Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 41

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Tanker Fire Kills Pregnant Woman, 3 Others, Injures 20 in Onitsha

At least four persons, including a pregnant woman, were feared dead on Monday, while 20 others sustained various degrees of injuries as a gasoline-laden tanker somersaulted and exploded on the New Auto Spare Parts Market Flyover, Nkpor, near Onitsha, Anambra State. The accident, which occurred in the afternoon, also wiped out thousands of livestock, tubers of yam, second hand clothing and other items worth millions of naira. An eyewitness said by the time men of the state fire service arrived at the scene, the destruction had been done to the market; however, the fire fighters prevented the fire from extending to more kiosks housing livestock, yams and clothing materials. The driver of the burning tanker could not be located among the crowd that thronged the scene to assist in putting out the fire and rushing the injured victims to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Rivers Police Arrest Two over Murder, Palace Invasion

The Rivers State Police Command, on Monday, said that it had arrested two suspects in connection with the invasion of Taaba community in Khana LGA and the killing of one youth in the process. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Mohammad, identified the suspects as Friday Dournubari (male) and Kianaagbo Rose (female). Armed thugs numbering about 50 invaded Taaba Community in Khana LGA, killing a youth and destroying the palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, King Kabari Nule. The incident, according to a source, had forced some members of the community to seek refuge in nearby bushes and neighbouring areas. Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, has hailed the efforts of the police in the arrest of two suspects, and charged the police to fish out other suspects who escaped, particular the ring leader, one Dangbese, who bears a pseudo name; Nyokhana Marine.

Gunmen Invade Enugu Varsity, Shoot 3 Students

Three students of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Agbani were, Friday night, shot and wounded by suspected armed bandits who invaded their hostel. The father of one of the students said his son was undergoing surgery at the hospital. He said the student was shot in the stomach and it was suspected that some bullets were lodged in his abdomen which doctors were battling to remove. The two other victims were also undergoing surgery at the hospital while efforts were being made to contact their parents. To forestall a reprisal attack, the source said, the management had taken measures to beef up security at the hostels with plain-clothes policemen deployed to strategic locations. Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the attack, said preliminary investigations revealed that the gunmen could be “student-robbers”, assuring that the police would do everything to get to the root of the matter.

Police Arrest Female Robbery Suspect, Three Accomplices in Calabar

A female robbery suspect, Joy Ugoro and three other accomplices, Eso Esoh Ekoh, Imoke Bassey, and Emmanuel Ohi Euba, said to be members of a notorious robbery gang in Calabar have been arrested by the Police in Cross River State. Joy and her gang were alleged to have robbed and raped one Chima Ogiuke of Catholic Church Essien Town and Chineye Uzoegbu of Flour Mills all in Calabar in the first week of September 2014 and carted away some valuable. The spokesman of the Cross River State Police Command, Hogan Bassey, who paraded the robbery suspects, said the gang specialises in robbing people around Flour Mills, MCC Road, and Parliamentary Road.  Joy confessed that the items they robbed from their victims were sold at give- away prices in and outside Calabar. The Police spokesman also stated that a 30- year- old man, Joseph Edet Essien, suspected to have kidnapped a 3-year -old girl, Dorcas Michael Udofia, and took her to Eziama in Abia State where he negotiated to sell her for the sum of N200,000.00 is now in police net. The victim had been reunited with her parents.

Trans-Border Robbery Kingpin Arrested in Enugu

Leader of a trans-border gang, which allegedly specialises in armed robbery and kidnapping along border towns of Enugu and Anambra states, has been arrested by operatives of anti-kidnapping unit of Enugu State Police Command. This came as Anambra State Police Command paraded 50 suspected criminals allegedly involved in various crimes in parts of the state, with those paraded including suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and car snatchers. The alleged ring leader (names withheld) resident in Owerri, Imo State, was apprehended following a gun duel between his gang and men of the Police along Enugu-Anambra border town at about 4.56p.m. The suspect’s arrest was confirmed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebere Amaraizu. Meanwhile, those paraded by Anambra State police command included suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and vehicle snatchers.

Court Sentences Mother, Son to Prison for Child Trafficking

The Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, on Monday, sentenced a mother and her son to three months imprisonment for attempted child trafficking. In her judgment, Justice Victoria Agishi, granted the accused persons an option to pay N20,000 fines each. Agishi held that “in consideration and having been aware of the incidence of sickness, I have decided to tamper justice with mercy. The woman, Elizabeth Uzor, 45, and Ogochukwu Uzor, 29, were convicted following a failed attempt to traffic one Queen Okolo, 16, to Lagos, for prostitution. The accused persons pleaded guilty to an amended and substituted charge of conspiracy and child trafficking. A prosecution witness and staff of the National Agency for the Prohibition and Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr John Uguaka, narrated to the court how the accused persons were arrested. Uguaka said that NAPTIP had received a petition that the two accused persons attempted to indulge in the act.

DSS Mops Up Illegal Arms in Akwa Ibom

As part of the strategies to forestall insecurity as the 2015 general elections approach, the Department of State Services (DSS), Akwa Ibom Command, says it has begun an aggressive and thorough mop-up of illegal arms and ammunition. So far, the service says its men have seized quite substantial number of arms and ammunition suspected to have been illegally procured by politicians for next year’s general elections. The State Director of DSS, Toma Minti, disclosed this during a media chat in Uyo on Thursday. Minti who spoke through the Deputy Director Operations, Fubara Duke, said the DSS is determined to partner with other security agencies and the general public to ensure that the 2015 election is devoid of bloodshed.

NDLEA Raises Alarm over Drug Abuse in Anambra

Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Anambra State, Mr Sule Momodu, said on Friday that the illicit drug situation in the state had become alarming and worrisome. Momodu raised the alarm in Awka when the agency visited the wife of the state governor, Mrs Ebele Obiano, to seek her support for the command’s efforts war against the use and sale of illegal drugs. He said the use and sale of cocaine, heroin, cannabis and other psychotropic substances had become rampant in the state. He said the state had also topped other states in the country in illegal drug and other related activities. He said out of the 19 Nigerians on death row over trafficking in drugs, 14 of them were from the state. Momodu said the command was still on course in disseminating information on dangers of trafficking and consumption of illegal drugs. He, however, praised Governor Willie Obiano for driving the war on insecurity in the state.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Kill Robber, Recover 50 Mobile Phones in Edo State

The police in Edo State on Wednesday killed a member of a gang of armed robbers, who raided some areas within the Benin metropolis in the morning. The armed robber was killed during a shoot-out with policemen who responded to a distress call by residents of Okhoro area of Benin. More than 50 mobile phones, a Toyota Highlander and cash were said to have been recovered from the armed robbers. Edo State Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, said the police got information that the robbers numbering about 10 stormed the area and were robbing residents. He added that policemen rushed to the scene and engaged the robbers in a shoot-out which led to the killing of one of the robbers. Adebanjo urged residents of Edo State to support police to remove criminals from the state. Some of the victims, who narrated their ordeals, said the robbers invaded their homes early in the morning and took anything they could lay their hands on.

Police Kill 2 Robbers In Edo

Two suspected notorious armed robbers said to be on the wanted list of the Edo state Police Command were yesterday shot dead in Benin City after a fierce gun duel between the robbers and the police operatives. According to police sources, one of the suspects was shot dead along Uromi-Agbor road. The suspects accosted a Delta Line commercial bus and on sighting the police patrol vehicle, opened fire on the police. They were however, overpowered by the policemen who arrived the scene following a distress call. One of the robbers was shot dead at Okhoro road, after ten of them shooting sporadically, stormed a street around the area, robbing residents from one house to the other,   before the police came to the rescue. One pump action rifle with NO.TS 810-131627 with seven live cartridges was recovered from him. Other members of the gang fled into the nearby bush with bullet wounds.

JTF Nabs 18-Year-Old Female Robbery Suspect

The detachment of the Joint Military Taskforce in Owa-Ekei road, Boji Boji Owa, Delta State, has arrested an 18 year old girl identified as Cynthia (surname withheld) suspected to be among a robbery syndicate in the area. The arrest of the suspect was made possible following a tip off when the joint taskforce swung into action to round her up in her operational base inside a thick forest on Tuesday along Abraka road Confirming the arrest of the suspect, the commandant of the taskforce, Lt. Haruna disclosed that two of her male gang members escaped from the car on sighting the taskforce van, adding that the culprit will be prosecuted accordingly after proper investigation on the matter. Lt. Haruna said that the suspect upon interrogation confessed to be an agent to a robbery syndicate, adding that the whereabouts of the gang leader who was said to have been shot by police during a foiled robbery attack around Kwale axis. The military taskforce boss however called on parents and guardians to be mindful of their children, as the military would not tolerate any form of terrorism and cultism in the community.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Ekiti Police Arrest Woman, 18 Others Aderiye’s Murder

Ekiti State Police Command, on Monday, said it has arrested 19 suspects including a woman over the gruesome murder of the former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Omolafe Aderiye last Thursday. This comes as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 8, Mr. Christopher Dega and the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, have met with traditional rulers in the state as well as other stakeholders in their bid to fully restore peace in the state, following days of violence. The Police disclosed that those arrested were being investigated to determine their level of culpability. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Babayemi, said the police would not immediately reveal the identity of those in its custody.

2 in Court over $50,000 Fraud

Two businessmen, Noma Mohammed, 41, and Kabiru Mohammed, 32, were on Monday, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting at Igbosere for allegedly defrauding a Bureau de Change operator of $50,000. The prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Molo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on August 14 when they impersonated themselves as Bureau de Change agents to one Alhaji Saminu Mohammed who runs same business. He said the complainant, believing that the defendants were genuine agents, gave them $50,000 to help him convert to Naira equivalent. The prosecutor further added that after the businessmen received the money from Saminu, they did not convert the money as promised but absconded with the dollars. Molo said the complainant reported the matter to the police who traced and arrested Noma in Lagos, while Kabiru was arrested in Kano.

2 Remanded Over Rape Of 12-yr-old Girl

Two suspects, Lekan Adekeye and Olaitan Sideeq, have been remanded by an Ilorin Magistrate Court for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl. The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and rape contrary to sections 96 and 283 of the penal code law. The Police First Information Report (FIR) said that one Owolabi Seyi, 34 of Ogunsola street, Asa Dam area, Ilorin, reported the alleged rape of her 12-year-old daughter. The FIR said that investigation revealed that Lekan Adekeye, 18, Olaitan Sideeq, 21, both of Ogunsola street, Asa Dam area, Ilorin, and Ben (now at large) on September 15, lured the girl to their apartment and had forced canal knowledge of her. The prosecutor, Kehinde Ajide, opposed the bail of the accused and urged the court to remand them pending the next adjourned date. The Magistrate, Mrs. K. A. Yahaya, ordered the remand of the accused and adjourned the case till October 13, 2014 for further mention.

18-Yr-Old Robbery Gang Leader Arrested in Ondo

Detectives in Ondo State have arrested an 18-year-old boy, Kayode Amimi, who led a five-member gang to rob a family in Akure, the state capital. It was gathered that the suspects invaded the residence of one Iyiola Olufemi in Akure at about 1.40a.m. They were said to have carted away properties worth N240,000, some quantity of recharge cards, laptops and N20,000 in cash. Following complaint by the victim, who alleged that the suspects invaded his house with dangerous weapons, detectives swung into action. A month after, detectives reportedly picked up the leader of the gang following a tip off. Police source said the leader has confessed the commission of the offence. Items recovered from his residence include 32 different handsets, two laptops, three I-pads and memory cards. Meanwhile, two other suspected bank fraudsters have been arrested while trying to withdraw N2.8 million from a customer’s account. The suspects, Alex Ayodeji Solomon and Adetomiwa Henry, came to a bank in Akure with intent to fraudulently withdraw the amount from an unknown customer’s account. They reportedly came to the bank with a withdrawal slip of the said amount.

Gunmen Abduct Ogun Lawmaker’s Mother

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the mother of the lawmaker representing Odogbolu State Constituency in the Ogun state House of Assembly, Honourable Remmy Hazzan. The politician’s mother, Madam Rachael Hazzan, was abducted from her home at Omu–Ijebu in the Odogbolu LGA of the state around 8:p.m on Wednesday. The lawmaker, who is also a pastor in one of the Abeokuta branches of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), however, confirmed the abduction. Hazzan, a Second termer in the Ogun state House of Assembly said his mother was abducted right in front of her shop in the family house located along the Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) road, Irete in Omu – Ijebu. The lawmaker also explained that he was informed about the ugly development by neighbours shortly after the incident on Wednesday night.

Woman Docked Over ‘Money Doubling’

A 37-year-old businesswoman, Liade Obisesan, who allegedly defrauded another woman in the guise doubling money for her, on Tuesday, appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Obisesan was charged with conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses and stealing. According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Austin Ejembi, the woman conspired with others at large to defraud Miss Christiana Tobi of one million naira in May, 2013 at 10a.m. at Alpha Beach, Lekki, Lagos. He said that the accused and the others absconded after Tobi gave the money to them. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs Helen Omisore, granted her bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

3 Bus Conductors Jailed 21 Years for Robbery

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, Wednesday, sentenced three bus conductors to 21 years imprisonment after finding them guilty of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. The convicts include Paul Sunday, 30; Adewale Taofeek, 27; and Shina Shoyeye, 24. The suspects had pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against them by Lagos State government. In his judgment, the presiding Judge, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, said the prosecution had credible, cogent and convincing evidences before the court and had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Onigbanjo noted that the 21years jail term would run concurrently, starting from the date the defendants were remanded in prison custody on December 1, 2009. The judge further said that the finding of the court was not only based on the confessional statement made by one of the convicts, but also looked outside the confessional statement.

Security Guard Docked over Rape of 13-Year-Old

A security guard, Matthew Sunday, who allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl, on Tuesday appeared before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Sunday, 40, who resides within the premises of Immaculate High School, Mende, Maryland, in Lagos, is standing trial for child rape. The Prosecutor, Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 25, while guarding the school premises. Anyanwu said that the defendant beckoned to the teenager, who was running an errand for her mother, grabbed her, and forced her into his room. Sunday reportedly shut the door and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The girl reportedly came out of his room bruised and bleeding, which attracted the attention of some officials of the school. She was then taken to the hospital where it was confirmed that the teenager had been defiled. He said that the offence committed contravened provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The Magistrate, Mrs Yewande Aje-Afunwa, ordered that the file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

NDLEA Nabs 2 with Cocaine in Perfumes

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended two suspected drug traffickers for allegedly concealing 13.33kg of substances found to be cocaine inside capacitors and perfumes. The arrest and seizure took place at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. The estimated street value of the drug imported from Brazil is N119 million. The NDLEA commander at the Abuja Airport, Mr Hamisu Lawan, gave the names of the suspects as Daniel Marvin and Akubuo Favour Victor. According to him, “Daniel Marvin with Nigerian Passport Number A05545613 was arrested during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirate Airline flight from Dubai. He was found in possession of 7.580kg of cocaine hidden inside capacitors. The second suspect, Akubuo Favour Victor was found in possession of 5.750kg of cocaine hidden inside perfumes. Both suspects were coming from Brazil when they were arrested.”

Mother, 4 Sons Found Dead in Their Home

A family of five, including four boys and their mother, were found dead in their residence in Itamaga area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. The bodies were found in their uncompleted building located on 8, Kunle Owooade Close. According to eyewitnesses, they were last seen on Friday before their bodies were found on Tuesday, with three of them already decomposing. One died on the way to the hospital. Three of the children were found in one room, while their mother had soiled herself and was with her last born in another room when sympathisers broke into their apartment. The alarm was raised around 8pm on Tuesday, when neighbours noticed an offensive odour oozing out of the building. They had called emergency numbers in the state, which did not yield a positive result. Residents were astonished that they could not receive any assistance from the much publicised emergency numbers. The sympathisers also invited Policemen from Ikorodu Division who rushed to the scene, but did not offer any assistance.

Senegalese Charged for Robbery in Lagos

A 23-year-old Senegalese, Sidime Amara, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos, for allegedly robbing one Abdullahi Danbebe of some quantities of Elephant tusk valued at N6 million. The accused was arraigned alongside Bolaji Yusuf, 29, on a two-count charge of robbery, and both pleaded not guilty. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, the accused also robbed his victim (Danbebe) of N150,000 cash. Nnamonu informed the court that the offence was punishable under Section 295 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. However, the magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 6 for trial.

Nigerian Customs Seizes 11,264 Bags of Rice In Ogun

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos has intercepted and seized 11,264 50kg bags of parboiled rice illegally imported into the country valued at N56.3 million at Igbesan, a border town in Ogun State. The comptroller of the unit, Turaki Usman Adamu, said the massive seizure was recorded following a paradigm shift in the operational methodologies and modalities of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ in combating smuggling around and beyond the borders. He stated that the seizure was effected by the Lagos Roving Team Operations headed by an assistant comptroller of customs, Mr Adamu Abubakar Mohammed, and comprising other officers of the unit. Prior to this interception, the comptroller confirmed that they relied on intelligence report which posited that smugglers were planning to use the creeks to bring in large quantities of rice from Benin Republic. Adamu however condemned the naivety of the Baale of the Community whom he said from all indications seemed not to know that smuggling is an economic crime.

Thugs Kill Security Guard

A security guard attached to the Bello Folawiyo Government Reserved Area in the Ketu Ikosi area of Lagos, Mr. Odion Aimeyekagbon, has been murdered by some assailants, who invaded the area. A land grabber, identified simply as Enibalomo, was said to have ordered the hoodlums to attack the guard, who was an employee of Real Striker Security Company. It was learnt that the guard and his colleague had insisted that he present a gate pass before he could be granted exit from the estate. It was learnt that Enibalomo, a nephew of a monarch in Lagos, was returning from a hotel around 6pm on September 11, when he was stopped by the security officials. The suspected kingpin reportedly got angry by the request and called the assailants on the telephone. Our correspondent gathered that the touts, who were still on the run, stabbed Odion and smashed his head on an iron pillar. The Edo State-born man was said to have been left to die in a pool of blood, while his colleague, Zaka Ajeh, reportedly escaped with some injuries.

Man, 34, Killed after Intervening in Landlord, Tenant Fight

Twenty-five years old Allison Wemimo- Samson has been remanded in prison custody by a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ebute-Metta for allegedly killing a peacemaker in a fight. Magistrate E. B. Daodu ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP. The deceased peacemaker, Johnson Okoye, 34, was said to have died after he had settled the dispute between the defendant and his landlord, Musa Mohammed. Samson is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder preferred against him by the police. After making peace, the deceased was attacked by the defendant and his brother, now at large. The prosecutor further stated that the peacemaker slumped and died after he had reported his attack at a nearby Police Station. The defendant’s plea was not taken.

Two Bodies Recovered, 14 Rescued in Lagos Boat Mishap

The bodies of two passengers of a wooden boat that capsized, Wednesday night, in Igando area of Lagos, were recovered on Thursday. They were identified as those of one Fatima, a female and Mr. Idowu Lawal. Fourteen others were reportedly rescued by local divers with the assistance of policemen attached to Igando Police Division. Tragedy, as gathered, occurred at 8p.m., Wednesday, shortly after the boat, said to be heading for Imoshe in Ogun State, took off from Akesan. The exact number of passengers that boarded the boat was not ascertained. It was gathered from a relative of one of the deceased that she was yet to see her brother’s corpse. According to her, she got a call from one of the boat operators, informing her about the incident but was sternly warned never to involve the Police. One of the deceased, Lawal, was said to have been rushing home to his pregnant wife when the tragedy occurred.

Workers in Chinese Firm Protest Death of Colleagues

Youths working for Linda Manufacturing Company at Agege Area of Lagos, Thursday, staged a peaceful protest to the state House of Assembly over the death of their colleague, Nnamdi Solomon, while on duty. The workers alleged that the company’s management did not only fail to grant the deceased’s request for permission to go home after complaining of stomach pains, but also abandoned his remains in the rain within the premises for two days. One of the workers of the company, which manufactures weaveons, Vincent Victor, who led the protest, explained that the company, owned by a Chinese, had been exploiting its workers for a long time, adding that the death of their colleague prompted the protest. A member of the House, Bisi Yusuf, who represents Alimosho Constituency 1, confirmed the incident and expressed regret about the company’s attitude to its workers. He urged the aggrieved youths to remain calm and allow the House to investigate the issue.

GENERAL

70 Die of Cholera, Measles in Taraba Refugee Camp

About 70 people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in an outbreak of cholera and measles in Bali LGA of Taraba State. The victims were refugees of Tiv extraction, who escaped from the violence in Wukari and other flash-points in the state. Many of the victims, among who were pregnant women, also died of malnutrition due to the dehumanising conditions in the camp. Spokesman for the refugees, Mr. Emmanuel Kegh, disclosed on Wednesday that the camp lacked basic amenities, such as potable water and toilets. The spokesman accused the Taraba State government of playing a lip service to the plight of the refuges, despite all the assurances by the Chairman of the Taraba State Peace Initiative, Bishop Charles Yonana that every arrangement for peace would be made and the displaced people could go back to their various places. The Chairman, Bali Local Government Council, Andy Yerima, who also spoke on the occasion, decried the intervention of the government in the plight of the refuges.

Six Killed In Taraba Attack

At least six people were reportedly shot dead with many wounded in a fresh attack by unknown gunmen at Unguwan – Kwalla village, in Ibbi local government area of Taraba state. The attack, which took place on Saturday evening, occurred between the villages of Unguwan-Kwalla and Dampar, all in Ibbi LGA of the state. The Taraba state Police Command, through its spokesman, DSP Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the incident, but said that only one person was killed while many were wounded. He, however, said that the attack was waged by the suspected armed robbers. Earlier on, an eyewitness, who claimed to have sighted the corpses from the attack, alleged that the killing was communal-related.

Police Arrest Man for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl

The Bauchi Police Command has arrested a suspected rapist in Bauchi for allegedly attacking a 13-year-old girl. The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Haruna Mohammed, said this in a statement on Monday in Bauchi. The statement said that the incident happened on Sunday September 28. He said that the 35-year-old suspect, name withheld, who resides at Tambari Housing Estate in the outskirts of Bauchi, allegedly raped the girl who was alone in her house. The police image maker added that the suspect had been arrested by detectives attached to the police GRA division. He said that the police had taken the girl to the hospital for medical examination. Haruna said investigations into the matter had commenced, pointing out that the suspect would appear in court as soon as investigation on the matter is completed.

Fulani Mercenaries Kill 20, Raze 70 Houses in Nasarawa

Twenty persons were killed, 70 houses were burnt and hundreds of others were displaced when Fulani insurgents launched attack on Arikya and Ashangwa villages in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Investigation revealed that the attackers invaded Arikya and Anshangwa villages at about 11pm on Saturday night, leaving in their trail deaths and anguish. The incident took place barely six days after Fulani insurgents, numbering over 200, raided Gidan Gambo, 30 kilometers away from Lafia, the state capital, killing 10 people and burning over 50 houses while several of the residents were displaced. Abdullahi Buldi, one of the insurgents captured by the youth during the attack on Gidan Gambo, had told newsmen that they were hired by some prominent Alago in the state to carryout serial attacks on Eggon communities in the state. The Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, Ismaila Numan, stated that there was no casualty, but admitting that some houses were burnt.

Soldiers, Trailer Driver Clash in Kaduna

A trailer driver on Sunday clashed with Nigerian soldiers following the driver’s refusal to stop for a search at military checkpoint along Zaria-Kaduna road. The incidence caused serious traffic squeeze for motorist plying through Nnamdi Azikwe way in Kaduna following. It was gathered that the soldiers at the military checkpoint pursued the trailer loaded with cattle to Kawo in Kaduna after the drive refused to stop for the regular checks. The soldiers shot at the two tyres of the trailer, causing it to completely block the road after intercepting it in Kawo. An eyewitness said that about 30 soldiers were at the scene during the incident. Comrade Nuhu Babawo, former chairman of the Kaduna chapter of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) who intervened, told our reporter on phone that normalcy had returned to the area. “The soldiers pursued the open trailer loaded with cattle from toll gate heading to the south. They shot at the two tyres of the trailer which resulted to the incident that led to a long traffic gridlock.”

18-Year-Old Gang Raped In Nasarawa

An 18-year-old girl was reportedly raped unconscious by a gang of seven men, including the son of the chairman of one of the municipal areas in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State. The girl remained unconscious for many hours before she was revived by retinue of doctors at the Police Clinic, Jos road, the state capital. Investigations further revealed that the victim, who was a maid at one of the beer parlours at Mummy market, directly opposite Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Ombi 1, Lafia, was deceived by one of the rapists to give her free-ride to Bukan-Sidi that night after she closed from work. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ismail Numan, confirmed the incident, but declined comments on the identity of the suspects, saying two persons were arrested in connection with the incident, while others have taken to their heels. He added that investigations had commenced to arrest the fleeing ones.

EFCC Arraigns Former Banker over Alleged N21m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Alhaji Aliyu Sulaiman, a former employee of Oceanic Bank now Ecobank, over alleged illegal withdrawal of over N21 million. It was said that the amount was collected from the indigenes of Albasu Local Government Area of Kano State meant to open a micro-finance bank in Albasu town. Alhaji Suleiman, who was arraigned on Wednesday, in Kano, is being charged for criminal breach of trust, forgery and use of genuine documents to illegally withdraw money from the account entrusted to him. The 105 charges were read to the accused but he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The prosecution said the accused, who was a member of the steering committee of Albasu Micro-finance Bank, was alleged to have forged genuine document to withdraw the said amount from the account at Oceanic Bank now Ecobank. She told the court that the accused used various cheques to commit the offence between 2010 and 2012.

Gunmen Attack Bishop’s House In Kogi

The Bishop of Reina Chapel Church, Lokoja, Kogi State, Bishop John Ibenu had worst experience in his priesthood on Saturday night as gunmen forced their way into his home. The gunmen, sources said, numbering seven positioned themselves outside the building while two entered the room through the roof of the building. Several items, handsets, ATM cards and other valuables were allegedly carted away from the house. A source disclosed that the security guards in the house were tied down at the gate before the two dare-devils started their operation which lasted. According to a source, the attackers couldn’t have been different from armed robbers who had been chased from the expressway, while other sources said they could be traced to people who are close to the Bishop. As at the time of this report, no human casualty was recorded but two people were said to have been wounded in the house of the Bishop,   a lady and boy, and they are said to be recuperating in an undisclosed hospital outside the city centre. An attempt to speak with the Bishop met brick walls as his cell phone was not picked by anybody.

NSCDC Arrest 100 Suspected Vandals in Bauchi

The Bauchi State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Monday, said it has arrested 100 suspects over alleged vandalism of government facilities. The suspects allegedly vandalised government facilities, ranging from telecommunication cables, electric cables and transformers as well as other public utilities in the state. State commandant of the corps, Jibril Shuab, made this known while announcing plans to ensure peaceful celebration of the forth coming Eid-el-kabir by Muslims across the state. He lamented that youths who should rather be concerned about the safety of public property in their vicinities preferred to vandalise them, thereby sabotaging the country’s economy.

Man Dies Stealing Fuel From Jos Base Station

A 30-year-old man, identified as Timlok, was on Tuesday electrocuted during his attempt to siphon fuel from the base station of one of the mobile telecommunication providers. The incident took place at the Old Cemetery Street in the heart of Jos metropolis. Eye witnesses said the suspect was trying to escape from the base station when light was restored, leading to his electrocution. He was said to have been burnt beyond recognition. The suspect was alleged to have on occasions, been caught on suspected theft-related offences, including vandalism of power installations. The Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Abu, confirmed the incident. He said three young men were at the GSM installation on criminal mission. He explained that the first person entered to cut the wires but was electrocuted while the others fled. Abu advised youths to engage themselves in productive business, rather than resorting to actions that could be injurious.

Mob Sets Two Ablaze over Bike Theft

A mob on Tuesday set two men ablaze over alleged attempt to steal a commercial motorcycle popularly known as Okada at Akwanga LGA of Nasarawa State. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ismaila Numan, confirmed the incident. He said the policemen from the nearest divisional command, raced to the area after receiving a distress call, but the two suspects were already set ablaze before the police got there, while the third suspect ran away. Numan said the command had commenced investigation into the matter with a warning to members of the public to desist from taking the laws into their hands.

10 Nigerian Pilgrims Confirmed Dead in Mecca

About 10 Nigerians performing this year’s hajj rites in Saudi Arabia have been confirmed dead. According to the Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission in Mecca, Aliyu Tanko, the 10 are out of at least 50,000 Nigerian who have so far arrived Mecca with virtually all of them having performed the Umrah rites. He advised the pilgrims to always seek medical advice before embarking on pilgrimage, even as he warned them against exposing themselves to the harsh weather condition in the Holy Land. Tanko said the commission’s three clinics in Mecca and those set up by the various state pilgrims boards provided effective medical services to Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca.

Thugs Set Court Ablaze in Kano

Armed hoodlums in Kano, Wednesday, torched a magistrates’ court located in Koki area of the metropolis. Eyewitness disclosed that 30 suspected thugs had stormed the court, brandishing weapons, and set it ablaze. The court’s security guard, who preferred anonymity, said over 30 thugs appeared around 4am when I woke up for early morning prayers. Narrating his ordeal, another resident, Mallam Nuhu Ishaq, who sustained injury in the attack, said he saw the thugs in large number on his way to the mosque, and that they attacked him with their weapons. Acting Kano State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Mustapha Abubakar, confirmed the incident, adding that Police had commenced investigation into the matter.

INTERNATIONAL

56 Killed in South Sudan Bus, Truck Collision

At least 56 people were killed Monday when a bus travelling from South Sudan to Uganda crashed into a truck, doctors said. The crash is one of the worst recent accidents in South Sudan. The bus crashed shortly after dawn on Monday, on the main highway south to Uganda, some 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Juba. Police said the bus and truck collided head-on while crossing a bridge. Many of those killed were Ugandans, Okadi said, adding that around 15 were South Sudanese. Ugandan traders play a key role in the South Sudan capital, many running small businesses or trading stores. The Ugandan army is also supporting government troops in South Sudan, battling rebel forces in a more than nine-month long civil war. The highway to Uganda is one of the few tarred roads in South Sudan, which is grossly underdeveloped after decades of war.

Guinea-Bissau Landmine Kills 22

At least 22 people have been killed after their vehicle struck a landmine in Guinea-Bissau, police say. They were travelling to a funeral on Friday when the incident occurred 60km (37 miles) north-east of the capital. Police say 19 people were killed instantly and three others later died from their injuries. Hundreds have been killed by landmines left over from the country’s war of independence in the 1970s, as well as internal conflicts in the 1990s. The strength of the blast tore the vehicle in two. It was travelling near the town of Mansoa in the north of the country when the explosion occurred.

Parents Protest in China after School Stampede Kills 6

Chinese parents staged a protest on Sunday after six pupils were killed in a stampede at a primary school, as concerns over child safety mount. The group of parents held a banner saying “The killers should be severely punished” as they marched down the street, appearing to clash with a row of police who formed a line. Seven people had been suspended or removed from their posts following Friday’s accident, which left 26 other children injured. Officials said the children killed in the stampede were all in grades one and two, meaning they were likely six or seven-years-old. The accident happened when a two-metre (6.6-foot) long cotton cushion used for gym class, which had been propped against a wall, toppled over and blocked a stairway corridor. Several children were apparently trapped underneath and their schoolmates, streaming past, stepped on them without realizing. School safety is a major concern in China. Four children died in a stampede at a school in the central province of Hubei last year when pupils left their dormitory on the fourth floor and attempted to exit the block. The ground floor gate was closed, resulting in the crush.

10 Children, 12 Others Killed in Homs Double Blasts

At least 10 children are among 22 people killed in a twin bombing outside a primary school in the government-controlled city of Homs in central Syria. Homs governor, Talal Barazzi, described the attack as a “terrorist act and a desperate attempt that targeted school children”. The blasts happened as children were leaving the Ekremah al-Makhzoumi primary school, said an official with the Homs governorate who refused to be named.  The first explosion was from a car bomb parked and detonated in front of the school, followed minutes later by a suicide bomber who drove by and detonated his explosives-laden car, said the anonymous official. It was one of the deadliest attacks in Homs in months. At least 56 more people were wounded in the incident, the official said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, but Syrian rebels fighting to oust Assad have carried out such bombings during the country’s civil war.

Venezuelan Lawmaker Stabbed to Death at Home

Robert Serra, a young “Chavista” ruling party lawmaker, died after being stabbed in his home in Caracas late Wednesday in an “intentional homicide,” government officials said, in Venezuela’s latest high-profile violent crime. Serra, 27, and Maria Herrera – whom officials said was Serra’s companion – were killed at his residence in the impoverished La Pastora neighborhood of the Venezuelan capital. The victims died of hemorrhagic shock after they were stabbed with a “sharp, penetrating weapon,” Interior and Justice Minister Miguel Rodriguez Torres said on Thursday. One of the youngest members of the National Assembly, Serra was a lawyer with a Master’s Degree in criminology. He was an avowed ‘Chavista’ – a supporter of the left-wing political ideology of the country’s late former president, Hugo Chavez. Local media reports said two of Serra’s escorts have been killed in recent years. Serra’s death puts the spotlight again on violent crime in Venezuela, which has one of the world’s highest homicide rates.