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37 Katsina kidnap victims regain freedom after negotiations with bandits -Lawmaker

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Bandits have released 37 villagers abducted from Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State after weeks of negotiations that led to a peace agreement, a lawmaker, Abdulraham Kandarawa, has said.

Kandarawa, who represents Bakori Constituency in the state House of Assembly, said on Friday that the latest release brought the number of freed villagers to 82.

He had earlier disclosed that 45 captives were freed under the same peace arrangement.

Speaking to journalists in Katsina, Kandarawa said the villagers, held in Sabe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were released without ransom following sustained negotiations with the bandits.

“Today, through the grace of God, we have finally received our people who were held captive. Insha Allah, they are back, and none is left in their hands,” he said.

The released hostages include 17 women, two infants, and 18 men.

Kandarawa emphasised that the bandits had promised to release the captives if the community maintained peace, a commitment they fulfilled.

“We want to call on all citizens to embrace peace. It is everybody’s business. If we have offended anyone, we will amend, just to live in peace,” Kandarawa appealed, highlighting the negotiation’s foundation on promises of non-violence.

The lawmaker thanked the bandits for adhering to their word, stressing that no ransom was paid.

“This is what they promised, and they fulfilled it today,” he said.

However, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda has earlier denied negotiations with bandits while on several fora said it was purely a community initiative while he applauded the initiative as well celebrated the return of peace to the state through the truce.

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Ibadan Cleric, Agbala Gabriel Faces Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct, Donation Mismanagement

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An Ibadan-based cleric, Kayode Amusan, popularly known as Agbala Gabriel, has been accused of sexual misconduct and mishandling donations raised for sick individuals.

The allegations have triggered intense debate on social media, where the pastor had built a reputation as a compassionate cleric known for mobilising financial support for vulnerable people.

For years, the cleric cultivated an online image as a pastor committed to charity and humanitarian work.

Videos of him praying for struggling families and appealing for donations to support the sick frequently circulated across social media platforms, earning him admiration from many Nigerians.

However, that reputation has recently come under scrutiny following a series of allegations circulating on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

One of the controversies involves a woman identified as Morenikeji, who reportedly suffered from a spinal condition and whose medical case had previously attracted public donations.

In a viral video, Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola, said she had earlier helped raise funds for the woman’s surgery before learning that the family later approached the cleric for assistance.

According to her, she withdrew from the fundraising effort after discovering the new arrangement.

Daramola said, “I initially raised money for the woman’s surgery, which wasn’t enough. But as soon as the family took her to Agbala Gabriel’s care, I withdrew.

“Later, I got to know that Gabriel abandoned them and failed to provide the support of a good accommodation and surgery he promised.”

The woman’s daughter also alleged in the same video that she eventually removed her mother from the cleric’s care due to concerns about how the situation was being handled.

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Blogger Alleges Sexual Relationship

While the controversy surrounding the medical fundraiser was still gaining attention online, another allegation surfaced.

A blogger known as Iyalaje Courtroom claimed during a live broadcast that the cleric had mismanaged donations and engaged in sexual relationships with women in his church.

According to the blogger, one of the women identified as Bolu, who was reportedly a former backup singer in the church, became pregnant for the pastor and later gave birth to twins.

The blogger alleged, “She was about 23 when the relationship started and she is now 25.

“Agbala Gabriel initially denied the pregnancy, but after pressure, he later accepted responsibility and rented a house for the lady and the twins.”

A charity advocate, Princess Adeyinka, also claimed that she intervened when the matter first surfaced. She alleged that the cleric initially refused to accept responsibility for the pregnancy.

“Agbala Gabriel impregnated Bolu and refused to take full responsibility initially. I went to him myself to beg him to take responsibility when I first heard about it, which he denied initially but later took responsibility,” she said.

As the accusations continued to spread across social media, supporters and critics of the cleric clashed online. While some defended his years of charity work, others demanded greater transparency regarding the allegations.

Responding to the claims, Agbala Gabriel denied wrongdoing.

He told Saturday Punch, “This is how they try to bring ministers of God down.

“All ministers who became famous faced this kind of lies. We see men of God like Pastor Adeboye, and other famous pastors being dragged on social media every day. This is just how they do on social media, making false allegations.”

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12 Nigerians arrested over cybercrime and human trafficking in Ghana

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A joint operation by the IGP’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, the Surveillance Unit from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has led to the arrest of twelve Nigerian nationals suspected to be involved in organised cyber fraud and human trafficking-related activities.

The IGP’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, in a statement on Friday, said six other suspected Nigerian nationals are currently at large for illegal migration-related offences contrary to the laws of the Republic of Ghana.Nigerian Culture Showcase

The targeted operation which took place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr Malaika Jibril Alhassan, from the Police Headquarters and Superintendent Mr Francis Baidoo, from the Amasaman Sector Command of GIS.

A search conducted at the premises led to the retrieval of the following suspected cybercrime tools including twenty-five laptop computers and seven mobile phones.

During the operation, the suspects attempted to obstruct enforcement by releasing German Shepherd dogs against the officers.

Consequently, reinforcement from the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team and the Surveillance Unit from the CID Headquarters helped ensure smooth operation.

Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were engaged in the following offences: Internet Fraud (Online Scams), Identity Theft, Email and Phishing Fraud, Mobile Money (MoMo) Fraud, Cyber Extortion and Blackmail, Credit Card and ATM Fraud and Electronic Forgery.

The offences identified fall under the following legal instruments:

• Ghana Immigration Service Regulations (L.I. 2245)
• Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038)
• Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772)
• Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)
• Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843)

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“The operation demonstrates the growing nexus between cybercrime networks and transnational migration activities,” the statement read.

“Effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the GIS remain critical in disrupting such criminal enterprises.

“The Ghana Police Service remains committed to intelligence-led operations, inter-agency coordination and collaboration and strict application of the law to safeguard national security and maintain the integrity of Ghana’s digital and migration space.”

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Army foils ambush in Cross River, kills four gunmen

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Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have foiled an ambush by suspected criminals while responding to a communal dispute in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, signed by the Major Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Yemi Sokoya.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on March 12, 2026, after troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible information about rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement in Odonget Community.

Sokoya said the troops “acted swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order” by mobilising to the community, where they carried out patrols and a show of force that helped to calm the situation and restore normalcy between the concerned parties.

However, while returning to their respective locations after stabilising the area, the soldiers discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons.

“During efforts to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of fire,” the statement said.

He added that following a contact report from troops on the ground, reinforcements from the 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack.

“The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel and clear the ambush,” Sokoya stated.

He said that during the engagement, troops “neutralised four of the armed attackers, while several others escaped.”

The Army spokesman said one soldier sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra Local Government Area, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

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Sokoya further stated that in the aftermath of the incident, troops had commenced cordon-and-search operations in suspected communities linked to the attackers to track down the fleeing criminals and prevent further security breaches.

He added that a curfew had been imposed in the affected area “to forestall further breakdown of law and order and to deny miscreants the freedom to operate.”

The Commander, 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Patrick Alimikhena commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by the troops in confronting the attackers.

He also reassured residents of Cross River State of the Nigerian Army’s “unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace within its Area of Responsibility.”

The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that would assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information that will assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators,” the statement added.

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