Metro

Police arrest suspected armed robber, recover locally made firearm

Police arrest suspected armed robber, recover locally made firearm

June 29, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made firearm during an operation in Uyo, as it intensifies efforts to tackle violent crime across the state.

The suspect, identified as Edidiong Udoeyen, was arrested on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at about 10:30 pm after police operatives on stop-and-search duty along the Mayflower area of Oron Road responded to a distress call from a resident of Ikot Okubo Village in Uyo Local Government Area.

Alleged N740m investment scam: How couple defrauded me - Witness

Alleged N740m investment scam: How couple defrauded me – Witness

June 28, 2026 Markup 0

The First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Chinyere Okoroafor, in the trial of the Chief Executive Officer of Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited, Osabohein Alex Ologbose and his wife, Hope Onome Oghelemu, before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, June 22, 2026, narrated how she was defrauded by the couple in an investment scam.

The defendants, alongside their two companies, Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a seven-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N740 million (Seven Hundred and Forty Million Naira), contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and punishment under Section 18(4) of the same Act.

Court reserves ruling on Emefiele's statements

Court reserves ruling on Emefiele’s statements

June 26, 2026 Markup 0

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has reserved ruling until July 9, 2026, on the admissibility of extra-judicial statements allegedly made by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in his ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 19 counts bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands while serving as CBN governor.

NSCDC seizes illegal ethanol tanker

June 26, 2026 Markup 0

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized a 45,000-litre tanker carrying a substance suspected to be illegally obtained ethanol, and arrested three suspects.

Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe, Commandant of the NSCDC in Akwa Ibom State, made this announcement during a press briefing in Uyo on Friday.

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover weapons in Akwa Ibom

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover weapons in Akwa Ibom

June 17, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a stolen motorcycle during separate operations in the state.

Police said the suspects, Thankgod Daniel, 21, and Ekom Effiong, 44, both from Ukanafun Local Government Area, were arrested during a stop-and-search operation at Etinan Roundabout at about 10:30 pm on 11 June 2026.

Police recover stolen tricycle, seize suspected drugs

June 16, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the theft and unlawful possession of a stolen tricycle.
It was learnt that a separate raid operation led to the recovery of suspected hard drugs, a toy firearm and other incriminating items.

EFCC arrests AVSEC inspector, two others over alleged cash, gold smuggling

EFCC arrests AVSEC inspector, two others over alleged cash, gold smuggling

June 12, 2026 Markup 0

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Aviation Security (AVSEC) Inspector I, Ali Baffa, along with two alleged accomplices, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, over their suspected involvement in the smuggling of bulk cash and mineral resources through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

“The suspects were intercepted on Friday, 11 June 2026, during a routine surveillance operation conducted by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the Kano Zonal Directorate.

A’Ibom councillors accuse chairman of using thugs to disrupt plenary

A’Ibom councillors accuse chairman of using thugs to disrupt plenary

June 11, 2026 Markup 0

A political crisis has erupted in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with seven councillors accusing the council chairman, Mr Inibehe Umah, of deploying thugs to disrupt a legislative plenary and prevent them from carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

The allegations were made on Tuesday by the Leader of the Ini Legislative Council, Mr Donald Usoroh, while addressing journalists in Uyo alongside seven other councillors out of the council’s 11 members, on 10 Wednesday, 2026.

Police arrest suspect over false security alert

Police arrest suspect over false security alert

June 8, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has raised concerns over the activities of individuals using social media platforms to circulate false, misleading and provocative security-related messages aimed at creating fear, panic and unnecessary apprehension among residents.

The command assured residents of Akwa Ibom State that there is no cause for alarm, stressing that the security situation across the state remains calm, stable and under control.

CSOs demand end to gas flaring impunity

CSOs demand end to gas flaring impunity

June 6, 2026 Markup 0

Civil society organisations under the Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance (AKEJA) have demanded greater accountability from oil firms over gas flaring in Akwa Ibom State and called for the restoration of Executive Order 9 to ensure affected communities benefit from gas flare penalties.

The coalition, comprising civil society groups, youth organisations, academics and media practitioners, made the demand during a peaceful demonstration at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Field Office in Eket on Saturday.

Dasuki: Co-defendant admits writing statement under caution in trial-within-trial

Dasuki: Co-defendant admits writing statement under caution in trial-within-trial

June 5, 2026 Markup 0

Aminu Baba Kusa, the second defendant in the trial of former National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, on Friday admitted before Justice Charles O. Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that he personally wrote his extrajudicial statement at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after reading and understanding the cautionary words preceding the writing of the statement.

Kusa also admitted appending his signature to the statement.

Police rescue three abducted children, arrest two suspects

Police rescue three abducted children, arrest two suspects

June 4, 2026 Markup 0

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued three abducted children and arrested two suspected child traffickers during an operation in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

The rescue operation followed a distress call received by the police on June 3, 2026, at about 7:00 pm from a concerned individual reporting the abduction of three children along Ekparakwa Village in Mkpat Enin.

Police recover firearm, suspected drugs in Ibeno

Police recover firearm, suspected drugs in Ibeno

May 31, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered a locally made firearm and a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp during an intelligence-led operation in Ibeno Local Government Area.

The recovery followed a targeted operation carried out by operatives of the Command based on credible intelligence and strategic surveillance, as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminality, illicit drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of firearms across the state.

Police recover 69 firearms, arrest 178 suspects

Police recover 69 firearms, arrest 178 suspects

May 25, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered 69 firearms, arrested 178 suspected criminals, rescued kidnapped and trafficked victims, and dismantled several criminal networks in a major statewide crackdown on crime.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo, where he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of criminality across the state.

Two legal practitioners in Akwa Ibom State have reportedly received death threats after filing a suit to compel all 31 local government councils to disclose how public funds are spent under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. Akaninyene Archibong and Edidiong Ebong approached the Federal High Court in Uyo in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/80/2026, seeking judicial review to enforce transparency and accountability in local government finances across the state.

Church usher sentenced to death for girlfriend’s murder

May 21, 2026 Markup 0

An usher in a new-generation church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has been sentenced to death for killing his girlfriend, Emem Monday Effanga, and stealing her phone.
Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, 33, was convicted and sentenced on Thursday after the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo found him guilty on a two counts of murder and stealing.

Police probe soldier over suspected drug deal

Police probe soldier over suspected drug deal

May 21, 2026 Markup 0

A serving soldier is under police investigation after allegedly handing over bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp to a 63-year-old man for delivery and sale in Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the suspect, identified as Asuquo Etim of Etebi Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Command.

Health commissioner rescues women from mob attack

Health commissioner rescues women from mob attack

May 20, 2026 Markup 0

The swift intervention of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, saved two women from being lynched by an irate mob in Uyo after they were stripped naked and brutally assaulted along Ring Road 3.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the disturbing incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at about 9:45 am, when a mob attacked the women over allegations yet to be verified by lawful authorities.

Court sustains Farouq’s arrest warrant over alleged fraud

Court sustains Farouq’s arrest warrant over alleged fraud

May 19, 2026 Markup 0

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Monday, 18 May 2026, sustained the arrest warrant earlier issued against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

The judge had issued the warrant on 16 April 2026.

Farouq, alongside two others, Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed, is to face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds amounting to $1.3 million and N746.7 million.

Police arrest suspect over abduction, rape, firearm

May 19, 2026 Markup 0

Anambra Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours of 16 May 2026, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a hideout in Umudike Community, Awka, and arrested a 30-year-old suspect, Okechukwu Chinweko, popularly known as “Bullet”, over his alleged involvement in abduction, rape and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The suspect reportedly had the inscription “Bullet” tattooed boldly on his arm.

Bandits behead abducted Oyo teacher

Bandits behead abducted Oyo teacher

May 18, 2026 Markup 0

One of the kidnapped teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Michael Oyedokun, has been killed.

Oyedokun was beheaded in a new video allegedly released by bandits on Sunday.

El-Rufai gets ₦100m bail, monthly DSS check-ins

El-Rufai gets ₦100m bail, monthly DSS check-ins

May 18, 2026 Markup 0

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for ₦100 million, with one surety in like sum.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the surety must reside in either the Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and present the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property to be deposited at the court registry.

Newborn sold for ₦145,000 as A’Ibom police bust child trafficking ring

Newborn sold for ₦145,000 as A’Ibom police bust child trafficking ring

May 15, 2026 Markup 0

A newborn baby boy, allegedly sold for ₦145,000 without his father’s consent, has been rescued by operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command following the arrest of three women suspected of running a child trafficking syndicate in the state.

The baby, born on 7 May 2026, was reportedly sold shortly after birth in a shocking case that has exposed an alleged illegal child trafficking and adoption network operating within Akwa Ibom.

Police recover stolen goods, vandals flee raid

Police recover stolen goods, vandals flee raid

May 15, 2026 Markup 0

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have recovered suspected stolen goods and vandalised transformer cables after suspected criminals abandoned their vehicle and fled during a late-night operation in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out on May 12, 2026, at about 11:45 pm, followed credible intelligence about a suspicious vehicle moving around the area under questionable circumstances.

EFCC arraigns bank MD, one other for alleged N19m, $30,000, N20m fraud

EFCC arraigns bank MD, one other for alleged N19m, $30,000, N20m fraud

May 15, 2026 Markup 0

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, arraigned Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged fraud.

She is being prosecuted on a two-count charge bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.

EFCC witness links Uyo fraud suspect to fake accounts

EFCC witness links Uyo fraud suspect to fake accounts

May 15, 2026 Markup 0

A third prosecution witness in the trial of alleged serial microfinance bank fraudster, Musa Saliu Adekunle, has told the Federal High Court in Uyo that the defendant was arrested with three mobile phones and a Point of Sale (POS) machine allegedly used to defraud multiple financial institutions, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

The witness, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, Mubarak Isah, testified before Justice Maurine A. Onyetenu on Tuesday that investigations revealed the electricity meter number used by Adekunle and his alleged accomplice to open accounts with UniUyo Microfinance Bank and other banks was fake and untraceable to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.

Witness: Ex-NHIA boss bypassed procurement rules

Witness: Ex-NHIA boss bypassed procurement rules

May 14, 2026 Markup 0

A prosecution witness in the trial of former National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf, has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, Abuja, that a vehicle supply contract awarded under Yusuf’s leadership bypassed due procurement procedures.

James Balami, Director of Procurement at NHIA and the second prosecution witness (PW2), disclosed on Thursday before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu, alleging that the contract awarded to Lubekh Nigeria Ltd did not pass through the Authority’s Procurement Department.

Court jails two over N7.3m fraud in Maiduguri

Court jails two over N7.3m fraud in Maiduguri

May 14, 2026 Markup 0

Justice Aisha Ibrahim of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has convicted and sentenced two fraudsters, Abdullahi Suleiman and Ahmad Yahaya, to separate prison terms for defrauding victims of N7.378 million through false business deals.

The duo was arraigned on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, on separate one-count charges bordering on cheating and criminal misappropriation involving N7,378,000.

Police raid A’Ibom community hideout, recover guns

May 12, 2026 Markup 0

A suspected criminal hideout in Obot Akara Local Government Area has been raided by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The operation, carried out on 11 May 2026 at about 9:30am, followed credible intelligence that Aniefiok Otong Mbana of Ikot Ukam Village, Obot Akara, was in possession of a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen.

Court jails man nine years for money laundering in Lagos

Court jails man nine years for money laundering in Lagos

May 11, 2026 Markup 0

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, May 11, 2026, convicted and sentenced Taofeek Daniel Oriola to nine years imprisonment for money laundering.

Oriola was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, on three counts bordering on money laundering and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities.