Crime

Police detain suspects in Kebbi sisters’ deaths

Published

3 weeks ago

March 25, 2026

The Kebbi State Police Command on Tuesday said all the suspects linked to the circumstances surrounding the death of two young sisters at the General Hospital, Zuru, have been detained.

The development comes as the state government’s probe panel, set up to investigate the incident, has begun sittings in Zuru.

The sisters, aged three and six, reportedly died on March 18 after allegedly being administered the wrong medication during treatment at the hospital.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with PUNCH Metro, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, said arrests had been made and investigations were ongoing.

“We are aware of the incident. All those involved have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that the state government constituted a special committee to probe the controversial deaths, following public outrage over allegations that the children died after receiving a wrongful injection.

Governor Nasir Idris approved the panel, with the decision conveyed in Birnin Kebbi by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida.

In a statement issued on Monday by the media aide to the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmad Aliyu, the panel—sitting at the hospital—heard testimonies from key witnesses, including hospital staff and the parents of the deceased.

“Medical personnel, including the principal medical officer, Dr Thomas Gode; medical officer, Dr Mohammed Fakai; and the nurses on duty from the day the girls were admitted until the third day, when they died, all appeared before the panel and were cross-examined,” Aliyu disclosed.

The statement added that the deceased’s parents, led by the father, Ibrahim Shuni, alongside other family members, also presented their case and accounts of what transpired during the period.

“As part of its assignment, the committee met with hospital staff, who highlighted the adverse effects of communication gaps among personnel.

“They stressed the need for teamwork and timely consultation in critical situations involving life-saving decisions,” the statement noted.

According to Aliyu, the chairman of the panel and commissioner for information, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, urged staff members of the hospital to adhere strictly to medical ethics, warning that costly mistakes that could endanger lives must be avoided at all times.

“The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ismaila Yakubu Augie, also called for greater synergy and cooperation across all levels of the profession to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

“Other contributors included the Provost of Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing Sciences, Ambursa; Dr Murtala Musa Muhammed; Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Comrade Kelani Abdulwaliyyi; Director of Inspectorate, Dr Lawan Kangiwa; and Director of Nursing Services, Alhaji Hantsi Garba.

“The committee will continue its sittings, with more witnesses expected to testify.”

Post Views: 129

Crime

Police recover AK-47 linked to abducted Rivers vigilante leader

Published

2 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A joint operation by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies has led to the destruction of criminal camps used for kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ipo and Igwuruta-Ali in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of arms and ammunition, including a pump-action gun, one AK-47 rifle, and communication gadgets. Several suspects dwelling in the camp were said to have fled.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to newsmen.

Agabe revealed that the pump-action gun is reportedly owned by the leader of a local vigilante group, who was allegedly abducted by bandits when he led his men to confront them last week.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a successful joint security operation carried out against criminal elements operating within the state.

“In compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Command continues to collaborate closely with sister security agencies to enhance the protection and security of citizens while also strengthening inter-agency cooperation and synergy.

“On April 12, 2026, at about 1300 hours, tactical teams of the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, embarked on a coordinated operation to clear identified criminal camps suspected to be used as hideouts for kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“During the operation, the joint security team identified criminal hideouts at Ipo and Igwuruta-Ali camps.

“In the course of the operation, the following items were recovered: one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four cartridges, native bulletproof materials, a large iron cutter, communication radios, and other items.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered pump-action gun is suspected to be owned by the leader of a local vigilante group, OSPAC, who was allegedly abducted earlier.”

“The criminal camps were successfully destroyed, and one suspect was arrested within the vicinity and is currently under investigation, while other suspects fled the scene before the arrival of security operatives.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and rescuing the kidnapped victim,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured residents of the state of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

CP Adepoju, however, urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the prompt arrest of criminal elements.

Post Views: 23

Crime

Man faces trial over dispute on Lagos Harvesters church land

Published

2 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday arraigned one Olusola Shedrach before the State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged forceful takeover and damage of a landed property belonging to Harvesters Church along the Gbagada–Oworonshoki Expressway.

The defendant was arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on a three-count charge bordering on forceful takeover, wilful damage, and breach of peace, preferred against him by the state.

When the charge was called, the state prosecutor, Olufunmilayo Aluko, urged the court to take the defendant’s plea.

“My Lord, we are ready for the arraignment of the defendant and pray that the charges be read to him so that he can take his plea,” she said.

The court granted the application, and the charges were subsequently read to the defendant.

Aluko told the court that Shedrach allegedly forcefully took over the church’s property and was also accused of wilful property damage.

The defendant was further accused of conducting himself in a manner capable of causing a breach of peace.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 2(1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016; Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, for allegedly destroying items on the premises; and Section 168(d) of the same law, with the state alleging that the defendant conducted himself in a manner capable of causing disturbance on the property.

Shedrach, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Mr O. Odueso, requested a short adjournment to enable the defence to move its bail application.

“My Lord, we respectfully seek a short date to allow us to file and move our bail application,” Odueso said.

Responding, the prosecutor did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to April 22 for the hearing of the bail application and fixed June 17, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

“This matter is hereby adjourned to April 22, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and June 17, 2026, for trial,” the judge held.

Post Views: 24

Crime

Army rescues 11 kidnap victims, arrests suspected terrorist

Published

16 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Nigerian Army says it has rescued at least 11 kidnapped victims and arrested several terror and criminal suspects in coordinated nationwide operations carried out across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours.

In a statement posted on Tuesday via the official Nigerian Army X handle, Nigerian Army said troops recorded “significant operational successes across multiple theatres,” adding that the operations “dealt decisive blows to terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and disrupted criminal networks.”

In the North-East, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics courier in Ngamdu, Borno State, who reportedly confessed to supporting insurgent activities around Gubio and Magumeri.

The Army said the arrest formed part of its intensified counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Also in Monguno, troops apprehended two suspected collaborators linked to a terrorist kingpin. According to the Army, items recovered from them included “4 android phones, 3 wristwatches, a power bank, 2 pairs of terrorist uniforms, one mudu of garri, and ₦135,500,” while the suspect’s wife and three children were also taken into custody for further investigation.

In separate operations, troops rescued six kidnapped victims in Bauchi State, with the Army stating that the rescue efforts “reinforced ongoing search-and-rescue operations” across affected communities.

In Yobe State, troops intercepted a truck in Nguru, which was “falsely declared as carrying beverages but found loaded with large consignments of medical supplies intended for illicit cross-border movement.”

The Army listed recovered items to include cartons of antibiotics, injections, syrups, bandages, and other pharmaceutical products, while noting that “the driver and three occupants are currently in custody.”

In the North-West, troops in Katsina State arrested a suspected drug peddler in possession of 487 grams of cannabis sativa. In Zamfara State, the Army said troops responding to a distress call “rescued two abducted NDLEA personnel, neutralised threats, and apprehended one terrorist,” adding that the injured personnel have been evacuated for medical attention.

Operations in the North-Central also led to gains in Plateau State, where troops “thwarted cattle rustling attempts, recovering 92 cattle and rescuing an injured herder.”

Two suspects were also arrested with a pistol, ammunition, phones, and cash.

In the Federal Capital Territory, troops raided an illegal mining site and recovered equipment, including pumping machines, shovels, and diggers, while in Rivers State, they uncovered and destroyed illegal refining infrastructure containing thousands of litres of stolen crude and refined products.

In Edo State, troops working with other security agencies also arrested a suspected kidnapper, with the Army saying the operations “reflect enhanced inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven engagements” across the country.

Reaffirming its position, the Army said it remains “unwavering in its resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and protect lives and property,” while urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.