IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted 21 minors suspected to be victims of human trafficking at a checkpoint in Yobe State.  

The children, aged between 7 and 15, were found in a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM) at the Geidam control point in Dunari, near the border with Niger Republic.  

According to an official NIS statement, the minors were being transported from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic without valid travel documents or identification.  

Yobe State Comptroller, Mr. S.S. Jega, stated that the children had no knowledge of their destination, raising suspicions of human trafficking. He assured that they would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.  

Meanwhile, their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher from Anaba, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, was taken into custody.

The Nigeria Police have apprehended a 27-year-old dispatch rider in Abuja for allegedly transporting canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.  

Authorities suspect the substance was being distributed for recreational use, despite growing concerns over its abuse. The arrest comes as law enforcement intensifies efforts to curb the illegal circulation of psychoactive substances in the country.  

Further investigations are ongoing to determine the source and intended destination of the laughing gas. 

A heated dispute over eviction took a violent turn in Enugu as a female tenant allegedly attacked her landlord with a pestle, leaving him with severe head injuries.  

The altercation reportedly began after the landlord asked her to vacate the property. Witnesses say the disagreement escalated, leading the tenant to strike him with the heavy kitchen tool.  

The landlord has been rushed to the hospital for treatment, while authorities have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation.

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has said that a driver of a private vehicle “recklessly ran into troops” during its Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State, on Friday.

This resulted in the death of a soldier, with others sustaining various degrees of injuries, according to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni. He said that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos.

Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni said that the 81 Division Military Police and other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident. He added that the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

The GOC also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. “The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event.

“Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate,” the statement added.

Interpol announced on Thursday that 45 individuals have been arrested across West Africa in the past three months in operations targeting drug trafficking and terrorism financing.

Among those apprehended was a suspected Islamic State member near the Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso border and a North African individual allegedly attempting to travel through Europe to join ISIS in Syria.

Authorities also seized over $50 million worth of cocaine in Cabo Verde and 10 tonnes of amphetamines in Burkina Faso.

“This operation marks a crucial step in dismantling transnational crime networks that threaten regional stability and hinder efforts toward peace and development in West Africa,” Interpol stated.

A joint security operation has successfully dismantled a kidnapper’s hideout in Enugwu Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, resulting in the arrest of a key suspect and the seizure of a large cache of weapons.

The operation, which took place at 12:15 am on Thursday, January 30, 2025, involved coordinated efforts from the newly launched ‘Udo Ga Chi’ and ‘Agunechemba’ security initiatives.

Acting on reliable intelligence, security forces apprehended Mr. Chukwudi Tansi, who is suspected to be a member of a kidnapping syndicate.

During the raid, authorities recovered a significant haul of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, eight pump-action shotguns, and four locally-made pistols.

Other seized items included three packets of cartridges with 101 rounds, four empty AK-47 magazines, three machetes, a Baofeng radio, a motorcycle, and various charms.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts to bolster security in Anambra State, with authorities remaining committed to intensifying their fight against criminal activity.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admitted to technical issues in its recent public auction of forfeited vehicles and pledged to review complaints from affected participants.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale acknowledged concerns such as website accessibility problems, participants being locked out after submitting bids, and reports of inflated prices. He attributed the challenges to overwhelming participation—exceeding four million bidders—and unstable internet services.

The commission clarified that while it monitored the auction, it could not directly intervene as it was handled by accredited auctioneers in line with legal provisions. EFCC assured the public that it is awaiting reports from the auctioneers and will review legitimate complaints to ensure fairness.

Despite the glitches, successful bidders without issues will receive their vehicles as scheduled. The EFCC reiterated its commitment to transparency and ensuring the nation gets full value for the forfeited assets.

A 50-year-old panel beater, Kazeem Tunde, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a catalytic converter worth N950,000 from a customer’s Toyota Hiace bus.

The defendant, who resides in the Obawole area of Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, is facing charges of theft, conspiracy, and breach of peace.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Matthew Akhaluode, the alleged crime took place on January 12 at Adeyeri Street, Ogba, Lagos. Tunde, along with an accomplice who is currently at large, reportedly removed the catalytic converter while repairing the vehicle and failed to account for its whereabouts.

The prosecution stated that the offences violate Sections 168, 287, and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Tunde pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate M. F. Onamusi granted him bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to February 17 for further hearing.

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has pleaded not guilty to cybercrime charges brought against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The charges were filed by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following Sowore’s remarks on his verified X handle, where he referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”

Sowore appeared before Justice Liman of the FCT High Court and was arraigned around 10:00 a.m. when the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Meanwhile, several of his supporters staged a protest outside the court in response to his arraignment.

An Ikeja High Court has sentenced Ayomide Olayemi to 10 years imprisonment for robbing an artisan and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member of their belongings.

Justice Modupe Nicol-Clay delivered the sentence based on a plea bargain agreement, which Olayemi willingly entered.

The offences, committed in December 2018, included stealing ATM cards, an NYSC ID card, a driver’s license, a Samsung mobile phone, and cash.

The sentence is retroactive to January 3, 2019, the date of Olayemi's remand.

..... As Nze Obiefule evades arrest again and risks 10 years in jail. 

A Rejoinder:

By Comrade Ikenna Sam-Nwadike

It is only a good tree-bearing fruit that attract stones.  We are therefore not surprised that Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule, The  Anoruo 1 Of Umuezeanoruo Eziama, has become a subject to be tossed around, left, right and Centre, on social and print media by those who woefully lost at the Court of Appeal, in the Ezeship stool tussle of Umuezeanoruo Eziama community in Nkwerre local government area of Imo State.

Ordinarily, one wouldn't have bothered to respond to the organized blackmail on the integrity and credibility of His Royal Majesty, but because we do not want the public to be deceived by the  narratives in the false publication in circulation on social media and local Newspapers, we have decided to step forward with the undiluted facts, which are verifiable. However, bad losers are finding it very difficult to swallow the bitter pill of their loss at the Court of Appeal.

Years ago, precisely in 2011, during the tale end of the Governor Ikedi Godson Ohakim's administration, Umuezeanoruo Eziama community in Nkwerre local government area of Imo State was granted Autonomous status. This was followed by the tussle of who becomes the traditional ruler of the community. A Committee was set up to screen those who had indicated interest, with terms of reference given as a module for the selection of qualified person/persons. While the Imo State Government Traditional Chieftaincy Act pegged the minimum qualification at School Certificate level, the screening Committee disregarded it and came up with a minimum qualification of a university degree.

Again, because there were vested interest, the then President General of the Town Union, Mr Lawrence Nwadike, reportedly manipulated the screening Committee and directed them to disqualify, by screening out, all other persons in the race, leaving only Mr Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho. This was clandestinely carried out. It should be noted that the purported university degree certificate which was presented by Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho was never verified. Even at that, proper election was not conducted. Because the screening Committee was on an evil mission, the Degree certificate presented by Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefula was tagged "fake", with no cogent and verifiable reason, except to execute a hatchet job, as directed by the then President General of the Community Town Union, Mr Lawrence Nwadike and his cohorts.

Nevertheless, realizing the unpatriotic action the Committee members committed, a member of the Committee, Mr Kelvin Agoha, reportedly confessed, in the open, what transpired and how he and his other Committee members were cajoled, with mouth watering promises, to disqualify every other person, and confirming only Mr Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho. 

Again, before the Autonomous status came, Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule and Mr Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho were from Nduho Na Ogbo. Before Autonomy was granted, His Royal Majesty found himself in Nduho while Chief Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho was Umuogbo, where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather also came from. But because of his insatiable taste and quest for the Ezeship stool, he became unstable and couldn't rightfully proclaim his actual village identity. 

Therefore, not satisfied with the clandestine manner he was screened out, Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule approached the law court, as the last hope of the common man. And after the rigorous process of seeking for justice, Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule got the judgement of Appeal Court in his favour.

Since he lost at the Appeal Court, Mr Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho has not been himself. He has continued to create tension in the community, instigating crisis of unimaginable proportion, to the extent that the Imo State Police Command (Tiger-Base) intervened. 

On the allegation that Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule intimidates people using guns, the general public should observe and note that a  drowning man can allege anything just to stay afloat, hence these shameless losers have been circulating AI generated pictures and videos, purporting them to be the humble gentleman. Proper scrutiny will unveil the truth.

On the issue of Police invitations that came from Zone 9 on 01/01/2025, Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule was asked to report on the 10th of January 2025, which he did as an Honourable man of peace, and addressed all the purported issues raised against  him by Mr Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho and his cohorts. Graciously, he returned home same day. Just last friday, 24th January 2025, another invitation came from the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police, asking him to report to their office on 30th January 2025. The Police never issued arrest warrant on the person and personality of His Royal Majesty. 

Where then does "evading" arrest come from? This is indeed laughable and should be seen as the outbursts of a frustrated loser and his cohorts. Nevertheless, we will live to see the end to these orchestrated drama and sponsored publications aimed at damaging the credibility and integrity of Hrm Eze Emeka Andrew Obiefule, as his legal team are on top of the matter to formally handle these false publications.

While assuring the public that His Royal Majesty has the support of the people of Umuezeanoruo Eziama in bringing about peace, unity and progress in the community, he is presently preoccupied in galvanizing massive support for the purposeful leadership of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and to ensure that the 3-R Shared Prosperity Administration succeeds resoundingly. Any other thing should be seen as mere distraction.

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmanman, has paraded 12 suspects accused of vandalizing government property in Minna and other parts of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Minna, Danmanman explained that the suspects were arrested on January 24 and 25, 2025, following reports of miscreants exploiting the ongoing infrastructure upgrades to steal public property.

The first group of suspects, Shamsudeen Ibrahim (19), Abba Shuaibu (24), and Faisal Aliyu (18), all from Limawa, Minna, were apprehended with tools such as streetlight cables, diggers, hammers, and cutters.

The second group included Khalid Shehu (18), Ibrahim Lawal (21), Gambo Umar (18), Mohammed Lawal (24), and Magaji Garba (31), who were found with burnt electric armored cables.

In a separate incident on January 7, 2025, four more suspects—Ibrahim Aliyu (32), Kabiru Adamu (35), Mohammed Alfa (23), and Basiru Hamidu (28)—were arrested in Masuga village for vandalizing aluminum conductors. They were caught with approximately three rolls of aluminum conductors, covering about 80 kilometers.

All suspects are currently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna.

Timileyin Ajayi, accused of murdering Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Ajayi was arraigned on Monday before Justice Simon Aboki at the High Court of Justice in Lafia, facing a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death, as stipulated under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

The suspect was reportedly found in possession of the severed head of Salome Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Although Ajayi initially admitted to committing the crime, stating that he acted after discovering Adaidu was allegedly unfaithful, he entered a plea of not guilty during his court appearance.

 Joint Nigerian Army, Police troops Neutralize ESN Combatants in Ohafia and Arochukwu axis of Abia.

... Burst hideouts, Recover Artillery Guns

Joint troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police have neutralized 3 combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a fierce encounter that ensued during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday 18 September 2023 at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia state. 

The camps were uncovered, after several weeks  of credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.

 On further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others. The Items recovered include One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle,  One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun,  One AK 47 Rifle,  One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets,  One Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms. 

In a similar development that also took place in the early hours of today, 18 September 2023,  same troops of 82 Division NA in synergy with the Nigerian Police Force, acting on credible intelligence busted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state. 

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Brigadier General

Director Army Public Relations

18 September 2023

In a robust operation aimed at curbing the enforcement of the unlawful sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), combined troops from the 82 Division Nigerian Army, sister security services, Nigeria Police and other security agencies have successfully raided and destroyed hideouts and training camps of the IPOB/ESN in the Orsomoghu forest which spans across Anambra and Imo States.

This operation, executed on Monday 31 July 2023, was prompted by alerts of the group’s disruptive activities in several regions including Onitsha, Nnewi, and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as the New Market in Enugu state. Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that during the operation, troops cleared Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu, and Mother Valley camps, belonging to the separatist group. Encounters with armed fighters from the group led to exchanges of fire.

Despite the group’s deployment of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and locally fabricated mortar tubes, the valiant troops overcame the resistance, causing the militants to flee their positions with gunshot wounds. The subsequent search operation by the troops led to the arrest of five fleeing group members and the recovery of an IPOB flag, a CCTV camera, two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube. Unfortunately, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained various degrees of injuries from the IEDs detonated by the criminals.

The Nigerian Army urged all law-abiding citizens of the South East to continue their normal daily activities and businesses, disregarding the unlawful two-week sit-at-home order. They also encouraged citizens to support ongoing operations with actionable information. The Army, in synergy with sister services and security agencies, vows to persistently protect and safeguard lives and property within the framework of the law.

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee probing employment racketeering and gross mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) by agencies of the Federal Government has directed that directed that the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce and the Police as well the intelligence agencies, among others, to appear before it on Wednesday. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, who handed down the directive during a hearing of the Ad hoc Committee on Tuesday expressed displeasure over their absence even though they were duly invited. 

According to Hon. Gagdi "Let me say this to all agencies we have invited, I think we need to read their names clearly here. They are the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, the Nigerian Communication Commission, the Nigerian Post Services, the Nigerian frequency management Council, Galaxy backbone, National Identity management Commission, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Fire Service, Nigerian Police Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, State Security Service, national Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Navy must appear tomorrow since they have failed to appear today. This is the ruling of the committee,"

Also appearing at the hearing, the Accountant General of the Federation has said her office is working hard to fish out ghost workers who existed in the system before the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). She also denied allegations that her office was engaging in the enrolment of ghost workers for personal gains as her office was working hard to address problems with the IPPIS.

According to her “As of today we have 640 MDAs registered on the IPPIS, enrolled on the IPPIS, because there are some that are not on the IPPIS like all the security agencies, federal government owned enterprises that generate revenue, they are not on IPPIS. Then self-funding agencies are not on IPPIS. Some parastatals that have different arrangements for the payment of their salaries like those that are receiving first line transfers like the National Assembly are not on the IPPIS and so many others like that. So if we put the number of those outside IPPIS, it may get to over 900. Except if an Act of the National Assembly makes it compulsory that all government agencies must be on IPPIS.”

In a related development, Director of the IPPIS, Emma Deko, accused some universities of sending more names than required to be captured on the system.

West Africa’s regional bloc on Wednesday said a military intervention in junta-ruled Niger was “the last resort” as Nigeria cut electricity supplies to intensify pressure on the country’s coup leaders. As ex-colonial power France sent in a fifth plane to evacuate its citizens, coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani insisted they had no reason to quit the country.

Joining the departures, the United States ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy in Niamey. West African military chiefs were meeting in Nigeria’s capital Abuja to frame a response while a delegation was in Niger for negotiations, a week after the coup that shook the fragile nation.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders on Sunday imposed trade and financial sanctions, giving the coup leaders a week to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president or face the possible use of force. “(The) military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.

An ECOWAS team headed by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar was in Niger for talks, he added at the start of a three-day meeting of the grouping’s military chiefs in Abuja. West Africa’s pre-eminent military and economic power Nigeria, the current chair of ECOWAS, has vowed a firm line against coups that have proliferated across the region since 2020.

A source in Niger’s power company, Nigelec, said Nigeria had cut electricity to its neighbour as a result of the sanctions.

Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, depends on Nigeria for 70 percent of its power. Junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso have warned any military intervention in their neighbour would be tantamount to a “declaration of war” against them.

A ministerial nominee from Kwara State, Lateef Fagbemi, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) cannot continue to disobey court orders. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who spoke on Wednesday when he was screened by the Senate in Abuja, pledged to work with the National Assembly and the judiciary “on certain parameters” if appointed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice by President Bola Tinubu.

Fielding questions from the lawmakers on disobedience to court orders by federal agencies, Fagbemi, who was accompanied to the screening exercise by over 10 senior advocates, said the DSS and the EFCC should conduct investigation before arrest and not arrest before investigation. He said, “The major areas where we have these disobedience of court orders, with main respect, are between these agencies. My advice will be that in matters of law, the AGF should be involved.

“DSS cannot be an island onto itself. EFCC cannot continue to behave as if there is no law. There is law and if you want to do investigation, you do investigation before inviting the accused person. It is not a question of inviting him and say you have caught a big fish and at the end of the day you say you are investigating.”

On his reaction if a President flouts court orders, the senior lawyer said, “I think with respect, you will not find the President flouting any order because the Attorney General will be made a party to.” “The mere fact an order is made does not mean that you should obey it immediately. You’ll think about it, do I appeal? If I am not appealing what do I do next? If I am not appealing, of course, I cannot subject the order of court to any order of validity.

“By Section 287, it has to be obeyed, not only by the government but by every authority and persons in Nigeria,” he said.