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Police nab five robbery suspects, others, recover stolen goods in Jigawa

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The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested five suspects involved in armed robbery and two others for cattle rustling, and recovering stolen goods worth millions of naira in a significant breakthroughs in its efforts to combat crime across the state. Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said in a statement on Tuesday that the command’s efforts are part of its sustained commitment to protecting lives and property of the citizens and residents in the state. He noted that the operations were carried out through community-led policing and collaboration with sister security agencies and vigilante groups. According to SP Adam, on February 6, 2026, a joint patrol team arrested Ahmed Musa, 22, in Taura LGA, with various items suspected to be proceeds of crime, including phones, ATM cards, and cash. The suspect is believed to be part of a syndicate specialising in armed robbery and housebreaking in Taura town and its en...

EPL: Leeds come from behind to draw Chelsea 2‑2 at Stamford Bridge

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Leeds United fought back from two goals down to earn a 2‑2 draw against Chelsea in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Chelsea took the lead in the first half with goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer (penalty) to open a 2‑0 advantage by the break. However, Leeds responded strongly after halftime. Lukas Nmecha converted from the penalty spot before Noah Okafor struck to complete the comeback and secure a draw for the visitors. The result leaves both clubs sharing the points after an eventful evening at the London ground. Tonight’s loss made it impossible for the Blues to get a win against the newly promoted side, having lost at Elland Road in December. This also makes it the first EPL game Liam Rosenior will drop a point since joining Chelsea. Rosenior made changes to try and retake the initiative, with Wesley Fofana, Pedro Neto and Liam Delap all coming on. “We gradually managed to retake control of the game, but a third goal proved beyond us as Leeds in...

Police arrest 13-year-old for stabbing two boys at UK school

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UK police said on Tuesday that they were questioning a teenager suspected of stabbing two boys at a London school, as counter-terrorism officers took over the investigation. The suspect, believed to be 13, was arrested several hours after allegedly fleeing the site of the attack on the boys aged 12 and 13, and police had recovered the suspected weapon used, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. “We await an update on how they are, though we understand their conditions to be serious,” Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams told reporters at Kingsbury High School in northwest London. “The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody for questioning by our officers,” he said. “At this very early stage, we are keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind this attack. “However, due to the surrounding circumstances, the investigation is now being led by officers from counter-terrorism policing London who are working closely with our ...

Lagos Taskforce arrests 26 miscreants for aiding illegal waste disposal, extortion racket

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In separate enforcement operations on Tuesday, the Lagos State Environmental Task Force arrested 26 suspects for extorting money from cart pushers illegally disposing of waste at the Orile Under Bridge, and cleared unlawful settlements along the Coastal Road. According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the suspects were facilitating indiscriminate waste dumping in exchange for cash. In his post on X, Wahab noted that, acting on credible intelligence that hoodlums had hijacked the Orile Under Bridge area, the taskforce operatives launched a raid at approximately 2:45 p.m. to dislodge miscreants extorting money from illegal cart pushers. He wrote, “Following credible reports that hoodlums had taken over the Orile Under Bridge and were extorting money from cart pushers who dump refuse illegally in the area, the Environmental Task Force carried out a raid at about 2:45 pm today. “During the operation, 26 suspects were arrested. Some of ...

Police recover 554 stolen animals, weapons in Katsina

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The Katsina State Police Command said that its operatives have successfully foiled a cattle rustling and recovered 554 rustled animals in Kafur Local Government Area of the state. This is contained in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Aliyu Abubakar, on Tuesday in Katsina. He said, “On February 6, 2026, at about 12:10 a.m., information was received that some suspected bandits, armed with weapons, shooting sporadically, stormed Sabuwar Kasa village, Kafur LGA, Katsina State, and rustled herds of cows and escaped the scene before the arrival of security operatives. “Upon receipt of the report, quickly, nearby divisions were notified. “The DPO Malumfashi, having mobilised operatives, in collaboration with the military and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), successfully tracked and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. “The hoodlums dispersed from the scene due to superior tactics and firepower.” Abubakar stated that the team,...

RAISED AS A DAUGHTER - Episode 1

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Adewale loved Morenike long before he had anything. Before the house in the city. Before the cars. Before people began calling him Sir.  He loved her when he was still struggling, when his mother complained that love does not cook soup or raise children. “You need a woman that will build you,” his mother used to say. Morenike built him with prayers, patience, and quiet strength. They married without drama, without competition, and without debt. No loud celebration, no long guest list. Just two people who believed that love was enough. For the first year of their marriage, everything felt perfect. They prayed together every morning. They ate together every night. They laughed like children over small things. Whenever Adewale came home late from work, Morenike would wait up, no matter how tired she was. “You don’t sleep until I’m home?” he once asked. She smiled. “This house sleeps when the owner enters.” That was Morenike — gentle, supportive, content. But by the second ...

Heavy security as Nenadi Usman takes over LP secretariat

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There was a heavy security presence on Tuesday at the national secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja as the acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, took over the headquarters from the Julius Abure-led faction. Usman confirmed the development in a phone interview through her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa. When our correspondent visited the party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, gun-toting and stern-looking policemen were stationed within and around the premises. All Labour Party banners and giant billboards bearing the faces of Abure and his executives within the premises have been replaced with those of Usman. Party supporters, members, and journalists were subjected to strict security screening and asked to properly identify themselves before gaining access to the secretariat. Sources within the party said the new leadership had also directed members to begin preparations to take over other Labour Party state secretariats across the country....

Electoral Act: Senate approves e-transmission of results, allows manual backup

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The Senate has approved the electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, while permitting manual collation to serve as a backup where technology fails. The decision followed a reconsideration of a disputed clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill during an emergency plenary on Tuesday. However, the upper chamber stopped short of making electronic transmission compulsory and also rejected the provision for real-time upload of results. Under the reviewed section, presiding officers at polling units are to electronically transmit results to the IReV portal after voting and documentation are completed. The amendment, however, provides that where electronic transmission cannot be carried out due to communication or network challenges, the manual result sheet, Form EC8A, will become the primary basis for collation and declaration. While putting the motion to a voice vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ...

Dangote Refinery slashes petrol price to N774 per litre

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its Premium Motor Spirit gantry price by N25 per litre, lowering its ex-depot rate from N799 to N774 per litre in what industry analysts describe as a strategic price recalibration amid evolving market dynamics in 2026. The refinery communicated the price adjustment to marketers on Tuesday, noting that the new rate takes immediate effect. In a notice issued by its Group Commercial Operations Department, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE stated, “This is to notify you of a change in our PMS gantry price from N799 per litre to N774 per litre.” Checks by The PUNCH on petroleumprice.ng on Tuesday confirmed that the revised price had been reflected on industry pricing platforms. The refinery also informed marketers that its PMS lifting incentive had ended. “Additionally, please note that the PMS lifting bonus ended at 12:00 a.m. on 10th February 2026. The corresponding credit for volumes loaded from 2nd to 10th February 2026...

How hidden petrol container ignited deadly crash in Lagos

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A fatal road accident involving a commercial minibus has claimed the lives of two people and left eight others injured along the Okota–Mile 2 corridor of Lagos State. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday along the Ballet inward route to Mile 2 in the Okota area of Isolo, involved a mini yellow commercial bus, popularly known as Faka, with registration number SMK 823 YK. The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident in a statement signed on Tuesday. He said the crash was triggered by an unknown private vehicle that reversed on the main carriageway. “Preliminary security findings revealed that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by an unknown private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, an action that compelled the commercial minibus travelling at considerable speed to apply an abrupt brake. “This sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose stability, overturn re...

SEC urges civil servants to invest in capital markets

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The Securities and Exchange Commission has urged Nigerian civil servants to embrace the capital market as a practical tool for long-term wealth creation and retirement security, warning that reliance on salaries alone leaves workers financially exposed after service. The appeal was made during a strategic engagement between the cmmission and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja, according to a press statement issued by the SEC on Tuesday. Speaking at the meeting, the SEC Director-General, Emomotimi Agama, said public servants needed to change their perception of the capital market from a distant financial space to one that directly affects their present and future well-being. He stressed that civil servants should see themselves as participants in the economy, not just administrators of government policy, noting that active investment is key to financial stability during and after public service. “The capital market is a platform for wealth...

NUPRC courts global investors with PIA reforms, 2025 licensing round

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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has urged global investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s 2025 oil and gas licensing round, assuring that reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 have created a predictable, transparent and investor-friendly framework for upstream development. The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made the call on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, while delivering the opening address at the 10th anniversary of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, SAIPEC 2026, in Lagos. In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, Eyesan described the licensing round as a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to unlock its vast upstream potential and reposition the country as a competitive destination for hydrocarbon investment. She said the reforms introduced by the PIA had significantly improved regulatory certainty, re...

Bullet discovery halts Edo assembly’s first plenary

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The first sitting of members of the Edo State House of Assembly for 2026 was abruptly halted on Tuesday following the discovery of a bullet and suspected gunshot holes in the Assembly complex. Tension gripped the premises as lawmakers arrived for plenary and were alerted to what appeared to be evidence of a shooting incident within the chamber area. The development prompted the leadership of the House to suspend proceedings and invite operatives of the Edo State Police Command and the Department of State Services to investigate the incident. Speaking with journalists, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Jonathan Ebamewu, said security agencies had taken over the matter and that sitting had been postponed pending the outcome of their investigation. “We were ready for sitting today when our attention was drawn to the fact that there was an incident within the complex. I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the DSS. We have handed everything over to them to in...

LP ready to welcome Tinubu, Obi, says Abia deputy gov

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The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has said the Labour Party is open to receiving President Bola Tinubu, former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other political heavyweights who may wish to join the party, as it seeks to reposition itself under new leadership. Emetu, who chairs the Labour Party’s National Steering Committee on Membership, Revalidation and e-Registration, gave the assurance on Monday during the presentation of a progress report and the formal handover to the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee. He was responding to questions on whether Obi would be allowed to return to the party should he fail to secure the presidential ticket of his new platform, the African Democratic Congress. The deputy governor said the Labour Party runs an open, transparent and inclusive system, insisting that no individual is barred from joining the party, regardless of political standing or affiliation. He said, “The Labour Party is a party for all, irr...

Nigeria’s growth hinges on strong public-private partnership – Cardoso

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has said Nigeria’s long-term growth will depend largely on the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, stressing that sustained institutional coordination is key to restoring confidence and delivering durable economic outcomes. Cardoso made this known in a post on his X page on Tuesday, outlining the apex bank’s policy direction at the start of the year and emphasising that macroeconomic stability cannot be achieved through isolated actions. “The year opened with a clear emphasis on coordination and the restoration of long-term confidence. “At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we recognise that macroeconomic stability is not achieved through isolated measures, but through institutions working in deliberate alignment.,” he said. According to him, the CBN’s priority is to safeguard stability while ensuring that ongoing reforms strengthen institutions and produce lasting economic benefits. “Our ...

The Weeknd Tops 2025: $298M Earnings, No.1 Album & Billion-Dollar Tour.

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The Weeknd has officially cemented his status as the world’s top artist of 2025, raking in $298 million in earnings. His highly anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking another chart-topping success for the Canadian superstar. Adding to his record-breaking year, The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour grossed over $1 billion, making it one of the biggest solo tours in music history. Fans worldwide flocked to experience his signature mix of R&B, pop, and immersive stage production. With a combination of strong streaming numbers, live performance dominance, and consistent award recognition, The Weeknd’s influence in global music continues to grow. 2025 has proven that he is not just a performer, but a cultural phenomenon shaping modern music trends.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026: How to Study in New Zealand Fully Funded (Tuition, Living & Travel Covered).

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The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 provide international students with a fully funded opportunity to study in New Zealand. Sponsored by the New Zealand Government, this scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel, medical insurance, and settlement support. Designed for students with strong academic records and leadership potential, the program empowers recipients to gain world-class education while contributing positively to their home countries after graduation. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students in selected fields can apply, gaining access to top New Zealand universities and professional networks. Studying in New Zealand offers not only high-quality education but also a safe and vibrant environment with scenic landscapes and multicultural campuses. The scholarship is ideal for ambitious students looking to enhance their global perspective and career opportunities. 👉 How to Apply Full application details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines ...

Rema Makes History: ‘Rave & Roses (Ultra)’ Becomes the First African Album to Hit 3 Billion Spotify Streams.

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Nigerian superstar Rema has achieved a historic milestone as his album Rave & Roses (Ultra) surpassed 3 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first African album ever to reach this landmark. The achievement marks a defining moment not just for Rema’s career, but for Afrobeats and African music as a whole. Released as an expanded version of his debut album Rave & Roses, the Ultra edition gained massive global traction, powered by chart-topping hits like “Calm Down” and its remix featuring Selena Gomez. The project dominated streaming platforms across multiple continents, breaking barriers for African artists in mainstream global music. Crossing 3 billion streams on Spotify places Rema among the world’s elite streaming artists, highlighting the growing global appetite for Afrobeats. The milestone also reflects the genre’s digital dominance, youth appeal, and international crossover success. Crossing 3 billion streams on Spotify places Rema among the world’s elite s...

Burna Boy’s Global Reign: How the African Giant Turned Afrobeats Into a Grammy-Level Force.

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Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful musical exports and a defining voice in the global rise of Afrobeats. With multiple Grammy nominations across his career and a historic Grammy win, Burna Boy has cemented his place as a world-class artist whose influence stretches far beyond Africa. Dubbed the “African Giant,” Burna Boy blends Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and Afro-fusion into a sound that resonates globally. Albums such as African Giant, Twice As Tall, Love, Damini, and I Told Them… have earned critical acclaim, international chart success, and recognition from major global award bodies, including the Grammy Awards. His Grammy journey reflects consistency and evolution. Burna Boy has received nominations in categories such as Best Global Music Album and Best World Music Album, highlighting the growing acceptance of African music on the world’s biggest stage. Beyond awards, he has sold out iconic venues like Madison Squa...

KWAM1’s daughter dismisses dating rumours with Asake

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Dami Marshall, daughter of Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM1, has dismissed rumours linking her romantically with singer Ahmed Ololade, aka Asake. The speculation began after she posted a photo of herself with the singer at an event and captioned it, “Mr Money and Mrs Money.” The post quickly sparked reactions online, with blogs suggesting the two were in a relationship. However, on Sunday, Dami returned to her Instagram page to set the record straight, explaining that the photo was taken the first time she met the singer. “Guys, that was my first time meeting him [Asake], so I took a picture. Do not believe blogs; they can do anything for traffic. “And I am not a Media personality, I am a Legal practitioner, currently serving as SSA to Mr Gov… Address me well next time,” she wrote. Asake, has kept his private life largely away from public attention. He is not publicly known to be in any romantic relationship since his reported breakup with his ...

Police arrest three suspected cultists in Oyo

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The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity after disrupting a cult meeting allegedly held within the premises of a secondary school in Oyo town. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, stating that the arrests followed credible intelligence about the gathering. According to him, operatives of the Atiba Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Femi Haruna, mobilised to Bode Thomas Secondary School, where about 30 individuals dressed in black were reportedly converging for a suspected secret cult meeting. On sighting the police, the group fled into nearby bushes, while three suspects were apprehended. Those arrested were identified as Jelili Taiwo Kazeem, 20; Toheeb Adediran, 25; and Ayomide Taiwo, 23. Preliminary investigation revealed that Adediran, a commercial motorcycle rider, allegedly transported some of the suspected cult members to the venue. His motorc...

Nigeria’s free zones can boost EU trade, says NEPZA

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The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has called on the European Union to integrate Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones scheme into European value chains as part of efforts to boost economic growth, deepen industrialisation and strengthen EU–Nigeria trade relations. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, made the call on Monday during a trade and investment facilitation meeting held at the European House in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the authority. Speaking before European ambassadors, heads of delegation of European Union member states and representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, Ogunyemi said Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones could serve as strategic platforms for expanding economic cooperation between Europe and Africa at a time of major global economic realignment. “It is a privilege to address this distinguished gathering at this critical moment in global economic history. O...

Jetour bets on Dashing to grow Nigeria market share

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Nigeria’s fast-growing compact SUV market is witnessing renewed competition as Jetour intensifies its push with the Dashing model, following its recognition as 2025 Car of the Year. The five-seater crossover, which recently entered the Nigerian auto space, is drawing interest from urban motorists and long-distance drivers, signalling a fresh challenge to established brands in one of the industry’s most competitive segments. A statement from the firm stated that visually, the Jetour Dashing makes a confident impression, with a wide grille, sculpted body lines, and sleek LED lighting that give it a bold road presence. Its aerodynamic profile and assertive front fascia allow it to stand out on both city streets and open highways. Inside, the SUV offers a modern and well-appointed cabin. A panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space, while a clean, technology-focused dashboard is centred around a 15.6-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seaml...

Dangote Cement, Aradel buying lifts NGX by N1.4tn

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Buying interest in Dangote Cement (+8.81 per cent), Aradel (+2.78 per cent), Nigerian Breweries (+2.66 per cent), International Breweries (+2.00 per cent) and Lafarge Africa (+1.74 per cent) drove the market performance on Monday on the Nigerian Exchange Limited. The extension of the bullish trend on the local bourse resulted in a 1.29 per cent increase in both the All-Share Index, which rose to 173,946.22, and the market capitalisation, which stood at N111.66tn at the close of trading. Investor sentiment remained bullish, with 59 gainers emerging compared to 26 laggards. Overall, CAP (+10.00 per cent), MAYBAKER (+10.00 per cent), and DAARCOMM (+10.00 per cent) jointly led the gainers’ log, while EUNISELL (-9.98 per cent), Tripple Gee (-8.90 per cent), and Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc (-8.03 per cent) topped the laggards. However, trading activity moderated as total volume and value traded fell 18.72 per cent and 35.21 per cent, respectively, to 775.2 million units and N27.9bn, ...

Nine worshipers abducted during vigil in Benue church

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At least nine worshipers were abducted on Sunday by suspected bandits during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State. Local sources had said on Monday that the attack occurred around 2 a.m., when the church was holding a vigil as part of a 30-day programme. The National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association in the LGA, Comrade Jude Onwe, told our correspondent that, “Around 2 a.m., nine worshipers, including women and youths, were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church while they were at the vigil.” Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ado LGA, Sunday Oche, lamented that the church failed to involve security operatives despite prior advice. “That is what we have been battling with. We received the sad news of the abduction, and I have mobilised all the security agencies. We are working seriously,” Oche said. He urged residents to involve security personnel in night activities, adding that...

One killed, seven others abducted in Plateau community attack

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Armed gunmen stormed the Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday evening, killing one resident and abducting an Imam, Abdulrashidi Baduku, along with six other individuals. The victims were reportedly ambushed while processing charcoal for commercial purposes on the outskirts of the community. Some rural communities in Wase have become hotspots for recurring banditry and kidnappings in recent months. A youth leader in Wase, Shapi’i Sambo, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro, describing it as sudden and violent. “The victims were processing charcoal when gunmen suddenly stormed the area. An Imam from Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, Malam Abdulrashid Baduku, was among those abducted,” Sambo said. He added, “Residents trailed the attackers but could not apprehend them due to the darkness. The attack has triggered widespread panic among locals.” Sambo noted that security forces had been deployed to the area, ...

18-year-old arrested for cutting husband’s manhood in Yobe

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The Yobe State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old housewife for allegedly mutilating her husband’s genitals with a sharp object during a domestic dispute in Potiskum Local Government Area of the state. It was reported on Monday that the incident occurred on Friday, leaving the victim critically injured. The command’s spokesperson, Dungus Abdulkarim, told PUNCH Metro in a telephone conversation that officers responded to a distress call and found the man lying in a pool of blood inside his room. “On February 6, our policemen responded to a distress call that a man was found lying in his room in a pool of blood. We rushed to the house and could not find anybody, so we immediately took him to a clinic for treatment and later referred him to the Azare Medical Centre for further treatment,” he said. According to the police, the suspect fled the scene after the attack but was tracked and arrested on Monday. “At the moment the wife fled, we could not get her until early th...

Rivers vigilante leader, two others arrested for torturing man to death

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three persons, including the leader of a local vigilante group, for allegedly torturing a man identified simply as Ghadafi to death in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were reportedly intercepted while attempting to dispose of the victim’s body last Saturday. Those arrested were identified as the vigilante chairman, Joshua; his colleague, Silas; and a motorcycle rider, Obed Godlove. Sources had mentioned that the suspects had accused the deceased of stealing palm fruits before allegedly assaulting and torturing him. Security operatives and community youths reportedly became suspicious after sighting the trio transporting what appeared to be a lifeless body on a motorcycle and trailed them to an isolated area. Photographs and videos of the corpse seen by our correspondent showed the victim’s hands and legs bound with ropes, while he was stripped naked. The Chief Security Officer of Ukpeliede Community, ...