Police Detain Four Over Military Uniforms, Recover Arms

Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects in Umuahia for allegedly wearing military uniforms illegally, recovering firearms and ammunition in a major security operation. The arrests are part of intensified efforts to clamp down on criminal activities across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, revealed that the suspects are being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and assured that prosecution would follow upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The people arrested with army uniform are being investigated. There are about three or four of them. They are undergoing interrogation,” CP Isa said during a press briefing.

The operation forms part of a broader campaign that has seen over 200 arrests between January and April for various offences, including robbery, cultism, and other criminal acts. Security forces also recovered 32 firearms and assorted ammunition, underscoring the commitment of the police to maintain law and order.

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While reporting a decline in major crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery, CP Isa expressed concern over a rise in cult-related activities, noting that 13 cultism cases were addressed within the period, resulting in the prosecution and remand of 23 suspects.

The CP also clarified reports surrounding a patient’s death at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), stating it was a case of suicide, not murder. The deceased reportedly took his own life after failing to meet obligations tied to funds collected as a job recruiter.

Authorities urged residents to support the police with timely and credible information and warned against extortion, emphasizing that bail is free and encouraging direct reporting of any intimidation attempts.

As part of welfare initiatives, the Command disbursed N11,960,244.88 under the Inspector-General of Police welfare package to families of fallen officers. Grace Nwogu, speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, praised the IGP for providing vital relief to affected families.

The CP also provided updates on the ongoing police recruitment exercise, reporting that 771 candidates have been screened out of 1,005 applicants, with recruitment continuing until April 18. Newly deployed officers have also filled key positions, including replacing the late Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Chris Okoro, and promoting the former DCP CID.

The Abia State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining security operations, protecting lives, and curbing criminal activities across the state.

Police Detain Four Over Military Uniforms, Recover Arms

Nigerian Navy Seizes 15,000 Litres of Stolen Fuel in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on oil theft in Nigeria with the interception of about 15,000 litres of suspected illegally refined fuel in Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, who said the operation was carried out by personnel of NNS Pathfinder following credible intelligence.

According to him, the Navy deployed an anti-crude oil theft patrol team to the Abua-Odual and Ogbologo axis—areas widely regarded as hotspots for illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining in the Niger Delta.

During the operation, naval operatives intercepted two wooden boats laden with approximately 15,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

Folorunsho said the suspects fled upon sighting the patrol team.
“On sighting the naval patrol, the suspected perpetrators abandoned the boats and fled into the surrounding creeks to evade arrest,” he stated.

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The Navy confirmed that the intercepted boats and products were secured and handled in accordance with established operational procedures, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible.

The Nigerian Navy anti-oil theft operation highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in crude oil theft—an illicit activity that continues to cause huge revenue losses and environmental damage in the Niger Delta.

The operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, who has ordered intensified intelligence-driven missions to combat maritime crimes and secure Nigeria’s waterways.

Authorities say Operation Delta Sentinel remains a critical component of broader national efforts to protect oil infrastructure, curb pipeline vandalism, and boost legitimate crude oil production.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive against oil thieves, stressing that surveillance and patrol activities would continue across vulnerable riverine communities.

Nigerian Navy Seizes 15,000 Litres of Stolen Fuel in Rivers

Court Dismisses Sowore’s Suit Against DSS, Meta

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and political activist, against the Department of State Services (DSS), its Director‑General, and Meta Platforms Incorporated (formerly Facebook). The court held that the suit, which challenged the removal of a social media post and deactivation of Sowore’s Facebook account, lacked merit, and awarded a total of ₦1.5 million in costs against him.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the judgment, explained that the suit failed on all key legal issues, including claims relating to fair hearing, freedom of expression, and freedom of association under the Nigerian Constitution. Sowore had alleged that Meta, acting on instructions from the DSS and its Director-General, removed his post on August 26, 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”, and subsequently deactivated his account.

Sowore’s legal team argued that the removal of the post and account action violated his constitutional rights to fair hearing, free expression, and association. He joined the DSS, its DG, Meta Platforms Inc., Meta Platforms Ltd., and Facebook Nigeria Operations Ltd. as respondents in the suit. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1887/2025, sought declaratory reliefs against the respondents for allegedly infringing these rights.

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In his ruling, Justice Umar stated that the right to fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the Constitution applies only to proceedings before courts or tribunals, not to complaints made by non-judicial bodies or private platforms. The judge emphasized that Sowore’s claim on fair hearing was therefore not justiciable under the fundamental rights enforcement procedure.

The court also found that Sowore’s freedom of expression and association were not violated, noting that constitutional rights are not absolute and may be restricted to protect the rights and reputation of others. The judge clarified that the DSS’s complaint to Meta and the platform’s action to remove the post were lawful steps under existing policies, and did not constitute a violation of Sowore’s rights.

Regarding the reliefs sought, Justice Umar held that Sowore failed to prove that his constitutional rights had been or were likely to be violated, and that the reliefs were therefore unwarranted. The suit was dismissed in its entirety.

Following applications for costs by counsel to the DSS and its DG, as well as Meta, the court awarded ₦500,000 each to the DSS, its DG, and Meta Platforms, totaling ₦1.5 million to be paid by Sowore.

The case highlights ongoing debates in Nigeria over online freedom of expression, state interventions, and the role of global tech platforms in moderating content following complaints by government agencies. Sowore, known for his activism and political engagement, has previously been involved in legal disputes and protests concerning government accountability and free speech.

Court Dismisses Sowore’s Suit Against DSS, Meta