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Police warn against mob action in Benue

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The Benue State Police Command has warned residents against lawlessness and mob action.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, who issued the warning, reiterated the commitment of the police to restore peace in Benus State.

The CP spoke while briefing tactical commanders deployed to curtail herders/farmers conflict at Yogbo, Guma Local Government Area, where cattle rustlers launched an attack on June 2, 2025.

A statement released by spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the CP has ordered the Area Commander, Makurdi, and the Divisional Police Officer, Daudu, to collaborate with tactical commanders and ensure safety of lives and property within the area while investigation is ongoing.

“The CP has also warned against lawlessness, particularly mob actions against persons suspected for criminal activities in the state.

“He described the act as cruel and uncivilised behaviour geared towards frustrating efforts made by the police to maintain law and order.

“He warns that criminals carrying out such behaviour should desist from it or face the wrath of the law when arrested.

“He calls on the good people of Benue State to maintain law and order as they continue to collaborate with the police to identify criminals causing mayhem in the state,” the statement said.

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Edo: I paid N6.5 million ransom to regain freedom – Kidnapped Imam debunks police claims

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Sheik Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque has debunked the claims by the Edo State Police Command that he was released by his abductors due to the intense and sustained pressure mounted on them by its operatives.

Ekwutosblog recalls that the Chief Imam was kidnapped July 7, 2025 shortly after observing one of the Muslim obligatory prayers at about 2 pm.

The Chief Imam is also the President, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Edo-Delta Chapter.

He was kidnapped at the Angle 80 area of Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

He was reported to have been forcefully taken away by gunmen when he stepped out to buy food for his family near his residence shortly after the prayer.

It was also gathered that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N30 million from his family for his release.

However, the Edo State Police Command in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, July 14, 2025, said the Cleric has been released due to intense and sustained pressure by operatives of the Command.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, Moses Yamu, said the Commissioner of Police in the State, Monday Agbonika, commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the operation.

He said the commissioner assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in identifying and apprehending those behind the kidnapping.

“The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the public that Moritada Obhakhoboh the Chief Imam of Uromi was released by his abductors on 13th July 2025 due to the intense and sustained pressure mounted by our operatives.

“He has since been reunited with his family and is in stable condition.

“The kidnapping occurred on 7th July 2025 at the Angle 80 area of Uromi and was reported to the Uromi Divisional Police Headquarters on 8th July 2025.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Command immediately launched a robust manhunt for the perpetrators, deploying tactical teams and collaborating with local vigilantes to track down the assailants with a view to rescuing the victim unhurt and bringing the culprits to justice”, Yamu stated.

Reacting,  the Chief Imam said there was no iota of truth in the claim by the Police, saying that he paid N6.5million ransom to his abductors.

Obhakhobo said he regained freedom by paying ransom and not through the efforts and intervention of the police.

The Cleric, who spoke in his hometown, said he was abducted along the Ubiaja-Illushi road of the State.

“I was kidnapped on July 7, 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road. I got myself released with the payment of N6.5 million on July 13, 2025.

“I’m also shocked to see a different person’s picture in one of the papers claiming it was me.

“On getting home upon my release, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited me to gather information, which I provided.

“My release was a result of private efforts and the payment of a substantial ransom”, he said.

He, however, expressed dismay that the police are taking credit for what they did not do.

“I just got information on the newspapers where the police are trying to take credit for doing nothing”, he added.

The Imam, however, expressed appreciation to all those that prayed for his safety and release, as well as showed concerns during the period.

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BREAKING: Court clears Ayo Fayose of all money laundering charges

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A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges in the long-running N2.2 billion money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a ruling delivered Tuesday morning, the court upheld Fayose’s no-case submission, declaring that the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case warranting him to enter a defence.

Fayose had faced trial for several years over allegations of money laundering and financial misappropriation during his time as governor of Ekiti State. However, the court found the prosecution’s case to be lacking in credible evidence.

“The prosecution failed to link the defendant to the alleged crimes in a manner that warrants this court to call upon him to open his defence,” the court ruled.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court had also granted Fayose leave to travel abroad for medical treatment, following a separate application.

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Plateau Speaker leads members to visit attacked Riyom community

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Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, on Tuesday, led principal members of the House to visit the Jebbu Binde village of Ta-Hoss District in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which was attacked by Fulani militia on Monday night.

Gapyil, who spoke to journalists during the visit, said the House decided to embark on the visit to condole with the people as well as have an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on ground.

The Speaker said the Assembly will collaborate with the state government to bring to an end the incessant killings of defenceless and innocent citizens in the state.

While being conducted round the scene of the attack, Gapyil, who expressed shock at the level of destruction carried out by the assailants, expressed his sadness at what he described as an “unfortunate recurring incident” and promised that the government is making efforts to nib the issue of insecurity in the bud.

A statement issued by the media team of the House said the Speaker and members on arrival, met with the former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Simon Mwadkwon, local government officials and former Chairman of Riyom LGA, Mafeng Gwalson, and other stakeholders, community and youths leaders,
who conducted them round the scene of the attack.

“The Speaker, who condemned the attack, assured the communities that the Plateau State House of Assembly has resolved to collaborate with the executive and other relevant agencies to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice,” the statement read in part.

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