By David Owei,Bayelsa

Operatives of the Operation Puff Adder of the Bayelsà State Police Command have arrested a 38 years old man, Iliasu Mohammed over his alleged involvement in the 2022 shooting of a Police Inspector,Ekperi Edwin in the stomach and left for dead in Yenagoa,the State capital.

The Police Inspector, Ekperi Edwin Osuo, was shot on August 21, 2022 and left for dead by unidentified gunmen along his street at Akenfa, Yenagoa during what police sources described as an alleged armed robbery and attempted assassination.

The police inspector was reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries and underwent emergency surgery, with pellets still reportedly lodged in his body over three years after the incident.

The case however took a new dimension following allegations that a key suspect linked to the crime was released under questionable circumstances after being handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by the military.

New sources told our correspondent that a new petition to the State Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah. was minutes to the special tactical and intelligence-driven unit of the State Command headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

A suspect connected to the case is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court, marking the first concrete prosecutorial step since the incident occurred.

Police sources described the move as part of efforts by the new commissioner of police to ensure a thorough, impartial, and intelligence-led investigation, given the sensitivity of the case and the status of the victim as a serving police officer.

Senior Security Sources however revealed that the takeover by Operation Puff Adder signals renewed commitment by the Nigeria Police Force to address unresolved violent crimes, especially those involving attacks on its personnel

Police authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly.

Already, the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the State Ministry of Justice has approved the case for prosecution and the Police is awaiting the arraignment of the suspect in the State High Court.

By UTHMAN BABA -NASEER,MINNA

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC),Niger State command has arrested village head and (33) others in connection to the killing of Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi,and setting ablaze patrol vehicle of NSCDC,by suspected illegal miners in Zuzungi area of Katcha local council.

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Comdt.Suberu Siyaka Aniviye,gave the hint while briefing journalists in Minna.

According to him”.On Wednesday,11th February 2025 ,at about 12.30pm personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police Force(NPF)and local security outfit known as Anti-Drugs Control(ADC),were on a routine joint patrol in the mining area operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company”.

Comdt.Aniviye added”. During the patrol,the team intercepted some individuals engaged in illegal mining activities and attempting to smuggle minerals out of the mining site, adding that in a violent reaction,the suspected illegal miners mobilized and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team.

The NSCDC boss explained that during the attack, NSCDC patrol Hilux vehicle was set ablaze by the attackers,disclosing that a Police Officer,Constable Emmanuel Shamsi of the Nigeria Police Force, tragically lost his life in the line of duty, saying that NSCDC and other security personnel tactically withdrew to prevent further escalation and casualties.

He further stated that following the incident,the command acted swiftly on credible intelligence,on the same day,a special operation was launched to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

He added”.15 suspects were intercepted on the road, while, attempting to flee the community and 19 suspects, including the village head,were arrested at a residence of the village head himself, where the perpetrators had taken refuge in Zuzungi Gwari area of Kataeregi.

Comdt Siyaka noted that all (34) suspects are currently in NSCDC custody, adding that investigation is ongoing,and they will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

By David Owei

The National Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress INC, Engineer Ebipamowei Wodu has submitted his interest/nomination form to contest as President.

Wodu, who is one of the leading aspirant to succeed Professor Benjamin Okaba, was accompanied to the Ijaw House, the Secretariat of the INC amidst pump and peagentry with scores of aspirants endorsing him as the most qualified for the job.

Speaking with newsmen, Engineer Ebipamowei Wodu said he played pivotal role in assisting the current leadership of the Association headed by Professor Benjamin Okaba in reviving the INC from the state of comatose.

According to Engineer Wodu, from the beginning of the struggle, there has never being a membership register until the present executive took over office and as an Engineer, he assisted the INC to draw a road map linking Ijaw communities in the coastal region.

Highlighting other achievements, Engineer Wodu explained that with his wealth of experience as National Secretary who as held several offices, if given the opportunity to pilot the affairs of INC, he will consolidate of the gains recorded and move the Ijaw nation to greater heights.

Aspirant for the the position of Vice President 2, Dame Rose Obioforibo from Eastern zone described, Engineer Wodu as a team player who listens but passionate about the Ijaw struggles .

Another Aspirant vying for the position Vice President 3, Chief Kennedy Odiowei said Engineer Wodu is the most qualified among contestants because he competent and capable to deliver if given the mandate, calling on delegates and aspirants to vote for him.

Also Aspirant contesting for the National Secretary, Chief Philip Brown-Agu said his decision to the join Engineer Wodu campaign team was because of his track record and leadership style as National Secretary of INC, describing him as a better candidate with innovations that can move the Ijaw nation to the next level.