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

FCT Police Rescue 23 Foreign Nationals, Arrest 14 Kidnappers in Nasarawa

Published

7 days ago

October 31, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has rescued 23 foreign nationals and arrested 14 suspected kidnappers during a major operation in Nasarawa State.

Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement on Friday that the operation, carried out by the Scorpion Squad on October 22 at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Ado Mararaba, followed reports of foreigners lured to Nigeria under false job offers.

The victims, 14 men, eight women, and one child were held for ransom in two apartments before being rescued unhurt, except one who sustained a minor injury.

Adeh said the syndicate, led by transnational kingpin Abubakar Jigiba and his brother, Sougule Zoubere, demanded ₦10 million per victim. The duo remains at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, commended the operatives and urged residents to report suspicious activities, noting that the raid was part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in border communities.

Crime

Pastor-Lawyer Re-Arraigned for Alleged Assault of 14-Year-Old Girl in Lagos

Published

1 week ago

October 30, 2025

By Samuel Adeola

A pastor and lawyer, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, has been re-arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl.

The Lagos State Government charged Akanni, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), pastor, with indecent treatment of a child under Section 135 of the Lagos Criminal Law, 2015. He pleaded not guilty.

Justice Oshodi upheld the bail earlier granted by a Magistrate’s Court and adjourned the case to December 9, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Crime

Lagos Police Arrest Three Inspectors for Brutal Assault on 22-Year-Old

Published

1 week ago

October 29, 2025

By Omoniyi David

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three inspectors for allegedly assaulting 22-year-old Jacob Sunday into a coma at the 22 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Barracks, Ogudu.

The suspects, Inspectors John Alom, Sunday Adoga, and Jehovah Usam reportedly lured the victim, son of Inspector Sunday Ochepo, into their room and beat him over an alleged affair with Mrs. Sarah Richard, wife of ASP Audu Richard, a resident of the barracks.

Jacob was rescued by detectives and rushed to the Police College Cottage Hospital, Ikeja, where he is receiving treatment.

Police authorities confirmed the arrest, adding that the officers are in detention as investigations continue.