Crime

Dismissed Trigger-happy Cop Remanded

Published

7 months ago

October 29, 2024

Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, who previously worked for the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cultism Police Squad, has been remanded in prison after being charged with the murder of Okezie Nwamba, commonly known as Igbo-Jah, a prominent Ogene musician.

Ozonwanji was charged on Monday before Her Worship Ngozi Edeani, Chief Administrative Magistrate of the Enugu East Magistrate Court, on one count touching on murder.

This development comes after Ozonwanji’s orderly room trial, which resulted in his firing, was approved by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Godwin Aghaulor.

The prosecution was led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Justice Attah, and Emmanuel Ajogwu.

Ozonwanji was charged with illegally killing Nwamba by firing an AK47 Riffle, an offense punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.

The count reads, “That you, Ozonwanji Joseph, ‘m’, on 25th day of October 2024 at about 2010hrs at Anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate Enugu in the Enugu North Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by firing him with an AK47 rifle, which caused his death and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.”

After reading the charge to the accused in his preferred language, the presiding Magistrate Edeani directed that the case file be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecutions for consultation and that the suspect be remanded in the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.

Briefing reporters following the arraignment, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, said the accused’s arraignment for murder was consistent with the Enugu State Government’s and the police’s resolve and determination to ensure justice was served in the matter.

“It is important to inform our people that the Chief Magistrate has listened to the charge brought against the dismissed police officer and has asked that the case file be transmitted to the Attorney General of Enugu State to proceed from there and advise accordingly for the next line of action.

“This is one trial we want to see happen. We are talking about a human life. Policemen generally have that responsibility to protect lives, but if, for whatsoever reason, any police officer misuses his firearm, the liability is on the person. That is exactly what has happened today. You could see the Enugu State Government and the police command in the state have done everything possible to ensure that justice prevails in this case,” Ndukwe stated.

Speaking on the situation, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Dr Kingsley Udeh stated that his office would await the case and respond quickly.

“This is a matter His Excellency is determined to see to the end to ensure that justice is done to everyone involved. I also have his instruction to personally prosecute this matter as the Attorney General. This underscores the importance he places on it. And I will do exactly that. We will prosecute diligently and expeditiously,” he assured the public.

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah has declared that the three children of the slain musician will receive scholarships up to the university level, while also taking care of his sick wife.

on her part, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih made the announcement during a visit to the deceased’s residence on Monday, alongside the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, and the Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Ibenaku Onoh.

“The governor, in his magnanimity, has awarded scholarships to the children to the university level. Secondly, the state is going to take care of the welfare of his widow going forward.

“This is a calamity to everybody who loves Enugu State and who is an indigene of Enugu State. The Enugu State government is on top of the matter and they are going to make sure that justice prevails in this matter.

“With me here are the children of the late Igbo-Jah, and the governor has promised them that he is not only going to take care of them from now till university but also promised to take care of their welfare,” she stated.

Crime

Ekpa Faces Terror Charges in Finland Over Biafra Campaign

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, is facing serious criminal charges in Finland for allegedly inciting terrorism linked to his pro-Biafra agitation.

Finland’s National Prosecution Authority confirmed that a Finnish national has been charged with publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent and allegedly participating in a terrorist organization.

Though unnamed in the official statement, multiple reports from YLE, Finland’s public broadcaster, and Nigerian sources identify the suspect as Ekpa.

The charges cover a period from 2021 to 2024 and focus on activities traced to the city of Lahti.

Authorities allege Ekpa used digital platforms to encourage unrest in Nigeria’s southeast under the banner of Biafra independence.

Ekpa, who styles himself as leader of the so-called Biafra Republic Government in Exile, is linked to a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Nigerian authorities accuse him of fueling violence through broadcasts that have incited attacks on civilians and public institutions.

Though Ekpa was detained in November 2024 and remains in custody, he denies all allegations.

Four others earlier suspected of funding terrorism were released due to insufficient evidence.

This case highlights the growing challenge of policing cross-border extremism driven by online influence and diaspora activism.

Crime

Cocaine in Hijab: NDLEA Busts Woman, UK Ex-Convict, Others

Published

7 days ago

May 11, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Adewunmi Oluwaseun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a significant drug trafficking attempt involving a woman who concealed cocaine in her hijab and a United Kingdom-based ex-convict, among other suspects, during recent operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and across multiple Nigerian states.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the woman, identified as Adebisi Kafayat, was arrested at the Lagos airport during the outward clearance of passengers on a flight to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

NDLEA operatives discovered parcels of cocaine strategically hidden inside her hijab and wrapped around her waist in a desperate attempt to evade security checks.

In a separate operation, the Agency apprehended a UK-returnee, Babatunde Michael, at his Lagos residence following intelligence linking him to a shipment of illegal drugs.

Michael, who previously served time in a British prison for drug-related offences, was found with multiple packets of cocaine and heroin concealed in his personal effects.

Other coordinated raids across states such as Ogun, Edo, and the Federal Capital Territory led to the arrest of additional suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of cannabis sativa, tramadol, and methamphetamine.

The NDLEA emphasized that these operations were part of its ongoing offensive against drug cartels exploiting air, land, and sea routes to distribute illicit substances.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers involved for their vigilance and reiterated the Agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

He urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities, adding that traffickers will continue to face the full wrath of the law, regardless of how ingenious their smuggling methods may be.

Crime

United for the Forest: Security Agencies Back NFSS

Published

7 days ago

May 11, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Oso Abidemi

In a strategic move to strengthen national security and tackle rising criminal activities in forest regions, top security agencies in Nigeria have pledged robust collaboration with the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS).

The Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), gave their nod during the graduation ceremony of NFSS operatives trained in intelligence, surveillance, and provost duties in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ajao Adewale, described the forest security initiative as a bold step in complementing existing security structures.

He emphasized that effective policing, especially in forested and mountainous terrains like those surrounding Abuja, must be intelligence-driven and collectively executed.

“We commend your initiative. Security is not a solo effort. Collaboration is key,” Adewale said, calling for data-driven and ethical policing in support of safer communities.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), represented by Deputy Director of Operations, Kayode Raji, lauded NFSS for prioritizing intelligence and conflict management.

He assured continued cooperation, stressing the need for synergy between NFSS and NDLEA in combating drug-related crimes.

NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosun, echoed similar sentiments, praising NFSS for its dedication to safeguarding lives and properties in remote areas.

NFSS Commander-General, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, said the training was part of a larger strategy to build a disciplined, efficient, and collaborative task force capable of policing Nigeria’s vast forests.

He revealed that key security outfits including the DSS and military also contributed to the training.

“We are graduating stronger and more strategic,” Osatimehin declared, urging NFSS officers to keep working hand-in-hand with sister agencies to defeat crime nationwide.

The renewed alliance signals a significant step toward unified, intelligence-led security operations across Nigeria’s vulnerable hinterlands.