Crime
Zamfara residents pay millions for safety
It was learned that on Sunday, April 20, bandits issued a fresh demand of N60 million from residents of Dankurmi village in Maru LGA.

Residents across Zamfara State are being extorted by armed bandits who demand levies running into hundreds of millions of naira in exchange for allowing the people to remain in their homes.
Daily Trust reports that the levies, enforced under the threat of abduction, violence, or death, have left communities in a state of fear and financial ruin.
Since January 2025, it was gathered that over N500 million has been paid by various communities to different bandit groups in a desperate bid to avoid attacks.
In January alone, the late bandit kingpin, Isuhu Yellow, imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages, including demands for agricultural produce.
For instance, Gijinzama village was charged N8.5 million, Dakolo N5 million plus 20 bags of beans, Kibari, Kunchin Kalgo N20 million, Sungawa N15 million, and Yalwa N2.7 million, among others.
Shortly after, another notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide, demanded N100 million from 23 communities in Tsafe LGA, prompting mass displacement.
The affected communities included Kunchin-Kalgo (N20m), Sungawa (N15m), Rakyabu (N15m), and Kwaren Mai-Saje (N10m).
It was learned that on Sunday, April 20, bandits issued a fresh demand of N60 million from residents of Dankurmi village in Maru LGA.
Locals say that they were given until Wednesday to comply or face dire consequences. Kidnappings had already commenced before the deadline.
Crime
JUST IN: Police Find Pastor Adefarasin Innocent in Viral Gun Video Case

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.
Crime
EFCC: Yahoo Boys Fuel Stricter Visa Rules for Nigerians

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.
Crime
Gov Alia’s Aide Abducted by Unidentified Gunmen

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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