Crime
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Condemns NAF Attack On Ikeja DisCo
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Condemns NAF Attack On Ikeja DisCo
Power minister Adebayo Adelabu condemns NAF attack on Ikeja DisCo. Mr Adelabu called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
The minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned the attack by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force on the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) on Thursday.
A statement by Bolaji Tunji, the special adviser, strategic communications to the minister of power, said that the attack left several injured and facilities and equipment vandalised.
Mr Tunji quoted the minister as saying that the attack calls for concern in view of the ramifications, adding that the current democratic practice had appropriate channels for conflict resolutions rather than resorting to self-help.
He said that the attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of the nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Air Force was unfortunate and a matter of grave concern.
”This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts,” he said.
According to him, the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development and any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people.
He said that the facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries, including military installations.
Mr Adelabu said that the incident had set back efforts to achieve a stable and uninterrupted power supply, adding that it was a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation.
He said that no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justified the destruction of public infrastructure as such actions were counterproductive and only served to exacerbate the challenges faced as a nation.
”We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.
“I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident.
”Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
”We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts.
“It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur,” he said.
The minister urged the Nigerian Air Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure.
According to him, the military is a vital institution in our nation, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated.
“However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
Mr Adelabu also commended the staff and management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company for their resilience in the face of provocation.
He said, “Your comportment in the face of this adversity is a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people.
Adebayo Adelabu
”The ministry of power is ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible”.
The minister enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony by prioritising collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.
He said that the challenges faced in the power sector were significant, but they are not insurmountable, adding that with a shared commitment to the common good, it can be overcome.
Mr Adelabu called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
“Let us reject violence and destruction in all its forms and embrace the values of democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect.
”Together, we can build a nation where conflicts are resolved through appropriate channels and where the aspirations of all citizens are realised,” he said.
Magistrate Court Issues Arrest Warrant For VeryDarkMan Over Defamation Case
Magistrate court issues arrest warrant for VeryDarkMan over defamation case. An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The arrest order, issued on Thursday, follows a criminal defamation case filed by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
In his ruling, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend and present VDM before the court to face the allegations leveled against him.
The court noted that VDM failed to honor a summons issued on March 5, instructing him to appear for the hearing.
Despite pleas from his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who requested permission to personally produce his client at the next hearing, the magistrate refused to revoke the arrest warrant.
VDM is accused of making defamatory claims against Chinwo on his social media platform, alleging her involvement in a contractual dispute over the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).
Chinwo, refuting the allegations, presented documentary evidence to the court, including emails and payment receipts, to establish her innocence.
VeryDarkMan
Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s actions violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act (2015).
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo’s lawyers have also filed a N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
They are seeking a retraction, deletion, and public apology for the alleged defamatory statements.
Fuel Station Supervisor Arraigned Over Alleged N1.25m Theft
Fuel station supervisor arraigned over alleged N1.25m theft. A 22-year-old petrol station supervisor, Prosper Ese, was arraigned on Wednesday before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly embezzling N1,256,400 from his employer.
Ese, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing two charges of theft and fraud but pleaded not guilty to both.
According to ASP Edet Ekpo, the prosecutor, the incident took place on March 2 at Arigbabuwo Petrol Filling Station, Oko-Afo, Badagry. Ese allegedly misappropriated N1,056,400 from sales proceeds and also fraudulently obtained N200,000 from one Aisat Folorunsho under false pretenses.
He was reportedly apprehended while attempting to escape from the station.
Court
The prosecution noted that the alleged crimes violate Sections 287 and 311 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate N.A. Layeni granted Ese bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the hearing to April 16.
Police Arrests Couple For Gun Running In Delta
Police arrests couple for gun running in Delta. Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a couple, Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, in Okpe Local Government Area over alleged involvement in gun running.
Acting on credible intelligence, officers raided their residence on March 9, 2025, at about 2:30 pm, recovering a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with a live round intended for delivery to a client in Sapele.
Confirming the arrest on Thursday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated, “Following a coordinated sting operation, our officers apprehended the couple in Okpe LGA and seized a locally made Beretta pistol in their possession. The wife, Uche Joshua, admitted to delivering illegal firearms on behalf of her husband.”
Uche further confessed to having transported several arms to various clients in Warri and Sapele as instructed by her husband.
Syndicate Member Arrested
Further investigations led to the arrest of Junior Moses Ogedegbe, 30, from Useifurun community, Ughelli South LGA, suspected to be a member of the syndicate.
“Our operatives are intensifying efforts to recover more weapons and apprehend other members of the gang,” Edafe added.
Other Police Operations in Delta
In a separate operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested suspected cultists and armed robbers across the state, recovering:
Two pump-action guns
One Beretta pistol
One cut-to-size gun
24 live cartridges
On February 3, 2025, at about 1:45 pm, intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of a wanted cultist and gunrunner, Stephen Oma Odu, 25, from Obagho community, Warri North LGA, in Sapele town.
His confession led to the arrest of Abel Festus, aka Tompolo, 42, from Oghareki community, Ethiope West LGA. A search of Festus’ apartment uncovered two pump-action guns and 24 live cartridges.
During the operation, two other suspected cultists, Godspower Moses (alias Power) and Oloriode Owebe, 24, were also arrested.
Police investigations identified the suspects as members of the Vikings Confraternity, with further probes ongoing.
Guns
Suspected Kidnapper and Internet Fraudster Nabbed
In another operation, police arrested a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster in Mosogar and its environs, recovering a cut-to-size gun.
On March 9, 2025, at about 6:30 am, a police raid in Jesse and Mosogar towns led to the arrest of Festus Oboyo, 26, from Igbopa community, Ethiope West LGA. A search of his residence uncovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge and an FBI impersonation document allegedly used for online fraud.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of two suspected accomplices:
Favor Omowo (alias Voltage), 29, from Jesse town Gift Omowo, 26, from Jesse community
“We are actively tracking down other fleeing gang members and will not rest until all criminals are brought to justice,” Edafe assured.
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