News

Abia gov places N25m bounty on solders’ killers in Aba

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2024

Governor Alex Otti of Abia

Abia gov places N25m bounty on solders’ killers in Aba

The Abia state government has placed a N25 million bounty on the killers of the 5 soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba.

Newstrends learnt that unknown gunmen had on Thursday attacked the military checkpoint and killed 5 soldiers and burnt 2 patrol vans and the checkpoint.

The gunmen were alleged to have seized their rifles and escaped.

Meanwhile, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the State government condemned the attack and commiserated with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Military High Command in the country for the unfortunate incident and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the gallant soldiers who died while in active duty.

The statement read; “As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State Government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024 a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the State. This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.

“The Government will therefore respond appropriately to reassure citizens, investors and friends of Abia across the world that it would be relentless in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land, whatever be their motivation.

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“To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.

“The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.

Pledging to prioritize the welfare of the security operatives working in the state, the state government also promised take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses, and the education of their children to university level.

“The government appreciates the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the State for maintaining high sense of professionalism in their response to the distressing event. The State will also encourage our military and security personnel to continue to show restraint, whether at the checkpoints, on patrol, or while engaged in other security duties, even as the government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders, including the security high commands, traditional and community leaders to gather and process all intelligence information which will ultimately lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Obikabia Junction, and anyone directly or remotely connected to it in any form.

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“The Government wishes to use this medium to encourage citizens to go about their legitimate duties without fear as necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents, and businesses in all parts of Abia. Individuals with useful information on the activities and movement of criminals in their neighbourhood are also advised to share such information with the security agencies as quickly as possible for necessary action.”

The government further urged traditional rulers in the State to set up suitable local intelligence gathering mechanisms in their localities and share whatever new information they get with the security agencies regularly and vowed to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any traditional ruler found to be harbouring criminal elements.

The state government further pledged necessary support to the security agencies in the State to protect lives and property and warned criminal elements to consider all parts of Abia as a no-go area is still in force.

“Any attempt to test the will of the government, as happened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, shall be resisted with every resource at the disposal of the State. Abia shall remain very hospitable and accommodating to all law-abiding citizens and those who engage only in legitimate businesses as defined by the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria while it shall continue to be a very hostile space for anyone whose actions or inactions, are capable of disrupting the peace and security of our communities.”

Abia gov places N25m bounty on solders’ killers in Aba

News

EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

Published

9 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Abuja-based real estate agent, Hajia Adama Ahmed Adamu, in connection with an alleged ₦288 million property fraud, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC, operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate apprehended Adamu following a petition from a complainant, Alhaji Tanko Yawale, who alleged that the agent collected the funds under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

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“Following the payment, Hajia Adamu allegedly failed to provide valid property documents and became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting a formal petition to the EFCC,” the commission stated on its official X handle.

Property-related fraud continues to be a recurring concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in major cities like Abuja, where unsuspecting buyers often fall victim to agents posing as legitimate intermediaries. In response, the EFCC has intensified enforcement against land and housing scams, urging Nigerians to verify ownership and documentation before making payments.

The suspect is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue. The commission also reiterated a warning to the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent property schemes and to report any suspected cases promptly.

EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

News

Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat

Published

13 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat

The race for Gombe State’s Government House has officially claimed its latest heavyweight contender. Saidu Ahmed Alkali has stepped down from his role as the Minister of Transportation to focus entirely on his 2027 governorship bid.

Alkali’s exit follows a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

His departure was formalized via a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The move is not just about personal timing; it’s about legal compliance. Alkali is adhering to:

* Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026: Which mandates officials to vacate office before seeking elective posts.

* The INEC Timetable: With party primaries for the 2027 elections looming, the window for transition is closing.

* Presidential Directive: President Tinubu has been firm that any cabinet member eyeing an elective seat must resign before the primary process begins.

Alkali, a veteran politician and former Senator for Gombe North, is now the third member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to trade their ministerial portfolio for a campaign trail.

His resignation leaves a vacancy in the Ministry of Transportation at a critical time for the nation’s infrastructure projects, but signals a tightening of the political battlefield in Gombe.

The circular confirming the development was issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.

The circular stated that the directive “followed the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 election.”

News

US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings

Published

18 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

US Senator Ted Cruz

US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings

United States Senator Ted Cruz has alleged that some Nigerian officials are complicit in attacks on Christians, warning that the United States could impose sanctions on those found responsible.

Cruz made the claim while reacting to the recent Plateau killings, particularly the deadly attack in Jos North area of Plateau State.

In a post on X, the lawmaker stated that American authorities are aware of those allegedly enabling the violence. He accused certain officials of creating an environment where Christians are “routinely persecuted and slaughtered,” adding that the U.S. has the tools to hold such individuals accountable.

The remarks followed a Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba, where gunmen invaded the community around 8:30 p.m., killing at least 12 people. Police confirmed the victims included 10 men and two women, with additional bodies later recovered during search operations.

The timing of the attack, coinciding with a major Christian observance, has heightened concerns about religious violence in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the affected community, expressing sympathy to victims’ families and vowing justice.

“Your pain is my pain, and the pain of Plateau State. My administration will pursue justice relentlessly until the perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.

The state government also announced emergency measures, including free medical treatment for the injured and dignified burials for the deceased.

To prevent further breakdown of law and order, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North, which lasted from midnight March 29 to April 1, 2026. Security presence was also reinforced, with additional personnel deployed to stabilise the area.

Security agencies have since intensified operations to track down those responsible for the attack, while residents remain on edge.

Cruz’s comments have reignited international scrutiny over Nigeria’s security situation, especially recurring violence in the Middle Belt.

However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, maintaining that the violence is driven by criminality, insurgency, and communal conflicts rather than a coordinated campaign against Christians.

President Bola Tinubu has also dismissed allegations of religious genocide, stating that Nigeria’s challenges stem from terrorism and extremism, not faith-based targeting.

Similarly, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has engaged with U.S. officials in past diplomatic efforts to clarify the country’s security realities.

Despite these assurances, incidents like the Plateau attack continue to raise both local and global concerns, with growing calls for stronger action to curb violence and ensure accountability.

US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings