Crime

Tinubu orders probe into Arise TV anchor’s killing

Published

11 months ago

October 1, 2025

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of Ms. Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise News Television, urging security agencies to swiftly bring her killers to justice.

The President described Maduagwu’s death during a robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, as “cruel and condemnable.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended condolences to her family, Arise News staff, and the broader media community.

The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu condemns the killing of Arise News Anchor Maduagwu, urges security agencies to fish out the killers,’ called for a “quick and thorough investigation” and pledged his government’s commitment to citizen safety and crime suppression.

“Ms. Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner. Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” the statement read.

The President also assured Nigerians that his administration would continue strengthening measures to combat crime in all its forms and maintain citizens’ security.

Maduagwu, 29, was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, at her Katampe apartment.

Arise News described the incident as an armed robbery, which has been referred to the police for investigation.

Her death comes amid rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, which in recent months has witnessed violent robberies, coordinated “One Chance” attacks on commercial vehicles, and home invasions.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed deep sorrow over the death, describing it as “a tragic and painful loss for both the Nigerian media industry and the nation at large.”

In a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris wrote to Arise News Chairman Nduka Obaigbena. Expressing “our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who by every account was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.”

Idris assured the victim’s family of a thorough and swift investigation and extended “heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor.”

Also, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the killing as “a most horrendous event that must be quickly unraveled in the interest of justice.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor urged security agencies to work together to apprehend the perpetrators.

“The killing of the popular, extremely versatile and personable news anchor on Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja is a most horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.

“For every hour that the perpetrators are left un-apprehended, Nigeria suffers colossal mental and institutional damage. The killers must be fished out very quickly, tried, and sentenced in accordance with the law,” Abiodun said.

Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, also expressed deep sadness over the “tragic and untimely death” of Maduagwu in a condolence message to Arise Media Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

“She had a great future ahead of her. At just 29, she had traversed the worlds of beauty pageantry, law, and the media with brilliance, panache, and poise. Her demise is not only a great loss to ARISE Media Group and the Maduagwu family, but also to the Nigerian media as a whole,” Governor Eno said.

He further emphasised that journalists’ safety must remain sacrosanct, adding: “At this painful moment, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the Management and Staff of ARISE Media Group, and the Maduagwu family. We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that Sommie’s gentle soul rests in eternal peace.”

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Crime

Police arrest 10 suspected human parts sellers in Oyo

Published

14 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected human parts sellers.

The suspects were arrested in the Iseyin and Saki areas of the state.

Public Relations Officer of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one suspected human heart, human flesh, pieces of human skull and assorted charms.

The statement said the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.

The suspects were identified as Adam Ibrahim, Nasiru Kabiru, Tijani Wasiu, Abiola Nasiru, Amusa Gbadamosi, Raheem Taofeek, Jimoh Muritala, Suleiman Busari, Ganiyu Nurudeen and Usman Abdullahi.

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Crime

PHOTOS: Kebbi man arrested over alleged ritual desecration of Qur’an after burying it in pit with s€men to make woman more submissive to her husband

Published

19 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Abubakar Musa, over alleged ritual desecration of the Holy Qur’an in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Bashir Usman, who disclosed this in a statement on 14th August 2026, said the suspect was arrested in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of religious books, use of spells and hypnosis, and inciting disturbance.

According to the PPRO, on August 9, 2026, Musa and two other suspects, Rabi’u Tela and Hamza Zango, allegedly dug a pit and buried a copy of the Holy Qur’an, together with semen, white and red kolanuts, underwear, d3ad animals, and other fetish items.

The police spokesperson said the act was allegedly intended to make Rabi’u Tela’s wife Zarau Hassan more submissive to him.

“The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested Abubakar Musa, male, 29, of Rafin Mose Village, Zuru LGA, in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of religious books, use of spells and hypnosis, and inciting disturbance,” the statement read.

“The incident occurred on 9th August 2026, at about 1900hrs, at Zango Area, Zuru. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly conspired with two others; Rabi’u Tela, husband of Zarau Hassan, and Hamza Zango, both now at large, to dig a pit inside Zarau Hassan’s room and bury therein a copy of the Holy Qur’an, together with semen, white and red kolanuts, underwear, dead animals, and other fetish items.

“The act was allegedly intended to make Zarau Hassan more submissive to her husband, Rabi’u Tela, and was carried out in circumstances capable of provoking a breach of the peace among the Muslim faithful in the community.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two fleeing suspects, while Abubakar Musa remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, strongly condemns the alleged act and warns that the Command will deal decisively, within the law, with individuals whose actions threaten religious harmony, public order, and peaceful coexistence.

“Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious activities to the Police through 09039911876 or 07081074395. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”

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Crime

PHOTOS: Gunmen abduct 14 passengers in Benue

Published

19 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State.

The incident occurred on Thursday night, August 13, 2026 when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was reportedly ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.

A resident, Ochai, who spoke with punch on Friday, said the gunmen forced all the passengers into the surrounding forest.

“Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo -Adola road yesterday (Thursday) night. All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen,” he said.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, who confirmed the incident in a statement said five of the victims have so far been rescued.

According to the PPRO, the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.

Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.

“The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026,” the statement read

“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”

The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.

He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.

According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.

He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.