Crime
Couple plans self-kidnap, demands N5 million ransom – Police
Couple plans self-kidnap, demands N5 million ransom – Police
The Police Command in Lagos State says it has arrested a couple (name withheld) over alleged self-kidnap for N5 million ransom.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
Hundeyin said that the husband, a 53-year-old technician and wife, 48-year-old masseuse and bone setter, were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday respectively after a family member of the man reported the purported kidnap.
He said the couple, who admitted to the crime, claimed they planned the self-kidnap with a view to raise N3 million to buy back their house in the Badagry area of Lagos.
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“The man brought the idea and sold it to his wife. He did not deny it before the police. He said he did it through text message for a purpose. He said he did it because he wanted to re-buy his house back with N3 million.
“The man claimed he decided to organise self-kidnap because none of his brothers and sisters doing well and some living abroad are willing to assist him financially.
“He claimed that if they hear of his kidnap with his wife, they would negotiate with the kidnappers and pay the money,” the spokesperson quoted the man as saying.
Hundeyin noted that the couple was still living in their house in Badagry when they sent out text messages of their kidnap to their relations, stressing that when police visited the house on Tuesday, they met the wife and three children.
He said the police requested the woman to follow them to the police headquarters, Ikeja, but the woman pleaded with them to allow her come the next day Wednesday, which was granted.
The image maker said that the woman came to the station as promised and was arrested for self-kidnap, while the husband was arrested the following day Thursday.
“She admitted that she supported her husband in the crime. She also admitted that her husband discussed the matter with her and she gave her approval because they never thought it will turn out negative.
“The woman claimed if the plan worked out, it would have been the easiest way to raise the money to buy back their house since her husband’s brothers in UK are not willing to help him,” he quoted the woman’s confession to the police.
Hundeyin pointed out that the woman claimed to service an average of three clients for either bone setting or stroke massaging at the cost of about N150,000 per person depending on the condition of the patient, wondering why she could not gather such money for the project.
He, however, said that the couple claimed they regretted their actions, appealing to their families and police for forgiveness.
The image maker said that the suspects advised members of the public to avoid crime and never be interested in family or another person’s wealth.
He said the couple would be charged to court soon.
ouple plans self-kidnap, demands N5 million ransom – Police
……Crossdresser Accuses Social Media Personality of AI-Generated False Claims Involving High-Profile Figures
Nigerian crossdresser and social media influencer Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, over defamation allegations involving an AI-generated audio recording.
The lawsuit, announced on Bobrisky’s Instagram account on Sunday, alleges that VeryDarkMan released an audio clip that falsely linked Bobrisky to illicit relationships with high-profile figures, including politicians and law enforcement officials.
Bobrisky’s legal team claims that VeryDarkMan used the crossdresser’s name and social media influence to make unverified claims for personal gain. The legal statement reads: “Our client has informed us that in your quest for social media stardom, you have continued to exploit his name, personality, and social media influence to create media buzz for your personal gains.”
The lawsuit demands ₦1 billion in damages and serves as a warning against the use of false AI-generated content to spread misinformation about public figures.
Court
Court Sets Oct. 25 for Ali Bello, Co-Defendants to Cross-Examine EFCC Witness in N3 Billion Money Laundering Trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants until Oct. 25 for the cross-examination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) third prosecution witness, Jamilu Abdullahi.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu made this decision after overruling an objection by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who opposed the defense’s request for an adjournment. The defense lawyers, Aliyu Abubakar, SAN, representing Ali Bello, and Nuireni Jimoh, SAN, representing the other defendants, sought the adjournment to allow time to study the witness’s proof of evidence.
The EFCC had called Abdullahi, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, as a witness in the ongoing N3 billion money laundering case against Bello and three others, in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022. Bello is facing charges alongside Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat, who are named as the second to fourth defendants.
During the resumed hearing, Abdullahi continued his testimony led by Oyedepo, detailing cash inflows into his company’s and personal Access Bank accounts. Following his testimony, Abubakar sought an adjournment, citing the need to review the extensive evidence provided.
Oyedepo opposed this request, arguing that the evidence had been served on the defense since Feb. 6, 2023. However, Justice Egwuatu granted the defense’s request to allow adequate preparation for cross-examination, adjourning the matter to Oct. 25, Nov. 5, and Nov. 6 for further proceedings.
The trial continues with Abdullahi expected to face cross-examination regarding his role as the owner of E-Traders International Limited, a BDC company.
Three Men Arraigned in Lagos for Alleged Kidnapping, Theft
Three men, Azeez Sadiq, 35, Taiwo Olayinka, 30, and Monsuru Saheed, 21, were brought before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday, facing charges of kidnapping and theft. The suspects, whose residential addresses were not disclosed, were charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, ASP Christian Okonofua, the incident occurred on August 20 at around 12 p.m. near a Mobile petrol station behind F One Bar in Ikorodu, Lagos. The defendants, along with accomplices still at large, allegedly kidnapped two individuals from Ogun State and stole N13,000 from one of the victims.
Local residents apprehended the defendants and reported the matter to the police, leading to their arrest. The charges brought against them contravene Sections 411, 172, and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
During the court hearing, the defendants pleaded not guilty. Magistrate O.A. Ogbe granted each defendant bail of N1 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must own landed property and provide proof of three years’ tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate also ordered that the second charge be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further advice. The case was adjourned until October 3 for mention.
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