Crime

Police bust kidnap gang, arrest over 180 internet fraudsters in Delta

Published

4 months ago

July 24, 2025

Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command have busted a notorious kidnap syndicate under the leadership of one Owei Abebo, alias ‘Adusa’, who was said to have been on the command’s watch-list since 2021.

The team also recovered 247 rounds of Submachine Gun rifle live ammunition from the hoodlums.

PUNCH Online gathered that sequel to a series of intelligence reports received on the planned abduction of several high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara and their environs, by the notorious gang that has been on the, operatives of the CP-SAT led by ASP Julius Robinson, swung into a strategic operation “in compliance with the directives of the state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, on intelligence-led operations and proactive policing.”

“On 19th July 2025, in the early hours of the day, the operatives arrested one Peter Benson, a 35-year-old male suspect of Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, Delta State, and a suspected spiritual herbalist responsible for ritual preparations for the criminal gang”, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Bright Edafe, said in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday.

The PPRO stated that, “Following intensive interrogation, Peter Benson led operatives to another suspect, one Joseph Saniyo, 63 years old, of Ajakorama Community, Ovia South-West LGA, Edo State. Saniyo, identified as the syndicate’s primary spiritualist, was found in possession of three live tortoises and other fetish items believed to be used in criminal fortification rituals.

“Acting swiftly on further intelligence provided by the arrested suspects, operatives stormed Oghara and successfully apprehended the ring leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a “Adusa”, aged 42, along with the following male accomplices: Ebi Maye, 41 years, from Poloborbor Community in Warri North LGA, Delta State; and Happy Obegha, 39 years, of Aakoroma Community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State.

“During a thorough search of the suspect’s hideouts, the operatives recovered 247 rounds of live ammunition for a Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that their latest plot involved planned coordinated kidnappings across Sapele and Oghara, which was successfully foiled after their arrest.”

In another development, the Delta State Police Command, in a combined effort with the Nigerian Army, has recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against internet fraud and other cyber-related offences.

The police spokesman disclosed that “On the 21st July 2025 at about 17:45hrs, operatives of Ekpan Division, acting on credible intelligence in a combined effort with the Nigeria Army, carried out a coordinated raid on a location within Post Housing Estate, Effurun, where suspected internet fraud and terrorism financing activities were taking place.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of one Kelvin Odini, aged 33 years, and 183 others engaged in online fraud-related activities. Items recovered from the suspects include 273 assorted laptops, 97 assorted smartphones, one iPad, one table phone, nine laptop chargers, and two Wi-Fi routers.

“All suspects and exhibits have been taken into custody as investigations intensify to unravel the extent of their operations and apprehend other accomplices.”

Meanwhile, the CP, Abaniwonda, has “Commended the gallant officers involved in these operations for their professionalism, bravery, and swift response to credible intelligence.”

The CP reiterated that “The command’s readiness to intensify intelligence operations, surveillance, and community engagement to ensure that Delta State remains uninhabitable for criminal syndicates and individuals engaged in activities inimical to peace and development.”

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Post Views: 486

Crime

DSS charges man for advocating military coup

Published

6 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Department of State Services has filed a six-count charge against 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume for allegedly calling for a military coup in the country.

The charges, brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, relate to posts Onukwume made on his verified X account (@theagroman) in October 2025.

According to the DSS, the posts encouraged the removal of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the suspension of the federal government and support for the military in taking over the country.

In the charge filed on Tuesday by DSS counsel A.M. Danalami, Onukwume’s actions were said to contravene Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

Some of the statements attributed to him include: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

He allegedly also wrote, “It will happen eventually, Nigerian. The military needs your support now! Only they can save this country. The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West and they run our intelligence apparatus only the military can reset this country.”

In another post, he reportedly stated, “Tinubu has to go and APC has to die for Nigeria to have any semblance of normal life. And if you think your stupid votes can remove Tinubu, I’m here to tell you that you’re a fool.”

The DSS further cited the same post repeated on his account, adding, “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

Onukwume, a resident of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, is expected to be arraigned later this week.

In October, there were reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This, however, has triggered outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports, saying there was no coup-related detention or plan within the military.

punch.ng

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Post Views: 16

Crime

Police recover stolen car, arrest Kano deputy gov’s driver

Published

6 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Toyota Hilux vehicle stolen from the Office of the Deputy Governor and arrested a suspect linked to the theft.

According to a police report, the vehicle was traced and recovered in the early hours of Wednesday following a swift and coordinated operation by security operatives.

The suspect, identified as a permanent and pensionable driver attached to the Deputy Governor’s office, was apprehended and is currently assisting investigators with the ongoing probe.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Ibrahim Shu’aibu, described the incident as “a clear breach of trust by the arrested driver.”

“The Deputy Governor’s Office commends the prompt response and professionalism displayed by the Police and other security agencies involved in the recovery effort,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the state government assured the public that it remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, both within and outside the Government House.

Post Views: 26

Crime

Suspected Ritualists Kill Woman, Remove Head, Other Parts In Oyo Community

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Residents of the Aba Alfa community in Boluwaji, Ibadan, Oyo State, were thrown into shock and mourning over the gruesome murder of a woman identified as Iya Dupe by suspected ritualists.

It was gathered that the incident occurred overnight, and the victim’s dismembered body was discovered early Wednesday morning.

According to residents, the victim’s head, breasts, and other vital organs were removed by her assailants.

Eyewitnesses explained that the woman, who was slightly ill, had gone out around 9p.m. on Tuesday to buy bread, but she never returned alive.

Neighbours who went to check on the deceased on Wednesday were met with the horrifying scene of her mutilated remains inside her home.

Residents described the discovery as “heartbreaking and inhuman,” adding that ritual-related killings were becoming a disturbing trend in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, despite several security efforts.

The Oyo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps have reportedly been alerted to the killing.

Community leaders have also called on the government and security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

At the time of filing this report, the police had not yet issued an official statement on the incident.

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