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Zamfara Police debunk report of abduction of 26 passengers

The Zamfara State Police Command has debunked reports of the kidnapping of 26 passengers on the Gusau-Sokoto Road.

Recall that on Wednesday, THN reported that bandits, who were in large numbers, blocked the Gusau-Sokoto road in an attempt to kidnap motorists plying the road and successfully kidnapped about 26 passengers before the arrival of the security agents.

But in a statement on Wednesday, spokesperson for the Zamfara police command, Yazid Abubakar who confirmed the blockage of the road by the bandits, debunked the abduction.

According to him, the security personnel successfully drove away the bandits and cleared the road.

According to him, “Normalcy has been restored on the road.”

“The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to clear the air about news going viral that armed bandits blocked the Gusau – Sokoto highway and abducted 26 travelers at Kwaren Kirya village under the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“However, on February 20, 2024, at about 0900hrs, information was received from a Good Samaritan that armed bandits blocked the Gusau – Sokoto highway with the intent to perpetuate their nefarious acts.” It said.

The statement added that upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maru Division mobilised his anti-kidnap team in collaboration with the team of Police Mobile Force deployed for quick intervention by the Command Headquarters, swung into action, and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.”

“Due to the pressure mounted on them by the two teams of police, the bandits took to their heels and entered the bush with possible gunshot wounds.

“Therefore, the Command wishes to clear the misconception that the bandits abducted 26 passengers from a Toyota 18-seater bus and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle. It said.

It further noted that none of the travelers were abducted, as the police operatives have salvaged the situation. Normalcy has been restored, and adequate measures have been taken to avoid the reoccurrence of the incident.

It urged the good people of the state and other Nigerians to disregard the disinformation, which, according to him, was an attempt to disrupt the great operational effect of the police and other sister security agencies in the state.

He urged well-meaning members of the state to assist the command with the relevant information required to bring an end to banditry and bring about absolute normalcy in the state.

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Those found guilty of corruption should not enjoy pardon —AGF

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has stated that those found guilty of corruption should not be granted state pardons. He also advised law enforcement agencies to avoid shoddy investigations, urging them to have all necessary facts before summoning individuals for questioning.

The AGF made these remarks at a roundtable organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state Attorneys-General in Abuja on Monday. “I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of ‘Prerogative of Mercy’ to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

In a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Fagbemi emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders, particularly the Attorneys-General, in the fight against corruption. He urged them to avoid nepotism, political witch-hunting, rivalry, and bigotry in their efforts to fight corruption merely to please their governors.

The minister further stated that there should be no justification for rationalizing corruption or other crimes. He advised that legal opinions on cases should be based strictly on facts, as is the practice in advanced countries, adding, “We should not give in to public sentiments. In Nigeria, we are polarised along political lines.”

The AGF also urged participants and anti-graft agencies to conduct thorough investigations before arresting suspects to prevent unnecessary media trials. “Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to say we have caught a big fish…You will catch a big fish. If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year and you are thorough, it is alright,” he stated.

Additionally, Fagbemi advised against filing exaggerated or bogus charges against defendants to create public frenzy. He said, “Nobody wants a 50-count charge…make it five or six and be sure. Make sure you get him (suspect) in.”

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Tinubu condoles with families of victims, Niger govt over traffic petrol tanker explosion

President Bola Tinubu has sent heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State on the petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai- road on Sunday in Niger State, which claimed the lives of 48 people and livestock.

According to the Niger Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), many people were injured in the accident, which also involved a truck loaded with cattle and passengers.

President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the dead and injured victims. He also sympathised with the owners of shops affected by the tragedy.

He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The President commended the federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response. He similarly commended the good-spirited Nigerians who mobilised to the incident scene to assist the victims.

He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.

President Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to redouble their efforts and work with state governments to enhance the safety and security of travellers and residents.

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Nigerian businessman Ogionwo charged for $300,000 scam in Oil deal

The Inspector General of Police, through legal officer S.O. Ayodele from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, has filed a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretenses and theft against Nigerian businessman Ebi Otisaye Ogionwo.

In the charges presented before the Federal High Court in Lagos, Ayodele alleges that in 2022, Ogionwo fraudulently obtained $300,000 from Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Beltzemo Nigeria Limited. The funds were purportedly meant to finance an oil trading business, but this representation was false.

The charges against Ogionwo are in violation of Section 1 (1) (c) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.

The two count charge as filed before the court

Count one:

That you, Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo “M” sometimes in 2022,in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court, did by false pretence and with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars (S300,000:00) from one Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Boltzemo Nigeria Limited under the guise of using the said funds for financing Oil Trading Business, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offer contrary to Section 1(1)(c) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fec,raud and other Related Offences Act 2006, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Count two:

That you Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo “M” on the same date, time and place, and in the aforementioned Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did steal the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) from one Mr.Oluwatosin Adefila of Belztzemo Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Act,Cap C 38,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004.

Meanwhile, 14th of October, 2024 has been fixed for the arraignment of the defendant.