Crime

Zamfara Governor Criticizes Judiciary Over Bandit Leaders’ Bail, Alleges FG’s Interference

Published

11 months ago

June 14, 2024

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed dismay at the state judiciary for granting bail to suspected bandit leaders arrested with weapons, alleging interference from powerful figures in Abuja. According to the governor, these influential individuals had assured the bandit suspects of their imminent release soon after their arrest.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of new magistrates in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, Governor Lawal criticized the judicial process that led to the bail of the suspected bandit leaders. He disclosed that one of the suspects was apprehended in Bauchi State, while the other was arrested in Gusau, and both were arraigned before the court.

Governor Lawal urged the newly sworn-in judicial officers to uphold integrity and honesty in the execution of their duties, emphasizing the need to serve the collective interests of law-abiding citizens. He highlighted the prevailing security challenges in Zamfara State, including banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, urging the judiciary to contribute effectively to addressing these issues.

In response, Justice Kulu Aliyu, the Chief Judge of Zamfara State, charged the newly appointed magistrates to uphold honesty and dedication in promoting the judiciary’s image. She emphasized the importance of integrity in their work, stressing that public scrutiny demands high standards from judicial officers.

Governor Lawal’s criticism comes amid his ongoing concerns about insecurity in Zamfara State, where he has previously lamented that influential individuals from Abuja are negotiating with bandits without his knowledge. He reiterated that such negotiations have exacerbated security challenges in the state.

Crime

E-Money in Custody Over Naira Abuse Allegations

Published

19 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Popular businessman Emeka Okonkwo, better known as E-Money, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged naira abuse and suspected money laundering.

The socialite, famed for his lavish spending and celebrity connections, was taken into custody earlier today at his Omole residence in Lagos and transferred to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for interrogation.

Sources at the commission say the arrest follows viral footage showing E-Money spraying wads of naira and foreign currency at a recent event—an act deemed a violation of Nigeria’s Central Bank Act.

Officials also hinted at a wider probe into his financial dealings.

While the EFCC has not released an official statement, the agency has recently stepped up actions against individuals who flaunt the naira in public, vowing to protect the nation’s currency and financial integrity.

E-Money remains in custody as investigations continue. His legal team is yet to respond, and formal charges have not been announced.

Crime

Soldier to Die by Hanging for Killing Lover

Published

22 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

A General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend.

The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, was confirmed by Lt Col Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.

He said the judgment followed due process and thorough legal scrutiny.

The 11-member military panel, inaugurated on February 18, 2025, was led by Brig Gen Sadisu Buhari, who declared the sentence after finding Mohammed guilty of murder, an offence under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act.

“After carefully reviewing the facts, the soldier’s record, and plea for mercy, the court finds no room for leniency. Justice must prevail.

“He is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Buhari ruled.

In a separate ruling, Private Abubakar Yusuf was sentenced to ten years in prison for robbery at a shopping mall in Enugu. Found guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Act, Yusuf avoided a stiffer sentence due to the panel’s inability to reach a unanimous decision.

The Army insisted these acts do not reflect its core values, assuring the public of its firm commitment to discipline and justice.

Crime

Taskforce Storms Lagos, Nets 52 in Night Raid

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

In a sweeping overnight crackdown, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit arrested 52 suspects in a fresh move to curb crime and restore order across key parts of the city.

Led by the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation kicked off around 12.35 a.m., targeting notorious hotspots such as Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde.

Acting on a flood of complaints about street urchins, hooligans, pickpockets, and other suspected criminals, the taskforce moved swiftly, rounding up 51 men and one woman in the early hours of Sunday.

Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that the operation was part of a broader strategy to conduct bi-weekly raids aimed at cleaning up the metropolis.

CSP Akerele, speaking after the raid, vowed the taskforce would not relent in its mission to keep Lagos safe.

“We will continue these enforcement drives until criminals have no hiding place. Anyone threatening the peace and security of residents should either stop or face the full force of the law,” he warned.

All suspects, he added, will be charged to court as the agency steps up efforts to safeguard law-abiding citizens and businesses.