Crime
NAPTIP Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl From Domestic Abuse In Sokoto
NAPTIP Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl From Domestic Abuse In Sokoto
NAPTIP rescues 14-year-old girl from domestic abuse in Sokoto. Mr Abubakar commended the D-G of NAPTIP for her timely response in rescuing the girl.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl from Sokoto that was subjected to domestic abuse.
A statement by Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP press officer in Abuja on Saturday, identified the victim as the firstborn and only female child of one Usman Aliyu.
The family were said to have fled from Dan Gyalla village, Faru ward, Maradun Local Government of Zamfara, as a result of violence from banditry to displaced persons (IDP) camp in Gwiwa Eka Area of Sokoto.
The victim was said to have been subjected to severe maltreatment, abuse, and exploitation after being recruited by a prominent Abuja socialite and wife of a highly-placed public office holder in Sokoto.
According to Mr Adekoye, the victim was recently discovered by concerned Nigerians within the neighbourhood, in a deplorable state, unable to walk, and showing signs of fainting due to extreme starvation and dehumanisation.
Mr Adekoye said that the concerned Nigerians promptly reported the situation to members of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), who immediately escalated the report to NAPTIP.
He said that investigation revealed that the victim was employed to wash and other domestic work by the socialite woman, whom she got through a nurse, one Maryam, after approaching the IDP camp, in Sokoto.
“Maryam sought permission from Bashariyya’s mother, who allowed her daughter to assist for a day. Pleased with her work, Fauziyya offered to retain her services and promised to pay N10,000 monthly.
“Three months later, the suspect requested that Bashariyya follow her to Abuja, promising to enroll her in both formal and Islamic schools. She also pledged to remit N10,000 monthly to the family through Maryam.
“Sadly, three months later, the once dutiful and helpless girl was subjected to severe maltreatment. She was beaten, tortured, and locked in a dark room.
“One of Suspect’s maids was instructed to feed her only one cup of gari daily.
“A man was brought in to perform rituals, spraying what Bashariyya described as spiritual water on her body while she cried in pain, which caused burns all over her body.
“For several weeks, Bashariyya remained locked up, malnourished, unbathed, and emotionally distressed,” Mr Adekoye quoted concerned Nigerians as saying.
He stated that the same man came back and poured spiritual water on her hands and legs while crying and begging for mercy every day, without any response.
“Fearing that the poor girl might die in her house, the woman eventually returned her to Sokoto and handed her over to Maryam, claiming that Bashariyya had “spiritual issues” and that she had tried to help but failed.
He said that the victim was rushed to several hospitals in Sokoto for emergency medical care, but unfortunately, hospitals were reluctant to admit her.
According to Mr Adekoye, when the suspect got information that NAPTIP had waded into the matter, some stern-looking locals were allegedly recruited by the suspect and prevented anyone from having access to the then-dying girl.
He said that the girl was eventually rescued by the operatives of NAPTIP after the intervention of the director-general of the agency, Binta Adamu-Bello, and she was airlifted to Abuja Friday evening.
Reacting on the matter, the D-G expressed her displeasure on the issue, saying that “this is one of the highest forms of inhumanity to humans”.
“Bashariyya is exhibiting visible signs of physical abuse, and we can see scars, bruises (both fresh and healed), and burnt marks in her body.
“She is severely malnourished, dehydrated, and emotionally unstable at the moment. There are indicators of trauma, both physical and psychological, resulting from prolonged abuse and neglect.
“The alleged perpetrator exploited the vulnerability of an internally displaced family and manipulated the child’s labour under false promises.
“She was allegedly falsely accused, a common tactic used to justify violence and neglect against the vulnerable. The girl’s brutal treatment, abuse, starvation, and psychological torment, all under the guise of alleged accusations.
“The young girl’s condition highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
NAPTIP Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl
“We are deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable and combating all forms of exploitation, including any fabricated and baseless accusations used to justify abuse,” she said.
The NAPTIP boss said that the agency remains resolute in its efforts to ensure justice for Md Bashariya and to rehabilitate her.
She appreciated the partnership and effort of NACTAL, as led by its national president, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, and urged other stakeholders to emulate such.
She equally urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking, abuse, or exploitation to NAPTIP or its partners across the country.
In his remarks, Mr Abubakar commended the D-G of NAPTIP for her timely response in rescuing the girl.
He assured the NAPTIP boss of more support in ensuring justice for the victim.
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.
EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects, Trucks for Suspected Illegal Mining Activities in Kwara
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested ten individuals suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin – Ogbomosho axis.
They were arrested on Sunday, February 1, 2026, following credible intelligence on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation in parts of Kwara and Oyo States.
The suspects, comprising nine truck drivers and one escort were intercepted and taken into custody in a well -coordinated sting operation. Solid minerals arrested with the suspects include lithium, tin, and lepidolite.
EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects
The suspects have no requisite licences, permits, or regulatory approvals for their mining activities.
Other items recovered from the suspects are trucks loaded with the unlawfully mined materials.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
List Of 40 Suspects Detained Over Alleged Plot To Overthrow Tinubu Government
List of 40 suspects detained over alleged plot to overthrow Tinubu Government. Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with at least 40 suspects detained in connection with the conspiracy.
The suspects include senior military officers, a police officer, and several civilians accused of roles ranging from reconnaissance and funding to propaganda.
According to a Premium Times report, the arrests followed a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS).
“Thirteen people were apprehended by the SSS, including two military personnel (one retired), one policeman, and ten civilians,” one source said.
In total, 16 serving military officers were detained for direct involvement, while others were linked to funding and incitement. Two civilians were reportedly recruited to incite civil unrest intended to justify the coup.
According to the online newspaper, one of the detained soldiers was said to have escaped custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi State, according to insider accounts.
Recall that on Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the investigation had been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
“Findings identified several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the military said, describing the act as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Sources said authorities are now awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court-martial panel to try the indicted soldiers.
Investigations revealed that the coupists initially planned to disrupt the May 29, 2023 handover ceremony from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu, but the plan was shelved due to lack of funds and logistics.
The conspiracy was allegedly reactivated in 2025, after former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva purportedly transferred nearly ₦1 billion through multiple Bureau De Change accounts to fund the operation.
Sylva and a retired senior officer identified as Major General Adamu, both accused of bankrolling the plot, are reportedly at large.
Security sources said one of the fugitive suspects has been tracked to a South American country, though his precise location remained undisclosed for security reasons.
Investigators also uncovered a chilling plan to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
“They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated,” one source revealed.
The plot allegedly relied on informants inside the Presidential Villa, who monitored the movements of top officials. The conspirators were to seize control of strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, Armed Forces Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Military
Hereunder is the full list of the alleged coupists arrested
MA Sadiq (Brigadier General) Army lHeadquarters Garrison
MA Ma’aji (Colonel) Defence Space Administration
S Bappah (Lt. Colonel) 525 Signal Regiment
AA Hayatu (Lt Colonel) 130 Battalion Main, Ogoja, Cross River State
P Dangnap (Lt Colonel) 134 Special Force Battalion
M Almakura (Lt Colonel) 197 Special Force Battalion
AA Jarma (Lt Colonel) CO, 35 Battalion Katsina
SM Gana (Lt Colonel) 115 Task Force Battalion
AD Dauda (Maj) Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
JM GANAKS (Maj) Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
AJ Ibrahim (Maj) Army Headquarters’ Department of Policy and Plans
MM Jiddah (Maj) 26 Battalion
MA Usman (Maj) 35 Battalion
D Yusuf (Maj) Forward Operating Base Molai (AHQ SG)
J Iliyasu (Maj) 3 Division Garrison
A Mohammed (Maj) 63 Brigade Garrison
DB Abdullahi (Lt Cdr) Naval Base Abuja
SB Adamu (Sqn Ldr) National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
NG Zuzu (Sqn Ldr) Headquarters, Nigeria Air Force Camp
G Binuga (Captain) 1 NMF Brigade
AA Yusuf (Captain) Nigerian Army of the School of Finance and Administration (NASFA)
1 Bello (Captain) 82 Division Garrison
SS Felix (Lt) 81 Division Provost Group
J Aminu (Lt) Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR)
Nasiru Ibrahim (WO) 82 Division Garrison
Sanda Usman (Sgt) 167 Special Force Battalion
Mohammed Zubairu (Sgt) 177 Guards Battalion
Momoh Audu (Cpl) 343 Artillery Regiment
Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector) 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa
EO Victor (Navy Capt/Rtd) 3 Abraham Avenue off Odili Road, Port Harcourt
Umoru Zekeri Julius Berger, Villa Electrician
Y Nasiru (LCpl) 82 Division Garrison
Sambo Danladi (LCpl) 82 Division Garrison
Abdul Abdullahi (SSgt) 82 Division Garrison
Ali Isah Villa Ambulance Driver
ML Mohammed (Capt) 18 Battalion
UI Yusuf (Wg Cdr) International/Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
IM Gana (Maj Gen Rtd) No 34 A Army Estate, Kubwa, Abuja
Stanley Kingley Amandi Propagandist
Goni Bukar
Security sources confirmed that joint operations involving multiple agencies are underway to dismantle remaining cells and track fleeing suspects. The EFCC and SSS are also interrogating several civilians over alleged roles in funding, logistics, and coordination.
At least 25 military personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the plot, according to sources close to the investigation.
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