Connect with us

Crime

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

Published

on

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.

See also  12 Nigerians arrested over cybercrime and human trafficking in Ghana

“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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

See also  FCT pastor remanded over alleged rape

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

Published

on

The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

See also  Police nab 65-year-old illegal arms dealer in Anambra

“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Continue Reading

Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

Published

on

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

See also  Florida mother arrested for sharing daughter’s sex videos with family dog
Continue Reading

Crime

Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

Published

on

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.

See also  Terrorists kill Nigerian brigadier general – AFP report
Continue Reading

Trending