Crime

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

Published

9 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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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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