The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Crime

  • Anger as abductors kill Rev. Father, 2 others in Edo

    Anger as abductors kill Rev. Father, 2 others in Edo

    The Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Christopher Odia, who was abducted, yesterday, morning at Ikabigbo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, has been found dead.

     

    Director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, announced this in a statement last night.

    “With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.

    “Until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School, Jattu. He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace”, the statement said, adding that “burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later.”

    It was learnt that the priest was preparing to go for Mass when the gunmen stormed his residence and abducted him into the bush.

    During the shooting, a Mass server and a member of the local vigilante were shot dead while another vigilante member sustained serious injuries.

    Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia, who spoke to Daily Sun on phone, described the incident as “sad one because the local security that went after them, two have died. One of them, a mass server, the other a member of the vigilante group who ran after the kidnappers.

    “The situation is very riotous, the vigilante people are very angry, am on my way now to the army in Nikoho. The Fulani, the two arrested now are with the army,” Dunia said.

    It was gathered that one of the shot vigilante member was rushed to a hospital at Auchi where he was referred to Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment before he died.

    Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of the community, Bramah Alegeh, who confirmed the development, said efforts are on to get the Catholic priest released.

    He said the police and the army in collaboration with local vigilante are combing the bush to ensure his release

    (Sun)

  • Alleged 2.9bn Fraud: EFCC vows to prosecute Okorocha after rearrest

    After 10 hours of stand-off, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arrested a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

    A source from the anti-graft agency, who confirmed Okorocha’s arrest, yesterday, simply said, “After nearly 10hours standoff, EFCC arrests Senator Okorocha.”

    Spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, had in a statement, yesterday, said operatives of the anti-graft agency invaded the residence, following Okorocha’s repeated refusal to honour their invitation, after he was granted an administrative bail. He said Okorocha will be arrested and prosecuted.

    Uwujaren said the former Imo governor jumped bail and has refused to keep his side of the deal of his bail conditions.

    The statement reads: “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), today, May 24, 2022, arrived at the Maitama, Abuja home of a former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, to effect his arrest.

    “The move followed the refusal of the former governor to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Commission.

    “EFCC had, on January 24, 2022, filed a 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9 billion against Okorocha.

    “The case was assigned to Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, but attempts to arraign Senator Okorocha were twice stalled, owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.

    “At the last adjourned date, March 28, 2022, Justice Ekwo, before adjourning until May 30, 2022, had warned that it was “the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter”.

    “In the circumstances, the Commission is left with no option than to effect the arrest of Senator Okorocha and bring him to trial.”

    When Daily Sun visited Okorocha’s house yesterday, it was observed that armed personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were part of the operation.

    Sun

  • Author of “How to Murder Your Husband” on trial for murder of husband

    Author of “How to Murder Your Husband” on trial for murder of husband

    A writer who penned a piece titled “How To Murder Your Husband” is on trial in the United States for killing her husband.

    It is a case that has all the hallmarks of classic detective fiction— a huge insurance payout, an impecunious suspect who claims to have amnesia, a missing weapon, and surveillance footage that seems to have caught the culprit red-handed.

    But for novelist Nancy Crampton Brophy, it’s not the plot of her latest book; it’s real life in an Oregon court room.

    Crampton Brophy, whose “Wrong Never Felt So Right” series of novels include “The Wrong Husband” and “The Wrong Lover,” stands accused of shooting Daniel Brophy, using a gun whose now-missing barrel she bought on eBay.

    Prosecutors say the 71-year-old writer was struggling to make payments on her mortgage, but kept up multiple life assurance policies that would pay out a total of $1.4 million in the event of her husband’s demise.

    “I do better with Dan alive financially than I do with Dan dead,” she said as she took the stand in Portland this week, The Oregonian newspaper reported.

    “Where is the motivation I would ask you? An editor would laugh and say, ‘I think you need to work harder on this story, you have a big hole in it.’”

    Prosecutor Shawn Overstreet said security camera footage had captured Crampton Brophy’s minivan outside the Oregon Culinary Institute on June 2, 2018, at almost exactly the time her chef husband was killed in one of the school’s classrooms.

    “You were there at the same time that someone happens to be shooting your husband with the exact type of gun that you own and which is now mysteriously missing,” he said.

    Crampton Brophy told the court she has no memory of being there, though acknowledges she must have been, insisting the CCTV images show her in the area because she was driving around getting inspiration for a story.

    “This is not a man I would have shot because I had a memory issue. It seems to me if I had shot him, I would know every detail.”

    Daniel Brophy, 63, was found dead that morning by students readying for a class. He had been shot twice.

    Investigators say the barrel from the Glock handgun used in the slaying was purchased by the suspect on eBay.

    That barrel, which would contain damning forensic clues, has never been recovered, despite an exhaustive police search.

    (Punch)

  • FG Suspends Accountant-General, Idris, over Alleged Diversion of N80bn

    FG Suspends Accountant-General, Idris, over Alleged Diversion of N80bn

    FG Suspends Accountant-General, Idris, over Alleged Diversion of N80bn

    The federal government has suspended the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, indefinitely, following his arrest on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of N80 billion public funds. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, ordered his suspension via a letter dated May 18, 2022.

    When contacted, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, Mr. Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, confirmed the development.

    Abdullahi stated that the suspension was “to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations” against him, in line with Public Service Rules.

    He said the suspension took effect from yesterday, adding, “He is suspended without pay, and during this period, he is not expected to be at work or have any contact with the office.”

    EFCC had on Monday announced the arrest of the AGF.

    In a statement, EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, stated, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, May 16, 2022, arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80billion.

    “The commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members, and close associates.

    “The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.”

    The companies used in laundering the funds had, allegedly, been linked to family members and associates of the suspended accountant-general.

    Before his arrest, Idris was reportedly summoned repeatedly for interrogation but he failed to honour the invitations.

    President Muhammed Buhari appointed the suspended AGF on June 25, 2015. He succeeded Jonah Otunla, who retired on June 12, 2015.

    Idris was reappointed for a second term of four-years in June 2019, despite misgivings by labour groups who had said the accountant-general should have retired after turning 60.

    Audit reports from the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF) had over the years consistently indicted the AGF’s office for various lapses.

    A native of Kano State, Idris was born on November 25, 1960, and was until his appointment in 2015 Director of Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

    (Thisday)

  • EFCC arrests ex-Reps speaker, Patricia Etteh, for alleged N130m suspicious payment

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, for alleged receipt of N130 million suspicious payment from a contractor 11 years ago.

    Sources told journalists the ex-speaker is being quizzed for collecting the money from a contractor handling the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) solar-powered electrification project for communities in Akwa Ibom State in 2011.

    Etteh was the speaker of the House of Representatives from 2006 to 2007.

    She was forced to resign from the position in October 2007 after the lower legislative chamber was rocked by a protracted crisis over a N628 million contract scandal

    (Ripples)

  • Breaking News: Explosion rocks kano

    A huge explosion has occurred in the Sabon Gari area of Kano state with an unspecified number of person feared killed and wounded .

    The blast which went off at about 9am, occurred near a primary school along Court Road by Aba Road, with many children affected .

    As at press time it was not clear whether it was a case of a bomb blast or as a result of a gas explosion.

    Meanwhile the police anti bomb unit and several security units have moved to scene of the incident while residents of Sabon Gari of the metropolis have been thrown in to utter confusion.

    Hundreds of cars speeding in different directions to pick up children have left huge traffic in many parts of the affected area.

    (Sun)

  • Kalu condemns killing of Deborah Yakubu

    Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has lamented the gruesome murder of a student of Shehu Shahari College of Education, Sokoto, Ms Deborah Yakubu by her course mates who accused her of blasphemy to Prophet Muhammed (SAW).

    The deceased was set ablaze by the culprits.

    Describing the act as evil, cruel and barbaric, Kalu called on Sokoto state government, security agencies and authorities of the higher institution to work harmoniously in bringing the perpetrators of the ugly act to book.

    Kalu stressed that the late Yakubu was killed in her prime, adding that the ugly incident must be condemned in totality.

    The former Governor while commiserating with the family of the deceased, urged students of the higher institution to shun violence and social vices, adding that the culprits of the evil act must face the wrath of the law.

    He said, ” I condemn in strong terms the unwarranted killing of Deborah Yakubu, a 200 level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

    “The ugly incident is shocking and devastating.

    “The culprits must be exposed and brought to book.

    “Students should not engage in illegitimate acts and as such, the ugly incident must be thoroughly investigated with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to book.

    “I admonish parents and guardians to instill good moral values in their children and wards so as to build a good society”.

    Kalu while stressing that Islam and christianity doesn’t support violence, called on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.

    (Sun)

  • US court jails ex-Nigerian govt official over fraud

    US court jails ex-Nigerian govt official over fraud

    A former Nigerian government official, Abidemi Rufai, has admitted stealing the identities of 20,000 Americans to claim $2million in disaster relief including $350,000 in COVID benefits.

    Rufai, 45, pleaded guilty in US District Court in Tacoma to stealing Social Security numbers and other personal data from residents of Washington State to pocket around $600,000.

    At the time, Rufai was working as a special assistant to a governor in Nigeria before his May 2021 arrest at New York’s Kennedy airport when he was due to fly home to Nigeria.

    The main target was the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) who paid out $350,763 in fraudulent pandemic claims to accounts controlled by Rufai.

    The fraudster also pleaded guilty to stealing benefits from at least 17 other states in previous schemes and took $250,000 from federal programmes.

    Since 2017, he had obtained identifying information for more than 20,000 Americans, submitted $2million in claims for disaster relief and other federal benefits, and received more than $600,000, prosecutors said.

    He tried to receive more than $1.7million in IRS tax refunds by submitting 675 false claims, from which he received $90,877.

    The convict employed a feature of Gmail, Google’s free email service that let him use a single email account, altered by the addition of periods to the address, to file multiple unemployment claims.

    Rufai exploited this by using the altered email addresses to create multiple accounts in the system Washington uses to authenticate online users.

    He then filed for the benefits using real identities of Washington residents, with any emails sent by the ESD on behalf of the claimants all routed into his inbox.

    The fraudster exploited a loophole through Google’s Gmail service which allowed him to register multiple email addresses linked to one account

    (Vanguard)

  • IGP upgrades crime database centre to enhance forensic investigation

    The Nigerian Police Force said it has upgraded its Crime and Incident Database (NPC&IDB) Centre, to aid operatives facilitate easy identification of suspects, crime location, modus operandi, Global Positioning System (GPS) to geolocate crimes.

    The upgraded database, the police said, would provide baseline data, using ICT and biometrics, stimulate digital crime-fighting techniques, and accessibility to a one-stop data bank for professional profiling of criminal elements and effective crime data management in the Force.

    To this end, the Inspector General of Police(IGP), Usman Baba, has directed the project consultant to fast track comprehensive training of dedicated police personnel who would man the systems across Zonal, State, and Divisional Headquarters for the collection, management, and uploading of biometric data, case files, investigation, and trial processes, to the central database at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database, which was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2020, has become imperative, in view of the sophistication of criminals, who now apply technology to perpetuate their nefarious activities.

    He also that said the IGP has ordered a full-scale upgrade of all Police Forensic laboratories and digital resource centres across the nation and tasked Forensic Unit officers of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to effectively apply advanced knowledge acquired at various capacity-building workshops organised in collaboration with foreign agencies and other governmental bodies, ministries, departments and agencies of governments at all levels.

    “The Inspector-General of Police emphasised that these developments are in line with his policing agenda to incorporate the application of cutting-edge technology and intelligence-led policing model to operational and investigation functions, in consonance with international best practices. He equally assured Nigerians of the dedication of his administration to bestowing the nation with a people-oriented, endearing and professional police force.”

    (Sun)

  • We have evidence Nigerian soldiers work with bandits, terrorists: CDS Irabor

    We have evidence Nigerian soldiers work with bandits, terrorists: CDS Irabor

    We have evidence Nigerian soldiers work with bandits, terrorists: CDS Irabor

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, says there is evidence that Nigerian soldiers are colluding with bandits and terrorists to wreak havoc on the country.

    In a letter published by Sahara Reporters, the CDS cited several incidents of soldiers arrested in connection with the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorists, including the arrest of a soldier who conspired with a known terrorist informant Babagana Kura in Bama, Borno.

    Mr Irabor condemned the development.

    “Recent happenings in various TOOs reveal an increase in cases of aiding and abetting by personnel. This development was revealed in different reports of arrests of military personnel within a short period of time,” the letter stated.

    It added, “It would be recalled that a soldier was arrested by a covert intelligence team for conniving with a confirmed terrorist informant known as Babagana Kura in Bama LGA, Borno State. The arrests of these personnel are indicative of inside action that has continued to aid the adversary, pertinently with immediate or potential impact on operations.”

    The revelation came as President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime continues to flounder in reining in bandits and terrorists.

    Recently, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin, an instructor with a Nigerian Army battalion in Geidam, Yobe, committed suicide after arrest for conspiring with Boko Haram insurgents who attacked Yobe communities.

    Since 2009, Nigeria has been battling the extremist group and, later, the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), including bandits.

    There were allegations government officials were enabling the terrorists and bandits.

    While appearing on a radio programme in 2020, ex-CBN’s deputy governor Obadiah Mailafia (now deceased) claimed some rehabilitated terrorists revealed that a serving northern governor was a Boko Haram leader.

    (Peoples Gazette)

  • Suspected herders invade Enugu communities, kill three villagers

    Residents of Imama Ugbawka in Nkanu East and Umuhu Eha-Amufu in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have been thrown into mourning following the killing of three persons by suspected herdsmen in separate attacks.

    City Round gathered that several others were wounded in the attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Our correspondent learnt that while the attack in Ugbawka occurred on Tuesday when the herders allegedly invaded a farmland and killed two labourers hired from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to cultivate crops on the farm, Eha-Amufu’s incident occurred on Wednesday at Agba-Esher.

    A community leader in Umuhu, Eha-Amufu, who gave his name as Odo Francis, said the herders numbering about seven with AK-47 blocked Nkalagu-Eha-Amufu Road.

    “Unfortunately, an Okada rider from Amade Eha-Amufu who was carrying two persons got to the point. They killed him and abducted the two men. Our people were alerted when a man from Umuhu Eha-Amufu identified as Okibe Odo, who escaped death by a whisker broke the news.

    “Now, our forest guards and neighbourhood watch (members) are on their trail. The body of the victim, Ifeanyi Odoebe, has been deposited in the morgue.”

    A community leader from Imama Ugbawka, Chima Nwodo, who confirmed the attack in his community, said the residents were alerted by one of the labourers who escaped from the herders when they invaded the farm.

    The President-General of Imama Ugbawka Autonomous Community, Chief Osita Ogbu, described the attack on his community as callous and unprovoked.

    “These herdsmen, according to one of the labourers that survived, were six in number. When he (the survivor) alerted our people, we sent our vigilantes to the farm who discovered the bodies of the victims and, subsequently, informed the police, Department of State Services, and the military. They came and saw the mutilated bodies. The victims’ throats were slit.

    When our correspondent contacted the spokesperson for the police on the state, Daniel Ndukwe, on the telephone, he declined to comment.

    But the Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Information, who also oversees the Ministry of Information, Chief Steve Oruruo, confirmed the attack and called on security agencies to fish out the criminals.

    PUNCH

  • Anambra: Gunmen invade Soludo’s hometown, injure policemen

    Three policemen sustained gunshot injuries when gunmen attacked their security post in Isuofia community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Isuofia is the hometown of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    Although some reports claimed that one policeman was killed, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, told Saturday Sun that no police officer was killed.

    He said that the gunmen did not attack the community but that they were passing along the road connecting Isuofia and Ekwulobia.

    “Gunmen did not invade Isuofia. We created observation points where we monitor the activities of criminals. We also embark on stop and search. So, what happened was that one of our observation points along Ekwulobia Road came under attack by hoodlums. Three of our men there unfortunately sustained gunshot injuries and they’re currently receiving treatment.

    “I can tell you that the operation is still ongoing. More personnel from Awka here have since been sent to the area to help restore normalcy. No policeman was killed,” he said.

    (Sun)