Crime
Court Jails Notorious Kidnap Kingpin, Wadume
Court Jails Notorious Kidnap Kingpin, Wadume
A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced notorious kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume, to seven years imprisonment without option of fine on Monday.
Wadume was convicted of escaping from lawful custody and unlawfully dealing in prohibited firearms.
Wadume, a suspected Nigerian kidnap-for-ransom kingpin, based in Taraba State but operated across Northeast, was arrested in August 2019 by the Nigerian Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Justice Binta Nyako convicted Wadume on counts two and 10 of the 13-count charge brought against him and six others by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Other defendants in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/30/2020 are: Aliyu Dadje (a police inspector), Auwalu Bala (aka omo razor), Uba Bala (aka Uba Delu), Bashir Wazlri (aka baba runs), Zubairu Abdullahi (aka Basho) and Rayyanu Abdul.
Justice Nyako, in the judgment delivered on July 22 this year, upheld the case of the prosecution team, which included Labaran Magaji and Mrs. Yetunde Cole, as it relates to five out of the seven defendants.
Justice Nyako also convicted and sentenced Inspector Dadje to three years on count seven, in which he was accused of tampering with police record to conceal a crime.
Dadje, who was a Station Officer at the Ibi Divisional Police Headquarters, Ibi Local Government Area, Taraba State was said to have, in August 2019, “willfully tampered with the entry made by the leader of the IGP IRT team, Inspector Felix Adolije, by tearing off the entry page to cover up for Captain Tijani Ahmed Balarabe and his team” upon knowing that an offence of terrorism had been committed by Capt. Balarabe and his team, who attacked and killed three members of the IGP IRT team and two civilians who were in Ibi, Taraba State to make lawful arrest.
Justice Nyako equally convicted and sentenced Uba Bala (aka Uba Delu) and Zubairu Abdullahi (aka Basho) to seven years each on counts three, four, five, six and 11.
The duo, in the four counts, were charged with illegal possession and unlawful dealing in prohibited firearms and ammunition.
Justice Nyako also convicted and sentenced Abdul to three years for harbouring Wadume in his house in Kano after Wadume’s escape from police custody in Ibi.
The judge struck out count one, in which Wadume was charged with kidnaping Usman Garba (aka Mayo) and collecting N106million before releasing him.
She however discharged and acquitted Auwalu Bala (aka Omo Razor) and Bashir Wazlri (aka Baba Runs), who were listed as the 3rd and 5th defendants, for want of evidence.
Court Jails Notorious Kidnap Kingpin, Wadume
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested two suspected impostors dressed in military camouflage in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 8:30 p.m. on May 1 along Bauchi Street in Kafanchan town by troops of Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were found wearing military uniforms, raising suspicion among security personnel on patrol.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the camouflage uniforms allegedly belonged to a serving soldier who is currently on pass.
They added that the suspects are in custody for further investigation to determine their motives and possible involvement in criminal activities.
The sources further said efforts are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted an offensive operation in a forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, targeting suspected hideouts of IPOB/ESN members.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:30 a.m. on May 1 by troops comprising personnel of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion, supported by air components, police operatives and forest guards.
The sources disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports on suspected activities of IPOB/ESN elements around the Ajali Forest.
According to the sources, troops located and searched a cave believed to have been used by the group as a holding facility for kidnapped victims.
They, however, noted that nothing of significant value was recovered during the search.
The sources added that security operations are ongoing in the area to sustain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities within the forest.
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has said that a blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for investigation over alleged subversive activities.
In a statement issued on Friday by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said the action followed ongoing investigations into interactions between the blogger and some soldiers.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the blogger engaged the soldiers on a range of issues, including discussions that allegedly bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the system.
“The matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public,” the Army said.
It added that concerns were raised after complaints by some soldiers regarding feeding and welfare issues were circulated on social media.
The Army noted that while the affected soldiers are currently in military custody, the blogger has been transferred to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
It stressed that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts capable of undermining discipline poses serious implications for national security.
The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, adding that it would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies in addressing the matter.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty within the ambit of the law,” it said.
Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
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