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Police Dismiss Viral Katsina Video, Say Armed Men Are Vigilantes, Hunters

Published

2 months ago

June 25, 2026

Police Dismiss Viral Katsina Video, Say Armed Men Are Vigilantes, Hunters

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has categorically dismissed claims circulating on social media that a viral video from Katsina State showed a police officer fraternising with armed bandits, insisting that the individuals featured are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters supporting security operations in the state. The controversy erupted after a video showing a long convoy of motorcycle riders passing stationary vehicles while a police officer appeared to wave at them went viral on social media. Background voices captured in the footage further fuelled speculation, with one person referring to the riders as “barayin daji”, a Hausa term commonly used to describe bandits.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, categorically refuted the narrative accompanying the video, describing it as false, misleading, and malicious. The police explained that the footage captured a routine interaction between a police officer and community-based security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State. “For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State,” the statement read in part. The police stressed that any claim suggesting the officer was interacting with bandits is entirely false and intended to mislead the public. The Force condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions, and frustrating ongoing security operations.

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An independent review of the footage shows dozens of motorcycles travelling in a convoy along a rural road. A man wearing police camouflaged uniform is seen standing beside another security operative dressed in a black top and red cap as the convoy passes. The video does not clearly establish the identity of the riders. While some appear to be carrying long objects believed to be firearms, the footage is not clear enough to determine with certainty their specific type. Notably, there is no visible confrontation between the convoy and the security personnel, and the vehicles parked by the roadside, with passengers inside, were left untouched. Security experts noted that community-based security partnerships have increasingly become part of Nigeria’s counter-banditry strategy, particularly in North West states where local hunters, vigilante groups, and other volunteer forces provide intelligence and operational support to conventional security agencies.

The police urged members of the public to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government sources. The Force warned individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately, noting that appropriate legal action may be taken against violators. “The Force warns individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately, as appropriate legal action may be taken against violators,” the statement added. Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue collaborating with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in the collective effort to protect lives, safeguard communities, and combat crime across the country. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in the collective effort to protect lives, safeguard communities, and combat crime across the country,” the statement concluded.

Police Dismiss Viral Katsina Video, Say Armed Men Are Vigilantes, Hunters

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Vandalised Festac-Alakija Bridge Structurally Sound, Safe for Use — Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians

Published

6 hours ago

August 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Vandalised Festac-Alakija Bridge Structurally Sound, Safe for Use — Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has allayed fears over the safety of the newly constructed Festac-Alakija Bridge following a recent vandalism attempt, assuring residents and motorists that the structural integrity of the facility remains intact and it is safe for use .

The governor carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected bridge pillar at Vin-Niger along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Saturday . He was accompanied on the inspection by contractors handling the facility, members of the State Executive Council, and local government chairmen, who joined him in evaluating the extent of the damage to the bridge . The inspection followed viral videos showing the vandalised portion of the bridge, which had sparked widespread concern and condemnation on social media, with calls for the government to take immediate action to prevent further damage and ensure public safety . Addressing concerns raised by the incident, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated emphatically that preliminary assessments had confirmed the bridge remained fit for use. Officials from the Office of Infrastructure had inspected the damaged bridge and confirmed that its structural integrity remained intact despite the vandalism . Sanwo-Olu clarified that while the main structure of the bridge remained intact, vandals had excavated portions of the structure and removed fittings used to secure the facility . He said the bridge leads into Festac Town, while the land and abutment are under the control of the Federal Housing Authority . The governor also added that immediate remedial works would be carried out to protect the bridge’s columns and prevent further deterioration .

The governor condemned the vandalism as “barbaric, criminal and unacceptable”, warning that Lagos State would not tolerate attacks on critical public infrastructure . In a joint midnight enforcement operation, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force arrested 27 suspected hoodlums in connection with the vandalism . The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that investigations revealed the suspects had deliberately vandalised critical structural components of the bridge, removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure . The commissioner said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State .

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The governor vowed that the government would pursue those responsible for the vandalism, including individuals involved in receiving, buying or selling materials stolen from public facilities, regardless of their social status or background . He stressed that attacks on public infrastructure undermine government investments and pose risks to the safety and wellbeing of residents . The governor expressed concern over the persistent vandalism of public infrastructure in Festac Town, citing the destruction of drainage slabs and theft of iron rods along Second and Seventh Avenues .

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged residents to take greater responsibility for protecting public assets by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies and relevant authorities . He commended security personnel involved in securing the area, including the Lagos State Police Command, RRS, Lagos State Task Force, Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch, and KAI, for their prompt intervention .

The governor explained that the inspection formed part of his administration’s broader efforts to clean up the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor, restore order and protect critical public infrastructure . He noted that considerable progress had been recorded in clearing the corridor of illegal activities and obstructions, and that he would continue the inspection towards the Alaba Rago axis . Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting public assets, ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining law and order across the state, while continuing to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard Lagos and create an environment where law-abiding residents and businesses could thrive .

Vandalised Festac-Alakija Bridge Structurally Sound, Safe for Use — Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians

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Kano Woman Pleads Guilty to Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Marriage Dispute

Published

22 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano Woman Pleads Guilty to Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Marriage Dispute

A Kano Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of 25-year-old Maimuna Idris in a correctional centre after she pleaded guilty to allegedly cutting off her boyfriend’s manhood with a knife. The prosecution told the court that the attack occurred after she discovered his intention to marry another woman .

The Kano State Police Command arrested Idris, a resident of Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following a report from the management of Durbar Hotel in Badawa Quarters, Kano, who alerted authorities to the shocking incident . The incident occurred on July 27, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when Idris allegedly attacked her boyfriend, Ashiru Sani, with a sharp knife after learning of his plan to marry another woman, a revelation that sparked a violent reaction with life-altering consequences . According to the prosecution, the attack was so severe that she completely severed Sani’s manhood during the altercation, leaving him with catastrophic injuries that required immediate emergency medical attention . The hotel management alerted security operatives at approximately 12:50 p.m., prompting the Badawa Divisional Police Officer to lead a team of detectives to the scene, where the suspect was arrested and the weapon—a sharp knife—was recovered as an exhibit that will be presented as evidence during the trial .

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Idris was arraigned before Magistrate Sadiya Usman on a two-count charge of attempted culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt, offences that contravene Sections 229 and 248 of the Penal Code, which carry severe penalties upon conviction . In a dramatic development that surprised the courtroom, she pleaded guilty to both charges when they were read to her in court, potentially paving the way for a swift resolution of the case . Magistrate Usman ordered that Idris be remanded in a correctional centre and adjourned the case until September 9, 2026, for further mention, giving the prosecution time to prepare and present their case fully .

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has strongly condemned the attack, describing violence as an unacceptable response to personal disagreements and warning that such acts would not be tolerated in the state . The police assured residents that a diligent, transparent, and thorough investigation would be conducted, and that the suspect would be prosecuted following the completion of the probe to ensure that justice is served for the victim . The victim was rushed to Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital, Kano, where he is currently receiving medical treatment, with doctors working to address the extent of his injuries and provide the necessary care for his recovery . Police said the investigation is ongoing, and further details about the case are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings continue.

Kano Woman Pleads Guilty to Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Marriage Dispute

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Edo Spiritualist Arrested for $1,100 Sextortion of Indian Woman – EFCC

Published

22 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Odigie Moses

Edo Spiritualist Arrested for $1,100 Sextortion of Indian Woman – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Odigie Moses, in Ekpoma, Edo State, for allegedly tricking an Indian woman into taking a naked spiritual bath, recording the session without her consent, and then blackmailing her for $1,100 .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Odigie Moses, over his alleged involvement in a $1,100 sextortion scheme targeting an Indian woman . The anti-graft agency disclosed in a statement on Friday, August 7, 2026, that the suspect was apprehended in Ekpoma, Edo State, following an investigation into the alleged crime. The arrest forms part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat the growing menace of cybercrime and online blackmail, which have become increasingly sophisticated and transnational in nature, exploiting victims across borders through digital platforms.

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According to the EFCC, Moses allegedly misrepresented himself on the social media payment platform Zelle as possessing spiritual healing powers capable of solving life-threatening challenges, a claim designed to attract vulnerable individuals seeking quick solutions to personal problems. The victim, an Indian woman seeking spiritual intervention for personal problems, contacted him believing he could help her overcome the difficulties she was facing, unaware that she was being lured into a carefully orchestrated scheme. The suspect subsequently deceived her into taking a naked spiritual bath, a ritual he presented as necessary for the healing process, which he recorded live without her permission, betraying the trust she had placed in him. Following the recording, the suspect allegedly threatened to release the explicit video publicly unless the victim paid him money, using the threat of public humiliation to extort funds from her. Under duress and to prevent the circulation of her nude footage, the woman transferred **$1,100** to the suspect, hoping the payment would put an end to the ordeal. “Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the victim had to pay the sum of $1,100 to the suspect in order to prevail on him not to release her nudity to the public,” the anti-graft agency stated, confirming the extent of the blackmail.

The EFCC described the act as sextortion, a form of image-based abuse involving threats to share nude or sexual images to coerce victims into complying with financial demands, a crime that has become increasingly common in the digital age as perpetrators exploit the anonymity and reach of the internet. The commission confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Moses will be charged to court upon their conclusion, ensuring that the suspect faces the full weight of the law for his alleged crimes. The EFCC’s swift action in this case sends a strong message to cybercriminals that law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting victims and prosecuting offenders, regardless of where they operate from.