How I survived abduction, robbery in Bucharest – Wole Soyinka – Newstrends
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How I survived abduction, robbery in Bucharest – Wole Soyinka

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Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka

How I survived abduction, robbery in Bucharest – Wole Soyinka

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has recounted an experience of abduction and robbery while visiting Bucharest, Romania.

Soyinka disclosed that he was in the country for the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, one of the world’s largest performing arts festivals, where he was scheduled to be honoured.

According to the renowned literary icon, his anticipation for the festival turned to shock shortly after he arrived in Bucharest after midnight.

After missing the party that was supposed to receive him at the airport, he entered what seemed like an official taxi headed to the Novotel Hotel, where he was supposed to stay.

In an unexpected turn of events, the driver made a diversion to a remote, dimly lit area.

“At nearly 1 a.m., the driver stopped in an unfamiliar place and revealed a POS machine, urging me to enter my pin.

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“I had to enter it without seeing the screen because he kept hiding it. For about 25 to 30 minutes, I deliberately entered the wrong pin, buying time, hoping someone would appear — maybe someone from the hotel or a passerby. But the place was completely deserted,” Soyinka said.

What happened next was a tense confrontation inside the taxi, and the driver continued probing him while insisting on the pin.

Eventually, Soyinka was dropped near the hotel after what he called an unsettling encounter.

He revealed that he was robbed of cash, and he did not check whether or not it was refunded.

“Not that I like to lose money. But for me it’s much smaller. It’s not just an attack on me as an individual; it’s an assault on the community,” he shared.

Soyinka was picked up the following day and safely taken to Sibiu for the festival, expressing disappointment in the lukewarm response from local authorities, adding that the incident was quietly contained by the police who failed to inform him of any progress.

“There were certain aspects of the handling of the case that really troubled me, which I plan to detail in the next edition of my Intervention Series,” he noted.

“It’s not just an attack on me as an individual; it’s an assault on the community. The entire episode felt surreal and deeply unnerving,” Soyinka added.

How I survived abduction, robbery in Bucharest – Wole Soyinka

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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Nigerian Army Officers

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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