Crime

Police Thwart Kidnap Attempt In Abuja

Published

8 months ago

July 17, 2024

A resident of El-Rufai Estate in the Bwari Area of the Federal Capital Territory identified as Nathaniel has been shot by kidnappers after an attempt to kidnap him was foiled.

The kidnappers numbering over 15 had invaded the estate around 2 am on Wednesday and shot sporadically.

It was gathered that the kidnappers had attempted to abduct many of the residents before their operation was thwarted by the operatives of the FCT police command in collaboration with troops.

A resident who gave his name as Saliu told newsmen that the police and kidnappers engaged themselves in a fierce gun duel that lasted for about 30 minutes.

He added that the kidnappers were unable to abduct anyone from the estate but shot one resident they were trying to take away.

Saliu said, “Around 2 am on Wednesday, some kidnappers numbering about 15 came to the Elrufai Estate here. All of them were carrying guns and they were shooting non-stop.

“The kidnappers attempted to kidnap some persons. You know in this area we have experienced a lot of kidnappings in the past but recently the police have been very active.

“Fortunately, the police came on time and they exchanged fire with those kidnappers. This lasted for about 30 minutes or so but at the end of the day, nobody was taken away by the kidnappers. However, the kidnappers shot one Nathaniel. They wanted to take him away but they couldn’t. ”

The FCT police command spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident to newsmen

She added that the police are on the trail of the kidnappers.

Adeh said, “We received a distress call and the DPO of Bwari mobilized his men along with the military and swiftly repelled the miscreants in a gun duel. No one was kidnapped.

“The police are on the trail of the kidnappers.”

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.