Crime
ICPC charges ex-AFN Secretary-General over alleged $150,000 fraud
ICPC charges ex-AFN Secretary-General over alleged $150,000 fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Secretary-General of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Amaechi Akawu, over his alleged role in a $150,000 scam.
According to a statement by the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugwa, Mr Akawo was arraigned by the commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, February 4.
He was arraigned before the trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, on charges of corruption, including money laundering and fraudulent diversion of public funds.
The anti-corruption agency had accused the former Secretary-General of diverting funds released by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the successful hosting of the CAA Grand Prix Competition in Delta State, also known as the 2017 Warri Relay Competition.
The defendant allegedly committed the offences in July and August 2017, when he was said to have diverted sums of money from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for personal use.
The ICPC alleged that Mr Akawo actions violated Sections 1 (a) and 16 (1) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and are punishable under relevant sections of the same Act.
Akawo pleaded not guilty to all the charges and then filed for bail.
ICPC prosecutor, Mashkur Salisu, did not object to the bail application but urged the court to grant him bail on stringent terms to ensure the defendant attends his trial.
In the ruling, the trial judge, Mr Ekwo, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N15 million, with one surety. The judge ordered that the surety must have landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and must deposit his passport with the court registry.
The case was thereafter adjourned until May 16 and fixed May 17 to 18, 2022 for further trial dates
Crime
Troops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items
Troops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items
By: Zagazola Makama
The sustained military offensive against armed groups in Plateau State has recorded a significant breakthrough following the neutralisation of 13 suspected terrorists in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas.
Security sources said troops under Operation Wutan Daji, on April 9, intensified clearance operations across identified terrorist corridors, including Daba and Seri villages.
The operation, which commenced at about 8:30 a.m., involved the establishment of blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest, where troops made contact with armed elements moving on motorcycles.
The suspected terrorists were reportedly engaged in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of several of them, while others escaped with injuries.
Following exploitation of the area, troops confirmed that about 10 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.
Items recovered from the scene included two motorcycles, five containers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each, one AK-47 rifle, and a magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Military authorities said the operation remains ongoing as troops continue clearance actions and exploitation of surrounding forests believed to serve as escape routes for armed groups.
The latest development reflects an intensified push by security forces to disrupt mobility corridors used by armed groups operating across Plateau’s forested and border communities.
The operation also illustrates a shift towards more aggressive blocking and interception tactics aimed at denying militants freedom of movement and access to logistics supplies.
Authorities have assured that further updates will be provided as operations progress in the affected areas.
lTroops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items
Crime
Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities
Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and local volunteer forces on Tuesday successfully foiled what locals said would have been a large-scale attack by bandits on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.
Credible security sources disclosed that the move by the operatives followed advance intelligence on the the planned attack.
According to the sources, as bandits in their numbers made to storm Bagna and Erene communities, the security operatives and volunteers ambushed them, killing scores of the attackers.
“Over 300 bandits armed with dangerous weapons and on motorcycles we’re headed to the communities. Unfortunately for them, security operatives and local vigilantes, who had credible intelligence on their movements, ambushed them. Scores were killed while many others fled toward the Makuba and Allawa axis” disclosed the source.
Residents of the communities expressed gratitude to the security operatives and volunteer forces, noting that their gallantry saved them from what would have been a major disaster.
“We are very happy. We thank the joint security forces for protecting us,” one of the residents stated.
“We are witnessing an increase in collaboration between security agencies and local volunteer forces. This has led to a bridging of security gaps, and making the first line of defence against insecurity very effective,” offered the source, stressing, “their actions have helped strengthen security in several communities across the country.”
Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities
Crime
Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa
Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested two suspected militia members during an intelligence-led operation in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said the suspects were arrested at about 1:15 p.m. on April 5, 2026, in Atara community following actionable intelligence.
During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to stab a soldier, prompting the troops to respond, during which he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
The injured suspect was evacuated to the Public Health Care facility in Bassa for medical attention.
The two suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa
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