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Lynched travellers: Tension in Edo as DSS arrests principal suspects

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Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, Fred Itua, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence.

He noted that operatives of various security agencies were hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.

He said, “Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.

“The suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence. Operatives of various security agencies are hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.

”In the latest development, the two principal suspects arrested by officials of the DSS have been transferred to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities.

According to reports, the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings have been transferred to Force headquarters while investigation continues on the matter.

The transfer of the suspects to Abuja was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

“I can confirm to you that the suspects have been taken to Abuja as directed by the IGP and investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

”Itua also said he could not confirm if the compensation promised the family of the victim would be financial.

He, however, said the Edo and Kano governments were working together to fashion out a suitable compensation for the family of the victims.

“As you are aware, Governor Okpehbolo met with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the I6 people that were killed, where he promised compensation.

“I cannot say what form the compensation will take but both state governments are talking to ensure that the victims’ families are compensated.

”A resident of Uromi, who gave his name simply as Michael, said residents of the area, where the killings took place, were deserting their villages over fear of being arrested.

He stated that women thronged the Ojuromi of Uromi palace to protest the indiscriminate arrest of people in Uromi following the killings of the 16 travellers.

He said, “What is happening now is that people are leaving their houses where the killing took place for fear of being arrested by the police, who have been mandated to fish out all the culprits.

“I believe the protest by the women on Monday is in connection with the indiscriminate arrest of residents by security agencies.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has claimed that some major opposition political parties were planning to instigate a crisis in the state and make it ungovernable.

The state APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, stated this during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

“It has come to our attention that the leadership of some major opposition parties in our state, along with two others, has devised a reckless and dangerous plot to instigate crisis and make Edo ungovernable,” he said.

Tenebe alleged that the aim of those behind the plot was to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.

“Their sinister objective is clear: they want to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the tribunal will, on Wednesday, deliver judgment in the petition filed by the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.

Crime

EFCC raids Obasanjo’s hotel, arrests internet fraudsters during pool party

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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have reportedly stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and arrested some youths suspected to be internet fraudsters.

EFCC operatives carried out the raid in the early hours of Sunday during a pool party at the premises of the library.

This came barely five days after operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the commission arrested a suspected internet fraudster with two locally-made pistols in a raid at K-Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro area of the state.

The suspect, according to the anti-graft agency, was among the 55 others arrested during the raid carried out on Wednesday.

A viral video shared online from the Sunday raid at the Obasanjo Library showed youths scampering for safety as the sound of gunshots filled the air.

The operatives reportedly arrested a number of youths and seized “more than 20 luxury cars and other valuable items.”

The operation was carried out by the EFCC operatives from the Lagos Directorate.

An X user, A.Ayomide, in a post said, “Literally left my house past midnight to go to OOPL, got there and the crowd was too much. I don’t like the settings, my guy doesn’t like the settings, so we were just at the car park.“

Left around 1:30, 20 minutes later I get home and I’m getting calls that EFCC is raiding OOPL.”

The Managing Director of OOPL Ventures, Vitalis Ortese, confirmed the incident, but he did not provide details.

“Yes, they did. There was an incident this morning. We will find out and we will let you know,” he said.

Meanwhile, a statement has released after the incident. See below:

Meanwhile, the management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of invading its premises in the early hours of Sunday, August 10, 2025, in what it described as a “Gestapo-like” operation.

In a statement issued on Sunday , the OOPL management alleged that at about 2 a.m., over 50 armed men, purportedly EFCC agents led by one “Olapade,” stormed the complex, shooting into the air and threatening to kill people.

The raid, they claimed, caused chaos and panic among guests and residents, leaving several people injured while trying to flee.

According to the statement, “This morning, at about 2 am, the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men, shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and purported to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The invasion, led by one “Olapade” caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and near carnage that resulted, and causing terror among residents on the site.

In the meantime, management demands an explanation of these impudent accounts from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, to all those who gathered, and those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster like induced chaos.

Failure for which the management will be compelled to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate.

On inquiry by phone, “Olapade” informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on intelligence about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex.

They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.

It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely attended to members of the public for days prior.

It should also be noted that both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station, as requested by the organizers of the event and management, stated that they were NOT informed of any planned operation by the EFCC, and neither did they present any warrant.

And when the armed men were accosted by OOPL security and assisting police officers, they simply retorted, “We are doing our job”.

Management wishes to state that this action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL rights as corporate citizens, and indeed stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.

Management has commenced its investigation of the invasion and will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Security.

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Crime

Police Convict 21 foreigners for alleged internet fraud

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The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant legal victory with the conviction of twenty-one (21) foreign nationals involved in a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.

The arrest became possible in its sustained fight against cyber-related crimes and in protection of national security.

Recall, that on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out a well-coordinated raid on a building located at Jahi, Abuja.

The operation, which was part of a broader cybercrime crackdown, resulted in the arrest of 130 suspects, comprising 113 foreign nationals, predominantly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and 17 Nigerian collaborators.

These suspects were implicated in activities including large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other cyber offences capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.

Following series of investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2nd, 2024.

The trial process, which involved the presentation of robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, has progressed steadily through the judicial system.

As of Friday, 1st August 2025, twenty-one (21) of the accused have been convicted and sentenced by the competent court of jurisdiction.

Prosecution of the remaining defendants continues, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed the continuous dedication of the Force to intensifying the fight against all forms of cybercrime.

He emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminal enterprises.

The Force assures members of the public that it will continue to deploy cutting-edge technology, international collaboration, and diligent investigative processes to dismantle organized cybercrime groups. Further updates on the ongoing prosecutions will be provided as the cases progress in court.

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Crime

Bandits kill respected community member, several others in Sokoto

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Several people, including a respected community member were killed during a bandit attack in Gidan Taro, Kwasare Sisawa ward, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident which happened on Thursday night, was shared by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on Friday.

Among those killed was Alhaji Bello Gidan Taro, a well-known and respected leader in the community.

Many others were injured, and some were abducted during the violent raid.

“Yesterday night, bandits attacked Gidan Taro in Kwasare Sisawa ward, Wurno LGA, Sokoto State, killing several, injuring many and abducting others. Among those killed was a respected community member, Alh. Bello Gidan Taro,” Bakatsine wrote.

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