Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 44

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Police Nab Suspected Killers of Ex-Rivers LG Boss in Aba

Suspected killers of former Transition Committee Chairman of Etche Council Area of Rivers State have been arrested by the Police in Aba, Abia State. Parading the two suspects, Ekelemma Kingdom and Nkemakolam Njoku, alongside with other suspects the State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, urged residents of the State to be proactive in intelligence gathering about their neighbourhood. Ibrahim disclosed that the arrest was made possible through the information received from members of the public. According to the CP, a motorcycle with registration number SEK 113 QC was recovered from the two suspects and they are believed to have been involved in the killing of the former transition committee chairman recently. One of the suspects, Ekelemma Kingdom, confessed that he and others had shot and killed the former Council TC chairman.

Police, DSS Arrest 3 over Attempt to Blow-Up Bridge

Three suspected terrorists, who had attempted to blow up Calabar-Itu Head Bridge, have been arrested by security operatives in Akwa Ibom State. Commissioner of Police, Gabriel Achong, said the suspects were arrested on October 5, after intensive surveillance by the Police and the Department of State Service (DSS). The suspects, had on September 29th, the command received information that a group of aggrieved persons had planned to blow up the Calabar-Itu head bridge. Upon thorough and intensive surveillance, two of the suspects, Samuel Coleman Yaw, a Ghanaian, and Monday Anthony, were arrested. The mastermind, Boronyefa Olorogun, escaped but after a rigorous search by a combined team of Police and DSS Akwa Ibom State, the suspect was traced and arrested in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on October 17th.

Two Men Rape Girl, 11

Uneasy calm has enveloped the sleepy, rural Ehume autonomous community in Obowo local council area of Imo State, following the gang-rape of an 11-year old girl in the area. It was gathered that the girl was sent by her parents to buy a few of their food needs from the popular Onuimo Rescue Market, Umungwa, Obowo. “That was how she boarded the motorcycle piloted by 35-year old Onyekachi Nwankwo, who masterminded the gang rape with his friend inside a bush. The girl’s father has called for justice over the rape of his daughter by two grown men.

50 Injured as Traders, Revenue Collectors Clash in Onitsha

No fewer than 50 persons, Thursday, sustained various degrees of injuries, while about 20 shops were destroyed, following a confrontation between some revenue collectors from Onitsha South LGA and traders at the Millennium Merchants and Importers Association Markets, Main Market, Onitsha. Trouble started when the Onitsha South LGA Chairman, Lady Ann Chukwuneke, allegedly stormed the market with over 100 youths to collect revenue from the traders and at the same time clamp down on street trading in the area. A source said the council officials started dismantling some of the shops, which did not go down well with the traders. This, it was learned, resulted in a free-for-all between the traders and revenue collectors, following which over 50 persons sustained injuries. Among those reportedly injured were the Vice Chairman of the market, Prince Peter Okoye and Obiora Otigba.

Property Worth N1bn Destroyed as Fire Guts Shop in Owerri

Goods and property estimated at about N1 billion were consumed by fire last Sunday that gutted a two-storey building at Lobo Extension, Owerri. Although no life was lost in the incident, traders who owned foam shops were in their respective residences and most occupants of the building had left for Sunday service when the fire started. A Volvo station wagon vehicle, vital documents, including certificates and archival artifacts, were reportedly lost in the inferno, while many were seen weeping uncontrollably, bemoaning their fate.

Man Beats Pregnant Wife to Death

A pregnant woman in Akpawfu village in Nkanu-East LGA of Enugu state, Ndidi Nwankwo, was penultimate beaten to death by her husband, Ozoemena Nwankwo, at about 10om. Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have taken the suspect into custody and launched investigation into the incident. The suspect was described as a serial wife beater by family sources. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the victim was four months pregnant, and died following injuries on her right leg and vital organs, due to the beating by her husband. The suspect, Ozemena Nwankwo has been nabbed and is helping Police with investigation. Meanwhile, the deceased corpse has been deposited at the Agbani General Hospital for autopsy.

Man Arrested for Producing Fake Beer

The Imo State police command, last weekend, paraded a 40-year-old man, Bright Okodua for allegedly manufacturing fake beer. According to the state commissioner of police, AbdulMajid Ali, the suspect who was caught in the act was arrested at Mgbidi, Oru West LGA of the state. Okodua, who pleaded for pardon, confessed that he had been in the business for three years. He disclosed that he bought crown corks and empty Stout bottles from staff of Guinness Nigeria Plc and filled them with the content of Legend extra stout. The suspect revealed that he had been caught on several occasions by the police but freed after paying some money. Okodua claimed that he was arrested this time round because he had no money to bribe his way out.

Thugs Invade Rivers NLC Office, Attack Chairman

Unidentified thugs, on Wednesday, beat up the Rivers State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Chris Oruge, in Port Harcourt The thugs, believed to have been sponsored by a faction within the union, invaded the office of Oruge, shortly after the commencement of the Rivers NLC executive committee meeting, attacking the chairman, while other leaders scampered for safety. It was further gathered that some NLC chieftains were disenchanted over the refusal of Oruge to relinquish his office as chairman, after his suspension by his mother union, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The rampaging thugs dealt several blows on the NLC chairman, leaving him with several bruises and torn clothes, before some of his aides came to his rescue. Policemen were however drafted to maintain surveillance at the NLC secretariat, along Igboukwu Street in D-Line area of Port Harcourt.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Banker Nabbed for Planning Robbery on Bank

The insider game in bank robbery again played out during the week when a senior bank manager, who allegedly runs an armed robbery gang, was arrested along with two members of his gang for attempting to rob a bank in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA of Delta State. The arrest of the bank manager followed the confession made by two of the suspected gang members that a staff of the bank, who happened to be one of the managers and one of their brothers, contacted them to rob the bank as a huge amount of money was slated for transfer on that day. The suspects were reportedly loitering around the bank premises with a bag containing their weapons. Suspicious of their activities, the bank’s private security and policemen on duty arrested them and, after searching their bag, one battle axe and other items were recovered. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the arrest of the suspects. The suspects further confessed that the bank worker advised them to ambush the clerk on the road and rob him of the money that would be on transit.

Police Arrest Two Robbery Suspects, Recover Arms in Delta

The Police Command in Delta State on Friday said it had arrested two armed robbery suspects on Oronigbe-Umutu road. The spokesperson for the command, Celestina Kalu, disclosed this in a statement in Asaba. She said the culprits were caught in a car with a cache of arms and ammunitions on Thursday.  According to her, police operatives, while on patrol, intercepted one suspected Audi saloon car being driven by one, Ibiang Ofem, 33 and a passenger, Sunday England, 20. Both occupants of the vehicle were promptly arrested following the discovery of arms and ammunition in the car. She said an English-made Automatic Pump Action rifle and a locally-made single barrel gun were recovered. Other items recovered from the vehicle, the spokesman said, include 47 live cartridges, one big sharp-pointed iron bar, an acer laptop and seven cell phones. Kalu said preliminary investigation had revealed that the hoodlums robbed Olihe Filling Station in the area the previous night.

Two Jailed 28 Years Each for Car Theft

An Asaba High Court presided over by Justice Cletus Emifoniye has sentenced a carpenter and a bus Driver, James Emmanuel and Isioma Egwu, to a total of 56 years in jail for robbing a female Civil Servant of her Honda Accord car. The Court found the two car thieves guilty on a two count charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and the substantial offence of robbery and were sentenced to 7 years each on count one (conspiracy) and 21 years each on count two (robbery). The Court, however, held that the sentences are to run concurrently. Prosecution counsel, Champion Umukoro, had told the Court that James Emmanuel (M) age 30 and Isioma Egwu (m) age 27, on or about the 26th of September, 2012 at Asaba within the Asaba Judicial Division robbed one Mrs. Obi Sally of her car though without firearms but through violence. The victim, a Senior Civil Servant, was said to have gone to drop her friend along Anwai road when the incidence happened. The 3-man gang accosted her while reversing her car after dropping off her friend, forcefully opened her car door and pushed her out and drove off.

DELSU ASUU Worried over Kidnap of Lecturer

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Delta State University (DELSU) Chapter, has raised the alarm over the kidnap of one of its lecturers, Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, expressing fears that ever since the kidnap of the university Don over a week ago, no group has claimed responsibility for his abduction or contact with the family. Tonukari, an associate Professor of Microbiology went missing on his way from Sapele to Abraka on Monday 13 October, 2014. His car was found abandoned in the neighbourhood of Eku in Ethiope East LGA of the state. But statement jointly signed by the Chairman, ASUU-DELSU, Prof Abel Diakparomre and Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, they called on those holding him to release him immediately and unconditionally without harm.

Explosion Hits ex-Edo SSG’s Estate

The crisis in Edo State took another dimension last Saturday when an explosion rocked a mini estate belonging to former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. It was learnt that the explosion, which occurred at about 10.30pm, was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the entrance of the estate housing some residential apartments and the Shalom Dental Clinic said to belong to the wife of the former SSG. Although no life was lost, the impact of the blast created a hole and shattered the ceiling of the security post, while the gate of the building, located a few distance away from the Government House, was partly damaged. Confirming the incident, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, said that preliminary investigation showed that the device was thrown into the estate from outside. He also disclosed that the IED had been recovered by the Bomb Disposal Unit of the command for analysis while “some suspects” had been arrested. Ize-Iyamu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged that the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were responsible for the incident. But the leadership of the APC in Edo State has dismissed the allegation.

Delta Police Arrest 2 Men for Robbing Woman of Recharge Cards, Cash

Police have arrested two suspects in Agbor, Delta State, for allegedly attacking and robbing a woman, Uloma Ofo, of two bags containing assorted recharge cards and some money. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, confirmed in a statement, on Monday, that the suspects who reside at 50, Obiazukwor Street, Boji Owa and 21, Osesoma Road, Agbor-Obi, respectively, attacked the victim in her store located within her residence at Ezekiel Avenue, Off Eva Hostel, Agbor. She said on receiving report of the incident, detectives have commenced investigation and arrested the two suspects, recovered one to cut-to-size double barreled gun and two live cartridges.

Man Arrested for Job Scam

A Magistrate’s Court in Warri, Delta State, has remanded Prince Toritseju, 42, in prison custody for allegedly masquerading as a member of Ugborodo Export Processing Zone, EPZ, Interface Committee to defraud job seekers over the $16 billion Gas City project. In the case brought before her by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Chief Magistrate T. R. Ewerido, said remanding Toritseju and others now at large, had become necessary to enable the court seek legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution on the competence of the court to entertain the case of Advanced Fee Fraud against the accused. Counsel to the accused, S.J. Aremu, had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain cases connected to fraud. He demanded that the said offence against his client be re-presented by the police, based on state laws to enable the court adjudicate on the matter. The matter has been adjourned till November 12 for hearing after due consultations with DPP.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Seven Killed in Steel Company’s Accident

At least seven workers have died, following an industrial accident in Phoenix Steel Mills Limited, Ogijo-Remo, Ogun State. Following the incident, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has shut the section of the company where the accident occurred on October 12, pending full investigation into the accident. According to eyewitnesses account, the melting machine was over loaded with input that added extra pressure beyond its melting point, forcing the substance from the furnace to splash on the workers at the platform. It was gathered that the victims were immediately rushed to a private hospital at Ikorodu in Lagos, and were referred to a specialist hospital in Lagos due to complications, but they later died. Director of Factories in the Labour Ministry, Mrs Nofisat Arogundade described the accident as unfortunate, lamenting that steel some companies were lacking in basic safety standard. Executive Director of the company, Ajit Amtey, said the company was sad and very sorry about the accident.

Woman Abducts, Kills Stepdaughter in Lagos

The police in Lagos have arrested a woman, Aminat Akanni, for allegedly abducting two of her stepchildren and murdering one of them because she claimed her husband refused to provide Sallah clothes for her own son. It was learnt that the suspect killed one of the kids, Nofisat, by pushing her into a soak away. It was learnt that Aminat was arrested by the police at CMS Bus Stop, Lagos Island, on October 9. Prior to her arrest, seven-year-old Lateef and four-year-old Nofisat had been declared missing on Friday, October 3- a day to the Sallah celebration. After the suspect’s arrest, she confessed to have abducted the two kids from Church Street, Lagos Island where they lived. She further confessed to have also killed the younger, child, Nofisat, by pushing her into soak-away beside a mosque in the Orile area. Moshood who hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, said his second wife, who he rented an apartment for in the Orile area, abducted the kids claiming that she wanted to “punish him for not buying Sallah clothes for her own son.”

SSS Arrests Fake EFCC Officers

Operatives of the Department of State Security Services (SSS) have uncovered a syndicate of fraudsters in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The fraudsters are accused of dispatching fake invitation letters to unsuspecting heads of government agencies purporting to be carrying out investigation activities against them. The alleged kingpin of the syndicate, one Olubunmo Olalekan, paraded himself as a Principal Detective Superintendent of the EFCC, and had in his possession, fake letterhead of the commission, 30 SIM cards, complimentary cards, a laptop computer and printer. His modus operandi was to send out invitation letters to as many agencies as possible, via courier, claiming to have pending petitions alleging corruption against them. Investigations so far revealed that the suspect had written and distributed over 60 letters purportedly from the commission to several top officials of ministries, departments and agencies. Those who fell for the scam were asked to pay money for the purported case against them to be dropped. But some heads of agencies that are sure they had done nothing to warrant investigation by the EFCC have been bold to contact the commission, which was how Olalekan was nabbed.

One Killed as Hoodlums Clash at Amosun’s Ilaro Rally

Two groups of hoodlums clashed at Ilaro in Yewa South LGA of Ogun State, leaving one person dead and several others injured. An eyewitness, Biodun Sowunmi, said the incident occurred during the assessment tour of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to the LGA. The gangs were reportedly fighting over territorial protection. It was gathered that the incident occurred outside the venue of the assessment tour and did not affect the programme. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the incident was masterminded by hoodlums who used dangerous weapons freely. He disclosed that 16 people had been arrested, while weapons, including four pump action guns, cutlasses, axes and assorted charms were seized.

One Killed as Hoodlums Invade Isale-Eko

One person was on Monday night killed in a renewed violence between factions of hoodlums at Isale Eko area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the incident might be connected with the battle for territorial control and loyalty to political parties among the factions of hoodlums. The deceased, who was killed during the clash, was identified as Sikiru Alaran, a vulcaniser, said to be working in his shop, when the assailants invaded the area. A resident disclosed that there had been tensions on political issues among hoodlums in the area, adding further that factions of hoodlums in the state were taking advantage of the difference in the choice of political party to unleash mayhem on one another.

Court Remands Pastor for Robbery

A district pastor of a church in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has been remanded by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja. The 37-year-old pastor, Adebambo Adetunji, was alleged to be one of the gang members, who robbed motorists at the Ojota Bus stop, between April and July, 2014. It was learnt that Adetunji and other suspects, who were still on the run, were notorious for snatching cars and robbing victims of their valuables at gun point. It was learnt that Adetunji was arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) led by SP Abba Kyari after Badmus had reported the attack to the police. The prosecutor, Inspector Nurudeen Thomas, on Thursday, brought the suspect, who hails from Osun State, before the Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Oshodi, on three counts bordering on armed robbery. Oshodi ordered that the defendant be remanded pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Police Parade Suspected Killers of Editor

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday paraded an armed robbery gang, who confessed to have killed a former Assistant Editor of Newswatch Magazine, Toyin Obadina, in one of their operations in February. It had also been reported that 50-year-old Obadina, who hailed from Ogun State, died the following Sunday during a surgery to remove the bullets lodged in his stomach. According to the police, four of the suspects were arrested, while the remaining two were killed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad detectives during another operation. Our correspondent learnt that the gang members were arrested from their hideout in Ajelogo, Mile 12 area on Thursday, October 17 after information had reached the police. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the killing of Obadina.

Police Arraign Man in Court over Robbery of Phones, Cash

A middle aged man, Adebiola Michael, was, Monday, arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere over an alleged robbery of two black berry phones and N180,000 cash from one Adeola Adirat. The defendant was docked before Justice O. Opesanwo. Prosecuting counsel, Afolabi Sholebo, told the court that the defendant committed the crime at Access Bank road, University of Lagos, Akoka. He said the robbery attack took place on March 26, 2012, at about 9p.m. According to the prosecutor, the defendant and others still at large, committed the crime while armed with a gun. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge as Justice Opesanwo ordered that he be remanded in prison custody. The matter was adjourned till November 25 for trial.

31-Year-Old Charged for Sexual Assault in Osun

Thirty-two-year-old Gbenga Odunayo was, on Monday, charged before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun over alleged indecent assault of a 21-year-old woman. The accused is facing a charge of indecent assault. The prosecutor, Supo Adeyemo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 11. He said the accused assaulted Ifeoluwa Aworele, 21, and also had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Defence Counsel, Sunday Olagbaju, urged the court to grant the accused bail on liberal conditions, saying he will not jump bail. The Magistrate, Michael Awe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum. He said the surety should swear to an affidavit of means and submit two recent photographs at the court as part of the bail condition. Further hearing in the case was adjourned till November 17.

Court Remands Suspected Car Snatchers in Prison

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded three men in prison for allegedly snatching a car valued at N1.5 million at gunpoint. The Magistrate, Martins Akinyemi, said the trio should be kept in Oba Prisons pending the State Director of Public prosecution’s advice. The accused are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery. Police Prosecutor, Moshood Hammed, said the accused robbed one Mr Azeez Adeniyi of his Honda Accord car valued at N1.5million at gunpoint at Elega area of the metropolis in April. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 6 (1) and 1 (2), (a) of the Armed Robbery and Firearms Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004. The magistrate adjourned the case to Nov. 28 for mention.

Man Attempting to Use Wife for Rituals Arrested

The Area ‘B’ Apapa Commander, Innocent Ndubueze Anene, said the detective attached to his command has arrested a man who attempted to use his wife for ritual purpose in Lagos. Anene explained that the police also arrested two others, including the man who posed as an alfa, an Islamic cleric. The trio shaved the hair on the woman’s genitals after they had charmed her. The State Commissioner of Police, Cornelius Aderanti, urged the officers and men to be disciplined and ensure that the forthcoming election is crisis-free. Aderanti described the election as very high stake.

Customs Nabbed Suspected Smuggler in Oyo

There was pandemonium in Saki town in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State when men of the Nigeria Customs Services (NSC) invaded the Isale Adeen area of the town and stormed a market on Ikomi Road commando-style and confiscated some suspected contraband goods. The officials shot sporadically into the air to effect arrest of the suspected smugglers but, in the process, allegedly shot and killed a middle-aged man identified as Idowu while others sustained injuries. He was said to have been buried according to Islamic rites. It was learnt on Tuesday in Ibadan that the officers uncovered a warehouse in the market where suspected banned goods like rice and other products were hidden. About four other persons were said to have been hospitalized, having sustained various degree of injuries in the fracas.

Pastor Docked for Fraud

A 45-year-old pastor, Bienose Chukwuka, was, Tuesday, arraigned before a Lagos High Court on a 33-count charge of stealing and obtaining money by false pretense. The defendant was accused by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of stealing and obtaining N5.3 million by false pretense from 15 persons, including Pastor John Ezeugo and Reverend Peter Emeka. EFCC counsel, Mr. Ben Ubi, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Justice Lawal Akapo adjourned the matter till December 1, 2 and 3 for commencement of trial and held that the defendant should continue on the bail granted him by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

Man, 39, Rapes 11-Year-Old Girl

The Police Tuesday charged a man, Dunstan Ukaga, 39, before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl. The suspect, who is facing a count-charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl, was arraigned before Magistrate A. A. Demi-Ajayi. The prosecutor, Etim Ekankum, told the court that the defendant raped the minor several times between April 24 and September 28, at his residence in Festac Town. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate Demi-Ajayi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate ordered that the two sureties must deposit N30,000 each to account of the court’s Chief Registrar, and present to court evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State government.

GENERAL

Gunmen Kill 25 in Taraba Attack

The peace in Wukari LGA of Taraba State   was on Sunday morning shattered by suspected herdsmen, who invaded Sondi village, killing 25 people. National President of the Nigeria Association of Wapan Students, Tsokwa Addanti Ajidik, who disclosed this, added that the gunmen burnt many houses before fleeing. Ajidik expressed dismay at what he described as the lukewarm attitude of security operatives whom, according to him, had fore knowledge of the invasion. Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ademola Omole, who confirmed the incident, put the death toll at seven.

Militants Beheads Six in Borno, Kills 14 in Taraba

Members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have continued to ignore the ceasefire agreement they reached with the Federal Government as the militant group beheaded six people along the Biu-Garkida road in Borno State on Friday. The road is said to be the same one where the Emir of Gwoza, Idrissa Timta, was killed a few months ago. The sect was also said to have attacked and killed people at Abadam village around the Lake Chad area in Borno State and Gava III of Gwoza LGA. The latest round of Boko Haram atrocities followed the invasion of Sondi village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State, where some gunmen killed no fewer than 14 people. According to the Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, the sect, after slaughtering their victims in the Borno, occupied the community, preventing relatives from taking their slain relatives. He said in an effort to remove the bodies, a young man was shot as he attempted to retrieve his father’s body.

Police Arrest 3 Robbery Suspects in Bauchi

Three robbery suspects were on Saturday arrested by a police patrol team in conjunction with a famous local hunter in Bauchi State, Ali Kwara, at Dagaleri in Gamawa LGA of the state. The robbers, according to the police spokesman in the state, Haruna Mohammed, dressed in military uniforms and attacked one Alhaji Hafizu in his house and robbed him of an unspecified amount of money. They also inflicted machete cuts all over his body, leaving him unconscious before fleeing the scene. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) further informed that the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Azare, the headquarters of Katagum LGA of the state for treatment. He added that investigation into the robbery attack was in progress.

Police Parade 18 Suspects in Benue

Benue State commissioner of police, Hyincth Dagala, has paraded 18 suspected criminals arrested in the state. He revealed that police arrested one of the suspected armed robbers, who invaded the NKST church at Afia village, Ukum LGA. One of the suspects, Terhile Boyo was arrested, while others are still at large. Among those paraded include three suspected kidnappers, seven cult members, one gun manufacturer, a quack doctor and one job racketeer. Dagala noted that the kidnappers, who were arrested in two separate places, had kidnapped their victims, one in Gboko and another female victim in Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state. According to the police boss, a quack doctor, Iorngwe Mbakur, who carried out illegal abortion on a 22-year-old lady that eventually died, was also arrested.

Police Foil Attack on Plateau Community

Men of the Plateau State Police Command on Tuesday foiled a reprisal attack on Rukuba community in Bassa LGA of the state by their Irigwe neighbours, over alleged killing of an elderly Rukuba woman and 10 others by suspected gunmen from Irigwe. The incident was said to have exacerbated the communal rift between the two communities over land which started since May 5. Spokesman of the command, Emmanuel Abuh, disclosed that the police promptly responded quickly to distress calls by residents of Irigwe community and brought the crisis under control to stop it from escalating. Abuh appealed to the Irigwe and Rukuba communities to lay down their arms and embrace peace irrespective of their differences, and advised the district heads of the affected communities to ensure that peace returned to their areas. Chairman of Irigwe/Rukuba Peace Vanguard, Kure Abbas Yakwe, confirmed the death of a 65-year-old woman who was killed by suspected gunmen while returning from Rukuba market. He pleaded with the youths of Irigwe and Rukuba to embrace peace so that they can move forward.

Female Trafficker Jailed 30 Years

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a female human trafficker, Nneka Ebelechukwu, to 30 years imprisonment without option of fine. She was arraigned in court June 9, 2013 and charged with a three-count of organising foreign travels for young girls which promotes prostitution. This followed her arrest by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP). Delivering the judgement, the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, said the prison term of 30 years was to run concurrently without any option of fine. Ademola condemned the act in strict terms and also called on parents to desist from handing their children to human traffickers for greener pastures. Head of Communication, NAPTIP, Arinze Orakwue, added that Ebelechukwu was convicted for organising foreign trips for young girls and subsequently subjecting them to prostitution which is an offence punishable under Section 16 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003, as amended.

Police Arrest Man for Raping 16-Month-Old Toddler

The Police in Bauchi State, on Monday, disclosed that they arrested a 20-year-old man in Ningi, the headquarters of Ningi LGA of the state for having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 16-month-old baby. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed that the suspected rapist, Anna’s Adamu, was nabbed by police detectives on Sunday, October 19, at about 6am. The suspect had unlawful carnal knowledge of his neighbour’s 16-month-old daughter inside his bedroom. He added that the scene of the crime was visited by the detectives, who rushed the victim to the General Hospital, Ningi, for medical examination, where penetration was confirmed. He, however, said that the police were investigating the matter. In another development, the PPRO informed that about 10 suspected ritualists, wielding offensive weapons, last Saturday stormed the house of one Yakubu Ubandoma and stabbed him on the neck. The suspected ritualists, according to the police spokesman, also amputated Ubandoma’s arms and plucked out the eyes of his 20-year-old son, Ishaya Yakubu, who later died while on admission.

Five Killed, 12 Injured in Bauchi Twin Blasts

At least five people were said to have died and 12 others seriously injured when two bombs went off in a crowded motor park at Azare town of Bauchi State at about 10pm on Wednesday. The incident came after information filtered into the town that a man identified as Mathew was attacked and killed at about 9pm same day around a settlement called Fur in Bogoro LGA of the state. The attackers went away with his head and one leg. Eyewitness to the Azare blast disclosed that about two bombs were detonated simultaneously around 10pm at the main motor-park along Kano road by some hoodlums. The witness said he counted about 15 bodies lying down on the ground at the scenes of the bomb blast while several others were critically injured.

Over 20 Killed in Attacks on Nasarawa Communities

Following a renewed outbreak of violence in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, over 20 deaths were recorded in two separate attacks by suspected gunmen. One of the victims of the attack on Kompany community, Mr. Musa Mohammed, disclosed that the gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen pounced on the community at about 11pm on Tuesday night, killing anyone at sight and burning down houses. He said 19 corpses, comprising mostly women and children, were recovered on Thursday morning in an attack that lasted till 2am. According to him, residents of the area are still taking refuge in the bushes nearby for fear of another attack. Mohammed lamented that this was the second time Fulani gunmen have attacked the community within two months and called on government to redouble its efforts towards restoring lasting peace in the state. Suspected Fulani gunmen had, on Sunday night, attacked Agyaragun Tofa community in Lafia LGA, leaving one person dead and five others injured.

Police in FCT Arraign Man for Breach of Trust, Cheating

The police on Monday arraigned a man, Elisha Tanko, at a Grade 1 Area Court, Kado, Abuja, for defrauding seven job applicants of N790,000 and promised to help them to secure job. The prosecutor, Corporal Friday Idi, disclosed that one Onah Boniface, Adole Michael and five others reported the matter to the police on September 29. Idi said that the accused received money from the complainants to secure jobs for them with the Nigeria Prison Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, State Security Service and the Nigeria Customs Service, but failed to do so. The prosecutor said the offence of criminal breach of trust and cheating against the accused contravened the provisions of sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Judge, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, who refused to grant bail to the accused, ordered that he should be remanded in police custody. He then adjourned the case until November 11 for further hearing.

INTERNATIONAL

Two Die as Riot Breakout in Sierra Leone over Ebola tests

Two people died in a riot in Sierra Leone sparked when health workers struggling to contain the Ebola epidemic tried to take a blood sample from an elderly woman on Tuesday. A machete-wielding mob clashed with security personnel in the eastern town of Koidu and then went on a rampage on Tuesday, after preventing a medical team from taking the blood from the 90-year-old mother of a youth leader, doctors from the local government hospital said. The woman, who had been suspected to be infected with Ebola, had died and was thought to have high blood pressure. Sierra Leone is one of three West African nations hardest hit by the deadly Ebola epidemic, the world’s worst ever. At least 1,200 people have died in the country, from 3,410 infections, as of October 14, according to World Health Organization figures.

Total’s CEO Dies in Plane Crash

Chief Executive Officer of French oil company Total, Christophe de Margerie, has died in an air crash in Moscow, airport spokeswoman, Elena Krylova, confirmed. He died after his plane crashed when it collided with a snow-clearing machine. Three crew members and a passenger died in the incident. The driver of the snow plough was drunk, according to Russian investigators. The collision happened as de Margerie’s private jet was trying to take off at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport. Russia’s emergencies ministry said in a statement the accident had involved a Falcon-50 plane shortly before midnight local time on Monday. De Margerie, 63, had been chief executive of Europe’s third largest oil company since 2007. He joined Total Group after graduating from the Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Paris in 1974. Russian investigators have said “criminal negligence” caused the crash. Federal investigators said that the driver of the snow plough was drunk. Investigators also said that “negligent” managers at the airport had failed to co-ordinate the actions of their employees. Russia’s transport regulator is also investigating the crash, which it said happened in “bad visibility”.

Woman Set on Fire in India after Argument with Man

A woman has died of her injuries after being set on fire on a train in the Indian state of Kerala. The woman, identified as Fathima, 45, had been seen having an argument with man on the station platform in the town of Kannur early on Monday. She boarded a stationary train and was seen running out shortly afterwards in flames. Police say they are looking for the suspect. Violence against women is deeply entrenched across India. Kerala police inspector, AK Babu, disclosed that some eyewitnesses had reported that Fathima was seen arguing with the man shortly before boarding the early morning train to Cochin. Police suspect that Fathima was doused in alcohol before being set on fire while she was sitting in the train compartment. The seat covers were also burned. Babu said the police could not take a statement before her death, as she was too seriously injured.

Factory Fire Kills Three, Injures One in China

Three people were killed and another one was badly injured after a factory fire in south China’s Guangdong Province on Saturday afternoon, local authorities said. The accident happened at about 1:05 p.m. when a fire broke out at the Shenzhen Qianyuan Vacuum Technology Co. Ltd in Shenzhen City. Initial investigation found that workers violated safety regulations and used naphtha, a number of flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, to wash the floor. The fire was put out at 1:50pm.

4 Women in Saudi Arabia for Preparing Sons to Wage Jihad

Four women in Saudi Arabia have been jailed for preparing their sons to wage war and for supporting Al-Qaeda. They were sentenced to between six and 10 years in prison, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. It said a court convicted the women on charges including “preparing some of their sons to fight in conflict areas believing that it is required by Islam”. They were also found guilty of “supporting Al-Qaeda”, accessing blocked Internet sites, and downloading “audio-visual material related to fighting.” It did not say when the offences occurred or give the nationalities of the accused, although three were issued with travel bans, suggesting they are Saudi nationals. The kingdom’s top cleric, Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, has urged young Muslims not to be influenced by “calls for jihad… on perverted principles”.

Tunisian Officer Killed as Police, Militants Clash

One Tunisian National Guard officer was killed and several others wounded in an armed confrontation early Thursday with militants in a popular suburb of the capital Tunis. The confrontation occurred when security agents raided a house for suspected “terrorism activities” in the Oued Elil neighborhood, the report said, citing Interior Ministry spokesperson Mohamed Ali Aroui. Also on Thursday, two Tunisian soldiers were wounded in another armed confrontation with militants near the border with Algeria in the north, the radio said, but with no confirmation yet from the Ministry of Defense. The incidents came three days before Tunisian voters cast their ballots in scheduled legislative elections, with heavy security presence.

Eight Killed in Pakistani Bus Attack

Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Shiite Muslims in the southwestern city of Quetta on Thursday, killing eight of them, police said. The latest sectarian violence happened at a fruit and vegetable market on the outskirts of the city, capital of restive Baluchistan province. City police chief, Abdul Razzaq Cheema, confirmed the incident and casualties. Clashes between Sunnis and Shiites led to at least 11 deaths in the city of Rawalpindi, close to the capital Islamabad, last November. Ethnic Hazaras, who are predominantly Shiite, are among the worst hit because their Central Asian features make them stand out. The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said that as many as 200,000 had fled Baluchistan over the past 10 years, either relocating in the country’s major cities or seeking asylum abroad.