Crime

Alleged Criminal Activities and Arrest of Bashir Hadejia

Published

3 months ago

August 15, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Alleged Criminal Activities and Arrest of Bashir Hadejia

By Zagazola Makama

Social media is replete with this disturbing trend, a report about a figure who allegedly is the sponsor of sponsors; a criminal and several accomplices that need to be put behind bars. Reports indicated an intelligence led mission was conducted and this very figure of questionable character was arrested within the FCT.

What prompted Zagazola Makama is that this particular subject has a lot to unravel about the top notch, the nitty gritty and the alpha on terrorism, proliferation of SALW, money laundry and so on and so forth. What we could find is not only incriminating but serious allegations of disturbing cannons.

Who is BASHIR in Hadejia

Bashir Hadejia, a high-profile individual with connections to influential figures, has been accused of various criminal activities, including treason, subversive activities, transnational crimes, and terrorism. According to unconfirmed reports, he was arrested by Nigerian police for allegedly smuggling large caches of weapons and gold, believed to have been stolen from the Central Bank of Libya. Hadejia is also accused of aiding terrorism and criminality in northern Nigeria, sponsoring protests and attacks, and blackmailing politicians and government officials.

During his interrogation, Hadejia allegedly confessed to sponsoring youths in protests, blackmailing officials, and attacking political party headquarters. He also claimed to have incriminating documents and an international passpor, according to the report via DConnectNews dconnectnews.com.ng/2024/08/break

Reports by Jackson Ude through X handle accuses the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, of ordering Bashir Hadejia’s abduction for leaking information to the media.

The report reads: NAVAL OFFICIALS ABDUCTS BASHIR HADEJIA AFTER POURING WHITE SUBSTANCE ON HIS FACE ON THE ORDERS OF MATAWALLE

Armed Naval officials on Monday evening, stormed the home of Bashir Hadejia, pouring some white substance suspected to be powdered teargas on his face, causing him to be unconscious and thereafter abducted him to an unknown destination on the orders of embattled Minister for State, Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.

Hadejia was a former aide to Matawalle when he served as Governor of Zamfara state. informants told me Matawalle is accusing Hadejia of leaking information about him to me and the media.
Matawalle has been in the storm for aiding the escape of Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi State Governor, to Niger Republic, an allegation he has not personally denied.
The embattled Minister’s houses bought with proceeds from corruption were also exposed.
Again, Matawalle has not denied owning those properties either in Niger Republic, Abuja, Egypt, Turkey and Atlanta, the United States,”he said.

However, imply once again the accusation of the Minister of Defence Mohammed Bello Matawalle of ordering Hadejia’s abduction for leaking information to the media.

It is believed that Hadejia’s connections to influential individuals to influential individuals, including former Governor NSA Andrew Azazi and Minister of Defence Mohammed Bello Matawalle, raise questions about his involvement in criminal activities. His alleged involvement in smuggling gold and weapons, as well as his connections to terrorism and criminality, require further investigation.

The involvement of top government officials in this case means Hadejia could go scott free as to trail these ends means his accomplices should also be called in for questioning. Bello Turji, the notorious bandit kingpin in Zamfara indicated and made serious allegations on the Matawalle pointing out that the issue of insecurity plaguing the country had the full backing of the immediate past governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence. He said that the failed Amnesty program supervised by the minister had led to the escalation of crises in the North West.

Turji alleged that some of the bandit leaders involved in the peace truce moved to the Sokoto metropolis after giving their arms to their boys kidnapping for ransom. He said the boys were making returns to their leaders living in Sokoto town.
He named some of them as Bashari Maniya, Kabiru, and Buhari
“Dan Maigari is the junior brother to Bashari Maniya; he has 150 guns, his hideout is in the Maradun riverine area, and he is responsible for attacks in the Maradun axis.

There is too much heat on this case from arms peddling, gold theft, sponsored atrocities and the complicity of government officials of diverse proportions. Further investigation is necessary to establish the facts and ensure that justice is served. To verify the accuracy of these reports, there is need for appropriate superior authority to investigate the allegations against Hadejia, and clarify the timeline of his alleged involvement in criminal activities.

As an Security Expert and Investigative Journalist, I had seen the worst of humanity – the dark lords who perpetrated evil, the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, and the gallant security operatives who paid the ultimate price for their bravery in defense of Nigeria.

But I refused to give up. I was driven by a passion for peace, a desire to see Nigeria return to a state of normalcy where children could play without fear of being kidnapped, where travelers could journey without fear of being ambushed.

I thought of the countless widows and fatherless children left behind by the senseless killings. The memories of their loved ones, cut down in their prime, fueled my determination to expose the truth and bring an end to the bloodshed.

The roads, once bustling with life, were now treacherous terrain, haunted by the ghosts of terrorism. But I knew that together, we could change the narrative. We could seek the right path, one that led to peace, stability, and a brighter future for all.

I took a deep breath, my resolve strengthened. I would continue to shine a light on the darkness, to tell the stories that needed to be told, and to advocate for a Nigeria where every child could grow up with hope and promise. The time for change was now.

I pushed for the truth and found that in places where conflict, mass killings, proliferation of arms and other criminalities thrive some form of gains, benefits or huge profits lay underneath for very few people in high places at the expense of the innocent communities. While the communities are either fighting one another or overrun by terrorists, a handful of their resources are taken away for profits by those benefiting from the chaos. Recently my attention was also drawn towards the presence of ZAMFARA GOLD in SAUDI ARABIA in the MIDDLE EAST. This pondered minds on the illegal conduit in which the gold was smuggled far off from the coffers of ZAMFARA State to the MIDDLE EAST. The recent video and third of its kind emerged on 18 Jul 24. The notorious bandit/terrorist leader BELLO MOHD TURJI, made heated statements accusing fingers at the former GOVERNOR and current Minister of State for DEFENCE, his Excellency Bello Mattawallen Maradun. Above all he was linked to sponsoring the terrorists in ZAMFARA State. TURJI also mentioned other names and this utterly sparked off many reactions due to the sensitivity of the issue. Previous week’s sermons at FRIDAY JUMAAT Worship Centers in SOKOTO State were replete with the statements claimed by TURJI. Notable clerics appear to open up vessels on what was kept silent over the years of killings, abductions, poverty and failed efforts to attain peace.

Already, a dialogue process in the NW is becoming a mirage. Findings revealed that some of the negotiations are in part to those working for people in high places. Apparently those smuggling gold to Saudi Arabia. Though TURJI is claiming the complicity of wealthy individuals, he appears not to be as a whole part of the recent negotiations. This could have triggered his utterances to reveal what could be termed the reason behind the attacks or terrorism in the NorthWest. Sources contacted by the investigative agency also made shocking revelations on some bandit kingpins sponsored for HAJJ/pilgrimage to SAUDI. Two were arrested on their return from Sokoto while another was released through a yet to be explained circumstances.

There is no smoke without fire as I continue to gain dossiers of revelations on sponsors of attacks within the region. The names being mentioned are top individuals in high places and increases the knowledge of how the Northwest remains in a state of unending violence by extremist groups. I poised and looked at the reports and was driven by the truth but not compelled to sit, fold my arms and stay put while thousands of innocent are daily killed. Even the video made by TURJI, now only echoes from a distance. Nothing has been done. The fear is that those sponsoring the terrorist are known with no one ready to point fingers in the right direction. The question is for how long will the danger and apprehension in the NW continue. The answer lies in the political will and justice of those who are complicit in sponsoring evil and spoiling the image of the Country. The Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMDI) should conduct detailed investigations into the ZAMFARA Gold in SAUDI ARABIA with a view to finding the smugglers, owners and further information on the transporters. The FGN should conduct detailed investigations on sponsors following the remarks by TURJI to confirm the veracity of his claims on sponsorship of terrorism in the north west geopolitical zone. please edit as touching story.

Alleged Criminal Activities and Arrest of Bashir Hadejia

Crime

UK, Italy, Turkey, Qatar-bound cocaine, meth consignments intercepted in Lagos, Abuja

Published

1 week ago

November 17, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UK, Italy, Turkey, Qatar-bound cocaine, meth consignments intercepted in Lagos, Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted attempts by drug syndicates to export large consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and Qatar.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said this was achieved in series of intelligence led operations, who led to the recovery of the illicit drugs and the arrest of the masterminds of the crimes.

He said a total of 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.4 kilogrammes cocaine going to the United Kingdom via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa Airlines flight were intercepted by NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Lagos airport on 5th November 2024 while a businessman linked to the consignment, Ekeocha Anayo, was tracked and arrested on 8th November.

He also said the bid by another businessman, Adegbite Solomon (aka Obama) to export 7,800 pills of tramadol, 180 tablets of rohypnol, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy was also foiled at the departure hall of the Lagos airport last Monday when NDLEA operatives arrested him after recovering the opioids concealed in food and other items while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Italy. The suspect claimed to have travelled to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea and earned a living as a street beggar before delving into logistics business.

Babafemi said also arrested is another businessman, Anoke Kingsley with 1,100 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in his luggage while attempting to board his Ethiopian Airlines flight going to Istanbul, Turkey at the terminal 1 of the Lagos airport last Friday.

The spokesman said following credible intelligence, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, and their counterparts from the FCT Command of the agency last Friday raided a hotel room at the Federal Housing Authority estate, Lugbe, Abuja, where they arrested two suspects: Omeh Uchenna, 36, and Anene Chigozie, 34. He said recovered from them was 1.8 kilogrammes methamphetamine, which they were preparing to travel with to Qatar.

He said another suspect, Akande Olasunkanmi, was arrested with 1.8 kilogrammes methamphetamine by operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the NDLEA at his 9 Durojaiye street, Lawanson area of Surulere, Lagos home after weeks of intelligence and surveillance, adding that in another intelligence led operation, officers of an NDLEA task force on Saturday foiled the attempt by a trans-border trafficker, Emmanuel Okeke to smuggle 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg from Ghana into Lagos. The pills were concealed in the body compartments of a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, driven by the suspect. The vehicle was intercepted at Ijanikin area of the Lagos-Badagry expressway while coming from Ghana.

In Edo state, not less than 997 kilogrammes cannabis was recovered during raids in parts of the state. While 680kg cannabis and a Sienna bus marked FST-320 AE were seized at a bush path to Oghada forest in Oghada, Orhionmwan local government area, 180.5 kilogrammes of same substance was recovered from a suspect, Cecilia Ibe, 31, at Ofosu forest, Ovia South West local government area and 136.5 kilogrammes evacuated from a building in Otuo community, Owan East local government area last Thursday.

He said a suspect, Ifejimagha Chinonso was last Wednesday nabbed with 88.3 kilogrammes cannabis by NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while personnel of Kano Command of the agency last Friday arrested Ahmed Goni, 30, at Gadar Tamburawa, Kano- Zaria road where they recovered from him 65,730 capsules of tramadol.

In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives arrested a suspect Adio Sulaiman with 120.8 kilogrammes cannabis and some litres of codeine at Gaa Odota in Ilorin West local government area, while Kelechi Obichere, 42, was nabbed with 75 kilogrammes cannabis at Eziobodo, Owerri West local government area, Imo state last Thursday. A total of 563.74 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were recovered from a 60-year-old suspect Anthony Anakabi, following his arrest at Iyalode, Iyana church area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) while commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, DI, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Kwara, Kano, and Edo commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

UK, Italy, Turkey, Qatar-bound cocaine, meth consignments intercepted in Lagos, Abuja

Crime

NIDCOM Says 163 Trafficked Victims Rescued from Ghana in Five Months

Published

2 weeks ago

November 15, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NIDCOM Says 163 Trafficked Victims Rescued from Ghana in Five Months

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) alongside other stakeholders have rescued another set of 13 trafficked Nigerian girls from Ghana, thus bringing the total number of those repatriated from the same country to the nation within the last five months to 163.

According to a statement on Friday signed by the spokesman of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the rescued operation was as a result of the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police , The Rescue live foundation International, and NIDO Ghana working in collaboration with NIDCOM.

Speaking on the latest efforts, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to the First Lady , Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for their support in facilitating the safe return of the girls back to the country.

She also commended the vital roles played by the BOT Chairman (Rescue live foundation International/NIDO Ghana),
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit in bringing the traffickers to justice.

She reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which gave priority to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens at home and in the Diaspora.

The statement revealed that the rescued young girls, ages 19 to 30 years, are from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers states.

According to the statement, they were lured to Ghana under the false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy, while the traffickers are making money off the dastardly act.

NiDCOM representative, Mr Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the ladies back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration said these set of ladies surrendered themselves willingly , having heard of the ealier operation conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema.

Elozieuwa said with Rescue live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the ladies were provided shelter for some days after they all willingly indicated their interest to come back home.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Valentine Okike Uzo, thanked the Governor for his willingness to bring the ladies back home which in line with his efforts to care for all Ebonyi indigenes both home and in the Diaspora.

He assured that all efforts are in place to ensure a proper rehabilitation for the victims from Ebonyi state.

NIDCOM Says 163 Trafficked Victims Rescued from Ghana in Five Months

Crime

Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms

By; Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, in collaboration with Operation SAFE HAVEN, has achieved significant breakthroughs in countering criminal activities in an ongoing security operation aimed at restoring safety in Plateau State,

The intensified operations, conducted over several weeks, have led to arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the neutralization of several notorious criminal figures.

On October 23, security forces arrested two suspects believed to be masterminds of a foiled attack in Kazok Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 96 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 46 cartridges from the suspects. The next day, on October 24, security agencies thwarted an armed robbery on Bot-Foreiyinte Road in Bokkos LGA, rescuing two victims and confiscating a fabricated rifle and ammunition.

In a further operation on October 26 in Garkawa, Mikang LGA, security forces dismantled a criminal syndicate, arresting four suspects and seizing a Beretta pistol, an AK-47 magazine, and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Additionally, on October 31, security operatives acting on intelligence apprehended a female suspect in Bassa LGA who had been impersonating a soldier to intimidate residents. Authorities confiscated an automatic rifle, military uniforms, and other equipment from her.

On November 2, troops launched an intelligence-based raid in Luwaran Village, Jos North LGA, where the wife of a known bandit led them to an AK-47 rifle buried on the village outskirts.

The bandit narrowly escaped capture, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. In a dawn raid on November 3 in Kwatas District, Bokkos LGA, security forces arrested two suspected bandits linked to local security breaches, recovering a fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm ammunition and additional rounds.

A major success was recorded on November 4 in Wase LGA, where security forces neutralized Kachalla Saleh, a notorious bandit kingpin known as “Mai Rasha,” during an operation in Kinishi Forest. Officials recovered 500,000 Naira believed to be part of a ransom collected by Saleh. On November 5, security forces foiled an armed robbery in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, apprehending two suspects and recovering 130,000 Naira taken from victims.

In Zangon Kataf LGA on November 6, security agencies disrupted a kidnapping attempt, forcing the criminals to flee and abandoning a Magnum pump-action gun, an AK-47 magazine, and other fabricated weapons. Most recently, on November 11, security forces responded to kidnappers’ activity in Anguwan Kwata, Bokkos LGA, neutralizing one armed suspect after a confrontation.

Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms