Metro
Police bust ritualist gang targeting Uber drivers in Rivers
The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a graduate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, for allegedly luring cab drivers to ritualists.
He will face charges in court, according to the State police command.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Iringe-Koko, said the arrest of the suspect, Anthony Chima, aged 35, a graduate of Political Science from the university followed the sudden disappearance of an Uber driver identified as Oghenevwarhe Akpobome, upon which operatives swung into action.
She stated that after his arrest, the suspect confessed to how he was recruited into a gang that specialized in luring cab drivers into ambushes, stealing their vehicles, and ultimately murdering them for ritualistic purposes and organ harvesting.
The statement read, “In a shocking turn of events, the Rivers State Police have uncovered a disturbing criminal enterprise that has been targeting Uber drivers in the region.
“The investigation was sparked by the disappearance of one such driver, Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome, leading to the arrest and confession of 35-year-old Anthony Chima, a political science graduate from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
“According to Chima’s testimony, he was recruited into a gang that specialized in luring cab drivers into ambushes, stealing their vehicles, and ultimately murdering them for ritualistic purposes and organ harvesting.”
Iringe-Koko further said, “Chima revealed that he was brought into the fold by a friend, Amfoh Abu, who introduced him to the gang’s armourer, a man known as “Reason,” and the notorious ringleader, “General Effizy,” a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper.
“The chilling details of Akpobome’s demise emerged as Chima recounted the events of January 10, 2024. On that fateful day, he was summoned to Reason’s residence and instructed to call a driver whose number he had previously collected. Posing as a passenger, Chima then lured the unsuspecting Uber driver to a remote area in Aminigboko, where he and Reason were met by General Effizy and four armed gang members.
“The driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was bound, gagged, and ultimately murdered.”
The statement added, “Chima’s involvement in the gruesome act was confirmed when the police, following his confession, recovered the victim’s skull and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from Effizy’s residence.
“This disturbing revelation has sent shockwaves through the community”
To this effect, the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, had advised both citizens and Uber drivers to exercise caution when boarding or transporting passengers, especially to remote or potentially dangerous areas.
“The investigation is ongoing, with the authorities still searching for the fleeing suspects involved in this chilling criminal enterprise.
“The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows and the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in maintaining the safety of all citizens. Meanwhile, the suspect would be charged to court immediately,” the state police image maker stated.
By Mario Deepromoter
A petrol station owned by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Pinnacle Oil, has been set ablaze.
The incident occurred at the fuel station located along Agbani Road, directly opposite Roban Stores.
Details of the incident are still sketchy, but sources reveal that hoodlums, whose identities are yet to be known, carried out the arson attack.
As the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., Governor Mbah has been a known figure in the oil and gas industry.
His company has completed the development of Single Point Monitoring (SPM) and Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) facilities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of businesses and infrastructure in Enugu State. The motives behind the attack are still unclear, and an investigation is likely underway to determine the perpetrators and their intentions.
The Police confirmed a young man identified as Alex on Thursday allegedly kidnapped a young lady and kept her in the popular Top View Hotel, Wuse, Abuja.
According to a trending video on social media, Alex was seen with the lady in a room with management of the hotel and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) where he was arrested.
While confirming the incident, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh in a statement on Thursday night accused NSCDC of not handing over the suspect to the police for further investigation.
Adeh said: “The FCT police command is aware of the video footage making the rounds about a lady who was criminally confined in Top view hotel, Wuse, Abuja on 17th September, 2024 by an alleged Internet fraudster allegedly for money ritual.
“Findings revealed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have taken the suspect into custody and are yet to hand over to the police for diligent investigation.
“The FCT police command for all intent and purposes awaits the NSCDC to hand over all parties for commencement of diligent and discreet investigation.
“Further development will be communicated in due course”.
By Mario Deepromoter
The death toll from the auto crash that occurred along Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday has risen to 25.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna State, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed the increase in fatalities to PUNCH Metro on Monday.
“Ten more victims died due to injuries sustained in the crash, bringing the total number of deceased to 25 out of the 63 people involved,” Nadabo said.
PUNCH Metro reports that the tragic incident occurred around 1:00 pm on Sunday when a J5 bus carrying 63 children, mostly youngsters traveling to celebrate Eld El Maulud, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle.
The Sector Commander, FRSC, in Kaduna State, Nadabo, had said, “The driver of the J5 bus lost control due to over speeding, resulting in the fatal crash. Fifteen children died instantly, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
However, Nadabo added that due to the nature of the injuries sustained during the crash, 10 more victims died bringing the toll number of fatalities to 25.
“Sadly, at about 18:45 hrs today(16/9/2024), the command received an update that 10 more victims had died due to injuries sustained. This is truly sad and tragic. The total amount of the deceased has risen to 25 people out of the 63 people involved.
“I want to express the Corps’ profound condolences to the families of all those who have lost their dear ones in this fatal accident. I also want to reiterate the FRSC stance and position on overloading of humans or goods and excess speeding. In this case, both contributed to the fatal calamities witnessed.
“These are avoidable, hence our resolve to continuously engage motorists on safety ethics and general Road behaviour. The FRSC Kaduna is poised to ensure the overall safety of motorists in Kaduna and beyond,” the Sector Commander added.
Nadabo emphasised the importance of road safety measures, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.
“This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. We urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.”
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying, “I saw the bus swerve out of control and collide with the articulated vehicle.”
“It was a horrific sight, and my heart goes out to the families of the victims,” he added.
Nadabo said due to the nature of the accident and the injuries sustained, some of the victims were moved to the ABU Teaching Hospital at Shika, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital respectively for proper and comprehensive medical attention.
He also said the FRSC had launched an investigation into the incident.
“This accident is a wake-up call for all drivers to prioritise road safety,” Nadabo said.
“We will continue to educate drivers on the importance of safe driving practices.”
As the families of the victims mourn their loved ones, the nation is reminded of the need for vigilance on the roads.
“We must learn from this tragedy and work towards preventing such incidents in the future,” Nadabo emphasised.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Nadabo said.
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