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Catholic Church protests reverend father’s detention over kidnapping, murder of five workers

Published

4 years ago

April 27, 2022

Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta

The Catholic Church in Ebonyi State is seeking justice for Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta incarcerated over alleged involvement in the Effium-Ezza Effium fratricidal conflict in the state.

The church said this in a statement by Rev. Fr Mathew Uzoma, Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, on Monday.

The church said that Ngwuta vehemently denied all charges brought against him before the Bishop of the Diocese and implored those responsible for the priest’s incarceration to “listen to the voice of right conscience”.

The statement said, “He was arrested by the police on December 21, 2021 at Mbeke-Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state while assisting a friend retrieve his vehicle which broke down.

“He went to the police to secure a clearance which was granted after settling the entitlements for guarding the vehicle for two weeks.

“A local vigilante accosted he and his team while inflating the tyres of the vehicle and he told them that the entitlement given to the police also covered theirs.

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“Another set of vigilante swooped on him and this caused a rift between both groups with Ngwuta arrested and taken to the same police station which earlier gave him clearance.”

The church in the statement, revealed that Ngwuta was subsequently transferred to the state police headquarters and released on December 23, 2021 due to deteriorating health condition, adding: “He was re-arrested on March 8, 2022 and three days later, arraigned in court for kidnapping and murder of the five Nelan construction company engineers supervising a road project at the crisis area, among other charges.

“We are worried over how an issue of vehicle retrieval outside the conflict area (another LGA) has metamorphosed into such accusations as Ngwuta had disclosed the identity of the vehicle owner to the police.

“Efforts to secure his bail has been hampered by an executive order preventing any court in the state from entertaining matters relating to the Effium crisis.”

The church said that it would not shield anyone who perpetrated violent acts in the state.

Reacting to the development, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cletus Ofoke, said that there was nothing such as an Executive Order on the Effium crisis.

Ofoke said” “The government can never issue order stopping the legitimate duties of the courts as such claim is aimed at maligning the government.

“Once a matter is in court, nobody talks about it with the legal processes taking their course.

“The state government has no hand in priest’s case as it is purely a legal issue from the police to the court.

“The priest is a human being such as others incarcerated over the Effium crisis with several of them already charged to court.”

Efforts made by the News Agency of Nigeria to contact the Ebonyi State Police Command for reaction proved abortive as its Public Relations Officer, DSP Loveth Odah, was not available for comments.

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Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

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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.