metro
Four sentenced to death by hanging for kidnapping Emzor Pharmaceutical MD’s sister
Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday sentenced four men to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping of Mrs. Gloria Emole, the younger sister of Emzor Pharmaceutical Managing Director, Chief Ebuka Okafor.
The convicts are Victor Chukwunonso V, Ifeanyi Maduaka, Obinna Nwankwo, and Richard Nwabueze.
The trial judge, Justice Lawal-Akapo, held that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The first convict Chukwunoso was a former employee of the victim’s elder brother who was sacked after he fought in the company against the rule of the company that fighting was prohibited.
The convicts were arraigned on July 13, 2013, and were remanded in prison custody.
The convicts had on November 19, 2012, at about 8:30 a.m. committed the offences.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping preferred against them by Lagos State.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, had told the court during their arraignment that they had kidnapped the victim who was about to leave her house at 7, Unity Street, Ogudu GRA, Lagos.
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Martins had told the court that the victim was kidnapped, blindfolded thrown inside the booth, and was driven to an unknown area in Ikorodu.
According to the Prosecutor, the offences committed are contrary to and Punishable Under sections 297,285 (2) a, and 291, of the Criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.
The victim was later released on November 22, 2012, after a ransom of $ 70,000 US dollars was paid, by her husband.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses, who testified against the defendants.
The victim narrated to the court that she made a statement at the Police station and how the incident happened.
She said that on November 19, 2012, the first accused person held a double barrel, accosted her at about 8:30 a.m., blindfolded and locked her in her booth, and took her to an unknown destination.
She narrated that after the kidnap they demanded $300,000.
The victim’s husband, Osodun Emole, in his testimony also told the court that he paid the first and second convicts the sum of $70,000 US dollars.
Emole said that they had initially asked for $300,000, but after negotiation, they accepted $70,000.
He stated that he put the money inside an envelope and he was instructed how he was to dress and where to drop the money.
Emole also told the court that it was the police that told him that the convicts had been arrested.
Inspector Gbenga Faguiro, who tendered nine exhibits, had also narrated that the first convict was arrested at Alapere Ketu and a Nokia phone was recovered from him. Independent
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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