Category Archives: Crime

Police arrest three suspects over attack on NANS members

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The Police Command in Ondo State has arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at Ogbese in Ondo State.

CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, made this known on Tuesday in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Sunday, Feb. 23, NANS members were attacked at Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area, while traveling to Abuja for their annual convention.

Odunlami explained that the command received a distress call from one of the NANS members, reporting an unprovoked attack by some youths in the Ogbese Area .

The PPRO said the police swiftly moved to the scene, restored calm, and ensured the safety of the victims.

He said a manhunt was immediately launched to apprehend the masterminds behind the attack.

“Intelligence gathered revealed that this was not the first time NANS members had been targeted in the same community.

“Through intelligence-led policing, the special squad of the command successfully arrested three suspects linked to the incident,” she said.

Read Also: Police foil alleged terror plot, recover explosives, weapons in Kano

Odunlami said that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Wilfred Afolabi, had reassured NANS members of a thorough investigation to uncover the full details behind the attack, and to bring all those involved to justice.

The PPRO said that the commissioner also reaffirmed the commitment of the command to ensuring the safety of all residents and travellers passing through the state.

“The three suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

“The Police Command in Ondo State urges the public to remain law-abiding and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” she said.

Odunlami said that the NANS team, led by Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, Zonal Coordinator, South-West, expressed appreciation to the police commissioner for the swift intervention and the command’s efforts in maintaining security across the state.

The PPRO said Taiwo further pledged NANS’ support in collaborating with the police to combat crime and criminality in Ondo State.

(NAN)

Court adjourns FIRS $79.5bn suit against Binance until April 7

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the suit filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) against Binance Holdings Ltd, demanding 79.5 billion US dollars over economic losses allegedly caused by its operations in Nigeria, until April 7.

The matter, which was on number 9 on the cause list, could not proceed before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The development occured after some cases had be heard by the judge before he went on recess.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FIRS ha, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1444/2024, dragged Binance, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla to court.

In the originating summons dated and filed Sept. 30, 2024, by Chief Kanu Agabi, the country’s’ tax regulatory body sought four questions for determination.

The FIRS prayed the court to determine “whether pursuant to Section 13(2) of the Companies Income Tax (CIT) Act Cap. C21, LFN, 2024 and Order (1)(a) and (c) of Companies Income Tax (Significant Economic Presence) Order 2020, the defendants are not liable to pay annual corporate income tax to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for having had significant economic presence in Nigeria from 2022 to 2023, among others.

The agency, therefore, sought nine reliefs should the court answered its questions in the affirmative.

It wants the court to declare that pursuant to all relevant laws, the defendants are liable to pay annual corporate income tax to the Federal Government for having significant economic presence in the country.

It wants the court to declare that Binance and its representatives are lliable to file their income tax to the agency for the year 2022 and 2023 respectively from the time they began to exercise significant economic presence in Nigeria.

FIRS also seeks a declaration that it is entitled, under Section 87(1) of the CIT Act Cap. C21, LFN, 2004; Sections 25(1) and 34(1) of the FIRS (Establishment) Act 2007, to recover from the defendants the cumulative sum of $2,001,000,000.00 being the amount due by way of income tax to the plaintiff from the defendants for 2022 and 2023 respectively.

It also seeks a declaration that pursuant to Section 85(1) of the CIT Act Cap. C21, LFN, 2004 and Section 32(1) of the FIRS (Establishment) Act 2007, the defendants are liable to additional payment of 10 per cent per annum on the tax due but not paid for 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The agency, therefore, sought an order mandating the defendants to pay to the plaintiff the sums of $2,001,000,000.00 for year 2022 and for 2023, being the unpaid income tax due to the plaintiff from the defendants for the year 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“An order mandating the defendants to pay to the plaintiff the 10% addition for non-payment of income tax for year 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“An order mandating the defendants to pay 26.75% interest rate being the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lending interest per annum from the 1st January, 2023 and 1st January, 2024 respectively when the tax become due and payable until it is fully paid.”

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In the affidavit deposed to by Jimada Yusuf, a member, Special Investigation Team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), he said he and other officials of FIRS and other regulatory agencies, investigated Binance’s business activities in Nigeria.

Yusuf said the Federal Government discovered that Binance had been operating in Nigeria for over six years without registration.

According to him, this was allegedly confirmed by Gambaryan and Anjarwalla during a meeting with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2024.

He further claimed that in a letter dated February 20, 2024, Binance admitted to having 386,256 active users from Nigeria on its platform, with a trading volume of $21.6 billion and a net revenue of $35.4 million for the calendar year 2023.

He accused Binance and its executives of multiple infractions, including offering financial services without the necessary licenses, operating without required permits, non-compliance with the money laundering Act, providing currency speculation services without proper authorisation, etc.

Yusuf averred that Binance engaged in Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) activities in Nigeria, providing trading and custodial services to Nigerian users without proper registration with the relevant regulatory agencies, among others.

NAN reports that the FIRS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC) are also prosecuting the cryptocurrency company in separate charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the same court.

(NAN)

NDLEA intercepts businessman with 81 wraps of cocaine at Lagos airport

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 59-year-old businessman, Chijioke Igbokwe for ingesting 81 pellets of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that the suspect had undergone a surgery, exploratory laparotomy, to let out 57 out of 81 pellets of cocaine stuck in his stomach.

This, he said, was after seven days of ingesting the illicit substance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said that Igbokwe was arrested by operatives of the NDLEA, at the arrival hall of the MMIA, during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight on Sunday, January, 26.

He added that the suspect who was promptly taken for body scan, which revealed illicit drugs in his system was soon after taken into NDLEA custody for excretion observation.

According to Babafemi, Investigation revealed that Igbokwe who claims to be into cloth business at Arena, Oshodi area of Lagos, departed Lagos on Jan. 22 to Addis Ababa.

This, he said, was where he ingested the 81 wraps of cocaine the following day Jan. 23 and boarded a flight to Beirut, Lebanon to deliver the illicit consignment for a fee of $3,000.

“Upon his arrival in Beirut, he said he was refused entry because he had less than $2,000, the amount required to grant him entry.

“He was then deported to Addis Ababa where he attempted excreting the illicit drugs but could not.

“He thereafter proceeded to Lagos on Saturday, Jan. 25 with the consignment in his bowel. He was however arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport by NDLEA officers on Jan. 26.

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“After five days under excretion observation, he could only expel 24 pellets following initial medical intervention at the Agency’s medical facility and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.

“With the clock ticking for him and the complication of other underlying medical conditions, the suspect was eventually admitted at the tertiary facility.

“This was where he had to undergo exploratory laparotomy to extract the remaining 57 wraps of cocaine stuck in his stomach after his wife and brother endorsed the necessary consent forms on Thursday, Jan. 30.

“In all, a total of 81 pellets of the Class A drug with a gross weight of 1.943 kilograms were recovered from his stomach,” he said.

Babafemi quoted the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending the officers and men of the MMIA strategic command for their vigilance and professionalism in handling Chijioke Igbokwe’s case

Marwa warned those involved in the illicit drug trade that they’re not only destroying the lives of others, but equally putting their own lives at great risk.

(NAN)

NCAA suspends Max Air for three months after Kano incident

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has announced the suspension of operations by Max Air.

This follows Tuesday’s night incident involving the airline’s aircraft in Kano.

A Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD on Tuesday, January 28, at about 22:51 hours, experienced a tyre burst on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

NewsAccess can confirm that this would be the third incident in the space of three months involving a Max Airplane.

Though the 53 passengers on board were evacuated unhurt, the aircraft was temporarily shut before the runway was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by 8:00 am on Wednesday.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also initiated an investigation into the occurrence.

However, the regulatory authority, the NCAA, in a statement confirming the incident said it will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu in a statement said, “It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.”

He added, “It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.

Read Also: Police foil alleged terror plot, recover explosives, weapons in Kano

“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.”

Achimugu stated that during the 3 months, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.

“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.

“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.

“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, the NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights.”

Police foil alleged terror plot, recover explosives, weapons in Kano

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The Kano State Police Command said it has recovered explosives and dangerous weapons allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded National Tijjaniyya Maulud in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo-Garba,told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday that the explosives were reportedly recovered at Tokarawa village of Gezawa Local Government area.

He said that the command had made a significant breakthrough in maintaining peace and security in the state.

Dogo-Garba explained that the recovered explosives and weapons were allegedly planned to be used during the just-concluded event.

He said that the police, in collaboration with state agencies, foiled the terror plot and recovered the explosives reportedly intended for use during the Maulud.

Dogo-Garba started the police have commenced an intensive investigation to identify those behind the alleged botched plot.

” This proactive measure demonstrates the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors alike,”the CP said.

Read Also: Police nab two over alleged kidnap, murder of aged woman

Dogo-Garba said the command had also arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of Alhaji Atiku Mu’azu, a 64-year-old resident of Janbulo Quarters, Kano.

The suspects, Abubakar Hassan, aka Captain, Adamu  Adam, and Alhaji Hamisu aka Bakin Bross, were nabbed after a sustained follow-up and intelligence-led operation.

He said in another incident, armed men invaded the residence of Alhaji Auwalu at Sabuwar Unguwa Garo, Kabo LGA, Kano, robbing him of N8 million and kidnapping his 16-year-old daughter, Zainab Aliyu.

Dogo-Garba said that the police had launched an investigation to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

In a separate operation, he said,the police arrested 17 suspected armed robbers who stormed Hotoro, Kawu Quarters, Kano, breaking shops and motor vehicles, and attacking innocent people.

“Three additional suspected armed robbers were also arrested for attacking two innocent people and robbing them of 200 mobile phones at Yankatsari Quarters, Kano,” Dogo-Garba said.

He urged the residents of the state to continue to support the command with credible intelligence information to prevent future threats.

The commissioner urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and cautious.

Dogo-Garba called on them to promptly  report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station or through the command’s contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.

(NAN) 

Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

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The troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade, have neutralised six terrorists in Sokoto State and recovered weapons.

Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said this in a statement in Gusau on Thursday.

“On Jan 11, the troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade conducted a coordinated offensive operations against Lakurawa terrorists and made contact in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

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“Following a fire fight, troops neutralised six terrorists and recovered four AK47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and a box of 12.7mm ammo among others.

“Sadly, the operation resulted in the loss of 5 gallant soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Abdullahi said.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to terrorists’ activity in the area and surrounding areas to military and security forces.

“We expect more cooperation from community members, because it is crucial in maintaining safety and security of our communities,” he said.

(NAN) 

Alleged cybercrime: Court grants Speed Darlington to N20m bail 

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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, admitted the detained Singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, to a N20 million bail with one surety in the like.

Justice Ekerete Akpan gave the order in a ruling on the singer’s bail application moved by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, after he pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime.

Justice Akpan ordered that the surety, who must be a Level 10 civil servant, must be a resident of Abuja and must depose to affidavit of means.

He directed that the address of the surety should be verified by the court registrar and the surety must either be a staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or be a federal worker.

He also directed that the surety should deposit his letters of appointment and last promotion which must be verified by the deputy chief registrar of the court.

The judge, who ordered Speed Darlington to deposit his international passport, directed the surety and the defendant to also submit their two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.

He consequently ordered Speed Darlington to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Justice  Akpan adjourned the matter until March 18 for trial.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Inspector-General (I-G) of police had, in the amended charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/556/2024, dragged Speed Darlington to court for cybercrime offences.

He was alleged to have transmitted the message; “Burna Boy, how many oil Diddy drop for your ny*sh before them give you that grammy,” “speed darlington is such a clown infamaooo…” through his instagram handle; @20takeoffs on internet in a viral video.

“A publication which went viral and was read and watched by many in Abuja, Lagos and throughout the world which ycu know to be false for the purpose of causing annoyance insult, injury, enmity or hatred among numerous fans of Burna Boy and posing inconvenience, danger, needless anxiety to his life and damage to his name and integrity.”

“And you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24(1)(a&(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 (as amended).

In count two, he was also alleged to have posted the message: “talking about burna boy odugwu is my language I am odugwu, odogwu is not nickname Odigwu is masquerade name, if you are a G, come my side come orlu road imo state no fit where I pass and where I pass army no dey passam you are a culture vulture you are not one of us…,” on his instagram handle; @20takeoffs.

The message was alleged to have also been posted on his other Instagram pages; instablog9ja, instablog9jamedia and published by Benny@benny 7gg.

The publication was said to intimidate, bully, threaten, or harass Burna Boy, “which communication placed him in fear of death, reasonable apprehension of violence or bodily harm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015 (as amended).”

Earlier, the prosecution lawyer, Garba Audu, informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant’s arraignment.

He prayed the court that the amended two-count charge dated Dec. 4, 2024, and filed Dec. 5, 2024, be read to the defendant.

Audu then applied to substitute the earlier charge dated Oct. 18, 2024, but filed on Oct. 21, 2024 and it was not opposed by Abubakar.

After the counts were read by the registrar, Speed Darlington pleaded not guilty.

“In view of the denial of the allegations by the defendant, I will be asking for a trial date to present our witnesses in court my lord,” Audu said.

But Abubakar drew the attention of the court to their bail application dated and filed on Dec. 6, 2024.

He said the complainant was served the same day the motion was filed.

The lawyer urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.

Although the prosecution lawyer opposed the bail plea, Justice Akpan admitted him.on bail.

(NAN)

No regret killing my girlfriend Salome Adaidu – Gospel Singer

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Thirty-two-year-old Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi, has said he has no regret killing his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

Ajayi is been remanded in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital

Ajayi was arrested for the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving at Nicon Insurance in the Nation’s capital, Abuja.

She was gruesomely murdered when she visited the suspect at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Ajayi was paraded at the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday alongside the knife and machetes he used to commit the crime.

He was nabbed Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts when she visited him at his house.

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Frail from injuries sustained from the mob that identified him before his arrest, Ajayi confessed to the crime.

During an exclusive interview from Channels Television, Ajayi was asked if he killed Salome, he answered? Yes, narrating that it wasn’t planned but it is because they don’t have each other all the time.

“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said.

When probed further, he said he has no regrets in committing the crime.
Asked if he regrets his action, he added, “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal. That is what I thought, if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person.

“You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through, that is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”

Salome’s elder sister, Esther Adaidu denied knowledge of any relationship between her deceased sister and the suspect as she pleaded for justice.

She said, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. We have never seen him until we were called up to tell us that this guy murdered and dismembered our sister.

“I demand and need justice to be served to this guy sitting over there because he is the one that murdered my sister and he confirmed it to me.”