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Enugu gov cracks down on native doctors aiding ritual killings, kidnappings

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2025

Enugu State governor, Mr. Peter Mbah

Enugu gov cracks down on native doctors aiding ritual killings, kidnappings

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has transmitted an executive bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly to checkmate criminal activities among native doctors, herbalists and related persons in the state.

The proposed legislation entitled, “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order,” also outlaws money rituals, otherwise known as ‘Okite,’ and criminal bulletproof charms, otherwise known as ‘Odeshi.’

It equally outlaws illegal use or occupation of forests and property for criminal activities.

By the provisions of Section 3 (1), “Every person, who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”

Practising without registration will attract a fine of not less than N1 million and not more than N5 million or two years in prison or both.

Section 15 of the proposed legislation provides that, “Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice, including but not limited to the practices commonly referred to as ‘okite,’ ‘ezenwanyi,’ or any other mystical or ritual name/form, administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance or object on or for another person, for the purpose of (a) invincibility and other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or (b) acquiring wealth or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful means of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six years or to a fine of not less than N5,000,000 or both.

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“Any person, who falsely claims to possess supernatural powers or misleads the public into believing so, for the purpose of gaining reward, or influence, whether financially or otherwise, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of three years or to a fine of not less than N3,000,000 or both.”

It further provides that where a person claims spiritual powers under this law, “the burden shall lie on such a person, during investigation, to provide reasonable proof of the purported supernatural abilities claimed.”

In the same vein, Section 16 prescribes six years of imprisonment or a fine of N5 million or both against anyone, who uses or knowingly permits the use of any religious place, for the commission or facilitation of a crime, in addition to sealing of the facility pending the outcome of investigation.

Section 17 stipulates that, “Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs or participates in any ritual or traditional practice, involving the use of human parts, or who causes another person to do so, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 20 years without the option of a fine.”

Under Section 13, “Any person found in a camp, bush or forest within Enugu State, without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to reasonable suspicion of involvement in any criminal activity, shall be promptly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for proper investigation in accordance with the law.”

On the use of forests and property for banditry and kidnapping, the Bill proposes that, “Any person who owns, occupies or has control over any land or building, whether located in a forest or elsewhere, and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout or base for kidnapping, the unlawful detention of victims, the collection of ransom or for any other activity connected to kidnapping or banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 20 years without the option of a fine.”

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Also, any person, who knowingly allows any person, who is not a member of the nation’s security agencies to reside, camp or establish any form of settlement on his or her land, except for farming, is liable on conviction to two-year imprisonment without an option of fine.

Any person who knowingly fails to report suspicious use of their property, and fails to report the same to the security agencies “commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of two years without the option of a fine.

“Subject to the provisions of Section 3 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law 2016, any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of this law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State,” the Bill further provides.

Again, money, property and other proceeds of theft, robbery and kidnapping, among others, are to be forfeited to the Enugu State Government, unless a lawful and verifiable owner claims it within a reasonable time.

The Bill equally makes it mandatory for private security outfits to register with the state government, providing the particulars of the outfit and all armed security operatives employed or deployed by them, while all presidents-general of town unions are to submit security reports to local government council chairmen or any other department designated by the government not later than the first week of every new month.

In the same vein, landlords and proprietors of hotels, guest houses and estate associations are demanded by the bill to obtain and transmit valid means of identification, phone number, occupation and place of work of their prospective tenants and guests to the relevant authority.

Proprietors of hotels and other lodging facilities shall install a surveillance camera within public areas to record and submit records of activities to relevant authorities.

Penalties for contravention of this provision range from a fine of not less than N500,000 for landlords to N1 million.

Enugu gov cracks down on native doctors aiding ritual killings, kidnappings

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Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Arrested dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over alleged involvement in a high-profile arms trafficking network operating across state lines in Plateau State.

The arrest was carried out on Sunday at the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace.

According to a military statement obtained by Politics Nigeria, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms within Plateau State and neighbouring regions.

“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the statement said.

The suspect was reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis. He was placed under surveillance before being stopped at a military checkpoint.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife.

Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.

Preliminary findings identified the suspect as a former officer of the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been officially dismissed from service.

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“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement added.

Military authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation aimed at uncovering members of his network, including possible collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.

The operation, according to the Army, represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations in the region.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts with other security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat violent crimes across the country.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-crime operations and enhance security nationwide.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

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Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

Published

4 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina–Kankara Road in Katsina State.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when suspected armed bandits blocked the highway at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”

The vehicle was reportedly conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the armed men stopped it and abducted all occupants.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara mobilised a tactical team, including operatives of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene,” the statement said.

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During a sweep of the area after the encounter, police operatives rescued nine victims unhurt.

The rescued persons were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim (28), Rakkiya Ya’u (30), Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud (18), Jumai Majarazu (20), Salamatu Adamu (30), Yusuf Halliru (17), Harira Hamisu (25), Umma Kabir (17), and Nusaiba Maharazu (3).

However, two persons — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir — were still unaccounted for at the time of the report. Authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery during the operation.

He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying security operations aimed at clearing criminal elements from highways and rural communities across the state.

Katsina State has continued to experience recurring cases of banditry and highway kidnappings, prompting increased patrols and tactical deployments along major travel routes.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as search operations continue.

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

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Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping

Published

4 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo

Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping incident that occurred on Sunday at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the governor directed the Edo State Police Command to immediately launch a swift and coordinated investigation into the incident, with orders to secure the rescue of the victim and apprehend those responsible.

The governor also warned that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public safety or disrupting peace in the state.

“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter,” Okpebholo said.

“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.”

He urged residents of Benin City and across Edo State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, stressing that timely information remains critical to ongoing operations.

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Okpebholo further assured that the state government would not relent until those behind the attack are tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a woman was abducted while shopping at one of the stores within the busy Vegetable Market. A viral video circulating on social media showed the moment the victim was forcibly taken away, sparking panic among traders and residents.

Security sources say preliminary investigations have begun, with operatives working to track the kidnappers and review intelligence from the scene to aid rescue efforts.

Kidnapping incidents have continued to raise concern in parts of Edo State, prompting renewed calls for stronger security presence around markets, highways, and public spaces in Benin City.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.