News

JUST IN: S’Court Uphelds 5-Year Sentence of Farouk Lawan

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

422 Views

The Supreme Court has upheld the five-year sentence of Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives in Nigeria who was convicted by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in June 2021, on a three-count charge of soliciting a bribe, agreeing to accept a bribe of $500,000 from a businessman, Femi Otedola.

This upholds the February 24, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sentenced him to a five-year jail term discharging him on two of the three counts bordering on corruption.

The five-year sentence by the Appellate Court is variation of the seven-year sentence handed down by the trial court.

In the judgment prepared by Justice John Okoro and read by Justice Tijani Abubakar, the Apex Court Friday dismissed the former Federal lawmaker’s appeal, to upturn his sentencing altogether, for lacking merit.

Farouk Lawan, who was Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Monitoring of the Fuel Subsidy Regime had demanded the sum of $3million dollars from Mr Otedola to remove among list of defaulting oil companies as captured in the Committee’s report.

But Mr. Lawan eventually got $500,000 Dollars from the businessman as inducement to remove his company’s name from the Committee’s report.

The former lawmaker’s failed attempt to upturn his sentencing therefore means he will serve his jail term.

News

Security Forces Rescue 9, Neutralise Terrorist in Kwara

Published

13 hours ago

July 25, 2026

Charles Flames

18 Views

A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.

Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.

One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.

News

Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts

Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.

Published

16 hours ago

July 25, 2026

OCHEFA

27 Views

• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman

Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

Troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon 5 of the Chairman’s family members comprising 2 of his children, mother, wife and his relatives, who were successfully rescued.

However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into surrounding bushes with the Chairman. Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of members of the Chairman’s security detail, including 2 policemen and 1 local vigilante who gallantly resisted the attackers.

Also, a civilian was killed while the Chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar was injured during the attack.

Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante.

Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.

The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies.

The Theatre Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.

The Command appeals to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that may assist the ongoing operation.

The Theatre remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue working with sister security agencies until the abducted Chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

News

IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms

Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.

Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.

The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.

” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.