Crime
Two Suspects Arrested Over Attack on U.S. Officials’ Convoy
At least two suspects have been arrested by security operatives over the attack on US Official’s convoy in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, made the disclosure at a press conference at the command’s headquarters on Thursday, May 18, noting that the suspects were arrested after joint security forces, comprising police tactical teams, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Navy raided a camp in Ogwuanaocha community of Ogbaru, which was suspected to be the hideout of the assailants on Wednesday May 17.
He disclosed that nine U.S. Consulate personnel from Lagos were involved in Tuesday’s attack which claimed seven lives at Ogbaru area of Anambra State.
Echeng listed the persons as Jefferson Obayuwane, Sunday Prince Ubong, Ekene Nweke, Hassan Etila, Avwuvie Kaye Monday, Bukar. A. Kabuiki, Emmanuel Lukpata, Friday Morgan, and Adamu Andrew.
It was gathered that out of the number, seven were killed and set ablaze in their vehicles, while two others were kidnapped.
Echeng said the deceased included men from Squadron 23, Police Mobile Force Lagos, Inspectors Bukar Adams, Friday Morgan, Adam Andrew, and Emmanuel Lupata.
The police commissioner blamed the attack on the members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), adding that efforts were on to track the location of the gunmen.
He said: “Information about the incident was received by the police command in Anambra through an official of the consulate at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
“Consequently, a joint team of mobile policemen and troops of the Nigerian Navy stationed in Onitsha was immediately deployed to the area.
“Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, the joint security team sighted and engaged the assailants in a shoot-out but they escaped through a nearby forest.”
Giving more details, he said further preliminary investigation by the command revealed that five male officials of the U.S. consulate and four armed mobile police escorted from Lagos were on a mission to assess the impact of erosion in Ogbaru before they were ambushed.
“Regrettably, seven persons, including three of the consulate officials and four mobile police escorts were murdered during the attack while two other officials of the consulate are yet to be found.
“The deceased police officers include Bukar Adams, Friday Morgan, Adam Andrew, and Emmanuel Lupata,” Echeng added.
Echeng said the remains of the deceased had been recovered and deposited in a morgue, adding that the state police command and other security agencies were working round-the-clock with the Anambra State Government to rescue the missing officials.
He appealed to the public to provide information about the identities and locations of the culprits, to assist the police.
Echeng also condoled with families and friends of the victims as well as the U.S. consulate over the tragic incident.
The Lagos State Police Command has cleared Senior Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church of any wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.
In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily reported to the Ikeja headquarters for questioning. Investigations revealed that the object in the video was a stun gun—not a lethal weapon.
“After thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object was a stun gun and not a firearm. There are no sufficient grounds to proceed, and the case is discontinued,” the statement said.
The police emphasized their commitment to transparency, rule of law, and public safety.
This development contrasts with an earlier statement in June by the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who noted that stun guns fall under prohibited riot control equipment and that pointing one at someone could be a criminal offense. At that time, both Adefarasin and the person allegedly threatened were set to be questioned.
The video showed the pastor in a Range Rover holding the device during an exchange. Adefarasin has maintained that he never brandished a firearm and that the object was non-lethal.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned that increasing cases of internet fraud are leading to stricter visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday at a Port Harcourt event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. He stressed that fraudulent activities damage Nigeria’s reputation, causing harsher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede urged youths to focus on productive sectors like digital innovation, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, warning that “fraud is not success; it is a trap” with lasting consequences.
The EFCC recently intensified efforts against cybercrime, arresting 38 suspected fraudsters in Lagos and securing convictions in Edo State for fraud-related offences.
In July, the US reduced the validity of Nigerian visas, including business, tourism, and student visas, a move linked to the rise in fraud cases.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud through enforcement and community collaboration.
The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Mr. Atu Terver, popularly known as Krayzeetee, has reportedly been abducted by unknown individuals.
The incident came to light late Tuesday after his wife shared an emotional post on social media, raising the alarm.
She revealed that her husband called her in a terrified voice saying, “I have been abducted, call mummy,” before his phone went unreachable.
Terver recently made headlines after dismissing one of his aides who took part in a protest against killings in Benue.
Authorities have yet to confirm the abduction or provide updates on any rescue efforts.
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