Crime

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Of Toddler In Kano

Published

9 months ago

July 9, 2024

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper for allegedly kidnapping his neighbour’s two and half year old daughter in the state.

The suspect, a 22-year-old man identified as Zakariyya Muhammad, was arrested following a sustained efforts and intelligence-led technical operations by the police.

Spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, in a statement on Tuesday, said the command received a report on 4th July, 2024 from a resident of Sabuwar Gandu Kwarin Barka Quarters, Kano who informed them that his daughter had been kidnapped.

He explained that the father of the victim, informed them that he received a call from an unknown person who claimed to have kidnapped his daughter (Amina) and demanded a ransom of N2 million for her release.

According to Kiyawa, on receipt of the report, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba raised a team of anti-kidnapping squad led by SP Aliyu Auwal, directing that the victim be rescued within 24 hours and also ensure the arrest of the suspect.

Kiyawa added that 16 hours after the kidnapped incident, the squad was able to arrest the suspect on 5th July, 2024 by 8 am and rescued the victim unhurt.

“The suspect who happens to be a neighbour to the victim confessed to having singlehandedly committed the offence and led the detectives to where she was kept hostage.

“The victim was rescued unhurt in an isolated area in their neighbourhood and was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano where she was examined, found healthy, and discharged,” the police spokesperson said.

While urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Police in creating a safer environment for all, the Commissioner said such despicable act will not be tolerated, pledging that the Command will continue to leverage all its available assets to forestall all criminal activities and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a similar development, spokesperson of the state’s Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, said a 40-year-old suspected transformer vandal has been arrested.

Abdullahi explained that the suspect was apprehended by operatives from the Garun Malam Division while vandalising transformer fittings and an electric pole at Dakasoye village in Garun Malam.

He said eight rods, three NEPA insulators, 43 quarter rods, three long nuts, aluminum rod, hammer and chisel were recovered from the suspect.

The spokesperson however noted that the suspect confessed to the crime and would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Crime

12 Inmates Escape Kotonkarfe Prison in Jailbreak

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2025

Admin

By Patrick Idowu

The Kogi State Government has confirmed that 12 inmates escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe during an early morning jailbreak.

State Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the incident in a statement on Monday, revealing that the inmates reportedly fled through the prison towers.

Describing the jailbreak as “unfortunate,” Fanwo assured that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, is taking measures to prevent a recurrence.

“One of the escapees has already been re-arrested, while investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the escape and uncover possible internal sabotage,” he stated.

Governor Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to tighten security and prevent future breaches.

Fanwo urged the public to report any suspicious individuals, warning that anyone caught harbouring an escaped inmate would face legal consequences.

“There is no cause for panic. Citizens should go about their normal activities, as the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” he added.

Crime

Maria Ochefu, Founder of Military Barracks Mammy Markets, Dies at 86

Published

4 days ago

March 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Maria Ochefu, the woman behind the famous Mammy Market chain in military barracks across Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 86.

Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed that she died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday in Makurdi.

Married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State, she revolutionized social and commercial life in military communities.

Her initiative, which began as a small venture, grew into a nationwide phenomenon that remains a central part of military barracks today.

In a past interview, she recalled how prominent figures, including former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari, were among her early customers.

Professor Ochefu revealed that his mother had been receiving treatment at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and was looking forward to celebrating her 87th birthday next month.

Maria Ochefu’s legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur and community builder will be remembered for generations to come.

Crime

EFCC Nabs 27 Chinese, Nigerians for Illegal Mining in Jos

Published

2 weeks ago

March 11, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians over alleged illegal mining activities in Jos, Plateau State.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday in Abuja, the suspects were apprehended on Saturday at the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited in Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos following credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining operations.

During the raid, EFCC operatives recovered a truck loaded with eight bags of processed Monazite, each weighing 1,000kg and valued at N4 million per bag.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, the commission confirmed.