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Nigerian ex-carer jailed for eight years in UK after robbing vulnerable elderly victims

Published

1 month ago

August 31, 2026

Nigerian former care worker, Ediongseyene Essien

Nigerian ex-carer jailed for eight years in UK after robbing vulnerable elderly victims

A Nigerian former care worker, Ediongseyene Essien, has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the United Kingdom after carrying out a series of burglary and robbery offences against elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people in Liverpool, including some individuals he had previously cared for.

Essien, 32, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, August 28, after being convicted of multiple offences committed in the city.

According to Merseyside Police, he received three years for burglary and five years for robbery, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an eight-year custodial term.

Police said Essien, who is a Nigerian national, will serve 30 per cent of the sentence before being deported from the UK. A restraining order covering his six victims has also been imposed.

The offences began shortly after Essien was suspended from his job as a carer following allegations of theft.

Police said he was suspended by his employer on March 9. The following day, he carried out four separate burglaries in the L6 area of Liverpool, targeting elderly and vulnerable people, including individuals for whom he had previously provided care.

In the first incident, Essien stole a bank card from a blind and vulnerable man and subsequently used the card to make several transactions in the surrounding area.

Investigators later established that Essien was familiar with the property because of his previous care role. He was able to gain entry using information connected to a coded key safe outside the home.

Essien subsequently entered the home of another elderly resident and went into the person’s bedroom. Police believe nothing was stolen during that incident.

Later that evening, at about 7.30pm, he gained entry to the home of a severely disabled, bedbound resident. Police said Essien searched through the property but apparently left without taking anything.

The most serious incident that day occurred at about 9pm when Essien smashed the rear patio door of an elderly couple’s home.

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The couple were inside when they saw him enter their living room. Essien stole a wallet containing cash before leaving the property.

The incidents did not end with the March burglaries.

After being arrested on March 16 and later released on conditional bail while investigations continued, Essien was linked to two further robbery offences on May 15.

At about 2.20pm, he reportedly forced his way into the home of a vulnerable man with several health conditions and stole cash from the living room.

Later that day, around 5pm, Essien approached a vulnerable woman carrying a walking stick in the Fairfield area of Liverpool and forcibly took her handbag.

The woman attempted to defend herself with her walking stick, but Essien managed to take the bag, which contained cash and bank cards.

Police arrested Essien again on May 17, after which he was charged with the robbery offences and remanded in custody.

The case highlighted the particular vulnerability of some of Essien’s victims, several of whom were elderly, disabled or living with serious health conditions.

Police also said his previous employment as a carer gave him knowledge of some victims and their living arrangements, making the offences particularly concerning.

Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke of Merseyside Police condemned Essien’s actions, describing the offences as particularly reprehensible because he had previously cared for some of the people he targeted.

“Essien committed a series of reprehensible burglary and robbery offences against people he had previously cared for, and other vulnerable victims,” O’Rourke said.

He said it was difficult to comprehend that someone whose professional responsibility was to care for vulnerable people would subsequently target some of those same individuals, as well as other elderly and unwell people.

The detective said the victims had experienced significant distress as a result of the offences and praised them for their patience and cooperation throughout the investigation.

“Essien has today been given a significant prison sentence, which we hope brings a measure of comfort to those he harmed,” O’Rourke said.

Merseyside Police also highlighted the role of CCTV and doorbell camera footage in investigations into burglary and robbery offences, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and take appropriate steps to secure their homes.

The case has renewed attention on the importance of safeguarding elderly and vulnerable people, particularly those who depend on professional carers for assistance in their homes.

For some victims, Essien’s previous position of trust meant he was familiar with their homes and, in at least one case, had knowledge that enabled him to gain access to the property.

Beyond the financial losses, the offences caused significant emotional distress to victims who were confronted in their homes or physically targeted in public.

Merseyside Police confirmed that a restraining order has been imposed in relation to all six victims.

The eight-year sentence represents the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against Essien, although he is expected to serve only part of the sentence in the UK before being deported.

The case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting positions of trust to target people who may be particularly vulnerable to crime.

It also highlights the need for effective safeguarding measures and careful monitoring when individuals are placed in positions that give them access to vulnerable people and their homes.

Nigerian ex-carer jailed for eight years in UK after robbing vulnerable elderly victims

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Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

Published

39 minutes ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested five suspects in separate operations across the state and recovered three firearms, six rounds of live ammunition and other exhibits.

The arrests were made between September 18 and October 7, 2026, as part of the command’s ongoing intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.

In the latest operation, operatives of the Inyi Police Division responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery at Umuaor, Umukabia Isiama Awlaw community in Oji River Local Government Area at about 5:10 a.m. on October 7.

The operation led to the arrest of 26-year-old Arinze Osita Onwuaso, while other suspects reportedly fled the scene.

Police said operatives recovered a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a pry bar, hammer, scissors and chisel from him.

In another operation on October 5, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit, attached to the Nsukka sector, arrested two suspected cult members at Umudioka community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Jonas Adejo, also known as J-Money, and 25-year-old Okoro Innocent, also known as Virus.

According to the police, three rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the two suspects.

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The command said the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, an allegation they would have the opportunity to challenge in court.

A separate operation on September 25 resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Anichebe Ogbonna at an alleged criminal hideout in Amagu Mpu community, Aninri Local Government Area.

Police operatives, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, reportedly raided the location following intelligence on suspected criminal activities.

A locally made pistol was allegedly recovered from Ogbonna.

Meanwhile, operatives of the 9th Mile Police Division arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka at Ameke-Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area, at about 11 p.m. on September 18.

The police said Chukwuemeka was arrested following information allegedly linking him to armed robbery activities in the area.

A cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live cartridge were reportedly recovered from him.

The four operations produced a total of five arrests, three firearms and six rounds of ammunition, with investigations continuing into the alleged offences and the suspects’ individual roles.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the officers involved and residents whose information assisted the operations.

Giwa urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police to help prevent armed robbery, cult-related violence and other security threats across the state.

The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.

Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

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Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

Published

4 hours ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N50 million bail to Arinze Nwogba, who is facing trial for allegedly impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a ruling on Thursday, admitted Nwogba to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge held that the alleged offence was bailable and not a capital offence, while noting that Nwogba had indicated through his bail application that he would not abscond and would make himself available for trial.

The court, however, attached stringent conditions to the bail.

One of the sureties must be a Federal Government civil servant not below Grade Level 14, while both sureties must reside within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The judge further directed that one of the sureties must reside in Asokoro, Maitama or Guzape.

Each surety is required to swear an affidavit of means and submit a tax clearance certificate covering the previous two years.

The court also ordered Nwogba and the sureties to submit photocopies of their National Identification slips.

The court registrar was directed to verify the bail documents and issue a report, with the prosecution also required to participate in the verification process.

Importantly, the ruling does not mean Nwogba walks out of custody immediately. He is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are perfected.

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The case has been adjourned until October 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Nwogba is being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police on a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026.

The police allege that he impersonated Professor Aina by using the JAMB registrar’s photograph on WhatsApp and Truecaller, allegedly with the intention of obtaining financial advantage.

According to the prosecution, a petition was submitted to the Inspector-General of Police over a suspected criminal operation involving the unauthorised use of the registrar’s name, photograph and telephone number to deceive members of the public.

The police alleged that the suspects also used LinkedIn and WhatsApp to approach prospective victims with purported government contracts.

In one alleged scheme, the impersonators reportedly claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution alleged that prospective beneficiaries were subsequently asked to make payments, including N900,000 described as an initial “handshake” and another N3 million purportedly for officials of the ministry.

The police said Nwogba was arrested in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, during investigations into the alleged impersonation.

The prosecution further alleged that Nwogba used the operational name Dr Stephen Igwe and admitted forwarding bank account details to a relative allegedly connected with the fraudulent operation.

Another alleged member of the operation, identified by the police as Nnabuife Nwekpa, is said to be at large.

Nwogba pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge and remains presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the allegations against him in court.

The bail ruling therefore allows him an opportunity to secure his release pending trial, but only after satisfying the conditions imposed by the court.

Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

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NESREA to Honour Lagos Baale After Dramatic Rescue of Endangered Sea Turtle

Published

4 hours ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

NESREA to Honour Lagos Baale After Dramatic Rescue of Endangered Sea Turtle

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is set to honour the Baale of Okun Igando in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, after he intervened to save a large sea turtle from being killed by fishermen.

The development followed the rescue of the marine animal after it became entangled in a fishing net along the coastline of the community.

The fishermen reportedly initially believed they had caught a large fish. However, the situation changed after the Baale intervened and stopped attempts to kill or sell the animal.

Chief Jejelaiye urged the fishermen and other residents to release the turtle, while explaining the importance of protecting endangered and threatened marine species.

The fishermen, with the assistance of other community members, carefully freed the animal from the net and returned it alive to the Atlantic Ocean.

The rescue attracted widespread attention after footage of the incident circulated online, with many Nigerians commending the community for choosing to protect the animal rather than kill it.

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NESREA has subsequently commended the Baale and the local fishing community for their intervention, describing the rescue as an example of grassroots environmental conservation.

The agency is expected to issue a Letter of Commendation to Chief Jejelaiye in recognition of his role in preventing harm to the marine animal and promoting wildlife protection within the community.

The incident has also renewed attention to the challenges facing sea turtles in Nigeria, particularly along the Lagos coastline.

Sea turtles are exposed to several threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, destruction of nesting habitats, pollution, illegal hunting and human consumption.

Conservation efforts in the Ibeju-Lekki area have previously focused on educating fishing communities about the importance of protecting sea turtles and finding ways to reduce conflicts between conservation and fishing activities.

The latest rescue also highlights the role that traditional rulers and coastal communities can play in protecting endangered wildlife.

NESREA, which is responsible for enforcing Nigeria’s environmental laws and regulations, has continued to advocate stronger community participation in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

The rescued turtle was identified in reports as a leatherback sea turtle, one of the largest living turtle species. Leatherback turtles face serious threats globally from fishing gear, habitat loss, pollution and other human activities.

The successful release of the turtle back into the ocean has been described as a positive example of what can happen when local communities respond quickly to protect threatened wildlife.

The development is also expected to strengthen calls for greater awareness among fishermen and residents of Nigeria’s coastal communities on how to safely handle marine animals accidentally caught in fishing nets.

For Okun Igando, the intervention by the Baale has turned what could have been the death of a rare marine animal into a notable wildlife conservation success story.