By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Edo State Police Command rescued Onogie of Udo-Eguare, a traditional ruler from Edo Central, who had been abducted five days ago on February 3.

The operation, which took place on Friday at approximately 6 p.m., was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin, the state capital.

Yamu emphasized that the successful rescue was the result of continuous police efforts, with vital support from the Edo State Government, local vigilantes, hunters, and other well-meaning residents of the state.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Otimenyin, had previously vowed to rescue the kidnapped Onogie and worked diligently with her team to fulfill that promise.

“The command extends its gratitude to the Edo State Government for their logistical support, particularly from Governor Monday Okpebholo,” Yamu said in the statement. “We also appreciate the vigilantes, hunters, and residents for their invaluable support.”

The police assured the public of their unwavering commitment to fighting crime in the state.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has nabbed ex-Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, and Adam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State.

The we’re nabbed over the alleged diversion of more than ₦3 billion in public funds.

Both men are expected to face prosecution for their involvement in the fraudulent activities.

In a statement issued at the weekend, Demola Bakare, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, confirmed the arrests, noting that Yusuf, who had been evading authorities, was finally apprehended at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The commission’s investigation revealed that Jibrin allegedly orchestrated the fraud through Yusuf and another associate, former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum.

The scheme reportedly involved the use of 92 fictitious companies, which were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to divert public funds.

Yusuf allegedly acted as a front for Jibrin, facilitating suspicious financial transactions that led to the acquisition of high-value properties.

Intelligence reports suggest that some of the stolen funds were used to purchase real estate abroad, including properties in Dubai, through proxies.

The legal dispute over the illegally acquired properties dates back to 2019, when a Federal High Court issued an interim forfeiture order on assets linked to Jibrin and Yusuf.

However, in July 2022, the court vacated the order, ruling that the ICPC had failed to provide sufficient evidence. The commission appealed the ruling, arguing that it was unreasonable and unsupported by available evidence.

ICPC’s investigation has traced the diverted funds to companies such as Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, which were used to acquire at least 18 properties.

Four of these properties have been forfeited to the federal government, while legal proceedings over the remaining assets continue.

The ICPC is also intensifying efforts to arrest other suspects who are still at large.

Jibrin, who served as the 21st Chief of Naval Staff from 2014 to 2015, has faced multiple corruption allegations since leaving office:

In 2024, the Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with a new ₦1.5 billion money laundering case filed by the ICPC.

He was previously linked to another ₦600 million money laundering case.

…Nigerians association raises alarm

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen, Benjamin Okoli, while in police custody.

Okoli’s death comes barely a month after NICASA condemned the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who died in police custody on January 13.

NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the curious deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as unbearable during a midnight telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, is survived by his wife and child.

“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody.

“Okoli was stopped, searched by police officers, and taken to his house with his brother for further inspection.

“In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma,” Onyekwelu said.

“His brother’s attempts to revive him failed while the police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later pronounced him dead,” he added.

He noted that investigations into Okoye’s death were still ongoing when Okoli died in similar circumstances, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.

“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” Onyekwelu stated.

According to him, NICASA leaders in Limpopo are struggling to come to terms with the disturbing trend, which is increasingly targeting Nigerians in the province.

“We call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure the officers responsible for these gruesome deaths are brought to justice,” he urged.

NICASA has informed the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg about these disturbing incidents. The organisation hopes the killings will stop.

“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu prayed