Metro
FG Arraigns Eight Chinese Nationals, One Nigerian Over Illegal Mining
The Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining has received a significant boost with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The suspects, including eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Marshals are tasked with ridding the mining sector of illegal operators.
This was disclosed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, in a statement on Friday.
He said that the Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, adding that the initiative is a pivotal component of Alake’s 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
“The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
“Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.
“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources,” the statement read.
Metro
Hisbah arrests eight over homosexuality in Jigawa
No fewer than eight persons have been arrested over alleged homosexual acts in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State following a complaint lodged by a resident in the Kanti area of Kazaure town.
Confirming the arrest in a statement made available to PUNCH correspondent on Saturday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, Dauda Hadejia, said the Corps received a complaint from a 22-year-old man.
According to Hadejia, the complainant alleged that nine individuals had engaged in homosexual acts with him on different occasions.
The PRO said the complainant also claimed that he later contracted HIV, which he attributed to the alleged acts.
Hadejia said the complainant therefore appealed to the Hisbah authorities to seek justice over what he described as deception and actions that negatively affected his life.
He explained that following the complaint, Hisbah operatives launched an investigation and began searching for the nine individuals mentioned by the complainant.
“Our men swung into action after receiving the complaint and so far eight suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspect,” Hadejia said.
The PRO added that during preliminary investigations, the eight arrested suspects reportedly admitted to having engaged in the act with the complainant.
He noted that the Hisbah Corps had compiled relevant information and evidence for presentation before the court.
Hadejia, in the statement, quoted the Deputy Commander-General of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, Dr Hussain Baban, as advising parents to be more vigilant about their children’s upbringing.
“Dr. Baban urged parents to pay greater attention to the upbringing of their children and monitor the people they associate with,” Hadejia said.
He also said the DCG called on members of the public to fear God and remain mindful of the consequences of their actions.
Accordingly, the PRO added that the investigation was still ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
According to Hadejia, the DCG expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Government for its support and cooperation with the Hisbah Board in carrying out its responsibilities.
Metro
Police Arrest One Suspect Over Death Of Deputy Director, Launch Manhunt For Others
The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, following allegations that he was assaulted at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba.
The police disclosed this in a press release issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, confirming that the arrested suspect, identified as Lucky Adoh, was among three individuals allegedly linked to the incident.
The other two suspects, identified as Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, are reportedly on the run, with the police saying a manhunt has been launched to apprehend them.
The incident, which reportedly occurred at the commissioner’s office, has drawn public attention following allegations that the deceased was beaten by the commissioner’s aides.
The police, however, said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the subsequent death of the senior civil servant.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the case.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the investigation would examine available evidence, including video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of everyone connected with the incident.
The command said the investigation was aimed at establishing the facts and ensuring that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner assured the deceased’s family and members of the public that no individual found culpable would be shielded, regardless of their position or status.
Erale also pledged that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently and without interference.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions before the investigation establishes the facts surrounding the incident.
The commissioner also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them that the command would pursue justice without fear or favour.
The police statement did not disclose whether the commissioner for secondary education or any other official had been questioned in connection with the incident.
The Story will continue to follow developments in the investigation as the police work to apprehend the fleeing suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
Metro
Miners’ deaths: NSCDC pledges justice, says no cover-up
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has assured that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable in the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.
Audi gave the assurance when he paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, the families of the deceased and the family of the survivor.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC boss said the Corps would prioritise justice and transparency in its response to the incident.
“The CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence,” the statement partly read.
Audi also disclosed that the Federal Government, following a directive from the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident.
He said the NSCDC was fully cooperating with the committee, adding that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to make them available for the investigation.
“The CG noted that the Federal Government, under the directive of the Presidency, has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident. The NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel. Relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for a transparent investigation process,” he said.
Audi explained that his visit was also to join Muslim faithful in observing the third- and seventh-day prayers for the deceased.
He said the prayers were significant for seeking the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, the Emir expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for his visit and the administrative steps taken following the incident.
He also commended the NSCDC for cooperating with the Presidential investigative committee and for personally identifying with the community during the period of mourning.
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