Two Nigerians Arrested in Kuwait for Armed Robbery at Exchange Office

Two unidentified Nigerian nationals have been arrested by the Kuwait General Department of Criminal Investigation in Ahmadi Governorate on suspicion of involvement in an armed robbery that occurred at an exchange office in the Mahboula district, south of Kuwait City.

The robbery, which took place recently, was meticulously planned and executed by the suspects, according to a Wednesday statement from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, as reported by Arab Times Online. A 35-second video, circulated by PUNCH Metro, shows one of the suspects wearing a hooded top, exiting a white car before entering the exchange office. Inside the office, the suspect is seen pointing what appears to be a gun at the staff, although the footage lacks audio.

The suspects made off with foreign currencies equivalent to 4,600 Kuwaiti Dinars, valued at approximately $14,918.69, based on currency conversion rates.

Authorities acted swiftly, apprehending the suspects within 24 hours of the robbery. Investigations revealed that the criminals had thoroughly planned the heist. They reportedly monitored the exchange offices from nearby rooftops to identify peak hours and used stolen license plates to conceal the identities of the vehicles involved.

One of the suspects, whose name has not been disclosed, confessed after his arrest in Mahboula. He admitted to surveying the office and notifying his accomplice when the location was clear of customers. The second suspect was apprehended in the Al-Qurain Market, and authorities found the stolen money, as well as a small bag containing crystal meth at his residence.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that both suspects and the seized items, including the narcotics, have been referred to public prosecution for further legal action.

This robbery case adds to a worrying trend involving Nigerians and criminal activities abroad. In 2019, several Nigerians were captured on video conducting an armed robbery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During that period, a Nigerian woman and three other foreign nationals were executed in connection with drug trafficking offences.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the current Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, previously spoke about the executions, noting that the executed Nigerian woman was the eighth individual to be put to death in the oil-rich kingdom for drug-related crimes in just three years.

The swift action by Kuwaiti authorities in apprehending the suspects highlights the ongoing international scrutiny of Nigerian nationals linked to criminal activities abroad. As investigations continue, both suspects will face legal proceedings, and the Kuwaiti public is waiting for further updates on the case.

Students Allegedly Assault Physics Teacher, Leaving Him in Coma in Shocking Attack in Kogi State

In a shocking incident that has left the community in disbelief, students from Ebira Muslim Community College Okengwe (EMCCO) in Okene LGA, Kogi State, allegedly assaulted their Physics teacher, Mr. Muktar Salihu, leaving him in a coma. The attack, reportedly led by Abdulbatin, a senior secondary school (SS2) student and the son of a prominent traditional ruler in the region, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about discipline in schools.

Reports indicate that the assault took place after a confrontation between the teacher and students, culminating in a violent attack that left Mr. Salihu unconscious. The attack was reportedly led by Abdulbatin, the son of a local traditional ruler, who allegedly humiliated and physically assaulted the teacher. The severity of the attack resulted in the teacher collapsing and falling into a coma. He is currently receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital, and his condition is still being monitored.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the incident was not only violent but also involved a public humiliation of the teacher by the students. The specific details of the altercation remain unclear, but the gravity of the assault has sent shockwaves through the local community.

The attack has drawn swift condemnation from local residents, with many expressing concern over the growing lack of respect for authority figures in schools. The District Police Officer (DPO) has taken action by stepping in to investigate the case, and authorities have ordered the traditional ruler to present his son, Abdulbatin, for questioning.

The involvement of the son of a prominent community leader has added a complex dimension to the case, with local authorities calling for justice to be served, regardless of the student’s background.

The incident has raised difficult questions about the state of discipline, respect, and authority in Nigerian schools today. While violence in schools is not uncommon, the involvement of a student from a powerful family has brought the issue to the forefront of public discussion. Many parents, educators, and community members are now asking how schools can better foster a culture of respect and accountability, ensuring that such incidents do not repeat themselves.

As the investigation into the assault continues, the community awaits further developments. The incident has reignited calls for stronger measures to address violence in schools, with a particular focus on ensuring that students understand the consequences of such actions.

Authorities have assured the public that they are handling the matter with the utmost seriousness, and further legal steps are expected as the investigation unfolds.

High Court to Rule on Legality of Moroadi Cholota’s Arrest in Corruption Scandal

The High Court in Bloemfontein is set to deliver judgment today in the high-profile case of Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule.

Cholota, 37, is contesting the legality of her arrest and seeking the withdrawal of fraud and corruption charges brought against her. These charges are linked to the infamous R255 million asbestos roof removal contract scandal, which has drawn widespread attention for its alleged misuse of public funds.

The Scandal and the Charges

The case centers around a controversial contract for the removal of asbestos roofing in the Free State, valued at R255 million. Allegations of corruption, fraud, and collusion with contractors have plagued the project, with claims that large sums of money were siphoned off while much of the work remained incomplete.

Cholota, who worked closely with Magashule during his tenure as Premier, is accused of playing a role in the facilitation of payments and irregularities tied to the contract.

Extradition and Current Status

Cholota was extradited from the United States in August 2024 after an extensive legal process that drew criticism and debate over South Africa’s pursuit of justice in corruption cases. Following her extradition, she was granted bail of R2,500 and has been awaiting the court’s judgment on her legal challenges.

Cholota’s Legal Battle

Her legal team has argued that her arrest was unlawful, asserting procedural irregularities in how the charges were brought against her. They maintain that she has been unfairly targeted and insist that the evidence against her is insufficient to justify the charges.

Cholota is seeking to have the court declare her arrest illegal, which could lead to the dismissal of the charges against her.

A Case with National Ramifications

This case is part of a broader investigation into state corruption under the administration of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, a key figure in South African politics. The asbestos scandal is one of many cases tied to allegations of corruption during his leadership, with Cholota’s case serving as a litmus test for the government’s ability to hold public officials accountable.

The outcome of today’s judgment is expected to set a precedent for how courts handle high-profile corruption cases, particularly those involving procedural challenges.

What’s at Stake?

If the court rules in Cholota’s favor, it could lead to a significant setback for the prosecution and raise questions about the handling of high-profile corruption cases. Conversely, a ruling against her would pave the way for the case to proceed, potentially implicating other officials and contractors involved in the asbestos scandal.

The judgment is eagerly awaited by South Africans, many of whom view this case as a crucial moment in the country’s fight against corruption and misuse of public funds.