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Police arrest IPOB members responsible for killings in Imo

Published

3 years ago

April 30, 2023

Arrested IPOB Members

Police arrest IPOB members responsible for killings in Imo

Officers of the Nigerian Police Force have arrested nine members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) responsible for killings in Imo State.

The arrest came barely two weeks after gunmen attacked and killed four policemen in a restaurant in the Ngor Okpala area of the state.

Speaking on Sunday, the spokesman of Imo police command, ASP Henry Okoye confirmed that police officers also recovered arms and ammunition from the criminals’ hideouts.

Okoye said the arrests followed the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Barde’s directive to
commence a detailed investigation and manhunt to unravel the perpetrators of the Ngor Okpala dastardly act.

“Acting on the CP’s directives, a detachment of the Command’s tactical team on April 24 at about 1730hrs after a diligent gathering of credible intelligence, arrested one Mathew Chuwkuma, 48 years, of Mpam Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, in his hideout at Umuahia, Abia.

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“He confessed to being the Sector Commander of the proscribed and dreadful IPOB/Eastern Security Network (ESN) syndicate in Mbaise and assisted the curious operatives in arresting three of his syndicate,” Okoye said.

He listed the names of the suspects as Ojoko Ikechukwu, 53; Chilaka Charles, 44; and Anthony Iwu, 50, who were all arrested in their criminal hideout at Umuokiria, Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area of the state, while others escaped.

He said on searching the suspects and their hideout, incriminating items were recovered.

Okoye said one cut-to-size AK 47 rifle, 190 rounds of live 7.62 mm ammunition, two AK 47 magazines, two cut-to-size double barrel guns, and one locally fabricated Beretta pistol were recovered from the terrorist hideout.

“In the course of the investigation, the suspects all confessed to being members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN syndicate terrorizing the good people of Imo and had a hand in the recent killing of four Police officers and two civilians at Ngor Okpala.

“They volunteered crucial information that assisted the determined operatives on April 27 at about 1240hrs, in raiding their second hideout/shrine in Itu, Ezinitte Mbaise local government area of Imo which led to the arrest of four other notorious IPOB/ESN suspects famous on the command’s wanted list due to their nefarious activities.

“On sighting the operatives, the notorious criminal syndicate engaged them in a fierce gun duel but were overpowered by the super firepower of the combat-ready tactical squad which forced them to disarray and resulted in the arrest of four other suspects,” he stated.

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The police spokesman gave the names of the suspects as Ibe Demian, 50; Iwuala Simon, 31; Nwabueze Ahiwe, 47; and the Chief Priest of the Criminal Syndicate, Obali Paul, 70.

He said some other suspects escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries.

“On searching their second hideout which also serves as shrine where they perform fetish rituals, one AK 47 riffle, three pump action guns, two single barrel locally made guns, one locally made pistol and one cut to size gun were recovered.

“Also recovered were 50 rounds of 7.66mm live ammunition, 38 rounds of live cartridges, two AK 47 magazines, two locally made explosive devices, one iPhone, one H-mobile, walkie-talkie, three cow horns painted with Biafran Insignia, two Biafran Jewish caps, and a Jewish flag.”

He added that a large number of weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa and other fetish objects were equally recovered.

“Frantic investigating efforts is on top gear to arrest other syndicate members at large and make them face the full wrath of the law.

“The commissioner of police while commending the operatives for a job well done, stressed the fact that policing is collective responsibility,” he emphasized.

He appealed to Imo people to join hands with the Police and other sister security agencies in the crusade against terrorism and to report any suspicious activity or persons seen with or treating gunshot injury to the nearest Police station.

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Court Remands Islamic Cleric for Allegedly Raping 14-Year-Old Girl in Ondo

Published

21 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Court Remands Islamic Cleric for Allegedly Raping 14-Year-Old Girl in Ondo

Akure, Nigeria – An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of a 43-year-old Islamic cleric, Alabi Oloye, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre for the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl in Ondo State. The suspect, who serves as a religious teacher, appeared before Magistrate Taiwo Lebi facing charges of forcefully having carnal knowledge of a minor—an offense that has drawn widespread outrage from child rights advocates and residents of the state capital.

According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Omhenimen, the cleric allegedly raped the teenager on May 1, 2026, at approximately 9:45 a.m. The incident took place at Ogbe Secondary School, Oda Town, located within the Akure Magisterial District. Authorities have withheld the victim’s name to protect her identity as a minor and survivor of sexual assault.

The prosecution told the court that the alleged rape is contrary to and punishable under Section 3(a) and (b) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021. This law specifically criminalizes rape and sexual violence, imposing severe penalties on convicted offenders. The Ondo State government has increasingly invoked this statute as part of its zero-tolerance policy on gender-based violence.

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Inspector Omhenimen prayed the court to remand the Islamic cleric at the Olokuta Correctional Facility pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP’s review will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to transfer the case to a higher court for trial. The defense counsel, Samuel Jemiluyi, urged the court to admit his client to bail. However, the magistrate noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to ensure the suspect’s availability for further proceedings.

In a significant development, the Director of Legal Services at the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, John Dada, informed the court that the agency had officially taken over the case from the initial complainants. Dada asked the court to disregard the bail application, emphasizing that the agency’s involvement guarantees thorough prosecution and protects the interests of the 14-year-old rape survivor. The agency’s takeover reflects the state’s commitment to ending sexual violence against children.

Presiding Magistrate Taiwo Lebi ruled that the Islamic cleric be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the DPP’s legal advice. The magistrate declined to grant bail at this stage, citing the gravity of the alleged crime and the need to prevent witness interference. The court adjourned the matter to August 4, 2026, for mention. At that hearing, the DPP’s advice is expected to determine whether the case proceeds to trial.

This case mirrors other recent child rape proceedings in Ondo State. On the same day as the cleric’s remand (May 13, 2026), Magistrate O.T. Lebi ordered the remand of a 34-year-old Togolese national, Biola Muhammed, for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old girl, adjourning that case also to August 4, 2026. Previously, in April 2025, an Akure court remanded Itunu Abiodun, 29, for defilement, and another magistrate ordered the detention of Imeje Matthew Daniel, 62, in a separate child sexual abuse case—all pending DPP advice.

Local residents and child protection groups have condemned the alleged act, calling on the judiciary to ensure a speedy trial. Sexual violence against minors remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with Ondo State emerging as one of the more proactive states in prosecuting offenders under its anti-GBV legislation.

Court Remands Islamic Cleric for Allegedly Raping 14-Year-Old Girl in Ondo

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INTERPOL Extradites Nigerian ‘Yahoo Boy’ to US Over $1.5m Romance Scam

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Trends Admin

INTERPOL Extradites Nigerian ‘Yahoo Boy’ to US Over $1.5m Romance Scam

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the extradition of a suspected cybercriminal, Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States over alleged involvement in online romance scams, wire fraud, and money laundering activities.

The extradition was carried out on May 14, 2026, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, following the conclusion of coordinated legal and diplomatic proceedings between Nigerian authorities and the United States.

According to the Police, the suspect had been under investigation for years in connection with a transnational cybercrime syndicate accused of targeting victims in the United States through sophisticated online fraud schemes.

Investigators alleged that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and his accomplices ran an organised network involved in online romance scams and internet fraud schemes. The group reportedly created fake online identities and dating profiles to lure victims, mostly in the United States Eastern District of North Carolina, into emotional relationships. Once trust was established, victims were allegedly manipulated into sending money under false pretences, including fabricated emergencies and financial distress.

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Authorities also said the proceeds of the fraud were moved through multiple bank accounts as part of a wider money laundering network designed to conceal the source of illicit funds.

In one of the major cases linked to the syndicate, investigators alleged that a victim was defrauded of over $1.5 million through the scheme, highlighting the scale of the operation.

The suspect was arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, after arriving from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at the request of U.S. authorities, which triggered coordinated surveillance and intelligence sharing between international law enforcement agencies.

Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, which approved his transfer to the United States in accordance with Nigeria’s Extradition Act. The court ruling cleared the way for his formal handover to U.S. authorities to face prosecution over charges related to cyber fraud, romance scams, and financial crimes.

The Nigeria Police Force said the extradition underscores its commitment to fighting cybercrime in Nigeria, strengthening international partnerships, and supporting global efforts against transnational organised crime. Officials noted that cooperation with INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement agencies remains key to dismantling cross-border fraud networks operating through digital platforms.

INTERPOL Extradites Nigerian ‘Yahoo Boy’ to US Over $1.5m Romance Scam

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Frank Edoho Divorce Saga Deepens as Estranged Wife Shares Shocking Claims

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Frank Edoho, his estranged wife Sandra Onyenucheya and Chike

Frank Edoho Divorce Saga Deepens as Estranged Wife Shares Shocking Claims

Sandra Onyenucheya, the estranged wife of popular Nigerian TV host Frank Edoho, has publicly opened up on the controversies surrounding the collapse of their marriage, making several startling allegations against the veteran broadcaster.

The interior designer and entrepreneur broke her silence in a lengthy statement shared on Instagram amid growing online conversations about her failed marriage and rumours linking her romantically with Nigerian singer Chike.

In the emotional post, Sandra accused Frank Edoho of serial infidelity, emotional manipulation and neglect throughout their marriage. According to her, remaining silent for years had allowed false narratives to spread online, portraying the television personality as the victim.

“Choosing to remain silent may give mixed signals to the narrative that a sadist and narcissist peddles, making everyone believe he is a victim,” she wrote.

Sandra claimed she remained faithful and committed to the marriage while raising their children and simultaneously building her successful interior design business. However, she alleged that Frank Edoho was involved with several women during their relationship, including actresses, media personalities and former reality TV stars.

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The businesswoman specifically alleged that the former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host had a prolonged affair with actress Mbong Amata while she was pregnant with their first child together.

She further recounted emotional moments in the marriage, alleging that she spent several nights crying and pleading for attention while Frank allegedly stayed away from home for days.

According to Sandra, the TV host also pressured her to terminate one of her pregnancies because he was allegedly involved in multiple affairs and not prepared for fatherhood at the time.

The estranged wife also made financial allegations against Frank Edoho, claiming she handled most of the family’s expenses, including vacations, school fees, accommodation bills and support for some of his relatives.

Sandra additionally alleged that Frank sold some of her belongings without her consent and mismanaged funds belonging to her.

Addressing rumours linking her with singer Chike, Sandra neither confirmed nor denied having a romantic relationship with the musician. However, she maintained that she is now separated and legally free to associate with anyone she chooses.

“As an adult woman, I am free to be friends with and date whomever I please,” she stated.

The controversy intensified after an alleged leaked audio conversation involving Sandra and Chike surfaced online, sparking widespread reactions across social media platforms. Neither Sandra nor Chike has officially confirmed the authenticity of the recording.

Frank Edoho had earlier disclosed publicly that he and Sandra had been separated for nearly two years and were currently undergoing divorce proceedings.

As of the time of filing this report, both Frank Edoho and Chike have yet to officially respond to Sandra’s latest allegations.