Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 20

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	7
2	Robbery	6
3	Gang	6
4	Drugs	2
5	Maritime Incidents	1
6	Terrorism	5
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassinations	10
9	Rape Incidents	1
10	Others	4
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Expatriate Kidnapped in Edo

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers, May 1, abducted an expatriate worker with a construction company in Auchi Edo State. It was gathered that some of the kidnappers first came to the site and disguised as workers seeking to be engaged for work in the site before they struck. The other set were said to have come fully armed and engaged the policemen on duty in a gun duel that was said to have resulted in the shooting of one of the policemen. The suspected kidnappers were said to have taken their victim and ran into the forest that borders Auchi and Ivbiaro. Consequently, vigilante groups from Auchi and Ivbiaro towns have been combing a forest in between the two communities since the incident occurred in search of the expatriate staff.

Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Kogi

Armed men have abducted a catholic priest, Reverend Father Innocent Umor of Ikanekpo parish, in Ankpa, Kogi State. Reverend Father Hycinct, who disclosed this in Lokoja, stated that the kidnappers, five in number, stormed the parish at about 2am on May 4 with guns and other dangerous weapons and made away with the priest. The kidnappers have reportedly called the Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Anthony Adaji demanding N4 million as ransom. State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ishola Collins Adebayo, confirmed the incident.

Kidnapped Rivers LG Chair Released

Chairman of the caretaker committee of Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State, Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi, who was kidnapped recently, was, on May 4, set free by his abductors. Ikegbudu was kidnapped on April 18, at his residence in Ahoada East, by gunmen. Confirming Ikegbidi's release, the state Assistant Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, said the police worked towards ensuring the release of the council chairman. She also pointed out that though Ikegbidi had been released, nevertheless, the police would not relent in the efforts to apprehend those behind the abduction. In a related development, Dr Uju Onatai, was said to have been freed but with bullet wound. The mother of two was kidnapped by gunmen on April 27 in front of her house, along East West Road, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

One Killed as Nurse is Kidnapped in Ekiti

A yet-to-be-identified man has been killed by unknown gunmen during an operation to kidnap a senior Nurse working with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Margaret Aladenika. The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Majekodunmi Ayodele, had condemned the invasion of the hospital on May 6 by some youths, who were protesting the fact that indigenes were not being given preferential treatment in employment. Ayodele disclosed that the victim was kidnapped on May 3 along Ipere–Iludun-Ido road while travelling on the bad and lonely road with her husband.

3 Arrested over Kidnap of Lagos Business Woman

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos, May 6, announced that they had arrested three suspected members of the kidnap syndicate that abducted Kudirat Adeboye, the 52-year-old businesswoman who was kidnapped and held in a forest along Epe Road, Lagos. Among them, were a popular DJ around Sango-Tedo area of Lekki and an electrician. The suspects, Ifeanyi Chukwuleta, 25; Kolawole Alani, 26, and Rasheed Adetunji, 28, confessed to be responsible for the kidnap of persons within Lekki-Ajah, Epe and Ijebu-Ode areas of Lagos and Ogun states. Their leader, one Niyi Omosola, reportedly died after an exchange of gun fire with the operatives, while he had gone to pick the N3 million ransom for the release of Adeboye, two weeks ago, along Ijebu-Ode road.

Ogun Police Uncover another Ritualists’ Den, Rescue Kidnapped Woman

Ogun State Police Command, May 7, uncovered another suspected ritualists’ den in Unity and Peace Estate, along Itele-Lafenwa Road, Ota, Ado Odo-Ota LGA. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said the latest discovery was made possible by the escape of a 28-year-old lady, who had been kept bound in an uncompleted building in the estate. The lucky victim was said to have been told by her captors that they would come for her in the night, but she struggled to free herself and rolled towards the entrance of the building before she was noticed. Passers-by saw her and came to her rescue. When policemen combed the surroundings of the uncompleted building, decomposing bodies of two female victims were found in the bush. Human bones also littered the place. Narrating how she became a victim, the lady said she had met one of her captors two weeks ago, and they struck a relationship. She said the man called about two days ago, saying he had secured a cement supply contract worth N1.5 million for her at a site in the estate. However, on getting to the site, the ‘boyfriend’ who lured her to the building was joined by other members of the gang and they began to rough-handle her.

Police Kill 3 Suspected Kidnappers in Nnewi

Three suspected kidnappers have been killed at Nnewi, Anambra State, by a crack team of anti-kidnapping squad from Imo State police command, which had been trailing the hoodlums for a while. Narrating how the dare devil hoodlums succumbed to the superior power of  police operatives, the Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem explained that following a credible tip off, the operatives trailed the suspects to Nnewi. The police operatives killed the suspects during a gun battle at Nnewi, Anambra State. The police successfully rescued the captives unhurt, while the lifeless bodies of the suspects were brought back to Imo State Police Headquarters, Owerri,” the PPRO said. According to Enwerem, the kidnappers abducted their victims at different locations in Imo State, before moving them to their hideout at Nnewi.

Robbery

Three Pipeline Vandals, Security Man Burn to Death in Pipeline Fire

Three suspected pipeline vandals and a security man were, on April 30, burnt to death at a pipeline point close to Sagamu/Ibadan Expressway. Tragedy struck when the security men attached to the pipeline station were pursuing the vandals from a punctured pipeline. In a bid to escape from the security men, the driver of the escape vehicle put on the ignition of the car which suddenly ignited fire that spread to all the surrounding bushes and the expanse of land already soaked in fuel. The vandals and a security man, who had caught and held one of the vandals, got caught up in the inferno, which killed all of them instantly.

Police Nab Two Robbery Suspects in Lagos

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State, have nabbed two robbery suspects for allegedly robbing residents, commuters and commercial cyclists. The suspects, identified as Stanley Okorie, 20 and Emmanuel Enu, 25 were nabbed during an operation at Satellite Town and Ajegunle areas of Lagos respectively. The police arrested Enu with one locally made short gun and a cartridge, while a toy gun was recovered from Okorie, while the original gun was taken away by a fleeing gang member, identified simply as Chijioke. In his defence, Okorie, an indigene of Delta State, who was arrested along the Satellite expressway, said Chijioke taught him how to rob.

Robbers Shoot Bank Customer Dead

Some robbers on Thursday shot a man, who came out of a bank on Mushin Road in the Isolo area of Lagos, collected his money and fled. Our correspondent learnt that the victim, whose name had yet to be ascertained, was attacked while entering his vehicle. He was reportedly shot in the head and in the stomach. PUNCH Metro gathered that the two-man gang came at about 1pm and escaped on a motorcycle after the operation. A resident, who gave his name simply as Matthew, said the victim was shot in the head, adding, “We initially thought he was dead.” A shop owner, who declined to disclose his name, said the robbers might have trailed the man to the bank. He said, “After the robbery, we rushed the man to a hospital. We learnt that the robbers had been waiting a little distance from the bank. He was about entering his vehicle when they robbed him.” The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Police Arraign 80-Year-Old, Others for Possession Of Arms

The police have arraigned an 80-year-old woman, Baseratu Balogun, and 21 others before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island for alleged stealing and illegal possession of firearms. It was learnt that the incident occurred on April 26, 2015 at Igando Orudu in the Ibeju Lekki area. The defendants and others at large, were said to have been in possession of cutlasses and an unregistered single-barrelled gun with which they inflicted injuries on one Waidi Agbaje and members of the Elesho family. The accused were arraigned on seven counts bordering on stealing and illegal possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty. The magistrate, Mrs. O. O. Fowowe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100, 000 and one surety each in like sum.

One Killed in Police, Robbers’ Shootout

Some suspected robbers, May 1, engaged the police in a shootout in the Ijora area of Lagos State, during which one of the suspects was killed, while a policeman and a woman were injured. It was learnt that the deceased, identified as Eneni Nwane, was one of three robbery suspects which had their hideout among the plank houses in the area. It was learnt that the suspects belonged to a gang notorious for snatching expensive vehicles, as well as robbing residents of the Seven-Up, Ijora. The police had earlier arrested four members of the gang, who were helping the operatives to fish out their accomplices. One of the suspects, Gbolahan Lawal, reportedly led the police to the Ijora Badia area when the shootout occurred.

Police Arrest 6 Robbery Suspects in Asaba

Police anti-robbery team attached to the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, on May 4, arrested six robbery suspects while one escaped in Umuagu Quarters, Asaba, after their attempt to rob motorists and residents of the area failed. It was gathered that the robbery syndicate stormed the quarters with Ak47s, shooting sporadically but unfortunately for them, neighbours called the police to the scene. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed that the suspects were arrested following a distress call to the police. She added that one of the criminals escaped arrest. Officials of the local vigilante group operating in the area said his men had arrested no fewer than 16 robbery suspects in the last three months, adding that they were handed over to the police. He called on the security agents to redouble their efforts to curb their menace.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest 15 Youths over Burning of Church in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 15 persons in connection with the April 1 burning of Baptist Church at Gidan Maso Village in Rogo LGA of the state. The residence of the pastor, Rev Habila Garba, was burnt by irate youths, while one of his daughters died of suffocation.

Three Killed in Edo Cult Clashes

Four persons, including two students and two women, have been reportedly killed by suspected cultists in different areas of Benin City, Edo State on May 5. It was learnt that the ‎women, said to be the mothers of two men, who had been targeted by suspected cultists, were shot dead at Virginia Junction and New Benin both in the state capital, when the gunmen could not find their targets.  The two students were reportedly ambushed and shot dead on their way to attend lectures. The gunmen were said to have fled back into the bush after the attack. Some students of the school were said to have staged a protest calling for the arrest of the perpetrators. The Provost of the College, Dr. Friday Obasogie, who confirmed the incident, said the case had been reported to the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Stephen Onwochei, said investigations had commenced to identify and apprehend the culprits.

Police Arrest Cultists, Recover Arms

The Ogun State Police Command, May 3, says it has arrested three suspected leaders of a cult group in Ijako, Ado Odo/Ota LGA. The command’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said detectives attached to the Sango/Ota Police Division swooped on an uncompleted building, where the cultists were allegedly hatching a plot to unleash terror on the residents of the area. Adejobi, who gave the names of the suspects as Bamidele Adejare, Sodiq Gbadamosi and Olamilekan Omoola, added that some weapons, including locally- made guns, cutlasses and charms were recovered from them.

Police Kill 2 during Hoodlums Attack on Palace

Two persons who allegedly attacked traditional rulers during the selection of first-class chiefs in Katsina-Ala town of Benue State have been shot and killed. This is just as the Benue State police command has arrested five suspected cultists who attacked the palace of the Ter Makurdi, Chief Sule Abenga, in Makurdi town of the state. The commissioner of police, Hyacinth Dagala, who disclosed this on May 6, said the deceased had engaged in a gun battle with policemen after they unleashed the dastardly attack. According to Dagala, one of the deceased assailant was shot died on the spot while another gave up the ghost in the hospital where he was taken for medical attention. The suspected cultists were arrested in Kanshio and welfare quarters, suburb areas of Makurdi, after they had attacked the palace, damaged vehicles and burnt property belonging to the traditional ruler. It was learnt that suspected cultists had invaded the palace of the Ter Makurdi to kill his son who, the invaders alleged, had involved in the gruesome murder of a rival cult member. The police chief said investigation into the matter was ongoing.

Two Arrested for Cultism, Murder

The police in Lagos have arrested the son of a police officer, Sunday Omosuyi, and a painter, Qudus Mustapha, for alleged involvement in cultism and the killing of one, Taiye Iyanda. The victim, who was a member of the Oodua People’s Congress, was the son of a police officer attached to a division in the Ajegunle area. It was learnt that the victim was hacked to death by suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity over the money that a politician gave out to be shared between the OPC and cult members. The incident happened on Bako Street, in the Ajegunle, Ikorodu area of Lagos. It was gathered that the matter was reported at the Owode Onirin Police Division, where the victim’s mother worked. The police were said to have launched a manhunt for the killers of the victim. The search led to the arrest of Omosuyi and Mustapha, who both confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Five Dead in Rivers Communal Clash

About five persons reportedly lost their lives in a clash between two communities in Tai LGA in May 7. Community sources said Police had moved into the areas to restore order. Acting Police spokesman, Grace Koko, confirmed the crisis, saying it was between Kpogor and a neighbouring community. According to her, the two communities have been involved in an age-long hostilities, and that the Police had restored peace in the area.

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs Pastor for Drug Trafficking

A pastor, Daniel Akintola, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency with 1.9 kilogrammes of drug substance that tested positive for heroin. The 43-year-old suspect, was apprehended at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State along with one other suspected drug trafficker, Victor Onwuegbusi, from who 51.5kg of ephedrine was recovered. It was gathered that the pastor had arrived at the airport from Uganda and had tried to abandon the luggage in which he packed the drug when he was arrested. The agency also said the ephedrine was intercepted from Onwuegbusi, a businessman, while he was disembarking from a flight en route from Mozambique. Akintola, who hails from Oyo State, said he went to Uganda for a conference. He admitted that he owned the luggage, but feigned ignorance of the drug. The pastor was said to be unable to provide proof that he actually attended the conference. The NDLEA commander at the Enugu Airport, Nsikak-Abasi Udoh, said the agency had commenced investigation into the crime.

NDLEA Official, Civilian Docked For Allegedly Importing Cocaine

An official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Adeogun Olajide, and a civilian, Adams Michael, were, on May 7, arraigned for allegedly importing 2.692 kilogrammes of cocaine. The accused persons were docked at a Federal High Court in Lagos, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and importation of narcotic drugs. The accused persons denied committing the offence. The prosecutor, Mr Augustine Nwagu, also an NDLEA official, told the court that the accused persons committed the alleged offences between January and March 8. He said that the alleged offences were committed at the International Mail Processing Centre of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. According to the prosecutor, the narcotic drugs were brought into Nigeria at different times and in varying quantities. “The accused had on February 24 imported 2.092 kilogrammes of cocaine. According to reports, they also imported 600 kilogrammes of this same substance on or before March 8 without lawful authority.

Maritime

JTF Nabs Two Ships with 4.2m Litres of Crude Oil

The Joint Task Force, JTF, May 7, announced that it had recovered 4.2 million litres of crude oil allegedly stolen in the Niger Delta region. One of the JTF team leaders, Captain Sunday Olaleye, said that the discovery was made in two vessels which were arrested by Operation Pulo Shield, an anti-illegal bunkering and oil theft outfit of the JTF. One of the vessels was arrested in Okrika LGA of Rivers State while the other was arrested in Forcados, Warri waterways, in Delta State. He said the team discovered that of the 10 compartments in the vessel arrested in Forcados, nine were filled with crude oil. Captain Olaleye told newsmen that one compartment contained 330,000 litres of crude oil, adding that this can fill a truck. He said the arrest was made possible through a tip-off, adding that the two ships attempted to escape but for the quick response from his officers.

Terrorism

260 Women and Children Rescued in Adamawa

Soldiers, May 3rd, located 260 women and children on the outskirts of Chalawa village in Adamawa State where they had been held up while trying to escape from the Boko Haram terrorists. The women and children have now been conveyed back to their various communities in Madagali after undergoing the normal security profiling. Some of them disclosed that they had to abandon their homes to escape from the terrorists when Madagali came under their attack, while others were actually abducted and taken there. The terrorists were however sacked from the Madagali recently. A number of terrorists however died in an encounter with troops who caught up with them as they fled prior to the recovery of the women and children. Some of the terrorists still managed to escape with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Others who were captured are now being interrogated by intelligence officers.

Boko Haram’s Supplier of Food, Fuel Nabbed

A man, who supplied fuel and food to the Boko Haram terrorists, was on May 3rd, nabbed in Daban Shata in the suburb of Baga, Borno State. The military intelligence had been on his trail before his eventual capture. He is presently undergoing interrogation. Also, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, disclosed how improved technological know-how and acquisition of the required weapons, arms and ammunition have been helping the armed forces to monitor the successful prosecution of the Sambisa Forest operations right at the situation rooms at the military headquarters in Abuja. According to him, the level of technology deployed in the operations by the air force and sister services proved a pivotal role at not only dislodging the terrorists but in rescuing the women, girls and children who were under Boko Haram captivity.

30 Killed as Onslaught Continues in Plateau

At least 30 persons were killed in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau state. The recent attacks on Barkin Ladi, suspected to have been carried out by Fulani herdsmen were on Vat and Zokupang villages. Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Emmanuel Lomang, while confirming the incident on May 4, said the suspected Fulani attackers stormed and killed 17 persons, including women, at Vat village and proceeded to kill another 13 in Zakupang village. Lomang, who condemned the attacks, blamed the security agents for not protecting the people, decrying the incessant attacks on the locality in recent days, as he challenged the security agencies, particularly the Special Task Force (STF), to take their duties seriously.

Herdsmen Attack More Plateau Communities

Residents of Foron District in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State have raised alarm over renewed attacks by Fulani herdsmen. The attacks have reportedly left no fewer than 32 people dead, cattle carted away and houses burnt. Two attacks at Vat and Zakupang villages on May 4, left 30 people dead and another attack on May 5th claimed the lives of two men. The recent attack took place at Kakpwis village of the District. One Emmanuel Joshua, 32, and Bot Joshua, 30, were killed in their residence and 20 cows belonging to the late Emmanuel carted away. The councillor representing Kakpwis Ward, Istifanus Dung, condemned the attacks, describing them as a strategy to eliminate Berom people in the state. Dung decried the alleged nonchalant attitude of the Special Task Force (STF), saddled with the responsibility of keeping peace and protecting lives and property for not arresting the perpetrators.

Military Rescues 25 More Women and Children, Destroys Seven Terror Camps

The Nigerian military rescued 25 more women and children from Sambisa forest, and destroyed seven additional terrorist camps in the Boko Haram enclave, in a renewed onslaught against the Islamist sect. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed this in a statement on May 6, adding that more Boko Haram fighters were killed in the process. Olukolade said that the troops who scaled the landmines in continuation of the assault on the forest bases of the terrorists, captured camps which include the four notorious Alafa camps as well as those in Rogo Fulani, Laraga and others used for the terrorists' training in the forest. According to him, various weapons including rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), anti-aircraft guns and a number of vehicles were either captured or destroyed during the operation.

Political/Government Agencies

Motorist Disclose Bribing Policemen to Avoid Frame-Up

A motorist, Niya Ezra, says he was forced to bribe four policemen attached to the Ondo State Police Command’s Fast Strike Squad N10,000 to avoid being set up as an armed robber. Two of the policemen were identified as Sergeant Idoko Edache and F. Temitope. Ezra was reportedly travelling to the Akungba area of Ondo State on April 25 when the incident happened. According to him, the policemen had threatened to frame him up for robbery if he failed to cooperate. He added that when he noticed that they were serious, he stylishly went to a corner to switch on the recorder of his phone to record the exchange. The police spokesperson, Ondo State Command, Wole Ogodo, said the cops had been quizzed and found culpable. He added that they had been locked up in custody as a preliminary discipline.

Murder/Assassinations

Woman Arrested as Thugs Beat Colleague to Death

A 19-year-old lady, Kadijat Salami, was on May 2nd, arrested by the Police in Ogun state in connection with the death of her colleague. The suspect, it was gathered, allegedly hired some thugs last weekend to beat up one of her colleagues, Rotimi Ewedemi, 31, after a misunderstanding. An account of the incident said the deceased had accused the suspect of being responsible for some missing materials, an action that led to an altercation during which the deceased allegedly slapped the suspect. Salami then threatened to deal with him. Ewedemi was said to have been attacked at close of work by Salami’s boyfriend and two others, with dangerous weapons. In the process, Ewedemi reportedly hit his head on the culvert, leading to his death.

Community Accuses Soldiers of Killing Scores in Plateau Villages

The traditional ruler of Kumbun community in Wase LGA of Plateau State, Jessey Miri, May 3rd raised the alarm on the slaying of an estimated 30 persons following the invasion of soldiers in Kadarko, Kurmi and Wadata villages in the community. He alleged that soldiers arrived at the villages in over 40 trucks on May 2 after reports of the alleged killing of four soldiers at Angwan Nanmi in Karin Lamido LGA of Taraba State, a town that borders Plateau State. Reacting to the allegation, the spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF), Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, said there was no truth in the claim that its soldiers attacked the people. He said following frequent attacks on communities around the Plateau-Taraba border by some militia, the STF and soldiers from the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army had carried out operations targeted at flushing out the militia. He said the soldiers engaged the gunmen in a fierce battle, leaving several people dead. Iweha denied civilians were killed after local media said at least 30 people died when soldiers stormed the areas

Gunmen Kill Ex-PDP Chair in Benue

Unidentified gunmen men, May 2nd, shot and killed the immediate past Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, Lumunga Zegeguve. Zegeguve was killed when five well-armed men stormed his private home at Tse Zegeguve village in the early hours of the day and opened fire on him. They gained entrance into his house and held everyone in the house hostage until they located their target, who they shot several times on the chest after which his entire house was ransacked by the invaders who, thereafter, fled the scene. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Austin Ezeani, who confirmed the killing, said that the police were on the trail of members of the gang, adding that a relation of the deceased had been arrested.

Cleric, 72, Murdered in Benin

Reverend David Memeh, 72, of the Foursquare Church, Benin City, Edo State has been shot dead. The cleric was said to have been shot twice after his killers forcefully gained entrance into his Benin residence. His wife, Deaconess Alice Memeh, said the gunmen did not take anything from their residence, except for their phones. She called for the arrest of the killers. Spokesman for the Edo Police Command, Stephen Onwochei, May 5, confirmed the killing, adding that investigation into the matter has commenced.

Truck Driver Kills Friend in Scuffle

A 33-year-old trailer driver, who reportedly stabbed his friend to death on May 4 at Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State, has confessed that his action was a mistake he regretted. It was learned that the suspect, Tunde Azeez, allegedly stabbed Lukmon Ayedun with a broken bottle during a brawl. It was learned that trouble started when the suspect purportedly bought food from a vendor, woke his friend from sleep to eat. His actions provoked Lukmon, who reacted by hitting Azeez and a fight ensued. During the fight, both parties freely used broken bottles on themselves. However, the deceased was said to have fallen off a motorbike and died as he was being conveyed to the hospital.

Court Remands 2 Men in Prison Custody over Alleged Murder

An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun on Wednesday remanded two men- Samuel Emmanuel, 29; and Victory Ogbolem, 31, in prison custody over alleged murder. The accused persons were arraigned for allegedly stabbing a 37-year-old man, Julius Michael, to death with broken bottle and cutlass. The Magistrate, Folarin Iroko, ordered that they should be remanded in Oba Prisons in Abeokuta, pending advice from the Ogun Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The accused are facing a charge of murder. The prosecutor, Sgt. Lydia Omatahunde, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 11 at Mopin, Iyesi, in Ota. The case was adjourned till July 24 for hearing.

Two Killed, Property Destroyed in Delta Intra-Communal Crisis

Two persons were killed and property worth millions of naira destroyed at Olomoro in Isoko South LGA of Delta State, following an intra-communal crisis that erupted in the area. It was gathered that the crisis was triggered by the alleged killing of a member of the community’s vigilance team from Egbo quarters, while trying to mediate a fracas between three suspected cultists from Uruabe quarters. The deceased, who was renowned for his anti-cultism activities in the community, was allegedly clubbed to death after he was overpowered by his assailants who also inflicted gunshot and machete injuries on him. Police Public Relations Officer of Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, May 6, confirmed the incident, saying the situation had been put under control by the police. She added that the police had commenced investigation into the cases of murder and arson.

Ex-Commissioner’s Brother Killed in Warri

Suspected armed robbers, May 2, mortally shot dead one Christopher Timinimi, brother to a former Commissioner for Transport in Delta State. The incident occurred as he drove his car near Idiaregbe Junction, Okere/Ugborikoko Road in Okumagba Layout of Warri. Timinimi was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died after being operated on. According to an eyewitness, the deceased was shot by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers. “He was rushed to nearby clinic by some good Nigerians. However, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said she was yet to be briefed on the matter.

Policeman Kills Keke Marwa Operator

An unidentified policeman, May 5, allegedly shot a tricycle operator to death at Akowonjo area of Lagos. It was learned that the policeman boarded the tricycle but was held down for some time due to traffic gridlock. An eyewitnesses’ account said the policeman, who could not withstand the situation, asked the tricycle operator to find his way to the main road at all cost, which almost led to a collision with another tricycle and an argument ensued. The deceased, identified as Akeem, was said to have intervened between the cop and the tricycle operator, but was attacked by the policeman. An eyewitness, Isiaka Yekini, said after pummeling the deceased, the policeman shot him in the chest. He died instantly. He said people ran helter-skelter as the deceased bled to death. Another witness, Rahman Lawal, said the unidentified policeman threatened to shoot anyone who dared to come near him and then fled the scene. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, said the suspect was yet to be apprehended.

27-Year-Old Stabs Security Man to Death

A 27-year-old man, Abimbola Azeez, May 6, stabbed one Tochukwu Ejika, a security man, to death in Lagos during a misunderstanding in God’s Own Estate, Ijanikin. It was learned that the suspect was on his way out of the estate when the Chief Security Officer accosted him at about 8p.m. An exchange of words followed, which degenerated into a fight. Before residents could intervene, Abimbola had stabbed the victim leading to the loss of blood and eventual death. The suspect was taken to Ijanikin Divisional Police Station, while the corpse was deposited at the mortuary.

Rape

19-Year-Old in Court over Rape of Neighbour’s Daughter

A 19-year-old man, Tunde Ahmed, who allegedly defiled the six-year-old daughter of his neighbour, was, May 6, arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Ahmed is standing trial on a two-count charge of indecent treatment of a child and child defilement. The prosecutor, Soji Ojaokomo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 7 at his residence. Ojaokomo said that the accused, who lived in the same building as the parents of the girl, lured her into his room, where he inserted one of his fingers into her genitals and forcefully had an unlawful carnal knowledge of the child. Ahmed, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Senior Magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, ordered that the case file should be duplicated and forwarded to the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) for advice. The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties each in like sum and he adjourned the case to May 14.

Others

10 Remanded in Prison over Ejigbo Pepper Attack

An Ikeja High Court, May 5, remanded nine men and a woman in prison custody. The suspects were charged in connection with the torture, attempted murder and sodomy of three females accused of stealing pepper at Oba Morufu International Market, Ejigbo area of Lagos State in February 2013. In an amended charge, the defendants were accused of inserting a stick into the vagina of Nike Salami, Juliana Agomo and assaulted one Ajoke Agomo by stripping her naked, beating her up and rubbing pepper all over her body at Oba Morufu International market, Ejigbo. The defendants were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye on a 19-count charge. When the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty. Subsequently, the prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants in prison custody, pending their bail application. After listening to the parties, the judge ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and adjourned till May 21 for hearing of their bail application.

Customs Arrest Four Chinese Nationals, Seal 26 Warehouses in Kano

Men of the Special Anti-Smuggling Task Force under the office of the Comptroller- General of Customs (CGC) have seized assorted textile materials belonging to four Chinese nationals concealed in secret ware houses in Kano. The leader of the team, Shallangwa Hassan, May 7, said the task force was assigned to seize and seal the illegal contrabands belonging to the Chinese by the Comptroller General on account of the fact that the materials were brought into the country illegally. According to him, the Customs have identified over 20 warehouses in Kano where such materials are being stocked, adding that the operation was made possible as a result of a tip-off gathered directly by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi. Shallangwa insisted that the four suspects namely Ciay Guoxu, Lio Yang, Zhao Shou Min and Zhouyin Xue will soon be charged to court.

Hoodlums, Motorcycle Riders go on Rampage

Pandemonium erupted in Lekki, Lagos, on May 6 when no fewer than 50 commercial motorcyclists and hoodlums totting dangerous weapons went on the rampage. According to initial reports, the commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, were protesting the alleged death of one of their members, who was killed by the hoodlums. Armed with cutlasses, axes, sticks, stones and even locally made pistols, the duo had stormed the Lekki-end of the Ikoyi/Lekki toll roundabout on Admiralty Way for a face-off. Whilst the clash lasted, the warring factions had blocked the road, making it practically impassable for both motorists and pedestrians alike. An eyewitness, however, said the riot was staged by commercial motorcyclists to protest the ban prohibiting them from driving within the Lekki Phase 1 axis.

One Arrested over Imo Surgeon’s Death

One of the two brothers suspected to be the master-minds of the killing of the veterinary surgeon, Dr. Ugonna Omereonye, has been nabbed by the police. Dr. Omereonye, who was the leader of the sacked beneficiaries of Chief Ikedi Ohakim’s 10,000-job scheme, was killed on April 10 in Imo State by two armed men, who were members of Imo Security Network (ISN). It was gathered that while one of the suspects, whose name was given as Onyinyechi Okeke Nweremizu, is telling police all he knows about the surgeon’s death, his brother, Izuchukwu, who was also allegedly linked to the case, is believed to be on the run. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspect.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination took an upward plunge this week with records of brutal mass killings. Prominent was the killing of an estimated 30 persons by person suspected to be soldiers in three villages in Plateau State. The authorities continue to work and assure citizens of the unflinching efforts to bring perpetrators to book.

Kidnap/hostage cases remain high. Though some victims are still held hostage, the police, once again were brilliant with the arrest of gang leaders and other suspects, while in pursuit of other suspects.  The south-south and south-west recorded most of these incidents.

Robbery took a nose dive as there were only pockets of robbery. The authorities have made some arrest, though some of the armed robbers escaped. The southern region of the country recorded more of these cases.

Terrorism which had been on the rise in recent weeks, took a downward plunge with few incidents on record. Thanks to the strong determination of the Federal Government and the military to completely eradicate terrorism before the end of May 2015. The north-eastern region remains the centre of these cruel acts.

Government security agencies have continually urged residents to remain alert to their environment and identify threats, strange behaviour or movement, which should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

Villeworth maintains her call for all to see safety and security as priority. Everyone is involved.