The Gombe State Police Command on Thursday disclosed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the theft of $35,000 and the arson of a house in New GRA, Gombe.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, “On March 22, 2025, at about 2000hrs, a distress call was received from New GRA, Gombe, behind Legislative Quarters, that one Hannatu Ibrahim, a cook to one Mohammed Jurdi, a Syrian, attached to Mejay Concrete Construction Limited, stole his money and set his house ablaze.”

Our correspondent reports that the prime suspect, Hannatu Ibrahim, was arrested, and upon investigation, she was found in possession of $7,100. She also revealed that the second suspect, Ahmed Adamu, was the first person she contacted after the theft.

The second suspect was arrested, and $100 was found in his possession. The third suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim, who was the security man to the victim, was also arrested in connection with the alleged crime.”

Abdullahi said the case would soon be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

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The Gombe State Police Command announced the arrest of three individuals on Thursday in connection with the theft of $35,000 and the arson of a house in New GRA, Gombe.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, “On 22/03/2025, at about 2000hrs, a distress call was received from New GRA, Gombe, behind Legislative Quarters, that one Hannatu Ibrahim, a cook to one Mohammed Jurdi, a Syrian attache to Mejay Concrete Construction Limited, stole his money and set his house ablaze.”

Our correspondent reports that the primary suspect, Hannatu Ibrahim, was apprehended, and upon investigation, she was found in possession of $7,100.

“She also disclosed that the second suspect, Ahmed Adamu, was the first person she contacted after the theft.

“The second suspect was arrested, with $100 found in his possession. The third suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim, the victim’s security guard, was also arrested in connection with the alleged crime.

“The case will soon be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” DSP Abdullahi stated.

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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of the former manager of the defunct hip-hop music group, P-Square, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application over alleged $1m, and £34,000 theft.

Justice Oshodi ordered his remand after taking his plea.

Okoye and his Northside Music Limited Company were arraigned before the court on four counts bordering on stealing and conversion of $1m and £34,000 royalties got from the music digital distribution/publishing.

During the arraignment, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prosecution counsel, Mohammed Bashiru, told the court that Okoye and Northside Music Limited allegedly stole the sum of $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.

Bashiru told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences sometime between 2016 and 2023.

He said Okoye and his Northside Music Limited dishonestly converted the sum of $767,544.15, to his use, the alleged sum which was paid by Lex Records limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye, his special interest in the property.

The prosecutor also accused Okoye of dishonestly converting the sum of £34,537.59, paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye his special interest in the property.

The EFCC alleged that P-Square’s ex-manager dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566.49, which sum was paid by Kobalt Music digital distribution /publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency said the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652.23, paid by Mtech Limited as payment for music digital distribution publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye his special interest in the property.

According to EFCC, the offences committed contravened Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

Following his not-guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date.

He told the court that the EFCC had 29 witnesses but that it’s only 10 who would testify against the defendants.

But the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), informed the court that the defence had filed a bail application dated February 27, 2025.

Onwuenwunor said the prosecution was served the bail application on February 28, 2025.

He noted that Okoye was arraigned before the Federal High Court on a similar charge and was granted bail on Monday.

“Onwuenwunor said the defendant is a prominent entertainer in this country. They are three brothers who formed the group P-Square.

“If granted bail, he will not jump bail. He did not jump the administrative bail the EFCC granted him. For two years after the EFCC investigated this case, he was granted administrative bail.

“It is our appeal that My Lord allows the defendant to continue to enjoy the administrative bail granted to him by the EFCC.”

However, Justice Oshodi adjourned the hearing of the bail application till March 6, 2025.

He ordered that the defendant be further remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre where he was brought to the court.

The judge adjourned the commencement of the trial till May 16 and 23, 2025.

It will be recorded that Jude Okoye, the elder brother of the singing duo, Peter and Paul, is facing a similar case of seven counts before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court.

The Federal High Court on Monday granted him bail in the sum of N100m, with two sureties in like manner.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will on Tuesday arraign the elder brother of Peter Okoye (Alias Mr P) and Paul Okoye (Alias Rudeboy), Jude Okoye, the former manager of the hip-hop artistes, of the defunct music group, P-Square, on fresh charges of $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59, theft before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja over alleged $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59 theft.

The EFCC filed the four counts before Justice Rahman Oshodi.

The arraignment initially slated for Monday could not go on as the Ikoyi Correctional Centre had not received any information for his arraignment at Ikeja.

In the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, the EFCC accused OKoye of dishonestly converting the sum of $767,544.15, to his own use, the alleged sum which was paid Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye his special interest in the property.

He was also accused of having some time, between 2016 and 2023, dishonestly converted the sum of £34,537.59, paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency alleged that P-Square’s ex-manager dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566.49, which sum paid by Kobalt Music digital distribution /publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency said the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652.23, paid by Mtech limited as payment for music digital distribution publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive the music artiste of his special interest.

According to the EFCC, the offences committed contravened Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Earlier, the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday granted N100m bail to Jude Okoye, the former manager of the hip-hop artistes, the defunct music group, P-square.

Justice Alexander Owoeye granted him bail with two sureties in like sum.

Okoye was arraigned on February 26, 2025, before the court on the alleged crime of money laundering involving N1.38bn, $1m, and £34,537.59.

He was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on seven counts preferred against him by the EFCC.

The commission told the court that the defendant alongside his Northside Music Limited sometime in 2022, in Lagos, directly acquired a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850,000,000, the money he knew or reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of unlawful activities.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Okoye and his company, in 2022, used a Bureau De Change to convert $1,019,762.87, held in an Access Bank account operated by Northside Music Ltd, into naira and transferred the funds into various bank accounts to conceal the illicit origin of the money.

According to the EFCC, the offences committed contravened Sections 18 (2)(a) and are punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

Okoye pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

However, when Okoye’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application and requested a short date for its hearing, the court then adjourned till Friday to hear the bail application.

On Friday, when the matter came up, both the prosecution and the defence counsel argued the bail application.

Justice Owoeye after taking arguments from both lawyers, adjourned the matter till Monday for ruling on the bail application.

When the matter was called on Monday for ruling, the defendant’s counsel, Arome Mathew, announced his appearance and told the court that the matter was for ruling on the pending application.

He said, “We have argued the bail application dated February 25 and filed February 26, 2025.”

Fanne Anum also announced his appearance for the prosecution.

Justice Owoeye in his ruling granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100m, with two sureties in like sum.

The judge held, “One of the sureties must be an owner of a landed property, (while) the other surety must be a businessowner with verifiable address.

“Both sureties shall show an affidavit of means.”

Justice Owoeye also ordered that the property title as well as the Bank Verification Number should be deposited before the court.

“The defendant shall not travel out of the country, pending the hearing and determination of the charges.

“The defendant shall continue to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions,” the judge held.

The case was adjourned till April 14, for the commencement of trial.

United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has accused North Korea of being the brains behind the theft of $1.5 billion in digital assets from the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit last week, which is considered the biggest crypto heist ever.

The FBI identified a group called TraderTraitor, also known as the Lazarus Group, as responsible for the theft.

“TraderTraitor actors are proceeding rapidly and have converted some of the stolen assets to bitcoin and other virtual assets dispersed across thousands of addresses on multiple blockchains,” the FBI stated.

The stolen amount reportedly lost some of its value but exceeded the previous record of $1 billion stolen by Saddam Hussein from Iraq’s central bank before the 2003 war, highlighting North Korea’s growing expertise in cybercrime.

FBI added that the stolen assets would likely be further laundered and eventually converted to fiat currency, a government-backed currency not tied to commodities like gold.

“It is expected these assets will be further laundered and eventually converted to fiat currency,” the FBI added.

Hackers linked to North Korea stole more than $1.3 billion in cryptocurrency in 2024, a record amount, according to a report published in late December by blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis.

The thefts were spread out over 47 incidents, a dramatic increase from the $660 million stolen in 2023.

“Hackers linked to North Korea have become notorious for their sophisticated and relentless tradecraft, often employing advanced malware, social engineering, and cryptocurrency theft to fund state-sponsored operations and circumvent international sanctions,” Chainalysis said in its report.

UN officials monitoring sanctions imposed on North Korea believe that the proceeds from dozens of suspected cyber-attacks carried out by the regime between 2017 and 2023 contributed to their funding.

In response to the heist, Bybit has offered a bounty for those who help recover the losses, setting up an online system to trace and freeze stolen funds.

Chief Executive Ben Zhou emphasised the importance of transparency in combating cybercrime.

“We are taking a stand to ensure that every transaction is visible and every hacker is held accountable. Our multi-pronged offensive is a clear message: if you steal, you will be found, and justice will be swift,” Zhou said.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 34-years-old man, Olayinka Bakare, and one Udeh Michael aged 50 for robbing an individual of his Toyota Corolla salon car, laptops and a phone in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the suspects perpetrated the crime at about 2 am the same day.

According to him, operatives of the Surulere Police Division however acted on a tip-off, which led to their arrest.

“Following a tip-off by the car owner, operatives of Surulere Divison were swiftly drafted and despatched to go after the armed robbers as the stolen car and other properties are being carted away. The police efforts yielded immediate results, as two of the suspects were arrested, and the car recovered while one of the suspects escaped,” Hundeyin disclosed in the statement.

The image maker added that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, therefore directed the Divisional Police Officer to bring all the officers involved in the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the vehicle to the command headquarters for commendation and appreciation for a job well done.

“The fast response time and swift arrest of the armed robbers, and recovery of the robbed vehicle and other valuable properties and items are highly commendable,” he stated.

He also quoted the CP as directing the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation, to arrest other members of the armed robbery gang, erase their network and recover the remaining robbed items, and their other operational equipment.

“The CP uses this achievement to send strong signals to the criminals in Lagos State to park and leave the state or be rounded up and sent to correctional centres (prison) using the instruments of the laws of the land. The good people of Lagos are hereby enjoined to continue to have confidence and trust in the capacity of Lagos State Police Command to secure them,” the statement added.

Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have apprehended one Usman Abubakar, a member of a notorious gangster, popularly called ‘Shila’ boys on the allegation of robbery in Mubi-North local government area of the state.

Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Danwambo Morris, said the suspect, who hails from Shuware Ward in the said local government area was arrested following a complaint lodged by one Hadiza Atiku of Wuro Harde Ward.

Police said the complainant accused the suspect of physically assaulting her and forcefully stealing her Infinix WOD 9 handset while armed with scissors.

The CP further explained that the suspect stabbed the victim in the face, thereby causing her grievous injuries.

He stressed that operatives of the Command attached to Mubi North Divisional Police headquarters swiftly swung into action upon receiving the report, leading to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the stolen items.

Items recovered from Abubakar include a tricycle, an Infinix brand of mobile phone, scissors, among others.

The CP added that the suspect is currently in police custody where he is aiding investigation, and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Oil theft in Nigeria has decreased to 5,000 barrels per day (b/d), according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

This decrease in crude oil theft has resulted in an increase in national oil output, which has reached 1.75 million barrels per day (mbpd) in January 2025.

The commission’s chief executive, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this at the Renewed Hope Global Town Hall Conference in Abuja. He projected that oil production will increase by one million bpd by the end of 2026.

The NUPRC aims to further ramp up production to 2.6 mb/d by December 2026 as part of its strategic initiatives to enhance the country’s oil sector.

The recent decline in oil theft is attributed to intensified efforts by the Nigerian military and security agencies against pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region. In recent months, authorities have reported significant seizures of stolen oil and the dismantling of illegal refineries, indicating progress in combating this long-standing issue that has plagued Nigeria’s economy.
Despite these improvements, the country has faced substantial economic losses due to oil theft, with estimates suggesting that Nigeria lost around N2.3 trillion (approximately $3 billion) in 2023 alone due to such criminal activities.

The NUPRC’s current output levels are a positive sign for the industry, which has struggled with production challenges over the past few years27.

Looking ahead, the NUPRC’s target of 2.6 mb/d by late 2026 reflects a commitment to restoring Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global oil market, bolstered by ongoing security measures and regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable production levels.

Komolafe highlighted the progress made in curbing oil theft, which had previously caused a significant drop in production to 1.1 million bpd in 2022.

“Through kinetic and non-kinetic interventions, oil theft has significantly reduced to 5,000 bpd, leading to a steady production increase to 1.7 million bpd,” he stated.

He further outlined the government’s goal to boost production under the Project 1 MMBOPD initiative, which will rely on collaboration among operators, service providers, financiers, and host communities.

Komolafe also reported that gas production has increased to 7 billion standard cubic feet per day (SCFD), reflecting a positive shift in the upstream sector.

He emphasised that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, the Commission has initiated several reforms to enhance regulatory effectiveness and attract investments.

“In May 2023, the Commission unveiled its 10-year Regulatory and Corporate Strategic Plan (2023–2033), followed by a Regulatory Action Plan for 2024, detailing key industry reforms,” he noted.

These reforms aim to: Increase oil and gas reserves and production, Enhance hydrocarbon accounting transparency, Achieve cost efficiency and decarbonisation, Ensure host community stability and Reduce the carbon footprint of upstream operations.

Komolafe highlighted the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) as a core component of the country’s energy transition strategy.

The initiative targets: Eliminating routine gas flaring, Reducing methane emissions and Encouraging carbon capture technologies.

Additionally, the Carbon Credits Earning Framework aims to monetise decarbonisation efforts while promoting sustainable energy practices.

Komolafe reported that the NUPRC has consistently exceeded revenue targets, achieving an 84 per cent increase above its budgeted revenue in 2024.

To strengthen fiscal transparency, the Commission has implemented regulations on: Hydrocarbon metering, Fiscal oil price determination, Cargo declaration systems, These measures aim to curb revenue leakages and crude oil theft.

Addressing community relations, Komolafe disclosed that 137 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) have been established to foster local participation and stability in oil-producing areas.

He reiterated the NUPRC’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and ensuring transparency in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.

Speaking on Nigeria’s oil and gas potential and global positioning, he noted that Africa accounts for five of the world’s top oil-producing countries, and Nigeria stands as the continent’s second-largest oil reserve holder and the largest gas reserve holder, with oil reserves estimated at 37.5 billion barrels, while gas reserves stand at 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF).

He added that oil production in Nigeria now averages 1.75 million barrels per day (BOPD), with a gas production rate of 7 billion standard cubic feet per day (SCFD).

On regulatory reforms and achievements, the NUPRC boss stated that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, the Commission has driven several initiatives to enhance regulatory effectiveness and attract investments.

These reforms, according to him, focus on increasing oil and gas reserves and production, enhancing hydrocarbon accounting transparency, achieving cost efficiency and decarbonisation in upstream operations, ensuring stability in host communities, and reducing the carbon footprint of oil and gas activities.

On the 2024 Licensing Round and Investment Drive, Engr. Komolafe highlighted that NUPRC launched its 2024 Licensing Round, offering 24 oil and gas assets to investors. To attract global participation, the commission held roadshows in Houston, Miami, London, and Paris, showcasing Nigeria’s energy potential.

Shedding light on the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), the CCE assured that the project is at the forefront of the country’s energy transition strategy and aims to eliminate routine gas flaring, reduce methane emissions, and encourage carbon capture technologies. Additionally, the Carbon Credits Earning Framework seeks to monetise decarbonisation efforts while promoting sustainable energy practices.

Giving a brief on revenue growth and financial performance, coupled with industry challenges, he mentioned that NUPRC has consistently exceeded revenue targets. In 2024, the commission outperformed its budgeted revenue collection by 84 per cent, marking a strong financial performance for Nigeria’s upstream sector.

To ensure fiscal transparency, NUPRC has implemented regulations on hydrocarbon metering, fiscal oil price determination, and cargo declaration systems to curb revenue leakages and crude oil theft.

On Host Community Engagement and Regulatory Transparency, the Commission has incorporated 137 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to foster local participation and stability in oil-producing regions. Furthermore, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) has been established to resolve conflicts efficiently, reducing disruptions to oil and gas operations.

In light of all these developments, Komolafe emphasised that Nigeria is more ready for business than ever, citing the government’s commitment to regulatory certainty, investment-friendly policies, and global competitiveness.

With a stable political environment, a growing gas economy, and a clear roadmap for energy transition, Nigeria positions itself as a prime destination for energy investments in Africa.

He reaffirmed NUPRC’s commitment to collaborating with global investors, financiers, and energy stakeholders to unlock the nation’s full hydrocarbon potential while driving sustainable development.

Two suspects, Ibrahim Umar, 22, and Usman Abdullahi, 27, were February 7 arrested by the operatives of the Gombe State Police Command for their alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, housebreaking and theft.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested following an investigation into a formal complaint received on February 4, 2025.

The complaint filed by Abdulbasid Haruna alleged that unknown persons broke into his house on February 3, 2025, at around 1:00 a.m. and stole several items, including laptops, mobile phones, and other valuables, totalling N3,200,570.

He said, “We employed the use of technological know-how and tracked down some of the stolen devices, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

“During the investigation, all of the stolen items were recovered after they were sold at the rate of N80,000, and the suspects confessed to committing the crime.”

The PPRO noted that the police were still searching for a third suspect, Ibrahim Danmariya, who is believed to be the receiver of the stolen goods. Abdullahi urged the residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

“We appeal to the public to provide useful information that can lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspect.

“We assure the public that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Abdullahi said.