Army Arrests DJ Abam Over Alleged Violent Crimes in Peva, Taraba State

… Residents hope suspect’s arrest will pave the way for accountability over alleged killings, kidnappings, extortion and property seizures.

The reported arrest of Denen Joe, popularly known as DJ Abam, has sparked renewed hope among residents of Peva and neighbouring communities in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, where he has been accused of involvement in a series of violent crimes and acts of intimidation.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended by troops of the Nigerian Army following intelligence provided by community members. His arrest is being viewed by residents as a potentially significant step towards addressing persistent insecurity and bringing those responsible for alleged criminal activities in the area to justice.

According to accounts from the affected communities, Abam was allegedly linked to a range of offences, including kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, extortion, unlawful detention, killings and the forceful seizure of residents’ properties.

Residents further alleged that the suspect imposed illegal levies on community members, demanding payments under threat of violence. He was also accused of exercising unlawful control over residents through arbitrary punishments and detentions without legal authority.

The allegations extend to claims that Abam collaborated with other armed groups to attack communities, set houses ablaze and kill civilians. Such claims, if substantiated, would point to serious breaches of the law and underscore the security challenges confronting affected settlements in the area.

Among the most serious accusations against him is an alleged connection to the killing of the late Zaki Sylvester Peter Suleagbough, a respected clan head reportedly targeted after publicly speaking out against criminal activities. Abam was alleged to have acted alongside another suspected gang leader, Verior John Gata, in connection with the incident. The claims have not been independently verified.

The suspect was also accused of involvement in the murders of Terfa Iwambe and Paul Hwakar Ayuba. In addition, accounts from the community reportedly linked him to an ambush on special forces personnel around September 2025, during which several security operatives were said to have been killed. The precise casualty figure and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remain unconfirmed.

Other accusations include the alleged seizure of residential compounds and plots of land, collaboration with armed Fulani militants in attacks on communities, and sexual violence. Residents also claimed that Abam frequently boasted about killing security personnel, allegedly projecting an image of someone beyond the reach of law enforcement.

The cumulative effect of the alleged activities has reportedly been devastating for affected residents, some of whom were said to have fled their homes or surrendered property out of fear. However, the individual allegations require independent verification and should not be treated as established facts before the conclusion of appropriate investigations.

The reported arrest has raised expectations that security agencies will investigate the accusations, establish whether the suspect was involved in the alleged crimes and determine whether other individuals or criminal networks were connected to the incidents. Residents will also be looking for lawful measures to address claims of property seizures and provide justice for victims and their families.

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies continue to face the challenge of containing armed criminal activity in vulnerable communities, where insecurity can disrupt livelihoods, displace families and undermine public confidence. In Peva, the significance of the reported arrest will ultimately depend on the quality of the investigation and whether it leads to concrete action against those found responsible.

For now, the allegations against Denen Joe remain subject to investigation, and his reported arrest does not amount to proof of guilt. Any prosecution must follow due process, with the evidence tested before a competent court.

For residents of Peva and surrounding communities in Taraba State, the development offers a measure of hope that longstanding security concerns may receive renewed attention. Whether that hope translates into lasting peace will depend on a credible investigation, accountability for proven offences and sustained efforts to protect lives and property.