EFCC Arrests 35 for Alleged Internet in Plateau

The Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Command have arrested a total of 35 suspects for alleged cybercrimes in Plateau State. The suspects comprise 32 males and three females. 

 

They were rounded up along Bauchi Road Bye Pass in Jos, Plateau State capital. Their arrest followed actionable intelligence on their fraudulent activities. 

 

Items found in their possession upon arrest include 47 phones, five laptops, two macbooks, one black 406 Peugeot saloon car with registration number JJN 140 BX, one black Mercedes Benz car with registration number BSA 331 AG and one blue 2007 Model Toyota Camry without number plate. 

 

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

"WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO FIGHT CRIMINALITIES ON THE PLATEAU" - GOC 3 DIVISION TO NEW CP

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division/ Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar has noted the significance of  synergy between security agencies in the fight against all forms of criminalities fueling crisis in some volatile areas of Plateau  State. The GOC/Commmander OPSH made this known, when the new Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina paid him a courtesy visit at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos. 

Major General Abubakar remarked that, the command vision and philosophy of the Chief of  Defence Staff, General CG Musa (OFR) and that of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja (NAM), were all clearly hinged on the significance of jointness, synergy and intelligence sharing in the defence of Nigeria. “If we're drawing from their philosophy and vision, we have no option but to work together as no one agency can do it alone. We must leverage on the strength of one another,” He noted. 

He assured the CP of his resolve to continue to strengthen the existing relationship between the Military and the Police on the Plateau, most especially on the speedy prosecution of suspects.The GOC further solicited for seamless and prompt dissemination of information amongst the security agencies, so as to ensure immediate and fast response to emerging security threats. 

While reiterating  the Nigerian Army's zero tolerance for infractions amongst her personnel and other agencies, he emphasized that the job is not a one-man business as all agencies must  work together in unison to enhance security. He further updated the CP on the joint kinetic and non- kinentic approaches such as stakeholders engagements, sensitization seminars and sporting activities as measures the Division and OPSH continually explore to consolidate on the relative peace achieved in the state and environs. 

Earlier in his remarks,  the Commissioner Of Police(CP), Plateau State command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina disclosed that the visit was necessary to familiarise himself with other security agencies and also seek for strengthened collaboration, partnership and robust synergy which he said was key to mitigating crime and ensuring peace on the Plateau. Such a visit he averred will further encourage and also boost the already strong mutual relationship, intelligence and information sharing among security agencies.

The Police Chief commended the GOC/Commander OPSH for his milestone achievements, efforts and giant strides in restoring law and order in troubled areas of the State. He enjoined the GOC/Commander OPSH to sustain and strengthen the security architecture put in place so that the peace achieved would be sustained. 

The visit was concluded with group photographs with the staff officers and Commanders of various units and formations under 3 Division and Plateau State Police Command

Source: NIGERIAN ARMY

Absence of Counsel, Defendant Stalls Arraignment in Alleged N178.8m Fraud in Jos

The arraignment of Okewole Dayo, Bishop Katung Jonas, Dadin Kowa Microfinance Bank and Mamman Irmiya Jatau before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State was stalled on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 due to absence of counsel to the first defendant, Dayo as well as the absence of the fourth defendant, Jatau.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting the quartet on 24-count charges that border on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and money laundering to the  tune of N178,885,000 (One Hundred and Seventy-eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty -five Thousand Naira).

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO)and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly transferred the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) from Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society Account First Bank Account number 2003050001625 into Dadin Kowa Micro Finance Account; First Bank Account number 2016452671 which sum represent proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011( As Amended by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act".

Count three reads: "That you DADIN KOWA MICRO FINANCE BANK LTD and MAMMAN IRMIYA JATAU sometime in 2012 in Jos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the sum of N50, 000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) in your First Bank plc account number 2016452671 owned and operated by you which sum you reasonably ought to have know represents proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011( As Amended by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2012) and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act".

Having noticed the absence of the first defendant’s counsel and the absence of the fourth defendant during the day’s proceeding, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba informed the court that all the defendants were aware of the sitting, having been duly served hearing notices through their respective counsels. He therefore prayed for a bench warrant to be issued against the fourth defendant and a clarification from the first defendant as to who would represent him.

“My Lord, the defendants have been served hearing notice through their counsels, however, the fourth defendant is not in court today. In view of the absence of any formal communication to the court, explaining the absence of the fourth defendant,  we shall be humbly applying for the issuance of bench warrant against the fourth defendant, and also his sureties to be summoned to show cause why they should not forfeit their respective bonds that is before the court," he said.   He asked for a fresh arraignment date in addition.

In respect of the first defendant whose counsel was not in court, Buba prayed the court to find out from him if he intended to represent himself or needed to get another representation to avoid continued delay of the arraignment and subsequent trial.

Responding, G.G Aji, counsel to Jonas, the second defendant informed the court that the fourth defendant was absent in court having passed on. “On the absence of the fourth defendant, my lord, I can confirm to you that he is dead, I know him in person,” the counsel said.

After listening to the counsels, Justice Ishaya adjourned the matter till July 1, 2024 for arraignment and ordered the sureties of the fourth defendant to produce him in court  or  show course why they should not forfeit their bonds. 

The defendants are before the court following claims of some petitioners alleging that they formed a fraudulent cooperative society with which they fleece unsuspecting members of the public in Plateau State and beyond their resources. They were also alleged to have laundered the proceeds of their crime through investments in properties in Jos.

Source: EFCC

TROOPS BURST ANOTHER RIFLE FABRICATION FACTORY IN PLATEAU, RECOVER CACHE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION

In it's determination to clear troubled regions of Plateau State from criminal activities, Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN under HAKORIN DAMISA IV during a clearance operations on rugged mountainous terrain discovered an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapons fabrication factory situated on a high ground in Pakachi Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, a significant number of illicit firearms and related equipment were recovered and one suspect apprehended.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old male, suspected to be involved in the illegal activities at the factory. The alleged owner of the facility, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, is currently at large and efforts are underway to bring him to justice.

Items recovered from the facility include:

- 5  AK 47 Rifles

- 4 AK 47 Magazines

- 11 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition 

- 5 Rounds of 9mm Ammunition

- 21 Dane Guns

- 4 Revolver Rifles

- 11 Pistols with 5 Magazines

- 17 Gun Barrels

- 6 Rounds of 0.44 Inch Ammunition

- A Carbide Cylinder with Accessories 

- 3 Saws

- 12 Filing Machines

- 4 Hammers

- 6 Manual Drilling Machines

- 2 Electrically Operated Filing Machines

- 2 G-Clamps

- One Spraying Machine

- One Tiger Generator

- Assorted Drilling Irons

The suspect, Mr. Plangji, along with the recovered rifles and other items, are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.

The successful operation is a testament to the commitment of the troops in collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within our communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding our nation from threats posed by illicit arms production and trafficking.

Source; Nigerian Army

Plateau Killing: Tinubu Should Spend A Week In The Affected Communities To Ease Tension

By Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed

A Profile Picture

People have been enduring economic hardship with no hope for a brighter future, as their primary concerns revolve around basic needs such as food and survival.

A father abandoned his family due to the overwhelming challenges he faced. Feeling helpless, he considered himself irresponsible as he couldn't provide food and shelter for his family.

Mothers find themselves working as miners, with some resorting to begging on the streets to feed their children.

Many women have turned to a life of transactional relationships out of sheer necessity, while some young men have resorted to fraudulent activities, such as Yahoo scams, viewing it as an easy way to make money.

The genesis of Nigeria's problems can largely be traced to leadership failures, where those in power have neglected their responsibility to meet the demands of the people.

On Christmas Eve, suspected Fulani militants attacked Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, and brutally killed over 150 people. The coordinated attack was carried out by herdsmen who have been terrorizing Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, and Benue states for years.

It is obvious that some people have a hidden agenda to harm the people in Plateau state, with no fewer than 64 communities displaced by terrorists who occupied schools in the local government area.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu, whose duty is to protect the lives and properties of citizens, failed to do so. Instead, he celebrated Christmas in a colorful manner in Lagos while over 150 people were murdered under his watch within two hours.

A responsive and responsible leader would show empathy and sympathy for their people, using all available channels to ensure that the affected people receive justice and adequate compensation. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Tinubu.

Over 150 people were killed, and President Tinubu remained comfortably in his Lagos house while grieving families were still searching for the bodies of their loved ones. A good leader would leave their current location and rush to the affected communities to express sympathy and assure them that the perpetrators will be apprehended, promising compensation for the affected families.

If the affected people are not taken care of, the consequences may include an escalation of conflict and an arms race, as people become willing to fight to the bitter end due to the loss of loved ones.

The conscience of our leaders seems to be lacking, with no regard for the citizens. Their primary concern is embezzling public funds, plunging citizens into abject poverty without the ability to question authority but merely to survive.

President Tinubu needs to wake up and convene a security meeting with all service chiefs, giving them an ultimatum to apprehend the perpetrators. Any service chief failing in their responsibility should be immediately dismissed. Competent and expert individuals are required to handle the country's security. Tightening borders and resisting external forces attempting to exploit Nigeria are crucial steps.

More warnings need to be issued to leaders of specific tribes or groups attempting to compromise the country's security. The president should not succumb to threats or pressure from any quarter, understanding that the country's security is paramount, and it is our collective responsibility to promote peace and unity.

If violence continues unchecked, Nigeria may descend into a state of lawlessness, where the government and security agencies become increasingly helpless.

PLATEAU SECURITY: RELIGIOUS LEADERS ASKED TO BE CAUTIOUS OF INCITING COMMENTS

Religious leaders have been asked to desist from making inciting comments that could threaten the peace of the country at a symposium organised for religious leaders on the Plateau by the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on 18 October 2023, at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos. 

Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, Major General AE Abubakar, said the aim of the symposium was to outline the importance of religious leaders as key contributors to peace in the society. He lamented the damages inciting sermons from religious leaders have caused to include fueling tension and anger amongst religious groups. 

General Abubakar informed the gathering that the symposium was a platform for constructive discussions on how to leverage on sermons to bring permanent peace to Plateau State. The commander urged the participants to reflect on their sermons and continually preach peace over violence. He further disclosed that the participants were drawn from different religious groups that have shown commitment to a peaceful society. 

Delivering a paper on the topic “The Effects Of Incitive Preaching On Peaceful Coexistence On The Plateau” the guest speakers Sheikh Ghazali Ismail, Deputy Chief Imam Jos Central Mosque and Reverend Father Boniface Nkum, Director of Studies Saint Augustine Missionary School Jos, said religious leaders have strong potential to influence their followers. They disclosed that religious stigmatization has caused serious problems in society over the years. In the paper, the guest speakers agreed that government must provide an active platform where religious leaders who makes inciting statements could be reported and sanctioned accordingly. 

The guest speakers maintained that interfaith dialogue and education must be encouraged in order to promote harmonious relationship between different religious groups. While calling on the religious advisory committee of the State to wake up to its duties, they added that religious leaders must take responsibility for the messages they convey to their followers. 

In their separate remarks, the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, said that government and security agencies must not spare religious leaders encouraging violence by making inciting statements, while maintaining that no one was above the law in the country. They advised that similar symposium should be organised at the local levels to educate people on the need for religious tolerance. 

On his part, the Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), disclosed that there must be public condemnation of preachers of inciting statements especially by followers of same faith. He revealed that the Inter-religious Advisory Council in the State was active to address issues relating to religion and practices. 

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), said inciting statements create mob action and urged the participants to promote sermons that encourage unity. 

Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), Chairman OPSH 55-man peace implementation committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), religious leaders of various denominations, Women Wings of CAN/JNI amongst others. 

Highlights of the occasion include lectures by guest speakers, comments from dignitaries/participants and group photographs

More pictures

Source; Nigeria Army

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