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Female pastor, two others nabbed for kidnapping, collecting N5.5m ransom

Published

10 months ago

August 7, 2023

Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright,

Female pastor, two others nabbed for kidnapping, collecting N5.5m ransom

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three suspects for kidnapping a woman in Obinoba community of Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest came after the kidnappers had collected N2 million ransom and jewelries worth N3.5 million as ransom.

Those arrested are a self acclaimed pastor and wife to the leader of the gang, Franca Okuzu; Kabi Kester, 43; and Henry Owojero, 42.

Celestine Okuzor Nova, the owner of the house in which the victim was held captive for six days, is now at large.

Other suspects at large are Uche (surname unknown), Chinedu Etudo and Nweke (surname unknown).

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The spokesman of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Sunday.

Edafe said in a statement that the woman and her children were on the way back from their shop at about 10:30pm on July 19 when three men armed with guns accosted them at the entrance of their house in Obinoba and took her away.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police said: “On 26/7/2023, the kidnappers released the victim after collecting a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and other jewelleries worth about Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N3,500,000).

“Armed with relevant information, the command embarked on an intelligence-led investigation which paid off when on 4/8/2023, the operatives arrested one Kabi Kester ‘m’ aged 43 years.

“Suspect when interrogated, confessed to being a member of the gang that kidnapped the woman.”

Edafe said Kester’s confession led to the arrest of two other suspects: Henry Owojero and Franca Okuzor, adding that they all confessed to their involvement in the crime and went further to name four others: Celestine Okuzor Nova, Uche (surname unknown), Chinedu Etudo, and Nweke (surname unknown) as members of the gang.

Female pastor, two others nabbed for kidnapping, collecting N5.5m ransom

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Concern as bandits engage in drone flying skill ( + VIDEOS)

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Concern as bandits engage in drone flying skill

A recent video showcased a group of bandits displaying proficiency in operating drones. Uploaded by counter-insurgency expert ZagazOla Makama, the footage captured at least five bandits gathered on the ground.

One of the bandits skillfully manoeuvred a drone, drawing excitement and laughter from the others as they observed its flight. In the video, one bandit spoke on the drone’s ability to hover in the air, indicating a level of surprise and admiration.

The video sparked reactions from various users, raising concerns about the country’s security situation. @angel_abaji expressed worry about the implications for the fight against banditry, while @realadnantweet highlighted conspiracy theories surrounding banditry in northern Nigeria.

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@mr_stitch01 and @igwedip questioned the source of the bandits’ drones, suggesting possible sponsorship by wealthy individuals. @Godmvde pointed out the use of drones by Boko Haram for tracking Nigerian soldiers, emphasizing the need to cut off support for terrorism.

@Aminpac raised doubts about the identification of the individuals in the video as bandits, while @oil_shaeikh questioned the group’s profiling without evidence. @carliid warned against government knee-jerk regulations on drone usage, advocating for more effective tracking methods instead.

@legenduryjrini lamented the reversal of roles where bandits possess drones instead of the army, likening the situation to conflicts in other countries. @Gracepikin001 highlighted the bandits’ possible connections with external groups experienced in drone surveillance, posing a significant challenge for the military.

The video underscores growing concerns about security and the need for comprehensive strategies to address emerging threats posed by technological advancements among criminal elements.

Concern as bandits engage in drone flying skill

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Six members of CAN women’s wing killed in Taraba auto crash

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Six members of CAN women’s wing killed in Taraba auto crash

A fatal road accident in Nigeria’s middle belt State of Taraba has claimed the lives of six women, authorities said on Sunday.

The victims are said to be members of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Taraba State chapter.

They met their end after an 18-seater bus conveying them lost control and somersaulted.

The victims were being conveyed from Gembu, the headquarters of the Sardauna Local Government, after attending a conference on the Mambilla Plateau when the incident happened.

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The State government confirmed the incident, describing it as heartbreaking and devastating.

In a press statement by Emmanuel Bello, a spokesperson for Governor Agbu Kefas, the state government condoled with the family of the victims, CAN leadership, WOWICAN, and the entire Christian community in the state.

The Governor described the event as a Black Sunday and stated that the circumstances of their death were regrettably tragic.

The governor pledged his administration’s continuous commitment to safer roads, especially within areas that poses great threats to lives and has directed that local government chairmen maintain existing roads with proper traffic controls, signage and basic repairs.

The statement added that he would work to minimise the sad occurrences of road mishaps occasioned by bad roads in the state

Six members of CAN women’s wing killed in Taraba auto crash

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Health worker stabbed to death in Minna

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Health worker stabbed to death in Minna

A 35-year-old health worker identified as Umar Mohammed was stabbed to death by hoodlums in Gbeganu area of Minna, Niger State capital.

Sources said the deceased, a staff of a private clinic in Minna, was returning home after attending to a patient when he ran into hoodlums fighting with dangerous weapons.

The fight was said to have broken out between hoodlums at a wedding reception in Gbeganu, during which some people were injured.

Residents said activities of hoodlums have led to disruption of peace in Minna, the state capital, in recent times.

They said areas usually affected include Kpakungu, Maitumbi, Fadikpe, Gbeganu, Soje, Obgomosho, Unguwan-Daji, Limawa, Barikin-Sale, Kwangila, among others.

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The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to the Daily trust.

“On 17/5/2024 at about 2200hrs, it was reported at Kpakungu Div that there was a wedding ceremony at Gbeganu area, while some miscreants from the Area reportedly led by one Ukasha and others armed with dangerous weapons attacked a victim named Umar Mohammed 35yrs,” the PPRO said.

“The victim was inflicted with serious injury on the head, and he was rushed to Gen Hospital Minna, where he later gave up the ghost and was confirmed dead by the doctor.”

Abiodun said two suspects had been arrested, adding that effort was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.