Dismissed Soldier in uniform arrested by Police allegedly for Kidnapping
Dismissed Soldier in uniform arrested by Police allegedly for Kidnapping
Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Osun State Police Command have arrested and paraded Emmanuel Anthony, a 34-year-old dismissed soldier, for his role in a kidnapping operation and extortion scheme that targeted two victims for a ransom of N3 million.
Anthony, who served in the Nigerian Army for 14 years—including a deployment with the United Nations—was discharged in January 2024 for desertion, insubordination, and other offenses.
His dismissal, however, did not deter him from engaging in criminal activities.
Alongside an accomplice, David Agbebaku—who is currently in custody in Oyo State—Anthony allegedly traveled from Ibadan to Esa-Oke in Osun State on May 31, 2024.
Disguised in military uniforms, the pair abducted two victims, Amole Muiz and Adegoke Gbenga. The victims were forced to transfer N3 million to a Moniepoint account before being released.
The crime was reported to the police, triggering an investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. Through their efforts, Anthony was tracked down and arrested in Ibadan.
At his police parade, Anthony confessed to his involvement, explaining that he had used counterfeit military insignia during the operation. “The military paraphernalia were mine. I bought the three-star rank and attached it to my uniform,” he stated, further revealing that Agbebaku had brought him from Ibadan for the operation.
“I served in the Nigerian Army for 14 years and 9 months, including a mission with the 35 192 Battalion under the United Nations in 2014. I was dismissed for misconduct, desertion, and insubordination in January 2024,” Anthony admitted. “I know I’ve committed a grave crime. I regret my actions and hope for forgiveness. This will not happen again.”
In addition to the kidnapping and extortion, Anthony and his accomplice are also accused of holding two other victims—Olawumi Oluwaseun and Ishola—hostage, stealing two iPhones valued at N1.25 million before releasing them.
Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola confirmed that detectives successfully traced Anthony to Ibadan, where he was arrested and positively identified by the victims.
“The suspect was recognized as one of the armed robbers involved in the operation. He will be charged in court,” Opalola said, adding that efforts to capture other members of the gang are ongoing.
The Osun State Police have vowed to continue their pursuit of justice, assuring the public that all efforts are being made to apprehend the remaining accomplices involved in the crime.
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Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has insisted that bail is free, and called on the public to report any officer asking for money to release a suspect on bail.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Adeh spoke in reaction to public outcry that some police officers were demanding money to release suspects on bail in the territory.
She said the report of the erring officers would serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was fraudulent to demand for money to release a suspect on bail.
Adeh blamed the yielding to such fraudulent demand on ignorance on the part of the victims who refused to stand on their rights.
“A similar case was reported where an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail and when the matter was reported, we requested for evidence from the victim.
“The evidence was provided because the money was transferred to the officer’s account and actions are being taken on the issue.
“So, I encourage the public to take advantage of the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines on 08107314192 to report such misconduct with evidence,” she said.
Adeh urged the public to always insist on their rights and refuse any form of payment to release a suspect on bail.(NAN)
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Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol was on Friday sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice.
The Seoul Central District Court found that the 65-year-old conservative, with the help of the presidential security service, had tried to prevent his own arrest and deleted multiple documents related to the investigation against him.
Yoon shocked the nation by imposing martial law on December 3, 2024, amid a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into a political crisis.
He justified the drastic measure as necessary to protect South Korea’s democratic order and accused the left-leaning opposition of being infiltrated by communists with ties to China and North Korea, though he provided no evidence for these claims.
In a separate trial, prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon on charges of incitement, with a verdict expected on February 19.
While the death penalty remains legally in force in South Korea, it has not been carried out for nearly 30 years.
Yoon’s actions previously alarmed international investors and led to withheld investments, damaging the reputation of South Korea as a political and economic model for the region.
Since last summer, South Korea has been led by President Lee Jae Myung, a left-leaning centrist and long-time political rival of Yoon. (dpa/NAN)
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JUST IN; Imam that famously shielded 262 Christians from death during Plateau attack is dead
JUST IN; Imam that famously shielded 262 Christians from death during Plateau attack is dead
The Imam of Nghar village, Abubakar Abdullahi in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who famously sheltered 262 Christians during communal violence, has passed away.
The Imam’s Son Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the development to Daily Trust on Friday, saying that the cleric died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
The Son said, his father “died ten days after he was admitted” in the hospital.
“He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He’d go for check-ups and return. His health hadn’t been stable since the heart disease diagnosis.”
Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children – 12 sons and seven daughters.
Tecall that in June 2018, during violent, faith-based communal clashes that affected 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abubakar sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and residence until the violence subsided, saving them from certain death.
His courage earned him widespread recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late cleric will be laid to rest on Friday (today) in Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.
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