Crime

Mining Marshals arrest five suspects for illegal extraction, impersonation in Abuja

Published

8 months ago

January 1, 2026

Mining Marshals have arrested five men over alleged illegal mining activities and impersonation in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, authorities have said.

The suspects were arrested on 27 December, 2025 at Kebi Mangoro, Kuje Area Council, following what officials described as a credible intelligence tip-off on ongoing illegal mining operations.

Those arrested were identified as Muhammed Aliyu, 39; Abdulrahman Hashimu, 32; Tahir Muhammed, 43; Awaje Abduljalal, 19; and Kabiru Adamu, 38.

According to the Mining Marshals, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in operating multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa State.

Investigators further alleged that the group deployed a privately owned Toyota Hilux vehicle branded with the colours and insignia of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to evade security checkpoints and intimidate stakeholders.

Officials said the suspects confessed to the offences during interrogation. One of them, who identified himself as a manager, reportedly told investigators that their operations were directed by one Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited, who is currently at large.

The suspect claimed that only Mr Salihu could explain why the group lacked the requisite licences and statutory documentation required to operate in the solid minerals sector.

In a further twist, the Mining Marshals disclosed that while investigations were ongoing, intelligence reports indicated that the principal suspect and other accomplices still at large allegedly approached the nominal complainant — the lawful mineral title holder on whose concession the arrests were made — in an attempt to compromise and undermine the investigation.

This alleged interference, officials said, was formally documented by the investigation team and will form part of the evidentiary materials for prosecution, alongside the suspects’ confessional statements, which authorities stressed were obtained voluntarily and without duress.

The Mining Marshals expressed particular concern over what they described as the growing security threats associated with illegal mining, especially the impersonation of security agencies.

They noted that the use of an NSCDC-branded Hilux vehicle by the suspects posed a direct risk to public trust and national security.

Although the suspects were temporarily released on bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, the Mining Marshals said investigations were ongoing.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, ACC John Onoja Attah, Commander of the Mining Marshals, assured that the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

Mr Attah said the case would be prosecuted strictly in line with the Mining Marshals’ Standard Operating Procedures, adding that the NSCDC would not relent in its resolve to sanitise Nigeria’s mining sector and dismantle all networks involved in illegal mining activities nationwide.

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Crime

Police arrest 10 suspected human parts sellers in Oyo

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.