Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia
The Nigerian Army has begun an investigation into the death of a hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, in Abia State. Some soldiers were said to have tortured Etubi to death in Abia after an Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an investigation of soldiers allegedly involved in the torturing of the manager. Nwachukwu said the Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager. He said Lagbaja had immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable. Nwachukwu said the Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation. The statement read, “The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. “The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. “Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.”
BREAKING! Tension As Masked Men Storm Oyo Government Secretariat
Several individuals wearing masks reportedly forced their way into the Oyo State Government Secretariat on Saturday (today). Reports said the armed individuals believed to be Yoruba Nation Agitators were strategically positioned at various locations within the Secretariat premises. Some were reportedly stationed at the Governor’s office gate, while others were observed at the House of Assembly Gate and the main entrance. The presence of these masked men caused fear and anxiety in the area, with security personnel attempting to address the situation without success. The true identities of these masked individuals remain unknown at this time. However, law enforcement officers, including the Police Command and other anti-crime agencies, swiftly responded by deploying multiple patrol vehicles to the Secretariat entrance. Additionally, members of the Oyo security network known as Amotekun were also reported to have arrived at the scene. The situation, as reported, nearly descended into chaos as security personnel engaged in a gunfight with the protesters. Reports also mentioned the use of tear gas, causing panic among residents in the vicinity. Motorists travelling along the route have been forced to take alternative paths while other road users hurried to find safety. Road users heading towards the Secretariat were redirected through Customs Junction, as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road was blocked off. Despite the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retired), to calm the situation, the masked gunmen persisted in their attempt to raise their flag at the Secretariat. However, the arrival of military officers from the 2nd Division of the Army approximately an hour later reportedly changed the course of events, causing some of the protesters at the entrance gate to flee. The stern-looking officers were said to have pursued the masked agitators. Shop owners, businesses, and residents in Bodija, Ikolaba, and along the Awolowo route quickly secured their shops and doors. As of this report, it remains unconfirmed whether any arrests have been made, as security personnel work to restore normalcy.
Gunmen attack Ortom’s ex-aide, abduct wife, housemaid
Gunmen have abducted the wife, Mrs Abigail Orbunde and housemaid, Patience Ogute, of Terwase Orbunde, a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. Orbunde, alongside his wife and the housemaid, was said to have gone to inspect his farm located close to the Genocide Cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital on Friday, when they were attacked. The incident, according to a source who witnessed the attack, happened at about 6 pm on Friday. The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised by the family to speak on the issue, said, “After the inspection of the work, five gunmen suddenly attacked the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor, his wife and housemaid who were on the farm along Mobile Barracks/Welfare Quarters in Makurdi. “This happened around 6 pm on Friday and the gunmen opened fire and the bullet hit Orbunde, while they ordered him and the women to follow them to an unknown destination.” The shooting was said to have caused villagers and passersby to scamper for safety in different directions. Another eyewitness who watched from a far distance said the gunmen marched the victims on a footpath but later abandoned Orbunde who was said to be bleeding profusely and unable to walk fast. “As they abandoned the man, the gunmen then whisked the women to an unknown destination while good Samaritans conveyed Orbunde to hospital,” the eyewitness said. Orbunde’s close ally and media consultant, Tahav Argezua, confirmed the attack on his Facebook page. The Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.
Hoodlums Burn Down Residence Of Former Nigerian Governor
Hoodlums wreaked havoc in the Gboko area of Benue State by setting ablaze the residence of Late Aper Aku, the former Governor of the state. The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw the occupants safely evacuated before the assailants touched the building. Deborah Aku, daughter of the late governor, revealed that the police rescued them from the premises before the attack escalated. The ordeal traces back to March when a man wielding a cutlass threatened the household, alleging his goat died after drinking water from their premises. Despite reporting the issue to the police and pursuing legal recourse, the family faced another assault on Monday morning. Armed with weapons, over 30 individuals besieged the house, vandalizing property, and killing their dog before setting the house ablaze. The police, while able to rescue the occupants, were outnumbered by the assailants. Investigations are underway, with authorities urged to address the escalating security concerns in the area. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Mkeenem Moses, Senior Special Assistant to the Benue Governor, condemned the attack, calling for swift action to prevent future assaults in the region.
Alleged money laundering: Binance executive docked, remanded in Kuje prison
Binance Company and one of its executives, Tigran Gambaryan, was, on Monday, arraigned on five count charges bordering on Money Laundering by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). On arraignment, Tigran Gambaryan pleaded not guilty of the alleged offences before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Before the arraignment, Justice Emeka Nwite had in a brief ruling dismissed the objection by Gambaryan to taking plea on behalf of Binance on the ground that he was not its representative and had no written authority to do so. The court held that Gambaryan had in an affidavit claimed to be representative of the company and transacted businesses on its behalf in Nigeria. The anti-graft agency through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho said the offences which were committed between January 2023 and December 2023 in Abuja were contrary to and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Count one alleged that the defendants between January 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja carried out specialised business of other financial institutions without valid licences. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 57(1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial, Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under Section 57(5) of the same Act. Although the foreign national pleaded to be remanded at the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the plea was turned down by Justice Nwite. The judge subsequently ordered that the defendant be taken to Kuje Prison on remand. In the meantime, the matter has been adjourned until April 18 for hearing of the defendant’s application for bail and May 2 for trial of the charges.
Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters
In Kaduna State’s capital, Kaduna, tensions flared as police clashed with Shiite protesters, leading to a state of pandemonium and unrest. The confrontation unfolded as members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) gathered for a procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. Despite the Federal Government’s ban on the group’s activities, the protesters persisted, prompting a response from law enforcement. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as police attempted to disperse the gathering, resulting in a frantic scramble among residents and shop owners to seek safety. According to Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, the IMN members allegedly brandished dangerous weapons and attacked both civilians and police officers. Several individuals sustained injuries in the skirmish. The police have since made arrests of suspects allegedly in possession of weapons and have vowed to prosecute them following investigations.
Nigeria Police Force Elevates Over 10,000 Officers
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the promotion of over 10,000 junior officers across various cadres. Under the directive of Inspector General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 10,581 deserving officers from the Inspectorate Cadre and the Rank and File have been elevated. The promotion process, spearheaded by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration and the Commissioner of Police (Welfare), is set to commence promptly, as confirmed by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The breakdown of promotions includes 9,831 Police Constables advancing to the rank of Corporal, 81 Corporals promoted to Sergeant, and 669 officers progressing from Sergeant to Inspector. Emphasizing the importance of meritocracy and career advancement, the Inspector General highlighted the role of timely promotions in boosting officer morale and overall effectiveness. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based promotions, underscoring its significance in ongoing manpower development initiatives. The Nigeria Police Force extended congratulations to all officers slated for promotion, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and unwavering service to the nation.
Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Kogi Community
Suspected Fulani gunmen, early Friday morning, invaded Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District, killing scores. The marauders who are fully armed surrounded the community and opened fire, killing and burning houses. A community leader, who escaped by the whiskers, but pleaded to remain anonymous, spoke with our correspondent, saying they were caught unawares. He revealed that 27 corpses have been recovered as of the time of filing this report, while some local vigilante men have moved into the bush looking for missing persons. He explained that rumour has been rife in the past three weeks of the possible invasion which was brought to the attention of the recently appointed Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mark Edibo, but they were assured of safety and protection. He said: “There was a misunderstanding between a young man in Agojeju-Odo with a Fulani herder on his farm after cattles ate up his yam tubers which resulted in a fight; the caretaker chairman intervened. “Since then, the herders vowed that they will mobilize and get back and there has been apprehension,” the source said. Speaking with Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, he confirmed the attack, but said the Commissioner of Police immediately drafted the tactical squad to the scene to restore normalcy. According to him, the tactical squad which comprises Mobile Police, Soldiers and Vigilante men were drafted after a distress call and they are currently on ground. The Police Spokesman could not confirm the figure of dead persons, while he promised to get back after speaking with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Omala Local Government Council. “As for the figure of dead persons, I can’t confirm now. I will call you after I have spoken with the DPO in charge of Omala, but I know that so many people sustained gunshot injuries,” he said.
EFCC Launches Investigation into Bobrisky’s Alleged Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Command, has launched a probe into the actions of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for purportedly spraying Naira notes. The investigation stems from a video circulating online, showing Bobrisky allegedly flaunting bundles of new Naira notes at the premiere of the movie “Ajakaju,” produced by Nollywood actress and producer Eniola Ajao. The event took place at Film One Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024. According to sources, this is not an isolated incident, as Bobrisky is suspected of engaging in similar activities at various event centers and parties on multiple occasions. Responding to the EFCC’s invitation, Bobrisky arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command on Wednesday morning, April 4, 2024, for questioning and provided his statements voluntarily. Upon the conclusion of investigations, Bobrisky is expected to be formally charged in court.
Military releases slain terrorist commanders’ names
The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday released the names of terrorist kingpins killed during different operations in the northern part of the country. The DHQ noted that the terrorist commanders were killed in separate operations between January and March 2024. The names of the terrorist kingpins are Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorist who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops on 21 Feb 24. Others are Kachallah Damina (Neutralised on March 24 by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others. The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed the names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja. He added that a total of 2,351 terrorists were killed while 2,308 were arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under review.