Crime

Fr Oyode’s Abductors demand 200 Million Ransom

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

A wave of concern has swept through the Catholic Diocese of Auchi after kidnappers demanded a N200 million ransom for the release of the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode.

The priest was abducted on Sunday evening in Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, during a service.

The chilling incident unfolded as gunmen stormed the seminary, firing shots, and initially seizing two students along with Fr. Oyode.

In a courageous act, the priest reportedly urged the attackers to release the students, offering himself in their stead—a plea the kidnappers ultimately accepted.

The Communications Director of the Diocesan, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa confirmed the ransom demand, while law enforcement swiftly mobilized.

On his part, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun assured community leaders, including Bishop Gabriel Dunia, that the police are fully committed to rescuing Fr. Oyode unharmed.

Local hunters, vigilantes, and soldiers have joined a search operation, combing nearby forests for any trace of the kidnappers.

In a show of unity, the Auchi Diocese calls on faithful across the nation to pray fervently for the priest’s safe release.

Crime

Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct One in Nasarawa Community

Published

5 hours ago

November 7, 2025

By Patrick Idowu

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed two persons and abducted one in Sarkin Noma community, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Residents said the attackers struck around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, shooting sporadically before escaping with their victim.

A resident, Innocent, described the attack as part of recurring incidents in the area and appealed to authorities to strengthen security to protect lives and property.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has yet to comment on the latest attack. Sarkin Noma is located in the insecurity-prone Kadarko electoral ward of Keana LGA.

Crime

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

Published

1 week 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.