Crime

Police arrest three gun runners, firearms over Benue killings

Published

9 months ago

July 23, 2025

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested a notorious arms supply syndicate responsible for arming bandits in Benue and other north-central states.

The development, Force Headquarters said, is in continuation of police investigation on the deadly attacks by bandits on communities last month in Benue State.

Force Police Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said operatives of the FID-IRT, acting on credible intelligence on the activities of some bandits who participated in the Yelwata killings on June 21, 2025, stormed the hideout of the bandits in a forest at the boundary of Kardako, Nasarawa and Yelwata, Benue States.

Adejobi, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said a fierce gun duel ensued between the police and the hoodlums, causing the bandits to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, adding that two GPMGs were recovered from their hideout in the process.

He further explained that on July 8, 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in a tactical operation, along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway in Makurdi, Benue State, arrested a 25-year-old Abubakar Isah in possession of three AK47 rifles and 1002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“The arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating an impending arms movement intended for distribution to bandit groups known to be terrorising various communities in Benue State.

“Further investigations revealed that the arms and ammunition were supplied by a notorious arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, operating from Abinsi, Guma Local Government area of Benue State, and was to be delivered to one Dan Hassan, a bandit kingpin known for orchestrating deadly attacks against communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States”, Adejobi stated.

In another related development, on July 12, 2025, FID-IRT operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Ibrahim a.k.a. Chelsea, who confessed to having sent the sum of N6,500,000 to the same Adikwu Jacob.

He said, “While N6,000,000 is payment for delivery of two AK47 rifles and 2000 rounds of live ammunition, N500,000 would serve as payment for construction of a compartment in the Volkswagen vehicle to conceal the said arms for transportation to Kwara State.”

In a swift follow-up clearance operation, Adejobi said the operatives stormed Abinsi town and successfully apprehended Adikwu on July 16, 2025 and recovered three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of live ammunition and a Volkswagen car from his hideout.

The police said further investigation on July 17, 2025, led to the recovery of an additional five AK-47 rifles, one rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of live ammunition from the same arms dealer.

He said efforts were being intensified to ensure that Dan Hassan and other criminal elements responsible for terrorising Benue State and other parts of the country were brought to book, while others in custody will have their day in court upon conclusion of investigation.

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Crime

Gunshots Fired Near Trump, US President Rushed To Safety

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Panic erupted on Saturday night after gunshots were fired near Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., forcing security operatives to evacuate the president and guests.

It was reports that the incident occurred at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where hundreds of guests had gathered for the annual black-tie event.

The suspect was apprehended at a screening area just outside the ballroom.

Confirming the development, Trump said, “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”

Tactical teams reportedly stormed the venue with weapons drawn, taking control of the stage area shortly after the evacuation. Police units surrounded the hotel, while helicopters hovered overhead.

In a post on social media, Trump assured that top government officials were unharmed.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises… The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he said.

He added that he would address the public shortly at the White House and pledged to reschedule the event within a month.

The shooting occurred after the welcome address and during dinner, just before Trump was due to speak.

Although organisers initially indicated the event would continue, it was later postponed following the security scare.

A cabinet official, Mehmet Oz, said he heard gunfire during the incident.

“Shots fired upstairs,” he said while being escorted out by security personnel.

The Washington Hilton Hotel has previously been the site of an assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Trump himself survived a shooting incident during a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024 and another security threat months later in Florida.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, often referred to as the “Nerd Prom,” brings together journalists, media executives, and political figures for an annual fundraising event.

This marked Trump’s first attendance at the event while in office, despite years of strained relations with the media.

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Crime

Military inaugurates court martial for soldiers involved in alleged coup plot

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel who were alleged to have been involved in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Defense Headquarters inaugurated the court martial on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security.

The session was held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings.

It was reports that journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue.

Security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 am.

The military proceedings are unfolding alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against civilians involved in the alleged coup plot at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Crime

Court adjourns financial misappropriation case against Yahaya Bello to May 6

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Proceedings in the case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, were on Thursday adjourned till May 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Bello was represented by his lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu.

During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the need for more time to respond to applications filed by the defence, while Bello’s legal team urged the court to consider their submissions and move the matter forward.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, adjourned the case to May 6 to allow all parties to adequately prepare and ensure a fair hearing.

Mr Bello is currently facing charges bordering on alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

The case is expected to continue on the adjourned date.

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