The Abuja Police Command has arrested a Nigerian Navy officer, Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, in connection with the murder of Aminu Ibrahim, the son of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd). The arrest was announced by the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

According to Commissioner Igweh, Muhammad confessed to the crime, which occurred two weeks ago in the Maitama area of Abuja.

He revealed that Aminu Ibrahim was robbed and killed, and his Prado Jeep was stolen. However, the vehicle has since been recovered by the police.

“About two weeks ago, Aminu Ibrahim, the son of Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, was robbed and killed in the Maitama area of Abuja, and his Prado SUV was taken. I want to inform you that Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, a serving Nigerian Navy personnel, committed the murder. He has confessed to the crime, and we have recovered the Prado Jeep,” Igweh stated.

Speaking to journalists, Muhammad, a seaman in the Nigerian Navy, disclosed that he was deployed as a security officer to the residence of the former Chief of Naval Staff. He recounted the events leading to the crime, stating that on the night of the incident, Aminu requested his security escort as he went out around 11:30 PM.

“I work at the house. He wanted to go out at night, around 11:30. He said he needed security. So, I followed him with my gun. Along the way, he stopped to check his ATM, as if he was going to buy something. I thought maybe I was going to escort him to a market or somewhere. Then, when I came out through the other door, I shot him, took the car, and left. I’m a guard and a seaman in the Navy. He did not do anything to me; I killed him to steal his car,” Muhammad confessed.

In a related development, the Abuja Police Command also paraded 94 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), who were arrested following the death of two police officers on Sunday. The details of their arrest were not immediately disclosed.

The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining peace and security in the Federal Capital Territory.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a nurse in the Lekki area following the tragic death of a 36-year-old woman identified only as Abiola. The incident occurred after Abiola underwent a cosmetic procedure at a clinic in Lekki Phase 1.

The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated on Wednesday that the incident was reported by the deceased’s driver at the Maroko Police Division.

According to the driver, Abiola, a resident of Diamond Estate in Sangotedo-Lekki, had visited the clinic for a Brazilian Butt Lift surgery aimed at enhancing her figure.

Hundeyin explained, “Upon our arrival, the clinic owner directed a nurse to administer the injection on Abiola. Moments later, chaos ensued as the woman lost consciousness and started gasping for breath.”

In a desperate bid to save her life, the driver rushed Abiola to another hospital in Lekki Phase 1, but upon arrival, she was pronounced dead by the medical staff on duty.

Police detectives have since visited the scene to gather evidence, meticulously inspecting and photographing Abiola’s remains before transporting her body to a public morgue for autopsy.

The nurse involved in the procedure has been taken into custody, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered a thorough investigation into the harrowing incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death.

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has arrested more than 300 individuals with connections to Black Axe, one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, along with other affiliated groups.

The Black Axe, a secretive and feared organization, is involved in trafficking, prostitution, and violent operations globally, with cybercrime being its most significant revenue stream.

According to an official release by INTERPOL, the operation, which spanned from 10 April to 3 July, resulted in hundreds of arrests, the seizure of assets worth $3 million, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks worldwide.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Jackal III, targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates driving it, and it took place across 21 countries on five continents.

In addition to the arrests, INTERPOL identified over 400 additional suspects and blocked more than 720 bank accounts linked to the criminal activities.

President Bola Tinubu had pledged increased support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its efforts against digital offences in February 2024. The commitment was underscored by the significant international law enforcement collaboration seen in Operation Jackal III.

Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), highlighted the growing threat of financial fraud originating from West Africa, noting, “The volume of financial fraud stemming from West Africa is alarming and increasing. This operation’s results underscore the critical need for international law enforcement collaboration to combat these extensive criminal networks. By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and putting some of West Africa’s most dangerous organized crime leaders behind bars, we are able to weaken their influence and reduce their capacity to harm communities around the world.”

Major Arrests and Seizures in Argentina

In Argentina, Operation Jackal III led to the dismantling of a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network after a five-year investigation.

Authorities seized USD 1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes known as ‘supernotes,’ arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts.

The network was also found using money mules to open bank accounts globally and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities. Among the suspects are citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. More than 160 victims suffered significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take out large loans.

Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, emphasized the importance of Operation Jackal III, stating, “Operation Jackal is a crucial step forward in combating West African online financial fraud and clearly demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot escape the watchful eye of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries – especially in Argentina. By following illegal money trails worldwide, INTERPOL and the global police community ensure that no matter where these criminals try to hide, they will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”

Additional Arrests in Switzerland and Portugal

In Switzerland, INTERPOL cracked down on West African organized crime syndicates, seizing cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and arresting multiple suspects.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe. During the operation, over 25 syndicate members were identified, with seized data revealing extensive cryptocurrency transactions and sophisticated money laundering activities.

INTERPOL headquarters played a critical role in coordinating the exchange of intelligence and assisting in the identification and apprehension of suspects. The operation involved law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In November 2023, the Nigerian Senate expressed concerns over an annual loss of $500 million to various forms of cybercrime across the country, highlighting the ongoing challenge of digital fraud in the region.