Crime
NIS foil trafficking attempt, rescue two teenagers in Sokoto
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Ilela border command has thwarted an attempted human trafficking operation, rescuing two underage girls and arresting a 25-year-old woman, Rukaya Hassan.
The Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Mohammed Abdullahi, announced the rescue in a statement on Tuesday.
Hassan was apprehended while trying to traffic the two girls across the border into Niger Republic. The victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.
Abdullahi stated that the operation was a swift response to the directives of the new Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mrs. Kemi Nandap. During interrogation, Hassan, a resident of Giribshi area in Sokoto, admitted she did not know the two girls she was accompanying.
She claimed they were handed over to her by a woman in Sokoto, identified as Maman Adnan, who paid for their transport to Niger.
Hassan further explained that Adnan requested her help to take the girls to another woman in Niger, named Amina Yunusa, who promised them jobs in her restaurant in Niamey.
The rescued teenagers, Nabila Ibrahim (17) and Zainab Ibrahim (15), revealed that they were from Zuru LGA in Kebbi State. They disclosed that they were travelling to Niger to work at a restaurant, a trip approved by their parents, despite not knowing the restaurant’s owner.
Comptroller of Immigration, Ilela Command, Tony Akuneme, who conducted the interviews, invited NAPTIP Sokoto State to take charge of the victims and the suspected trafficker. Akuneme reiterated his commitment to combating the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons, in line with the CGI’s efforts.
By Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Police Force, through its NPF National Cybercrime Centre, has apprehended Ubani Zion Chibuike, also known as ZFancy, at an apartment in Wuye, Abuja.
The arrest comes in response to viral videos circulating on social media, alleging ZFancy’s involvement in serious crimes, including rape, causing widespread concern among the public.
ZFancy later claimed that the videos were staged and intended to attract attention following a hiatus. Despite his explanation, such actions carry significant consequences and cannot be disregarded lightly.
The Nigeria Police Force has emphasised its commitment to public safety and accountability, ensuring individuals are held responsible for actions that provoke fear or disrupt public tranquillity.
The Police has issued a stern warning to pranksters and content creators, urging compliance with the law and caution in producing content that could threaten public safety or compromise national security.
As legal proceedings progress, the public is urged to remain composed, assured that appropriate measures are being taken in this case.
By Adeyanju Esther
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended several suspected kidnappers in the Gwagwa and Dei-Dei areas of the territory.
The arrests were made by operatives from the Utako division acting on credible intelligence between June 30 and July 3, 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer on Thursday, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects were identified as Umar Abdullahi, also known as Auta, Likita Abubakar, Salisu Sani, Sabiu Mohammed, and Aliyu Suleiman.
They were apprehended in connection with a kidnapping incident that occurred in Gwagwa on June 12, 2024, during which two residents were killed and a ransom of 12 million naira was collected from the victim’s family.
The suspects are also allegedly involved in several other kidnappings and criminal activities within the Capital Territory.
Upon their arrest, law enforcement recovered four AK-47 rifles, a Dane gun, two magazines, and eight unexpended live ammunition from the suspects. All suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes.
While investigations continue, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, has reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the security and safety of residents.
The recovery of weapons and the apprehension of the suspects mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain law and order in the FCT.
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Three suspects, Babatunde Taiwo (28), Adeyemi Jamiu (34) and Yunusa Saheed (21) have been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court over allegations of assault and obstruction of duty.
The trio allegedly assaulted officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
According to the charge sheet, the defendants committed the offences at the Ogo Oluwa Area, Osogbo, on June 20, 2024.
They were accused of seriously assaulting three IBEDC staff, Abeebullah Asiru, Adejumo Dasola and Dosumu Raphael, while performing their lawful duties.
The trio were also accused of attacking the victims and preventing them performing their lawful duties.
They were also charged for allegedly beating and injuring the IBEDC staff.
The offence according to the charge was contrary to and punishable under Section 517, 509, 249 (d), 145, 356, and 338 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.
But, the suspects pleaded not guilty to the allegations slammed against them.
Defence Counsels, Okobe Najite, Tubosun Oladipo, and Funsho Muritala applied for the bail of the accused persons in the liberal term.
In his ruling, Magistrate Segun Ayilara granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties.
Ayilara directed that the sureties must be a civil servant and relative of the suspects and must be resident within Osogbo.
He, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 17, 2024
In a similar case, Tiamiyu Opeyemi was also charged for allegedly threatening to kill one Mr. Olawami Ayodele, an IBEDC official, with a cutlass one of IBEDC officials when he was carrying out his official duty.
Opeyemi (37), was said to have committed the offence at Zone 12 back of Capital area, Osogbo on July 2, 2023.
The offence, according to the contravened Section 81(6) and 249(d) of Criminal Code Cap.34 Vol.II Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2002.
He pleaded not guilty and was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with one surety. The case was later adjourned till August 2, 2024 for hearing.
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