Metro
Kogi Housewife Fakes Own Kidnap, Arrested
A middle-aged housewife, Mrs Yemi Samuel, has been arrested by men of the Kwara State Police Command for allegedly faking her own kidnap in Kabba, Kogi State.
Samuel was among the nine suspects paraded by the police in Ilorin on Wednesday.
Three other suspects, Jenmo Usman, 27; Iliashu Mohammed, 25; and Maude Umaru, 21, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, were apprehended for alleged kidnapping, criminal intimidation and conspiracy.
The trio were alleged to have conspired and threatened their employer, one Sarafa Yusuf, on the telephone that they would kidnap him if he failed to give them N2m.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, said Samuel, who lives in Kabba, allegedly went into hiding at her parents’ home in Ilorin and claimed that she was kidnapped by unknown persons while she was cleaning the compound, and taken to an unknown destination.
Egbetokun stated that from her hideout, the suspect demanded N5m ransom, which was later reduced to N1m.
The CP said her husband and family members was able to raise N500,000, which was taken to Iluke in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Egbetokun said before the completion of the transaction, State Intelligence Bureau operatives had tracked the suspect to the Kulende area of Ilorin, where she was arrested.
The CP stated, “On June 15, 2019, around 5.30am, Mrs Yemi Samuel hatched a self-kidnap scenario; she left her home and went into hiding, claiming that she had been kidnapped while cleaning the compound by unknown persons and taken to an unknown destination, adding that her abductors had demanded N5m ransom for her release.
“She added that her kidnappers weren’t willing to talk to anyone on the phone due to fear of their voices been recognised. She later called and said that the ransom had been reduced to N1m.
“Effort was intensified and N500,000 was arranged by her husband as well as family members and well-wishers.
“She directed them to take the money to Iluke town, but before the transaction could be effected, SIB operatives in Kwara, led by the officer in charge, Saka Fagade, tracked the suspect to the Kulende area, Sango, Ilorin, and arrested her. She had hid herself in her parents’ rented apartment.”
Samuel, who said she was a Mathematics graduate, confessed to committing the crime in order to raise money for her husband, whom she said was poor.
“I’m a graduate of Mathematics and I live in Kabba with my husband. Things are hard for us and my husband is not finding life easy; so I decided to raise money for him from members of his family; that was why I went to hide myself thinking that his family would raise the money for him to rescue me,” she stated.
As for the three suspects, who allegedly demanded N2m from their boss so that they would not kidnap him, Egbetokun said, “On June 10, 2019, one Sarafa Yusuf of the Kebe Compound, Ilota via Idofian, Kwara State, reported that on June 9, 2019, around 6pm, he received a phone call and the caller demanded N2m from him or else he would be kidnapped and killed.
“Based on this, the complainant made an arrangement with the police on where to drop the money, which was at the Iyana Eleja junction via Idofian.
“It was later discovered that one Jenmo Usman, an employee of the complainant, was the one who picked the polythene bag containing the money at 11.30am and he was immediately arrested by the police. His arrest led to the nabbing of two other suspects, Iliasu Mohammed and Maude Umaru, who also work for the complainant.”
Egbetokun added that all the suspects would soon be charged to court upon the completion of investigation into the respective cases.
The CP also said five other suspects were apprehended in connection with last week’s protest in Ilorin by commercial motorcyclists.
He added that they were arrested for conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, disturbance of the public peace, rioting with dangerous weapons, intimidation and causing grievous hurt and mischief by fire.
The Punch
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to host the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja. Organized by the Ministry in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), the summit brought together international stakeholders and experts in the telecommunication sector to drive innovation, collaboration and tangible actions. It was co-sponsored by Globacom.
The company, which owns the Glo 1 submarine cable wholly, joined other global stakeholders in the telecommunications and digital landscape in the discussions aimed at bolstering the resilience of cable networks for the benefit of consumers.
Having realized the importance of submarine cables quite early, Globacom deployed Glo 1 from Europe to Africa in 2010. In 2024 when fibre cuts impacted economic, governmental and private activities across West Africa, Glo 1 saved the day for many customers. The cable system was up and running due to its resilience and the constant maintenance strategies deployed by the company. Its capacity was recently upgraded to serve more and more customers and ensure reliable connectivity at all times.
Declaring the two-day summit open, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significant role submarine cables play in enhancing smooth operation of modern economies.
“Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies. Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats”, he stated.
In the light of this, the Minister emphasized the various commitments Nigeria has made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen its digital infrastructure and advance policies that support connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
“We have taken decisive steps as a nation to recognize and protect telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with our broader efforts to enhance digital resilience across sectors,” he noted.
In her address, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the symbolism of the global undersea network in the realm of innovation and the investment necessary to connect the world meaningfully, highlighting the extent of human reliance on digital infrastructure.
Also speaking, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair, Advisory Board of ITU, addressed the challenges and the need to preventing cable cuts from occurring, emphasizing the importance of bolstering resilience by guaranteeing the availability of technical resources, such as vessels, stockpiles, and spare parts, in areas with lower submarine cable density. Additionally, he underscored the need to align regulatory measures with the demands of resilience.
The event also featured several panel sessions dedicated to the critical dimensions of submarine cable resilience.
The Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who is also the Golden Grand Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at the National level, hosted a warm reception in honor of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo.
The event, according to a statement made available to Pointblank.ng, which was held at his residence, brought together top law enforcement officials, esteemed royal fathers, community leaders, and distinguished dignitaries from various sectors.
The gathering emphasized the importance of community policing and the collaboration between security agencies and the public. Speaking at the event, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking highlighted the crucial role of synergy in ensuring effective policing and fostering a safer society.
“Security is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a collective duty. We must all work together to combat crime, especially new-generation crimes that threaten the peace of our communities,” he stated.
He commended CP Ogunlowo for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to upholding law and order.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of CP Ogunlowo to make a significant impact in Ogun State. His track record speaks volumes, and I assure him of my full support in ensuring a crime-free society,” Aare Emmanuelking added.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of prestigious awards from the Office of the Golden Grand Patron of PCRC National, recognizing outstanding contributions to community development and security. Honorees included distinguished royal fathers, the Chairman of Ilishan Development Association, Aare Wemmy Osude, the PCRC Ogun State Chairman, Ven. Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola JP, the PCRC National Chairman, Alh. Mogaji Olaniyan Ibraheem, and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD.
CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen community-driven policing strategies.
“Community engagement is the bedrock of effective policing. My administration will prioritize collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Ogun State,” he assured.
The event served as a true demonstration of the strong partnership between law enforcement and community leaders in promoting peace, security, and development in Ogun State.
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have rejected Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the parliament.
Speaking with journalists at the assembly complex on Thursday, the lawmakers refuted Obasa’s claim that he remains the speaker.
The 36 lawmakers reaffirmed their support for the current speaker, Mojisola Meranda, insisting that she is the speaker of the assembly.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, stated that the lawmakers remained committed to ensuring that Obasa’s removal stands.
Ogundipe also called on the All Progressives Congress leadership in Lagos to intervene in the leadership crisis.
He said, “We were approached by our leaders that we should remain calm and take things easy. But we are surprised to see what is happening here today.
“We won’t take laws into our hands, just as we told the staff not to take laws into our hands. But we all belong to different constituencies, and we have our mandate. Whatever has to happen, the leadership should speak with us and not this charade we are seeing.
“We are not happy; we have been law-abiding. We have not gone out of our way against the state. We also want to be respected and to be given our dignity. To be shown that we are elected. I’m appealing to the leadership of our party that we cannot continue this way.”
Meanwhile, two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II)—were spotted accompanying Obasa into the Assembly complex.
Obasa, alongside security officials, had stormed the assembly complex and entered the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon on Thursday.
The development followed the withdrawal of the security aides of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since Obasa’s removal as speaker and the subsequent election of Meranda.
Obasa was accused by over 90 per cent of the lawmakers of poor leadership style, perpetual lateness to legislative functions and plenary, high-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers and the executive, especially the governor, abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of members among others.
In an attempt to resolve the crisis, some All Progressives Congress bigwigs, notably former governors of Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, respectively, among others, on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, had a series of meetings last weekend with political stakeholders in the state including members of the assembly.
