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Police arrest suspected kidnappers of Ministry of Justice Director, niece in Akwa Ibom

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of 45-year-old Ability Etim Samuel and 36-year-old David Vincent Samuel for their alleged involvement in the abduction of a director from the Ministry of Justice and his niece.

In his maiden press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, stated that operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics, SWAT, team, acting on intelligence, uncovered the kidnappers’ den in Ikot Ukpong village, Abak Local Government Area. The victims, who were kept in an abandoned soakaway, were rescued, and two suspects were neutralised during the operation.

The tactical team, led by CSP Kokoete Ebong, arrested two suspects during further investigations and recovered the victim’s car, which had been abandoned along Etinan Road, as well as the Toyota Sienna vehicle used in the kidnapping.

The commissioner’s statement read in part: “You may recall that in December 2024, a distress call was received reporting the kidnapping of a director with the Ministry of Justice, Akwa Ibom State, and his niece (name withheld) by five armed men. Our operatives immediately swung into action and located the kidnappers’ den in a dense forest within Ikot Ukpong village, Abak Local Government Area.

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“A thorough search was conducted within the forest, and the victims were rescued unharmed from an abandoned soakaway. The victim’s car was recovered along Etinan Road, where it had been abandoned. Additionally, the Toyota Sienna vehicle used in the kidnapping was recovered, while two suspects were neutralised. Further investigation led to the arrest of Ability Etim Samuel, 45, and David Vincent Samuel, 36. They are currently under investigation to identify more members of their gang and recover their weapons.”

The rescued victim, speaking to journalists shortly after the press conference, recounted how he was blocked at a road bump in Etinan, had his car window smashed with a hammer, and was blindfolded before being taken to an unknown forest, later identified as being in Abak Local Government Area.

He expressed gratitude to CSP Ebong, the rescue team, and the police command for their swift response and professionalism, which ensured his and his niece’s safe return from the kidnappers’ den.

Additionally, the command paraded six suspects for alleged sodomy. The suspects include Okwudili Levi Okeke (aka Eze), 34; Idara Itam Daniel, 23; David Udoh James, 23; Udofia Edem Udosen, 29; David Bassey Bassey, 26; and Daniel Jacob Edet, 30.

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The commissioner disclosed that the arrests followed information received from a journalist on 8 January 2025, reporting that a 13-year-old boy had been repeatedly raped by four different men over three years. Investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Okwudili Okeke, had been recruited into sodomy and had engaged in anal sex with several men in the state.

Commissioner of Police Azare assured the public that all suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations. He vowed to intensify efforts to clamp down on criminals in the state and urged the public to provide useful information to help tackle crime and criminality.

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Police arrest herbalist over death, mutilation of 11-year-old in Adamawa

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The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a Herbalist identified as Murtala Musa, over the death and mutilation of an 11-year-old boy in Kodomun village, Demsa Local Government Area.

SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, Police Public Relations Officer in a statement said the incident was reported to the police in Demsa on the 13th of April, 2025, by the Village Head of Kodomun and one Fancy Alifas, the Mother of their Victim.

“She reported that her son, Yangapwa David, aged 11, was taken to the said herbalist for treatment but unfortunately died while in his custody.”

According to her, arrangements were made to convey the body home, during which time the corpse was left in the herbalist’s room.

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Shockingly, upon her return, she discovered that her son’s left eye had been removed.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and arrested the suspect.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, *CP Dankombo Morris assured members of the public that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.

The suspect remains in custody as the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been detailed to conduct a discreet investigation.

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Mob kills man over suspected dog theft in Bauchi

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The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man identified simply as Peter, who was killed by a mob in Bauchi metropolis over allegations of dog theft.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on April 9, 2025, and involved a mob assault on two individuals accused of stealing a dog.

Wakili said the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into what he described as an “egregious act of jungle justice.”

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The second victim, identified as Dokagk Danladi, aged 38, was also attacked by a group of youths in a secluded area behind Lushi. He sustained severe machete wounds to the head and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

Peter, whose surname is yet to be identified, was found at the scene and was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has led a team of detectives to the crime scene to gather evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

CP Aliyu condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and a threat to the nation’s legal framework. He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

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“No individual has the authority to brutalize a suspect. Anyone apprehended for any alleged crime should be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution,” the Commissioner stated.

He appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing relevant information that could aid the investigation.

“The Command is resolute in its pursuit of justice and is committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are brought to book,” Aliyu added.

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Pastor sentenced to 15 years in jail for raping member under pretense of conducting deliverance

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A 42-year-old Limpopo Pastor identified as Thabiso Victor Mongatane bagged 15-year jail term for r@ping a 25-year-old woman under the guise of offering her spiritual deliverance.

The Mahwelereng Regional Court, South Africa handed down the sentence for the 2022 r@pe that took place in Masodi village.

According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Mongatane exploited his position of trust and manipulated the woman into believing she was suffering from a condition that required spiritual intervention.

The incident dates back to March 2022 when the victim’s mother became ill and Mongatane was recommended by a relative to assist with her healing.

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The victim brought her mother to Mongatane’s premises where he conducted what was described as spiritual treatment.

Several months later, on September 4, Mongatane prophesied over the young woman and instructed her to return two days later for further intervention related to so-called “obstacles” in her life.

On September 7, the woman complied and returned to Mongatane’s premises.

Ledwaba explained that Mongatane instructed the woman to undress and cover herself for steaming as part of the ritual.

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After leaving her briefly, he returned and told her not to get dressed as he wished to continue the treatment. It was during this session that Mongatane raped her.

The victim later opened a r@pe case at her local police station. The case was taken over by the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, with Sergeant Lesetja Langa leading the investigation.

Mongatane was arrested on March 28, 2024, and initially released on R1,000 bail before being convicted and sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment.

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigative team for their thorough work and welcomed the conviction, calling it a victory for justice and a message to others who exploit positions of trust.

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