Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists

The North-West Youths for Peace and Development (NWYPD), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the suppprt of the people in the region for the military in its renewed onslaught against Bello Turji and other terrorists in the region.

The Coordinator of the group, Salihu Bello, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bello also urged the people to show appreciation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its relentless efforts to tackle the activities of Bello and other bandits.

‘The military needs our to restore peace and order in the North West.

“While our region is seeking ways to advance economically, here we are dealing with forces of retrogression, people who don’t want our region to make progress.

“Unfortunately they are our people. How did we get here? Who are the people directly or indirectly supporting them?

“The North-West Youths for Peace and Development commend the Gen. Christopher Musa led Armed Forces of Nigeria for what is been done to restore peace in our region.

“We once more appeal to our people to support the military,” he said. (NAN)

Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander

The Police Command in Edo says it has arrested five suspects in connection with two different killings in the state.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of the command, CSP Moses Yamu.

Yamu said that the killings include an alleged gruesome murder of a 7-year-old boy, and the assassination of a local vigilante commander.

He said that one Mr John Okojabhole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, reported the murder of his son, Evans Okojabhole, on Feb. 22.

According to him, the boy, who had been declared missing 24 hours earlier, was later found dead with his stomach ripped open, his ankles severed, and some fingers cut off.

”His mutilated body was dumped in a bush near their home.

”Following preliminary investigations, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

“The police transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.”

The PPRO said that in another incident, the command was investigating the killing of one Victor Ogedengbe, 50, the Vigilante Commander of Erah Camp in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.

”Ogedengbe was reportedly attacked and killed in his farm on Feb. 25 by suspected herdsmen.

”The Chairman of Owan East LGA reported the incident at Afuze Police Division, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.

”The suspects are all residents of Erah community, and they have also been transferred to the SCID for further interrogation,” he said.

Yamu, disclosed that the police had also increased security in Uzanu and Okpekpe communities following the recent killing of two farmers by suspected herdsmen.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state.

He quoted the commissioner as urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agents by reporting suspicious activities.

“We appreciate the support from the general public and appeal for continued cooperation. If you see something, say something,” the police boss was quoted as saying. (NAN)

Electoral body files lawsuit against IGP over alleged unlawful detention, office sealing

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and its chairman, Mr. Hashim Abioye, have taken legal action against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in a case filed at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

The lawsuit concerns the alleged unlawful detention of OSSIEC staff and the sealing of the commission’s office.

Joined in the suit, numbered FHC/OS/CS/41/2025, is the Osun State Commissioner of Police.

The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to prevent further arrests of OSSIEC personnel and to secure the release of those currently detained.

In the originating summons, dated February 25, 2025, and signed by their counsel, Maruf Adediran, the plaintiffs argue that the police actions have violated their fundamental human rights.

They are asking the court to rule that the sealing of their office and the threat of further arrests are illegal.

Additionally, the plaintiffs are demanding N2 billion in damages for what they describe as an infringement on their rights to liberty and private life.

Part of the reliefs sought read: “A declaration that, under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the defendants were not justified in invading and sealing off the plaintiffs’ office and threatening to arrest OSSIEC staff in disregard of their rights, particularly in relation to the peaceful, free, and fair election conducted on February 22, 2025.”

The plaintiffs have also requested the court to direct the police to vacate the OSSIEC office immediately and release the detained staff members. They are seeking an injunction to prevent any further police interference with the commission’s activities.

This legal action follows growing tensions surrounding the local government elections held by OSSIEC on February 22, 2025.