Tag: Lagos State Police Command

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Lagos police launch investigation into Pastor Okafor over sexual allegations

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered an investigation into the senior pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, following a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have circulated widely on social media.

The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, who instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, to invite Okafor for questioning and to summon alleged victims and witnesses for interviews.

“The CP has directed the SCID to invite the pastor for investigation, despite the fact that no one has formally come forward to report,” said Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi.

She added that witnesses will be brought forward to provide statements that would assist the investigation.

The move comes after escalating public outrage, with actress Doris Ogala among the women accusing the pastor of sexual misconduct spanning nearly a decade. In emotional Instagram videos posted on 14 December 2025, Ogala alleged that her relationship with Okafor began in 2017, continued for nine years, and included broken promises of marriage. She also accused him of sharing explicit photos and contributing to the breakdown of her previous marriage.

In a public apology during a church service, Okafor knelt on the pulpit, admitting to past “mistakes” and asking for forgiveness. He had earlier married a new bride, identified as Pearl, on 16 December 2025, in a ceremony attended by prominent clerics.

Adebisi said she personally contacted a YouTuber who had interviewed alleged victims to obtain direct links to witnesses to facilitate the investigation.

Other women have since come forward with allegations of manipulation, infidelity, and sexual misconduct. One accuser, Okafor’s former wife, Bessem Okafor, claimed the cleric engaged in infidelity, deception, and physical assault.

Despite the allegations, several members of the Mountain of Liberation church have defended the pastor, describing the claims as attempts to extort money from Okafor.

As the probe unfolds, police have confirmed that no formal petition had been filed prior to CP Jimoh’s order, underscoring that the investigation is being conducted in response to public concern and media reports.

The Lagos SCID is expected to issue updates as Okafor is invited for questioning and witnesses provide statements, signalling the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the case. (Guardian)

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Lagos police recover illegal fireman during stop-and-search in Ishashi

The Lagos State Police Command has said the recovery of a locally made firearm in the Ishashi area underscores its continued reliance on stop-and-search operations as part of broader efforts to prevent crime across the state.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday, the command disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Crime Unit attached to the Ishashi Division recovered a cut-to-size double-barrel firearm and two cartridges during a patrol on Tuesday at about 10:45 p.m.

The police said the recovery was made in the course of a routine stop-and-search operation carried out within the division’s jurisdiction, adding that the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer.

Reaffirming its position on preventive policing, the command said such measures remain central to disrupting criminal activity before it occurs and strengthening public safety.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has said recent intelligence-led operations across several states resulted in the arrest of 22 suspects and the recovery of firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items linked to criminal activities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the operations were carried out by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad and targeted offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to banditry, cattle rustling, impersonation and drug trafficking.

Hundeyin said six firearms were recovered during the operations, including “one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, alongside two rounds of live ammunition”. He added that a total of 45 other exhibits were also recovered, comprising vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and items suspected to have been used in committing various crimes.

According to the police, one of the key operations took place along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating materials. Hundeyin said further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with alleged armed robbery and economic sabotage.

He also disclosed that, in a separate operation within the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have carried out a violent robbery involving a serving Nigerian Army officer.

The police spokesperson said another suspect, 40-year-old Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle and was found to be impersonating a police officer. “A police mobile uniform and a police identity card were recovered from him,” Hundeyin said.

He further stated that operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances during routine patrols.

In Edo State, Hundeyin said four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. He added that in Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were also apprehended.

The police said investigations into the various cases were ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country. (Guardian)

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Lagos court remands NURTW leader for suspected murder

The Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday remanded the leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Shamsideen Oladiti aka Shameleon, at the correctional centre, pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

PUNCH Metro reported that the Lagos State Police Command arrested Oladiti over allegations of assault and murder.

The 55-year-old man, according to a statement by the command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, using a helmet and fists to inflict serious injuries.

The command’s deputy spokesman also explained that a separate complaint had earlier been lodged against the suspect over an incident on August 28, 2025.

He noted that during an altercation, Oladiti allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike another man on the head and face, leaving him with severe injuries.

Oluseyi said that despite medical care, the victim died on September 17, 2025, and his remains had since been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

The suspect had since been held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.

The police, however, arraigned him on a three-count charge, after which the court ordered his remand.

The case was also adjourned to October 28, and the case was ordered to be duplicated to the state Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice.

It was gathered that the death of the deceased, identified as Imam Ramon, triggered protests at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island.

Sympathisers were also said to have set two of Adio’s motorcycles ablaze, heightening tension in the area.

The incident again brought to the fore the high-handedness of some NURTW officials in the country, as residents called on the government to curb their excesses. (Punch)

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Six in police custody for abducting Lagos business partner

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six yet-to-be-identified men for allegedly abducting their business partner in the Lekki area of the state.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim, identified by his nickname Senator, was kidnapped and held for three days following a business dispute.

A police source who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday said the arrest was made on Friday morning.

According to the source, a complaint was lodged by the family of the victim over his whereabouts, leading to a search by the police.

The source said, “The victim’s family reported the case of a missing person at the police station. He was said to have stepped out on Tuesday but did not return home. This made the police launch a search for his whereabouts. It was in the process that he was traced through his phone to an apartment in Lekki. A team of detectives was mobilised to the location where he victim was found.”

Another source who was aware of the development but pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Sunday that the men subjected the victim to maltreatment during his stay in their captivity.

“His phone was seized, and money was withdrawn from his bank account. During interrogation, we discovered that they had transacted some business together, and the outcome of the business did not favour the suspects. Out of frustration, they decided to abduct him as a way of recovering their money,” the source added.

Although the nature of the business was not disclosed, the source, who is also a police officer, said the investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspects would be charged after interrogation.

In a video seen by PUNCH Metro, the suspects were seen being handcuffed after they were rounded up by the detectives.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was not aware of the incident.

“I will contact the police division in the area to find out and get back to you,” she added. She had yet to revert to PUNCH Metro as of the time of filing this report

Kidnap-for-ransom cases have been on the rise in the country over the years. Security experts, however, warned that some disputes among business partners now escalate into criminal abductions.

PUNCH Metro reported in August that a 32-year-old painter, Chigozie Clement, was arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly abducting his customer’s seven-year-old son in the Ketu Alapere area of the state.

The suspect allegedly lured the child away from his home and later contacted the victim’s mother to demand a ransom of N7m for the boy’s release.

Detectives later trailed the painter to the Ijegun area of the state, where he was arrested, while the boy was rescued in the process. (Punch)

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Police arrest security guard for masterminding burglary in Lagos

Detectives of Iju Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a security guard for conspiracy, house breaking, and stealing, with exhibits recovered.

In a statement by the Lagos State Police spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on August 15, 2025, a resident of the Ifako area reported that upon returning home, he discovered his house had been broken into by unknown persons.

Hundeyin said among the stolen items included one Sumec generator, one Fireman generator, one National air conditioner and three air conditioner compressor engines, all valued at ₦1,785,000.

Following the investigation, police detectives arrested one Yisa Hassan, aged 38, a security guard in the same neighbourhood.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect conspired with others still at large to commit the crime.

Hundeyin said that the stolen items have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Hassan’s accomplices, and the case will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents that the command will leave no stone unturned in bringing criminal elements to justice while urging them to always do proper background checks of employees before engaging them.” (Guardian)

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Six arrested over murder in Lagos cult clash

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in connection with the killing of one Kamoru aka Keeper during a clash in the Ebute Meta area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement sent to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, stated that the suspects were apprehended on July 17, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the Surulere area of the state.

According to Hundeyin, those arrested include Raphael Ashim, 30; Wasiu Kareem, 33; Sadiq Olabisi, 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, 54; and Ibrahim Oladimeji, 22.

He explained that the suspects were allegedly involved in a series of cult clashes in the community and surrounding areas, which also led to the death of the 30-year-old Kamoru.

“On July 17, 2025, detectives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Surulere, embarked on an intelligence-led operation to the Ebute Meta area of Lagos and arrested one Raphael Ashim, ‘m’, aged 30; Wasiu Kareem, ‘m’, aged 33; Sadiq Olabisi, ‘m’, aged 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, ‘m’, aged 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, ‘m’, aged 54, and Ibrahim Oladimeji, ‘m’, aged 22, all of whom were involved in a cult clash in Ebute Meta and its environs, which led to the gruesome murder of one Kamoru alias “Keeper”, ‘m’, aged 30.”

The police spokesperson also noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.

“The suspects have been charged in court and are awaiting trial,” he added.

A yet-to-be ascertained number of suspected cultists have been arrested in various parts of Lagos State following a major crackdown by the Lagos State Police Command on Monday.

The arrests came barely 24 hours after the command issued a warning against cult groups ahead of the annual “7/7 Cultism Day,” known for rival clashes and reprisals.

Sources who spoke to our correspondent on Wednesday said raids were carried out in areas such as Ikorodu, Idimu, Mushin, Bariga, and Iyana Iba, where the suspected cult members had gathered to mark the day.

The sources added that police recovered some exhibits from them during the raid. (Punch)