Category Nigeria News

The Katsina State Police Command on Tuesday said it has arrested three suspects in connection with the illegal possession of a large cache of highly explosive materials in the State.

The items were intercepted in a Golf vehicle at Koza village in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State.

This success follows the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-led patrols, especially along highways.

The Katsina Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, said the police team, while on an intelligence-led stop and search on January 7th, 2026, succeeded in intercepting a Golf vehicle driven by one Jamilu Musa.

READ ALSO: Two Killed, Wedding Guests Abducted As Bandits Launch Attack In Katsina

Sadiq explained that upon instant search, 6,975 pieces of detonators were recovered in the suspect’s possession, neatly concealed.

He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to having received the materials from one Najib, now at large, en route to Kwangolam, Mai’adua LGA, Katsina State, from Kano State.

According to him, in the course of the investigation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad, were arrested in connection with the offence.

He said 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine weighing 2,273.65 kg were recovered from the suspects.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Nigerian youths against violence that could plunge the nation into upheaval.

The royal father advised while addressing leaders of Benin City Christian Community, whose 2026 Universal Week of prayers climaxed on Sunday at his Palace in Benin City.

The First Class traditional ruler, who spoke in the Edo Language, specifically pleaded with youths in the State to exercise restraint and apply wisdom as well as preserve their heritage for future generations.

“To all our youths across Edo State, we use this opportunity to plead with you, do not use violence to destroy Nigeria and cause confusion in this country.

“Allow this government in Edo State to work. Support and keep praying for leaders in this country,” the Oba said.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Celebrates Oba Of Benin HRM Ewuare On Birthday, Coronation Anniversary

His advice followed media reports surrounding the recent incidents involving students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU)in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

He prayed to Almighty God and his Royal ancestors to strengthen Nigerian leaders and imbue them with divine wisdom in discharging their responsibilities daily.

While reliving his experience since he ascended the throne of his forebears almost 10 years ago and the challenges, the revered monarch enjoined Christians across the various denominations to unite and support the growth of one another as enunciated by Christ.

READ ALSO: Edo Govt Debunks Ekpoma Riot Claims, Says Violence ‘Sponsored From Abroad’

During the Universal Week of prayer themed: “The unchangeable God”, Apostle Godspower Ogbonmwan, who delivered the goodwill message, stated that God’s promises must surely come to pass, citing relevant Bible illustrations.

He reminded leaders, irrespective of their religion, of their obligations to their people at all times.

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting an outright pardon to seven convicts serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the gesture was to mark the governor’s 61st birthday anniversary and build on the clemency earlier approved on January 1, 2026, during the New Year celebrations.

The governor, acting on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved clemency for 77 convicts.

However, the seven beneficiaries of the latest pardon were selected based on verified reports of genuine remorse, good behaviour, rehabilitation efforts, and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.

READ ALSO: Portable Denied Bail After Arraignment In Ogun

According to the statement, their outright release reflects the governor’s belief in restorative justice, the decongestion of correctional facilities, and the provision of second chances for individuals who have demonstrated meaningful change.

The Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, who doubles as the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the governor for the decision, describing it as thoughtful and forward-looking.

Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected human traffickers and fraudsters, rescuing three victims from them in Akure, the state capital.

According to the PPRO, a 30-year-old Togolese named John Apiah allegedly used two women( Blessing Assiah and Laro Larisa) to lure unsuspecting victims with promises of procuring international passports and American visas.

The Suspects were said to have fraudulently collected a total sum of 1.6 million CFA from three victims who were initially lodged in a hotel before being moved to the suspects’ rented apartment in Oda Town, near Akure, where they were kept under suspicious circumstances.

Jimoh disclosed that, acting on credible intelligence, the Police promptly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the Suspects.

READ ALSO: Portable Denied Bail After Arraignment In Ogun

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, warned landlords against allowing their premises to be used for criminal activities, stressing that such negligence would attract serious legal consequences.

He assured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, trans-border crimes, and all forms of criminal activities.

A State High Court in Ota, Ogun State, has denied bail to controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.

The singer was being arraigned on a nine-count criminal charge bordering on assault, theft, causing harm, and resisting arrest.

The presiding judge declined to grant the singer bail, citing absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.

The judge stressed the need to see the officer before deciding on the bail application.

As a result, Portable was remanded in custody pending a fresh hearing on the bail application scheduled for January 19.

Earlier, the spokesman for the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the criminal charges stemmed from a complaint reportedly filed by the singer’s estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.

READ ALSO: Ogun Government Warns Portable Against Assault Of Its Officials

Portable was brought before the court on Monday, following his arrest by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command after a series of allegations linked to a New Year’s Day incident at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area of the state

According to the prosecution, Portable allegedly attacked Ashabi alongside several police officers and other individuals who were present at the scene during the incident.

The singer was also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, allegedly belonging to one of the complainants, Ileyemi Damilola. The vehicle was said to be registered under a car dealer identified as Wally Dex Auto.

During the court proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as prosecution witnesses, recounting details of the alleged assault. Ashabi herself, however, was not present in court.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has approved the deployment of Tomofe Nwabueze, as Divisional Police Officer (DPP), of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.

Nwabueze replaces the former DPO, Nelson Igbinoba, who was removed after deadly protests rocked Ekpoma in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Disclosing this in a statement on Tuesday, the spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said Nwabueze’s appointment takes immediate effect.

He said the action is part of ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma in Esan West.

READ ALSO: Tears As Court Orders Remand Of Arrested Ekpoma Protesters At Edo Correctional Centre

“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that as part of ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division.

“The CP has also approved the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze to assume office as the new DPO with immediate effect.”

The crisis commenced last Saturday in Ekpoma when residents staged a protest over rising insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night.

The protesters blocked a major highway to express their grievances, but the demonstration was later hijacked by youths who attacked traders at the livestock market.

Hoodlums hijacked the protest and attacked traders at the livestock market, killing goats and beating their cows, scenes which were captured in a viral video.