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Kogi Abduction: Kidnappers Demand ₦20m Ransom for Each NYSC Member

Published

2 months ago

August 30, 2026

Kidnappers torture abducted corps members, slash ransom to N100m

Kogi Abduction: Kidnappers Demand ₦20m Ransom for Each NYSC Member

Gunmen abduct corps members returning from Bayelsa orientation camp, 11 rescued while others remain in captivity as families plead for government intervention

Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja have demanded ₦20 million for the release of each victim. The corps members were kidnapped along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State while returning from their three-week orientation exercise at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to Daily Trust, a family member of one of the abducted corps members confirmed that the kidnappers had contacted the family and made the ransom demand. “One of our daughters who was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing three weeks orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million naira,” the source said. The victims were members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II and had reportedly concluded their orientation camp activities before beginning their journey.

The attack occurred on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 4:40 p.m. near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, when armed men reportedly emerged from the bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions. Reports indicate that up to 15 corps members may have been initially abducted. According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), one family member said 16 people were listed on one of the manifests, but one corps member was transferred to another vehicle after the driver said the bus was full. “From the explanation of the driver, who was badly injured, 15 passengers were kidnapped even though 16 people were listed on the manifest,” the source told FIJ. The driver was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

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The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the abduction and said that a joint security team launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress call. The Divisional Police Officer in Ofu led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles—a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus—were recovered before security operatives launched a coordinated bush-combing operation. The operation resulted in the rescue of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two buses. Preliminary debriefing indicated that most of the rescued victims were NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

However, the family members of some victims have disputed the police’s claim that 11 people were rescued. Chidinma, the sister of one of the abducted corps members, said in an emotional appeal that her sister was still missing and that the family was struggling to meet the kidnappers’ ransom demands. She also said her family was still grieving the death of their mother some months ago and could not bear another loss. “My sister was taken away on Wednesday and other corps members. They are not doing anything. They keep telling us that they are on it. Those children are in the forest suffering, the kidnappers kept asking for what we cannot afford. Government should take this matter up because those children are still government property,” she said.

The abduction has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society groups. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the incident and demanded the immediate rescue of all abducted corps members. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group expressed shock that young Nigerians serving their country could still be kidnapped on highways without an effective system to protect them. HURIWA questioned why corps members travelling from high-risk areas could not be transported by air to safer locations before continuing their journeys to their places of primary assignment. The group called on the Federal Government to urgently review the movement of corps members across the country and introduce safer transportation arrangements.

The incident has renewed concerns about the security of major roads in Kogi State. Earlier in August, security agencies reported another kidnapping incident along roads in Ofu Local Government Area, while a subsequent military operation resulted in the rescue of 16 victims. The repeated attacks have raised fears over the safety of travellers using Kogi’s highways, particularly routes linking the state with neighbouring states and areas where criminals can retreat into forested terrain.

The police said the joint security operation remained ongoing in the surrounding forest, with the primary objectives of rescuing any remaining victims and apprehending the perpetrators. The command assured the public that every available operational and intelligence resource was being deployed to secure the area and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims.

Kogi Abduction: Kidnappers Demand ₦20m Ransom for Each NYSC Member

Related Topics:abduction Featured kidnappers NYSC ransom

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Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Published

8 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy with his opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a Senate debate on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, which seeks to replace criminal punishment for suicide attempts with medical treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” Akpabio said.

He reiterated his position, warning that anyone who attempted suicide but survived would be jailed.

His comments came as the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative scrutiny despite his opposition.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, the bill seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, early intervention, treatment and long-term support for people who survive suicide attempts.

Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework contains a contradiction because the National Mental Health Act 2021 recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

He specifically cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which expose people who survive suicide attempts to possible criminal punishment under applicable laws.

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The senator said criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking professional help. It could also make families conceal incidents for fear of prosecution and stigma, while undermining the collection of reliable data needed to strengthen prevention efforts.

Ekpenyong challenged lawmakers to consider whether a person who survives a suicide attempt should face prosecution or receive protection and medical care.

He maintained that decriminalising attempted suicide would not mean encouraging suicide or excusing anyone who assists, persuades or procures another person to take their life. Rather, the proposal would recognise suicide prevention as a public health responsibility requiring coordinated medical, psychological and social support.

The bill proposes a framework for medical assessment, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for survivors. It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns and training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers to help them identify and respond appropriately to people experiencing suicidal distress.

Another proposed measure is the establishment of a national data system to improve understanding of suicide attempts and support evidence-based prevention programmes.

During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but questioned how the proposed legislation would work in practice to prevent suicide.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also raised concerns about the legal implications of the proposal, particularly how amendments involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code would apply across Nigeria’s states.

Bamidele urged lawmakers to examine the relationship between federal legislation and state legal frameworks to avoid conflicts during implementation.

Akpabio similarly called for input from state Houses of Assembly during the proposed public hearing, arguing that the legal implications of amending the existing provisions required careful consideration.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, welcomed the proposal and said the legislative process would provide an opportunity for medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.

The bill’s supporters argue that people who survive suicide attempts should not automatically be treated as criminals without consideration of the circumstances that led to the crisis. They maintain that punishment alone cannot address the underlying psychological, social or medical factors associated with suicidal behaviour.

The Senate’s decision to pass the bill for second reading does not mean that the proposed changes have become law. The legislation has been referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration, including a public hearing.

Until the legislative process is completed and any resulting law takes effect, attempted suicide remains punishable under applicable provisions of Nigeria’s existing criminal laws.

The debate has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention and the treatment of survivors, with lawmakers now facing further scrutiny of whether criminal penalties or a health-centred response should take priority.

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

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Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

Published

8 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspects in two separate investigations involving suspected human body parts and the alleged removal of human heads from graves, amid concerns about crimes reportedly linked to money-making rituals.

The cases involve the recovery of two suspected human hands along Bakase Road in Alapa, Moro Local Government Area, and the alleged exhumation of graves at a cemetery in Omupo, Kwara State.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed the arrests during a security briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as the command announced operations targeting suspected criminal activities across the state.

In the Alapa case, police arrested Kamalden Lukmon and AbdulGaniyu Ibrahim after recovering two suspected human hands on October 8.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly intended to use the body parts for money-making rituals.

The suspects reportedly told investigators that a vigilante member identified as Abdulraf Apata had handed the suspected human hands over to them. Police said the allegation was being investigated to establish how the body parts were obtained and whether other individuals were involved.

The command has not publicly established the identity of the possible victim or the circumstances surrounding the origin of the suspected human hands. The allegations against the suspects and the person they reportedly named have yet to be determined by a court.

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In a separate investigation, police arrested Abu Jimoh and Ayo Jimoh over the alleged exhumation of graves and removal of human heads from a cemetery in Omupo.

The case reportedly came to light in May 2026 when residents visited the cemetery to bury a deceased person and discovered that some graves had been disturbed and the heads of bodies buried there were missing.

The discovery prompted a police investigation into the suspected grave exhumation and the whereabouts of the missing remains.

The commissioner said the two suspects were arrested at about 5 a.m. on October 8 while they were allegedly digging graves at the cemetery.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly named Mukaila Bello, a herbalist, as the alleged buyer of the missing human heads. However, the police account did not establish whether Bello had been arrested or whether the allegation against him had been independently verified.

Investigators were continuing efforts to establish the full circumstances of the incident, locate the missing remains and determine whether other people were involved.

The police have not established a direct connection between the Omupo cemetery case and the separate recovery of suspected human hands in Alapa. The incidents remain distinct investigations.

The arrests were among several security cases discussed during the commissioner’s briefing, at which the command reportedly presented 17 suspects linked to various alleged offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, child abuse and illegal possession of firearms. The figure covers multiple cases and does not refer solely to the four suspects in the human-parts investigations.

The latest developments have drawn attention to concerns about ritual-related crime and the unlawful handling of human remains in parts of Kwara State. Investigations are expected to establish the facts behind the allegations and determine whether further arrests or prosecutions are warranted.

In a separate incident earlier in 2026, a suspect identified as Hamza Woru was reportedly arrested in Kaiama over the alleged possession of a human skull said to have been exhumed from a deceased relative’s grave. That case is separate from the October investigations in Omupo and Alapa.

The police urged residents to report suspicious activities, particularly around cemeteries and other locations where criminal conduct may be taking place. Community leaders and other stakeholders were also encouraged to provide credible information that could assist investigations and help prevent crime.

The command said it would continue intelligence-led operations to identify suspected offenders, investigate criminal networks and strengthen public safety across the state.

The four suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless the allegations against them are established in court.

Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

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Osogbo Cultism Crackdown: Six Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs, Charms

Published

9 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan

Osogbo Cultism Crackdown: Six Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs, Charms

The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital, as security operatives intensify efforts to curb cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

The suspects were allegedly associated with the Eiye Confraternity and were linked by investigators to a suspected gang operating around Mackay Junction in Osogbo, where residents have raised concerns about criminal activities and threats to public safety.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, saying the operation followed directives from the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, to strengthen security and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.

According to the command, operatives recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of drug-related activities during the raids.

The six suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly connected to the Eiye Confraternity and a suspected criminal network operating in the Mackay Junction area. However, the allegations against them have yet to be established in court.

Reports by Nigerian media outlets indicated that the suspects had been charged to court, although further details about the charges and proceedings were not immediately available.

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The arrests come amid renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Osogbo. In a separate incident, two people were reportedly killed in an attack involving suspected rival cult groups in the state capital.

The reported killings have heightened concerns about the activities of suspected cult groups and the risk of further violence. However, the police have not publicly established a direct link between the six suspects arrested in the latest raids and the separate fatal incident.

The latest operation forms part of the command’s wider efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks, prevent violent confrontations and improve public safety across Osun State.

The Commissioner of Police urged parents, guardians, community leaders, landlords and residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and providing credible information that could assist investigations.

He also warned young people against cultism, illicit drug use and criminal associations, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing violence and protecting lives and property.

The command said it would sustain intelligence-led operations in identified criminal hideouts and other areas considered security threats. It also encouraged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.

The police maintained that the operations were aimed at strengthening security across the state and ensuring that individuals suspected of criminal activities were brought before the appropriate authorities.