Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 35

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	9
2	Robbery	4
3	Drugs	1
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	2
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	16
8	Rape Incidents	3
9	Others	3

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Man Invites, Kidnaps Facebook Friend

The Abia State Police Command has arrested the leader of a kidnap gang, identified as Prince Agorom, who allegedly invited his Facebook friend to his birthday party, seized him and demanded N5 million as ransom. One Ozoemelam had lodged a report that he met one Johnson on social media and that after chatting with him for few days, Johnson invited him to a birthday party at Omuma Road. When Ozoemelam arrived at the venue, he was beaten up, forced to surrender his belongings and his mobile phone was used to call his elder brother, and a demand of N5 million ransom was made for his freedom. However, the victim managed to escape from the kidnappers’ den at midnight, while the suspects were asleep, and reported to the Police. Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, disclosed that the police quickly swung into action and arrested the suspected leader of the gang, Prince Agorom. The suspect had confessed that he is the leader of a four-man kidnap gang and that efforts were on to arrest other suspects.

Delta Police Dislodge Family of Kidnappers

A kidnap syndicate in Delta State, run by a father, his son, nephews and other relations, has been uncovered by the Police in the state. Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the story on August 27, said that a 56-year-old man, Musa, was behind the syndicate. He said the suspect was arrested by policemen at Ashaka Division and brought to the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKCCS) office in Asaba. The suspect reportedly has complicity in most kidnap cases as he sponsors, harbours and conceals activities of most kidnapping syndicates, mainly dominated by his sons, nephews and his close relations.

Police Foil Kidnap, Recover Ammunitions in Aba

The Abia State Police Command has foiled the kidnap of a man along Umuocham road in Aba. A Police patrol team attached to the Abayi Division was alerted to the abduction of a man along MCC road and promptly raced to the area. The victim, Kalu Deno Hansond, was said to be on his way home at about 7.30pm when the hoodlums seized him and forced him into the back of his vehicle. On sighting the Police team, the kidnappers abandoned the victim in his car and fled. Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, August 26, commended residents of the area for alerting the Police team, stressing that the Police in the state have the capacity to respond to distress calls within few minutes of receiving information. He disclosed that a locally made shotgun with live cartridge abandoned inside the vehicle by the kidnappers was recovered. Oyebade added that efforts are on-going to track the suspected kidnappers.

6 Suspected Kidnappers Killed in Shootout with Army

Six suspected militants, who allegedly masterminded the killing of two soldiers in Sapele, Delta State during a kidnap operation in July, have been killed by military operatives of the 19 battalion, Koko, Delta State. The military operatives, through a tip off had arrested four of the suspects including a female, who in an attempt to take the operatives to their hideout at Akpakakpa near Abigborodo community in Warri North council area of the state, led the team into an ambush leading to a shootout between the soldiers and the hoodlums with six of the hoodlums killed while an army personnel sustained gunshot wound. Two of the suspects earlier arrested, had confessed to being members of a militant gang that abducted a female victim at Amukpe, Sapele and killed two soldiers during that incident. They also admitted being the brain behind the abduction of some staff of an oil company along the Benin River as well as the vandalism of oil and gas facilities in the area.

Woman Fakes Own Kidnap, Demands N3m Ransom from Church Members

The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a 32-year-old woman, Victoria Ndu, for faking her own kidnap. It was learnt that Ndu, who claimed to have been kidnapped, was rescued in Awommama in Imo State on August 24 by men of the anti-kidnapping squad from Akwa Ibom State police headquarters. She was said to have been arrested the same day after investigations revealed that Ndu actually planned her own kidnap in order to get money from her church members. Following investigation, the police said she was found to have placed N3m as ransom for her release. It was gathered that her younger brother, Victor Akan, resident in Awommama in Imo State, was also arrested for allegedly conspiring with her to commit the crime. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Chukwu Ikechukwu, August 27, disclosed that Victoria’s husband had, on August 16, reported that his wife had been kidnapped. He told the police that his wife told him that she was going to the market that day. It was while the woman was being interrogated that she confessed that she actually masterminded her own kidnap.

Six Children Rescued from Suspected Human Trafficker

The Ogun State Police Command has paraded a suspected human trafficker, Paul Aganla, who was arrested on August 26 at Isiu, in Owode-Egba area of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, August 27, disclosed while parading 43 suspects whose offences ranged from child trafficking, armed robbery to kidnapping and murder. Iliyasu said Aganla, a native of Ogoja, Cross River State, was caught with six children whose ages ranged between seven and 13, who were said to have been brought from Cross River State to Abeokuta to be engaged in child labour. The names of the rescued children were given as Promise Augustine, Elijah Emmanuel, Moses, Kariel, Victor Daniel, Glory Emmanuel and Felicia Owu.

Gunmen Abduct Travellers in Ondo

Four persons travelling along the on Owo-Ikare Expressway at Ose/Oba area of Akoko South-West LGA of Ondo state were reportedly abducted by some gunmen on August 27. The victims were travelling from Ikare to Akure when the hoodlums stopped their vehicle, forced them out of the vehicle and took them away. One person who resisted being taken away was shot and killed. The kidnappers have reportedly contacted the families of each of the victims after the abduction, demanding a sum of N1m on each of them.  Reacting to the development, the Oloba of Oba-Akoko, Oba Nurudeen Adegoroye called for more the deployment of policemen and military checkpoints at the dangerous spots within Owo and Oba-Akoko.   Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said the command had commenced investigation into the matter.

Lagos Court Remands Three in Prison over Kidnap of Filipinos

Three men were, on August 27, remanded in prison on the orders of an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly kidnapping two Filipinos. The accused - Yinka Adebanjo, Seun Ogunsumbo, and Ishau Awokoya, - were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnap and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition. The Prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 5 when they allegedly kidnapped Jammie Lacar and Mario Maglundo, both from the Philippines and staff of Mateco Industry West Africa, and demanded a N4 million ransom for their release. The accused also had in their possession arms and ammunition concealed in a DVD player, he alleged. The three accused are to be kept behind bars at Ikoyi Prisons pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Gunmen Kidnap 11 Passengers in Rivers State

Unknown gunmen have abducted eleven passengers in a bus on Ndele-Elele axis of East-West road in Emohua LGA of Rivers State on August 28. The victims had boarded the vehicle at Rumuokoro and were travelling to Ndele, Elele and Ahoada before the incident happened. It was learned that 17 persons, including the driver were in the vehicle when the bandits intercepted them at about 8pm. One of the victims, Bright Welekwe, who escaped from the kidnappers during the incident, revealed 17 of them were forced into the bush, but that he sneaked out of the bush and ran straight back to the road. The victim further disclosed that when he got to the road, where the bus was abandoned that he met four of the passengers, who he said had also escaped before police personnel arrived at the scene and helped them. The State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Zaki, who confirmed the incident, assured that the police remained on top of the situation.

Robbery

Armed Robbers Dispense Free Fuel to Motorists in Katsina

Motorists along Katsina/Jibia road received free fuel at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega filling station located along the road from armed robbers that stormed the station on August 25. The robbers later carted away the day’s sales from the station. Eyewitnesses disclosed that innocent motorists who had wanted to buy fuel had driven into the hands of the armed robbers who stormed the station, posing as security agents. After dispossessing the station attendants of the daily sales, they reportedly took over the sale of the fuel and dispensed fuel to the bewildered motorists without harming them. The witnesses could not, however, give the exact number of the armed robbers or the type of uniforms they were putting on, but they insisted that the operation lasted for some few minutes.

Police Parade Two Armed Robbery Suspects in Lagos

A 30-year-old armed robbery suspect, Akeem Anthony, arrested by operatives of the Lagos Police Command, has confessed that he had made over N1 million since he ventured into robbery. The suspect, who was arrested with another gang member, confessed to have robbed about five victims using two locally-made pistols that were recovered from him during the arrest. Police authorities said two locally-made pistols were found on them, with three mobile phones and four cartridges. Two of which are live ones and two expended. Another suspect, Segun Esan, from Illesha in Osun State, denied being an armed robbery suspect. He claimed to be a commercial motorcycle operator and was arrested after a passenger fled from a police checkpoint. He said that he was arrested when he went to retrieve his motorcycle from the police and was told that his passenger was an armed robber. Also paraded were 13 suspected cultists, including a female, who were arrested during their initiation rites.

Ogun State Police Arrest 3 Armed Robbers, 39 Hoodlums

Men of the Ogun State Police Command, in different operations across the state, arrested 42 suspected armed robbers and thugs for terrorizing residents in the state. Three suspected armed robbers, who specialised in robbing filling stations across the South-West states, were arrested by the command. The leader of the gang, Ganiyu Oladeji, while being paraded on August 28, confessed that the gang had robbed three filling stations in Ogun, Oyo and Kwara states, adding that they got a lot of cash from the operations. Thirty-nine hoodlums, who were said to be terrorising residents of Wawa, Kara and motorists on the ‘Long Bridge’ end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, were also paraded. One Zubairu Umaru was said to be the leader of the gang on the expressway. Umaru also reportedly supplied hard drugs to his gang members to influence them to carry out their activities. Items seized from them included tramadol tablets, bottles of codeine, codrux, vega 100, jack knives, cutlasses among others.

Police in Enugu Raid Black Spots, Forests, Arrest 15 Hoodlums

The Enugu State Police Command, August 27, commenced the raiding of black spots and forests areas in Uzo-Uwani LGA to rid it of hoodlums and their activities. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, August 29, disclosed that the police within few days of the operation, arrested 15 hoodlums that had been disturbing the peace of people in Nimbo and Adani communities. According to him, the State Commissioner of Police ordered the operation after an on-the-spot assessment and a thorough brainstorming involving senior police officers and critical security stakeholders. The command has assured members of the public particularly the people of Nimbo and Adani communities of Uzo-Uwani LGA of their safety.

Drugs

Customs Seizes N12.1m Fake Drugs, Arrests 15 Suspects

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has arrested 15 suspects in connection with 1104 cartons of fake pharmaceutical products, estimated at the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N12.1million, smuggled into the country without appropriate documents and permits from government. Some of the substandard drugs fully loaded in two 40ft trucks were concealed with second hand tyres by the smugglers in a bid to escape security checks. The drugs include Cimetidine tables, Derm-Artemether injection, Tetracycline hydrochloride, Diclofenac capsules, Dicmol, Piroxican and many others. The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Mohammed Uba Garba, who disclosed these while handing over the items to the National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Controller (NAFDAC), stressed that the suspects would be prosecuted according to the law.

Militancy/Maritime

JTF Confirms Death of Soldier, Civilian in Bayelsa Creek Attack

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Delta Safe, has confirmed that it lost a soldier and a civilian staff attached to a military houseboat in an attack on its operatives by suspected militants near Letugbene community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State on August 30. The Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the taskforce, Major Ibrahim Abdulahi, who disclosed this on September 1, also dismissed, as untrue, claims of reprisal attacks by troops on innocent indigenes of Letugbene and surrounding communities. A rescue team supported by gunboats was immediately dispatched to the area and they were able to locate and support two other soldiers, who engaged the militants. He stated that the current operations in the creeks and rivulets around the general area are surgical operations designed to fish out the perpetrators of that dastardly act as some of them fled into neighbouring communities. He clarified that the Operation Delta Safe and the Nigerian Military does not carry out reprisal attacks on innocent citizens as alleged in some quarters. He urged members of the public especially those resident in areas where operations are being conducted to go about their normal lawful duties. The National President of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI), Austin Ozobo, while condemning the killing of innocent military personnel by suspected sea bandits and the subsequent burning of harmless Letugbene community, called on the military to stop further burning of innocent Ijaw communities.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Raid IDPs Camp, Kill 11 with Knives

Boko Haram fighters, September 1, killed 11 people in a raid on a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). The insurgents gained access into the camp in Banki, using knives to kill their victims silently, while they slept. The Boko Haram terrorists broke the barricade securing the IDP camp from the rear towards the Cameroon border and entered to seize food from IDPs, a senior military officer disclosed. Adamu Ahmad, a member of a civilian militia charged with protecting the Banki camp, confirmed the incident. Soldiers expelled the attackers from the camp after the informal militia raised the alarm. The raiders also stole food and rations given to those living in the camp.

Troops Bombard Boko Haram Location, Neutralise Commanders

Military troops fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, August 31, bombarded some Boko Haram locations and neutralised top commanders of the sect. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, explained that the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force have been carrying out heavy artillery bombardments and air interdictions on registered targets that have killed a large number of Boko Haram terrorists including some of the group’s key leaders. He disclosed that key Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised within the week during the joint Artillery and Nigerian Air Force air bombardments. The army spokesman named five top Boko Haram commanders neutralised in the operation to include Abu Dujana, Man Tahiru, a Deputy to Boko Haram terrorists group Hisba leader, Man Chari, Malam Abdullahi Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga. He added that the Nigerian military would continue with the concerted onslaught on the reported Boko Haram terrorists’ location till they are eliminated.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest Three Suspected Ritual Killers in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command, August 27, said it had arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of two female students of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, for ritual purpose. The two students, Oladipo Blessing and Oluwasemilore Mary, were earlier declared missing. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, said one of the suspected ritual killers was arrested on August 25 after participating in a robbery operation in Ondo recently. The arrest of the suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects. According to the PPRO, the suspects are: John Adenikiri also known as Emir, Fisayo Fasanu a.k.a Abore and Alfa Abdurafiu, an herbalist. He explained that Adenikiri and Fasanu confessed that they sold the mutilated body parts of the victims to Abdurafiu, who used them for ritual. The suspects took the police to where they buried the remains of one of the victims. He added that the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.

One Killed as Gunmen Abduct Travellers in Ondo

One person was shot dead by gunmen, who attacked and abducted four persons travelling along the Owo-Ikare Expressway at Ose/Oba area of Akoko South-West LGA of Ondo state on August 27. One person who resisted being taken away was shot and killed, while four others were taken away. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said the command had commenced investigation into the matter.

Cannibal Arrested while Preparing Meal with Human Intestines

Men of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a suspected cannibal and member of a notorious kidnap gang, Roland Peter, for killing, beheading and cooking the internal organs of his victim. The suspect was among the kidnappers that abducted, killed and beheaded one Pastor Samuel Okpara from Edoha in Ahoada East LGA on August 15, 2017. State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, explained that the suspect was also in possession of riffles belonging to his gang. He disclosed that the kidnap gang, including the leader, who was simply identified as Justus and also known as High Tension, had been terrorising some part of Ahoada East LGA. Peter was arrested while preparing the meal of human parts for his gang.

Pastor, Six Others Arrested as Police Unearth Body Parts in Church

The pastor in charge of Royal God’s Commandment Ministry International in Calabar, Cross River State, Tony Ekpe, has been arrested alongside six other members of the church after a shallow grave containing fetish items and suspected human parts were exhumed in the church on August 24. Investigations into the suspected diabolical activities of the pastor commenced after a woman in the area complained that her daughter was missing. The police said the shallow grave contained fetish items, birds and some suspected human flesh. Residents of the area alleged that the uncovered flesh were body parts of human beings. An angry mob, August 25, attacked and demolished the church. A resident disclosed that female items such as used sanitary pads, braziers, pants, and many pictures of showing the images of men, were found in the church. The attack on the church incident followed an allegation that the headquarters of the church located at Okon Edak Street also in Calabar, was discovered to be a den where people were kidnapped and taken to for ritual purposes. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident and the arrests. She added that the matter was being investigated by the police.

Three Feared Dead as Government Demolishes Owerri Market

Three people were feared killed and several wounded as clashes erupted when the Imo State Government commenced the controversial demolition of the Ekeukwu Owerri ancestral market on August 26. One of the deceased was identified as 10-year old Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, son of a trader in the area. The Village Head of Amawom, Owerri municipal, Chief Dennis Dike, said that those injured were quickly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, described the killing and maiming of the citizenry as most devastating. Residents alleged that over 500 deadly thugs were recruited by the state government, to clampdown on unarmed indigenes and ensure that the market was destroyed.

Assailants Flee with Corpse of Slain Victim

The Delta State Police Command have launched a manhunt for a suspected ritual killer, who killed his victim, Ogorochi Oluka, a villager at Obetim community at Ndokwa East LGA of the State, and disappeared with his corpse. The victim had gone to the farm along with his landlord’s brother, Henry Ossa, when they were attacked by four men with cutlasses. While Ogorochi was killed, Henry escaped and quickly reported to the police. The State Police boss, Zanna Ibrahim, gave the names of the suspects as Obiechine, Elvis, Goddey and KC, saying Henry managed to escape from the assailants and reported the matter to the Police. Ibrahim said that the scene was visited in the company of vigilante members of the community, but the assailants had fled with the remains of the victim. Efforts are on-going to apprehend them.

Suspected Ritual Killer Disguised as Lunatic Set Ablaze

A man disguised as a lunatic and suspected to be a member of a kidnap and ritualist gang was, August 30, set ablaze by an irate mob in Lagos. The mob action followed the discovery of the gang’s den in the Mushin area of Lagos State. Two other suspected members of the gang, who also disguised as lunatics, were rescued from the mob by the Police. Recovered from the suspects were 100 syringes, most of them with blood stains. Other items recovered from them were expensive phones and four Automated Teller Machines (ATM) cards. An account of the incident said that one of the suspects was sighted dragging a female victim inside the tunnel at Challenge Bus Stop on August 29 and the victim raised alarm, alerting passers-by. The female victim was reportedly rescued, while the suspect, said to be dressed like a mad woman was arrested while attempting to escape through the tunnel. On closer observation, eyewitnesses said the suspect turned out to be a man, wearing bloodstained clothes. A mob descended on him when he could not provide answers to questions bothering on where he was taking the victim to.  On further interrogation, he was said to have confessed not to be a mad man, but revealed that his members used the tunnel as their den. Another eyewitness further stated that prior to his lynching, he confessed that other members of his gang were still inside the tunnel, leading to a search of the den.

Wife Poisons 2-Week-Old Step-son over Forceful Marriage

An angry housewife, Hindatu Abdullahi, who poisoned her two-week-old stepson on August 19 has confessed to the act explaining that she took the action to force her husband to divorce her. According to her, she was forced into the union against her wish by her parents. The incident occurred at Wuro Bogga village, Duguri District in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State. In her confession at the state Police Command, the suspect stated that she was tired of her marriage to Abdullahi Ori and she wanted a divorce. According to her, she felt that the only way to get a divorce was to kill her stepson. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Kamal Abubakar, disclosed that the suspect collected the baby of her co-wife, Fatima Abdullahi, and took him into her room where she fed him an insecticide. The baby was rushed to a nearby dispensary at Gigyari village, but later died while they were trying to get him to the General Hospital. He said the suspect was arrested and the remaining quantity of the toxic insecticide was also recovered.

2 Nabbed with Fresh Human Head in Niger State

Two suspected ritual killers have been arrested in Minna, Niger State. The suspects were caught a few days after they beheaded an eight-year-old boy in Bakajeba village in Paikoro LGA of the state. They were nabbed by the Special Tactical Squad of the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, attached to Abuja-Minna Highway. The suspects, Aminu and Ismaila, were arrested on August 26 with a fresh human head along Minna Paikoro Road Junction during a stop-and-search operation. Police Public Relations Officer, Babalola Adewole, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that the victim, whose severed head was found in possession of the suspects was an eight-year-old boy, identified as Hassan Abubakar. The suspects, who confessed to cutting off the head of the boy, also disclosed that a third member of the syndicate, escaped arrest.

Police Nab 13 over Monarch’s Assassination in Ogun State

The Ogun State Police Command, August 28, disclosed that 13 suspects have been arrested in connection with the assassination of the Olowo of Owoland in Yewa South LGA of the state, Oba Patrick Fasinu. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, disclosed this while parading 43 suspects arrested across the state for various offences ranging from murder to kidnapping, armed robbery and human trafficking. The late Oba Fasinu was assassinated, dismembered and burnt with his car on July 26 on the road between Ijako and Isagbo in Oke-Odan area while returning to his palace after a traditional council meeting. Iliyasu disclosed that the suspects were arrested after diligent investigations. He added that the command would soon charge them to court. The police also paraded 33-year-old Azeez Kilani, who allegedly stole cassava tubers and subsequently killed the farm owner, David Adima at Sojulu village, Ibogun in Ifo LGA.

Policeman Kill Truck Driver over N100 in Aba

A yet to be identified Policeman has shot dead a truck driver in Aba, Abia State over alleged refusal to pay a N100 bribe. The incident, which occurred at Afoule market junction, along Aba-Owerri, Aba, caused heavy gridlock as two lanes of the road were blocked. Eyewitnesses disclosed that a Mercedes Benz 911 truck was conveying bags of farm produce into Aba when the Police team stopped it at Afoule road junction. According to reports, when the truck driver refused to pay the N100 requested by the Policemen, an argument ensued and shortly a gunshot was heard and the driver was hit. The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said efforts are on top gear to identify the Policeman, who shot the driver. He assured that the Policeman would be brought to book. He urged motorists and residents to go about their normal business without fear of molestation. The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Aba, Professor Charles Chinekezi, urged the Police authorities to urgently fish out and prosecute the trigger happy cop to serve as a deterrent to others.

Policeman Killed rescuing Driver from Angry Mob after Sallah Tragedy

A policeman was, September 1, killed as he tried to rescue to a truck driver from an angry mob that wanted to lynch him after his truck rammed into worshippers at Etokori praying ground in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North LGA of Ogun State during the Eid-el- Kabir prayer, killing two children. The incident occurred after the truck, laden with logs, had a brake failure, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident. Akinbiyi informed that scores of other Muslim faithful who had come out for the Eid prayer sustained various degrees of injuries. A policeman was said to have died in the melee that followed the incident. The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, and the killing of the policeman.

Police Arrest Five over Lynching Suspected Ritualists in Lagos

The police in Lagos, August 31, said that five persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the lynching of two suspected ritual killers at the Mushin area of the State. Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, who confirmed the arrest, said that the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation was concluded. Another ritualists’ hideout was uncovered in a tunnel at the Challenge area of Mushin, Lagos on August 30. Two of the three suspects found at the hideout were lynched by a mob before the arrival of policemen. Two similar ritualists den had been discovered in different parts of the state in the last two months, resulting in the death of suspected ritualists through jungle justice.

Gunmen Kill PDP Chieftain in Delta State

Suspected assassins attacked and killed a ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Felix Okugbeni. Okugbeni was shot dead at his residence in Ughwagba in Okpe LGA of the state. The incident caused many residents to flee the community as several buildings were destroyed and burnt over the killing. The deceased was shot several times while he was driving his tricycle into his residence. A female occupant of the tricycle, Gloria Aragba, also sustained life threatening injuries during the attack. The attack took place shortly after the Okpe LGA chairman, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, visited the late Okugbeni-led PDP ward executive for his re-election bid. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, adding that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing. He further stated that normalcy had also been restored in the area.

Robbers Kill Baptist Pastor in Ondo

A cleric with the Nigerian Baptist Conference in Ondo State, Pastor Deji Joshua, has been killed in Okitipupa, in the Okitipupa LGA of Ondo state by suspected armed robbers. The deceased was the pastor in charge of the Good News Baptist Church, Igbegunrin. The deceased was on his motorcycle when the suspected robbers killed him on Ode Aye Road on August 28 before they fled with the motorcycle. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, said the command had commenced investigation into the incident. He disclosed that policemen swiftly moved to the scene as they got the distress call, but they met the bullet riddled body of the pastor. He added that Investigation was on-going.

Farmer Steals Colleague’s Crop, Kills Him

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old farmer, Azeez Kelani, for allegedly hacking his colleague, David Adima, to death after stealing his crop. It was learnt that Kelani had gone to Adima’s farm at Sojuolu village in the Ewekoro LGA of the state to steal some tubers of cassava. It was gathered that Adima, who hailed from Benue State, caught the suspect in the act and raised the alarm. The suspect, who was armed with a machete, reportedly resorted to force and eventually slit the victim’s throat with the cutlass. The victim was said to have bled to death. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, who paraded the suspect on August 28, said the incident happened on August 13, 2017. Kelani was among 43 suspects paraded for offences ranging from child trafficking, armed robbery to kidnapping and murder. However, Kelani denied killing Adima, saying the deceased had wanted to attack him with the machete and two of them started struggling. He claimed that the machete slit Adima’s throat during the struggle.

Rape

40-Year-Old Man Lures, Rapes 3-Year-Old

A 40-year-old man, Kehinde Gabriel, was, August 27, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly defiling a three-year-old daughter of his neighbour at the Ibeju-Lekki area of the state. The girl was reportedly going to a mosque with her sisters on August 16, 2017, when the suspect laid in ambush for her. Gabriel reportedly lured her into his apartment with a loaf of bread and drink and defiled her. The mother of the girl told the police that the kid returned home crying, adding that blood was found on her genitals. The suspect denied committing the crime, saying he only gave the girl food because she complained of hunger when he saw crying beside his house. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. B.O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reputable sureties each in like sum. She adjourned the case till October 17, 2017 and directed that the duplicate case file be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

Suspect Confesses to Luring, Raping 8-Year-Old in Niger State

A 32-year-old man, Ayuba Salihu, August 31, confessed to raping an 8-year-old child after luring her with N100. He told the Niger State Child Right Protection Agency that he had carnal knowledge of the minor after he saw her in front of his shop crying that she misplaced N100 out of the money she sold from sachet water. The victim’s grandmother told the agency that the victim was sent to buy N50 pepper on August 26, but did not return home till 9pm. The woman disclosed that she and her stepson became worried when the girl did not return home early and they both went round looking for her until they found her walking to the house at night. The girl later opened up on the sexual abuse by Salihu. The grandmother said that she reported the matter to officials of Drug and Crime is Haram (DC Haram), who arrested the suspect and brought him to the agency. The Director-General of the agency, Maryam Kolo, said that the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation.

50-year-Old Man Allegedly Rapes Two Minors

A 50-year-old, Okon Etim, who allegedly defiled two minors of ages eight and nine years, was, on August 31, granted bail by a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge bordering on defilement, unlawful treatment and unlawful detainment. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the offences were committed on August 15.‎ ‎She alleged that the accused, who was a neighbour of the girls’ parents, had raped the girls at different times when their parents had gone out to do their various jobs. The Magistrate, Aro Lambo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum. ‎ Lambo said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused, while the second surety should be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 14. In addition, the sureties are to provide an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The magistrate adjourned the case to October 5 pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.

Others

Fulani Herdsman Chop-Off Farmer’s Fingers

A Fulani herdsman is reported to have cut off five fingers of a farmer, identified as Ndubueze Oboro in Ozalla community Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. It was learnt that Oboro was in a bush at Ozalla when the unidentified herdsman accosted him and gave him a deep cut on his back shoulder with his machete, before cutting off his five fingers. Police sources confirmed the incident, adding that the victim was attacked at about 1.30pm.  The suspect escaped from the area soon after committing the offence. It was learnt that policemen at Ozalla had already visited the scene of the crime and recovered two of Oboro’s severed fingers and deposited them at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku –Ozalla, for preservation while investigations into the incident had commenced.

Barbecue Seller Attempts Killing 4-Year-Old Girl

A 35-year-old man, Alliu Abdullai, who sells barbecued meat, popularly called Suya, has been arrested over his attempt to kill a four-year-old child at the White Sand Market, Otto in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos State. Abdullai was alleged to have abducted the little girl from her mother’s shop and was said to have taken her to his Suya stand, where he took out his knife and attempted to slash her throat. A man reportedly accosted Abdullai and immediately raised the alarm. During the struggle to retrieve the knife from Abdullai, the rescuer was injured. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspect alongside two of his relatives, confirmed that the child had been reunited with her mother, while the kidnapper and would-be murderer will be arraigned in court. The suspect’s relative, Akilu Isa, who was also arrested, claimed that the suspect was mentally unstable. According to him, the mental disorder gripped him on that fateful day and he immediately picked up the girl and at the same time, lifted a knife. Isa disclosed that he immediately beckoned on another relative, Salisu, and they both succeeded in retrieving the knife from Abdullai and rescued the girl before the police came. He added that he still did not know why he and Salisu were arrested after they went to the station with the chairman of their section.

DPO Arrested for Ritual Killer’s Escape from Custody

A Divisional Police Officer in Rivers State has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the escape of one Ifeanyi Dike, who killed an eight-year-old girl after sexually assaulting her. The DPO, who was arrested on August 28, was allegedly involved in telephone calls between him and Johnbosco Okoroeze, a dismissed police sergeant, which indicated that there was a premeditated action by him to allow the suspected killer to escape. It was gathered that while preparations were on-going by both the father of the deceased, Ernest Nmezuwuba, and the suspect (Dike) to write their statements, several calls were received from the DPO by Okoroeze. Ifeanyi Dike had allegedly raped, killed and removed vital organs of the eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso, before escaping from police custody. The father of the victim, Nmezuwuba, was at the State Criminal Investigation Department when the suspected murderer escaped from police custody. The suspect was able to escape because Johnbosco had unlocked the handcuffs on him to enable him write his statement.

Week 37

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	6
2	Robbery	7
3	Drugs	1
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies	1
7	Murder/Assassination	14
8	Rape Incidents	1
9	Others	3

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Abduct Would-be Couple, Friends

Gunmen, September 10, abducted a would-be couple and their friends at Akunnu-Akoko in Akoko North East LGA of Ondo State on their way to Akure, the Ondo State capital for their engagement ceremony. The groom, Moses Yakubu, his fiancé and their three friends were coming from Okene in Kogi State and heading to Akure for the engagement when their car was ambushed and seized at gunpoint. The father of the bride, who confirmed the incident, said the bride and her younger sister were later set free by the kidnappers. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, said that policemen are combing the scene and forest around to rescue the victims.

Four-Year-Old Boy Kidnapped in Delta

A four-year-old boy, Sunday Onwusa, was, September 9, kidnapped in Olieogo town in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State. According to reports, the suspected kidnapper, a woman from a neighbouring town, had gone to Olieogo the previous day to visit her boyfriend, who was said to have travelled out of town causing her to sleep at the residence of her boyfriend’s brother. She later visited a family with four children while their parents were not at home and sent the eldest child, 12-year-old Blessing, on an errand. But on her return, Blessing could neither find her younger brother nor the suspected kidnapper. She immediately raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours and a search party mobilised to find the woman and the boy, but to no avail. The Delta State Police Spokesman, Andrew Aniamaka, disclosed that the matter has been transferred to Human Rights Department of the state police command, adding that police were carrying out further investigation with the aim of apprehending the suspected female kidnapper and rescuing the boy.

Man Allegedly Fakes Kidnap to Extort N1m from Wife

The Delta State Police Command, September 11, disclosed that it had arrested a 49-year-old man, Clement Silver, for allegedly arranging his own kidnap to fraudulently obtain money from his wife. He was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Sunday Kibechukwu, who acted as the kidnapper, at his hideout in Agbor. The suspect, while confessing to the crime said his intention was to force his wife to pay his demand, adding that he needed the money to boost his business. It was gathered that the suspects, after the phantom kidnap, had contacted Silver’s wife and demanded a ransom of N1 million and directed that the money should be dropped along Benin/Asaba Expressway at Umunede. In the course of negotiation, she pleaded to pay N300,000, which they refused, but unknown to the suspects, Silver was sighted at his hideout and was reported to Agbor police station, which quickly moved to arrest the culprits.

Police Rescue 13 Kidnapped Persons in Yobe

The Nigeria Police has rescued 13 kidnapped persons from the den of kidnappers in Yobe State. The Police Area Commander of Biu, received a reported a case of the abduction of six children on August 19. A striking unit and a team of investigators were promptly dispatched to the area, leading to the arrest of five persons, who made confessional statements and revealed the location where the abducted children were kept. The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, who disclosed this, said that two hoodlums were killed during the rescue operation on September 8 jointly carried out by police and men of local vigilante group in the forest, near Kumaya village in Buni Yadi area of Yobe State. Two AK47 rifles used by the hoodlums were recovered, six earlier abducted victims were rescued alongside seven other abducted persons.

2 Persons in Court over Alleged Kidnap of 2-Year-Old Girl

The Police in Lagos State, September 13, arraigned two persons, Dorothy Ekutosi (51) and Asekameh Victor (27), for allegedly stealing a 2-year-old girl in a market before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused are standing trial a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on August 29 at the Abule Market area of Ajao Estate. He said the accused conspired and stole the child in the market, without the knowledge of the mother. The duo was caught with the help of the child’s mother’s neighbour, who intercepted the child, while they were taking her to an unknown destination. The accused, however, pleaded “not guilty’’ to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum. Akanni said the sureties, who should be relations of the accused, should also show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government. She adjourned the case until September 20 for mention.

Police Burst Kidnap Gang, Rescue Victim

A three man kidnap gang have been intercepted by men of the Anambra State Police Command and a victim rescued successfully. The suspects were arrested based on information from a good citizen of the state that a group of boys had invaded the house of one Peter Chukwuemeka of Isiokwe village in Aguleri where they took away one John Ifediora to Iyi Oji Shrine. The State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, September 8, revealed that detectives acting on the intelligence had stormed the bush at Aguleri in Anambra east, and successfully rescued the victim. Two suspects were arrested on the spot and the third suspect who sustained gunshot injuries, later died in the hospital. The Commissioner said the suspects confessed to the crime.

Robbery

Police Parade Two Vigilantes, Others for Robbery, Rape

The Ekiti State Police Command, September 9, paraded five notorious suspected armed robbers and rapists who have been terrorizing a section of Ado-Ekiti. Some of the suspects include members of a vigilante group, Adeniyi Busayo and Tunde Fadunmila. Fadunmila and Adeniyi, who were arrested for robbing their victims with police uniform. They were night guards hired for neighbourhood watch. Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, said the suspects robbed Faglo Petro-chemical filling Station along Federal Polytechnic road in Ado Ekiti, and two houses on August 28. The PPRO revealed that one of the robbery victims was shot in the hands and stomach and was rushed to the hospital by neighbours for treatment. He said the suspects were not only robbing, but torturing and raping the victims after using big stones to break their doors. The police recovered three Dane guns, three cutlasses, charms and big stones from the suspects.

Robbers Attack Bank Customer in Uyo, Cart Away Cash

Four armed robbers, September 13, attacked a bank customer and dispossessed him of an undisclosed amount of money in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The customer had reportedly withdrawn a large amount from a bank at Ewet Housing axis of Oron Road and was about driving home when the robbers, who had laid an ambush close to his car parked outside the bank’s premises, attacked him, shooting sporadically to scare away people. The robbers reportedly shot the front tyre of the victim’s car and the car dragged along for a while before ending up in a ditch. Two masked men came out of a car and ordered him to open his boot where the money was kept. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Chukwu Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident.

Police Kill Armed Robber, Arrest Fake Soldier in Katsina

Men of the Katsina State Police Command, September 13, shot and killed one armed robber in a shootout with an eight-man armed robbery gang. This came as the Command also arrested a man, Raba, who was parading himself as a soldier. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gambo Isah, who confirmed the incidents, said the robber met his Waterloo, when they came out from Dajin Mari Forest and invaded the village of Tumburkai, Dandume, shooting sporadically, trying to get access to the house of one Alhaji Sufiyanu.

Police Foil Robbery Attack in Yola

The Adamawa State Police Command, September 12, said it had foiled an armed robbery attack at the old GRA, Jimeta, Yola, and in the process, killed one suspect and arrested two others. Police Spokesman, Othman Abubakar, said that the command received a distress call at about 1am from one Alhaji Bakari that armed robbers had invaded his house. They immediately deployed the Anti-Robbery Squad to cordon off the area. He added that the suspects, on sighting the police, opened fire on them and in the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects was killed and two others arrested. He said the command would not relent in the battle to make the state safe. He called on the people to always report any suspicious movement to the nearest security post for immediate response.

64-Year-Old Ex-Convict Arrested for Armed Robbery

A 64-year-old ex-convict, Ajibola Aliu, has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for armed robbery. The suspect was recently released from prison after serving a 21-year jail term for robbery. Two of his accomplices, lsiaka Adisa and Damola Christopher, were also apprehended by the police. The other two suspects were arrested at a hotel in Alafiatayo Street in Akure by detectives. It was gathered that the ex-convict was fingered by the two suspects during their interrogation. After his arrest, he reportedly confessed to being part of those who took part in some robbery operations in the state. Items recovered from the suspects included charms, two single-barrelled cut-to-size guns, cartridges, one Mitsubishi car with number plates Lagos LSD 432 XT and 11 master keys. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, September 11, confirmed the arrest of the ex-convict and others. Joseph said detectives have also arrested four cultists and two others, who specialise in motorcycle snatching at gunpoint. He gave the names of the suspected cultists to include Kareem, Ayobami, Akinkuolu and Esie.

Police Nab ‘One Chance’ Robber in Aba

A member of a robbery gang operating in a bus, popularly called “one-chance” has been arrested by the Police in Aba, Abia State. The suspect, identified as Kanayo Obichukwu, and other members of his gang had dispossessed one Chibuike Metele, of N150, 000 along Asa road and pushed him out of the bus. Police sources told disclosed that Metele who lives at Azikiwe road, Aba, raised alarm which attracted passers-by. A Police patrol men attached to Central Police Station, Aba who were alerted to the incident went after the vehicle later identified with number plate, XA 320 MBL. On sighting the Police team, the occupants of the bus abandoned it and fled. But one of the suspects, one Kanayo Obichukwu was arrested. Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who confirmed the incident, stated that the suspect has confessed to the crime. He added that efforts are on-going to arrest other members of the gang.

Man Hijacks Car with Baby in Ilorin

A middle aged man has been arrested by the police in Kwara state after he hijacked a car with a 16-month old baby in Ilorin, Kwara state. The incident occurred on September 7 after the baby’s mother agreed to help the man from the church to Diviland area of Gaa-Akanbi in the metropolis. The man was said to have later hijacked the car with the baby inside. A manhunt was immediately launched by the police while family members and friends resorted to massive social media awareness on the incident. The man later abandoned the baby at Akerebiata area of the metropolis and from there drove back to Asa Dam area where he parked to spend the night with his girlfriend. Friends and family members have praised the police and other security agencies for the speed and effectiveness of the work that led to the recovery of the baby and the car.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 14 Farmers with 413.19kg in Gombe

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Gombe State, September 12, disclosed that its operatives had arrested 14 farmers for cultivating Cannabis in two communities in the state. The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Aliyu Adole, said that the farmers were arrested with 413.19kilogrammes of Cannabis. He said nine of them were arrested with 322.6kg at Kulani village of Balanga LGA, while five were with 191.300kg at Amkargu village, a boundary village between Gombe and Taraba States. He added that the arrest were made as a result of farm raids being carried out in the past one month. According to him, all of the suspects would be charged to Court.

Militancy/Maritime

Terrorism

Boko Haram Commander, others Surrender to Police

The Borno State Police Command, September 13, disclosed that a top Boko Haram commander, along with some other members of the sect, had surrendered to the police. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, said that the insurgents unconditionally surrendered to the police on September 10. According to him, the intelligence arm of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the command, were able to negotiate a peaceful surrender of the repentant Boko Haram terrorists with their families. He disclosed that one Ibrahim Dala (alias Abu Ali), formerly of Kawar Mela ward, Maiduguri, an Amir (commander) of the Mamman Nur faction, along with Audu Mustapha Bukar, and Laminu Mustapha Modu, all surrendered themselves unconditionally to Borno State Police Command.

Troops Kill Boko Haram Terrorists Borno Ambush, Raid

The Nigerian Army have disclosed that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East, killed many Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush on September 10. This is as the Nigerian Air Force said it struck some buildings occupied by the terrorists in a bomb raid, killing many terrorists. Spokesman the Army, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, said the troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade carried out the ambush at a suspected Boko Haram crossing point at Bocost, along Ngurosoye-Bama Road in Borno State. He disclosed that the troops neutralised a large number of the Boko Haram terrorists, while other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds. One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine; 60 rounds of 7.62mm Special; three bicycles; four empty Jerry-cans, a cutlass and N5,600 cash were recovered. The Nigerian Air Force, had earlier said that a September 7 bombing of the terrorists’ buildings resulted in the death of a large number of them at Zanari, a known location with significant Boko Haram terrorists’ presence at the northern fringes of Borno State.

NAF Destroys Boko Haram Structures in Sambisa Area

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has destroyed more structures in Borno used by Boko Haram insurgents as meeting points. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, September 11, explained that the bombardments took place on the fourth day of an on-going intensive bombardment of the insurgents’ hideouts in the Sambisa General Area. According to him, the Air Force conducted air interdiction on Boko Haram’s settlement in Njimia on September 10 after the NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had previously confirmed that several structures used by the terrorists as meeting points were in the location. The air interdiction was conducted by the Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft, which took turns to attack the location with bombs, he added. Battle Damage Assessment showed that the targeted insurgent’s structures were destroyed. The director said that the attacks were carried out to further break the will and capability of the insurgents to regroup against the air force. Newsmen report that some buildings used by the insurgents in Borno State, especially in the Sambisa General Area, had earlier been destroyed by the military in the newly launched operation.

6 Boko Haram Insurgents Surrender to NSCDC in Borno

The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), September 11, said six Boko Haram insurgents had surrendered to the corps. NSCDC spokesperson, Bulus James, further disclosed that the repented insurgents surrendered to the corps under the Operation Safe Corridor initiated by the Federal Government. He said that a large number of demoralised insurgents had also indicated their willingness to renounce their crime and join the society. James reiterated the command’s commitment to support the military to ensure successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign. The Operation Safe Corridor is a critical component of the counter-insurgency operation. It was designed to encourage Boko Haram insurgents to surrender, facilitate their de-radicalisation and rehabilitation for reintegration into the society.

7 Killed in Boko Haram Attack on IDP Camp

At least seven people were killed when Boko Haram jihadists attacked a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State. The attack took place on September 8 in Ngala, near the border with Cameroon. A source, Umar Kachalla, said that the insurgents arrived in two pick-up trucks and fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the camp, which houses about 80,000 people. This came as two people were killed in an explosion outside another camp in Maiduguri, Borno state.

Two Female Bombers Killed in Maiduguri

The Police in Borno State, September 9, said two female suicide bombers were killed when they detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to their bodies in the outskirts of Maiduguri. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, said eight people sustained injuries in the incident. The PPRO said that the incident occurred on September 8 when the female suicide bombers detonated IEDs against a taxi on Maiduguri-Mafa road, close to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) checkpoint. He, however, noted that only the suicide bombers died in the blast, while eight others including a staff of the NDLEA sustained injuries. He added that the police EOD had sanitised the scene while normalcy had been restored to the area.

Political/Government Agencies

Another 1,100 Pump Action Rifles Seized in Lagos

Operatives of Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), September 11, smashed a syndicate that specialized in smuggling weapons into the country, discovering a consignment of 1,100 pump action rifles loaded in a 20-foot container. The seized weapons include 1,100 Jojef Magnum Pump Action and Jojef Magnum Plastic Single Barrels Hunting Gun. The weapons, during preliminary investigation, were discovered to have been imported from Turkey and concealed in a container which Bill of Lading indicated that the contents were wash-hand basins and water closets. But the bubble burst during a routine monitoring at the terminal, as most of the supposed wash-hand basins were discovered to be weapons. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), said that a Customs officer suspected to have cut the seal of the container without following due process had been arrested in connection with the discovery. According to him, a clerk at the terminal was arrested alongside the officer. Ali explained that the container with number GESU 2555208, which was never listed for examination, was discovered to have been positioned with other containers for examination.

Murder/Assassinations

Cultists, Herbalists Arrested for Killing and Dealing in Human Part

Two suspected cult members in Ogun State have confessed that they sell human hands for N5,000 each to raise funds for their operations. The men, Oluwaseun Odueh, and Wasiu Adejumo, both members of the Eiye Confraternity, were arrested by operatives of the Zonal Intervention Squad in the Ibogun area of the state. The suspects, who were also accused of being robbers, were arrested along with three herbalists, including a traditional ruler, who allegedly bought the hands of their victims. The herbalists, Ifatona Akanni, Isiaka Ajani and Oko Musa, said they had bought seven hands from the cult members, adding that each was bought for N5,000. One of the suspected cult members, Odueh, said all their victims, were members of the Aiye Confraternity, a rival cult and that they were killed during cult clashes. He said their hands were sold to herbalists to raise funds for the activities of his gang.

Court Remands Suspected Killer of 8-Year-Old Girl in Prison

A Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court, has remanded 23-year old Ifeanyi Dike in prison custody for allegedly killing his 8-year-old niece, Victory Mezuwuba, for ritual purposes. The suspect, who initially escaped from police custody, was re-arrested in Plateau State and sent back to Port Harcourt to face murder charges. He was arraigned at the Magistrate Court on September 11. The suspect allegedly killed his victim by administering stupefying substance on her in order to obtain her sensory organs which include: tongue, ear, eyes, nipple, clitoris, nose, fingers with the use of knife. The Chief Magistrate, A.O. Amadi-Nna, presiding over the matter had declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter and ordered the court registrar to send the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice. The case was adjourned sine die.

Murder Suspects Arrested in Imo

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, September 11, paraded a 25-year-old suspected kidnapper, Kingsley Alaukwu, for masterminding the kidnapping and killing of two persons, 67-year- old Gabriel Alaukwu and 38-year-old Sunday Iniobong. The victims were killed and buried in a shallow grave after the suspect collected a ransom of N100,000. The CP disclosed that the suspect was rounded up as a result of investigation carried out by the anti-kidnapping unit of the command. He said that Alaukwu together with Ugochukwu Ekezie and Emeka Onuegbu, who are still at large, kidnapped, murdered and buried their two victims in a shallow grave. The decomposed corpses of the victims have been exhumed appropriately and relocated.

Man Kills Own Baby after Affair with Wife’s Sister

Police operatives in Bayelsa State have arrested a 47-year-old man, Moses Otimba, for killing his 5-day-old love-child. The man, who impregnated his wife’s 18-year-old sister, Joy Matthew, killed the baby boy five days after he was born and buried him in a shallow grave by the seashore. Otimba was said to have carried out the dastardly act in connivance with Joy to cover up the baby’s paternity. The suspects were paraded on September 7 by the state Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba. Amba disclosed that the suspects were arrested after Joy’s mother reported the matter to the police. A traditional birth attendant at Amarata in Yenagoa delivered Joy of the baby on May 8, 2017, and on May 13, Moses and Joy took the baby across Swali Bridge, where Moses killed and buried him in a shallow grave. Joy claimed that some spirits confessed the incident to her mother three months after the act. He added that the suspects have confessed to the crime and investigation is on-going.

Military Task Force Kills Five Assailants, Loses Soldier in Plateau

The military taskforce deployed to beef up security in Plateau State, September 11, disclosed that it had killed five assailants while repelling another attack on a village near Ancha in Bassa LGA of the state, where over 20 persons were killed on September 8. A soldier with the taskforce was also killed in the exchange of fire, while another was wounded. The taskforce Media and Information Officer, Captain Adam Umar, said that the Miango area is now fully dominated by military men, who have since commenced day and night patrols and are combing the area in search of the fleeing assailants. The state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nuru Abdullahi, has decried linking their members to the recent killings in Ancha village, saying that the allegation was aimed at creating hatred between the natives and herders. The state Commissioner of Police Commissioner had mentioned that the attack was a reprisal by suspected Fulani herders.

One Feared Dead as Vigilante Group Clash with Cultists

One person was, September 13, killed when members of a vigilante group clashed with armed cultists at Ozala Awada, a suburb of Onitsha in Anambra State. The vigilante operatives had gone to the area to stop a fight building up, but as they were trying to quell the fight, the feuding parties mobilised for re-enforcement and within a few minutes, some boys, suspected to be cultists, stormed the scene and attacked the vigilante operatives. The President-General of the community, Chief Emmanuel Nwabunwanne, said the suspected cultists wanted to snatch the gun from one of the security operatives and on resisting it, the bullet went off and killed the vigilante group member. The Awada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Babalola, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation is on-going.

Police Arrest Man over Attempted Murder of American

The Intervention Squad of the Zone 2 Police Command, September 13, arrested one Orabe Philips Leo, for luring and attempting to kill his American visitor, Robert Wheelers in Lagos. The victim, who had known Leo since 2015, had asked Leo to pick him from the airport when he arrived in Lagos on August 25, 2017. The suspect drove him straight to his residence at Ikorodu, where he was to stay until his return to the United States. However, at midnight, the suspect attacked his visitor and left him in a pool of his own blood and fled to safety. Upon receiving the distress call, the squad from the command was dispatched to launch a manhunt for the suspect while the victim was rushed to the hospital. The suspect was apprehended two weeks later. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to have clubbed the victim with a pestle because he allegedly reneged on his promise to give him an unspecified amount of money. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of Zone 2, Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was ongoing, adding that the AIG had directed that no stone be left unturned in unravelling the case.

Two Killed as IPOB Members Clash with Hausa Community in Rivers

Two persons were reportedly killed as some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), September 12, clashed with the Hausa community in Oyibo LGA of Rivers State. An eyewitness disclosed that the incident started when the members of IPOB gathered at Timber Junction awaiting other members to join a procession to Abia State in support of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whose home was allegedly invaded by the military. According to reports, soldiers attempted to disperse the IPOB gathering and left many IPOB members injured. The IPOB members later vented their anger on the Hausa community in the area, killing two persons in the process. The Spokesman for 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Col. Aminu Illiyasu, confirmed the clash and added that troops were deployed to restore law and order in the area.

Police Arrest Man over Alleged Killing of Daughter

The Ebonyi State Police Command, September 11, confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old man suspected to have killed his two-year-old daughter in his farm. Police spokeswoman, Loveth Odah, who confirmed the arrest in Abakaliki, said that the corpse of the girl had been taken to Mgbo Hospital morgue. Odah added that investigations into the matter had commenced. A source disclosed that the suspect killed his daughter in his farm on September 6 and the act was detected by a good citizen. The good citizen reported the matter to the Ohaukwu Police Division which arrested the suspect and recovered the girl’s corpse. The family and the community suspect that the act was for ritual purpose because he used his machete to cut the girl’s right leg.

Police Arrest 6 over Killing of Gulder Ultimate Search Winner, Hector

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, September 14, said that the police had arrested six persons over the killing of Hector Jobarteh, winner of the third edition of Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS). The suspects were among 13 other criminal suspects paraded at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja. The arrests were made between September 6 and 13. Edgal explained that one suspected robbers lost his life in a gun battle with police operatives. He said that the police recovered arms and ammunition including one berretta pistol, five locally-made pistols, and 16 live cartridges from the suspects. Other items recovered include six ammunition, six stolen vehicles, one motorcycle, substances suspected to be cocaine, heroin and Indian hemp. Hector was shot dead at his Oko-Oba residence on September 4. Edgal said one of the suspects arrested was a driver, who conveyed the suspected killers, while the others were found with the victim’s cell phone. He noted that one of the suspects was still at large and that efforts were on to arrest him.

Student Remanded for Alleged Culpable Homicide

A Minna Magistrates’ Court, September 13, ordered the remand of a 15-year-old student for alleged culpable homicide. The defendant was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide, punishable under Section 224 of the Penal Code. The Prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Danladi, had told the court that one Hakeem Tauheed of Bida reported the matter at the police station on August 16. Danladi said the complainant alleged that the defendant fought with his son, Usman Alhaji, as a result of which both of them sustained injuries. He said the complainant’s son died on the way to the hospital. The Judge, Mariam Kings, did not take the plea of the defendant on the ground that her court lacked jurisdiction to try the matter. Kings ordered the police to forward the case file to the State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice. She adjourned the case until October 4 for further mention.

Man Nabbed with Human Head in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, who was caught with a human head. The suspected ritualist, simply identified as Olalekan, according to the Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, was arrested at Modina area, Idi-Aro, Ibadan. The arrest of the suspect followed information by members of the public, who raised the alarm over his strange and suspicious movement. During interrogation, the suspect disclosed that the exhibit was given to him by his younger brother, Saheed, currently on the run. Investigation also revealed that the suspect and his cohort have been dealing in human parts. The latest recovered part was meant for a yet-to-be-identified pastor in Ibadan. Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, has directed the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Iyangaku, to take over the case.

2 Herdsmen Arrested for Beating Colleague to Death

Police operatives in Jigawa State have arrested two herdsmen over the death of their colleague in Gagarawa LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the arrest on September 11. Jinjiri said the suspects were arrested on September 9 after they allegedly conspired and beat up one Manu Isa of Maidamisa Fulani settlement with sticks, which led to his death. According to Jinjiri, when the Police got to know about attack, they rushed to the scene and took Isa to hospital, but unfortunately he died after two days. He added that detailed investigation is on-going to ascertain the reasons for their action, after which they would be charged to court.

Ondo Youths’ Clash Claims One Life, Several Injured

One person was feared dead following a clash between youths in Ugbonla and Ugbo, oil-rich communities in Ondo State. At least 20 others were reportedly injured during the free-for-all in Ugbo community. A source revealed that the clash erupted after five boys from Ode-Ugbo, led by one Adewale, came to Ugbonla on a speedboat, for a business transaction and after the deal, they were accused by one Bello of making illegal entry and business transactions in the community. An argument reportedly ensued and Bello was beaten up for interfering. He reportedly sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital at Ode-Ugbo, where he later died. Youths from Ugbonla reportedly mobilised and went on rampage, destroying property in Ugbo. The house of a leader in Ugbo, Chief Otelo Mafimisebi, was destroyed because of his closeness to Adewale, who led the five boys on the business deal that turned sour. Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, condemned the crises and promised that all those involved would be brought to book.

Rape

Two Suspected Ritualists Nabbed in Lagos

Two suspected Ritualists have been arrested by the police in Lagos State. The suspects, Sarafu Yakubu (25) and Fatai Muritado (40) were arrested on September 8 at Oble Community by a crack team of Police operatives from Area ‘K’ Command. The suspects, four in number with two others still at large, were on the verge of sacrificing their female victim, Ayomide Bello, after raping her in turns, when a distress call was sent to the Area Commander by a resident, who was alerted to the victim’s cry for help. The Area Commander was said to have swung into action and succeeded in apprehending the suspects at their hide out. The two suspects confessed to have kidnapped their victim in Ibadan, Oyo State on September 4 and successfully moved her to Lagos. A police source also confirmed that investigation was on-going, noting that efforts to arrest the remaining members of the syndicate is on top gear.

Others

Teenager Arrested for Gun Running in Imo

The Imo State Police Command, September 11, paraded a 16–year-old boy, Onyedikachi Iyaka, for suspected gun running and possession of weapons and other police kits. Parading the suspect, the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, disclosed that 400 rounds of chained GPMG live ammunition, 1,016 rounds of AK47 live ammunition, one empty AK47 magazine, one empty K2 magazine and one army camouflage bullet proof vest were recovered from the teenager. Other exhibits recovered from him include one police bullet proof vest, one blue police raincoat, one green-beret cap and one empty ammunition. The 16-year-old suspect acknowledged that he was into the business of selling ammunition until the police caught him. He disclosed that the business belonged to his elder brother, Jeff Iyaka, who was still at large.

Abia Governor Imposes Curfew on Aba after Soldiers, IPOB Clash

Following September 10 clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and soldiers of the Nigerian Army at the country home of the IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as some violence at Oyigbo, a border community between Abia and Rivers States on September 12, the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikeazu, has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Aba. The Oyigbo incident led to the deaths of two persons. Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, claimed that soldiers laid siege to the IPOB leader’s residence in Afaraukwu and since then, Kanu had not been seen. Ejiofor said that the invasion on Kanu’s residence led to a clash between IPOB members and the deaths of four persons with several others injured. However, the Nigerian Army has denied that Kanu’s residence was invaded, stating that its operation in the South-east, known as Operation Python Dance II, was not targeted at him. Ikpeazu, said the curfew came into effect September 12 and would last for three days between 6pm and 6am. In order to curb the rising tension in the state, Ikpeazu urged the army to carry out its operation in accordance with standard rules of engagement, taking cognisance of human rights and the rule of law.

Police Parade Suspected Ritualists, Fake Doctor in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command said it has arrested two suspected ritualists, a fake medical doctor and some armed robbers who have been terrorising unsuspecting residents of the state. It named the two suspected ritualists as Murtala Aliyu (30) and Saheed Raji (40). They were arrested for being in possession of human flesh, while the fake doctor, simply identified as Orisanmi, was arrested at a village in Ibadan. The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, said that Orisanmi had been parading himself as a worker of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The suspect had been obtaining money from owners of chemist shops in Ibadan under the guise of checking for fake drugs. The suspect had gone to a drug store at Abanla village in Oluyole LGA of the state and fraudulently collected some drugs and money. A report was thereafter made to the Idi-Ayunre Police Division, which eventually led to his arrest. Items recovered from him included a fake Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) identity card, a stethoscope, a pair of white overall and some certificates suspected to have been forged or stolen.

Week 36

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	9
2	Robbery	8
3	Drugs	2
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies	3
7	Murder/Assassination	16
8	Rape Incidents	2
9	Others	3

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Arrest 2 Suspected Kidnap Kingpins in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command said it has arrested two notorious kidnap and cult gang kingpins, who had been on the command’s wanted list. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, September 6, said that the police recovered two suspected stolen motorcycles and a tiger generator. According to him, the arrest is part of the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements in Nimbo and Adani axis of Uzo-Uwani LGA of the state. Amaraizu said that police operatives achieved the feat through intelligence information. He gave the names of the suspects as one Jonathan Okeagu and Simon Enejere all of Umuasa Village in Ugbene Ajima community in Uzo-Uwani LGA. Further intelligence information gathered by the operatives revealed that the Okeagu had once been arrested and charged to court. Amaraizu assured the public that the command would not rest on its oars in the ongoing onslaught against crime and criminality in Uzo-Uwani council area until the entire area and its environs were made safe and secure.

Kidnappers Abduct Director, Demand N40m Ransom in Kaduna

A gang of suspected kidnappers that abducted a director with the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology are demanding for N40 million as ransom for his release, according to an official in the ministry. The victim, John Gorah, was abducted on September 3 at his residence located in Mararaban Rido, Kaduna. The Deputy Director, Higher Education in the ministry, Steven Haruna, September 5, disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted the victim’s family. Haruna explained that the kidnappers stormed the victim’s house, fired multiple gunshots in the air to scare people and pulled down a section of the fence before taking Gorah away. He also said that the kidnappers abducted a nursing mother in the neighbourhood, leaving her three weeks old baby behind.

Gunmen Invade Bayelsa Community, Abduct One

Yet-to-identified gunmen, September 3, attacked the Amatu II community of Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State, shooting sporadically and abducted a local boat owner. It was gathered that the gunmen, who stormed the community’s landing jetty in the early hours of the day, began shooting at anyone in sight and looted goods before taking their victim, Chief John Okotoro, to an unknown location. The attack left several persons injured and others missing. Confirming the attack, a community leader in Amatu II, Chief Paul Oweipadei, lamented that the people of the area were living in constant fear of attack from gunmen and pirates who terrorise the area. He stated that the gunmen were trying to pass through the community to gain access to an SPDC facility and appealed to the state government and security agencies to beef up security along the waterways.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victim in Rivers

Men of the Rivers State Police Command, September 2, arrested a suspected kidnapper operating in Emohua LGA of the state. The operatives also rescued a kidnap victim said to have been abducted and kept in a tent constructed by hoodlums in a bush. It was gathered that the feat was achieved when a team of policemen flooded the Ndele, Ogbakiri, Rumuekpe, Ebele and Rumuji axis of Emohua, where kidnappers had made their base. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, explained that the heavy presence of policemen in the area was to put an end to the series of kidnapping in Emohua. Omoni further confirmed that the arrested kidnapper was apprehended in a place called Ogbakiri in Emohua, while the victim was also rescued within a bush in the community.

Tailor Disappears with Neighbour’s Two-Year-Old Boy in Imo

A two-year-old baby boy, Ikechukwu Nwachukwu, has been stolen from his parents’ home in Umuihim village in Umuozu Ugiri Community in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State on September 2. According to Remigus Nwachukwu, an uncle of the stolen child, the toddler was allegedly stolen by one Ifeanyi Anyanwu, a tailor in the village. According to sources, the child as playing within the compound around 7am when the tailor, Ifeanyi, came and took him by the hand. People, who saw him thought it was normal until the boy’s mother started looking for him. The woman did not suspect anything when she learnt that her son was with Ifeanyi. But when the time started pushing towards 10 and 11 that morning, everyone became alarmed as they learnt that Ifeanyi, alongside his wife and daughter, was not at home, and his house was deserted while his cell phone was switched off. Confirming the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said that the command was trailing the suspects. Ezike disclosed that he had ordered for the transfer of the case file from Isiala Mbano Division to the State Criminal and investigation Department for a more professional approach.

Gunmen Abduct Ex-Cult Leader’s Mother in Omoku

The aged mother of a repentant cult leader in Omoku community in Rivers State was, on September 3, abducted on her way to a meeting. The former cult leader, Ejima Igwedibia, also known as Don Wani, who had earlier embraced the state government amnesty programme, said that his mother had told him that morning that she wanted to attend a meeting, only for him to be called on telephone some minutes later that she had been kidnapped by some gunmen. The woman alongside her driver and some other young men, was allegedly blindfolded by the gunmen and taken to an unknown destination. The former cult leader appealed to security operatives to intensify efforts to secure the release of his mother unhurt by her abductors. The community is afraid that the development might trigger off another season of cult wars in the area. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, assured that the Rivers State Police command has men from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), as well as men from the Inspector-General Tactical Response on ground at Omoku.

Court Remands Sisters in Prison for Trafficking 19-Year-Old

Four persons including an Abu Dhabi-based lady, Rita Chinenye Ani, and her elder sister, Ngozi Stella Nnamani Ani were, on September 8, arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja for engaging in human trafficking. The others charged by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) are Ozigi Abdulkarim and Princewill James. The four defendants were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu. The prosecutor, Aondona Orti, disclosed that the suspects were arrested recently by operatives of NAPTIP in two operations in Gwarimpa, Abuja and Ibadan in Oyo State. According to reports, Rita was arrested in Ibadan after one of the victims returned from Abu Dhabi after four months of forced prostitution by Rita and under very excruciating conditions including flogging and the insertion of hot boiling ring into her vagina when she does not make enough money a day and forceful collection of the proceeds of the prostitution from her by Rita. The 19-year-old victim was recruited from Gwarimpa by her ex-boyfriend, Ozigi Abdulkarim, Ngozi Stella Ani and Princewill James for onward transfer to Rita Ani in Abu Dhabi. The case was subsequently adjourned to Wednesday13th September, 2017 for hearing.

Gunmen Intercept Commercial Bus in Rivers, Abduct 20

Gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, on September 7, intercepted a commercial bus at Isiokpo area of Rivers State, and whisked away over 20 occupants of the vehicle. The bus was said to be travelling from Port Harcourt to Owerri, Imo State, before it was stopped by the bandits at Isiokpo. It was learned that 18 passengers, driver and conductor of the bus were all taken away by the hoodlums to an unknown place. A driver, who witnessed the attack, Martin Aluziwe, disclosed that he and the driver of the attacked bus had loaded at Agip and Whimpy junctions and met again at Omuagwa before the incident. According to him, the attackers shot at his bus, but could not stop him as he was at the front, but they were able to get the vehicle coming behind him, taking the driver and passengers into the bush. Soldiers around the area immediately mobilized into the bush for a rescue operation.

7-Year-Old Identifies Woman that Held Her Captive for 19 Months

A seven-year-old girl, who escaped from captivity after 19 months, September 6, identified the woman that abducted her and raised the alarm, leading to the abductor’s arrest. Men of the Ogun State Police Command arrested 20-year-old Ajoke, who the little girl said abducted her. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the little girl was abducted 19 months ago while returning from school, but was brought home by a good person in early August. Abimbola said the alleged abductor was spotted on August 29 by the little girl, who was playing in front of her parents’ house. He added that the victim raised the alarm, pointing at the woman as her alleged abductor. The suspect, who was promptly arrested, initially denied ever knowing the girl. But the girl quickly mentioned her name as Aunty Ajoke and when she was searched, her name was seen conspicuously written on her body. She later confessed to have committed the offence. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-Kidnapping/Cultist Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, for further investigation and prosecution.

Robbery

Police Kill Suspected Notorious Criminal in Kogi

A notorious bandit, simply known as Lukman, who allegedly led his gang to Senator Dino Melaye’s house at Ayetoro-Gbede in an attempt to assassinate the senator in April 2017 has been killed during a shootout with policemen. Lukman was declared wanted by the Kogi State Police Command after some of his members were arrested earlier in the year. The suspect, from Obeiba in Ihima, Okehi LGA of the state was killed on September 3 during a gun battle with operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). According to the sources, heavily armed FSARS agents, who stormed his hometown in three Hilux vans, headed straight for his house. Lukman and his gang members opened fire on the Security operatives but he was gunned down on the spot while several arrest were made. Lukman was involved in several kidnapping, killings and armed robbery attacks within and outside Kogi State. Following the killing of Lukman, his gang members went on rampage, burning down vehicles and police post. The quick intervention of security men restored peace and normalcy in the community. The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, confirmed the killing of Lukman. He added that more security agents have been deployed to the town to avoid further crisis.

Police Arrest 3 Suspects for Car Snatching

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 64-year-old man and two members of his syndicate who specialise in car snatching in the south-eastern states. The suspects were arrested at Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of Anambra state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nkeiruka Nwode, paraded the suspects on August 31. She stated that the suspects were tracked by men of the state command to Nnobi where they were arrested through a tip-off. Items recovered from the suspects include; 25 bunches of car keys, one master key, one Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) jacket and banner, two vehicle number plates (MUS 515 AX Lagos and NSH 109 FM Anambra, one emergency tyre pump, one Toyota ignition key seating, sets of spanners and Anambra State vigilante ID card. She said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and had been assisting police with useful information and that they would be handed over to the Imo state Police Command where the crime was committed for prosecution.

Robbers Raid 10 Houses, Engage Police in Shootout

Armed robbers, September 5, raided 10 houses in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, and engaged policemen in a shootout. A source, who pleaded anonymity, said the robbers stormed the area, shooting sporadically, adding that the operation lasted for about two hours. Spokesman for the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident. According to him, the police got a distress call at 1:35am and promptly mobilised men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to the area. He said a five-man gang engaged the Police in a shootout, after which the robbers were chased into Dayawa in Kafur Local Government Area. The spokesperson of the Command said the SARS operatives were combing the neighbourhood and bushes in search of the robbers. The Police Public Relations Officer added that no arrest was made, and so far, no case of injury or stolen properties have been made.

Robbers Hit Bullion Van in Delta, Cart Away N25m

Dare devil armed robbers, September 5, ambushed bank officials and their police escorts along Benin-Asaba Expressway in broad daylight, carting away N25 million. One of the police officers was injured and rushed to the hospital. The State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident, said that the Operations Manager of the bank, suspected to have arranged for the police escort, has been arrested and investigations have opened. He disclosed that the policemen were on illegal duty and were yet to be seen hours after the attack. According to him, the bullion van from a bank’s branch in Asaba left for its Agbor branch to pick N25 million and the bank officials illegally picked seven policemen from different locations because the bank lacked a serviceable armoured bullion van as required by law. But on their way back, between Ubulu-Okiti and Otulu, along Asaba-Benin Expressway, the team was ambushed by some robbers, who successfully emptied the N25 million into their cars and escaped.

Four Teenage Cultists, Robbery Gang Smashed by Police in Abia

Four teenagers suspected to be members of the notorious ABC cult gang wreaking havoc in Abia State have been arrested by operatives of the state Police Command. The State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, who paraded the suspects alongside others at the State Police Officers Mess in Umuahia stated that the suspected cultists were arrested by operatives attached to Isiala-Ngwa North Division, during a raid of suspected criminal hideouts at Mbubo Nsulu Isiala-Ngwa North. The suspects, aged between 14 to 19 years old, were arrested with one locally made Revolver Pistol, two rounds of live ammunition and charms. The Commissioner of Police stated that the suspects are being interrogated by the police and would be charged to court after investigations.

Robbers Kill Own Colleague, another Person in Edo

A member of a criminal gang that attacked and killed the President of the Lagos Street Traders Association, Comrade David Ohenhen, also mistakenly shot and killed their gang member. After the incident, the corpse of the yet to be identified gang member was dumped along the road. The late Ohenhen was attacked at his residence off Eboniyeke Street in Egor LGA of Edo State. Ohenhen’s widow, Evelyn, said the gang member was shot by his colleague during a struggle with her husband. She said the gunmen gained access to their house after she heard a knock thinking it was their neighbour. She said one of the gunmen pointed a gun at her husband and ordered her to leave the room. According to her, a scuffle ensued between her husband and the gunmen and they dragged themselves to the door. But as her husband was about to throw the assailant off the stairs, his gang member rushed in and fired a shot, killing both her husband and the robber. Confirming the incident, Edo police spokesman, Moses Nkombe, said three persons have been arrested.

Police Parade 7 Suspected Armed Robbers in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, September 6, paraded seven suspected armed robbers, including one that was disarmed by his victim, simply identified as Desmond. One of the suspects, Michael David, was arrested after his victim fought and dis-armed him when his gun jammed. David was handed over to operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The suspect and two other members of his gang, while armed with a locally-made double-barrelled pistol, attacked Desmond and his girlfriend, Kate, on August 13. The gang had allegedly mounted a waiting motorcycle and were about speeding off when Desmond summoned courage and attacked the men. He was said to have succeeded in pulling down David, as Kate called for help. Attempts by the suspect to shoot the victim failed, as the gun reportedly jammed. The suspect was almost lynched before he was handed him over to the police by residents of the area.  The police said five other suspects were arrested with five guns in the Egbeda area of Lagos State during another robbery on September 6. The suspects, however, denied being robbers, saying they were local vigilance men and they used the guns for their work.

Police Arrests Army Deserter, who Trains Robbers, 29 Others

The Police in Anambra state have arrested eight armed robbers, among them a 26-year-old Ebeje Nnamdi, who is an alleged deserter in the Nigeria Army. Nnamdi, who deserted the Army in 2014 from 20 Mechanized Battalion in Taraba state, was said to be their trainer. The State Commissioner of Police, Umar Garba, September 7, disclosed that the command also arrested 22 suspected cultists. Garba said the police on August of 31, 2017 arrested one Kenneth Chimezie (42), who allegedly led the robbers that behind the killing of policemen at nipping points in the state. The Police boss said that his men arrested three kidnappers, who invaded the house of one Peter Chukwuemeka of Isiokwe village in Aguleri and abducted one man. Items recovered from the suspects were 338 rounds of 7.62 by 39m AK47 live ammunitions, three empty AK 47 riffle magazines, four locally made double barrel pistols with two live ammunitions, one live cartridge, among others.

Drugs

Man Arrested with Hard Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Plateau State, September 5, said it had arrested a 25-year-old man, Zulkifil Aliyu, who specialised in illegal narcotics trade within Jos metropolis. The NDLEA Commander, Ibrahim Bragi, confirmed Aliyu’s arrest. Bragi said that operatives of the agency arrested the suspect on May 19 at Laranto Village in Jos North. He said during his arrest, the operatives found on the suspect 200 grammes of Tramadol tablets; 150 grammes of Diazepam tablets; 74 grammes of Exol tablets and 51 grammes of Cannabis Sativa. The commander said that the suspect confessed that he was getting his supplies from a man at Bauchi Road, and he in turn sold the substances as a retailer for profit. He said that the suspect also confessed that he was at the Katako Motor Park to meet some of his buyers when operatives of the agency arrested him Bragi said that the suspect had been arraigned before a Federal High Court which adjourned the case to September 19.

NDLEA Arrests 6 Persons, Others for Drug Offences

The Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), September 1, said it had arrested six drug suspects in separate operations in the state. The state Commander of the NDLEA, Antonia Edeh, disclosed that two suspects, Christian Joseph and Edet Bassey, were arrested for spicing meat pie, egg roll, doughnut and other snacks with cannabis sativa. She further disclosed that the command also made a seizure of 128.8 grams of crack cocaine transiting from Lagos to Calabar in the form of courier consignment. The receiver, Diyaolu Dare was arrested when he came to collect the consignment. A follow up operation led to the arrest of David James with 1774 pinches of substance suspected to be cocaine and 625 pinches of substance suspected to be Heroine. According to her, the suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court when investigations are completed.

Militancy/Maritime

Suspected Militants Kill Cop, Injure Many in Bayelsa

A gang of four heavily armed men attacked a police checkpoint and a nearby police station in Kolo area of Ogbia LGA in Bayelsa State on September 4, leaving a police sergeant dead. The police authorities in the state disclosed that the incident happened when some suspects resisted arrest, resulting in the clash. Several arms belonging to the policemen were said to have been carted away by the hoodlums. The armed attackers, four in all, were stopped during a stop and search operation at the checkpoint by the policemen, who discovered stolen petroleum products in the vehicle. An argument reportedly ensued while the policemen were questioning members of the gang, before one of them alighted and opened fire on the policemen. While the Sergeant died instantly, a corporal survived with severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment. The other two policemen were reportedly chased into the nearby police station by the gang before retreating. Two civilians, who tried to rescue the policemen when the militants mobilised against them and some other residents in the area, also sustained severe injuries. Police spokesperson, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, accused members of the community of conniving with the militants to mob the policemen.

Terrorism

Troops Kill Several Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole battling Boko Haram terrorism, September 4, ambushed and killed several members of the Islamic sect in Banki, Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, explained that “the troops of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) 21, deployed within the 21 Brigade Nigerian Army Area of Operations, laid a successful ambush on a suspected Boko Haram terrorists crossing point along Firgi- Banki Junction road in Borno State. The troops neutralised a large number of the Boko Haram terrorists, while other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds. The troops recovered the following items from the terrorists: 18 bicycles, 15 bags of grains, 17 gallons of grain, five empty gallons, six cutlasses, a sword, water bottles and pairs of slippers, he added. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai, through the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, recently inaugurated the Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) with the mandate of securing the Main Supply Routes (MSRs) in addition to conducting limited clearance operations.

Army Kill 2 Shekau’s Deputies

Two Boko Haram commanders and deputies to Abubakar Shekau, a factional leader of the terrorists group, were killed in a successful military operation at Alafa in Borno State. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen Sani Usman, September 5, said that Shekau’s deputies that were killed in the onslaught included Afdu Kawuri and Abubakar Banishek. The Nigerian Army disclosed that five other key leaders of the group and close associates of Shekau were neutralised in a joint bombardment in August.

Air Force Foils Boko Haram’s Plot

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has foiled an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to breach the peaceful celebration of Eid-el Kabir in Borno State. The Air Force, in a joint operation with the army, destroyed insurgents’ hideouts which scuttled their plans to attack communities during the festivities. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, September 2, lauded the officers during a feast organised for service men at the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri. He said that the insurgents were on the run due to concerted military efforts. Abubakar congratulated the officers for their dedication and gallantry. The Air Chief disclosed that the Air Force command had accorded priority to training and improvement of the welfare of its personnel. He added that arrangement had been concluded for the training of air force personnel within and outside the country, to strengthen defence operations.

NAF Drops Bombs, Rockets on Terrorists in Sambisa

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that it neutralized hundreds of Boko Haram Terrorists in Garin Maloma area in Sambisa Forest. A NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform had earlier sighted the insurgents, who were gathered under some trees. NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said that a combination of NAF fighter aircraft namely the F7-Ni, Alpha Jet and L-39 ZA aircraft was detailed to carry out air interdiction on the terrorists gathering. The Alpha Jet aircraft acquired and attacked the target with bombs, neutralising many of the terrorists. The F-Ni aircraft immediately conducted a bomb attack, which resulted in the death of more BHTs. The L-39ZA aircraft then followed through by strafing fleeing terrorists with rockets, killing most of them in the process, while a few others fled with injuries, he added.

Boko Haram Fighters Kills 8 Farmers in Maiduguri

Boko Haram fighters killed eight people in a series of raids on three farming communities close to Maiduguri on September 6 and 7. The attackers in pickup trucks and motorcycles, razed homes and looted food and livestock. They killed eight farmers in the raids and burnt three villages which forced farmers to abandon their farms, a source with the youth vigilante group, Ibrahim Liman, revealed. He disclosed that about 17 Boko Haram fighters stormed Mallan village on September 7, killing two farmers. Three people were shot dead in the same village a night earlier, according to reports. Kesa Kura village was also attacked on September 6, where three persons were killed. A third village, Manjita, was razed but residents escaped the attack. Earlier in the week, four farmers were killed in a drive-by shooting at their fields in Ngawo Fato Bulabulin village outside Maiduguri.

Court Remands 2 Boko Haram Computer Analysts, Spiritual Head in Prison

Two suspected Boko Haram computer analysts Abdullahi Audu, Bashiru Yahaya and their spiritual head, Ahmed Momoh, were on September 8, remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, by a Magistrates Court. The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, ordered the three accused to be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, saying that the allegations against them were grave. Animoku said that while bail is a constitutional right guaranteed the accused persons, bail is not easily granted in this kind of offences. The case was adjourned until September 28 for mention. Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abaji, told the court that the defendants were arrested in June, following intelligence report, adding that other suspects remained at large. He said that the defendants were arrested by Joint team of operatives of the NHHSS and STATT and troops of the Nigerian Army and Directorate of State Security (DSS). Abaji stated that investigation and analysis of their telephone numbers revealed that they were not only members of the dreaded group but had also carried out repairs of the terrorists’ computers.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Officers Forced Man at Gun Point to Withdraw N140,000 from ATM

Four police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to Area K Badagry have been arrested and taken to X-Squad Ikeja for using guns to force a helpless man, Apagbo John, to the bank to withdraw N140,000 in the night in exchange of his life. The officers were identified as two Inspectors, Pativon Patrick and Owolabi Oke and two other Sergeants namely Momoh Jimoh and Akinmade Kehinde. The incident happened at about 10pm at the ATM of Agbara branch of UBA along Badagry Expressway, Lagos. It was gathered that the dastardly act was leaked to the Area Commander, Hope Okafor, who promptly intervened, ordered for their arrest and detention and they were subsequently transferred to the X-Squad for necessary action. The suspects were detained at the State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja where they will likely face orderly room trial. It was gathered that the victim was driving home at night when the police officers stopped him and labelled him a suspect. They threatened to kill him that night before they later forced him to their office at Area K Command, where they told him that they would spare his life if he could bring certain amount of money.

Escaped Ritual Killer Nabbed in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command, September 8, said it had arrested a suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who escaped from detention at the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, disclosed that the suspect was arrested by officers and men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). The suspect was nabbed in the early hours of September 8 in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state while robbing a house. Dike, who is wanted for murder, was initially arrested on August 19, after he allegedly killed an eight-year-old girl in Rivers State. He, however, escaped from detention four days later. Dike confirmed his escape from detention in Port Harcourt, adding that he had spent 10 days in Plateau. The suspect confessed that hunger forced him into the robbery incident where he was eventually apprehended.

Six Police Officers Dismissed for Aiding Escape of Suspects

Six policemen from the Abia State Police Command have been dismissed for negligence of duty and their role in the escape of suspects from custody. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said they were dismissed for their scandalous role in the escape of a number of suspects from custody. Oyebade, September 8, noted that the incident occurred on September 2 at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia. He said the suspects were detained in the anti-kidnapping section of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command from where they escaped with two AK-47 rifles. He said the AK-47 rifles were kept outside the armoury for quick response to emergencies in the command, but the suspects used them to facilitate their escape. Oyebade said the dismissed operatives included two women and four men. He pointed out that at the time of the incident, only one operative was on duty. He said the policeman on duty allegedly gave the key to one of the suspects, with which they opened the cell. While three of the suspects have been re-arrested and one of the rifles recovered, the police boss assured that the command would re-arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.

Murder/Assassinations

Cultists Kill Siblings, One Other in Rivers

Three persons, were, September 5, killed by suspected cultists in Ipoo community in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the victims, Ogechi Amesi, and his brother Chinumezi Amesi, natives of Ibaa community in Emohua council, and one other person were killed at Ipoo community, while they were at work in their barbing salon. One of the victims’ brothers, Iheanyi Njoku, disclosed that the suspected cultists stormed the barber’s shop owned by the two brothers and opened fire, killing three and leaving one other with bullet wounds. A senior Police officer attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), confirmed the incident, adding that security operatives have been put on the alert and they have moved in to restore normalcy.

Gunmen Kill Electronics Dealer in Makurdi

Gunmen, September 3, assassinated a popular electronic dealer, Toochukwu, also known as Sunny Kris, in Makurdi, Benue State. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the killing, said that the deceased had returned home from his shop when some persons broke into his house, robbed him and his wife of undisclosed amount of money. But as he hurried to go and report the incident to the police, the robbers trailed and shot him at Inikpi Street. An eyewitness said that the deceased, while he was being pursued by the gunmen, shouted for help to no avail as residents who heard the gunshots scampered for safety.

Soldiers Beat Man to Death on Dad’s Order

Uniformed men, suspected to be men of the Nigerian Army, reportedly beat a young man to death in Awka, Anambra State on the orders of his father. It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Chibuzor, had an altercation with his father after the old man rejected the choice of wife brought home by his son, insisting that the lady was older than his son. As the rift between the deceased and his father escalated, the father invited the men in uniform, which resulted to the annoyance of the son, who allegedly poured hot water on his father. According to the source, the action of the deceased resulted in his being beat up by the uniformed men. He was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed, but he later died. Tension rose on September 2 in Umuayom village as youths of the community went on rampage in protest of the death of their colleague. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiruka Nwode, said the command had quickly deployed men to the scene, while the proposed wife of the deceased has been rescued from the area.

Osun Police Arrest 3 with Human Heads, Hands

The Osun State Police Command, September 5, said it had arrested three male suspects with two human heads and hands in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, said that the suspects were arrested on August 29 when the police stopped a motorcycle with two persons on board during a police stop and search operation along the Ogbomosho-Oyo Road, at the Agboro Area. The persons on the motorcycle were searched and two severed human hands with gloves and a human head were found with them and they were promptly arrested. Adeoye further disclosed that on the same date, at Oba’s compound in Moro, Ipetumodu, one Adeniyi Adeyeye was also arrested with a human skull in his possession. He said detectives attached to the Ipetumodu Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspect and transferred him to the State Criminal Investigation Department. He said the skull found with the suspect was suspected to have been exhumed from a grave and that investigation was still on.

Police Arrest 3 over Assassination of Hector, Guilder Ultimate Search Winner

The Lagos State Police Command, September 4, disclosed that three suspects had been arrested over the September 3 assassination of Hector Oluwaseun Jobarteh, winner of the 2006 Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show. Jobarteh was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence in New Oko-Oba, area of Lagos State. The State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, said that three persons were being interrogated over the killing of Jobarteh, who was reportedly trailed to his house. The deceased had just got back home from picking up his younger brother from Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when the incident occurred.

Tension as Herdsmen Kill 52-Year-Old Farmer in Edo

A 52-year-old farmer, Efosa Omoregie, was, September 2, killed by herdsmen in Oben, Orhiomwon LGA of Edo State. Omoregie was killed on his farm by the herdsmen, who invaded it and destroyed crops and other farm produce in the process. The killing has generated tension as youths in the community are spoiling for a reprisal attack. Elders of the community lamented the killing of their son, saying his death has brought to three the number of persons killed by herdsmen recently. They appealed to the government to stop the ravaging activities of the herdsmen, as they will no longer tolerate the continuous killing of their men and raping of their women.

Mobile Police Commander, 2 Sergeants Arrested for Murder

Police detectives in Delta State have arrested a mobile police unit commander and two Sergeants attached to Mopol 33, Ado Ekiti, for killing a driver, Fred Ejovwokereoghre, on August 19, near Emede community in Delta state. The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the arrest of the police officers for murder and unprofessional conduct, said that the mobile policemen were escorting one Arigbogha Johnny, Director of Jonesco Company, Airport Road, Warri, when the incident occurred. He said that one Agwere Hannah reported on the same day that while she was by the roadside with the deceased, they were shot at by mobile policemen, who were in a Hilux Pickup with registration number, PF 297 SPY coming from a ceremony at Emede community. She sustained bullet wound on her right leg while the deceased, who was fatally wounded, was rushed to the General Hospital, Olomoro by the mobile policemen, where he was confirmed dead by doctors.

Two Killed as Gunmen Open Fire on Residents of Delta Community

Two persons were confirmed dead after unidentified gunmen stormed Unenurhe community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State on August 31 shooting randomly. The incident is said to be an escalation of a clash between residents of Unenurhe community and their neighbours from Uwherhu which occurred in July, leading to the death of two persons from both communities. A community source alleged that the armed hoodlums are suspected to be from their neighbouring community. President-General of Uwherhu community, Chief Ogharivi Utso, who denied the involvement of his community in the incident, however, stated that two persons died from the attack. He pledged the support of his community to assist the police in ensuring that the culprits were brought to book.

Man Kills Fiancée, Self in Ebonyi

A middle-aged man, Friday Njoku, committed suicide after he allegedly killed his 25-year-old fiancée, Cynthia Nwofia, at her residence in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on August 31. The alleged killer, Njoku, committed suicide by drinking poison the following day. Njoku had been dating the Nwofia for two years before the tragedy occurred after he suspected her of infidelity. Nwofia’s elder brother, Mishak Nwofia, claimed that Njoku stabbed his sister to death. A neighbour to Nwofia and witness, Michael Ugwu, explained that at about 11pm on that fateful day, he heard the panic cry of Nwofia’s roommate that the victim was being stabbed with dagger by her fiancé in their room. When people rushed out to rescue her, Njoku ran out of Cynthia’s room and escaped through a bush path. He added that neighbours rushed the girl to the Federal Teaching hospital Abakaliki, where doctors on duty confirmed her dead. Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Lovet Odah, said the police had commenced a full investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of the deceased and the suicide case.

Police Arrest Murder Suspect in Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a murder suspect, identified as Prince Amadi. Amadi, who was paraded at the Rumuolumeni Police Division in Obio/Akpor LGA, had stabbed his victim on the chest during a scuffle between his gang and some community members at an illegal fuel dump in the area. It was gathered that Amadi and members of his gang had confronted the community ‘boys’, who refused to hand over to them, a drum of illegally refined fuel stored at the site. Amadi confessed that he stabbed the victim after he met stiff resistance when they went to the illegal fuel dump site to collect a drum of diesel and a fight broke out. The Divisional Police Officer of Rumuolumeni Police Station, Kingsley Chukwueggu, said that Amadi was apprehended after he had stabbed a man and fled the scene of crime. Chukwueggu pointed out that the suspect was arrested on August 21 after boarding a commercial tricycle, and security operatives suspected him due to the way he was dressed and his (suspect) incoherent explanations when questioned.

3 Alleged Cult Members Remanded in Prison for Murder

Three men, who allegedly belong to Black Axe cult and charged with murder, were, on September 8, remanded in Ilesa Prisons in Osun State. The accused - Diekola Ibrahim (19), Aderibigbe Amos (21) and Yomi Olaosebikan (19) - are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder. The Magistrate, Habibatu Bashir, who gave the ruling, said the accused be kept behind bars because of the magnitude of the offences. The accused, according to the Prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Ajayi, committed the offences on August 5 at the Old Motor Park area of Osogbo. Ajayi said the accused conspired and killed a woman, Bintu Anifowose, a construction worker, who was walking to her workplace. He said the accused shot the deceased on the head for no just cause. The case was adjourned until October 27 for mention.

Man Kills Girlfriend over Suspicion of Infidelity

A 40-year-old man, Stephen Akpata, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Onyinye Faustina Eze, to death at the Kpansia suburb of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. The state Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, said the suspect, who fled to Gbana on August 16 after committing the crime, was apprehended two weeks later in Lagos. In his confession, the suspect told the Police that he made love to the deceased for an hour and shortly after he saw a message on her phone and suspected her of infidelity. An argument ensued and he stabbed her on the neck and on the shoulder. A colleague of the deceased, Moses Awo, had called in the police after he and another colleague went to check on her as she did not report to work as expected. They found the apartment locked, while the television in the room was on and sounding loudly. The then called in the police. When they forced her door open, they found her dead in a pool of blood with marks of violence on the deceased’s head, face, neck and body revealed that she was strangled with a pressing iron’s cord and stabbed.

Killers Confess to Murder of Students for Rituals

Three men, who kidnapped and killed three female students of Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo State, have confessed to selling their body parts for N15 million to a merchant in ljebu-Igbo, Ogun State. Parading the suspects in Akure on September 7, the State Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeyanju, said that the suspects -John Adenitire, Fasayo Fasanu, and a herbalist, Alfa Abdulrafiu Tijani, who took custody of the body parts before selling them, were all arrested, while the leader of the gang, identified as Sile, remained at large. The Police boss said the suspects chopped off the left hand and breast of each of the students, who were kidnapped after they left school on their way home. A report was lodged at the Ondo Divisional Police Station and later transferred to the anti-robbery squad. Acting on a tip-off, detectives arrested John Adenitire, the butcher, who led them to other members of the gang. Police detectives were later led to the bush where the decomposing corpses of the three students were recovered.

Ex-Policeman, Five Others Arrested over Murder of Imo Catholic priest

Crack operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested the suspected killers of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Onunkwo. The deceased was abducted at the Banana Junction in Orlu, Imo State on September 1. His body was found the next day inside a bush in Omuma area. Until his demise, he was a priest at Orlu Catholic Diocese. The State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said an ex-police Corporal, Jude Madu, allegedly committed the crime. He was found out through forensic technology, as he was also in possession of the deceased’s Infinix mobile phone. Other suspects arrested and paraded are Izuchukwu Okafor, Onyema Cyril, Emmanuel Ozuigbo, Victor Ikechukwu Irokansi, and Ifechukwu Nwosu. The late priest is feared to have died of suffocation as the suspects confessed to have tied his mouth with a cello-tape.

Suspected Ritualists Kill 13-Year-Old Boy in Jigawa

Suspected ritual killers, September 6, killed a 13-year-old boy in Babaldu village in Birnin Kudu LGA of Jigawa State. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abdu Jinjiri, September 7, said that preliminary investigation showed that the deceased was murdered by the suspected killers when he and his brother were sent on an errand by their mother at about 7pm. According to reports, the deceased and his brother met three men sitting at a corner. The men reportedly called the victim, and asked the other boy to proceed with the errand. But when the other boy returned home without his brother, their mother enquired about his whereabouts.  The boy narrated what happened and they began to search for the deceased but all in vain. But the following morning, the lifeless body of the boy was found in one of the farms in the village. The PPRO added that when policemen arrived at the spot, they discovered that the deceased was slaughtered and his stomach was also ripped open. According to him, no part of the deceased’s body was, however, removed. Jinjiri said no arrested had been made in connection with the incident. He, however, assured that detailed investigation was ongoing to fish out the killers.

19 Killed, 5 Injured as Gunmen Invade Plateau Village

The Plateau Police Command has confirmed 19 persons killed and five others injured in an attack on Ancha village in Bassa LGA of the state. Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, who confirmed this on September 8, said preliminary investigation had indicated that the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen to avenge the killing of a young boy. It was gathered that a Fulani boy resident in the village was reported missing on August 3, and his body was later found without the head. According to Ogunyanwo, the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of September 8 and unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens, killing 19 persons including 13 are men and six women and six children. The Commissioner said that five suspects were arrested over the missing Fulani boy, but that no arrest had been made in respect of the recent attack. He said that security personnel had been deployed to the area to forestall another reprisal attack.

Rape

Man in Court for Allegedly Defiling a 4-Year-Old Boy

A 28-year-old man, Naziru Isa, was on September 8, arraigned before a Kano Magistrate Court for allegedly defiling a four-year-old boy. The Prosecutor, Inspector Pogu Lale, told the court that Muhammad Ayuba reported the matter at Gwale Police Division on August 13. Lale said the defendant committed the offence on August 12 at his residence. He said the defendant lured the complainant’s son to his room and had carnal knowledge of him. The defendant allegedly gave the little boy groundnut and asked him not to tell anyone. The boy, however, told his father. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, ordered that the remand of the defendant in prison custody pending his bail application. Jibril adjourned the matter until October 5 for mention.

32-Year-Old Suspected Paedophile Denies Raping Minor

A 32-year-old engineer, Bayonne Lekan, was, September 8, brought before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly raping an 8-year-old girl at a construction site. The Prosecutor, Inspector Nurudeen Thomas, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in May at a site, where he was working close to the eight-year-old girl’s house. The girl had gone to their neighbour’s house to play when the suspect lured her to project site and raped her. Lekan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, describing the allegation as “laughable’’. He said medical analysis had certified him impotent, and that he had never had an erection in his life. Chief Magistrate Kikelomo Ayeye granted the accused bail in the sum N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The case was adjourned until October 11.

Others

Police Arrest Eight for Cultism in Anambra

Eight suspected cultists, including two girls and six boys, were arrested on September 5 for cultism in Ihiala, Ihiala LGA of Anambra state by the Special Anti-cultism Squad (SPACS) of the state Police Command. SPACS Commander, Christopher Bassey, who confirmed the arrest, urged community leaders and others to always inform the command of cultists and other criminal elements within their domain, assuring them that their identities would be treated with uttermost confidentiality. The commander disclosed that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigation has been concluded.

Police Arrest Five Suspects over Lagos Catholic Church Attack

Five persons have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in connection with the shooting of a priest, Reverend Father Daniel Nwankwo, at St Thomas Catholic Church, Onilekere, Lagos. It was gathered that Nwankwo, who is currently receiving treatments at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), ‎was attacked by the gunmen after the 6:30am mass. ‎Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen, gained access into the church pretending to be parishioners, while the mass was on and they requested to have an audience with the priest at the end of the mass. It was gathered that one of the gunmen pulled out a locally-made gun and shot at the priest, when he granted them audience and they immediately scaled the fence of the church and fled through a canal close to the church. Police Spokesperson, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the report. He also confirmed that the priest is alive and responding to treatment.

One Killed as Soldiers Open Fire to Scare Protesting Youths

One person has been feared killed as military men attached to Greenville Oil Company in Rumuji community, in the Emohua LGA of Rivers State, attacked protesting residents. Some youths from Rumuji town had laid siege to the company in protest against alleged neglect of the host community in the areas of employment and development. It was learnt that at least three persons were hit by bullets from security operatives during the protest. The victims were allegedly hit by stray bullets, as soldiers guarding the company’s premises opened fire to scare away the protesters. The protesting youths from the host community expressed displeasure over the alleged attack by the soldiers. The men of the Rumuji Police Division were said to have calmed the youths down.

Week 38

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Military Rescues 2 Soldiers, 4 Civilian Kidnap Victims in Niger Delta

The Joint Military Task Force, codenamed Operation Delta Safe, deployed to the Niger Delta, September 22, said it had rescued two of its soldiers and four civilians abducted by suspected Niger Delta militants. Spokesman of the JTF, Major Ibrahim Abdullahi, who announced this, said that the feat was achieved on September 18 after they received a report of the kidnap of two Soldiers while in transit for banking services in Rivers State. Troops were immediately mobilized for their rescue. They discovered a camp with several shrines in a forest at Obiozimini Community in Rivers State. The suspected kidnappers opened fire on sighting the troops, leading to a gun battle and eventual casualties on the side of kidnappers while some fled into the bush. He said items recovered in the camp and shrines included three pump action guns, eight empty cartridges a human skull and some bones. The camp and shrines were subsequently destroyed while the rescued victims were evacuated for medical attention. Further search of the campsite led to the rescue of four more civilians that were earlier kidnapped, including a lady. He further stated that troops are trailing the criminals who fled into the forest.

Vigilante Rescues 7 Kidnap Victims in Lagos

Operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), September 21, rescued seven abducted persons inside a creek after a gun battle with kidnappers in Iba Bridge area in Lagos State. The Commander of Operations of the VGN in Ojo, Otunba James Udoma who disclosed this, said that the seven victims were boat passengers that were abducted in the early hours of the day. The kidnappers left three women and a driver and went with the seven male victims. It was the women who reported the attack. According to him, he quickly mobilized his men and went after the kidnappers. The victims were rescued after a gun battle with the kidnappers, who later fled with gunshot injuries. Udoma disclosed that they recovered seven English-made pistols, one locally-made pistol, laptops, packs of cigarettes and packs of hot drink from the kidnappers.

Police Foils Kidnap of 2 Girls in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command, September 19, said it had foiled an attempt to kidnap two girls in a village near Shika in Zaria LGA of the state. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Muktar Aliyu, disclosed that the kidnappers, numbering about 30, invaded the community on September 18, at about 1:30am. According to him, the police on getting a distress call, instantly mobilized and engaged the invaders in gun battle forcing them to run into the bush without accomplishing their mission. A policeman, however, sustained gunshot wound during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. While the two girls sustained no injury and are safe with their mother, their father, Malam Mustapha Gali, died the following morning from the injuries he sustained when the attackers invaded his house. No arrest has been made by the police. The PPRO, however, assured that the police remain on the trail of the suspects. He restated the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminals and appealed for more useful information from residents.

Kidnap Suspects Remanded in Prison Custody

A magistrate’s court in the Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State has remanded two suspected kidnappers in the Owerri Prison. The Magistrate, B.C. Iheanacho, who remanded the duo of Kelechi Aririguzo and Alphonsus Aku in prison, however declined to remand two other suspects, Vitalis Nwozuzu and Maxwell Akabusi. The magistrate asked the prosecutor, Stephen Achi, to conclude investigation on them before arraigning them in court. The defendants were accused of kidnapping two residents of Umunkwo Autonomous community in the Isiala Mbano Magisterial District, Johnbosco Okoro and Mathias Njoku, with the intent to demand ransom or kill them. The suspects that were remanded pleaded not guilty and the matter adjourned to October 12, 2017.

Gunmen Abduct Travellers in Ondo

Five travellers were, September 15, abducted by gunmen at Oba-Akoko, in the Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The victims were reportedly travelling from Lagos State through Ondo and heading for Abuja when they were ambushed by the gunmen and taken to an unknown destination. Their kidnap comes barely a week after a couple was kidnapped at Akunnu town in the Akoko North-East area of the state. The Ondo State Police Command said it rescued three of the new kidnap victims on September 16, while two others, who were abducted last week, were also freed. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Femi Joseph, said policemen swung into action after being informed about the activities of the kidnappers. The police were able to rescue Moses Yakubu and Mark Shaibu, who were kidnapped while going for a wedding, and three female, who were kidnapped on their way to Abuja. Efforts are on-going to rescue the remaining victims, he added.

Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Dens in Ondo, Arrest 7

The Nigeria Army, September 20, raided kidnappers’ dens and arrested seven suspects in the Akoko area of Ondo State and the border towns. The raid was occasioned by the increasing spate of abduction of persons in the state. At least 25 persons have been kidnapped within the last one month in the Akoko area of the state, with ransom running into millions of Naira demanded by the suspects. The state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had expressed concern over the security situation across the state. The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Ojo Adenegan, disclosed that the Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General James Ataguba, personally led the Brigade troop for a special operation to comb the kidnappers’ spots within the Akoko area of Ondo State. During the operation, some suspected kidnappers and their informants were arrested and will later be handed over to appropriate security agency for further action. The operation is a follow-up of the rescue of some kidnapped victims at Akunnu and Ose area recently.

13 Kidnapers, Robbers Nabbed in Kaduna

Police operatives in Kaduna State have arrested 13 suspects for kidnapping, robbery, rape and unlawful possession of prohibited fire arms in Jere LGA of Kaduna State. Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Jimoh Moshood, who disclosed this in Jere on September 21, said that two AK-47 rifles, 16 locally-made guns with ammunition, cutlasses, sticks and charms were recovered from the suspects when the Police team raided their hideouts and camps. He also said some of the suspects’ victims were rescued between Jere and Kaduna axis. He added that most of the suspects were identified by the victims for being responsible for their kidnap. The suspects confessed to the offence. The arms and ammunition listed above and other property belonging to some of their victims, who were rescued from the gang, have been recovered from them, he added. The spokesman said the Police were intensifying their investigation that will lead to the arrest of other suspects still at large, adding that all the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

Ondo Police Rescue Abducted Groom, Other Kidnap Victims

The Ondo State Police Command said it has rescued an abducted groom, Moses Yakubu, who was kidnapped last week by some suspected gunmen. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Femi Joseph, who revealed this on September 17, explained that Yakubu was rescued inside the forest allegedly being used as hideout by the kidnappers in the Oba Akoko area of the state at the weekend. He disclosed that the groom was freed alongside his best friend, Mark Yinusa, by the security operatives from the den of the kidnappers. He added that the rescued victims have been united with their various families, noting that the police would continue to perform its job. The victim, together with his friends and some family members, were travelling to Akure from Kogi state for the wedding event when they were abducted.

Police Rescues 18 Kidnap Victims, Arrests 36 Suspects

The Rivers State Police Command has rescued 18 kidnap victims from various hoodlums’ hideouts in the state. The victims were rescued by men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a raid. The command also arrested 36 hoodlums suspected to be involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, while parading the suspects on September 20, said 11 of the hoodlums were involved in kidnapping and 10 in armed robbery. Among the suspects were a fake Police Sergeant, Benjamin Tanko. The police boss said the fake officer was caught in a police camouflage at the Oil Mill Market committing felony. The suspect claimed to be an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

84-Year-Old Suspected Kidnapper Nabbed by Residents

Residents of Ondo town have apprehended an 84-year-old suspected kidnapper, Taiwo Ayinde, who allegedly kidnapped a secondary school student. According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at Odosida area of Ondo town on September 20. The octogenarian was trying to escape after he had enchanted the victim with charms, but the attempt was foiled and this led to an uproar at the scene. According to a source, the suspicion of the people were aroused and they pounced on the suspected kidnapper, dragged him on the ground and beat him till he confessed to the crime. The old man was caught by one of the residents dragging the little boy to an unknown destination. Immediately, an alarm was raised when it became suspicious that the boy does not know the old man judging from his behaviour. He was nearly lynched but for the timely intervention of the police.

Robbery

Troops Kill Bandit, Recover 2 AK-47 Rifles in Zamfara

Troops of 1 Division, September 21, killed a member of a group of bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who disclosed this on September 22, said that the troops also foiled an attempt by the bandits to cause mayhem in the area. He said one personnel of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was killed by the marauders before the arrival of the troops. Usman said that the soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines and seven motorcycles from the hoodlums.

Neighbours Arrest, Hand over Robbery Suspects to Police

An armed robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Samuel (30), and his gang members have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. The suspects, who were paraded on September 15, have confessed to robbing residents in the state. Samuel and other suspected members of his gang, identified as Chidi Okafor and Ifeanyi Ohanuka, were arrested by policemen attached to the Morogbo Division after they allegedly ran into a swamp during a robbery operation in the Morogbo Badagry area of the state. The suspects had allegedly broken into an apartment and were attacking a woman when luck ran out on them as the woman raised alarm and attracted neighbours, who came to her rescue. Ifeanyi and his gang members left the woman and fled from the apartment. However in their bid to escape, they ran into a swamp and the residents who were chasing them caught them and alerted the police at the Morogbo Division. It was gathered that one of the gang members escaped while the police recovered a locally made gun, three planks, a blade and one torch from the crime scene.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Arrests Six Bangladeshi Nationals, 16 Nigerians for Diverting Tonnes of Diesel

Navy operatives attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, have arrested six Bangladesh nationals and 16 Nigerians for illegally diverting 22 metric tonnes of diesel in an illegal transfer along the Calabar water channel. Commander of the NNS Victory, Commodore Salihu Jibril, September 16, said the vessel, MT Princess Oge, brought the product from offshore Lome to deliver to a tank farm in Calabar. He said the vessel was caught carrying out the illegal activity and was immediately arrested. He added that after investigation, they found their operation illegal in the marine environment. Jibril spoke during the handing over of the suspects and vessel to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.

Terrorism

18 Terrorists Killed as Troops Repel Attack in Sambisa Forest

Troops of 26 and 28 Task Force Brigades, September 19, repelled a daring attack by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists on military locations at Pulka and Bitta in the fringes of Sambisa forest, killing 18 Boko Haram suspects, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, September 19, disclosed that troops of 114 Task Force Battalion came under a three-pronged attack by Boko Haram terrorists fanning out of Sambisa forest from Damboa, Tokumbere and Pulka axis. The vigilant troops rose to the occasion by repelling the attacks and killing 18 attackers and captured one of them alive. The gallant troops also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 1 Browning Machine Gun (BMG), and 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles. Other items recovered include a 60mm Mortar tube, 7 boxes of 12.7mm ammunition and 1 belt of 12.7mm ammunition. He noted that there was no casualty on the part of the troops except for 3 soldiers that sustained minor injuries.

Boko Haram Kills Nine near IDPs Camp in Borno

Boko Haram fighters, September 20, attacked and killed nine people from a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) near Rann in Borno State, a resident disclosed. The persons were killed while working on their farms. The IDPs had cashed-in on the seeming calm in the area to tend to their farms for the rainy season. The attackers hid under the cover provided by the crops before they attacked the farmers with machetes and knives. While they slit the throats of the nine deceased, other farmers escaped and returned to the camp with injuries. The Chief Imam of Rann, Ba’liman Goni Guja, confirmed the attack.

12 Killed in Suicide Attacks on Borno Village

Twelve residents were killed when three Boko Haram suicide bombers attacked Mashimari village in Konduga LGA of Borno State on September 18. The Chairman of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Ahmed Satomi, September 19, said that 12 people lost their lives while 28 other persons were injured in the attack. All the injured victims have been evacuated to medical facilities in Maiduguri, while those with minor injuries were referred to Konduga hospital for treatment. Earlier, the agency’s Head of Rescue Operations, Bello Dambatta, who was in Konduga to conduct the rescue operations at the scenes of the attacks had given the casualty figure as 15, including the 3 bombers, while 43 were injured. He equally lamented that going by the severity of the injuries, the death toll might rise.   The Secretary of the Hunters Association in the state, Bunu Bukar, said three suicide bombers staged the attack after gunshots got villagers fleeing.

Chief Imam Killed, Four Other Killed in Boko Haram Knife Attack

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the Chief Imam of Kurumari village, close to Magumeri town in Magumeri LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, in a statement on September 18, said that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked and killed four persons, including the Imam of the village, Ustaz Goni Bukar Tabare. The attackers reportedly came into the village armed with AK-47 rifles, knives and machetes, but decided to execute their evil mission using knives. One of the attackers was arrested. Confirming the attack, the caretaker Chairman of Magumeri LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Abdulkadir, said the Chief Imam of Kurmiri village and four other persons were killed by suspected members of Boko Haram sect on September 17. Abdulkadir who regretted the incident assured his people that adequate security have been provided as normalcy had been restored.

Political/Government Agencies

9 Policemen, Others Nabbed over Extortion in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, September 21, said the Command had arrested nine policemen, one traffic warden and two civilian accomplices, known as Camp Boys, for alleged extortion. Edgal disclosed that the arrest was a follow-up to his warning to officers and men of the Command against corruption and unprofessional conducts. He said the X-Squad unit had intensified its activities to ensure zero tolerance to corruption and unruly practices by Police officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command. According to him, operatives of the X-Squad have been out day and night to ensure that this renewed determination was achieved. One of the camp boys was arrested along Ikotun Road on September 8, alongside some policemen, who were caught extorting motorists. The unit also arrested another accomplice along Igando Road, with some policemen who were collecting money from some unsuspecting motorists. Edgal also directed that the Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, and the Divisional Traffic officers of the affected areas be queried for lack of supervision and disobedience to lawful orders.

Customs Intercept 2,671 Pump Action Rifles in Lagos

The Tin-Can Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 2,671 pump action rifles imported from Turkey through profiling approach. The Comptroller-General of NCS, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, September 21, said that the seizure was the fourth at the Lagos port within eight months. He said that following increased arms seizures in recent times, the Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Port, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar, ordered a detailed profile of all imports, especially those coming from Turkey. Ali disclosed that the Bill of Lading of the container indicated Elbow Plumbing Plastics. According to him, the importer of the cargo is Great Oil and Gas Ltd and the vessel named “MV Arkas Africa” owned by Hull Blyth. He assured Nigerians that Customs officers were now on alert, following the directive he issued to customs area controllers.

Murder/Assassinations

40-Year-Old Man Jailed for Defiling Two Minors

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced a 40-year-old man, Godbless Ogiode, to eight years imprisonment for defiling two minors. The convict was arrested on September 15, and immediately charged to court on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a four-year-old girl and unlawful carnal knowledge of a five-year-old boy. The magistrate convicted the suspect after he pleaded guilty to the charges. The Chairperson of Federation of International Women Lawyer (FIDA), Bayelsa chapter, Dise Ogbise-Erhisere, described the judgment as a warning to paedophiles, child molesters and abusers. Ogbise-Erhisere, explained that she got a call from a concerned neighbour on the defilement of a boy. According to her, she was informed by neighbours that he was a serial molester of children, where the mother of the four-year-old girl caught him raping her daughter. The FIDA Chairperson thanked members of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria for their role and for the various medical examinations they carried out on the victims as well as the Police for the prompt arrest and prosecution.

Police Arrest Killer of 2006 Gulder Ultimate Search Winner

Operatives of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) have arrested one Ismaila Adeyemi (49), for allegedly killing the 2006 winner of the Gulder Ultimate Search, Hector Jorbateh. Hector was shot dead at his Oko-Oba residence, new Oko-Oba in Agege area of the state on September 4 shortly after he picked a sibling from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. He added that the suspect, who was arrested at Gas line, Ominiyi in Ijoko area of Ogun state, confessed to the crime and other numerous crimes. Other members of his gang have also been arrested.

6 Killed as Rival Cult Gangs Clash in Lagos

Six persons were, September 18, killed while several others were injured when rival cult groups engaged themselves in a fierce battle on the Lagos Island. The six were killed when a notorious cult leader, armed with sophisticated weapons, led his gang in a clash with youths at Okepopo and Onola area on the Island, who were armed with Dane guns. An eyewitness claimed that the cult leader had vowed to take revenge over three of his gang members, who were killed by Onola boys earlier in the year. The cult leader used the 155th year celebration of Epetedo’s existence to execute his plan, killing four of them between September 15 and 17. Two others were shot dead at Okepopo area, when the Onola boys went for a reprisal attack on September 17. Several residents have reportedly fled the affected areas due to the incessant cult clashes. In a bid to curtail the activities of cultists in the area, Police operatives from Area ‘A’ command, Lion Building, raided a hotel where some cult members use as their hideout after operations and some of them were arrested. The State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, has assured residents of his commitment to end neighbourhood crimes of gangsterism and cultism.

Court Remands Mechanic for Murder of 24-Year-Old

A Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court, September 21, remanded a mechanic, Abuh Yakubu, in prison for allegedly abducting and killing a 24-year-old man, Yakubu Babanawa, who is a son of a retired army colonel, Suleiman Babanawa. The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, refused the bail application of the defence counsel because the alleged crime was capital in nature. Animoku ordered that the accused to be remanded in the Federal Prison, Ankpa, and transferred the case to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ankpa, as he adjourned the case till September 26, for mention. The prosecutor, Sergeant Friday Shaibu, told the court that the father of the deceased, Suleiman, reported the matter at the Okpo Police Division. According to Shaibu, Yakubu was at a party in Agala-Ikeje on November 26, 2016, at about 10pm when some persons invaded the venue, abducted him and drove away to an unknown destination. The assailants, two of whom were later identified as Felix Ameh and Sunday Otene, were said to have been armed with guns when they perpetrated the act. His corpse was later found in Otukpa, Benue State.

Gunmen Kill Chinese Expatriate, Driver, Police Escort in Kogi

A Chinese expatriate, his driver and a policeman have been killed by suspected kidnappers along Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road in Kogi State. Another policeman and a civilian reportedly sustained injuries during an attempt by the kidnappers to abduct the Chinese. It was gathered that the expatriate and other victims, who had yet to be identified, were on the road on September 16 when they were waylaid by the gunmen. The policemen were said to have resisted the attempt to kidnap the Chinese, which led to a shootout. A source said that the Chinese expatriate, alongside his driver, was killed in the crossfire between the policemen and the kidnappers. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State command, William Aya, confirmed the incident. He said the command had commenced investigation, adding that the perpetrators would be fished out and made to face the law.

Native Doctor Pays Assassin N200,000 to Get Man Killed

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a native doctor, who allegedly paid N200,000 to another man simply identified as Idoko Onyekachi to kill one Onyemaechi Eze at Ifuroka Amalla in Udenu LGA of the state, on July 5. It was gathered that the suspect fled the community after committing the murder, but was eventually arrested on September 16 at Inyi in Igbo-Eze North LGA of the state, where he was hiding. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrest of the killer by the police in partnership with the members of the public through a well-coordinated operation borne out of intelligence information. He added that the suspect is helping the Police in their investigations as he has given insight on how he and his gang collected N200,000 from a native doctor, Felix Akor, whom he claimed hired them to murder Onyemachi Eze. Akor has also been nabbed by the Police and he is also helping the operatives in their investigations in relation to his alleged nefarious activities.

Hunter Kills Brother in Kogi Farm, Claims He Saw Monkey on Tree

Detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Kogi State Police Command, are investigating how a 65-year-old hunter, Clement Etila Ekele, shot and killed his brother, Monday Ekele (45). The suspect, who committed the act on July 16 at Ikaka village in Ibaji LGA of the state, claims that he saw and shot a monkey, which later transformed to his brother. It was gathered that the deceased had woken up and gone to the farm at about 5am on that fateful day, while Clement left for the farm with his double barrel gun at about 8am. Clement, claimed that he saw a monkey on a tree and shot it, but when he ran to the foot of the tree to pick up the monkey, what he saw was the dead body of his brother. The suspect, further said that he did not know what came over him as he returned to the village drinking beer and rejoicing. He later told his friend that he had killed his younger brother. His friend broke the tragic news to the villagers and the police was invited. The officer in charge of the Homicide Section of the State Police Command, Mohammed Balarabe, disclosed that detectives, visited the home of the suspect, found the Dane gun allegedly used to commit the crime.

Policeman Dismissed for Murder

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) for murder. The commission said the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, shot and killed an innocent citizen in Igboeze South LGA of Enugu State. The commission also revealed that the officer after killing his victim planted a gun on him and labelled him an armed robber. The PSC’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, September 21, said that CSP was dismissed for unlawful exercise of authority, discreditable conduct and for raising a false report. The commission also approved the reinstatement of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), two Corporals and a Constable, just as it approved the punishment of another CSP, and two Assistant Superintendents of Police for various offences unbecoming of their respective offices.

Four Policemen Arrested for Reckless Shooting, Killing

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, has ordered the immediate arrest, detention and investigation of four policemen for allegedly engaging in professional misconduct and murder.  Ibrahim gave the directive in Asaba on September 20 following a report that the erring policemen shot three persons during a child dedication on September 17 in Warri. The policemen, Inspectors Samuel Imana and Anthony Nwali, Sergeant Anthony Oniri and Corporal Innocent Ajah, attached to the Area Commander’s office in Warri, had during a child dedication at Edjewo, by Poloko market, allegedly engaged in shooting, which resulted in the death of one Elvis Ovie, while two others were injured. The Police boss vowed that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to the erring law enforcement agents after investigation was concluded.

Ritualists Kill Okada Rider, Remove His Private Organ

The Police in Delta State have apprehended a three-man gang of ritual killers after they killed a commercial motorcycle operator and removed his genitals before dumping the body along the Warri-Sapele highway on September 17. The victim was killed after he was hired by the ritualists to take them to Amukpe area of Sapele. It was learnt that the gang had been operating along the Adejei, Elume Junction and Ibada Elume axis, as well as the villages along the Warri-Sapele highway. Their mode of operation is to rob commercial motorcyclists of their motorcycles and kill them, before cutting off their body parts. Luck ran out on them when they were apprehended by soldiers of the 19 Battalion, Koko, on a tip-off by men of the Amukpe Vigilance group in Sapele. One of the suspects died in the process of exchanging fire with security operatives. One member of the gang, Victor Moses (41), a native doctor, has been detained by the police and undergoing interrogation, while another member, Emmanuel Ogbotor, is receiving treatment for bullet wounds.

Rape

Court Remands Man for Defiling Boy

A Kano State Chief Magistrates’ Court, September 20, directed the remand of a 46-year-old man, Kabiru Usman, in prison custody for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old boy. Usman, who lives at Dawakin Dakata Quarters, Kano, is being tried on a one-count charge of unnatural offence. Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril directed the remand of the accused person and adjourned the matter until September 26 for mention. The Prosecutor, Pogu Lale had told the court that one Yusuf Suleiman of the same address reported the matter at Zango Police Division on August 15. He told the court that on the same date, Usman deceived and lured the complainant’s 12-year-old son into his house and had carnal knowledge of the boy. The accused pleaded not guilty.

Ekiti Students Clash with Drivers over Rape of Female Colleague

Students and commercial drivers engaged each other in a violent clash over an alleged rape of a female student at Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State. The student of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, was alleged to have been raped by a commercial driver along College-Igbara Odo Way on September 17. The lady, who was said to be have been sick and had gone to town to seek medical treatment, was allegedly raped by a commercial driver at about 8pm. Angered by the action, her fellow students trooped into the streets and attacked commercial drivers at sight. The melee caused traffic gridlock on the Ado-Ikere-Akure Road for several hours. The violence also disrupted commercial activities at Odo-Oja area of Ikere Ekiti as many shop owners and businesses closed shop. It was gathered that the lady was taken to hospital for medical treatment. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Alberto Adeyemi, described the rape as the highest point of criminality, which he said would not be tolerated. Adeyemi said normalcy had returned to the town and that the Police had launched a manhunt for the alleged rapist. He assured that the police would apprehend the suspect.

Father, 55, Remanded in Prison for Raping 7-Year-Old Daughter

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court, September 19, ordered the remand of a 55-year-old man, Adeyanju Basiri, in prison custody for allegedly raping his daughter. The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Monica Ikebulo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 11. She said that the accused and one herbalist, now at large, were arrested for attempting to use the 7-year-daughter of the defendant for money rituals. She said that the accused claimed he had had sex with his daughter nine times. The prosecutor said the accused told the police he always used a white handkerchief given to him by the herbalist to clean his daughter’s vagina afterwards. Ikebulo told the court that he had duplicated and sent the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The plea of the accused was not taken as his counsel, Simeon Ojo, sought for an adjournment date pending the issuance of the legal advice. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Dolapo Akosile ordered that the accused to be remanded in prison custody till the outcome of the legal advice from the DPP and adjourned the case to October 12 for further hearing.

43-Year-Old Man Rapes Two 15-Year-Old Boys

A 43-year-old man has been arrested by officers of the Katsina State Police Command for allegedly luring two 15-year-old-boys and turning them to sex slaves. Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, who confirmed the arrest on September 18, said that the suspect, identified as Maiwada Ibrahim, played pornographic video for the boys before sodomising them. Isah, who revealed that Ibrahim was once arrested for a similar offence, added that one of the boys reported the suspect to his mother, who later reported the case at the Central Police Station, leading to his arrest. Isah said investigation into the matter was on-going and that he would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Police Nab Nine Rape Suspects

The Police in Enugu State said they had arrested nine suspected rapists that specialised in raping female members of a church on the outskirts of Enugu. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this on September 17. Amaraizu said that the arrest was made possible by a coordinated intelligence information. He said that policemen in Ozalla arrested the suspects during a night vigil in a church located at Akpasha community in Nkanu West LGA. He said that the suspects were rounded up at about 2am on September 16. The suspects often pretended to be worshippers in the church and would take advantage of any female worshipper going out to ease herself. According to him, they forcefully have carnal knowledge of their victims while service in the church is going on, and after the rape, they run away.

Others

Police Rescue Couple, Demolish Ritualist Shrines in Ikorodu

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Imohimi Edgal, September 20, led a team of policemen to shrines used by kidnappers and ritualists in Ikorodu area of the state, rescuing an abducted couple and arresting a priest. According to a Police source, preliminary investigation showed that the couple was alleged to have been taken to the shrine for treatment of an undisclosed spiritual ailment. The raid followed intelligence report that they were used for criminal activities. The Police chief said that crime statistics had revealed that records of missing and abducted persons were kept in some shrines in the area. He confirmed the rescue of two victims, who were almost being used for ritual purposes. He further stated that the arrested suspect had confessed that the shrines are used for ritual purposes.

Police Arrest Notorious Cultists in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight members of a notorious cult group terrorising the residents of Lagos Island. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olarinde Famous-Cole, September 19, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on September 17 after the command received a distress call from residents in the area that unknown hoodlums were engaging themselves and parading dangerous weapons. Police operatives trailed the suspects to their hideout at Federation Hotel located at Andrew Street on Lagos Island and arrested eight of them. The suspects are said to be helping the police and have provided information on their leader, identified as 25-year-old Rasak Olalekan Kareem aka Falapa. The Lagos State Police Command have launched a manhunt for him and have declared him wanted.

Bribe-Collecting Policemen Handcuff Passenger to Vehicle after Driver Escapes

Some policemen attached to the Osun State Police Command have allegedly dehumanised a bus passenger at the Erinmo Ijesa end of the Iwaraja-Efon Alaaye Road, Osun State. It was learnt that the policemen, who were in a Hilux van, mounted a checkpoint on the road and extorted money from commercial bus drivers. However, a commercial bus driver, who was stopped, reportedly refused to pay them any money and was ordered to park by the roadside. After the driver parked, one of the passengers was said to have alighted from the bus to urinate in a bush. The driver, on discovering that the attention of the policemen had shifted to another vehicle, quickly drove off, abandoning the man that went to urinate. The abandoned passenger was picked up by the policemen and handcuffed to the patrol van. He explained that the victim was handcuffed to the van for over two hours during which he soiled himself, as his cry for mercy fell on deaf ears. A monarch, the Owa Tapa of Itapa Ijesha, Dr Olapade Agoro, said he was angry at the maltreatment of the victim and he challenged the policemen. Agoro said the cops subsequently released the passenger.

Four Killed as Explosion Rocks NNPC Lagos Depot

An explosion, September 18, rocked Petroleum Wharf, Apapa, Lagos State, killing four people. It was learnt that a vessel, identified as HistriaIvory, was discharging Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) around 3am when some hoodlums besieged it to scoop fuel spilling from the vessel. The activities of the hoodlums were to have caused an explosion, which resulted in the death of four people. Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, men of the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Navy were said to have been called to control the fire that lasted for about one hour. The people who were scooping fuel were trying to open one of the manifolds through which the depot receive fuel from vessels when the fire occurred. The Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, confirmed the explosion, but could not give details of the casualty. A statement by the NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, assured motorists and other consumers of petroleum products nationwide that the fire would not affect the supply of petroleum products.

3 Arrested as Police Uncover Illegal Firearm Factory in FCT

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sadiq Bello, has disclosed that the Command had arrested three suspects in connection with an illegal firearm fabricating factory in Shenagu village near Zuba, FCT. The suspects include; Philip John, owner of the factory; Onyegabueze Okpara, a supplier of ammunition and Joseph Bulus, distributor of the arms. Bello, who made the disclosure on September 22, said that items recovered from the suspects include: locally fabricated revolver pistol cylinder, four Dane guns, one double barrel gun, one single barrel gun, two calibre live cartridge and six Dane gun muzzles. Others are: four single barrel muzzles, six barrel gun frame, two gun muzzle spring, one manual motor drill, one dice for re-tread and various implement used for manufacturing locally made weapons. He said that during interrogation, John confessed to have been in the illicit business for 17 years. The commissioner said that the Okpara, who disguise as a bicycle spare parts dealer was arrested at Kaita market with the items, which he concealed and sells to criminals. He said that Okpara had been in the illicit deal since 1997.