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Bandits kill Kaduna judge son, demand N300m to free father, other children

Published

2 years ago

July 4, 2024

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Ali

Bandits kill Kaduna judge son, demand N300m to free father, other children

A female Kaduna judge and her four children that were abducted on 23 June are still languishing in bandits’ den as their captors continue to subject them to unspeakable horror and brutal dehumanisation.

They were reportedly abducted after a clutch of bandits stormed their residence in the Mahuta area of the state.

The judge’s husband, one Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse, a medical doctor, was said to be away on duty, when the incident happened.

However, news filtered through on Wednesday that the bandits have killed her eldest son and are now demanding for a staggering N300 million to release the judge and her remaining three children.

A human rights lawyer, and Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, Gloria Ballason, confirmed the development.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ballason disclose ld that the kidnappers have threatened to kill her remaining sons if the ransom was not paid in time.

Ballason said the abductors killed the 14-year-old son of the judge in captivity when the family couldn’t pay the demanded ransom.

According to her, the boy, identified as Victor Gimba, the first son of the judge, was shot dead on July 2.

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“The abductors, reported to have been about 15, took their captives hostage and demanded a huge sum as ransom.

“On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the terrorists shot dead Victor Gimba, the first child of the judge, when the ransom demanded could not be obtained,” she said.

She also called for the protection of the judge and her family, urging the government, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and security agencies to take urgent action and ensure the judge and her children are rescued.

Similarly, the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association has issued a statement condemning the incident, while urging the security agencies to rise to the occasion.

NMA’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Shuaibu Joga, expressed shock that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum.

He said the NMA would be calling for an emergency SEC meeting on Thursday and a press conference to further call on the authorities to expedite action on securing their immediate release and also for the release of their other doctors kidnapped 6 months ago.

“Following the incident, we visited the husband and interacted with him and he informed us that the kidnappers had made a demand of N300 million to secure their release.

“While the security agencies had been informed and negotiations with the kidnappers were ongoing, we received the shocking news today that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum.

“In response, we are calling for an emergency SEC meeting today and a press conference to further call on the authorities to expedite action on securing their immediate release and also the release of our other doctor kidnapped 6 months ago.

“We call for calm from members and request all to stay safe while we engage the necessary security organs to end this needless wanton evil,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the state government or the state police command.

Bandits kill Kaduna judge son, demand N300m to free father, other children

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Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

Published

3 hours ago

October 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Edo Police Arrest Cleric Accused of Making 'Protective Charms' for Kidnap Gangs

Edo State police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was taken into custody following the allegation and is being investigated as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported sexual assault.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the arrest during a briefing on the command’s recent operations and security activities across the state.

Ikoedem said the case was being handled as a serious allegation and that investigators would gather the necessary evidence to determine the next legal steps.

The police have not released the identities of the suspect or the alleged victim. Details of the alleged incident, including when it occurred and the circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest, have also not been fully disclosed.

The suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.

The case was among several security developments disclosed by the Edo Police Command.

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The command also reported the recovery of a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, with the child subsequently reunited with the family. Police said suspects connected with the incident were arrested.

Seven suspected cult members were also arrested by operatives of the Otuo Division during an intelligence-led operation targeting cult-related activities.

Police further said a joint clearance operation was conducted in parts of Edo North, particularly areas identified as potential hideouts for criminal elements. According to the command, no kidnapping incident was recorded in the affected areas during the period under review.

The command also disclosed arrests linked to an allegation involving the stripping of a young girl and the circulation of material relating to the incident on social media.

The police urged residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and protecting vulnerable people.

The investigation into the alleged rape of the 70-year-old woman in Edo is ongoing, with further action expected to depend on the outcome of the police investigation.

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

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FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

Published

24 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Wednesday, congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the national celebration.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, while reflecting on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.

Tunji-Ojo said peace and stability remained important to national development and called on citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live and work with confidence.

The 2026 celebration marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence, following the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

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The Federal Government is marking the anniversary under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The anniversary programme was earlier announced as a low-key celebration.

As part of the programme, an Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.

The President is also expected to participate in other anniversary activities in Lagos, including the premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and politician MKO Abiola at the National Theatre.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and renew their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria.

The October 1 public holiday applies nationwide, giving workers and other citizens an official day off to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

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Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Published

24 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Five men have been remanded in custody in Maiduguri, Borno State, after they were arraigned over the alleged printing and wearing of “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

The defendants — Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21 — were arrested on September 25 around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri, according to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Police alleged that the five men conspired to print and wear the T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go”, with the intention of causing a breach of public peace in the area.

They were subsequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The defendants appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Their lawyers subsequently applied for bail.

The court remanded the five men in custody and adjourned the matter to October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. The substantive case was also listed for October 26, 2026.

The police case centres on the alleged intention behind the production and wearing of the shirts, with the authorities maintaining that the conduct was capable of causing a breach of public peace. The charges, rather than the political slogan alone, form the basis of the criminal proceedings.

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The arrests have generated controversy, particularly over the balance between freedom of expression and public-order laws.

Amnesty International condemned the detention, arguing that wearing a shirt expressing political dissent should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. The organisation called for the men’s release and urged the authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and association.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State also condemned the arrests. The party said the men were being detained for expressing a political opinion and called for their immediate release. The party’s position is separate from the police allegations before the court.

There have also been claims that the arrests were politically directed, including an allegation that a senior political figure in Borno ordered the action. However, such claims have not been independently established, and the police report cited in the case does not establish that a political figure ordered the arrests.

The development comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and supporters using different platforms to express criticism of the Federal Government and promote alternative political positions.

The case has consequently drawn attention to the application of freedom of expression, political dissent and public-order laws in Nigeria.

For now, the five men remain defendants in an ongoing criminal case. They have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against them have yet to be determined by the court.