Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 47

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	6
2	Robbery/Drugs/Gang Incidents	8
3	Maritime Incidents	1
4	Terrorism	10
5	Political/Government Agencies	9
6	Murder/Assassinations	8
7	Rape Incidents	2
8	Others	14
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Three Kidnappers Killed as Police Rescue Abducted Woman

A six-man gang of suspected kidnappers on November 10th, engaged the police in a gun battle at Okpoko in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State during which three members of the gang were killed and a woman, Edith Maduekwe, kidnapped by the gang, was rescued by the police. After the gun battle, the police recovered seven hundred and seventy six thousand naira (N776, 000) from the suspects, which was part of the N1.4 million ransom paid by the family of the victim. Items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle with 90 rounds of ammunition, one pump action gun and 10 live cartridges, assorted charms and other weapons. Police Public Relations Officer, Uche Ezeh said the leader of the gang known as Charlie Parker had been on the wanted list of the Police for four years.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers of Minister’s Sister
The police in Rivers State have announced the arrest of two persons suspected to be the kidnappers of Osiya Agama, sister of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. Agama was abducted by unknown gunmen on October 21 at about 20:00hrs in Port Harcourt in River State. The police had recovered the vehicle she was driving before her abduction. The police, on November 10, confirmed that they had arrested her abductors in the waterfront area of Port Harcourt metropolis. The suspects include one Benjamin Bobmanuel, who was arrested around Nembe waterfront on November 9th. He is described as the leader of the kidnap gang and had been on the police wanted list.

7 Babies Abducted in Benue

Suspected kidnappers have stormed Benue State, snatching up to 7 babies from their parents within the week under review. It was alleged that a two-year-old baby strapped on the back of her mother was snatched the baby from her back into a moving vehicle. The parents have appealed to those who might have their babies to release them. Benue State Police spokesman, Daniel Ezeala, confirmed that only two of the cases were reported and said the development was being investigated. He appealed to the public to be vigilant and report suspicious characters to the police through available distress numbers for necessary action.

Gunmen Abduct Son of Former Bauchi PDP Chairman

Unknown gunmen, on November 13, abducted one Sanusi Garba Noma (33), son of former Bauchi State People’s Democratic Chairman (PDP), Jarman Bauchi. Noma was abducted in the early hours of the day in front of his fathers’ residence in Bauchi. Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the abduction by yet to be identified persons. He assured that the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad were on the trail of the abductors and would rescue the victim. In a related development, Mohammed said the Chief Produce Officer at Ministry of Agriculture Bauchi, Iliyasu Yakubu, male and 44 years who was abducted by two unknown persons recently has been found and he is in a stable condition.

Gunmen Kidnap Ribadu’s Brother

Gunmen on November 10, kidnapped Mallam Sani Ribadu, a brother of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. A source said Sani was kidnapped in his farm along Fufore, about 15kilometres to Yola. Sani is said to have been seized during a routine inspection visit to his farm. Apart from being a former chairman of Yola South Local Government Area, Sani Ribadu was also a former member of Adamawa State House of Assembly. The Special Assistant on Media to the ex-EFCC chairman, Mallam Abdulazeez Abdulazeez, confirmed the incident.

Two Nigerians to Jail in UK for Human Trafficking

Two Nigerians, Lizzy Idahosa and Jackson Omoruyi, have been jailed for eight and two years respectively for human trafficking and inciting prostitution in the United Kingdom. Their trial and conviction followed a UK Home Office investigation into the trafficking of Nigerian women into the UK for sexual exploitation. The British Home Office said the 24-year-old Idahosa was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, November 7 after being found guilty of women trafficking around the UK, inciting prostitution and money laundering. Her partner, Omoruyi, 41, was also jailed after the jury found him guilty of two money laundering offences.

Robbery/Drugs/Gang Incidents

NSCDC Arrests 49 Pipeline Vandals in Rivers State

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command has paraded 49 suspected pipeline vandals in different parts of the state. The corps Deputy commandant, Helen Amakiri, said 37 of the suspects were arrested by the Nigerian Navy before they were handed over to the NSCDC. Amakiri disclosed that the remaining 12 suspects were arrested by operatives of the corps at Abonnema in Akuku-Toru LGA, Kpor in Gokana and Azubie in Obio/Akpor LGA. She commended the Nigeria Navy for being alert and swift in arresting suspected criminals on the nation’s waterways. The state NSCDC commandant pointed out that further investigation would be carried out by the corps, adding that those found guilty would be prosecuted.

Residents Panic over Robbery Attacks in Ogwashi-Uku

Residents of Isah-Ogwashi-Uku community road in Delta State have lamented incessant criminal activities in the area. Investigations revealed that the burglars often dispossess residents of their belongings. This development has reportedly forced many to flee their homes. They have called for tighter security for residents in the area.

Hoodlums Raze Buildings in Supremacy Battle

Nine houses and shops adjoining the railway in Jibowu and Mushin areas of Lagos were razed down on November 8 by a fire allegedly started by some thugs. It was learnt that the fire, which started around 0200hrs, had consumed the buildings before fire-fighters arrived the area in the morning. The Mushin area of Lagos has been embroiled in a protracted crisis between two rival groups-Toheeb boys and Toba boys. It was learnt that the streets where the houses were razed played host to Toheeb boys.

Police Arrest Carjackers in Asaba

The Delta State Police Chave arrested two suspected carjackers who snatched a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) belonging to a clergyman in Benin, Edo State. The acting police spokesman, Roland Preston, explained a police patrol team, while on duty on November 6, at the Asaba toll gate, arrested the suspects driving the stolen vehicle. He said that the suspects also disclosed that they were taking the stolen vehicle to a receiver at one of the parks in Asaba, adding that they led the team to the park where one Clement Edeh, an agent to the receiver, was arrested.

Two Arrested for Impersonating LASTMA, Extorting N35,000

Lagos State Government has arrested two persons for posing as officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and extorting N35,000 from a motorist. The accused, Funsho Williams and Adekogbe Olabode, were arrested on November 12. The victim, 62-year-old Felix Adesanya, a retiree of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), narrated his ordeal in the hands of the suspects after he was flagged down and he stopped to help them. They were arrested after he strongly held on to one of them when they tried to escape in a commercial vehicle.

DSS Arrests Car Snatching Syndicate

The Department of State Service, DSS, in Anambra State has smashed a car-snatching syndicate operating in the state, arrested eight suspects and recovered four vehicles from them. Also recovered were two pistols and some live ammunition. The vehicles recovered from the suspects were Honda Accord, belonging to Anene Albert Onyemaechi, which was snatched from him in Awka and Ford Escape, belonging to Elochukwu Osondu, snatched from him at Ogidi. One of the suspects, 20-year-old Chizoba Agwuike, said they usually sell the vehicles for between N250,000 and N300,000.

NAFDAC Apprehends 10 for Forgery, Fake, Expired Drugs

The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested 10 suspects for varying offences including forgery of the agency’s certificates, possession of counterfeit drugs, revalidation and sale of expired products. Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, disclosed this on November 12 when the suspects were paraded. According to him, all the suspects were arrested based on information from producers of the original products. NAFDAC also secured the conviction of a middle-aged man, Sunday Okeke, for counterfeiting various alcoholic drinks.  Okeke was handed an 11-year-jail term on the four- count charges against him. Orhii made an appeal to transportation agencies to assist NAFDAC in the apprehension of perpetrators by alerting the agency when such illegal goods are being transported.

Police Arrest Hoodlums in Mile 2

Anti-Robbery operatives attached to Festac Police Division, last weekend underreview, arrested eight persons suspected to be hoodlums terrorizing motorists at the Mile 2 area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the operatives coordinated raids around black spots believed to be hideouts for criminals terrorizing the area. Spokesman at the Lagos State Police Command, Ken Nwosu, said the suspects were undergoing screening and interrogation and would be arraigned in court at the completion of investigation.

Maritime Incidents

Jonathan Pledges More Equipment to Navy to Improve Maritime Security

President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to support the Nigerian Navy with more equipment to effectively secure the nation’s maritime environment. Jonathan, who spoke on November 9th at Lokoja, the Kogi State capital during the on-going 2014 Chief of Naval Staff Annual Conference, CONSAC, said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was working with the Federal Government towards securing the Exclusive Economic zone in their region. Jonathan also revealed that the nation’s maritime interests were threatened by various forms of insecurity, especially piracy, illegal bunkering and crude oil theft, illegal fishing and proliferation of small arms. According to him, efforts would be made at equipping the Nigerian Navy to enable it meet with global best practices, global strategic contest and technological advancement in line with current global security challenges.

Terrorism

58 Killed, Several Injured as Bomb Rips School in Potiskum

At least 58 persons were killed and over 70 injured in the blast that occurred at Government Science School, Potiskum, Yobe State on November 9. The blast occurred during the early morning assembly of students. The Yobe state commissioner of police, Markus Danladi, confirmed the incident. The Yobe state government has closed down all schools in Potiskum pending the improvement of the security situation.

Military, Local Hunters Liberate Mubi, Vintim from Boko Haram

Residents of Mubi in Adamawa state, on November 12 marched onto the streets of Mubi, celebrating the liberation of the town by a combined team of the Nigerian military, local hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, which collaborated to flush out Boko Haram terrorists who had captured the town two weeks ago. Vintim, another town occupied by the terrorists, was also liberated in the battle. One of the residents from Mubi, Mallam Musa Bello, disclosed that most of the local hunters and Civilian JTF were mobilised from Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Borno States by some top politicians in Adamawa following fears that the state might be taken over by the insurgents. Over 30,000 local hunters and Civilian JTF were mobilised for the battle. Several insurgents were reportedly killed, while a number of them had been arrested. The military operation started penultimate Sunday evening with massive deployment of troops to the operational areas in Adamawa State, especially the Mararaba, Madagali and Mubi axis, where the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents had been prominent.

18 Killed as Boko Haram Bombs Azare, Gashala

At least 18 people were killed in two separate attacks in Bauchi and Adamawa states on November 7th. Suspected Boko Haram members carried out attacks in the North-east targeting Azare in Katagum LGA of Bauchi State, bombing a bank in the town. About 14 people were feared killed in the attack, while several others were injured. Similarly, the sect members entered Hong LGA of Adamawa State and invaded Gashala Village, killing four people in the process. A resident said residents of the village had to flee to hill top and bushes. He said the terrorists also torched several houses.

Boko Haram Using Child Soldiers, Women as Human Shields -Military

The Nigerian military has expressed concern over the use of women as human shields as well as children as child soldiers by Boko Haram militants in their quest to weaken military operations. A top security source in the North-east disclosed that the terrorists rape and kill some of the young captives, who are reluctant to join them in their dastardly acts. In most cases, children and teenagers are forced to be in the frontline in the battle against Nigerian troops through ambushes and suicide bombing. There are established cases of women and children getting involved in terrorists’ acts like the recent bombing in schools, said the source.

Female Suicide Bomber Hits College in Niger State

A female suicide bomber on November 12th, detonated a bomb at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kontagora, Niger State, while exams were going on. According to an eyewitness, the bomb went off before the suicide bomber was able to gain entry into the auditorium where students were writing their exams. Another eyewitness said a student also died in the attack while several others sustained various degrees of injuries. But the Niger State Police spokesman, Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, maintained that only the suicide bomber was killed in the attack, while four injured students were taken to the Hospital for treatment.

Local Hunters Kill 80 Boko Haram Sect Members, Retake Mahia

At least 80 members of the Boko Haram sect were reportedly killed on November 12th in a gun battle with local hunters in Maiha LGA of Adamawa State. One of the hunters said the capture of Mahia town on Nover 10th by insurgents motivated the local hunters in the town to mobilise other hunters in neighbouring communities to team up against the insurgents to recapture the town. He said the hunters recovered Mahia LGA headquarters from the control of the insurgents. The hunter said it was the military that prevented them from dislodging the insurgents because they are not constituted security forces and could not be trusted with such a mission. He appealed to the military authorities to screen them and give them the go ahead to take on the Boko Haram insurgents, expressing the confidence that they have the capacity to dislodge the insurgents from several communities. Boko Haram insurgents had overrun Maiha town, the headquarters of Mahia GGA of Adamawa state. According to a security source, nobody had anticipated any attack as the insurgents had been coming to Maiha to preach and persuade the people to support their struggles.

Boko Haram Invades Two Towns In Adamawa

Scores of Boko Haram fighters on November 13 invaded two towns in Adamawa state after hunters and civilian vigilantes reportedly ousted them from a key town. The Islamists raided Hong and Gombi, some 100 kilometres (62.5 miles) from the state capital, Yola, after they were pushed out of Mubi, which they seized two weeks ago. The vigilantes had reportedly reclaimed the town of Maiha on Wednesday after a fierce battle in which scores of the insurgents were said to have been killed, although there was no official confirmation. In Gombi, resident Haruna Awwalu said Boko Haram were patrolling the streets, firing heavy weaponry, while another local, Rabi Tanimu, said people were cowering indoors and many had fled into the bush.

Boko Haram: 13,000 Nigerians Flee to Cameroon – UN

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on November 11, said violence by Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria continues to send thousands of refugees into neighbouring Cameroon. UN High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) said that about 13,000 Nigerians crossed from Adamawa state after insurgents attacked and captured the town of Mubi in late October. According to local authorities in Cameroon, the vast majority of these 13,000 Nigerians have now returned to Nigeria. The Cameroonian authorities reported that they facilitated onward transit movements and provided escorts to ensure the safety of those transiting through Cameroonian territory.

NSGF Urge FG to Declare Total War against Boko Haram

The Chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF),   Babangida Aliyu, on November 10, stated that unless the Federal Government declared a total war against Boko Haram, the sect might overrun the North. Aliyu said the NSGF   would support the Jonathan-led government on a total war against the insurgents. He declared that the Federal Government must wage a total war against them. Aliyu lamented that the activities of the sect had dealt a deadly blow to the socio-economic life of the region.

Herdsmen Kill 25 in Nasarawa

At least 25 persons were on November 9, killed by suspected Fulani insurgents at Arikya-Soni, a boundary area between Nasarawa-Eggon and Lafia LGAs of Nasarawa State. Eyewitness reported that the gunmen ambushed and killed their victims on their way back from the farms early in the morning. A mass burial was conducted for the victims, who were all of Eggon ethnic nationality; after their remains were recovered at about 1 pm. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the incident and said investigation had commenced to unravel the perpetrators of the criminal act. A member representing the area (Nasarawa Eggon East constituency) in the state House of Assembly, Mohammed Muluku, called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in the area to prevent further attacks on his constituents.

Political/Government Agencies

Jonathan Promises to Tackle Insurgency, Eradicate Poverty

President Goodluck Jonathan, on November 11th formally declared his bid for a second term, pledging to do everything humanly possible to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents. The president also pledged to eliminate corruption and poverty if given a chance to govern Nigeria for another four years. Jonathan, who acknowledged that his government had come under severe criticism over its handling of the crisis, said the government was currently equipping the armed forces and deploying Special Forces to fight Boko Haram. The president also pledged his commitment to working with all Nigerians, with a view to taking the country to its desired height.

Jonathan Unveils N100 Commemorative Note

President Goodluck Jonathan on November 11, unveiled the new N100 centenary commemorative banknote at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Briefing the president and his cabinet on the new note, the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele said it was designed to commemorate 100 years of nationhood. The new centenary note, Emefiele said, has the most advanced security features in the world. He listed the design platform on which the note was made to include security, durability, attractiveness, cultural heritage and transformation. The notes would be in circulation from December.

HURIWA Canvasses War Compensation Package, Support for Military

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on Nigerians to collectively and individually support the military operatives and officers waging the current war against terrorism. The group also asked the federal government to specifically set out a day to honour with awards the combatants who excelled as a way of boosting their morale. HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Zainab Yusuf, made the call.

Elections: Police Strategizes on Containing Thugs, Illegal Arms

In preparation for political campaigns and the 2015 general election that will commence soon, the Nigeria Police have mapped out strategies to mop out all illegal arms currently in circulation in the country. The police authorities also warned thugs to find another legitimate source of livelihood, as the police are combat-ready to ensure that thugs and their sponsors were not allowed to operate during the 2015 elections. The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, disclosed this on November 12, as he formally launched a human rights manual, which would serve as a guide to the police officers.

IGP Directs Close Supervision of Vigilante, Neighbourhood Watch

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has directed Commissioners of Police across the nation to ensure adequate screening and supervision of vigilante groups to ensure that they work in conformity with laid down regulations in order to avoid all forms of abuses. The IGP also has issued a stern warning   against the use of thugs to further political interest. He warned that thugs and their sponsors will be arrested and prosecuted. The statement added that these directives had become imperative, considering the need to ensure a violent-free general election in 2015. The IG further instructed that an Officer be appointed in all Commands to oversee the activities of these groups and render regular reports of their activities.

Jonathan Accepts NJC’s Recommendation to Appoint Mohammed as CJN

President Goodluck Jonathan has accepted the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to appoint Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The president had reportedly communicated his acceptance of Mohammed to the NJC. His appointment would take effect after confirmation by the senate. The NJC had last week recommended Justice Mohammed to the president for appointment as CJN to replace Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who will retire on November 20 when she will have clocked the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

Nigerian Customs Repositions for Yuletide

The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on November 12, vowed to make the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans-border crimes, ahead of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Area Comptroller in charge of the command, Willy Egbudin, who announced this, said the smugglers, who changed route to areas like Shaki in Oyo State and Idiroko in Ogun State, were not finding it easy as the Customs operatives in those areas were matching them strength for strength.

4 Feared Dead as PDP, LP Clash in Delta LG Rerun

At least four persons have been feared dead and several injured during the local government council rerun election held in Delta State on November 12. The Police, however, said only one person died during the clash between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP). The rerun election held on November 12, in Okpe, Ethiope East, Udu and Ndokwa East LGAs of the state. It was gathered that trouble started when one of the political parties allegedly attacked voters and party supporters, who dared to halt an on-going electoral malpractice during voting in Abraka. In the process, three persons were allegedly shot by some thugs, who snatched voting materials meant for a ward in Abraka.

8,319 PVCs Stolen in Edo

Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, on November 11th, disclosed that a total of 8,319 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) were snatched by hoodlums during the recent distribution of the PVCs in 10 LGAs of the state. While decrying the cases of card theft despite warnings by the commission that the PVCs could only be useful to their rightful owners, he however, said the matter had been reported to the police, while the commission would also commence an internal investigation. According to him, the total number of cards meant for the state could not be disclosed, as some of the cards brought to Edo State were originally meant for eligible voters in Jigawa, Kogi and Delta states.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest 26 Murder Suspects in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday said it had arrested 26 suspects in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old man, Sikiru Ogboye, on November 9th. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrest. Ogboye was killed while reportedly monitoring the collection of Permanent Voters Card in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state. The deceased was said to be monitoring the process in the area on behalf of the PDP. Ogboye was killed in a suspected clash between supporters of different political parties. One pump action gun and a live cartridge were recovered, according to the police spokesman.

Governor's Driver Killed by Attackers

Unidentified gunmen, on November 7th, shot dead, Abdullahi Mairuwa, the head driver of Governor Umaru Al-makura of Nasarawa State. Late Mairuwa, aged 57, died as a result of gun wounds he sustained after he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Keana from Lafia. The governor decried the incessant killings and attacks along Lafia-Obi-Keana road and pledged to beef up security in the area.

Trader Kills Customer over Price of Commodity

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a trader, Lawrence Ikonne, for allegedly killing a buyer, Isa Yaya, because the deceased haggled over the price of a commodity at his (trader’s) residence. It was learnt that the victim, 22-year-old Yaya, had gone to Ikonne’s apartment to buy a fairly used air conditioner. It was said that the two of them went inside a room to bring out the commodity, and they started haggling over the price, which reportedly resulted in a fight, during which Ikonne hit Yaya on the stomach with a stick. Ikonne had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, Yaba, and would soon be charged to court.

Gunmen Kill Worshipper in Plateau

One person has been killed in Riyom LGA of Plateau State by suspected Fulani militia who stormed Rim village on Tuesday morning. Majority leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly and member, representing Riyom state constituency, Hon. Daniel Dem, confirmed the killing. He disclosed that the gunmen targeted people who went to the church for morning prayers and were able to kill one worshipper.

Fashola’s Aide, Governorship Aspirant Arraigned for Murder

A former Commissioner for Rural Development in Lagos State and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tola Kasali (62) was arraigned for murder before the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 11th. He was arraigned alongside the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Politics and Legislative Matters, Musiliu Folami (64) and Kasali’s Chief Security Officer, Tobun Abiodun (38). They were arraigned on four counts bordering on murder and unlawful possession of firearms. The police said the men conspired to kill one Musiliu Lamidi on November 9, 2014, around at the Ibeju-Lekki area of the state. The police added that they were found in possession of a pump-action gun without a valid license. The corpse of the deceased was said to have been found on the premises of one of the defendants. Their pleas were not taken by the court for the offences.

Man Wanted after Killing Uncle in Akwa Ibom

Security operatives in Etinan LGA of Akwa Ibom State are on the lookout for a 31-year-old man, Emmanuel Akpan, over the death of his uncle, Joseph Akpan (67). Emmanuel is alleged to have hacked his uncle to death on November 8th. The suspect is further accused of threatening to kill the deceased’s daughter, Ini, because of a dispute over land. Sources said the deceased, after surveying the land to determine its value for possible sale, was approached by the suspect in his house to demand part of the proceeds from the sale of the land. Emmanuel was said to have told the deceased to part with three quarters of the proceeds, as it was the requirement by a cult to which he belonged to collect part of the money from anybody who sells land in the community. The police have intensified their search for Emmanuel who has remained in hiding.

Soldier Kills Graduate to Steals

A soldier in Maiduguri has allegedly shot dead a 22-year-old graduate, Mohammed Sulum, who gave him a ride and ran away with his car. It was learnt that the incident occurred on November 5th. The father of the deceased, Alhaji Konto Sulum, reported that after the shooting, the soldier who thought Mohammed was dead, dragged his body out of the car and zoomed off with it. But Mohammed had managed to crawl down to the roadside, where someone called the attention of Civilian JTF and they tried to rush him to the hospital. Before he died, he reportedly informed the Civilian JTF that he was shot by a soldier, who ran away with his car. The next day his friend saw the soldier and his friend with the car, where they alerted Civilian JTF and they were arrested.

Man Arrested for Paying to Kill Son-in-Law

The police in Bauchi State have arrested a 62-year-old man, Dotti Jumba, for paying some persons N40,000 to kill his son-in-law, Ahmadu Wakili Guji. Police spokesman, Haruna Muhammed, disclosed that Jumba was arrested by detectives attached to Gamawa Division on October 31, 2014, at about 1pm after he allegedly contracted four people with N40,000 to kill his 28-year-old son-in-law, a resident of Matamu in Gamawa LGA. He stated that the killers missed their target, and killed his father. Apart from Dotti Jumba, the police spokesman informed that two other suspects, 22-year-old Sani Jumba and Bura Manu, 20, both from Kubdia district, and two others, including the intermediary who collected the money from Jumba and paid the others, were now at large.

Rape Incidents

Pastor Accused of Impregnating 11-Year-Old

A 32-year-old pastor has been remanded in prison for allegedly raping and impregnating an 11-year-old girl in Lagos State. The pastor was arraigned at a Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abule Egba, Lagos State. According to reports, the pastor allegedly told the victim’s mother that there is an arrow of death in her house and must move out to avoid death. In obedience, the woman moved into the church with her children. Trouble started after the woman noticed some strange behaviour by her daughter and took the girl for medical check-up where it was confirmed that she was two months pregnant. The girl revealed that the pastor had sex with her, and threatened that she would die if she told anyone.

Counsel Withdraws Defence Services in Incest Trial of Farmer

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday further adjourned to November 18, the trial of a 50-year-old farmer, Yesiru Onajobi, charged with incest. The accused, a resident of Bogije St., Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is standing trial on a two-count charge of unlawfully having carnal knowledge of his 14-year-old daughter. He is being prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). At the last adjourned date, the Prosecutor, Kehinde Falade, had informed the court that the accused counsel, Austin Akpomretha, had withdrawn his representation for the accused. The trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, had then ordered the accused to secure another counsel to represent him in the suit. The accused was alleged to have committed the offence in 2010.

Others

15 Passengers Drown in Sokoto

At least 15 persons drowned when their vehicle plunged into River Rima in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto state on November 6th. The victims were said to be returning from a religious ceremony when the driver reportedly fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle, which plunged into the river. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Al-Mustapha Sani, said the incident occurred when a Toyota Avensis car was conveying 17 persons, adding that only two persons survived. He disclosed that the remains of the deceased were evacuated by the police. The PPRO said the deceased had since been buried by their respective families according to Islamic rites.

2 Die, Several Injured at Stadium Inauguration

Two persons died and 20 others were injured in a stampede at the entrance of Akwa Ibom International Stadium on November 8th during its inauguration. Although the spectators got tickets to enable them access the 30000-capacity stadium, the crowd started thronging the stadium about five hours ahead of the scheduled time for the match. Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Emem Bassey, said that two unconscious persons were taken to an undisclosed hospital. He said that the third unconscious person, a woman, was revived in the stadium.

Man, 70, Held with 20 Live Cartridges

A 70-year-old man, Emmanuel Njoku, has been arrested by the Police in Enugu during a stop and search operation at Ozalla, along Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway, for allegedly being in possession of 20 live cartridges. According to Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, the live cartridges were concealed under his vehicle driver’s seat. In another development, a man identified as Paschal Anukwu of Eziama,Afam, Mmaku, in Awgu LGA of Enugu State, was said to have committed suicide. It was gathered that the deceased trekked to Enyinwomu forest in the early hours of the day where he hanged himself on a tree before being sighted and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

SON Confiscates Fake, Sub-Standard Products in Anambra State

Three illegal factories in Onitsha, Anambra State, have been shut by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), while fake and sub-standard products valued at over N200 million were confiscated during a two-day operation conducted by the SON. According to the head of SON in Anambra State, Albert Wilberforce, who led the operation, the owners of the affected factories took to their heels on sighting members of the monitoring and enforcement team. The fake and sub-standard products evacuated from one of the illegal factories included shaving sticks and razor blades, and were said to be worth over N100million. The team later raided another factory where it seized fake and sub-standard mattresses labelled Vita foam, Monnic foam, Mouka foam, Emic foam, and valued at over N120million were seized by the SON team.

Military Helicopter Crashes, Crew Members Safe

A military helicopter with five Americans on board crashed on November 10th near the NYSC refugees camp located in Bajabure in Girie LGA of Adamawa State shortly after it took off from the Yola International Airport.  An eye witness disclosed that an Air Force helicopter came to the scene of the incident immediately and rescued the five men on board identified as Americans. He said that four other military helicopters came later and the security personnel arrested the civilians that were at the scene of the crash to conceal the luggage the crashed helicopter was carrying.  The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, has confirmed that a military helicopter crash landed a few minutes after take-off. He disclosed that the Air Force helicopter was on a training mission when it forced landed, but no casualty was recorded.

Businessman Remanded in Prison over Fake Drugs Importation

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on November 11th, remanded a Lagos businessman, Olisaemeka Osefor in prison custody over illegal importation, distribution and sales of fake and counterfeit drugs and cosmetics products. Osefor, who was arraigned before Justice James Tsoho by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on a four-count charge bordering on counterfeit drug deal, pleaded not guilty.

Graduate Jumps into Lake, Drowns

A polytechnic graduate has died in a lake in Adegbayi, in Egbeda LGA of Oyo State, after he jumped in. Witnesses disclosed that the deceased committed suicide after he claimed he was fed up with life, having searched for job after graduation to no avail. He reportedly dropped his documents by the river bank before jumping.

Undergraduate Jailed for Cybercrime

An undergraduate of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, Akinyele Akintayo, was on November 11, sentenced to nine months imprisonment for attempting to scam a lady, Love Betsay, on the Internet. Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya of a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja gave the verdict after Akintayo pleaded guilty to the crime. Akintayo was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on three counts in relation to being in possession of documents intended to facilitate the fraud. The prosecuting counsel, Olubunmi Bosede, told the court that the convict was arrested on March 21, 2014 in Lagos, operating an email address under the alias of Susan Alexander. According to Bosede, Akintayo had sent messages to Betsey, claiming that his father had deposited the sum of $5.6m in a hidden box with an insurance company. The convict was said to have told the foreigner that getting married to her would grant him access to the money. Akintayo had pleaded guilty to the offence and entered a plea bargain with the anti-graft commission.

UBA, Dangote Commits $4 Million to Ebola Fight in Africa

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc board Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has announced the donation of $1 million to assist the fight against Ebola currently ravaging three West African countries where UBA does business: Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. The gift will be distributed through the UBA Foundation and shared equally among the three affected West African countries. The remaining $100,000 is to be contributed to the African Union Support Mission to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA), initiated by the African Union Chair, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Dangote Foundation also pledged the sum of $3 million to a fund established by African business leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is in addition to the previous interventions in Nigeria where the foundation, owned by business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, had spent about $5 million to evolve a two-pronged strategy that directly support the Nigerian Government’s Ebola containment efforts.

14 Burnt to Death Kwara Road Accident

Fourteen passengers were on November 12th, burnt to death, while 14 others sustained varying degrees of fire related injuries along Ogbomoso-Jebba Road, Ilorin axis, when a tanker and a truck collided. The accident happened when a truck fully loaded with cattle and passengers which was said to be coming from the North, rammed into a tanker said to be heading in the opposite direction. The Kwara State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mary Wakawa, who confirmed the development, disclosed that the accident occurred when one of the heavy duty vehicles veered off its lane and collided with the other. “Both vehicles went up in flame, 13 died on the spot, while one later died in the hospital. She attributed the accident to exhaustion, adding that “our drivers should stop long driving over night.

Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc in Ijaw Community

Rainstorm has destroyed several homes and rendered hundreds of residents homeless at Okpokunu, an Ijaw community in Burutu LGA of Delta State. Chairman of the council, Ebikeme Clark, visited the community after the disaster to assess the extent of damage. A community leader, Wandoko Ekiokeyei, called on the federal, state and local governments to come to the assistance of the affected people. The rainstorm had destroyed farmlands, residential houses, transformer, streetlights, church buildings, police station and primary schools.

Woman Arrested for Assaulting Child over Missing Money

A 27-year-old woman, Patience Stephen, has been arrested for almost killing her six-6-year-old daughter, Abigail, over allegations that the little girl allowed thieves to come into their apartment to steal her money. The FCT Police Commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu, who paraded Stephen on November13, said some good Samaritans had rescued little Abigail from her mother, after she had inflicted cuts all over her body using a razor and seared parts of her body with a hot metal. The neighbours had brought the girl to the Karimo Police Division, a suburb of Abuja, narrating her ordeal in the hands of her mother.

3 Siblings Die in Lagos Building Fire

Three children, including an infant, who were trapped in their house, were on November 11, burnt to death when fire razed the top floor of block 54 located at Jakande Estate, along the Mile 2 area of Lagos. According to eyewitness account, the bereaved mother had locked up the kids in the house late in the night and stepped down to her shop, but left a candle on, only to come back and meet the block of flat in flames. Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South-west Zone, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fire, which started about midnight, destroyed the top floor of the building.

Policeman in Court for Impersonation, Fraud

The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that one of its officers, Victor Banor, is being held in detention for allegedly impersonating several police officers and making over N20m from collecting multiple salaries. The police equally alleged that Banor, who had since been dismissed from the Force had continued to fraudulently earn salaries from 15 different police commands across the country to the tune of about N20m. Banor allegedly forged office stamps of various commissioners of police of Anambra, Enugu, Lagos and Kogi states with which he forged and signed fake documents which he altered and used to open 25 salary accounts for himself. The Legal Officer of Zone 2 Command, Justin Enang, stated this in a counter-affidavit filed in opposition to Banor’s suit seeking declaration that his prolonged detention without trial was a violation of his rights. Justice Aneke adjourned the case till November 21 for ruling on Banor’s bail application.

Review/Analysis

From the review of recent incidents within the country, there has been an increase in robbery/gang related cases. The south-south and eastern part of Nigeria are most popular in recent times to have recorded more of these incidents. Few of these incidents are also found in the western part of the country.

Hostage, Kidnap and Murder incidents are also on the increase. More of these cases are witnessed in the northern part of the country, while the east and south-south part of the country has witnessed some kidnap incidents. The rich and a few of political figures remain the target.

Looking at the reviews, it is of utmost importance that individuals and cooperate entities should be highly security conscious and alert to their environments. It is also important to inform the authorities of any threat or strange movements observed as such could prompt an investigation and prevent threats from becoming incidents.