Crime

Nigerian Navy Nabs Crude Oil Theft Vessel in Ondo State Operation

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2023

The Nigerian Navy officers successfully apprehended the Motor Tanker (MT) Vinnalaris 1 Lagos, a 77-meter-long vessel involved in crude oil theft in the Awoye riverine community of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, according to a statement released by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, on October 8, 2023.

Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan disclosed that the vessel was seized by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Thursday, December 8, 2023. The operation was conducted based on credible intelligence received by the Base regarding illegal crude oil activities in the Ebesan oil field, approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of Awoye community.

According to Ayo-Vaughan, the vessel, which had 17 crew members on board during the arrest, was actively engaged in illegal siphoning of crude oil from one of the well heads at the Ebesan oil field. The anti-crude oil theft patrol team from FOB Igbokoda swiftly approached the vessel, leading to the fleeing of the two boats attached to it upon sighting the naval personnel.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the MT Vinnalaris 1 Lagos had a storage capacity of about 15,000 metric tonnes, and it had loaded approximately 500 metric tonnes of crude oil at the time of the arrest.

Ayo-Vaughan emphasized that the successful apprehension of the vessel reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing crude oil theft and illegal activities in the country’s maritime domain. He assured that the Navy would employ all legitimate means to track and apprehend perpetrators of such illegalities.

The navy spokesperson urged Nigerians to promptly report any form of criminality, especially in coastal communities, to enable swift and necessary action. Ayo-Vaughan addressed allegations against Tantita Security Service (TSS), emphasizing that the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in fulfilling its constitutional mandate for the protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2026

Editor

By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

Crime

Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2026

Editor

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

Published

2 months ago

February 16, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.