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Dangote Refinery IPO: When Will Shares Be Available and How Can You Buy?

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Dangote Refinery IPO: When Will Shares Be Available and How Can You Buy?

The planned listing of Dangote Petroleum Refinery on the Nigerian stock market is moving closer to reality, potentially giving ordinary Nigerians a chance to own a direct stake in one of Africa’s largest industrial projects.

For years, the refinery was essentially out of reach for retail investors, since it was privately owned. That is set to change now with Aliko Dangote confirming an Initial Public Offering, popularly known as an IPO, will open within days in early September 2026.

On Friday, September 4, reports say that investors may be offered about 4.1 billion shares at a price of about ₦525 per share.

If successful, the deal could become the biggest IPO ever to be undertaken in Africa.

But prospective investors should know that Dangote Refinery shares are not like those of the other Dangote-related companies already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, and some of the detailed IPO terms being reported have not yet been published in a final public prospectus.

Here is what Nigerians need to know about the highly-anticipated Dangote Refinery shares.

What is Dangote Refinery?
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is the huge oil refining and petrochemical complex situated at the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos State.

The facility was built at an estimated cost of roughly $20 billion and was initially designed to process about 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

Dangote says the facility can produce petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, naphtha and other petroleum products for both Nigeria and export markets.

The company now is pursuing plans to increase refining capacity to about 1.4 million barrels per day, effectively doubling the size of the refinery. Some of the money raised in the planned IPO is expected to help finance that expansion.

Is Dangote Refinery Already On The Stock Exchange?
No, not yet.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery shares are not yet freely trading on the Nigerian Exchange like shares of Dangote Cement or Dangote Sugar Refinery as of September 4, 2026.

That distinction is important for would-be investors.

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc ( DANGSUGAR ) is a completely different listed company involved in sugar production and refining. Buying DANGSUGAR shares does not equate owning shares directly in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. DANGSUGAR is a consumer-goods company that refines raw sugar into edible sugar, according to the NGX.

Investors interested specifically in the petroleum refinery therefore need to wait for the refinery’s own public offer and listing.

When Will Dangote Refinery Shares Be Available For Purchase?
The refinery’s IPO would open within 10 to 12 days, Aliko Dangote said on Sept. 3.

Reuters subsequently reported that the order book is expected to open on September 14, 2026, citing people familiar with the transaction.

This would enable investors to lodge applications for shares before the stock eventually commences normal secondary-market trading on the Nigerian Exchange.

Investors should however, closely follow the final offer documents approved by the SEC for the exact opening date, closing date, minimum subscription and allotment arrangements.

How Much is One Dangote Refinery Share Worth?
Current reports show a price of around ₦525 per share.

Reuters reported on September 4 that sources involved with the transaction said the refinery was looking at a price range of around ₦500 to ₦595 per share, with ₦525 emerging as the likely offer price.

About 4.1 billion shares are to be offered.

At ₦525 each, the base offer would be worth approximately ₦2.15 trillion, while Reuters estimated the expected fundraising at around $1.5 billion given prevailing exchange rates and deal assumptions.

Also expected is a 15% greenshoe option. A greenshoe provision allows for the sale of additional shares if demand turns out to be much stronger than expected.

Dangote Refinery had not publicly commented on all of those specific terms at the time of the Reuters report, and some were reported by sources familiar with the transaction.

Therefore, investors should consider the final approved prospectus as authoritative, rather than social-media fliers or unofficial investment platforms.

Dangote Refinery Net Worth: How Much Is It?
That is probably going to be one of the biggest questions surrounding the IPO.

The refinery was reportedly valued at about $40 billion in a private placement completed before the public offering. But Reuters did note that some analysts have questioned how that valuation stacks up against established international refining companies.

In August, Africa Finance Corporation said it had led strategic investors in a $2.5 billion private placement in Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

High valuation can reflect investors’ expectations on future earnings of the refinery, its strategic importance and expansion plans.

But it may also be that investors are paying a lot for it today, expecting future growth.

The eventual IPO prospectus should give investors more detailed financial information to assess the company’s valuation.

Can Dangote Refinery Shares be Bought by Ordinary Nigerians?
The planned offer is expected to include retail investors specifically, meaning individual Nigerians will be able to participate, instead of the offer being restricted to only banks, pension funds and other institutional investors.

Earlier in 2026, Dangote had said that Nigerians would be given the opportunity to own shares directly in the refinery.

Things will be more clear when the approved prospectus is released.

Normally, investors in a Nigerian public offer would require proper capital-market identification and an account through which the shares can finally be held or traded.

Investors should only use channels and receiving agents specifically named in the official offer document.

Peller: I told God I wish to die same time as my wife

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Peller: I told God I wish to die same time as my wife

Popular TikTok creator Habeeb Hamzat aka Peller has professed his undying love for his wife, Elizabeth Aminata Amadu aka Jarvis, stating that he wishes they could die at the same time.

Peller made the emotional revelation in a livestream with Nigerian singer Ice King Ochacho in London on Thursday.

The content creator said that he had prayed to God that when his wife’s time comes, he would also die with her because she is the person he loves most in the world.

I said to God, if my wife ever wants to die, I should die with her too. For I love her most in the world,” said Peller.

He also said that he recently cut his hair to match Jarvis’ hairstyle. His decision was partly motivated by the online criticism his wife faced after shaving her hair ahead of their wedding, he said.

Peller and Jarvis recently got married in a lavish wedding ceremony in Lagos and had fans and social media users buzzing.

The couple, who have amassed a strong following online with their content and relationship, have kept sharing moments from their marriage with their audience.

Kyari Calls for Speedy Approval of Agricultural Extension Bill

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Kyari Calls for Speedy Approval of Agricultural Extension Bill

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has called for the expedited passage of Nigeria’s proposed Agricultural Extension Services Revitalization Bill, saying the legislation is crucial to improving farm productivity and developing a resilient agri-food system.

Kyari made the call while interacting with Nigerian journalists covering the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. Business Directory Nigeria

He said the outcomes and discussions at the continental forum were closely aligned with Nigeria’s agricultural priorities, especially efforts to move the sector from subsistence farming to a productive and competitive agribusiness system.

The 20th AFS, themed “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience,” focused on food security, job creation, climate resilience, investment and inclusive agricultural development.

According to Kyari, these priorities are also reflected in the proposed Agricultural Extension Services Revitalization Bill, currently before the National Assembly.

He said agricultural extension is a critical driver of food sufficiency, increased productivity and sustainable agricultural development, adding that the proposed law would provide a stronger framework for modernizing extension services and improving farmers’ access to knowledge, technology and markets.

The minister said the bill had passed first reading in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and appealed to lawmakers to give it urgent consideration.

“It is important to invest in agri-food systems, include women, youth and persons with disabilities, build climate resilience and provide opportunities for finance and markets through a professional extension service,” Kyari said.

He added that, since assuming office, strengthening agricultural extension had remained one of his priorities.

Kyari said the proposed legislation has been developed based on several issues discussed at AFS 2026 such as technology adoption, improved seed systems, climate-smart agriculture, digital transformation, data management and stronger collaboration among farmers, researchers, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector.

Read Also: El-Rufai: Why Former Kaduna Governor Is Still in Detention After 200 Days

He recalled his call at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week in Abuja in July 2025 for greater collaboration among governments, researchers, development partners, private sector and farmers, saying such partnerships are critical for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Nigerian Business Directory

Also in Kigali, the Founder and Global Advocate of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) and Head of the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, Hajia Salamatu Garba, expressed her support for the proposed legislation.

Garba said WOFAN was one of the co-sponsors of the Agricultural Extension Services Bill and had been working with stakeholders as well as private sector partners and farmers’ clusters to strengthen Nigeria’s extension system.

The key themes of AFS 2026 such as investment in agri-food systems, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, women’s inclusion, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture closely mirrored the objectives of the proposed bill, she said.

Garba said the bill had passed the first stages in both chambers of the National Assembly, but the public hearing and other legislative processes were still to come.

She called on Kyari to support efforts to fast-track the passage of the bill, saying its passage would strengthen agricultural extension services and help address major challenges confronting farmers across Nigeria. Nigeria Business Directory

El-Rufai: Why Former Kaduna Governor Is Still in Detention After 200 Days

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El-Rufai: Why Former Kaduna Governor Is Still in Detention After 200 Days

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained for 200 days after his arrest on allegations of financial misconduct and a separate case involving the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The detention of El-Rufai has continued to spark legal and political controversy, as his family and political allies have queried the length and conditions of his detention, while the anti-graft agencies prosecuting him argue that the former governor is being investigated and tried in line with the law.

The Beginning of Detainment
The former governor’s current legal problems can be traced to investigations that started after the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s 2024 report on the finances of his administration between 2015 and 2023.

The Assembly had alleged that about ₦423bn was mismanaged under El-Rufai and recommended that relevant anti-corruption agencies investigate the former governor and some officials who served with him.

The allegations included abuse of office, diversion of public funds, irregularities in the award of contracts, money laundering and questionable borrowing.

Against that background, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited El-Rufai to appear for questioning. He honored the invitation on February 16, 2026 and was subsequently arrested at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Little was said publicly by the EFCC about the interrogation at the time but reports indicated the former governor was being questioned over alleged financial improprieties connected to his eight-year administration in Kaduna State.

Security operatives had allegedly attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after he returned from Cairo, Egypt, before his appearance at the EFCC.

El-Rufai later said his arrest was ordered by the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. He added that he found out about the alleged order after a phone call involving the NSA was picked up.

The Department of State Services (DSS) later filed a separate criminal case against him over alleged illegal interception of Ribadu’s telephone communications.

Transfer To ICPC Custody
After spending about two days in EFCC custody, El-Rufai was moved to Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

He was later charged by the ICPC over allegations during his tenure as governor of Kaduna.

The commission said the former governor was accused, among other things, of taking severance payments far in excess of what he was legally entitled to and receiving dollar deposits said to be connected with the proceeds of unlawful activities.

The ICPC said in April it filed a 10-count charge against El-Rufai and Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The allegations related to conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption and money laundering, the commission said.

El-Rufai dismissed the allegations. He has always denied any wrongdoing and claimed the prosecution was politically motivated.

Another separate case of nine counts was filed at the Kaduna State High Court bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, conferment of undue advantage, irregular public contracts and unlawful handling of public funds.

Bail Battles and Ongoing Detention
The former governor’s continued detention has been closely tied to bail conditions set by the courts.

In one of the cases, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted him bail on conditions that include ₦200m bond and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties was to be a resident of Kaduna State with property valued at ₦200m and a verified Certificate of Occupancy and the other a respected traditional ruler.

Other conditions included surrender of his international passport and movement restrictions.

In a separate case in Abuja over alleged phone interception, the court also imposed stiff bail conditions. His lawyers later complained that some of the requirements were difficult to meet.

In June, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an application for a review of the bail conditions after the DSS closed its case. The matter was adjourned until September 22, 2026 for the adoption of the defence’s no case submission.

Thus the legal proceedings have continued while El-Rufai has remained in custody.

Short Release For Mother’s Burial
His detention was briefly interrupted in March following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo.

The ICPC had released him temporarily on compassionate grounds to enable him to participate in the funeral rites. He was later returned to custody and appeared in court in Kaduna.

Family Health Issues
Another major feature of the detention has been concerns over El-Rufai’s health.

In June, a family member told Daily Trust that a doctor at the National Hospital, Abuja, had raised concerns that the former governor could be developing prostate cancer.

A relative said El-Rufai’s health had deteriorated and that the family was concerned about his access to adequate medical attention.

But the family admitted at the time that the ICPC had been taking him to hospital and letting relatives visit him with food.

Also raised were concerns about an eye condition.

In June, El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the ex-governor had swollen, reddish and itchy eyes while in custody, and that calls for medical attention had not been adequately responded to.

The health controversy worsened in July when the ICPC arrested El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, after a medical visit to the former governor.

ICPC Denies Medical-care Claims
The ICPC has denied claims that it deliberately denied El-Rufai medical treatment.

On July 7, the commission said it had facilitated a court-approved medical visit to the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja. The ICPC said its officers remained outside the consultation room to respect El-Rufai’s privacy as he was examined by an oncologist.

But the commission later complained that the medical visit was used for activities other than the purpose for which it was authorized. Photographs showed El-Rufai meeting political associates during the period allocated for medical consultation, it said.

It said the former governor breached the terms and conditions attached to the medical visit. The ICPC also announced the arrest of Professor Abubakar for allegedly making false statements. The commission’s account was rejected by El-Rufai’s camp and political allies.

The ICPC has always maintained that it has met its obligations regarding the welfare and rights of persons in its custody.

New Legal Action for Family Access
The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention dragged into August.

The ex-governor filed a fresh ₦10bn fundamental rights suit against the ICPC, claiming that the commission has denied him access to members of his family.

Read Also: Patience Ozokwor warns parents against shielding children from struggles

His wife and son were denied the chance to visit him, the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja alleged, adding that access to food, medication and other necessities had also been affected.

The family has said the restrictions violate El-Rufai’s constitutional rights and has also expressed concerns about access to his personal physicians.

However, the ICPC has insisted that access to detainees is subject to its security regulations, and has said authorized family members, lawyers and medical personnel are permitted to visit detainees within stipulated hours.

Next Steps
200 days in detention for El-Rufai, court battles over his detention unresolved

The former governor faces multiple criminal charges in Kaduna and Abuja, all of which he has denied. In some of the cases the courts have released him on bail, but imposed conditions that his lawyers have argued are difficult to meet.

His phone interception case in Abuja is due back on September 22 for the adoption of his no-case submission, while the separate corruption-related proceedings in Kaduna continue.

For now, El-Rufai remains in detention as the courts consider the cases against him.

Patience Ozokwor warns parents against shielding children from struggles

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Patience Ozokwor warns parents against shielding children from struggles

Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor has cautioned parents against shielding their children from all hardship, saying that it could take away their ability to face life’s challenges.

Ozokwor popularly known as Mama G gave this advice in an interview on Femi Babs TV where she talked about parenting, wealth and raising independent children.

“Perhaps when parents try to protect their children from the hardships they themselves experienced as children, they are depriving them of important lessons in life,” the actress said.

There is a difference, she said, between letting children suffer and letting them struggle through manageable challenges.

“The quickest way to ruin a kid’s life is to say you don’t want them to go through what you went through,” she said. I’m not saying let them suffer. I mean, let them suffer. “Go through the motions.

Ozokwor also spoke of rich parents who leave their children with so many properties without teaching them the value of hard work and the sacrifices that go into acquiring such wealth.

Read Also: Why We Didn’t Question Gbajabiamila During PFIPC Probe — Reps

She cited a parent who owns several houses in different cities, saying that the children may grow up without knowing how hard it was for their parents to acquire the properties.

Patience Ozokwor denies land grabbing allegations, blasts accusers for blackmail
“Imagine you have like 20 houses, and they’re not in trouble? You have it in Enugu, you have it in Aba, you have it in Lagos. Your children will just be struggling, “Which one belongs to me? They don’t know how hard you worked to get those things,” she said. Travel Guides & Travelogs

The actress encouraged parents to allow their children to work for what they want, but made sure they understand comfort and privilege is not something to be taken for granted.

Ozokwor suggested that parents should let their children face some of life’s struggles so they can build resilience and appreciate the opportunities that come their way.

‘Children who grow up with too much comfort tend to assume an easy life is guaranteed,’ she said.

“Tell your children the pains of life. They may not know all the pains, but the little they know will tell them that when they look back, they will see that people go through harder ones and they will thank God for where they are,” she added.

Why We Didn’t Question Gbajabiamila During PFIPC Probe — Reps

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Why We Didn’t Question Gbajabiamila During PFIPC Probe — Reps

The House of Representatives has given reasons why it did not invite and question Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu during its investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, PFIPC.

The House ad hoc committee investigating the alleged establishment and operation of the Philippine Foundation International, Inc. (PFIPC) said its first order of business was to find out the source of the alleged agency and not to invite people whose names appeared in documents pertaining to the said agency.

It said its probe was not intended to probe Gbajabiamila but how an agency without legal basis, allegedly merged into the administrative and monetary systems of the Federal Government.

Yusuf Gagdi, Plateau State’s federal lawmaker and chairman of the committee, stated this during an interview program on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

The committee announced the investigation and called on members of the public and relevant institutions to submit memoranda and documents, Gagdi said.

The committee was charged with finding out who created the agency and under what authority, he said.

Read Also:I’ll soon leave music’ — Davido taunts Erigga

The committee cleared Gbajabiamila in its report submitted in Abuja on Wednesday, it was learnt.

Recall that the self-styled Director-General of the PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi had accused Gbajabiamila of receiving N400million through proxies in connection with appointments to the fake body.

The President’s Chief of Staff had since denied the allegations and filed a N15 billion defamation suit against Adeyemi.

During the program, Gagdi said the House gave the committee a wide mandate that required it to establish, among other things, whether the PFIPC had any legal backing.

“Actually, the impression people have that the whole of that committee is about Femi Gbajabiamila is not true.

“The House of Representatives has donated so many issues and terms of reference to the committee due to the activities around the unestablished agency,” he said.

I’ll soon leave music’ — Davido taunts Erigga

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I’ll soon leave music’ — Davido taunts Erigga

Afrobeats superstar, Davido has disclosed that he may leave the music industry someday to pursue financial aspirations which include making billions.

The singer’s comment was in reaction to a post by Nigerian rapper Erigga, on X. Erigga had praised musicians who were not born with a silver spoon and had to work hard to make each dollar they made.

“Shoutout to all the musicians that didn’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn,” Erigga wrote.

However, Davido disagreed with the sentiment, stating that artists from wealthy backgrounds can also work hard and build successful careers on their own merit.

Read Also: Trump Appoints Karl Von Batten, Atiku’s Lobbyist, to White House Commission

We don’t want your pops to be on guard. “Shoutout to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top,” Davido replied.

He called Erigga’s message “useless motivation” and insulted the rapper, calling him a “imbecile”.

Davido then revealed his intentions to leave the music business at some point to pursue his financial dreams.

“No worry o I go soon leave their music for una go make my billions… then that shit go be boring AF,” he wrote.

The Grammy-nominated singer also questioned if people really wanted to live in poverty asking his followers: “Deep down, who like poverty?”

His comments have since been picked up online, particularly his comment that he might retire from music at some point to work on other financial ventures.

Trump Appoints Karl Von Batten, Atiku’s Lobbyist, to White House Commission

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Trump Appoints Karl Von Batten, Atiku’s Lobbyist, to White House Commission

United States President, Donald Trump, has named Dr. Karl Von Batten as a commissioner on a @WhiteHouse presidential commission.

L.C. von Batten-Montague-York announced the appointment in a post on the social media platform X.

Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. is pleased to announce that President Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) has appointed our Managing Partner, Dr. Karl Von Batten, to serve the United States of America as a Commissioner on a @WhiteHouse presidential commission.”

Read Also: 99,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Recovered as Navy Raids Illegal Refineries

Dr. Von Batten is very grateful to President Trump (The Chief) for this appointment and for the confidence placed in him.
“This presidential appointment is a huge honor and speaks to Dr. Von Batten’s long history of public service, leadership and commitment to our country.

“Dr. Von Batten looks forward to responding to the call to serve our President and our country.

“We congratulate Dr. Von Batten on this well-deserved honor and wish him every success in this important role of public service,” said Buck Buchanan, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council.

In March 2026, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had hired the Washington-based lobbying firm of Batten, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C.

The 12-month retainer is worth $1.2m.

99,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Recovered as Navy Raids Illegal Refineries

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99,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Recovered as Navy Raids Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian Navy has made yet another significant progress in its sustained campaign against the theft of crude oil and illegal refining operations in the country.

The Navy explained that its operatives uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites, six reservoirs and about 99,000 liters of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, in Rivers and Delta States.

According to reports, the discoveries were made during separate operations by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS SOROH and NNS DELTA on August 31, 2026.

The operations were conducted based on credible intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum activities in the affected areas.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, stated in a release on Wednesday that the operatives also recovered various equipment and facilities, which were alleged to have been used for illegal refining.

Read Also: Zamfara, Kaduna: Military Troops Kill Terrorists, Seize Ammunition

Items recovered included a large refining oven, storage facilities and dugout reservoirs containing suspected stolen crude oil.

The discoveries had dealt a major blow to illegal petroleum activities especially the storage and processing infrastructure used to sustain crude oil theft and illegal refining, Folorunsho said.

“We treated the recovered products and facilities according to laid down procedures,” he said.

The Navy spokesman said the latest operation was yet another demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s capability to sustain pressure on criminal elements across the various operational areas.

The operations, he said, would continue to deny criminal syndicates the infrastructure to indulge in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.

Zamfara, Kaduna: Military Troops Kill Terrorists, Seize Ammunition

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Zamfara, Kaduna: Military Troops Kill Terrorists, Seize Ammunition

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 52 year old Islamic spiritualist, identified as Jubril Ibrahim and four others over alleged involvement in kidnapping.

The spiritualist and other suspects identified as Ahmadu Suleiman, Mohammed Abubakar, Tukur Adam a.k.a. Dogo, Musa Ibrahim and Iro Ibrahim, were reportedly arrested on August 30, 2026 in Niger State.

The Commissioner of Police, CP, of the Command, Patrick Daaor, said this while parading suspects arrested for various crimes in the state.

Daaor alleged that the suspects had been terrorizing parts of Edo North Senatorial District, particularly the Auchi, Jattu and Okpella axis.

The CP said the spiritualist specialized in preparing charms for suspected kidnappers.

He said the suspects were arrested following the abduction of one Mohammed Tasiu Imokhe and his wife at Jattu, in Etsako West Local Government Area, on August 8, 2026.

The police commissioner said that in the wake of the reports of the development, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit immediately swung into action, taking advantage of technical and actionable intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit, TIU, Abuja.

This led to the arrest of Malam Jibril Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Tukur Adam a.k.a. Dogo, Musa Ibrahim and Iro Ibrahim on 30 August 2026 in Niger State.

The suspects have confessed to the Jattu kidnapping as well as several other kidnapping operations in Edo and Kogi States.

Read Also: 2027: Wike Declares Rivers, FCT Political Structures Under His Control

“Based on information from the suspects, operatives later recovered two fake AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, six magazines and 200 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition from the Okpella forest on 1/9/2026.

“The profiling of the suspects and efforts to arrest other members of the gang are underway,” the statement said.

The spiritualist, Jubril Ibrahim, in an interview denied preparing charms for the suspected kidnappers, saying he only prayed for one of them on the instruction of his mother.

“The almajiri, I gather them and I teach them the Qur’an,” the spiritualist said. So, Ahmadu Suleiman’s mother came to me and told me to pray for her son, that he travels a lot, so I should pray for his safe trip to and from, and that is what I have been doing. I pray for a safe trip for him.”

He, however, admitted to have known that one of the suspects, Suleiman had an AK-47 rifle in his possession.

The 24-year-old Suleiman, on his part, said he was only involved in one operation in Auchi, adding that he works with various kidnapping syndicates across the country before returning to his base in Niger State.

Speaking through an interpreter, Suleiman said: “When we get to the community, we look for a beautiful house and shoot into the air, and while they are scampering for their lives, they run out, and we hold them and take them to the bush, and demand for money.”

He said he got N1 million from the Auchi operation, alleging that it was the only kidnapping operation he had been involved in in the area.

He said he was also involved in other kidnapping operations in Kogi State and other parts of the country, where he received between N500,000 and N700,000.

He denied ever working with any informant, saying they only looked out for fancy cars and buildings when they wanted to carry out a kidnapping operation.

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