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Alleged Fraud Syndicate Arrested Over Multi-Million Naira Scam Targeting Umuahia Market Traders And Across Abia State

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Tension gripped several major markets in Umuahia following the arrest of a group of suspected fraudsters accused of allegedly defrauding traders of millions of naira through a deceptive investment scheme operating across different parts of the state.

 

The suspects were reportedly apprehended after several market men and women raised alarm over an alleged fraudulent operation in which victims were persuaded to invest sums ranging from N10,000 to over N5 million with promises of receiving a 30 percent return within a few days.

The alleged scam reportedly affected traders in major markets including Oriugba Market, Ubani Market and Ahịa Ụkwụ Olokro.

According to reports gathered by News men, the matter came to public attention on May 5, 2026, after a concerned resident contacted Spinfm Radio in Umuahia, alleging that a group of individuals had been moving from one market to another collecting money from unsuspecting traders under false pretences.

Victims alleged that the suspects introduced themselves as representatives of a company allegedly backed by foreign investors. Traders were reportedly told that anyone who invested money would receive a 30 percent profit within three days. As part of the arrangement, investors were immediately given solar-powered touch lights as gifts while awaiting payment of their returns.

A vegetable seller who confirmed the incident said she invested 1 million Naira after being assured she would receive N1.3 million within days.

“They convinced us that the business was genuine. They said it was aimed at helping traders and empowering people financially. Some people even received payments initially, which made many others trust them, without knowing it is a game to get more people” she said.

Several traders explained that the scheme appeared credible at first because some early participants allegedly received their promised returns, encouraging others to invest larger sums.

One female trader narrated how she initially declined the offer due to previous experiences with similar schemes but later agreed after repeated persuasion by one of the promoters.

According to her, she first invested N100,000 and was given a solar light with the promise that she would receive N130,000 after three days.

She stated that the promised payment was eventually made, which convinced many traders that the business was legitimate.

“The woman told me it was a company owned by a white man who wanted to help people and make a name in Nigeria. She claimed they had an office inside Slot at Isigate and that they planned to open a branch in Umuahia soon,” the trader alleged.

Another victim said she handed over N100,000 in cash after being assured she would receive N130,000 within days, only to later discover that the operators had allegedly disappeared from the city.

A meat seller also alleged that he invested N3 million, while another victim reportedly lost N200,000.

Traders at Oriugba market said many victims invested amounts ranging from N50,000 to N4 million, while victims at Ahia Ụkwụ Olokro reportedly invested between N10,000 and N500,000.

While gathering information at Oriugba Market, a call came that the same group was operating at Ahia Ụkwụ Olokoro Market. Upon arriving at the location, the suspects were allegedly found engaging traders with the same investment promises earlier described by victims.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to market leaders, who contacted officers from the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Robbery Unit Ọlokoro of the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation.

Speaking at the police station, some market leaders said,

“We heard that these people were moving around markets collecting money from traders with promises of adding profits to it. Some traders invested because they believed the scheme was genuine after seeing others receive payments initially without knowing they used that format to get to them. From what we have seen, there is a strong suspicion that this operation is fraudulent.”

The market leaders appealed to the administration of Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner of Police in the state to intensify investigations and ensure justice for victims.

As of the time of filing this report, the police authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the progress of the investigation, while the management of the solar company allegedly linked to the scheme was said to have declined invitations to appear at the police station for questioning.

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CRIME

Police Officers Plead Not Guilty in Alleged Extra-Judicial Killing of Delta Musician ‘OG Million’

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The prime suspect, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Usman Nuhu, alongside four other police officers, has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from the alleged extra-judicial killing of 28-year-old Warri-based musician Oghenemine Ogidi, popularly known as “OG Million.”

The incident, which occurred on April 26 in Effurun, Delta State, sparked widespread public outrage after videos circulated on social media, allegedly showing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The footage drew condemnation from civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and members of the public, who called for an independent investigation and justice for the deceased.

According to the prosecution, the officers are facing charges in connection with the death of the young musician. However, during their arraignment before the court, all five defendants entered a plea of not guilty, setting the stage for a full trial in which the prosecution will be required to present evidence to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The death of Oghenemine Ogidi has renewed concerns over allegations of extra-judicial killings and the use of excessive force by some members of Nigeria’s security agencies. Over the years, several incidents involving police brutality have triggered national outrage and calls for reforms within the Nigeria Police Force. The #EndSARS protests of 2020 brought global attention to allegations of unlawful killings, torture, extortion, and other human rights violations committed by some officers, leading to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and renewed promises of police reform.

Human rights organizations have consistently maintained that every citizen, regardless of the allegation against them, has a constitutional right to life and to a fair trial. They argue that law enforcement officers are expected to arrest suspects where possible and allow the courts to determine guilt or innocence, rather than resorting to unlawful use of force.

The trial of ASP Usman Nuhu and the four other officers is therefore being closely watched as a significant test of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability within its security institutions. Many legal observers believe the outcome could influence public confidence in the justice system and demonstrate whether law enforcement officers can be held accountable for actions that allegedly violate the rights of citizens.

If the court ultimately finds the defendants not guilty after considering all the evidence presented, the officers will be acquitted and discharged in accordance with the law. Such a judgment would mean that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, or that the court found insufficient evidence to establish criminal liability. It would not necessarily mean that the incident did not occur as alleged, but rather that the legal standard required for a criminal conviction was not met.

On the other hand, if the prosecution succeeds in proving its case, a conviction could reinforce the principle that no individual, including law enforcement officers, is above the law. Such an outcome would also be viewed by many as an important step toward strengthening accountability, protecting human rights, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

As proceedings continue, the court is expected to examine witness testimonies, forensic evidence, video recordings, and other materials presented by both the prosecution and the defence before delivering its judgment.

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CRIME

Woman who staged own kîdnap found in Delta hotel with lover

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A married woman identified as Oluchi has been found in a hotel in Delta State after she faked her abduction and demanded N50 million from her family.

Children of the woman, including her daughter in Canada, had pleaded with the public to help them raise money even as the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N20m.

They had told the police that their mother was kidnapped at the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

But the police investigation led its crack team to Delta State, where the supposedly kidnapped woman was found with her lover in a hotel.

A source said, “Police traced the number of the man to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State. They met the man and the kidnapped woman inside a hotel. They called the husband, and he was happy. It was at the station that the police broke the news to him. The wife begged the husband not to tell her children what actually transpired.”

In an online video, her daughter, Anita, who is based in Canada, said her mum’s action has shattered the family. She vowed that the family would allow the law to take its course.

According to her, “My mum has been released. My mum is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mom. The family is in shock. This is not right. This has shattered my family. My dad has some health issues. This is so unfortunate. What did I do wrong?

“My reputation has been ruined. I am short of words. I am so mad. I have no hand in this. I never knew. I only wanted my mother back home. The law will take its course. I am sorry this is happening. I only did what any daughter would do. My family has been shattered.

“We were called that my mum has been released. We didn’t pay the kidnappers. The money is intact. We are going to make a refund. We involved the Police from the beginning. We now know it was not a real kidnapping. They said my mom is involved. They are having a relationship. The guy was traced. They had agreed to take what we already raised to N20m.”

The Harmony Ladies Club, a social club Anita belongs to, in a statement on its WhatsApp group and forwarded to journalists, dissociated itself from the staged kidnapping.

It expressed deep disappointment, shock, and embarrassment at Mrs. Oluchi’s actions.

The statement read, “When news of her alleged abduction broke, the club acted swiftly in good faith. Out of sisterhood, love, and a sense of community responsibility, we rallied immediately.

“Our members provided extensive emotional, logistical, and financial support during what we believed was a life-threatening crisis, carrying the heavy burden of anxiety alongside her family.

“It is with a profound sense of betrayal that we have now discovered, through investigations, that the entire kidnapping incident was staged by Mrs. Oluchi herself.”

Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

She added, “I can confirm the incident and also let you know that four people have also been arrested in connection with the incident.”

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CRIME

ARREST OF SUSPECTS FOR CONSPIRACY ATTEMPTED CHILD STEALING AND POSSESSION OF SUSPECTED HARD DRUGS

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SUSPECTS
1.Nzubechi Chinagorom, male, 24 years, of Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA.

2.Chinonso Chibundu, male, 25 years, of Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA.

FACTS OF THE CASE
1. Leveraging on actionable intelligence, officers of the Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the Olokoro Community Vigilante, apprehended the above mentioned suspects.

2. On 25/05/2026, the suspects went to the residence of one Miss Amarachi Chinyereugo, female, 32 years, of same address. Nzubechi Chinagorom attempted to forcibly take away her 2-week-old baby girl, which resulted in a struggle with the mother. In the process, he assaulted her and stabbed her with a kitchen knife, causing the child to fall and hit her head.

3. Meanwhile, Chinonso Chibundu remained outside the house, acting as a lookout. Following the victim’s distress call, both suspects fled the scene but were later apprehended at a nearby bus stop, where they were reportedly found taking substances suspected to be hard drugs.

4. The mother and child were immediately rushed to the hospital, where they received treatment and have since recovered. The suspects were apprehended, exhibits were recovered and investigation has been conducted at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), suspects will be charged to court on 2/06/2026

5. The Abia State Police Command reiterates its commitment to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property. The Command also Advises residents of the state to partner with the police in crime prevention by reporting any security concerns to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines:👇
08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006

Signed:
DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka
LLB, anipr, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Abia State Police Command
30th May 2026

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