Crime

NSCDC Busts Baby Factory in Imo, Rescues Five Pregnant Women and Five Newborns

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2026

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command has uncovered an illegal baby factory operating under the cover of a registered orphanage in the World Bank area of Owerri, Owerri West Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of five pregnant women and five newborn babies.

The Imo NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Basil Igwebueze, disclosed the development to journalists in Owerri on Saturday, March 14, 2026, revealing that the operation was triggered by a chance observation by one of his officers, who spotted a pregnant teenager fleeing from the orphanage premises.

“This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies,” Igwebueze said.

The arrested suspects were identified as Tochukwu Ogaranya, 52, the owner of the orphanage, and her alleged accomplice, Godwin Nnamdi, 47. The five pregnant women rescued were aged between 25 and 33.

One of the victims, Chiamaka, a native of Ikeduru Local Government Area, told investigators that she had been introduced to the facility by an acquaintance she could barely identify, with the understanding that she would deliver her baby there and hand it over for sale. She said she eventually scaled the orphanage fence and fled when she could no longer endure conditions at the facility. She was subsequently intercepted by local vigilantes.

Ogaranya, however, denied any wrongdoing, insisting that her orphanage was certified and not involved in child trafficking. She claimed that Chiamaka had arrived at the facility pregnant, saying she was fleeing a man in Abia State who had impregnated her. Ogaranya added that she had contacted the police about the matter and was shocked when she learned that Chiamaka had escaped by scaling the fence.

Commandant Igwebueze condemned child trafficking as a heinous crime and commended residents for providing intelligence that made the operation possible. He urged Imo residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.

“If the residents of the state had not assisted us with the necessary information, the command would not have uncovered such a criminal act,” he said.

Both suspects are to be arraigned and prosecuted, the commandant confirmed.

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Crime

Gunshots Fired Near Trump, US President Rushed To Safety

Published

6 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

2 days 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

2 days 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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