馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Ogun State Police arrest eight foreigners for alleged fake kidnapping and extortion scheme
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight foreign nationals suspected of involvement in a transnational criminal syndicate that staged kidnappings to extort ransom from families abroad. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command鈥檚 spokesperson, stated that detectives from the Ifo Division uncovered the operation following intelligence-led investigations. The suspects were apprehended in Adiyan Town, Agbado area, after police received intelligence on June 6, 2026, about a reported kidnapping that was later found to be staged. The report indicated that Cheik El-Mehdi, a 23-year-old Mauritanian national, contacted his family in May 2026, claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and demanding ransom. Another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, allegedly reinforced the demand with threats. The investigation led operatives to a hideout where the suspects were tracked and arrested. Those arrested include Zakaria Zawadogo Burkina Faso, Cheik El-Mehdi Mauritania, Suren Neta Ivory Coast, Koffi Breno Ivory Coast, Gondo Treso Ivory Coast, Kunuji Ezekiel Republic of Benin, Kougasi John Ivory Coast, and Hemue Blinsi C么te d鈥橧voire. Preliminary findings suggest Suren Neta lured Cheik El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zakaria Zawadogo coordinated ransom demands. The purported victim was also found to have actively participated in orchestrating the fake abduction. The principal suspects have confessed, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Commissioner of Police, B
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Three minors, aged between four and 15, from Awun community in Oro-Ago, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been released after residents reportedly paid a N60 million ransom to their kidnappers. The children were abducted from their home in February while their father, Olajide Buraimoh, was absent. Community sources indicated that the ransom was raised through contributions from local residents and indigenes living abroad, following extensive negotiations. The kidnappers also demanded food items, including rice, groundnut oil, spaghetti, semovita, beer, and seasoning sauce. The fundraising effort was coordinated via the Awun community's WhatsApp platform. A pregnant woman abducted with the children was released last week, while the minors remained captive until Monday. A resident named Ismail described the significant emotional and financial impact on the community. When contacted, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, stated he was unaware of the abduction or any ransom payment.
Kano residents and opposition figures have criticized Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's decision to allocate 1,540 plots of land and N100 million to leaders of the All Progressives Congress Polling Units Association. Residents expressed disappointment, citing widespread poverty and inadequate public facilities, arguing that state resources should benefit all citizens regardless of political affiliation. Ado Bala questioned the fairness of distributing land only to APC supporters, stating that land is held in trust for all residents. Another resident, Shehu, called the action a clear demonstration of favoritism and a potential case of vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections. Aisha Hassan urged Governor Yusuf to extend similar gestures to all residents to avoid criticism. Alhaji Musa Ungoggo, state chairman of the African Democratic Congress, alleged the move was a bribe to rig the upcoming elections, suggesting the funds should have been used to address critical issues like overcrowded primary schools and undredged dams. The state chairman of the People鈥檚 Democratic Party, Alhaji Yusuf Ado Kibiya, declined to comment, stating he needed to verify the facts as he had been out of the state.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago's solar energy initiative has been lauded by stakeholders for its potential to transform the state into a leading industrial destination and improve electricity supply. The project, which includes a 100-megawatt solar power plant, aims to provide an alternative electricity source for residents and industries, thereby boosting internally generated revenue and attracting investors. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commended Governor Bago's "industrial statesmanship" for allocating 500 hectares of land for the project, foreseeing significant economic development and investment. The governor emphasized that the initiative leverages the state's gas resources and vast land, in addition to its four hydropower dams. The Federal Executive Council has approved a $160 million financing package for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project, comprising a $150 million facility from the Islamic Development Bank and $10 million from the Niger State Government. This project is expected to expand electricity access, particularly in rural communities, and support Nigeria's renewable energy drive. The Niger State Government has already deployed solar mini-grids and other renewable energy solutions, providing 24-hour solar power to over 180 communities that previously lacked consistent electricity. Key public institutions have also transitioned to independent solar systems. The Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of the African Industries Group, i