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A suspected notorious kidnapper and armed robber, Godwin Onyebuchi, also known as Papa G, has been nabbed by the operatives of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command. He was reportedly arrested in his hideout in a polytechnic hostel.

The arrest of Onyewuchi, who is also suspected to be a serial killer, made residents of Owerri to jubilate, including police officers who gathered to have a glimpse of him. Punch gathered that the suspect, who had escaped arrests, had been on the wanted list of the police for a long time.

According to a police source, who does not want his name in print, Onyebuchi was nabbed on Saturday at Solo Lodge hostel located around Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. The hostel, until his arrest, served as his hiding place after deadly operations.

“In order to beat police investigation, he uses that hostel as a hiding place after deadly operations. He pretends to be a student. He knew police were tracking him.

“So, he does not have a phone. He borrows phones to make calls if there were needs for telephone conversation,” the source told Punch.

The suspect, the source added, was responsible for the kidnapping of a popular gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike, and one Rev. Columba Okereke in August 2017.

“In August, 2017, a gang of armed robbers and kidnappers led by Godwin Onyebuchi, who operates between Imo and Abia states, abducted a popular gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike, and Rev. Columba Okereke.

“The gang collected the Lexus 350 model car of one of their victims while a ransom of N5m was paid. The hoodlums equally collected other valuables from the victims.

“Acting on intelligence, the operatives of Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command, led by their commander, SP Victor Godfrey, swooped on him at his hideout, Solo Lodge hostel, Nekede, on Saturday and arrested him. On sighting the F-SARS operatives, he jumped down from the three-storey building and broke one of his legs,” the source further disclosed.

Punch correspondent gathered that the suspect was rushed to police clinic, Amakaohia, Owerri, where he was receiving medical attention

It was gathered that two kidnap victims and the suspect’s gang members in the police detention had identified him as the ring leader.

Confirming the arrest, the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said the robust onslaught against criminals and their hideout was ongoing in the state.

“The suspect has been on the wanted list of the command. Acting on intelligence, we have to arrest him. He will be ready to answer for all his atrocities. As a command, we will continue to ensure that Imo people enjoy their sleeps,” the state/CP said.

BIG STORY

President Tinubu Appoints Abiola’s Son Jamiu SSA On Linguistics, Foreign Matters

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

Abiola is one of the children of the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

He was previously appointed as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, Abiola’s appointment takes effect from November 14, 2024.

Imohiosen stated that the appointment aligns with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.

He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

“The appointment takes effect from 14th November, 2024. This is in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.

“Until his appointment, Jamiu served as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President.

“President Tinubu tasks the appointee to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.”

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BIG STORY

Alleged N110bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello, Other’s Bail Ruling To December 10

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to December 10 for a ruling on the bail application by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others.

Bello had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former governor, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are being prosecuted as the 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh N110bn 16-count charge instituted against them by the EFCC.

Bello, the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryanne Anenih as they were read out to them.

After taking their plea, the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved an application for bail.

However, the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October.

Clarifying the issue, the Defendant’s Counsel stated that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22.

Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.

Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

The EFCC had filed an N110bn alleged fraud suit against the former governor.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Court Remands Yahaya Bello In EFCC Custody Amid Alleged N110bn Fraud Case

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has remanded Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello was arraigned on a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering on Wednesday.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

 

More to come…

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