Crime
JUST IN: Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization Denounces Sponsored Hoodlum Attack in Edo State
The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization is deeply troubled by the recent attack on the campaign vehicle belonging to our Principal, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Sponsored individuals affiliated with a PDP aspirant launched a violent assault on the vehicle, driven by the Coordinator of the campaign in Esan West, Mr. Otoide Abas.
The incident occurred shortly after Mr. Otoide concluded a productive meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP faithful. On his way to meet other supporters in Ekpoma, he made a quick stop at the local market square to purchase some beef barbecue (Suya). It was during this innocent moment that a white Hummer bus, labeled “Ameosa Motors,” suddenly appeared, where some heavily armed hoodlums numbering about seven emerged from it, creating fear and panic by shooting indiscriminately.
Mr. Otoide reported that the same vehicle and occupants had earlier visited Illeh after the meeting, where they maliciously vandalized the chairs and canopies used for the gathering. The hoodlums then took their time to thoroughly destroy the Philip Shaibu Campaign vehicle, firing multiple shots at it while Mr. Otoide and others sought safety.
Investigations have revealed that the bus used by the assailants was the same one that transported thugs accompanying the said PDP aspirant to the Uchi Day celebration in Auchi last week.
We find these acts of violence deeply disturbing and want to state categorically that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign organization are committed to the well-being and progress of the people of Edo State. Unfortunately, there have been numerous attempts to hinder our campaign, such as the repeated vandalism of our billboards by state-sponsored thugs targeting Mr. Shaibu’s candidacy.
Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State and a frontline contender in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, remains undeterred by these malicious acts. He is determined to reclaim the state from business-oriented individuals whose priorities lie in personal gain, rather than the welfare of the people.
We call upon the security agencies in the state to urgently address these distressing events and compel the government to rein in their agents. Such violence not only undermines the democratic process but also betrays the peaceful people of Edo State, who have chosen to participate in a democratic election to free their state from conniving capitalists masquerading as statesmen. The safety and security of all participants in the election must be ensured, and those responsible for these attacks must face the full force of the law.
The Coordinator of the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization in Esan West Local Government Area is currently providing his statement at the Ekpoma Police station, while the campaign vehicle is being held as evidence.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
Troops from the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have successfully raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Lantom village, Kadarko District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the soldiers stormed the criminal den on January 6, arresting four suspected gang members. During the operation, some suspects reportedly attempted to disarm a soldier while being escorted, prompting the troops to respond decisively and neutralise them.
Items recovered include one locally fabricated rifle, one axe, and one machete. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were responsible for multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Kadarko District and surrounding communities.
All seized items are now in military custody. Follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing criminal activities and urged the public to provide timely information to support security efforts in the region.
Crime
Suicide bomber confesses: I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers in Maiduguri
Ibrahim claimed that he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.
•Ibrahim Mohammed
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, has revealed chilling details of his recruitment and operations, including how he was paid to target worshippers in Maiduguri.
The confession came after his arrest by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters in Yobe State.
Ibrahim admitted involvement in the Dec. 24 suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, which killed five people and injured 32 others.
He stated that the attacks were orchestrated by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.
“I came to Maiduguri with two IEDs to target Izala Mosque, under instructions from our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar,” he told interrogators.
He said the operatives planted the explosives after Zuhur and Asr prayers, timing the detonation for Maghrib prayers when worshippers had gathered.
Ibrahim claimed that he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.
He revealed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the terror network, with payments ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 per mission
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