Police Inspector held for alleged Murder escapes from police custody in Abia

By: Zagazola Makama

A police inspector being held for alleged murder in Abia has escaped from custody in Umuahia, the Zagazola reports.

Sources said on Sunday that the suspect, identified as Insp. Ferdinand Njoku, escaped from the custody of the Serious Crime Investigation Squad in the early hours of Friday day.

It was learnt that Njoku, who had complained of severe stomach pains, was escorted to the squad’s toilet, where he allegedly deceived the team on duty and escaped through the window.

Zagazola gathered that two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and three other personnel who were on duty at the time have been detained and are undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The source said intensive efforts were underway to capture the suspect.

Police Inspector held for alleged Murder escapes from police custody in Abia

Police arrest five IPOB/ESN terrorist suspects in Imo

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command has arrested five suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Sources confirmed the arrest to Zagazola, saying that the suspects were arrested in Imo and Rivers States following intelligence-led operations.

The sources said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sequel to the confession of two IPOB/ESN kingpins earlier arrested at the group’s B44 Camp in Ezioha.

According to the sources l, the suspects arrested include; Iwuji Chima, 33, of Ubah Agwa, Oguta LGA, a vigilante operative in Agwa allegedly working for ESN at B44 Camp, Chimezie Uwala, 32, of Ubah Agwa, Oguta LGA, described as an accomplice, Kingsley Melete, 51, of Ubah Agwa, Oguta LGA, a vigilante coordinator also accused of working with B44, Chinemere Nwoke, 24, of Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA, alleged brother of a wanted ESN commander known as Charles, Ogochukwu Nwoke, 30, wife of the said commander Charles, currently at large.

Sources said the arrests followed tracking operations that began at Elele in Rivers State around 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 20, and continued in Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo, at about 4:50 a.m.

Sources said the arrested kingpins confessed to their terrorism activities aimed at actualising a so-called Biafra Republic.

The sources added that investigations were ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing members of the group.

Police arrest five IPOB/ESN terrorist suspects in Imo

Peace accord meeting holds in Sabuwa LGA under Operation Safe Corridor

By: Zagazola Makama

Stakeholders in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday held a peace accord meeting with leaders of armed groups under the framework of Operation Safe Corridor.

Zagazola report that the meeting, convened at Dugun Muazu Village at the instance of the Sabuwa LGA authorities, was part of ongoing peace-building efforts aimed at ending banditry in the area.

In attendance were the Executive Chairman of Sabuwa LGA, Hon. Sagir Tanimu, Member of the State House of Assembly representing Sabuwa, Hon. Ibrahim Danjuma, State Adviser on Health Institutions, Alhaji Umar Manmada, and Yarima Kogo, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Ibrahim.

On the side of the bandits, those present included Alhaji Kabiru, Maisaje, Kachalla Adamu Risku, Alhaji Idi Mawange, Kachalla Damina, Kachalla Murtala, Kachalla Shua’ibu, Kachalla Dawa and Kachalla Maitantan.

According to local officials, crucial issues relating to peace, reconciliation and cessation of hostilities were discussed. Both parties pledged commitment towards the restoration of peace and stability in the LGA.

The meeting, which lasted for about one and a half hours, ended peacefully at about 2:30 p.m.

Authorities said consultations with community leaders and other stakeholders would continue as part of efforts to consolidate the peace process.

Peace accord meeting holds in Sabuwa LGA under Operation Safe Corridor