BANNER NEWS

Category: Crime/Judiciary

  • Three Arrested Over Murder of Edo Motorcycle Rider, Police Recover Body

    Three Arrested Over Murder of Edo Motorcycle Rider, Police Recover Body

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Benin

    The Edo State Police Command has arrested three men over the alleged murder of a commercial motorcycle rider, Hamisu Sule, and recovered his motorcycle.

    The suspects, identified as Dominic Habbaku, 36, Chinda Musa, 28, and Samuel Francis, 22, were arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps.

    The police said the suspects allegedly lured Sule on November 5, 2026, under the pretence of hiring his motorcycle to convey them from Sapele Road to Urhobo Quarters in Ogheghe community.

    According to the police, the suspects confessed to robbing and killing the rider after taking him to the community.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led raid on an uncompleted building.

    She disclosed that operatives recovered the deceased’s TVS motorcycle, eight rounds of live AA ammunition, two rounds of AK-47 ammunition and one live cartridge during the operation.

    Ikoedem added that the suspects subsequently led investigators to Ogheghe community, where the victim’s body was recovered and deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.

    She said investigation was ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to recover the weapons allegedly used by the suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

    The command reiterated its commitment to apprehending perpetrators of violent crimes and bringing them to justice.

  • Two Convicted Inmates Escape From Kogi Correctional Centre

    Two Convicted Inmates Escape From Kogi Correctional Centre

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja

    Two convicted inmates have escaped from the Okene Correctional Centre in Kogi State, prompting a joint manhunt by the police and other security agencies.

    The escapees were identified as Samson David, convicted of theft, and Salvation Moro, who was serving a jail term for armed robbery.

    They reportedly escaped through the facility’s rear perimeter fence on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

    The Kogi State Police Command said the Officer-in-Charge of the correctional centre reported the incident to the police at about 10:30 a.m. on the same day.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the command was working with the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies to recapture the fleeing inmates.

    “The Command has received a report from the Correctional Centre and is collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant security agencies to ensure the prompt re-arrest of the escapees.

    “Efforts to trace and apprehend the fleeing inmates are ongoing,” she said.

    The police spokesperson clarified that the statement was the command’s first and only official communication on the incident, urging the public to disregard any other reports attributed to her unless officially confirmed.

  • Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Destroy Bandits’ Hideouts In Sokoto

    Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Destroy Bandits’ Hideouts In Sokoto

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Sokoto

    Police operatives in Sokoto State have rescued two kidnap victims and destroyed several hideouts belonging to suspected bandits during a security operation in Yabo Local Government Area.

    The operation was carried out in the early hours of November 9, 2026, at Dan Tafki village and the surrounding hills opposite Binji Musa in the area.

    The police said the operation involved personnel of the 7 Police Mobile Force, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Yabo Divisional Police Headquarters.

    In a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the operation followed credible intelligence about the presence of armed bandits and their captives in the area.

    He said the operatives came under attack on arrival, triggering a gun battle that lasted several hours before the bandits were overpowered and fled, abandoning their captives.

    The rescued victims were identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both from Dono village.

    According to the police, the victims were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention and psychological support.

    The operation also led to the destruction of silos and several hideouts allegedly used by the bandits.

    The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the operatives for their bravery and coordination, assuring residents that intelligence-driven operations against kidnapping and banditry would be sustained.

    The command said a follow-up operation had commenced to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle their remaining criminal networks.

    It urged residents and community leaders to provide credible information on suspicious movements to security agencies.

  • Son Allegedly Hammers Father To Death In Edo

    Son Allegedly Hammers Father To Death In Edo

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Benin

    A son went into his father’s room and used a hammer to smash his head to death yesterday.

    The police have launched a manhunt  for the attacker after he killed his father,  Chief Julius Bello Ogata,  and fled.

    The incident happened in Fugar community, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The Father was said to be sleeping when the said son attacked him.

    A community source said the suspect, who reportedly lived in Lagos and had not visited the community for some time, returned over the weekend, apparently to visit his family.

    The source said the deceased welcomed his son without suspicion, adding that they had a lengthy discussion before retiring for the night.

    He alleged that the suspect later attacked his father with a hammer and fled, believing he had killed him.

    However, the victim reportedly managed to crawl out of the room and alert other family members before he was rushed to the hospital, where he eventually died.

    Another resident, who identified himself as Peter, described the incident as unprecedented in the community.

    He said residents were unaware of any disagreement between the deceased and his son that could have led to the attack.

    The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect allegedly fled after attacking his father and believing he was dead.

    She said police officers responded to a distress call, visited the scene and rushed the victim to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

    Ikoedem said the command had launched a manhunt for the suspect and assured that he would be arrested and prosecuted.

  • Amotekun Arrests 301 Suspects, Secures 27 Convictions In Ondo

    Amotekun Arrests 301 Suspects, Secures 27 Convictions In Ondo

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    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Akure

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, says it has arrested 301 suspects and secured 27 convictions for various offences since August.

    The Corps also paraded 15 suspects in Akure, including nine allegedly involved in kidnapping, four accused of violating anti-grazing laws and two others arrested for alleged breach of law and order.

    The State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while addressing journalists during the parade.

    Adeleye also announced the launch of Operation Laafia DanDan, a security initiative aimed at ensuring peaceful celebrations before, during and after the Yuletide.

    He said the Corps would train and deploy about 1,200 personnel across the state’s 18 local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen security during the festive period.

    The commander disclosed that the 27 convicted suspects were serving various jail terms or fulfilling court-imposed conditions, including payment of fines.

    He added that 102 cases had been resolved through alternative dispute resolution.

    Adeleye attributed the Corps’ operations to collaboration with Amotekun ambassadors, intelligence operatives, local vigilantes and other security stakeholders across the state.

  • Bayelsa Court Sentences Two To Death By Hanging Over 2022 Killings

    Bayelsa Court Sentences Two To Death By Hanging Over 2022 Killings

     

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Yenagoa

    A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced two men to death by hanging for their involvement in the killing of three persons in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, in 2022.

    The convicts, identified as Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever OVO, 33, were found guilty of charges bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025.

    The victims included Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, said to be an in-law of a prominent politician in the state, the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba community, Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo.

    Ogbolosingha was reportedly kidnapped and subsequently killed by the convicts.

    The presiding judge, Justice Michael Amadise Ekade, pronounced the death sentences after evaluating the evidence presented by the prosecution and finding the defendants guilty.

    Meanwhile, a third defendant, 50-year-old Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly slumped and died within the court premises while awaiting the delivery of judgment.

    Nwanlia was said to have suffered health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.

    The three defendants were reportedly arrested by operatives of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), formerly known as Operation Puff Adder, under the leadership of CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

    Reacting to the judgment, relatives of the deceased commended the VCRU operatives for their role in the arrests and investigation that led to the prosecution of the suspects.

    They also praised the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice for prosecuting the case.

  • Police Arrest Three Over Alleged Forged ICPC ID in Nasarawa

    Police Arrest Three Over Alleged Forged ICPC ID in Nasarawa

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lafia

    The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested three men over an alleged forged Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) identity card and recovered an unregistered Lexus IS 250 from them.

    The suspects were identified as Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Nuhu and Ibrahim Suleiman.

    Police spokesman, SP Ramhan Nansel, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted the trio during a routine patrol around Bukan Sidi area of Lafia.

    He said the suspects were travelling in the unregistered vehicle when they were stopped for questioning.

    According to Nansel, Nuhu claimed to be an ICPC officer and presented an identity card purportedly issued by the commission. However, the driver, Umar, could not satisfactorily explain the ownership of the vehicle.

    The police spokesman said further investigation established that the identity card was forged.

    Nansel added that Nuhu claimed he accompanied the driver from Kaduna State to Lafia because the latter did not have a valid driver’s licence.

    He also said police profiling allegedly linked the third suspect, Suleiman, to the Eiye Confraternity, adding that the claim was being investigated.

    The three suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Nansel said they would be charged to court, while efforts were ongoing to establish the vehicle’s ownership.

    The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

  • Gunmen Kill Soldier, Steal Weapons in Plateau

    Gunmen Kill Soldier, Steal Weapons in Plateau

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Jos

    Gunmen have killed a soldier and carted away two weapons after attacking troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attack occurred at about 8pm on Saturday at Sopp checkpoint in Ungwan Boka community.

    Security sources said the gunmen opened fire on the troops from different directions, triggering a gun battle before escaping into nearby bushes with the weapons.

    Confirming the incident, OPEP spokesman, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked.

    He said troops had restored normalcy in the area and were pursuing the attackers to apprehend them and recover the stolen weapons.

    Oteh urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the perpetrators.

  • NSCDC Warns Cross River Officers Against Rights Violations

    NSCDC Warns Cross River Officers Against Rights Violations

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its personnel in Cross River State against violations of due process in arrests, interrogations and detention, cautioning that such breaches could undermine prosecutions and expose officers to litigation.
    The warning came during a two-day training on criminal justice administration and human rights compliance organised for personnel of the Cross River State Command at its headquarters in Calabar. The training was facilitated by the Corps’ Director of Legal Services, Aminu Kayode Alilu.

    The training focused on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and other legal frameworks governing law enforcement, including investigations, arrests, handling of suspects and prosecution.

    Participants included area commanders, divisional officers, intelligence and investigation operatives, legal officers, station officers, cell guards, anti-corruption personnel, critical national assets and infrastructure operatives, and tactical commanders.

    Alilu warned that violations of due process during arrests, interrogations and detention could weaken prosecutions, expose officers to litigation and infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights.

    He said security operations must comply with the law, stressing the need for professionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity.

    The Cross River State Commandant, Okarazu Chima, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to their duties.

    He thanked the Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for approving the training and appointing Alilu as facilitator.

    Okarazu also warned officers against legal violations that could expose the command to avoidable lawsuits or lead to infringements on citizens’ rights.

    The training featured interactive sessions, case studies and discussions on operational challenges faced by personnel.

  • UNICAL Security Alert Leads to Arrest of 11 Suspects

    UNICAL Security Alert Leads to Arrest of 11 Suspects

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    A distress call from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has led to the arrest of 11 men over suspected cult initiation activities in a bush near the institution’s Engineering Department.

    The suspects were arrested on Thursday, October 22, after the university alerted the police to the alleged activity.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said in a statement on Friday that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Satellite Town, Calabar, responded to the report at about 10:30am.

    The operatives subsequently joined the university’s internal security personnel to cordon off the area, leading to the arrest of the 11 suspects.

    Those arrested were identified as Ogar Favour, 25; David Akpa, 27; Gift Emmanuel, 24; Aaron Favour, 24; David Abubu, 25; Victor Emmanuel Eyibo, 26; Oghenemaro Hendrix, 24; James Ede Joseph, 22; Charles Ekeng, 21; Edu Nkanu, 26; and Ogabor John Odey, 24.

    Police said a Lexus 350 saloon car, reportedly abandoned by a fleeing individual, and three motorcycles were recovered during the operation.

    The command said the recovered items had been secured for investigation, adding that their connection to the suspected cult-related activity had yet to be established.

    It said investigations were ongoing to determine the individual roles of the suspects and the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.

    The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.