Crime
Ten Suspects Face Terrorism Charges Over N4 Billion Illegal Arms Importation
Ten Suspects Face Terrorism Charges Over N4 Billion Illegal Arms Importation....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ten suspects are set to face terrorism charges today, Monday, for their alleged involvement in the illegal importation of firearms and ammunition valued at N4 billion. These suspects, linked to a major smuggling operation in June 2024, will be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The illegal firearms and ammunition, reportedly concealed within various goods like doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, were smuggled into Nigeria in a 40-foot container. Authorities revealed the arms haul included 844 prohibited firearms and 112,500 rounds of ammunition, raising serious concerns about national security.
Federal Government Charges the Suspects
The Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has pressed charges against the ten defendants: Ali Ofoma, Okechukwu Charles, Kingsley Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Segun, Augustine Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo. They are facing four counts, including terrorism, illegal arms importation, and forgery.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly conspired to falsify the bill of lading, changing the consignee’s name from Ola Gold Maritime Services to Dan Autos Limited, and diverted the container’s delivery route to obscure their illegal activities. This elaborate scheme highlights the severity of the charges against them.
Charges Under Terrorism and Firearms Acts
The charges, filed under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, emphasize the national security risks posed by the defendants’ actions. The smuggling of these weapons is classified as a grave offense under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Ofoma, Charles, and others still at large, on or about June 20, 2024, at Onne Port Terminal, knowingly and intentionally transported prohibited weapons and dangerous substances aboard the Maersk Vigo Ship with bill of lading number 238921355, containing container number MAEU-9165396, into the country. This act, deemed prejudicial to national security, violated the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and is punishable under Section 39(1)(a)(i) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.”
Further allegations accuse the suspects of importing firearms without proper licenses, breaching Section 18 of the Firearms Act Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which is punishable under Section 27(a)(iii) of the same Act.
National Security Threat
The illegal arms importation has heightened concerns about the impact on national security, as the proliferation of firearms in the country could potentially fuel violent crimes and terrorism. The case underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to combating illegal arms trafficking, which poses a significant threat to peace and stability within the region.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 19 individuals in Benin City, Edo State, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement issued on Monday via the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the arrests were carried out by the Benin Zonal Command on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The operation was based on actionable intelligence that linked the suspects to a series of fraudulent cyber activities.
The EFCC disclosed that several high-value items were recovered from the suspects during the operation, including five luxury vehicles and multiple smartphones believed to have been used in perpetrating the crimes.
“Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State. The arrests were made based on credible intelligence connecting them to cybercrime activities,” the agency’s statement read.
Although further specifics regarding the alleged schemes have yet to be made public, the EFCC has assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted once inquiries are concluded.
This operation is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to combat the rise in cybercrime across Nigeria, a crime trend colloquially referred to as “yahoo-yahoo.”
At least 40 individuals have lost their lives in a renewed wave of violence that struck Zike, a community in Kimakpa within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The assault, which unfolded in the early hours of Monday, left residents in terror as unidentified gunmen invaded the village, indiscriminately opening fire on civilians. Many who tried to escape were tragically caught in the barrage of bullets.
Community leader Wakili Tongwe, speaking to Channels Television, disclosed that he and security agents were patrolling a nearby area when the attack erupted.
“Despite engaging the attackers and pushing them back, the toll was already severe,” Tongwe said. “Thirty-six people died on the spot, and four others later succumbed to their injuries. Several victims are still receiving medical attention.”
This latest incident follows a disturbing trend of violence in Plateau State, coming just two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA claimed 52 lives.
Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, expressed strong condemnation of the act, describing it as “one attack too many” and a threat to the state’s fragile peace.
“It’s devastating to face another tragedy in Bassa, barely weeks after the Bokkos killings,” she lamented. “This appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace we’ve been working hard to restore.”
Ramnap urged residents to stay calm and vigilant, affirming that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“The state will deal firmly with any individual or group involved in such barbaric acts,” she assured, warning against retaliatory violence.
As of press time, security agencies had not released an official statement on the latest attack.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Alhaji Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations tied to a ₦70 billion fraud.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Jaja was released under the condition that he returns for upcoming court hearings. His arrest and prosecution have sparked speculations of political motivation, especially due to his previous criticisms of federal government policies.
Alongside Jaja, two others were also detained in relation to the case: Aliyu Abubakar, an unregistered bureau de change operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a PoS operator. All are being investigated for their roles in what’s being described as a massive financial scandal.
The case has generated national attention and added to ongoing scrutiny of public officials’ handling of state funds.
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