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RIVERS STATE POLICE ARREST 13-MEMBER GANG SPECIALIZING IN HIJACKING, DIVERTING TRAILER LOADs OF GOODS

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The Rivers State Police Command has successfully apprehended a 13-member criminal syndicate involved in hijacking and diverting trailer loads of goods, following an attempted burglary investigation.

On March 4, 2024, a distress call alerted the police to a burglary attempt at warehouses in Elimgbu, owned by Mr. Emmanuel Nwangwu and Mrs. Ndifreke Ekanem. Police officers arrived promptly, arresting five suspects who had been severely beaten by a mob. These suspects were taken to the police hospital for treatment and subsequent interrogation.

Spokesperson of the Rivers state Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko revealed that two of the arrested suspects were security personnel: West Isaac (08NA/61/2653), a corporal in the Nigerian Army, and Jabila Kammangar, alias ‘Kaka,’ an officer in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Both confessed to abandoning their posts to partake in lucrative criminal activities in Rivers State.

Corporal West, a 36-year-old father of four from Buguma, joined the Army in 2008 and served in Delta State. He failed to return from a sick pass, remaining AWOL for over a month. He disclosed that he met Kaka while serving in the Army’s Anti-Bunkering Unit. Their criminal activities included warehouse raids and hijacking trailers. They used military gear and a white Hilux van to intimidate and assault drivers, then diverted the goods to waiting receivers.

West’s confession led to the arrest of three other Army personnel: Lance Corporal Abdul Musa (13NA/70/10545), Lance Corporal Mgbe Jeoffrey (16NA/75/6896), and Corporal Innocent Okwoli (12NA/68/6552). Additionally, eight civilian collaborators were apprehended: Olisa Emeka, George Obilor, Sampson Wilson, Alfred Abeke, Barry John, Auwalu Aliyu, Uchenna Nwali, and Alhaji Sofinu Haruna.

Corporal Innocent Okwoli, a native of Otakpo in Benue State, was identified as the group’s key coordinator. He started leading hijacking operations after being introduced to the activity by an individual named Abbas and two unnamed Naval officers. Among their crimes were the hijacking of a trailer loaded with fertiliser worth N25 million on February 17, 2024, the attempted burglary on March 4, 2024, and the hijacking of a 40-foot container of imported clothing and a trailer of POP cement in February 2024. The police have recovered the stolen POP cement and the white Toyota Hilux used in their operations.

The three implicated soldiers have been dismissed from the Nigerian Army and handed over to the police for prosecution. Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, commended the military for their cooperation and prompt action in addressing the misconduct. He praised the police officers involved in the arrest and urged continued vigilance. |Follow Ekwutosblog

EVENTS

Arthur Nzeribe: The Arms Dealer Who Supplied Both Sides of Nigeria’s Civil War

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When people think of Arthur Nzeribe, the late Nigerian businessman and politician, most remember his flamboyant lifestyle, vast wealth, and eventual role as a senator. But one of the most controversial chapters of his life remains his activities during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

The Business of War

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, erupted when the southeastern region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. The three years of bloodshed left over a million people dead, mostly from famine and starvation.

Behind the battle lines, a young Arthur Nzeribe—already showing the sharp instincts that would define his career—saw opportunity in the chaos. He became a middleman in the shadowy world of international arms trade, using his contacts in Europe to source and supply weapons.

Playing Both Sides

What makes his role particularly controversial is that Nzeribe allegedly sold arms to both the Nigerian federal government and the secessionist Biafran side. While most businessmen aligned with one camp or the other, Nzeribe navigated between both, dealing in weapons and military hardware. To some, he was an opportunist who fueled the conflict for profit; to others, he was simply a pragmatic businessman operating in a brutal environment.

The Making of a Tycoon

These wartime dealings laid the foundation for Nzeribe’s later fortune. By the 1970s and 1980s, he had built up a business empire spanning oil, property, and investments. His wealth bought him influence, and his influence eventually bought him a seat in Nigerian politics.

Yet, the whispers of his past never fully went away. Many Nigerians continued to view him as a man who profited from national tragedy, even as he tried to reinvent himself as a statesman.

Legacy of a Controversial Figure

Arthur Nzeribe’s life is a study in contrasts—patriot and profiteer, politician and dealmaker, philanthropist and opportunist. His role as an arms dealer during the civil war remains a dark shadow over his legacy, reminding us how the lines between survival, business, and morality can blur during times of conflict.

In the end, Nzeribe’s story


is not just about one man, but about the broader reality of war: while ordinary people pay the price with their lives, others exploit the chaos to secure wealth and power.

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Osun: Amotekun arrests ex-convict, others for theft, burglary, rape of minors

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The Osun State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested nine individuals for various crimes including livestock theft, burglary and defilement of minors.

This was made known by the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, on Thursday in Osogbo.

“In Oriade Local Government Area, a 56-year-old man, Ayo Akinpelu, was caught stealing two goats in Ipetu-Ijesa. Residents reported his suspicious activity, leading to his interception by the Amotekun command.

“Akinpelu was found with the stolen goats concealed inside his Lexus SUV. Community members insisted on inspecting the vehicle before Amotekun arrived to take him into custody,” the statement said.

Akinpelu, during questioning, confessed to have been involved in goat theft for seven years.

The statement revealed that Akinpelu is an ex-convict who was previously jailed for a similar offence.

“He confessed that he uses salt to calm the goats during theft and that he used the animals for pepper soup in his Ondo town beer parlour.

“He admitted to frequently travelling to Osun communities to steal goats.”

In a separate incident in Olaoluwa LGA , Amotekun operatives also arrested two men, 30 year old Sodiq Adeshina and 25 year old Kareem Marouf for burglary at an uncompleted building in Oluponna town

The suspects had stolen electrical appliances and cables valued at over N450,000, intending to sell them to a buyer in Iwo.

The statement stated that they confessed after being caught by operatives acting on intelligence reports.

Also, 26 year old Elijah Olawale of Ijebu-Ijesha town, Oriade LGA of the state, was arrested following complaints by his wife that he sexually abused his nine-year-old daughter.

“He confessed to raping the child three years ago and again recently.”

Also arrested were 26 year old Modakeke-based labour worker, ThankGod Friday, from Akwa-Ibom State, for raping his employer’s 12-year-old daughter twice.

Adeleke Sodiq, aged 60 years from Ode-omu, was caught raping a six-year-old toddler.

It was gathered that he lured the child with money and confessed to the crime, claiming it was his first time.

On September 8, 2025, the Amotekun revealed that three men – Ayo Akanni, 22 years, Bamiwo Sogo, 18 years and Bamiwo Israel, 18 years, were arrested in Ilesa for multiple burglaries at Atakunmosa Market.

“The suspects led operatives to a hideout where electronics, household items, building materials, and provisions worth millions of Naira were recovered.”

Reacting to the arrests, the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele reiterated the Corps’ commitment to public safety and urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“We remain resolute in securing lives and property. Criminals have no hiding place; all suspects will face prosecution,” he added.

He disclosed that all nine suspects remained in custody and will be arraigned after conclusion of investigations.

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Temi Otedola, Mr. Eazi release wedding pictures

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Temi Otedola, the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, and singer Mr Eazi, have released pictures of their wedding ceremony .

The couple announced engagement in April 2022 and tied the knot in 2025.

According to reports, Temi and Mr Eazi hosted not one, not two, but three weddings across three countries.

Their first ceremony was a civil wedding held in Monaco on May 9, which coincided with Mr Eazi’s late mother’s birthday.

This was followed by a traditional Yoruba wedding ceremony at the Otedola family home in Dubai, where they celebrated their Nigerian heritage with traditional food, music, and attire.

The final ceremony was a white wedding held in Iceland in August, where the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful church ceremony.

 

The couple’s wedding celebrations were a blend of Nigerian culture and international flair, reflecting their unique love story.

Mr Eazi has spoken about how the weddings have inspired him, saying he wants to create more love songs, particularly stripped-back acoustic tracks that he can perform live at future Nigerian weddings.

The couple’s romance began in 2017, and after five years of dating, Mr Eazi proposed to Temi in April 2022.

Temi recently took to social media to announce her new surname, sharing pictures of the wedding with the caption “Mr and Mrs Ajibade.”

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