Crime

Tragedy Strikes as Pipeline Explosion Claims Five Lives in Imo’s Obitti Community

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2024

On Wednesday, the Imo State Police Command confirmed the tragic deaths of five vandals resulting from an explosion that rocked the Obitti community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. ASP Henry Okoye, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), conveyed this information in a telephone interview with reporters, disclosing that the incident occurred on Tuesday.

According to Okoye, the state commissioner of police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, has taken swift action by assembling a team to investigate the immediate cause of the explosion and pursue the culprits who fled the scene. Okoye stated, “Yes, the incident happened yesterday (Tuesday). Five vandals were burnt beyond recognition, and we are currently investigating it in collaboration with our sister security agencies to unravel the identities of those behind the economic sabotage. They went for their normal pipeline vandalism when the incident occurred. Our goal is to make sure that similar vandalism does not occur in the future.”

A confidential source provided additional details, explaining that the vandals had targeted the Obitti Rubber Estate with an articulated vehicle, attempting to siphon oil by digging through an oil pipeline in the area. The source shared, “They dug a hole in the pipeline and connected their long pipe to their tanker to steal oil. I cannot say exactly what caused the explosion, but I know that from what I saw, many people died, and many others, who narrowly escaped the explosion, sustained various degrees of injuries. The fire that raged for hours burnt the tanker and also affected our farm produce worth millions of naira.”

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.