The Imo State Police command has arrested two women while attempting to sell a kidnapped four-year-old boy in Owerri for N2.7m.

The boy had been kidnapped in Abuja, while hawking vegetables, and transported to Owerri to be sold.

Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye gave the name of the suspects as Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba in Abuja, while the third suspect, a nurse, is currently on the run.

According to him, the suspects were arrested in Owerri, the state capital, following a discreet operation by operatives while they were trying to sell the boy for N2.7m. 

He said the arrests were made following joint efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja.

He pointed out that the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.

Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected case of child trafficking, leading to the arrest of two female suspects and the rescue of a four-year-old boy. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Scorpion Unit intercepted the suspects—Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba, FCT Abuja—in Owerri on 14th April 2025 at about 6 pm, following a discreet operation.

“Investigations revealed that the boy, Jaffa Umar, who speaks Hausa fluently, was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables. The suspects brought him to Owerri and were negotiating to sell him for N2.7m before their arrest. A third accomplice, believed to be a nurse, is currently at large.

“The child has been safely reunited with his family through coordinated efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja while the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja for further investigation and prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassures the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and dismantling trafficking networks. He encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency line 0803 477 3600,” Okoye said.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Kelvin Okoro, for allegedly hacking a Revered Sister to death in the Aluu community in the Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the deceased (Maureen Wecheonwu) persistently asked Okoro to pay the money owed.

A source who pleaded anonymity said Okoro tricked the Reverend Sister, under the guise of being ready to pay, to a place where he did the killing.

The source said the Reverend Sister’s lifeless body was discovered in a pool of blood by some natives who alerted a local security outfit in the area.

He stated, “What we heard was that he didn’t know how to repay the money. So he called the woman out in the guise of discussing the debt.

“The Reverend Sister has been complaining to people in the community that he refused to pay his debt.

“Not knowing his evil intentions, he took her to a lonely path and hit her severally with an object.”

He said following the discovery of the remains of the Reverend Sister, people began to wonder why they hadn’t seen Okoro, prompting an intensified search by the vigilante codenamed OSPAC.

Speaking further, the source said the Vigilante Commander in the Aluu community, Kingsley Wali led a search team to Okoro’s hideout where he was arrested and handed over to the police.

He said Okoro also took possession of some personal effects belonging to the deceased.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying the investigation was ongoing.

She stated, “Yes I can confirm. The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students on Thursday called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to extend its proposed mandatory drug testing initiative to political office holders and aspirants.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), had repeatedly proposed drug integrity tests for corps members, prospective couples, and other groups, as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.

Marwa restated the call on Wednesay during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.

He clarified that the tests were not punitive but preventive, aimed at early detection and treatment for individuals who test positive, to prevent their conditions from deteriorating into addiction or serious health complications. 

However, in a statement on Thursday, NANS, through its Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, commended the NDLEA’s initiative but warned against any form of selectivity.

According to Akinbodunse, the same drug integrity test should be applied to individuals seeking elective positions and those currently serving in public office at both federal and state levels.

“The proposed drug test is a commendable step, but it must not target only young Nigerians,” she said. “If we are to build a drug-free society, then the spotlight must also shine on those in power — those who make and enforce the laws.”

She called for legislation that would institutionalise mandatory drug testing for all political aspirants and public office holders.

“We applaud the NDLEA’s proactive approach to tackling drug abuse through early detection. However, promoting a drug-free society requires consistency and fairness,” Akinbodunse added.

“It is no longer news that some political office holders have been linked to drug-related misconduct over the years. If young people are being subjected to mandatory tests before entering service or marriage, then leaders should be held to even higher standards.”

She urged the NDLEA to collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure swift passage of a law mandating drug testing for all political actors.

“A clean and drug-free leadership will inspire public confidence and demonstrate that no one is above accountability,” she said.

NANS reiterated its support for all genuine efforts to combat substance abuse but stressed that such policies must be inclusive, covering all sectors and social classes equally.

A coalition of legal professionals under the banner of Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law has announced its intention to file a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday, demanding an investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement during the tenure of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the group confirmed the forthcoming submission of the EFCC petition, which follows a similar petition already filed with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The group is calling for Kyari’s investigation, arrest, and prosecution over a range of alleged financial infractions.

“We will submit a petition to the EFCC on Monday,” the group stated. 

Kyari was removed from office on April 2 and replaced him with Bayo Ojulari. Kyari was NNPCL helmsman for nearly six years, occupying office from July 2019 to April 2, 2025.

On Wednesday, the lawyers seeking Kyari’s probe marched to the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abuja to submit a formal petition dated April 23, 2025.

The document was co-signed by the group’s convener, Emmanuel Agada, and National Secretary, Jonathan Uchendu. It accuses Kyari of overseeing a corrupt and opaque administration at NNPCL.

Wednesday’s protest marked the second consecutive day of public demonstrations outside the AGF’s office.

On Tuesday, another group, Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, also demanded a full investigation into NNPCL’s financial activities over the past five years.

In their petition, the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law alleged that Kyari ran the NNPCL “as a racket in favour of his friends and associates.”

They expressed concern that while President Bola Tinubu eventually removed Kyari from office—largely in response to public outcry—there has been no formal probe into the former CEO’s conduct.

Among the allegations listed in the petition are inconsistencies in the reported rehabilitation of state-owned refineries.

The group highlighted the claim that Matrix Energy Limited invested $400m in the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite a prior $1.5bn approval from the Federal Executive Council for the same project.

Further, the group claimed that NNPCL accrued a debt of over $2bn to Matrix Energy, allegedly serviced through a crude-for-loan arrangement involving the daily allocation of 80,000 barrels of crude oil.

The petition questions the legitimacy and transparency of such transactions.

The lawyers raised key questions including how the Federal Government, through the NNPCL, accumulated a $2bn debt to Matrix Energy, why the debt is being repaid through crude oil allocations, who negotiated the agreement, and why the public has been left uninformed about the entire deal.

They urged the AGF to review all agreements signed under Kyari’s administration, investigate the transactions with a view to recovering any misappropriated funds, quantify any financial losses and recommend recovery strategies, and establish a commission of inquiry into NNPCL’s refinery rehabilitation projects.

They stressed that a full investigation would promote accountability, prevent a recurrence of similar mismanagement, and deter future abuse of public trust.

The group also pledged its support for any transparent and credible probe process.

Upon submitting the petition, the delegation was received by Deputy Director Winifred Adekunle, who assured them of the AGF’s commitment to justice.

“Your petition will receive immediate attention. There will be a response, and whatever questions you have asked will be addressed appropriately. Be assured that the Attorney General and the Solicitor General are people you can rely on,” Adekunle said.

The President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, says he has accepted his appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, joining a select group of global business leaders tasked with driving investment and job creation in emerging economies.

In 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, co-chaired the Private Sector Investment Lab, which focused on attracting £1tn in sustainable investment to support the energy transition in emerging markets.

In a statement confirming his acceptance, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector-led investment, noting the transformative potential of such initiatives in developing markets.

“I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies,” he said. 

Dangote added, “This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Asian Tigers, which have demonstrated the power of strategic investment and focused economic policy, I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such outcomes across other regions.”

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab, which now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world.

Joining Dangote in the elite group are the CEO of Bayer AG, Bill Anderson; the Chair of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal; and the President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mark Hoplamazian.

The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies, supporting the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

“With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy.

“This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

The global bank said over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries and to test actionable solutions.

The statement said that the work had now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that were being integrated across the bank operations, including regulatory and policy certainty.

The statement made available to our correspondent stated that the Dangote Group, founded by Aliko, is the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the African continent.

“With interests spanning cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, and oil, the Group employs over 30,000 people and is the largest taxpayer in Nigeria, contributing more in taxes than all of Nigeria’s banks combined. It is also the country’s largest employer after the government.

“The $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the Group’s flagship project, stands as the largest single private investment in Africa.

“In addition to his business interests, Dangote leads the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor. The Foundation primarily focuses on child nutrition, while also supporting interventions in health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief,” it was stated.

The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has confirmed that more high-profile defections are still being expected in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

Governor Sule disclosed that a lot of politicians have expressed interest in joining the APC.

He made this known on Thursday during an interview with Channels Television in which he spoke against the background of the decision of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to team up with the APC and dump the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

The Nasarawa State Governor said more defectors are still expected.

“I don’t know the number, but we are expecting [more governors to join the APC].

“You have a lot of people who have shown interest – even among the governors, you know – who are coming into the APC,” the Governor said.

The Tinubu Factor

Governor Sule stated that the wave of high-profile politicians defecting to the APC can be linked to the disposition of President Bola Tinubu.

He said many of the opposition politicians, including Governors, like the President, and feel comfortable around him.

“When we are meeting with the president, you see the excitement among them,” he said.

Sule said the governors feel “accepted by this president, and they like him.”

he Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission an interim forfeiture order for 73 properties and several gadgets, including 1,596 linked to cybercrime and money laundering, involving Chinese suspects.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu issued the order on April 23, 2025, in a suit marked FHC/L/MISC/382/2025, following an ex parte motion filed by EFCC counsel B.M. Isah against Genting International Co.

The forfeited items include 1,596 computers/laptops, 4,091 mobile phones, 350 foreign SIM cards, and 3,399 Nigerian SIM cards from various providers, including 1,122 MTN, 316 9mobile, 1,277 Airtel, and 684 Glo.

Also included are 194 routers, 205 sofas, 501 double-step bunks, 754 mattresses, 40 refrigerators, 10 microwaves, and two whiteboards. 

Additional items include 16 inverter batteries, 14 inverters, 43 CPUs/monitors, a ring light, two fuel tanks, a transformer, seven vehicles, 411 deep freezers, 13 electric kettles, 21 UPS units, a toaster, an air fryer, 558 office tables, two TVs, a network server, six gas cylinders, a blender, three weight scales, a spiral dough mixer, two double-burner stoves, and a dining set.

The EFCC filed the application under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, seeking an interim forfeiture of the properties.

Justice Dipeolu ruled: “I have read the motion and attachments and find sufficient merit in the application. Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted.” 

The court also instructed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in a national newspaper and invited interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

EFCC investigator Kaina Garba stated in an 18-paragraph affidavit that the assets were seized during a sting operation on December 10, 2024, at No. 7 Oyinjolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos—allegedly the syndicate’s headquarters.

The EFCC had acted on intelligence that a syndicate, allegedly led by Chinese nationals operating under the name Genting International, was running a cybercrime training centre for Nigerian youths.

The recruits were assigned computers and specially configured mobile phone lines to carry out romance, dating, and investment scams.

Additional properties linked to the group were uncovered at No. 14 Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island; and Plot No. 54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island.

The EFCC arrested 761 suspects, both foreign and Nigerian, during the raid.

 The syndicate’s alleged leaders and financiers remain at large but are being actively pursued.

Garba urged the court to grant the interim forfeiture in the public interest, citing the rising threat of cybercrime and money laundering in Nigeria.

NGF raises panel to tackle killings, proposes massive security personnel recruitment

The National Economic Council on Thursday deferred talks on state police until its next meeting, amidst the violent attacks and bloodshed in parts of the country.

Bayelsa Governor, Duoye Diri, told State House Correspondents after the council’s 149th meeting at the Aso Rock Villa that the issue was on the agenda, but it could not be discussed in detail as it was still far down on the list.

“State police was part of our agenda today, but unfortunately, because of time demands, and after a very long meeting, we have been there for a very long time now, the presentations could not get to that point. So, I assure you that in our next meeting, that issue will be exhaustively discussed,” the governor explained after the nearly four-hour meeting. 

Although the governor did not specify when the next council meeting will be, NEC meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month.

However, the gathering has been infrequent in the last couple of months. Since its meeting in December, the council has not discussed the much-anticipated reform.

Although all 36 states had submitted reports supporting a decentralised police force,  the NEC deferred discussions until January 2025. The council only sat in February where it said the matter was not discussed.

During the meeting, the governors observed a minute of silence to honour those killed in the recent wave of attacks in Plateau, Benue, Borno and Enugu States.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum has emphasised the need for increased recruitment into security agencies and the adoption of technology-driven solutions to tackle killings at the state level.

The forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made this known in a communiqué read by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma following their meeting early Thursday morning in Abuja.

He stated that, as an immediate step to address the surge in killings in parts of the country, the Governors have set up a committee to collaborate with security agency heads on a joint strategy.

Since the reported killing of at least 15 people on March 9 in a series of renewed attacks by suspected herdsmen in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, more lives have been lost in a wave of attacks on various communities.

On April 14, an attack on Zike hamlet, Kimakpa community, within the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, resulted in the deaths of at least 52 individuals, including a family of eight, with many properties torched.

In response, the 36 state governors called for swift action and urged security agencies to confront the security challenges directly.

The Imo governor said, “The forum received a presentation from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and subnational capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response.

“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety. Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level.

“The forum set up a sub-committee of the Nigeria Governors Forum to work with heads of security agencies on a collaborative approach for immediate solutions.’’

He further stated, “The forum received a presentation from the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, on unlocking the economic potential of land through a federal-state partnership for land reform.

“The minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security, and boost internally generated revenue across states.

“Governors welcomed the ownership, enhanced tenure security, which would boost internally generated revenue across states. Governors welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to catalyse investment, improve urban planning, and enhance land-based revenue generation.”

Uzodimma also said the forum received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited. 

The initiative, he said, is intended to revamp the electricity distribution sector by leveraging private sector investment.

“Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies, introduce advanced smart grid technologies, and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy access across states.

“The forum noted that the partnership seeks to improve electricity distribution efficiency, support job creation through local manufacturing, and relieve states of legacy sector liabilities. Governors received the proposal and would examine the opportunities and benefits therein,” he explained.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, emphasised the importance of state policing in Nigeria.

In an interview with journalists, Sani stated that the killings should not be seen as an indictment of the governors, noting that they have a limited role to play in addressing the issue.

He stated, “In my opinion, it’s not an indictment. I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the Constitution of Nigeria. Don’t forget that even tomorrow, by the grace of God, it’s one of the areas we are going to look at – the possibility of the creation of state policing in Nigeria, which for me would go a long way in addressing insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level.

“But of course, as governors, we must take responsibility. Take, for example, what is happening in Kaduna. When I came in, I inherited a system where we had a series of communal and religious clashes. But I can tell you, in almost 20 months since I took over, we have not had a single religious or communal clash.

“So, for me, I believe as a leader, you have to lead by example by making sure that you carry everyone along. You make sure that you handle the problem of insecurity and ethnic merchants. They’re everywhere. Some people can only benefit if there’s political, religious, or ethnic conflict.’’

He challenged the security agencies to step up the fight against criminality, arguing that more boots are needed on the ground to rout the attackers.

“But of course, in my last interview, I already declared that we do not have enough boots on the ground. So, no matter how we try to address the issue, we have to look at other aspects, particularly looking at a non-kinetic approach. Because when you look at the security agencies in Nigeria, look at the military—like I said, we have less than 300,000 soldiers, the entire police personnel in Nigeria is less than 400,000 in a country of about 230 million.

“So, there are a lot of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria—whether in the North, in the South, everywhere. So we have to look at other areas of addressing the issue of insecurity. That is the reason why I believe we all have to work together. We don’t need to blame each other,” he submitted.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Thursday, said the ruling party was expecting the defection of more governors from the opposition into its fold in the build-up to the 2027 general election.

Ganduje spoke when he formally received some defectors from the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), led by the Senator representing Kano South, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila.

He expressed confidence that the ruling party would win all the forthcoming elections even before the next general election in 2027, declaring that the project was a “done deal”.

Other NNPP defectors included Hon. Kabiru Alhasan Rurmum, member representing Rano/Kibiya federal constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo; Hon. Zubairu Hamza Massu, a member of Kano State House of Assembly; Dr Baffa Bichi, former Secretary to the Kano State Government; Hon. Mohd Digol, a former Commissioner; Hon. Abbas S. Abbas, a former Commissioner; Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Lawal, a former governorship candidate; Hon. Badamasi Ayuba Danbatta, a former member of House of Reps, and Hon. Idris Dankuwa, a former member of House of Representatives.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with the new defectors, Ganduje said APC believed in President Bola Tunbu, his economic reforms and Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that part of the political renewed hope agenda was canvassing for more followership for the party.

“We started by democratically electing governors, especially in Edo State, which was in PDP, we elected, we succeeded in winning the election, it is now in APC.

“Now, there is another channel that has been opened through advocacy, through dialogue, through convincing some highly and even elected governors to come into the party and you can see what has happened now.

“The governor of Delta State is now in APC, including his cabinet, including all the members of the State Assembly and House of Representatives, and the timber and caliber of PDP, now in APC, even including the former vice presidential candidate coming into our party. So you can see that we are expanding.

“I don’t want to reveal our secret, but what I’m telling you is that APC 2027 is a done deal. More governors are coming into APC, I assure you, and places where we have election, APC Insha Allah will win those elections,” he said.

Also speaking on behalf of other new entrants into APC, Senator Sumaila said the development was the coming together of like-minds in NNPP in Kano state.

On whether his defection will make impact for APC, the Kano South Senator said: “I will refer you to 2023 general election. Go and check the results. I mean the presidential, senatorial, and House of Representatives elections, where we contested the same day, the same polling unit with Kwankwaso.

“That will give you the answer to your question. You will see my result, his (Kwankwaso) result, and various members of the House of Representatives on that very day. Then, the subsequent elections, the senatorial and state assembly members, you will see the difference and you will understand what we are telling you.”

Armed men suspected to be bandits have abducted 19 passengers in two commercial vehicles along the Makurdi/Naka/Adoka Road in Benue State on Thursday.

The incidents, according to locals, happened at about three kilometres from Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West local government area of the State, which is a hotshot for attacks and kidnapping.

A commercial driver, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that the vehicles involved were Picnic and Sharon model buses – each of the vehicles carrying nine and 10 passengers including their drivers, respectively.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent through telephone chat, the secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), High-Level Unit, Yakubu Onu, said the two commercial vehicles belong to their members.

He said one of the vehicles had left Makurdi, the State capital, to Lokoja in Kogi State earlier on Thursday morning when it was ambushed by gunmen near Naka town.

Onu added that the second vehicle, which was ambushed at the same spot, was coming from Ankpa in Kogi State to Makurdi.

“The first vehicle was going to Lokoja with nine passengers on board and six of them were abducted and taken to the bush,” he stated.

Also confirming the incident, the Ter Tyoshin and chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, HRH Daniel Abomtse, informed that an elderly woman, a lactating mother and her two children, including a driver, were not abducted.

According to him, “the spared passengers reported the incident to the Police Station, and they were later released to continue their journey.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive any information regarding the incidents.