Crime
Security Agencies Defeat Ajaokuta’s Kidnappers, Rescue 10 Victims
We can confirm that the efforts of the Ododo Administration in engaging duly registered security outfits to work with conventional security agencies are already paying off.
The Nigerian Police and Base SAN Security Nigeria Ltd, a private security outfit engaged by the Kogi State Government to ensure security in the Ajaokuta area of the state, have arrested four kidnappers and rescued victims in their custody at Ajaokuta area of the state.
Hon Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner of Information and Communications, confirmed the arrests of the kidnappers on Tuesday, said that the suspected kidnappers are currently in Police custody for further investigations and prosecution.
“The kidnappers were alleged to have been terrorizing the Ajaokuta area of the state for a while, commiting so many crimes including kidnapping, rapping and robbery,” he said.
Hon Fanwo explained that the arrest of the four kidnappers led to the rescue of ten victims that were kidnapped by the gang in some parts of Kogi East, assuring that the rescued victims will be reunited with their families.
He said, “We can confirm that the efforts of the Ododo Administration in engaging duly registered security outfits to work with conventional security agencies are already paying off.
Fanwo said the State Government is prepared to make Kogi State the safest in Nigeria.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has promised to spare nothing at ensuring that Kogi remains a safe place for everyone. We are too central to Nigeria to fail this country. “
Crime
Abia Police Command Arrests Suspect in Viral Assault Video (Images)
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man, Agwu Ukpo, who was captured in a widely circulated video allegedly assaulting a woman during a domestic dispute over a pot of soup.

In a press release signed by DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, LLB, ANIPR, MNISMA, Police Public Relations Officer for the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, police operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) apprehended the suspect following actionable intelligence.
Ukpo, a native of Akanu Community in Ohafia Local Government Area and resident of Okpuafor in Obingwa LGA, was arrested in connection with the incident that sparked public outrage across the state.

According to preliminary investigations, the assault occurred on April 4, 2026. The victim, Amarachi Chinyere, was washing dishes after a meal when she disposed of leftover soup that had been stored for three days. This reportedly triggered Ukpo’s anger, leading him to confront and physically assault her as she tried to explain her actions.
The landlord and eyewitness, Obinna Amaogu — also a native of Akanu in Ohafia LGA — stated that he had been accommodating both the suspect and the victim in his apartment because they hailed from the same village. Following the incident, Chinyere relocated to Lagos and had not been seen in the area since. However, the police have now established contact with her through a mobile phone number provided by members of her community.
The case is currently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Upon completion of investigations, Ukpo is expected to be charged with assault and attempted murder.
The Abia State Police Command strongly condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric, inhumane, and unacceptable under any circumstances.”
The viral video of the assault had drawn widespread condemnation on social media, with many calling for the suspect’s immediate arrest and prosecution. Police assured the public that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Nigerian-American Over N434m Vehicle Import Fraud
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for allegedly defrauding victims of over $320,000 (approximately N434.88 million) in a cross-border vehicle import scam.
The suspect was apprehended following a complaint by victims who paid for a luxury vehicle that was never delivered.
According to the EFCC, findings revealed that two victims paid a total sum of $320,000 for the same vehicle. One victim, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, reportedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary, while another victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000.
The anti-graft agency stated that Adams allegedly posed as a legitimate vehicle importer, collecting huge sums from unsuspecting buyers under the pretense of facilitating the importation of high-end vehicles from the United States, but failed to deliver.
The EFCC has commenced investigation into the matter and assured that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
This arrest highlights the growing trend of sophisticated cross-border fraud schemes targeting Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, with the EFCC intensifying efforts to curb such economic crimes.
Crime
Court Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 40 Years
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister respectively of eliminated terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in supporting terrorism activities.
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences after the two women pleaded guilty to three terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Battujo, a notorious bandit kingpin, was neutralized by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The women were convicted on:
- Count 2: Aiding and abetting Battujo’s terrorist activities by passing information to him through telephone conversations, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
- Count 4 (Halima Abdullahi): Concealing information about her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after visiting his forest camp.
- Count 5 (Safiya Salihu): Concealing information regarding her son’s terrorism activities.
Each count carries a 20-year jail term. Justice Yilwa ordered the sentences to run concurrently. The convicts will undergo rehabilitation after serving their terms.
They were discharged and acquitted on Counts 1 and 3, which involved receiving N490,300 and sponsorship for Hajj pilgrimage from proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, had urged the court to strike out those counts.
The women, both from Dungun Mu’aza Sabuwa LGA in Katsina State, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).
This conviction underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to dismantle terror networks by targeting not only operatives in the field but also their family members who provide material support or withhold critical intelligence.
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