Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: crime

  • Tension in Edo State as Gunmen Kidnap Police Officer and Four Others

    Tension in Edo State as Gunmen Kidnap Police Officer and Four Others

    According to Daily Post reporting from Benin City, a wave of panic has gripped Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following the brazen abduction of five individuals, including a Police Inspector. The victims were taken in separate incidents, with two individuals snatched from the Makeke Primary Health Centre. The Police Inspector, Segun Obanowa, was reportedly kidnapped from his residence alongside his daughter, while his wife was released to source a N100 million ransom.

    The surge in kidnappings has turned the local government area into a high-risk zone, prompting traditional rulers and council authorities to impose a strict curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Community leaders have expressed frustration over the deteriorating security situation, noting that abductions have become a “daily routine.” The Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People has issued a statement calling for urgent state and federal intervention to secure the release of the victims.

    Local residents are currently living in fear, with many staying indoors even before the curfew begins. The Edo State Police Command has reportedly deployed a tactical team to the area to track the kidnappers into the surrounding forests. However, no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning, and the kidnappers have maintained communication with the families to demand hefty ransoms.

    Further validation comes from Vanguard, which reported, “The Akoko-Edo axis has become a flashpoint for criminal elements fleeing operations in neighboring states.” Channels TV also provided coverage, featuring a local witness who stated, “We are helpless; even those meant to protect us are being taken away.”

    Echotitbits take: The kidnapping of a police officer in his own home signals a dangerous level of audacity among criminal gangs in Edo State. The curfew might offer temporary relief, but without a coordinated “forest-clearing” operation, these gangs will continue to use the rugged terrain as a safe haven.

    Source: Daily Post -https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/12/tension-in-edo-as-gunmen-kidnap-police-officer-four-others/, February 12, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Post

  • Ogun Police Charge Driver with Negligence Over Fatal Anthony Joshua Accident

    Ogun Police Charge Driver with Negligence Over Fatal Anthony Joshua Accident

    Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Ogun State Police Command has officially charged a driver with criminal negligence following a tragic road accident involving associates of boxing star Anthony Joshua. The accident, which occurred shortly after the group’s arrival in Nigeria, resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close friends.

    Police investigators found that the driver’s ‘reckless disregard for safety protocols’ was the primary cause of the fatal crash. The court proceedings are expected to begin later this month, while the local community in Ogun continues to mourn the loss of the visitors.

    Punch Newspaper validated the story, reporting that ‘bystanders stole Anthony Joshua’s phone at the accident scene,’ highlighting the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Vanguard also mentioned the incident in their review of January’s headlines, noting that ‘Ogun police charge driver over fatal accident.’

    Echotitbits take: This incident is a PR nightmare for Nigerian tourism and safety. Beyond the legal case against the driver, the reports of theft at the crash site reflect a disturbing lack of empathy that the government needs to address through community engagement.

    Source: The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/fatal-crash-anthony-joshua-escaped-death-after-swapping-seats-report/%3famp
    The Punch  January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Gunmen torch police station in Ondo’s Ipele as residents flee New Year’s Eve violence

    Gunmen torch police station in Ondo’s Ipele as residents flee New Year’s Eve violence

    2026-01-01 06:20:00
    According to Punch, suspected bandits attacked Ipele in Ondo State and set a police station ablaze, sparking panic in the community.

    Reporting by the outlet indicates the attack involved heavy gunfire, with residents fleeing for safety as security personnel were overwhelmed.

    The incident adds to broader concerns about violence targeting law enforcement infrastructure and rural communities.

    Premium Times also reported the attack and quoted residents describing how people hid in nearby bushes during the assault.

    TheCable similarly covered the incident and quoted eyewitness accounts describing the fear triggered by sustained gunfire.

    Echotitbits take:

    The follow-up matters: response time, reinforcements, and whether there is credible pursuit. Watch for a formal incident report (casualties, recovered exhibits, and arrests) rather than only reassurances.

    Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/panic-as-bandits-attack-police-station-in-ondo/)

    The Punch 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • US plans to deport Nigerian national linked to Bloods gang after multiple convictions

    US plans to deport Nigerian national linked to Bloods gang after multiple convictions

    2025-12-31 08:42:00

    According to PUNCH, US immigration authorities say they plan to deport Ibrahim Ijaoba, a Nigerian national described as a former member of the Bloods gang, following convictions including armed robbery and drug-related offences.

    The report says the case is being driven by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with officials emphasising his immigration status and criminal record as the basis for removal.

    The development sits within a wider US enforcement trend where immigration violations combined with violent felony convictions accelerate deportation actions.

    Validation: Premium Times said “over multiple criminal convictions, including armed robbery and drug sales.” and The Guardian reported “following his conviction for multiple violent crimes, including armed robbery, drug sales and aggravated assault.”

    Echotitbits take: Deportation stories often ripple into diaspora community politics—especially when they touch gangs and public safety. Watch whether Nigerian authorities comment, and whether there’s a broader enforcement wave tied to specific categories of offenders.

    Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/us-to-deport-nigerian-over-gang-membership/)

    The Punch 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Kogi: Security Agencies Uncover Large Arms Cache as Governor Ododo Vows No Deals With Criminals

    Kogi: Security Agencies Uncover Large Arms Cache as Governor Ododo Vows No Deals With Criminals

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    According to *The Punch*, Kogi State authorities announced the discovery of a large arms and ammunition cache after a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.

    The reported haul—ranging from rifles and magazines to large volumes of ammunition—adds to rising concerns about weapons circulation and criminal hideouts across Nigeria’s middle belt corridor.

    Officials say the operation followed sustained surveillance, and the state is urging residents to share actionable intelligence as security forces widen the dragnet.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – Daily Trust: “Analysts warn that arms trafficking is deepening insecurity across key transit states.”
    – Channels TV: “Security officials say intelligence coordination is improving, but arrests and prosecutions must follow.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Recoveries matter, but arrests matter more. Watch for follow-up raids, named suspects, and whether recovered weapons are traced to supply networks—otherwise the cycle restarts with new stockpiles.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/massive-arms-cache-uncovered-in-kogi/)

     

  • Benue: Son Allegedly Kills Father in Money Dispute

    A man in Buruku LGA, Benue State, allegedly killed his father during a financial disagreement, with police initiating investigations and a manhunt for the suspect.

    The case reflects rising concern about violent domestic disputes amid economic pressure in some communities.

    2025-12-09

    Punch

    2025-12-09

  • [Video] Ebutte Meta Attack: Lagos Police Arrests Six Hoodlums

    [Video] Ebutte Meta Attack: Lagos Police Arrests Six Hoodlums

    Six persons suspected to be hoodlums that attacked innocent Lagosians and damaged some vehicles along Ondo Street, Ebutte-Meta area of Lagos in the Southwest of Nigeria on Tuesday have been arrested by men of the Lagos Police Command.

    Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday, states that at about 9.30pm on Tuesday, the hoodlums trooped out in numbers and started fomenting troubles in the area, but the police, while responding to distress calls from innocent people, chased and arrested some of them.

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    Police gave the identities of the suspected hoodlums as Qudus Oke, 22; Abdullahi Ajose, 25; Kayi Ajayi, 33; Micheal Ben, 27; Godwin Joseph, 25 and Oluwasegun Akinlade, 29.

    According to the statement by Adejobi, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has vowed to get Lagos rid of hoodlums, hooliganism, gangsterism, cultism and other social vices.

    He emphasised that all hands were on deck in the command to resist any act capable of jeopardising security networking of the state and causing pains and agonies to Lagosians during the ember months and beyond.

    Video:

     

  • Police Storms Baby Factory in Cross Rivers, Rescues Pregnant Women, Children

    Police Storms Baby Factory in Cross Rivers, Rescues Pregnant Women, Children

    The Police Command in Cross Rivers State has busted a baby factory located in obot Udonna Village in Akampka LGA of the state.

    The covert operation by officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), based on credible intelligence, was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, leading to the rescue of two pregnant women and three children.

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    According to reports by Vanguard, the Commissioner of Police, Abdulkadir Jimoh said they got credible intelligence which they promptly acted upon and apprehended the operator of the Baby factory, identified as Imaobong Asuquo.

    The Police Commissioner revealed that the prime suspect operated the baby factory in her home and sells baby for 500,000 each in collaboration with another suspect simply identified as Iquo.

    “We got credible intelligence and we swung into action immediately in a covert Operation at about 4:00 a.m Wednesday and we busted a baby factory operated in the residence of one Imaobong Asuquo who sells babies for at least 500,000 nairas.

    “We also rescued three pregnant girls including two 19 years old and another 21-year-old as well as two children (names withheld)aged 2 and 7 years.

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    “From the statement, we got from one Solomon Christopher husband to one of the rescued pregnant women, we also discovered that three babies were sold for 500,000 nairas each already.

    “But we are working assiduously to make sure we get to the root of the matter and all involved apprehended and charged to Court to face justice, the investigation is still ongoing as we speak,” Jimoh said.

  • Police Re-arrest Suspected Oyo Serial Killer, Sunday Shodipe

    Police Re-arrest Suspected Oyo Serial Killer, Sunday Shodipe

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (Oyo State Police Command) have re-arrested the notorious murder suspect, Sunday Shodipe, who escaped from lawful custody on August 11.

    The suspected serial killer was re-arrested on Sunday by police operatives at the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    Suspected serial killer, Sunday Shodipe, rearrested on Sunday, August 23, 2020, by men of the Nigerian Police in Oyo State.

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    It would be recalled that the erstwhile fugitive is a prime suspect in multiple murder of innocent citizens at Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya, Ibadan in Oyo State.

    The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, commended Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and his team for a job well done.

    The police chief, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, expressed his sincere appreciation to the citizens for their support and understanding while the manhunt for the re-arrested Shodipe lasted.

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    Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has warned against any form of complacency on the part of the operatives of Oyo State Police Command, noting that all hands must be on deck to bring the case to a positive and successful closure.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Bandits abduct foreign national, Nigerian in Niger State- Police confirms

    Bandits abduct foreign national, Nigerian in Niger State- Police confirms

    A foreign national and a Nigerian have been abducted by suspected bandits between Yankila and Regina village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state.

    The Police Commissioner in the state, Adamu Usman confirmed the abduction on Tuesday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

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    Usman said on Aug. 17 at about 11.05 hours information was received that armed bandits attacked and kidnapped two staff of Transparent Construction company.

    He said that the victims were on handling the rehabilitation of the bad portion of the federal road in the area.

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    “They have not informed the command of their operations in the state. We only knew their presence in the state due to this incident.

    “We have already deployed a team of armed security personnel to rescue the victims,” Usman said.