Police Nab Suspected Cultist Terrorising Farmlands In Rivers

 The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious cultist and armed robber, Innocent Chigozie, during a raid on his hideout in Elele community, Etche Local Government Area.

The police stated that the suspect had been terrorising farmlands in the area. They also revealed that Chigozie’s gang engaged operatives in a gun battle last year but managed to escape due to the command’s superior firepower.

Grace Iringe-Koko, a police spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement made in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, claiming the cult leader was apprehended by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping unit.

The statement added, “The suspect, leader of a cultist gang, had been terrorising farmlands at Uzo Afor road in Okahia Community, Elele, Etche LGA. The gang’s activities have caused widespread panic and tension in the community.

“Earlier last year, this same gang had engaged police operatives in a gun duel but were chased away.

“On January 30, 2025, at about 0630hrs, operatives arrested Innocent Chigozie, m, 35 years in his hideout through coordinated intelligence. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to owning the recovered exhibits.”

Iringe-Koko listed the recovered items as one automatic pump-action gun and two live cartridges.

The statement continued, “The suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody. An investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover their operational weapons.”

UNIZIK Investigates Viral Clash Of Student Assaulting Lecturer For Disrupting Her TikTok Video

 The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have launched an investigation into the incident involving a physical confrontation between a lecturer and a student.

A dispute reportedly broke out on Tuesday at the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between a female student and a lecturer, Dr Chukwudi Michael, over the interruption of the student’s video recording.

The incident reportedly escalated into a brawl on campus, during which the female student allegedly bit the lecturer on the wrist and arm.

According to PUNCH, the student was dancing and seemingly recording a TikTok video in the corridor when the lecturer passed by, tapped her on the shoulder, and said, “Excuse me.”

Some eyewitnesses around the scene said, “The student was dancing around the corridors while another person was making her video, but the lecturer, in an attempt to pass, tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Excuse me’, while passing behind her.

“But the female student, who apparently did not like the way the lecturer tapped her while expressing her displeasure, reacted by saying, ‘Can you imagine how he just hit me?’

“Shortly after, the development led to a physical altercation between the lecturer and the student, with the student aggressively grabbing the lecturer on the clothes as onlookers tried unsuccessfully to intervene. The situation led to commotion in the vicinity.”

This was confirmed in a viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday, which captured the student dancing as the lecturer from the Faculty of Arts attempted to pass by, tapping her while saying, “Excuse me.” The student responded by glaring at him and saying, “Can you imagine? He just hit me.”

In response to the incident, the management of UNIZIK, in a press statement signed by the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis O, stated that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale investigation in line with the institution’s core values of discipline.

The statement read in part, “The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies.

“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, and excellence, and in adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.

“We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth. The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards. There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.”

It also stated that further updates would be provided as necessary.

Kaduna Police Parade 580 Kidnapping, Robbery Suspects

 No fewer than 580 suspects have been paraded by Kaduna State Police Com­mand for allegedly involving in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other related crimes in the state.

The State Commission­er of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, while briefing journalists on Tuesday, explained that the arrested individuals compris­ed of 20 kidnappers, 320 phone snatchers, 32 armed robbers 5 Car thieves 13 motorcycle snatchers, 10 suspected rape cases, and 23 receivers of stolen goods.

He said that efforts of security operatives in the state has reduced crime rate.

Rabiu said: “We have been working closely with the community and other security agencies to ensure that Kaduna State is safe and secure for all residents.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and together, we can build a safer and more peaceful Kaduna State.

“From December 31, 2024, to date, the Kaduna State Police Command has recorded significant successes in our fight against crime.

“Through intelligence-driven operations, synergies with the sister security agencies and collaboration with Communities to achieve safety and security, we have recorded tremendous successes and we are to showcase some of our achievements.

“Arrest of over 580 suspects for various offences, including:20 suspected kidnappers, 320 suspected phone snatchers, 32 suspected armed robbers, 5 Car thieves, 13 motorcycle snatchers, ​10 suspects involved in rape cases, ​23 receivers of stolen goods.

“Other achievements include the rescue of over 30 kidnapped victims, who have since been reunited with their families, Recovery of stolen properties and illegal weapons, including 34 stolen motorcycles, 10 stolen motor vehicles, 1 submachine gun, 4 AK-47 Rifles, 2 Pistols, 28 rounds of live ammunition with 5 magazines, 52 rustled cows 4 Sledge Hammers and’ 20 Bags of Dried leaves suspected to be weeds.”

Nigeria Ranked 140th Out Of 180 On 2024 Corruption Index

 Nigeria has climbed five spots on the 2024 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 140th out of 180 countries.

The TI’s latest ranking released on Tuesday sees the West African country move up 5 spots when compared with 2023 ‘s report and 10 spots as against 2022’s report.

Denmark emerged as the least corrupt country with 90 points with Finland coming in second with 88 points, and Singapore in third with 84 points.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the following countries, such as South Sudan, Somalia and Venezuela made the most corrupt list in the world.

Meanwhile, no African country made the top 10 as it was dominated by European countries.

In the African category, Cape Verde topped the list of least corrupt countries.

The report partly reads: “The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries.

“Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.

“The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

“The global average of 43 has also stood still for years, while over two-thirds of countries score below 50. Billions of people live in countries where corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights.

“In this year’s CPI release, it is important to highlight that this is not an assessment of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies which are making commendable efforts in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“It is important to highlight that this is the first CPI under this administration thus, it will be used as a benchmark for subsequent years.”

“We’re Coming, Wait For Us” – Fulani Herdsmen Send Invasion Threat Posters To Imo Community

 Panic has struck Umuoba community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State following a threat message sent by some suspected Fulani Herdsmen.

It was gathered that a planned attack was sent to the town in a written notice on Monday.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday, Spokesman for Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, disclosed that the message was anonymously delivered by some yet to be identified criminal elements, to create chaos in the town.

Okoye stated that security operatives have commenced investigation to ensure the arrest of anyone behind the message.

The statement reads: “It has come to the attention of the Command that the following message was posted in Umuoba Community, Irete, Owerri West LGA of Imo State:

“Fulani herdsmen: we are coming, wait for us at any time at any moment now wait for us.”

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that this message is a calculated attempt by certain elements to incite unnecessary fear and apprehension among the public and to destabilize the peace and security.

“Currently enjoyed in Imo State in response, the Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for disseminating this threat, and to ascertain their motives.

“Local vigilantes, has visited the community to assess the situation and engage with residents, further reinforcing our proactive measures to ensure their safety.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue with their lawful businesses and daily activities without fear, as the Police.”

Ogun Police Arrest Suspected Serial Rapist Targeting TASUED Students

 The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial rapist, Olarewaju Idris, known for allegedly targeting female students of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun.

Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, told PUNCH on Monday that the suspect was apprehended on Saturday at a popular hotel in Erinwo, Ijebu-Ode, and immediately taken into custody.

According to reports, the 31-year-old suspect allegedly raped an 18-year-old female Library and Information Department student after meeting her in an Ijebu Ode lounge.

The suspect allegedly approached the youngster in the nightclub, abducted her at knifepoint, took her to a remote location, and then viciously attacked her, according to the police.

The Rapist

Odutola narrated, “At approximately 6:00 am, an 18-year-old survivor arrived at the police station, visibly shaken. She recounted how, around 1:00 am, the suspect approached her at the club and, under the threat of a knife, forcibly dragged her away to a nearby street, where he raped her before fleeing into the darkness.”

The command also disclosed that the suspect had previously committed a similar offence against another TASUED student at a hotel, where police operatives eventually arrested him.

Odutola added, “In a twist, another TASUED student, also a 300-level student, arrived at the station shortly after, reporting a similar horrifying encounter.

“According to her account, between 2:00 AM and 3:30 AM, the same suspect lured her onto a motorcycle and took her to Magun Hotel in Ijebu Ode, where he raped her, leaving severe bruises.”

The command stated that the suspect had been taken into custody, while the victims were rushed to Ijebu Ode State Hospital for urgent medical care.

As investigations progressed, Odutola assured the public of the police’s commitment to ensuring justice was served.

Siblings Caught Trying To Sell Stolen N15m Property For N70,000 In Ekiti

 The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has arrested two siblings for allegedly stealing and attempting to sell home property valued at N15 million.

The Head of the Communications Department of Ekiti Amotekun Corps, Abiodun Adeleye, said Joshua Nawjul, 25, a night guard at Agric Olope Street in Ado-Ekiti, was arrested around 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, in connection with the incident.

Adeleye, in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said, “Amotekun operatives in Ado Local Government of Ekiti Central Senatorial Command arrested the suspect for engaging in the stealing of some home property, belonging to Hon. Babayemi Odunayo.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime committed, revealing how he broke into the house and carted away some property such as a Plasma T.V (40 inches), a big generator, two laptops and cable wire on January 1, 2025.”

He revealed that his elder brother played a role in the crime, as they both went to Atikankan to look for a buyer. They intended to sell the stolen property for N70,000, far below the owner’s estimated value of N15 million.

Adeleye further stated that Amotekun operatives also apprehended two other suspects, 23-year-old John Wuyeb and 24-year-old Daniel Titus, in Oye Ekiti on the same day for a related offence.

He stated that, according to the operatives in Oye Ekiti, “The duo were arrested for alleged involvement in the stealing of baby materials such as clothes, creams, pampers and others, which belonged to Mrs Opeyemi Omoyajowo.

“The two suspects confessed to the crime committed. They said that they broke into the shop to steal, not knowing it was their day of reckoning.

“The suspects and the exhibits recovered from them have been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command, for further investigation and necessary prosecution,” Adeleye said.

Delta Police Raid Suspected Baby Factory, Arrest Mother For Selling Her Child For N600,000

 Operatives of Delta State Police Command have have apprehended three suspects for allegedly engaging in human trafficking.

It was gathered that the development is coming, following a raid at a baby factory in an undisclosed area in the state.

In a video shared by Spokesman for the Command, Bright Edafe on Monday, via his X page disclosed that one of the arrested individuals, who is said to be the child’s mother, allegedly sold her baby to a woman at the rate of N600,000 to an unidentified person.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the buyer of the baby, confessed to have sold the child to another woman at N3.4 million.

Edafe said: “The girl with long hair got pregnant, and people took care of her, but after some time, they saw her without the pregnancy, what happened to your baby, she said a woman helped her sell the child and gave her N600,000.

READ MORE: Delta Police Arrest Man For Defiling Minor

“Watch and see how much she sold the baby. This baby factory business thing, we are clamping down on it seriously.

Speaking over the incident, the woman who bought the baby from the mother said that she only assisted her.

She said: “I sold the baby for N3.5 million. I gave the mother N600,00, the N30,000 was the money she took from me earlier on.

“I gave her N600,000 for her business, the remaining money is in my account, I didn’t touch it. She said she didn’t want to breastfeed, that she didn’t need the relationship.”

Also speaking, the buyer said that she bought the child with good intention.

She said: “I’m from Ika, there’s a lady in my area, I told her I wanted to adopt a child in a legit way. I paid the seller N5 million. She told me that the document is in process, that she’ll bring it.”

Police Arrest Two Suspected Killers Of Teenager In Ekiti

 Ekiti State Police Command has arrested two persons for allegedly killing a 14 years old girl, identified as Faith Moses, at Emure Ekiti, Emure local government area of the state.

In a statement by Spokesman for the Command, Sunday Abutu on Monday, identified the suspects as Bashir Alaba and Muhammed Jamiu.

He added that the suspected criminals had initially attempted to rape the victim but went further to slit her throat on a farm while struggling with them.

The Command’s Spokesman noted that Bashir, who is 31 years old and Jamiu, 36 were apprehended close to the scene of the crime with two cutlasses suspected to have been used for the horrible act.

Abutu said: “On February 9, 2025, at about 19:10 hours, one Toyin Moses of Odo-Emure Street, Emure-Ekiti, came in distress to Emure Divisional Police Headquarters and reported that her husband, one Joshua Moses, before embarking on a journey to Oka-Akoko in Ondo State, instructed their daughter, Faith Moses, to go check his trap in his farm along Okeseri Road, Emure-Ekiti.

“According to her, while the girl went to the farm to check the trap, she went with her younger brother, a five-year-old Testimony Moses.

“On getting to the farm, information from the younger brother who escaped from the scene has it that two men accosted them and threatened to either have carnal knowledge of Faith Moses or kill her.

“She refused and struggled with them and in the process, they brought out two cutlasses, slit her throat, and cut off her right hand.”

Yahoo boys now involved in ritual killings, banditry – EFCC chair

 The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has defended the commission’s ongoing crackdown on internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo boys, despite criticisms from some quarters.

 Speaking on Thursday while receiving the management of The PUNCH at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, Olukoyede stated that the country lost