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Over 30 suspected kidnappers killed in Enugu

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2024

Over 30 suspected kidnappers killed in Enugu

No fewer than 30 kidnappers, including members of the Biafra Auto Pilot, also known as Unknown Gunmen, a notorious breakaway faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to the Finland based, Simon Ekpa, which terrorised Enugu and its environs had been gunned down in shoot-outs with security operatives at various locations across the state in the past two weeks, a police detective has disclosed.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday morning by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office which quoted a Police Superintendent, SP Onochie Ezeh, who led a joint security operation to rescue some kidnap victims at Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road in the early hours of Wednesday.

The operation led to the killing of a seven-man gang kidnappers at Ogbeke Nike where the kidnappers used a large poultry farm to hide their hostages.

The police chief explained that Wednesday’s successful operation was part of the sustained operations in the state to flush out criminals operating from other neighboring states, including kidnappers, unknown gunmen and other unscrupulous elements.

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“We were on the trail of these kidnappers for more than three months now. They had been operating within this axis where they kidnapped their victims and kept them at a large poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike until ransoms are paid.

“So, on a tipoff from members of the public who suspected the strange movements in the area and the accounts of some of the victims of these criminals, we swung into action. On sighting us, these men of the underworld opened fire on my men, and we quickly retaliated and overpowered them with our superior firepower,” he stressed.

Speaking further, SP Ezeh disclosed that the combined security task force, set up by the Enugu State governor, Mr Peter Mbah, as a tactical squad against kidnappings and activities of unknown gunmen, had recorded milestones in policing the state and flushing out criminal elements.

“This is a gallant crack squad with the mandate to eliminate every form of threat in the state. We have recorded huge successes over the past months. You know our role is not to rush to the media to tell our story but to ensure that every citizen and resident of the state has peace.

“I can tell you that we have already neutralized over 7 criminal gangs who were mostly kidnappers and unknown gunmen. We are going after them. We are taking the battle to their doorsteps because the governor said we should not come back home if we don’t completely rid the state of threats.

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“So we are on it. In fact, during our operations, we identified many criminal hideouts that serve as rogue premises where kidnap victims and dangerous weapons are kept. These places include New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke and Afa in Udi and some parts of Isi Uzo local government. During rescue operations, we were able to neutralize over 30 of the kidnappers and recovered guns and valuables,” the police chief added.

One of the rescued kidnap survivors, Dr Kate Pamela, said she was traumatised by the ugly experiences at the hands of the kidnappers.

“Each time I pass through that poultry, I feel I have been denied justice by still allowing it to operate. They kidnapped us and kept us there for five days. They even killed two of the victims because their families could only afford ten million naira each against the fifty million naira demanded. Notwithstanding that I was able to identify the bodies of three of the kidnappers when they were killed, I still feel that the area should be cleared.

“Government must ensure justice by turning that place to a landfill,” Dr Pamela fumed.

Over 30 suspected kidnappers killed in Enugu

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Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Adamawa Military Camp Leaves Soldiers, Civilian Dead

Published

10 minutes ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Military Troops

Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Adamawa Military Camp Leaves Soldiers, Civilian Dead

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have launched a deadly attack on a military camp in Garaha District, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, leaving three Nigerian soldiers and a civilian woman dead. The attackers also razed a primary school and destroyed other key infrastructure, local eyewitnesses and community leaders reported.

The assault occurred late Saturday night, February 21, when the militants stormed the area, firing sporadically and catching security personnel off guard. Eyewitness Isaiah Yerima said the soldiers fought back bravely but were ultimately overpowered after insurgents launched a rear ambush through the Lar axis, leading to the deaths of three soldiers. A civilian woman was struck by a stray bullet while attempting to flee the gunfire.

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According to residents, the insurgents looted weapons, including an armoured vehicle, and set fire to the military camp before fleeing. “As I’m speaking, no structure is left at the military base except the Living Faith Church,” Yerima said, describing the scale of the destruction. The attack also destroyed the local primary school, further compounding the tragedy for the community.

Another witness suggested the military initially repelled the attackers but was overwhelmed by the coordinated assault from behind, highlighting possible gaps in security and the need for a thorough investigation. Community leaders and residents have urged authorities to strengthen the protection of vulnerable military installations and civilian communities in Adamawa State.

The Paramount Ruler of Huba land, Tol Barr Alheri Bulus, confirmed the attack and said that further details would be provided as they became available. Neither the Nigerian Army nor the Police Force had issued official statements at the time of filing this report.

This assault is the latest in a series of Boko Haram and allied militant attacks in Adamawa and other North-East states, which have repeatedly targeted communities and military formations, resulting in civilian casualties, destruction of property, and looting of weapons. Security experts warn that the persistent attacks highlight ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East, despite military efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt insurgent logistics and arrest collaborators.

Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Adamawa Military Camp Leaves Soldiers, Civilian Dead

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FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos

Published

53 minutes ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos

The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted criminal proceedings against an Abuja-based medical practitioner and pastor, John Onuwabhagbe Abebe, over allegations bordering on ₦19 million fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the alleged sale of human embryos.

Dr Abebe, a chief consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, is also a pastor with Living Faith Church, Durumi, Abuja. He is standing trial alongside his medical facility, Joje Abebe Hospital & Fertility Centre Limited, which was named as a co-defendant in the suit.

The criminal charges were filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory under suit number CV/005/26, by the Nigeria Police Force, acting on the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

According to the three-count charge, prosecutors allege that Dr Abebe unlawfully released the confidential medical records of Mrs Mary Manga to members of the public without her consent. The alleged act is said to contravene provisions of the National Health Act, 2014, which mandates strict protection of patients’ medical information.

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The prosecution further claims that the disclosure exposed the couple to severe emotional distress, public stigma, and psychological trauma, in breach of medical ethics and the defendant’s professional oath as a medical practitioner.

In another count, the Federal Government accuses the pastor-doctor of obtaining ₦19 million by false pretence from Mrs Manga and her husband between January and May 2025. Dr Abebe allegedly represented himself as a specialist in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), collected funds for fertility treatment, and subsequently converted the money for personal use, despite allegedly lacking the competence required to carry out the procedure.

The charge states that the alleged conduct constitutes an offence punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Most troubling among the allegations is the claim that the doctor sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients without their authorisation. Legal observers say that if proven, the allegation could make the case one of the most consequential fertility-related criminal trials in Nigeria’s recent history, raising serious questions about reproductive rights, medical oversight, and ethical enforcement in assisted reproductive technology.

The case is currently before Honourable Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court, Abuja. The defendants are expected to take their plea when proceedings resume, while prosecutors are preparing to call investigators, medical experts, and witnesses to testify.

The court is also expected to determine bail conditions in view of the gravity of the allegations and the broader public interest surrounding the matter. Legal analysts say the outcome of the trial could set a major precedent for the regulation of fertility clinics, enforcement of patient confidentiality laws, and criminal accountability of medical professionals in Nigeria.

FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos

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Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

Published

18 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

Ilorin, Kwara State – Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, has explained why the holy month of Ramadan is spiritually unique, emphasizing its role in personal transformation, moral discipline, and societal harmony.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH, Dr Lafiagi described Ramadan as a “month of mercy, spiritual rejuvenation, and character formation,” citing the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) who said: “Whenever Ramadan commences, all the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.”

According to Dr Lafiagi, these divine conditions make it easier for believers to perform righteous deeds, avoid sins, and draw closer to Allah’s mercy. Beyond fasting from food and drink, he highlighted that Ramadan fosters self-discipline, effective time management, self-restraint, charity, and Qur’an recitation, which help Muslims manage their lives spiritually and morally.

“During Ramadan, believers learn patience, forgiveness, and restraint,” he said, explaining that even when insulted, a fasting person is encouraged to respond calmly, reinforcing moral discipline. He added that acts of charity, especially Zakat al-Fitr, purify the soul while assisting the needy in the community.

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Dr Lafiagi also addressed why many Muslims struggle to maintain spiritual gains after Ramadan. He explained that after the month ends, the “gates of Jannah close, gates of Hellfire reopen, and the devils are freed,” making it easier for believers to lapse into previous sinful habits.

“Returning to old habits does not necessarily indicate weak faith,” he said, “but it shows that Ramadan’s lessons were not fully internalized in the heart and soul.” He stressed the importance of carrying Ramadan’s spiritual benefits into daily life to sustain moral consistency.

The scholar highlighted Ramadan’s societal impact, noting that consistent lectures and moral reminders during the month often reduce crime, improve social cohesion, and create a safer environment. He stressed that the company one keeps, the social environment, and exposure to media play significant roles in sustaining moral conduct post-Ramadan.

Dr Lafiagi also urged Muslims to utilize key moments during Ramadan, including the last 10 nights, particularly Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power), where worship is rewarded more than in a thousand months. He emphasized the last third of every night for prayers and the giving of Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fast and help the needy.

Regarding exemptions, he clarified that sick, pregnant, nursing, and menstruating individuals may be exempt from fasting, but they should either make up missed fasts or feed the needy if unable to fast. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity,” he reminded.

Concluding, Dr Lafiagi stressed that a successful Ramadan is measured not only by the intensity of worship during the month but also by the consistency of righteous deeds and obedience to Allah afterward.