has claimed numerous lives, leaving families shattered and the community traumatized.
Anambra State Police Commissioner, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has condemned the latest killing, promising a thorough investigation and insists that the command will leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has also weighed in, urging calm and reassuring citizens of increased security measures, noting that his administration is committed to restoring peace and security in Awka.
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