News
Suspects Sending Airtime, Money To Victims For Fraud Arrested
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested some suspected fraudsters who specialise in getting phone numbers and account details of unsuspecting members of the public for fraud.
According to PUNCH Metro investigations, members of the syndicate include a landlord who helps the syndicate gather information such as contact addresses, phone numbers and other details about their victims, and a fake Chief Superintendent of Police.
Consequently, the syndicate would unleash their fake policeman and force their victims who had received money and airtime on their bank accounts and phone numbers to pay what they had received in double.
A member of the syndicate, Olorunfemi Olakunle, was said to have approached the state command to report that he was abducted by kidnappers while claiming to have briefly lost his memory when he boarded a taxi from Apata to Dugbe in the state.
He was also said to have claimed N9.3m was transferred from his account to different beneficiaries, adding that his abductors used his mobile phone to purchase airtime worth about N125,000 for others.
The command said its anti-robbery squad apprehended three supposed beneficiaries, including Babatunde Adebayo, 57; Stephen Adesope, 34; and Adeleke Adejoke, 33, in Lagos State.
While interviewing the parties involved, the complainant, Olakunle, made a U-turn and confessed that everything was a scam masterminded by another suspect, identified as Danjuma Adams.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, explained to our correspondent on Sunday that, “They had to create a hoax out of the situation, and they sent money and airtime to unsuspecting victims whom he and the syndicate got through association or genuine business transactions.
“Investigations also revealed that Azubuike Agu, 38, was able to get the details of his ‘target’, Adejoke F, by approaching her at a boutique in Lagos under the guise of patronising and initiating a genuine sales transaction, while another syndicate member, Amusat Ibrahim, a landlord resident in Lagos, got the details of his victim by association as a fellow resident in the area.
“Sequel to these, voluntary confessions were obtained from Azubuikwe and Danjuma, leading to the arrest of accomplices: Taiwo Segun, 37, and Amusat Alaba, 47 years, whose duties were to provide phone numbers and account details of their unsuspecting victims by initiating conceited relationships and false acquaintances.”
PUNCH Metro, however, learnt that the investigation had yet to be concluded and that efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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