Crime

Buhari’s ex-Minister Advocates Negotiation with Bandits for Reintegration into Society

Published

2 years ago

March 27, 2024

Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communication, has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to adopt a strategy of promising bandits a hopeful future through negotiation, aiming to facilitate their reintegration into society. Shittu emphasized that many of these bandits are capable individuals whom the government should consider retaining.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Shittu endorsed a non-kinetic approach to addressing banditry, asserting its potential to yield significant results.

“If I were in a position of authority, it is not too late to employ non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, offering them a promising future. Let us consider retaining them. Many possess intelligence and physical capabilities,” Shittu stated.

Highlighting the prevalence of millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, the former minister characterized it as a “production factory for banditry” within the country.

Shittu’s remarks coincide with calls from controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, who has urged the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with bandits.

Gumi cautioned Tinubu against emulating the approach of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refrained from negotiating with bandits.

Crime

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

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

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 weeks ago

February 17, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

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 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

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.