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Police arrests woman who threatened to poison, kill fellow Nigerians in Canada

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Toronto Police Service has arrested a Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, who threatened to poison and kill Yoruba and Edo communities in Canada.

A statement by Constable Laura Brabant said Sonnberger was arrested on Sunday, September 1.

Recall that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had petitioned Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Canada, concerning the matter involving Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian national residing in Canada.

Sunnberger had on August 25, 2024 posted an online content threatening death to specific members of the Nigerian community.

Responding to the petition, the Toronto police said Sunnberger has been charged with Uttering threats and she is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00am in courtroom 107 is making the public aware of an arrest made in a suspected hate-motivated threatening investigation.

The statement reads, “On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Toronto Police arrested Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto. This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.

“If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.”

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Shiite Clash: “You killed several of us, shot your own Officers” – IMN replies Nigerian Police

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, has issued a statement on the crisis that occurred in Abuja on Sunday between its members and officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

The statement, signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, claimed that the Police opened fired on them(Shiites) unprovoked. They also alleged that the police killed its own officers by mistake as they shot sporadically.

Leading reporters earlier reported that Two Police officers lost their lives in the clash. The statement read in full; “Our attention has been drawn to a press statement signed by one SP Josephine Adeh, the PRO FCT Police Command, alleging that Aeba’een mourners killed two police officers on duty and rendered three others unconscious when they attacked the annual Arbaeen trek in Abuja earlier today. This statement is false, fabricated, and misleading. And we would like to set the record straight.”

“The Arbaeen Trek is a religious event that takes place annually to mark the 40th day of remembrance of the martyrdom of the grandson of the Holy Prophet, who was killed in the plains of Karbala, alongside his family and companions.”

“It’s an event that is attended by people from all walks of life—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—because the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (as) is a pivotal moment that changes human history and transcends race, religion, or ethnicity.”

“This year’s Arbaeen procession commenced peacefully until when the police forces appeared out of nowhere, armed to the-teeth and opened fire on innocent citizens exercising their legal rights. They gravely wounded hundreds, arrested so many others, and killed scores of our brothers and sisters. In the process, they also killed their colleagues, who were apparently hit by their stray bullets as they were shooting indiscriminately.”

“As if that were not enough, a team of combined security forces later in the evening trooped to a guest house in Suleja, where our brothers and sisters used to reside, and opened fire unprovoked. The attack happened around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at a guest house located behind Kwata in Suleja town, Niger State.”

“At the time of compiling this report, an eyewitness confirmed that the police had set fire to a car parked at the entrance of the house, vandalised many valuable facilities, and also attempted to burn down the house, but their efforts were thwarted. The report also confirmed that the police fired indiscriminately at the people present at the scene and arrested dozens of people present at the scene.”

“It could be recalled that in July 2019, a similar incident occurred where the police forces attacked a peaceful #FreeZakzaky procession and killed their colleague in the process, but later blamed the Islamic movement for it. But an autopsy report later revealed that he was indeed killed by a stray bullet, and they were ordered by a court of law to pay ransom to his family.”

“We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that the activists of the Islamic movement are unarmed and defenseless. We do not carry any form of weaponry. Therefore, we reject and condemn the statement from the PRO FCT Police Command in its entirety. It’s a statement aimed at scapegoating the movement as well as seeking cheap public sympathy that will allow them to carry out even further atrocities against defenceless civilians.”, the statement read.

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BREAKING: Three persons confirmed dead as police, Shiite members clash in Abuja (VIDEO)

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Police officers, On Sunday, Clashed with several members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria(IMN) also known as ‘shiites’ at the Popular Wuse Market leading to the death of a Trader and two police officers.

Leading reporters gathered that the shiites where on an Arbaeen procession, to commemorate the 40th day after the Ashura anniversary when things went awry.

Police officers attempted to disperse the procession by firing teargas and live ammunition and in the process a trader identified as Amiru was hit in the chest by a stray bullet. He wash rushed to Zone 3 Hospital where he gave up the ghost.

Things escalated further when the shiites and some traders retaliated by pelting police officers with stones and burning three of their vehicles.

Reacting to the Development, the spokesperson of the police in Abuja, Josephine Adeh disclosed that Two police officers were killed.

“The FCT police command wishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light, where two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.”

“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.”

Watch video below:

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BREAKING: Moment Police Chase Away Ex-LGA Chairman, Pro-Wike Youths From Secretariat [VIDEO]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Officers of the Rivers State Police Command have prevented the immediate past Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Allwell Ihundah, from accessing his office.

This development comes amidst a deepening political crisis in the state.

According to a video by Channels Television, the chairman was denied entry into his office, following a directive by the police to take control of all 23 local government council secretariats in the state.

The crisis took a fiery turn after Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume leadership of the council areas, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.

A recent court ruling had annulled the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, recognizing a three-man House of Assembly instead.

However, the former chairmen have refused to step down, leading to clashes between supporters of the two political factions.

Tragically, a police officer and a vigilante lost their lives in the violence that erupted at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, according to a statement by the police on Tuesday.

“To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities. While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warn anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them,” the statement read in part.

In a recent development, Governor Fubara has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

Watch the video below:

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BREAKING: Police rescue kidnapped Fouani brothers in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Lagos police command has rescued the three abducted Fouani brothers, Abbas Fouani, Youssef Fouani, and Amtal Fouani.

The brothers, who are part of the prominent Fouani Nigeria Ltd family, were kidnapped on June 14 around 6 pm while travelling by boat from their factory.

Fouani Nigeria Ltd, a leading electronics company, is the sole distributor of LG, Hisense, and Maxi products in Nigeria.

Leading reporters reports that the Monday night rescue was disclosed by the police spokesperson in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Tuesday.

More to follow…

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Police deny witch-hunting journalists with cyber crime act

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Police Force clarified on Thursday that it was not out to witch-hunt journalists and suppress press freedom through the application of the amended CyberCrime Act of 2024, as alleged by the public.

The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made the clarifications while speaking at a joint briefing by Security, Defence and response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee of office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA in Abuja, stated that the police were not preventing journalists from performing their duties.

Recently, the country has seen a series of crackdowns on journalists due to the implementation of the act by the police.

The former editor of First News, Segun Olatunji; Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting; and Nurudeen Akewushola, an investigative journalist with the platform, were among the latest victims of the contentious act.

According to the Force Spokesperson, “It’s not true that we are applying cyber crime act to witch-hunt or oppress you or to subvert press freedom in Nigeria. I am not saying you should not be a whistleblower but if you want to be one, you must get your facts right.”

He noted that the police operated under numerous laws and could prosecute journalists guilty of publishing defamatory reports using any of these laws.

Adejobi said, “Defamation of character is a law defined under the Cybercrime Act and the criminal acts of this country define defamation as an offence. If somebody has published something wrong against you, as a Nigerian you have the right to take it up.

“As a trained police officer, I may decide not to use the cybercrime act to prosecute you. As a trained policeman I must be able to lay my hands on many laws to nail you if I want to. Forget the fact that the NSA has called for the full implementation of the act, the police can lay their hands on any law to prosecute anybody.”

The Force Spokesperson added that journalists do not enjoy immunity, noting that a journalist is “criminally liable” once accused of a crime.

According to him, “Mind you, the fact that somebody is a journalist does not grant him immunity over certain things. You are criminally liable once an offence has been laid against you and the police have the duty to take it up.”

He urged journalists invited by the force to honour the invitations and inform his office.

Adejobi said, “Let me put it on record that if a petition has been written against you, as a certified journalist is to honour the invitation and get across to the office of the Force spokesperson.

“Some of them you claimed have been victimized have not contacted me. Everybody is a journalist, we practise citizen journalism in Nigeria.”

Adejobi stated that the police had not yet arrested any journalists from mainstream media.

He said, “The fact is the police have not arrested anyone from the mainstream media. Most of these bloggers are always running foul of the law because they want to break the law. You can’t break the news without confirmation from the parties involved. You need to balance your report. Once you are invited to come and clarify a report, don’t run away. We are human beings like you.”

He criticised media houses for using the term “abduction” to describe the arrest of journalists, saying that “the police do not abduct, rather they arrest.”

According to him “We don’t abduct, we arrest. If the arrest is wrong, you tell us why the arrest is wrong and we will tell you why it is right. We face challenges because many of you don’t understand the legal framework.”

Adejobi, however, said “when a journalist is arrested, his colleagues cannot stand surety for him.”

He maintained that the police would not release such a journalist unless a “substantive surety” is provided.

According to him” Once you have been arrested, your statement is taken under caution. Under the law, you are to be granted bail to a substantive surety and that is another problem. Don’t tell me your colleague in your office will stand surety for you. No. If you are not a substantive surety the police will not release anybody to you.”

Adejobi stated that the force was not mandated to extend an invitation to a suspect during the investigation, describing such a gesture as an honour.

He said, “I want to clarify that we are not obliged to send an invitation to a suspect in the first instance. It is just out of respect. No law says you must invite somebody before you carry out your investigation; we can only honour you by extending an invitation to you. Where you don’t honour the invitation, we go to court to get a warrant. With that warrant, we can even declare you wanted and arrest you anywhere.”

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Police invite Premium Times reporter over yet to be published story

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has invited Emmanuel Agbo, a reporter with Premium Times, over a land dispute story he is working on.

On Monday, Agbo received an invitation letter dated May 31 from the office of the deputy inspector-general of police intelligence response team (NPF-IRT), via WhatsApp.

On May 30, the reporter was first contacted over the phone by a man who identified himself as a police officer named Ezemba Ezekiel.

The officer asked the journalist to come over to the office of IRT in Guzape, Abuja to “clarify a petition”.

“I am Ezemba Ezekiel from the Intelligence Response Team. I am calling you on behalf of Homadils. You are expected to come over to our office at Abattoir in Guzape to clarify a petition,” he said via phone.

A formal written invitation was sent after the journalist requested for one.

During the phone conversation, the officer mentioned the name of Homadils Realty Limited, a real estate firm and a major party to a land dispute which the reporter is currently focusing on.

Prior to the police invitation, the journalist had reached out to Bilkisu Aliu, the chief executive officer of Homadils.

The CEO later exchanged WhatsApp messages with the journalist on the allegations against her by a family laying claim to the disputed land.

‘WE’RE READY TO ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES’

In a letter delivered to the office of the deputy commissioner of police at IRT, Idris Akinbajo, managing editor of Premium Times, said the platform is ready to work with law enforcement agencies in the course of their professional duties.

Akinbajo asked the police to provide more details of the petition since its invitation only mentioned receipt of a petition

“We, Premium Times, are an online newspaper dedicated to using investigative journalism to hold power accountable and deepen democracy as enshrined in Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution,” the managing editor said.

“We are thus always ready to assist law enforcement agencies in the course of their professional duties.

“However, in your letter to Mr Emmanuel Agbo, you only stated that your ‘office is in receipt of petition…’ but did not provide any details of the petition.

“We ask that you provide more details of the petition to enable our reporter, Mr Agbo, to make adequate preparations and bring along relevant materials when he appears in your office.

“We trust that you will treat this promptly so we and Mr Emmanuel Agbo can prepare adequately and assist you in the course of your work.”

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Police uncover fresh plot to set Kano assembly ablaze

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Police Command says it has uncovered fresh plan by some hoodlums to unleash terror and set the state assembly ablaze.

The move is not unconnected with the recent emirate tussle in Kano State following a new law by the House of Assembly.

The commissioner of Police, CP Usaini Gumel disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday, May 26.

Gumel said the command uncovered plots to launch an attack on the Kano State House of Assembly and other prominent locations in the state.

CP Gumel noted that men of the force have been deployed to embark on a house-to-house search to fish out the miscreants plotting to cause unrest and destabilise the peace in the state.

“We have uncovered credible intelligence about some group of people who are considered as enemies of the state and miscreants who are trying to unleash terror in the state by embarking on targeted attacks at locations, particularly the House of Assembly and some prominent locations within the state capital. This intelligence has been verified by so many sources,” the police chief said.

“We have perfected plans to embark on serious patrols as well as detections particularly areas where we were informed that the miscreants are hiding. No hiding place for them.

“Whoever, under whatever guise is found to be planning to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the State or feel that he/she can jeopardize the existing security settings in the State will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“We are going to embark on a house-to-house search for anybody who they are above the law,” CP Gumel however stated.

Meanwhile, sources say that the miscreants were mobilized and paid to destabilize and cause tension in the state.

According to a source, some targeted areas include residence of the Majority leader of the assembly, Lawan Hussaini who sponsored the repealed law, and a member representing Gwale among others.

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One Chance: Police warn FCT residents against boarding unpainted taxis

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The FCT Police Command has advised residents to be wary of boarding unpainted taxis, otherwise known as ‘kabu-kabu,’ to avoid becoming victims of armed robbers, also known as ‘One Chance’.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Haruna Garba, gave the warning on Tuesday at a news briefing on the Command’s achievements in the fight against crime and criminality.

“I wish to advise residents of the FCT to be wary of the kind of vehicles they board. It is advised that they should board only painted taxis from designated motor parks.

“It is risky to board an unpainted taxis otherwise known as ‘kabu-kabu’ as they may fall victims of these robbers known as One Chance,” he said.

Garba said that police operatives in Abuja, while on crime prevention patrol, rescued one Ebere Alice, who boarded a Golf taxi and was robbed by the driver and the gang members of her belongings before dropping her off.

He said that the police gave the hoodlums a hot chase, halted the vehicle and arrested three suspects.

“They include Sylvester Attah, the gang leader, who has been into One Chance robbery for the past three years, Olalekan Salihu, and Gabriel Okwashi.

“The suspects confessed to the crime and the Golf car with Reg. No TKP 624 AA used in committing the crime was recovered. Suspects will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation,” he said.

Garba said that police operatives from Mabushi Division, acting on a credible intelligence, also arrested one Samuel Vincent, a member of a robbery gang, who specialises in robbing unsuspecting taxi passengers of their belongings.

“The suspect was about to be lynched by an angry mob before Police intervention.

‘’The suspect, alongside three others currently at large, had picked a woman (name unknown) from Karmo heading to Lugbe, and then diverted the vehicle to Mabushi area and dispossessed the victim of her belongings.

“The suspect confessed to his involvement in the crime and the car used in perpetrating the crime has been recovered. Suspect is cooperating with the police on how to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he said.

The CP also explained that Police operatives from Mabushi Division, acting on credible intelligence trailed and arrested four other suspected armed robbers.

He said that the suspects included Oluwatobi Precious (an ex-convict), Theophilous Elkana, Ibrahim Usman and Umar Ibrahim, an ex-convict.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects robbed motorists of their phones while in traffic jam around Mobil filing station, Mabushi and zoomed off in a get away golf car.

“Suspects confessed to the crime, while the said Golf car with Reg. No. DKA 288 RY, grey in colour, an Iphone 14 Pro Max and several ATM cards bearing different names and substances suspected to be cocaine were recovered from them,” Garba said.

He added that Police operatives from Lugbe Division, acting on actionable intelligence, arrested one Emmanuel Abraham also known as ‘Mosquito’, a wanted and notorious armed robber/cultist linked to various cases of armed robbery/culpable homicide and other cult activities within Lugbe and environs.

“The suspect whose cohorts are presently in prison for robbery of one Mrs Abiodun Okunde, since 29th October, 2020, will equally be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation,” he said.

Garba further disclosed that Police operatives from Kabusa Division trailed and arrested one Adamu Idris, also known as Idi, a wanted and notorious kingpin responsible for series of kidnapping around Galadimawa/Apo, Lokogoma and Kabusa axis.

“The suspect, who was sighted at Okada Junction, Kabusa, took to his heels, was given a hot chase and apprehended by police operatives.

“During interrogation, suspect confessed to being a member of a 5-man gang, whose other members are currently at large,” he said.

Garba said that the suspect was cooperating with the police to apprehend other gang members and would be charged to court soon.

In a similar development, on 21 September, 2023, one Abubakar Usman of opposite Estate Galadimawa reported at Kabusa Division that two persons later identified as Auwal Wada and Suleiman Hassan of Galadimawa village, threatened to kidnap him and his entire family if he failed to offer them N7 million ransom.

“However, an agreement was reached that he would pay N5 million. The police operatives from Kabusa laid a siege at the point of collection in a bush around Shereti village.

“The two suspects emerged to collect the ransom and were promptly arrested.

“This has been the modus operandi of the suspects as they have successfully robbed their victims in the past. The suspects will be arraigned in court soon,” he said

In the same vein, Garba said Police operatives from Mabushi Division also carried out a raid of criminal hideouts at Gishiri Village and a total of 36 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp were recovered.

“In the same operation, one Bello Ahmed, AKA Wizzy Bola, a notorious and wanted armed robber terrorizing Gishiri Village and its environs, was arrested,” he said.

According to Garba, all the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of discreet investigations.(NAN)

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JUST IN: Pregnant woman and her 2 kids die as police, driver drag steering wheel in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Four passengers have reportedly died, including a pregnant woman and her two children, after a car drove into a tricycle in the Ago Palace Way of Okota in Lagos state.

According to a social media user, Tobe Steve, a policeman and driver were contesting for the steering wheel while in motion when they lost control and hit a tricycle with passengers in it.

He wrote: “Something happened at my area this morning. A driver was arrested by the police, and one of them got into his car, while the others followed, on the way to the station, at the Okota roundabout, the driver decided to play a fast one and diverted to Ago Palace way.

“While in motion, the policeman and driver began to contest for the steering wheel. Eventually, they both lost control, and the car hit a tricycle (keke). In the tricycle, A woman with her two kids and the rider. All of them died. May their soul Rest In Peace.

“Now passers-by begin to deliberate on the issue, and everyone pointed blame at the police for not effectively carrying out their duties, thus endangering lives in the process.

“The police need to do better… However, being civilized as citizens is also something we need to look at. Both the police and the driver should be jailed.”

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