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Nigeria cleric, Egbaji regains freedom after two years in detention; FG commended

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Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its role in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been detained in the Republic of Benin for over two years under harsh and inhumane conditions.

Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was reportedly subjected to severe mental torture and held in chains during his detention. His eventual release followed a presidential pardon granted by the government of Benin Republic under the leadership of President Patrice Talon.

Speaking on the development during a programme on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde commended the diplomatic efforts that led to the pastor’s freedom, noting that the process was long and difficult. He highlighted that significant progress was made after Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu assumed office as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

According to Dr. Kehinde, despite not having any personal relationship or financial inducement involved, the minister took decisive steps by engaging Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. Her intervention, including a visit to the country and strategic negotiations, ultimately secured Pastor Egbaji’s release.

Kehinde reiterated his gratitude to the minister for her commitment and resilience in ensuring justice and freedom for the detained cleric. He further extended appreciation to several individuals and institutions who contributed to the success of the advocacy and diplomatic efforts.

He also thanked Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Government of Cross River State, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo

He emphasized that the collective effort of these stakeholders was instrumental in achieving the pastor’s freedom.

Kehinde also noted that while Pastor Egbaji’s release marks a significant victory, the cleric now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He stressed that Egbaji requires continued support — both moral and material — to help him get back on his feet and reintegrate into society.

Kehinde called for sustained government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, strengthening diplomatic relations across West Africa, and ensuring that individuals like Pastor Egbaji receive the necessary assistance to recover fully from their ordeals.



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Police arrest 13 suspects over terrorism, banditry in Kebbi

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The Kebbi State Police Command says it has arrested 13 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other offences across the state within the last one month.

The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on recent security operations and achievements recorded by the command.

Hadejia said the arrests were made through intelligence-led policing, coordinated operations and collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and other stakeholders.

According to him, the command remains committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating in the state.

The commissioner said operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to Illo Division in Bagudo Local Government Area arrested three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group along the Illo-Lolo Road on June 5.

The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Abubakar, were intercepted while riding a motorcycle allegedly to procure food supplies for criminal elements.

“Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to movements around the area during the attack that led to the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, personnel in Illo on June 4,” Hadejia said.

He added that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police commissioner also disclosed that four suspected Lakurawa bandits were arrested on June 7 along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo Local Government Area.

“The suspects, identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu, are being investigated for alleged involvement in armed banditry activities within the SODA Forest,” he said.

Hadejia further said operatives arrested one Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu Local Government Area on June 9 for allegedly providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

According to him, investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied food items and soft drinks to the terrorists and was linked to the movement of a suspected terrorist member, Amadu Umar.

He further disclosed that police operatives arrested one Ayuba Ibrahim of Bakin Ruwa in Bagudo Local Government Area on June 11 for allegedly serving as an informant and supporter of bandits.

A pump-action rifle, three live cartridges and other items suspected to be connected to criminal activities were recovered from the suspect, according to the commissioner.

The command also arrested Aliyu Jibrin, 42, of Kwakware Village in Arewa Local Government Area, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market.

Hadejia noted that the command had sustained aggressive patrols and tactical deployments across identified flashpoints, leading to improved security and enhanced protection of vulnerable communities.

He attributed the achievements to the dedication of police personnel, support from other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, the Civilian JTF and credible information provided by members of the public.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information, assuring them that all reports would be treated confidentially.



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Anambra: Police arrest two over disappearance of 33-year-old woman in Oraifite

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two persons over the disappearance of a 33 years old woman in the Oraifite area of the state.

The woman reportedly disappeared about three months ago.

The state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the arrests followed the transfer of the matter from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

The police spokesman, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, said, “We successfully uncovered the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and murder of a 33-year old woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Oraifite.

“The suspects all males include: Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara 26 years old and Makuochukwu Uzoigwe 20 years old respectively.

“The Case originated on 13th March, 2026, when the deceased’s mother reported her missing at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters. The following day, 14th March, 2026, the lifeless body of an unidentified female was discovered inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite. The deceased’s father later identified the body as that of his missing daughter.

“Following the transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for a comprehensive investigation, the Operatives leveraging on intelligence and digital forensic leads through sustained efforts eventually arrested the two suspects on 6th June, 2026.”

Ikenga said the suspects have confessed to the crime, with one of the suspects saying he was in a relationship with the victim, and responsible for murdering her.

He said: “During interrogation, the principal suspect, Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, confessed to the murder. He stated that he had been in a relationship with the deceased for about three years and claimed he was unaware that she was married. He further alleged that after a disagreement with the deceased’s husband, he developed a strange illness which affected his sight and, out of resentment, plotted the attack.

“The suspect further confessed that on 13th March, 2026, he lured the deceased to his residence under the guise of seeking help due to illness. Upon her arrival, he and the second suspect allegedly attacked her with a machete, resulting in her death. The suspects subsequently disposed of the body in a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite, in the early hours of the following day.

“Both suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”



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Benue Links seeks public help to locate family of deceased passenger

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The Benue Links management has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying and locating the family of a passenger identified as Mr Timothy, who reportedly died while travelling aboard one of its buses from Makurdi to Ihugh.

According to the transport company, the incident occurred on Tuesday as the vehicle approached Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a statement on Tuesday by the management of the company’s Ihugh-Vandeikya Branch, the deceased boarded a Benue Links bus in Makurdi and was travelling towards Korinya, as indicated in the passenger manifest he completed before departure.

The company stated that the incident occurred as the vehicle approached Ihugh.

Benue Links emphasised that the death was not linked to any road traffic accident, noting that there was no collision or reported incident involving the bus during the journey.

Following the incident, Benue Links said it deposited the remains of the deceased at a mortuary in Ihugh to facilitate preservation and identification.

The company has appealed to members of the public who may know the deceased or his relatives to assist in notifying his family and directing them to contact the management of the Benue Links Ihugh-Vandeikya branch for identification and further arrangements.

The circumstances surrounding the cause of death have not been publicly disclosed.



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