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 Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.
Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.
According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.
The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.
“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
Crime
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered a stolen motorcycle following a gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka–Gurusu Road in Zamfara State.
The command said the operation was carried out at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday by personnel of the Violence Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) during ongoing anti-banditry operations.

According to the police, the operatives received credible intelligence that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Anka–Gurusu Road and abducted six travellers along with their two motorcycles while they were travelling from Mayanchi village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara to Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Acting on the information, the police team mobilised to the area and tracked the bandits to their hideout.
Upon contact, the suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
The police said the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
As a result of the operation, all six abducted victims were rescued unhurt, while one of the stolen motorcycles was recovered.
The second motorcycle was, however, taken away by the fleeing bandits.

The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects as well as recover the remaining motorcycle.
The Zamfara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
Crime
Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara
Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued several abducted travellers after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka-Bukuyum road in Zamfara State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on the evening of June 10 following intelligence on the activities of bandits operating along the route.
The sources said police operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the armed criminals in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush.
According to the sources, the rescued victims were among travellers who had been intercepted and abducted by the bandits while transiting through the axis.
“The police responded promptly and engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“The sustained pressure mounted by the operatives forced the criminals to abandon their victims and retreat from the scene,” a security source said.
The source added that several motorcycles used by the bandits for their operations were recovered during the encounter.
The rescued travellers were subsequently evacuated to safety, while efforts were being made to reunite them with their families.
Security personnel have since intensified patrols and clearance operations in the area to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Anka-Bukuyum axis is among locations that have witnessed recurrent attacks by armed groups due to its proximity to forested hideouts used by criminal elements.
Security sources say the latest operation illustrates the importance of rapid response and sustained security presence along vulnerable routes frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.
The police are expected to continue combing operations in the area as part of efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and sustain pressure on bandit networks operating across Zamfara State.
Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara
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