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Abuja Businessman Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape of Two Minors

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Abuja Businessman Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape of Two Minors

By: Michael Mike

The FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, presided over by Justice Samira Bature has sentenced an Abuja–based businessman, Chika Adionye, 42 years old, to life imprisonment for rape of two minors.

The two minors who were aged 7 and 8 years at the time of their rape, are cousins.

A statement on Friday by the Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Vincent Adekoye said the convict was arrested by the operatives of the agency in 2016 at Kara Majiji Community of Airport Road, a suburb of the FCT, following a petition by the mother of one of the victims.

The convict was accused of luring both children into his apartment shortly after his wife left home and violently raped them, one after the other.

He was charged to court for rape and offensive conduct contrary to Section 1 and 5 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015.

His trial began in 2016 but the case suffered a setback including the convict jumping bail and fleeing to Imo State. He was, however, tracked and re-arrested a few years later.

He was arraigned on the 7th of February 2022 on a 4-count charge. On the 15th of December 2023, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Delivering the judgment, the judge stated that: “Having considered all evidence adduced by the prosecution in this case, the prosecution having proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and following the sentencing guidelines in line with Section 1 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, I convict you as charged and sentence you to Life Imprisonment..”

Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi commended the judiciary for delivering a commensurable punishment.

The DG while appreciating all frontline respondents who collaborated with NAPTIP throughout the progression of the case, assured that NAPTIP shall continue to ensure a violence free nation.

The present conviction was the second life imprisonment for rape and the fourth rape conviction in 2023.

Abuja Businessman Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape of Two Minors

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Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau

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Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

In the fight against the hydra-headed menace of banditry, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough in Plateau, neutralising a notorious gunrunner and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.

The feat, achieved between Sept. 4 and 6, highlights the military’s growing resolve to dismantle the criminal logistics networks that have long sustained armed violence in the North-Central.

The gunrunner, described as a “high-value target” by security sources, had allegedly played a critical role in supplying bandits with rifles, magazines, and other logistics across Plateau and neighbouring states.

His neutralisation, officials say, has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit supply chain that has prolonged insecurity in the region.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that credible intelligence led troops to track the suspect to a hideout where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds on Sept. 4. He was swiftly apprehended and later confessed to his role as a logistics supplier, even agreeing to lead troops to his arms cache.

Two days later, on Sept. 6, troops launched a follow-up operation at the identified hideout. The mission, however, was anything but routine. As troops closed in, they came under heavy fire from the suspect’s gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange.

In the chaos, the gunrunner attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops’ superior firepower. His cohorts, badly shaken by the encounter, fled the scene with gunshot wounds.

The troops subsequently combed the area, uncovering the concealed weapons: two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, which are now in custody.

The recovery, though modest in numbers, represents something bigger in the larger security equation: the deliberate targeting of supply chains that keep bandits armed and emboldened.

The bandit gangs rely not only on local recruits but also on a shadowy network of financiers, informants, and arms dealers. By dismantling this network, the military is effectively cutting off the oxygen that sustains criminal groups.

Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau

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Troops crush ISWAP terrorists after deadly attack on Darajamal community in Borno

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Troops crush ISWAP terrorists after deadly attack on Darajamal community in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Residents of Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State are still reeling from a bloody attack launched by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, even as combined troops of Operation Hadin Kai responded swiftly to neutralise the perpetrators.

Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred on Friday night when the terrorists stormed the remote community, unleashing violence that claimed the lives of several villagers.

Witnesses said the attackers invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among residents who fled into nearby bushes for safety.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, immediately mobilised after receiving distress calls from the area.

“Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were deployed and tracked the terrorists as they attempted to flee northwards from Darajamal after the attack. The aircrew confirmed the presence of friendly forces in the area before engaging the fleeing terrorists with successive airstrikes.

“Over 30 of the insurgents were neutralised in the strikes, while ground reinforcements secured the community shortly after the bombardment,” the source said, as more terrorists fatalities are still being counted.

It was gathered that the coordinated air and ground operation prevented the insurgents from regrouping, forcing survivors of the attack to retreat deeper into the Sambisa forest.

Security sources confirmed that calm had been restored to Darajamal, adding that search operations were ongoing in nearby villages to reassure displaced residents and forestall any reprisal attacks.

Meanwhile, humanitarian workers have expressed concern over the plight of survivors who lost loved ones and properties in the initial assault before troops intervened. Aid groups say immediate relief, including food, medical support, and psychosocial care, will be critical for the affected community.

Governor Babagana Zulum and the Military High Command are expected to visit Darajamal to access the current situation.

Troops crush ISWAP terrorists after deadly attack on Darajamal community in Borno

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Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto

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Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have arrested two suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended on Sept. 4 during a fighting patrol to Yaka village by a quick response team.

The suspects, according to the source, are in troop custody for further investigation and action.

Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto

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