Crime
Ogun Inmates Rearrested After Court Escape Attempt Causes Panic
SAGAMU, Nigeria (AP) — Panic broke out Wednesday in the Isale-Oko area of Sagamu, Ogun State, when two prison inmates tried to escape after a court hearing but were quickly captured by security officers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The incident happened shortly after the suspects were brought out of the courtroom. Witnesses said the men suddenly made a run for freedom, causing confusion among people gathered around the court.
Security personnel, including prison warders and police officers, chased the inmates through nearby streets. The chase attracted attention from traders, residents, and passersby, many of whom thought a major security breakdown was underway.
“The prisoners ran very fast, and people were shouting,” said a witness who gave his name as Tunde. “For a moment, we thought they would escape, but the officers acted quickly.”
The inmates were rearrested within minutes, according to authorities. Officials confirmed that no one was injured and that the suspects were returned into custody without further disturbance.
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Omolola Odutola said the situation was under control. “There was an attempted escape, but the suspects were rearrested immediately,” she told reporters. “There is no threat to public safety.”
Court workers said the incident happened as prisoners were being moved after their cases were mentioned. Security sources explained that escape attempts are not common in Sagamu, but prison transfers remain moments of risk because of the open environment.
Residents in the Isale-Oko area described the scene as dramatic. Some shopkeepers closed their stalls, thinking violence might erupt. Others ran inside buildings until the noise subsided.
“I thought it was a robbery at first,” said a market woman who asked not to be named. “When I saw uniformed officers chasing men in handcuffs, I realized it was prisoners. Everyone was scared for those few minutes.”
Authorities did not immediately reveal the identities of the inmates or the charges they are facing. It was not clear whether additional security measures will now be put in place during future court appearances.
In Nigeria, prison escapes and attempted jailbreaks have raised public concern in recent years. While large-scale prison breaks often make national headlines, smaller escape attempts like the one in Sagamu highlight the daily challenges faced by correctional officers.
Security experts say prisons and courtrooms are under pressure due to overcrowding, long trial delays, and limited resources. They warn that such conditions can increase the chances of desperate escape attempts.
Human rights groups have also called for reforms to reduce the number of inmates awaiting trial. Many prisons in Nigeria hold more people awaiting trial than those already convicted, putting strain on facilities and staff.
For residents of Sagamu, Wednesday’s scare was a reminder of wider security worries in the country. Ogun State has experienced tensions in the past over cult clashes, violent crime, and political unrest. The sudden dash of two prisoners only added to that sense of unease.
Despite the panic, authorities urged the public to remain calm. Police said normal activities in the Isale-Oko neighborhood resumed quickly after the inmates were caught.
Legal analysts said the suspects may now face new charges of attempted escape in addition to their original cases. Such offenses can carry extra penalties under Nigerian law.
“The system will not take this lightly,” said Lagos-based lawyer Akinwale Johnson. “An escape attempt inside or outside court is a serious matter. It shows disrespect for the law and endangers the public.”
As of Thursday, officials confirmed that the inmates remain in secure custody while investigations continue. No changes have been announced yet regarding how court transfers will be handled in Sagamu, but observers expect tighter measures in the coming weeks.
According to Nivo News, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed 5,000 new members in Abia State on Saturday, following the recent entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The mass defection was led by Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Accord Party, in his hometown of Umuaku, Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. Supporters who joined him also left their former political affiliations, including the South East Mandate for Good Governance, to align with the ADC.
Nwankpa explained that his decision to join the ADC was driven by a strong conviction, noting that the party’s manifesto resonates with his political philosophy, emphasizing people-oriented governance, social justice, and sustainable development. He described the ADC as a credible, progressive platform capable of fostering inclusive governance and rebuilding public trust in Nigerian politics.
The Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Don Norman Obinna, formally welcomed Nwankpa and his followers, stating that the country’s political trajectory is increasingly favoring the ADC.
The Abia State Police Command has reported the arrest of 809 suspects and the recovery of 88 firearms in 438 cases across the state from January 2025 to date.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa provided the update on Friday during a briefing at his office, outlining the operational strategies and achievements of the Command during the period under review. He disclosed that 435 rounds of ammunition were recovered from suspected criminals and that over 200 suspects have been successfully prosecuted, with several jailed for various offenses.
The CP further revealed that 33 children who had been kidnapped or trafficked were rescued within and outside the state, with the suspects involved prosecuted and some already imprisoned. “We have sent a lot of people to jail. A clear message has been passed that it is no longer business as usual for criminals in Abia State,” Isa stated.
He highlighted that the state’s crime rate has declined under his leadership, attributing the success to support from Governor Alex Otti, provision of logistics, and collaboration with community stakeholders. Isa also noted that officers encountered non-state actors on several occasions, who were neutralized and disarmed.
The Police Commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information on suspicious activities to further strengthen the fight against crime. Firearms and other weapons recovered from suspects were displayed at the Police headquarters in Umuahia for the media.
According to Nivo News, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has arrested high-profile cybercrime suspects linked to a sophisticated Microsoft 365 phishing operation that targeted the email systems of major corporate organisations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The arrests followed actionable intelligence received from Microsoft Corporation in the United States through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which exposed the deployment of an advanced phishing toolkit known as RaccoonO365. The toolkit was designed to create counterfeit Microsoft login pages capable of harvesting user credentials and unlawfully accessing corporate, financial, and educational email platforms.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the cybercrime centre launched a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in partnership with Microsoft, the FBI, and the United States Secret Service. He explained that investigations traced multiple cases of unauthorised Microsoft 365 account access recorded between January and September 2025 to phishing emails crafted to closely mimic legitimate Microsoft authentication portals.
According to police findings, the cyberattacks resulted in business email compromise, data breaches, and significant financial losses across several jurisdictions. Acting on precise intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives conducted targeted operations in Lagos and Edo states, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Searches carried out at their residences yielded laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices, which forensic analysis directly linked to the fraudulent activities.
Further investigations identified Okitipi Samuel, also known by the aliases “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and alleged developer of the phishing infrastructure. Police said he operated a Telegram channel through which phishing links were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and hosted fake login portals on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials.
The police clarified that there was no evidence connecting the two other arrested individuals to the creation or management of the phishing scheme. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s digital environment through the use of advanced technology, enhanced international cooperation, and thorough investigative and prosecutorial processes aimed at combating evolving cyber threats.
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