Metro

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mohammed Baba Azare, on Wednesday led a public sensitisation campaign at Itam Market, one of the state’s busiest commercial hubs, to mark the third day of the 2026 National Police Day. The exercise, themed around promoting civic responsibility ahead of the forthcoming electoral season, focused on two key areas: saying no to electoral violence and strict adherence to road traffic rules and regulations.

Day 3: Police chief takes campaign to Itam Market

April 1, 2026 Markup 0

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mohammed Baba Azare, on Wednesday led a public sensitisation campaign at Itam Market, one of the state’s busiest commercial hubs, to mark the third day of the 2026 National Police Day.

The exercise, themed around promoting civic responsibility ahead of the forthcoming electoral season, focused on two key areas: saying no to electoral violence and strict adherence to road traffic rules and regulations.

EFCC re-arraigns oil firm chief over alleged N1.4bn fraud

EFCC re-arraigns oil firm chief over alleged N1.4bn fraud

March 31, 2026 Markup 0

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday re-arraigned the Managing Director of Nadabo Energy Limited, Abubakar Ali Peters, over an alleged N1.4 billion oil subsidy fraud.

Peters and his company were re-arraigned before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.

The case was previously before Justice C.A. Balogun but was reassigned following the judge’s retirement.

Protesters storm NASS, reject pipeline contract split

Protesters storm NASS, reject pipeline contract split

March 31, 2026 Markup 0

The group described demands for a review of the contract framework as self-serving, warning that any attempt to alter the arrangement could undermine the security gains recorded in the Niger Delta.

Demonstrators displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria cannot afford setbacks in oil security”, “Don’t destroy Niger Delta peace for self-interest”, “Say no to disruption of national security efforts”, and “Pipeline contracts must not threaten the 2027 elections”.

Village chief arrested as police recover AK-47

Police arrest 60-year-old village chief, recover AK-47 rifle

March 25, 2026 Markup 0

Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a village head and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Mbo Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Chief Edet, a 60-year-old village head of Asik Ubofa Fishing Settlement in Effiat Clan, was apprehended following credible intelligence alleging he had an illegal firearm.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, directed operatives to carry out a coordinated operation to verify the intelligence and take appropriate action.

Ex-AGF Nwabuoku jailed for 72 years for fraud

Ex-AGF Nwabuoku jailed for 72 years for fraud

March 23, 2026 Markup 0

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, 23 March 2026, convicted and sentenced former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, to a total of 72 years’ imprisonment for money laundering involving N868.4 million.

The conviction followed nine counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on conspiracy, conversion and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities.

Court jails man six months for Naira abuse

Court jails man six months for Naira abuse

March 23, 2026 Markup 0

Young was convicted on one count relating to the spraying and trampling of naira notes, contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.

The charge read in part: “That you, Agbanashi Young (m), on or about 10 November 2023, at Akari Etiti Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing during a cultural event known as ‘Afor Day’, tampered with the sum of N10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira) in N200 denominations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying and trampling on same, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”

Gunmen abduct worshippers in Kwara, three rescued

Gunmen abduct worshippers in Kwara, three rescued

March 22, 2026 Markup 0

It was learnt that joint security operatives rescued three of the victims in a swift response to the incident, which caused panic among worshippers and residents.

Sources said the attackers stormed the church while the service was in progress and forced several congregants into a nearby forest. An alarm raised by those who escaped reportedly prompted a combined team of police, soldiers and forest guards to pursue the assailants, leading to the rescue of three victims.

Police nab burglary suspects, recover gun and stolen goods

Police nab burglary suspects, recover gun and stolen goods

March 22, 2026 Markup 0

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, items recovered from the suspects include a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, several bunches of keys believed to be master keys, an iron cutter, and a mobile phone. The suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation to involvement in shop burglary activities within the area.

In a swift follow-up operation aimed at expanding the investigation and dismantling the criminal network, police also arrested two suspected receivers of stolen goods, identified as Innocent Nnaukwu, 39, and Ali Ibrahim, 24.

Police arrest 70-year-old, others; recover firearms in A’Ibom

Police arrest 70-year-old, others; recover firearms in A’Ibom

March 20, 2026 Markup 0

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, detectives acted on credible intelligence to apprehend the suspects on 20 March 2026 at Ikot Asukpong Village.

During the operation, officers recovered one locally fabricated pistol and two long guns, further substantiating allegations of the suspects’ involvement in violent and unlawful activities.

Police nab arms maker, seize weapons in A’Ibom

Police nab arms maker, seize weapons in A’Ibom

March 19, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has achieved a breakthrough in its sustained efforts to curb illegal arms manufacturing and the spread of firearms.

Following an earlier operation on 17 March 2026, police operatives, acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, arrested a suspect in the early hours of 18 March 2026.

Court admits Ali Bello statements in ₦10bn fraud trial

Court admits Ali Bello statements in ₦10bn fraud trial

March 18, 2026 Markup 0

The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has affirmed the voluntariness of extra-judicial statements made by Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman in an ongoing alleged ₦10bn fraud trial.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Wednesday, following a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were obtained voluntarily.

Court adjourns Bayelsa ruler’s suit over Shell divestment dispute

Court adjourns Bayelsa ruler’s suit over Shell divestment dispute

March 18, 2026 Markup 0

The Federal High Court in Yenagoa on Wednesday adjourned a suit challenging Shell’s divestment from onshore assets to 6 May, following the absence of legal representatives from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The case centres on Shell UK PLC’s divestment of onshore and shallow-water assets previously operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC). SPDC has, however, contested the court’s jurisdiction in the matter.

Man jailed for two years for forging contract

Man jailed for two years for forging contract

March 17, 2026 Markup 0

Ejiogu was arraigned on 23 March 2021 by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on three counts of conspiracy, forgery and uttering false documents. He pleaded not guilty, leading to a full trial.

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said on 17 March 2026 that the charge alleged that Ejiogu and an accomplice, identified as Engr. E. Expert (now at large) conspired on or about 2 August 2013 in Delta State to forge a document titled “Award of Contract for the Construction of Obudu-Operation Road in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Pastor Brandy, four others arraigned over agent’s murder

Pastor Brandy, four others arraigned over agent’s murder

March 16, 2026 Markup 0

George Idumange, popularly known as Pastor Brandy, and four other suspects have been arraigned before a Bayelsa State High Court over the murder of a 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu.

Idumange, identified as the principal suspect, was docked on Monday alongside his girlfriend, Victory Bernard, 23; a correctional officer attached to the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre, Ekiamene Amaoniye, also known as “Cash Money”; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias “Police”, 34; and Henry Igwe, 35.

Police raid illegal arms, drug-laced snacks factory in A'Ibom

Police raid illegal arms, drug-laced snacks factory in A’Ibom

March 16, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said that on 15 March 2026, at about 9:00 pm, its operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal facility located on Idem Street, Off Itu Road, Uyo.

The police added that the operation followed intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks allegedly laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the premises.

Police arrest four over Seplat facility vandalism

Police arrest four over Seplat facility vandalism

March 15, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged vandalisation and malicious destruction of property belonging to Seplat Energy in Mkpanak Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.

According to the police, the incident occurred on 11 March 2026 at about 12:00 pm when the command received a distress call from the security control room of Seplat Energy, reporting that a group of youths, allegedly led by their youth leader, James Eshiet, had vandalised the company’s signpost and attempted to forcefully gain access to the facility with the intention of destroying other critical installations.

Court sentences lawyer to death for killing, mutilating husband

Court sentences lawyer to death for killing, mutilating husband

March 14, 2026 Markup 0

The case involved the killing and mutilation of her husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, who was also a legal practitioner.

The incident occurred in May 2018 at the couple’s residence in Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, following a domestic dispute reportedly linked to allegations of infidelity and disagreements over the woman’s plans to travel abroad.

During the altercation, Udeme allegedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife, leading to his death. After the killing, she mutilated the body and reportedly attempted to take her own life, but survived.

Court to rule April 14 on document in $35m NCDMB case

Court to rule April 14 on document in $35m NCDMB case

March 11, 2026 Markup 0

The trial of Akindele Akintoye, Platforms Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited continued on Tuesday before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the court fixing April 14, 2026, to rule on the admissibility of a document presented by the defence.

The defendants are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended six-count charge bordering on dishonesty and the alleged conversion of $35 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Court orders arrest of Asekun, revokes Richard’s bail for contempt

March 5, 2026 Markup 0

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the immediate arrest of Funke Asekun and revoked the bail earlier granted to Ayotunde Richard for allegedly scandalising the court on social media while the case is still pending.
The case stems from a criminal defamation complaint filed by Dr Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), against Richard.

Court to rule April 14 on document in $35m NCDMB case

Court convicts A’Ibom poly lecturer, accomplice in multi-million naira extortion

March 5, 2026 Markup 0

The High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division, has sentenced a cultist, Innocent Nicholas Ntokon and a lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Abel Udo Jacob to various prison terms for their roles in a relentless four-year campaign of terrorism, cultism and financial extortion.

In a landmark judgment delivered on 4 March 2026, the trial judge, Hon. Justice Augustine Odokwo, found Ntokon and Jacob guilty of subjecting a local businessman, Edikan Jacob Jackson, to a “merciless extortion scheme” that resulted in the loss of over ₦50,000,000 and the near-collapse of his legacy family business.

Cleric, wife arrested over 13-year-old’s ordeal

Cleric, wife arrested over 13-year-old’s ordeal

March 2, 2026 Markup 0

Operatives of the Ekeki Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Yenagoa have arrested a pastor and his wife over their alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr Iyamah Edebor, confirmed the arrest on Monday. He disclosed that the case has been transferred to the Gender Unit at the State Police Headquarters for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.

The arrest reportedly took place during a Sunday church service, causing confusion among worshippers. Witnesses said the pastor initially fled through a back entrance but later presented himself at the police station after his wife had been taken into custody.

Four-year-old’s alleged abuse: Police detain Cameroonian fisherman

Four-year-old’s alleged abuse: Police detain Cameroonian fisherman

March 2, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man over an alleged sexual abuse of a four-year-old child in Mkpanak Village, Mbo Local Government Area.

The incident was reported on 24 February 2026 at about 2:00 pm, when a woman identified as Gift noticed a suspicious discharge from her daughter’s private part while bathing her. After careful questioning, the child alleged that she had been sexually abused by an adult male and stated that she would be able to identify him if seen.

Police rescue two-month-old baby, arrest 23-year-old suspect in A’Ibom

February 28, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old woman, Goodnews ‘F’, from Ikot Etetuk Village, for allegedly stealing a baby.
It was learnt that on 26 February 2026 at about 8:28 am, a woman identified as Peace ‘F’, accompanied by her mother, reported to the police that her two-month-and-three-week-old baby boy had been abducted.

EFCC arraigns man over alleged N157m fraud

EFCC arraigns man over alleged N157m fraud

February 26, 2026 Markup 0

According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly converted an aggregate sum of about ₦157,000,000, part of which was paid into his First City Monument Bank account by Nathaniel Russell Okpenyi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ursyfin Integrated Services Ltd. The funds were purportedly for the award of contracts.

The charge states that the alleged offences contravene Section 18(1) and (2)(b) and (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

Police arrest armed suspects, recover illegal firearms in A’Ibom

Police arrest armed suspects, recover illegal firearms in A’Ibom

February 26, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on illegal arms proliferation and violent crime, recording a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of armed suspects and the recovery of several firearms in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

In a coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out at about 5:55 am on 25 February 2026, operatives of the command, acting on credible information and continuing investigations into a reported case of theft, stormed the residence of a principal suspect at Nung Oku Ibiet 1 Village in Oruk Anam.

Alleged N76bn fraud: Lagos court accepts key exhibits against Ahmed Kuru, others

Alleged N76bn fraud: Lagos court accepts key exhibits against Ahmed Kuru, others

February 25, 2026 Markup 0

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, admitted additional documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud trial involving a former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, and others.

Kuru, alongside Kamilu Alaba Omokide, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Super Bravo Limited, is being prosecuted on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and abuse of office.

Navy hands over nine suspected oil Thieves to EFCC in Akwa Ibom

Navy hands over nine suspected oil thieves to EFCC in A’Ibom

February 25, 2026 Markup 0

The Nigerian Navy has handed over nine suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following their arrest for alleged involvement in illegal bunkering activities in Akwa Ibom State.

The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday in Ibaka while formally transferring the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Commission for further investigation and prosecution.

Commodore Manga stated that on 23 February, personnel of NNS Jubilee, in collaboration with sister units including Nigerian Navy Ship BONNY and Nigerian Navy Ship SHIRORO, apprehended a wooden boat at an oil platform located offshore in the Asabo oil field, Akwa Ibom.

A’Ibom High Court hands death sentence to Police Corporal, accomplice

A’Ibom High Court hands death sentence to Police Corporal, accomplice

February 25, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State High Court has sentenced a police corporal, Mbazigwe Chinedu Friday, and a bus conductor, Isaac Eddy Ndeesor, to death by hanging for the kidnapping of Elder Akara Johnson Mendie, Vice Principal of Community Secondary School, Nkek, in Ukanafun Local Government Area.

Delivering judgment in Uyo, Nsemeke Daniel found the two men guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

Police arrest suspected Black Axe cultist, recover pistol

Police arrest suspected Black Axe cultist, recover pistol

February 25, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cultism, illegal arms possession and related criminal activities across the state.

On 24 February 2026, at about 3:00 pm, operatives on routine patrol in Nsit Atai Local Government Area intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers for a stop-and-search operation.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, said upon being directed to stop, one of the passengers, who had a black handbag strapped around his neck, suddenly alighted and fled in an attempt to evade arrest.