..Crack Down on Fake Dollar Syndicate,
…Pastor arrested for Assault, posesion of fire Arms
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Commissioner of Police Nasarawa State, CP Shehu Umar Nadada, unveiled the laudable accomplishments of the Nasarawa State Police Command in curbing criminal activities, particularly in combating child abduction syndicates.
Addressing the press on Friday while parading 57 suspects in connection with various crimes at the Police Command Headquarters on Shendam Road, Lafia, CP Nadada highlighted a recent case where the police intercepted a child abduction operation.
“On 10th January 2024, our vigilant operatives from the Keffi Division, during routine patrol, intervened in a distressing situation involving a mob. Through swift action, we rescued a 5-year-old boy who had been abducted at Tsohon Kasuwa, Keffi. The perpetrator, Ismaila Adamu, was swiftly apprehended, and the child was safely recovered.”
Cp Nadada Further said investigation revealed that the perpetrator was part of a syndicate specializing in child theft, with intentions to sell the abducted children to the highest bidder.
“Following the initial intervention by the Nasarawa State Police Command in thwarting a child abduction operation, the investigation took a significant turn with the arrest of additional suspects.”
“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Interpol Criminal Investigation Department (ICD), apprehended the following individuals”
Hassana Jacob (female, 30 years), Elishua Idoko (male, 43 years)
Gloria Ene (female, 38 years)
Abdulkarim Abubakar (male, 52 years)
Ramatu Ibrahim (female, 41 years)
Victoria Cosmos (female, 52 years)
Eforma Sunday (female, 41 years)
Dorcas Ologbo (female, 50 years)
Sherifat Amuda (female, 45 years)
He further revealed that analysis of the suspects’ phones yielded alarming findings, indicating that they had been involved in the trafficking of forty-five stolen children. Shockingly, these innocent children were sold and illegally adopted by unsuspecting members of society.
“The suspects have confessed to the heinous crime of stealing and selling numerous children, ranging from infants to toddlers, at prices ranging from #350,000 to #1,500,000, depending on their age and gender. It is appalling to learn that they conspired with social welfare officers from certain ministries, producing counterfeit documents to facilitate the illegal adoption and sale of these children.”
Furthermore, he said the investigation has led to the rescue of six children in Abuja, Ondo, and Lagos States respectively.
The Nasarawa State Police Command, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across various states, remains steadfast in its efforts to apprehend additional suspects involved in this despicable enterprise and to recover more of the stolen children. He said.
In another development, CP Nadada said on 12th February 2024, detectives from Masaka Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided the hideout of suspected criminals in Angwan Police, Masaka.
Two suspects, Mohammed Abubakar alias Dan Libiya and Yahaya Bappa, were apprehended during the operation. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of forty-five bundles of counterfeit one hundred Dollar ($100) notes, totaling $450,000. Additionally, a mask and a white gown were seized as exhibits.
The suspects have confessed to purchasing the fake currency in Maradi, Niger Republic, at the rate of two thousand naira per bundle. They employed deceitful tactics, posing as native doctors or spiritual beings, to defraud unsuspecting individuals seeking spiritual assistance.
CP Nadada also announced the arrest of a Pastor and Recovery of Firearm on the 14th February 2024.
He said a disturbing incident was reported at Goshen City Division. A 31-year-old lady alleged that on the preceding night, while returning from a prayer house, a pastor affiliated with Mount Zion Church, Auta Balefi, identified as Daniel Akpadiaha, offered her a ride in his Honda Accord vehicle with Registration Number GWA 584 RZ. To her dismay, the pastor diverted the route to an isolated area, where he allegedly assaulted her, stabbing her twice.
Commissioner of Police Shehu Umar Nadada reiterated the unwavering commitment of the police force to combat crime and safeguard the lives and properties of all citizens. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement authorities.