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Six teenagers in court over beheading of French school teacher

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Six teenagers in court over beheading of French school teacher

On Monday, six teenagers will stand trial behind closed doors, accused of being involved in the beheading of French history teacher Samuel Paty by a suspected Islamist in 2020, in an incident that struck to the core of the country’s secular ideals.

In a lecture on free expression, the teacher showed his students drawings of the Prophet Mohammad, infuriating a number of Muslim parents. Muslims consider any representation of the Prophet to be blasphemous.

A 15-year-old girl is one of the minors who allegedly alerted her parents that Paty had exhibited caricatures of the prophet in her class. She will be prosecuted with false accusation once it is determined that she was not in the class at the time the incident occurred.

Paty, 47, was assassinated outside his school in a Paris suburb by an 18-year-old assailant of Chechen heritage born in Russia who was shot dead by police shortly after the incident.

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The five other minors to be prosecuted, aged between 14 and 15 at the time of the attack, will be charged with premeditated criminal conspiracy, or ambush.

They are suspected of having pointed out Paty to the murderer or helped monitor his exit from the school.

All six minors were referred to the children’s court and could face 2.5 years in prison.

The hearings, due to last until Dec. 8, will be held behind closed doors.

Eight adults are also accused and will appear before a special criminal court.

France is home to Europe’s largest Muslim minority and has suffered a wave of attacks by Islamist militants or their sympathisers in past years.

In the wake of Paty’s killing, some teachers acknowledged they censored themselves to avoid confrontation with pupils and parents over religion and free speech.

Six teenagers in court over beheading of French school teacher

(Reuters)

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Police Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan’s Corruption Allegations

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Police Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan's Corruption Allegations 
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh

Police Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan’s Corruption Allegations 

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it has commenced an internal investigation into Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh, the head of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following serious corruption allegations levelled against him by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) . The Force disclosed that the senior officer has been summoned for questioning by the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) as part of an internal administrative review, while the criminal case connected to the allegations is already before a competent court. The activist has also been formally invited to appear before investigators to provide evidence supporting his claims. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu. The statement clarified that the criminal matter referenced in public commentary had already been investigated and filed before a court following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) . The controversy stems from a police investigation into two high-profile murder cases in Lagos State—the killing of youth leader Sheriff Ishola Salami in April 2023 and the killing of Ademola Akinloye, son of an Ajiran traditional ruler, in August 2024. At the time of the investigation, Jimoh served as Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

Through a series of social media videos circulated over recent weeks, VeryDarkMan has accused AIG Jimoh of corruptionabuse of office, and evidence manipulation in the murder investigation. The activist alleged that police officers under Jimoh’s command framed businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi in connection with the killings. According to VDM, suspects arrested in January 2026 initially confessed to involvement in the Salami killing without implicating Akanbi, but later statements linking the businessman to the crime were allegedly obtained under pressure or torture. The activist has consistently challenged Jimoh to produce the original suspect statements and has called for an independent review of the evidence. In one of his videos, VDM accused the AIG of “using his position to force false confessions from innocent suspects” and called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately suspend Jimoh pending investigation. The activist, who has over two million followers across social media platforms, has kept the issue in the public eye with daily updates and calls for justice.

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The Police Force clarified that the case is being handled through both judicial and administrative channels, ensuring that justice is served on all fronts. The murder investigation has already been concluded and is now before a court of competent jurisdiction, following legal advice from the DPP. The police stressed that because the matter is sub judice, it must be resolved by the judiciary, not through media campaigns or social commentary. “The Force will not try this case in the media, nor will it allow its outcome to be shaped by public campaigns or commentary seeking to prejudge the officers or parties involved,” the statement read in part. Separately, the FCID has summoned AIG Jimoh for questioning over the allegations. The Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, on July 30, 2026, formally issued a letter of invitation to VeryDarkMan, requesting his appearance at its Abuja office to substantiate the claims he has made publicly. The police noted that the administrative probe is part of the Force’s internal accountability mechanism and is designed to investigate allegations of misconduct against any officer, regardless of rank.

Akanbi was arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in April 2026, and transferred to Nigeria. He had been declared wanted by the police in February 2026 over allegations of involvement in violent crimes in the Ajiran community. However, documents reviewed by ThisDayLive suggest that Jimoh acted pursuant to lawful instructions from Police Headquarters rather than personal discretion, noting that the investigation followed a formal petition from the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran. The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) and the South West Youth Alliance have also dismissed the allegations against Jimoh, stating that official police documents show the investigation had a factual basis. According to the police, the murder investigation followed standard procedures, including the collection of evidence, witness statements, and forensic analysis. The DPP’s legal advice, which sanctioned the prosecution, further validates the integrity of the investigation, the Force stated.

The Police Force reaffirmed that disciplinary matters are governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020Police RegulationsForce Orders, and other established administrative procedures applicable to all officers regardless of rank. While acknowledging Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the police cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations capable of damaging reputations. “Freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the amplification of unsubstantiated allegations as a means of compelling disciplinary outcomes outside due process,” the statement read. The Force assured that any officer found culpable after investigation would face sanctions, while individuals found to have made false and defamatory allegations could also face legal consequences.

The Police have urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended by the FCID and allow both the administrative review and the judicial proceedings to run their lawful course. “No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the Force stated. The outcome of the administrative probe will determine whether AIG Jimoh faces disciplinary action, while the court will decide on the criminal case involving Akanbi and the alleged murder of Salami and Akinloye. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Police Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan’s Corruption Allegations 

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N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

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N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

The Kaduna State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks operating across the state, announcing the arrest of 25 suspects and the recovery of property valued at nearly N78 million during a two-week intelligence-led operation. Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, who addressed journalists at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, described the crackdown as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnappingarmed banditrygunrunning, and counterfeit currency trafficking in the state. According to the police chief, the command successfully arrested 16 suspected kidnappersthree suspected gunrunners, and six individuals allegedly belonging to a syndicate dealing in fake United States dollar notes. The operations also led to the neutralisation of a notorious kidnap kingpin, further disrupting criminal activities in rural communities.

N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

Recovered Items

The command recovered a wide range of stolen goods and illegal items during the operations, including 190 solar inverters valued at approximately N69 million, 10 lithium batteries worth about N9 million, 10 firearms of different calibres, 170 counterfeit US dollar notes, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets, one stolen Toyota Sienna vehicle, 410 rustled cattle, and an additional 80 cattle and 10 sheep abandoned by fleeing rustlers. The solar equipment, which formed the bulk of the recovered property, was traced to a warehouse in Zaria. Preliminary investigations revealed that the inverters and batteries were stolen from a container while in transit to Zaria, and the police are working to track down other members of the theft network.

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In one of the most notable arrests, police apprehended Aisha Barau, a 20-year-old woman, in Ramin Kura Village while she was allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollar notes for local currency. During interrogation, Barau reportedly confessed that the fake currency was supplied to her by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin. Her statement led operatives to the other members of the syndicate, who are now in custody and assisting with investigations. The Commissioner warned members of the public to be vigilant when accepting foreign currency, as the syndicate had been operating in the area for some time.

In a cross-border operation, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State, following credible intelligence. The suspects—Luka SamuelJohn Paul, and Musa Elisha—were found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols. During interrogation, the trio confessed to supplying firearms and ammunition to bandits operating across different parts of Northern Nigeria. CP Muhammad stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the gunrunning network, which is believed to have supplied weapons used in several kidnappings and attacks in Kaduna and neighbouring states.

N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

Recovered Items

After months of surveillance, police operatives working alongside the ‘Yan Sa Kai vigilante group arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as “Aala,” a suspected kidnap kingpin. Mohammed confessed to masterminding multiple kidnapping operations in Kuzuntu VillageIkara Local Government Area, and other surrounding communities. He also admitted to participating in the killing of two vigilante members during an attack last year. A AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect, who is now in police custody and will face multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping.

In a separate development, police recovered a Toyota Sienna vehicle that was stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna. The vehicle was traced to Zaria, where one Mohammed Shehu was arrested. Shehu’s confession led detectives to Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in manufacturing duplicate vehicle keys used by car thieves. The command is investigating whether the duo is linked to a larger vehicle theft syndicate operating in the state.

Police operatives also engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a gun battle after they attacked Damanko Village in Zaria Local Government Area. The suspects fled into the bush, abandoning 80 cattle and 10 sheep they had stolen. Two livestock owners who sustained injuries during the attack were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently receiving treatment. The command has intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

The police also arrested two suspected drug suppliers—Alex Odoh and Daniel Eze—for allegedly supplying hard drugs to bandits operating around Kasuwar Magani. A large quantity of illicit substances worth millions of naira was recovered from the suspects, who reportedly confessed to supplying drugs to criminal groups. The command believes the arrests will significantly disrupt the drug supply chain feeding banditry in the region.

Commissioner Muhammad commended the officers, vigilante groups, and other security agencies involved in the operations, and assured residents that the command would continue to collaborate with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilantes to tackle insecurity. He urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent crime and improve public safety. “The fight against crime is a collective responsibility,” Muhammad said. “We cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of every citizen.” All suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations, the Commissioner confirmed.

N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

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Troops arrest four suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP suppliers, intercept 20 relatives

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Troops arrest four suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP suppliers, intercept 20 relatives

Troops arrest four suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP suppliers, intercept 20 relatives

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested four people suspected of supplying logistics to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during separate intelligence-led operations in Borno and Yobe states.

The troops also intercepted 20 people believed to be relatives of Boko Haram members who reportedly fled their settlement following sustained military offensives against terrorist groups across the North-East.

The arrests were made on Monday as troops intensified efforts to disrupt the supply networks of insurgent groups and prevent them from accessing food, drugs, communication devices and other essential materials.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said two suspects were arrested during a cordon-and-search operation in Geidam, Yobe State.

According to the military, preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram fighters operating in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects included substances suspected to be Indian hemp, several mobile phones, power banks, knives, torchlights, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, cough syrup, identity cards, ATM cards and N14,530 in cash.

The military said the recovered items would be examined further as investigations continue into the suspects’ alleged activities and possible links to terrorist support networks.

In a separate operation in Monguno, Borno State, troops working alongside personnel of the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion arrested two other suspects accused of supplying food and other essential items to ISWAP fighters.

Military authorities said the suspects allegedly admitted during interrogation that they transported food items and other supplies to insurgents operating around Kwatan Dowoshi village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

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Items recovered during the operation included cartons of biscuits, Peak milk, sugar, sachets of garri, bars of soap, headlamps, lighters, mobile phones, an assault knife, herbal medicine, prayer beads, a charm belt and N6,600 in cash.

The military said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to weaken the logistical networks that support Boko Haram and ISWAP activities across the North-East.

Security agencies have identified the movement of food, drugs, fuel, communication devices and other supplies as an important part of the support structure that enables terrorist groups to sustain operations in remote locations.

Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State intercepted 20 people identified as suspected relatives of members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram.

The group comprised nine women, two men and nine children.

According to the military, the individuals told investigators that they left their settlement after troops intensified operations against terrorist elements in the area.

The intercepted people were handed over to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for profiling and further assessment.

The military said the four arrested suspects and the recovered exhibits were also undergoing further investigation.

The latest operations come amid sustained military efforts to degrade Boko Haram and ISWAP capabilities across Borno, Yobe and other parts of the North-East.

Operation HADIN KAI has continued intelligence-led raids, patrols and clearance operations aimed at disrupting terrorist movements, cutting off supply routes and identifying suspected collaborators.

The military urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains important to efforts to protect communities and strengthen security across the region.

Troops arrest four suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP suppliers, intercept 20 relatives

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