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KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN ON DISSENTING VOICES SPARKS OUTRAGE

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested and detained investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and two civic activists, including Musa Saidu Tsaragi, for condemning a violent attack on peaceful protesters in Ilorin. The trio was detained after honoring a police invitation on Tuesday, following charges filed by Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Social Investment, Sadiq Buhari, for alleged defamation and cybercrime. According to sources, the arrests are an attempt to punish the journalist and activists for speaking out against the government-backed assault on protesters. Tsaragi recounted the violent incident, stating, “Sadiq Buhari is from my town; I know him well. He sat inside the Sienna and pointed at me while they brought two thugs and police officers who beat us.” Tsaragi also demanded that the police produce the two mobile officers who confiscated their phones and deleted protest footage, insisting that the authorities are aware of their identities. “The police must produce the two mobile officers who confiscated our phones, insisting that the authorities were fully aware of their identities,” he said. This crackdown on dissenting voices is not new in Kwara State. In June, former federal lawmaker Hon. Moshood Mustapha appeared in court over a defamation suit filed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq after Mustapha publicly condemned the government’s demolition of his property without due process. Mustapha’s legal team included prominent lawyers such as Prof. Kayode Olatoke, SAN, and Mr. Emeka Etiaba, SAN. The detention of Ahmed and Tsaragi has sparked concerns about the shrinking civic space in Kwara State and the government’s intolerance for criticism. A police source revealed that the state government has repeatedly used law enforcement to silence dissent, engaging officers in activities that raise ethical questions about their role in democracy.

NIGERIA POLICE ARREST 28 SUSPECTS OVER DEADLY ATTACK IN BENUE STATE

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of 28 suspects linked to the deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State, which resulted in several deaths. The police are still pursuing other suspects involved in the massacre and have intensified efforts to confiscate illegal light and small arms from unlawful holders. Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police force remains in control and is strengthening border patrols to curb irregular migration into the country. Two of the arrested suspects were later cleared after assisting authorities in identifying the main culprits. The police chief disclosed that the suspects, including 22 detained in Jos over a separate incident that claimed nine lives, will soon face trial while two were cleared for being instrumental to the arrests. The police are finalizing legal proceedings to arraign the suspects in court, and Egbetokun emphasized that the police will leave no stone unturned until every individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice. The nationwide operation to recover illegal arms is ongoing, and border patrols have been strengthened to prevent irregular migration.

BENUE SECURITY FORCES ARREST SUSPECTS OVER YELWATA ATTACK

The Benue State joint security services have announced the arrest of suspects linked to the recent attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which left several people dead and thousands displaced. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Emenari Ifeanyi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday without revealing the identities of the suspects. According to Emenari, the arrests were made possible through the support of Governor Hyacinth Alia. “The arrest would not have been possible without Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support,” he said. The police boss also confirmed that deployments ordered by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun have arrived in Benue and have been posted to rural communities to enhance policing efforts. Emenari urged landlords and hotel owners to properly vet their tenants and clients to prevent the presence of terrorists in Benue. “We urge landlords and hotel owners to profile their tenants and clients to avoid the presence of terror in Benue,” he said. The arrests follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive to service chiefs and the IGP to apprehend those behind the attack. During his visit to Benue last Wednesday, Tinubu charged security agencies to be proactive in arresting the perpetrators. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he said. Tinubu also emphasized the need for intelligence agencies to retool their information channels to prevent future attacks. “DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” he added. The attack on Yelwata community, suspected to be carried out by herders, resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The exact number of fatalities remains disputed, with reports ranging from 47 to over 200 deaths. The security agencies have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice is served and preventing future attacks.

PLATEAU POLICE ARREST 22 SUSPECTS OVER KILLING OF 12 WEDDING GUESTS

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area. The incident occurred on June 20, 2025, at about 9:47 p.m., when a bus carrying passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State, to Qua’an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony was attacked by an angry mob after they lost their way in Mangun Village. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, the police received credible intelligence about the attack and swiftly responded to the scene. “Upon receipt of this intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mangu Division, to mobilize men and swiftly race to the scene,” Alfred said. The police officers, in collaboration with other security agencies, quickly dispersed the mob and rescued 21 victims, who were rushed to the hospital for treatment. “Upon conducting our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State, who were in transit to Quan’pan LGA to attend a wedding ceremony when they lost their way. Their vehicle was illegally stopped by the angry mob and set ablaze,” the police statement read. The attack resulted in the deaths of 12 passengers, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries. However, 14 people were rescued unhurt. Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, visited the scene on Saturday morning and deployed personnel from the State Intelligence Department, State CID, and Tactical Teams to intensify investigations and apprehend more suspects. “The CP has deployed men from the State Intelligence Department (SID) to Mangu for effective intelligence gathering. He has also deployed men from the State CID and directed them to launch an intensive investigation into the matter. Additionally, the Police helmsman has deployed Tactical Teams and other Operational Assets to the LGA to support our investigation and ensure the arrest of more suspects,” Alfred added. The Commissioner of Police assured the public that the Command is doing everything within its constitutional power to ensure that all those involved in the inhuman act are brought to justice. He called on citizens, especially youths, to avoid taking the law into their hands and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or security agency. Emergency contact numbers were also provided for citizens to report incidents: 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844, and 09053872296.

NIGERIAN TROOPS ARREST PAKISTANI NATIONALS WITH TIES TO TERRORISM

Four Pakistani nationals have been apprehended by Nigerian troops on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities in the North East region. According to Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the suspects are believed to have played a role in arming and training terrorist groups, including ISWAP and JAS. The presence of foreign mercenaries has significantly increased the threat posed by these groups, with General Abubakar noting that they have introduced advanced tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacks. “The foreign mercenaries facilitate tactical and strategic training for these terrorists, which includes the deployment of drones and the fabrication of advanced improvised explosive devices,” he said. The Nigerian military has called for a coordinated international response to address this growing threat. General Abubakar emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as stronger collaboration between Nigeria and neighboring countries to dismantle cross-border support networks. The general also stressed that the conflict with Boko Haram and ISWAP is not just a military issue, but a threat to the entire nation. “Once the nation understands that it is the terrorists against Nigeria as a nation, and presents a united front, significant progress can be achieved,” he said, urging for increased national recognition and support for the troops fighting against terrorism.

IMMIGRATION OFFICER REJECTS BRIBE, APPREHENDS NOTORIOUS FUGITIVE

In a remarkable display of bravery and unwavering integrity, Prince Orji Ugochukwu, an immigration officer, rejected bribes and successfully apprehended a notorious fugitive trying to flee Nigeria. The fugitive, identified as Ezeani, also known as Ichie Billion, is a depraved ritualist and serial killer accused of burying multiple victims alive in a soakaway within his compound in Umumba, Ezeagu, Enugu. According to a relative of Officer Ugochukwu, the officer was alerted to the fugitive’s attempt to flee via social media and other intelligence sources. Ugochukwu shared his account of the incident, saying, “On Wednesday afternoon, while on duty at my checkpoint in Gbaji along Seme Road, I noticed a young man on a bike wearing a face cap. His face looked familiar because I had received information and seen viral photos of a man trying to escape.” Ugochukwu further stated that the suspect tried to bribe him, offering 10 million naira, which he refused. The suspect also offered his iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Tecno Camon 19 phone, trying to convince him to let him go. However, Ugochukwu stood firm, refusing all offers. “I sent the viral pictures to my command at Seme border patrol, and upon confirming his identity, I handcuffed him and immediately moved him to the command head office,” Ugochukwu said. Even Ugochukwu’s colleagues doubted it at first because no one recognized him except him. Ugochukwu’s courageous actions prevented a notorious criminal from escaping and ensured that justice would be served. His dedication to duty and refusal to accept bribes highlight the kind of commitment that strengthens public trust and safety. As the investigation continues, this story stands as a powerful reminder that integrity and vigilance at every level of law enforcement are crucial to protecting communities from evil.

POLICE ARREST FAKE DIG FRANK MBA IMPOSTOR OVER RECRUITMENT SCAM

The Nigeria Police have apprehended a 28-year-old man, Dauda Samuel, for impersonating Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba on Facebook to run a fake recruitment scam. According to Force PRO ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspect was caught in Panda Village, Nasarawa State, after multiple public complaints and credible intelligence. ACP Adejobi revealed that the suspect used the false identity to defraud job seekers by promising positions in the Force. “The National Cybercrime Centre is currently analyzing the suspect’s digital trail and hunting possible accomplices,” Adejobi stated. The suspect, Dauda Samuel, has confessed to the crime and is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities have warned the public to avoid unofficial recruitment offers and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that genuine Police recruitment is never done via social media. The police force is urging the public to be cautious and vigilant, especially when dealing with online recruitment offers. The case is currently under investigation, and the police are working to track down possible accomplices.

PORTABLE ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED CRIMINAL DEFAMATION AND THREAT TO LIFE

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been arrested by the Kwara State Police Command over allegations of criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The arrest followed a petition submitted by Fuji singer Saheed Osupa, who accused Portable of using abusive and insulting words against him. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed in a statement that the allegations against Portable are serious and include criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and the use of abusive and insulting words. “In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the Command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin,” the statement read. Acting on the court order, police operatives from the Kwara Command proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Portable was apprehended around 7:25 p.m. on Saturday. He was immediately brought to Ilorin for further investigations. Upon his arrival, Portable’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties. SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi added that Portable is currently in custody, with plans underway to charge him in court without delay. “The Kwara State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner,” Ejire-Adeyemi said. Ejire-Adeyemi further urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, assuring that further updates on the case will be communicated as events unfold. “We urge members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information,” Ejire-Adeyemi said. The arrest marks the climax of the heightened tension created over the feud and spat between the two musicians over copyright claims. Portable had previously attacked Osupa, mocking his physique and questioning his relevance in the music industry, before later issuing an apology and blaming his outburst on greed.

AKWA IBOM POLICE ARREST MAN FOR ALLEGEDLY MURDERING WIFE OVER INFIDELITY

The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Victor Okon, for allegedly murdering his 38-year-old wife, Victoria Okoh, at their residence in Oron. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the police received a distress call from concerned residents at 05:20 and swiftly responded to the scene. “On arrival, the officers discovered the mutilated body of the deceased lying outside the house she shared with her husband,” John said. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly attacked his wife with a machete over accusations of infidelity. The suspect attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling of the house but was apprehended by the police. The machete used in committing the crime was recovered, and photographs of the scene were taken for investigation purposes. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the state’s General Hospital Morgue for an autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, condemned the act and assured the public that justice would take its full course. “I warn against all forms of domestic violence and call on residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence,” Azare said. He pledged the commitment of the command toward ensuring the safety of citizens and urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

LAGOS POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED CULT LEADER OVER MURDER OF DISC JOCKEY

The Lagos Police Command has arrested Christian Chukwudi, alias “Marshal General”, a suspected cult leader, in connection with the brutal murder of a Disc Jockey (DJ), Victor Dickson, 32, in the Abule-Ado area of the state. According to the police, Dickson was performing on stage at a hotel along Community Road on Saturday night when armed assailants, suspected to be cult members, stormed the venue, shooting and macheting him before fleeing the scene. The attack caused panic among guests, prompting a distress call to the police. Responding to the call, police officers pursued the assailants, who fled through FESTAC Town. Chukwudi was eventually arrested with the help of FESTAC vigilantes while attempting to escape. A locally made shotgun and a live cartridge were recovered from the suspect, according to Lagos Police Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. In a separate operation, police officers from Iju Division arrested another suspected cultist, Ibrahim Toheeb, 26, alias “Baales”, at Fagba Junction around 7 a.m. on Saturday. Toheeb, who had been on the police wanted list for cult-related killings, was caught with wraps of suspected drugs. Hundeyin assured the public that investigations are ongoing and necessary legal actions will be taken against the suspects. “Investigations are ongoing, and we will take necessary legal actions against the suspects,” he said.

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