metro
Ogun Igbo traders close shops after tax enforcers stabbing of woman
Ogun Igbo traders close shops after tax enforcers stabbing of woman
Business activities came to a standstill in the Ifo area of Ogun State as traders from the South-East region closed their shops in protest following the fatal stabbing of a fellow trader, Blessing Eze.
The incident allegedly involved local tax enforcers demanding levies tied to the Eid Mubarak celebration.
The tragic event unfolded on Friday, June 6, 2025, when, according to eyewitness accounts, Eze was approached by a group of touts demanding ₦1,500 from each trader as a “festival levy.” Eze reportedly declined, explaining that she had not made any sales and couldn’t afford to pay at the time.
Chiamaka Eze, a fellow trader who witnessed the altercation, recounted the harrowing experience in a phone conversation.
“The incident happened on Friday being yesterday when some touts began taxing traders over the Eid Mubarak festival of Muslim faithfuls that took place yesterday. Each trader was asked to pay ₦1500,” she said.
“On getting to late Mrs Eze, she told them she didn’t have the money as at the time they came, and pleaded that they should come back. As touts that they are, they started destroying her goods, during which she dragged one of them and asked him to arrange her goods properly and come back.
“She said she would pay but she didn’t have the money as of that time because she had not sold anything. That’s how one of them stabbed her on the chest which later led to her death.”
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The confrontation reportedly escalated when the assailants began to damage her wares, prompting a scuffle that led to the fatal stabbing. Her death has since sparked widespread anger among the trading community, many of whom say they’ve long endured similar acts of harassment and extortion.
“We are mourning the loss of one of our own, and we demand justice,” said Simon Uchenna, a member of the Igbo Market Union. “Before this woman’s death, we had been experiencing assault and intimidation from those group of touts.”
He added that the union had declared a four-day mourning period, during which South-East traders in the area would suspend all trading activity and focus on protests aimed at drawing government attention.
“We implore the Ogun State Government to intervene and make sure the perpetrators are brought to book,” Uchenna added.
The outrage is further fueled by accounts of similar incidents in the past. One trader recalled how his wife was stabbed in a separate altercation last year involving the son of the market leader. Despite reporting the matter to authorities, he said he was pressured to withdraw the complaint due to the accused’s influential connections.
“Nigeria will always be what it is, where killers will tell you to your face that they will kill you and nothing will happen,” the trader said.
Traders are urging the state to take decisive steps to eliminate the presence of violent tax collectors and to enhance security within local markets.
“Festival money shouldn’t be by force, it should have been something of free will,” said another trader, Okoye Chizoba.
“True to their words, they will kill you and nothing will happen. Human lives mean nothing to everyone, even those (government) whose duty is to protect you from killers.”
The closure of shops has significantly disrupted commerce in the area, with residents and customers expressing shock over the violent nature of the incident.
As demonstrations continue, traders remain united in their demand for justice and a safer business environment. “May her soul rest in peace,” many said, as they paid tribute to the late Blessing Eze.
Ogun Igbo traders close shops after tax enforcers stabbing of woman
(SAHARAREPORTERS)
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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