Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 51

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Smash Kidnap Gang, Arrest 5, Kill 4 Suspects

Police in Ogun State recently smashed a kidnap syndicate which has been terrorising residents of Ijebu Ode axis in recent times. During the onslaught launched against the syndicate, December 6, five suspected kidnappers were apprehended, while four others died during a fierce exchange of gun fire with Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) detectives attached to Ogun State Police Command, Magbon, Abeokuta. It was gathered that the SARS operatives swooped on the den of the kidnappers at Odelewu Area of Ijebu Ode where five of the suspects, with bullet wounds were arrested and four others fell during the gun battle. It was learnt that the kidnappers were at the verge of launching a fresh mission to kidnap the son of a business mogul in Ijebu Ode before the detectives moved in, following a tip-off. Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the report. Items recovered from the suspects include two double barrel guns, some live and expended cartridges, four fake police Identity Cards, assorted charms and two cars, and two cars.

Two Docked for Alleged Kidnapping

Two men, Emeka Emezue, 46, and Uchenna Akudike, 40, were, December 9, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping. The accused both pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 4 when they abducted one Chisom Okechukwu and took him to an undisclosed location. The prosecution said the offences contravened Sections 269 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The Magistrate, Mrs Abimbola Komolafe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till January 22, 2015 for mention.

Police Rescue Kidnapped Children in Sagamu

Police in Lagos State have rescued two children, who were recently kidnapped by their new maid from their home in Isheri area of Lagos State. The police have also reportedly arrested the maid identified as Juliet, who took the children to a hideout in Sagamu area of Ogun State. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the rescue of the children, December 11. The police, while acting on intelligence reports, traced the two children, Michael and Raphael, to a building in Sagamu, where they were rescued. The twenty-four-year-old housemaid absconded with the children on December 7, less than a week after she was employed.

Robbery

Gunmen Pose as Evangelists to Rob Unsuspecting Residents

Armed robbers in Benin City, Edo State, now disguise as evangelists to gain access to private residences, in the guise of preaching the Christian gospel. The unlucky armed men, numbering three, were reportedly caught, December 8, when after gaining access to a block of four flats, they brought out a cut-to-size pump action gun which they used to dispossess many women of their belongings. The robbers were, however, said to have been apprehended when one of the members insisted on raping one of the female occupants, thereby giving an opportunity to one of the occupants to escape and subsequently raise an alarm, which attracted neighbours who pursued and caught them. Men of the Evoutubu Police division who were on patrol in the area, however, prevented the angry crowd from setting the criminals on fire after they were beaten to pulp. Police Public Relation Officer, Noble Uwoh, who confirmed the incident, urged the residents to be wary of persons they allow into their homes in whatever guise.

Police Arrest Suspected Masterminds of Minna Jailbreak after Robbery

Three of the gunmen behind the jail break in Minna have been apprehended by Niger State Command of the Nigeria Police. It was gathered that the men were apprehended after a gun duel with the police along Kalgara highway of Rafi LGA of the state while robbing road users at about 10pm. The police overpowered and immediately transferred them to the state headquarters for necessary action. Police Public Relations Officer in charge of the State Police Command, Malam Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, confirmed the arrest. Gambari added that the members of the gang were arrested and six rifles seized from them. The PPRO said those arrested were the main brain behind the prison break at the Minna Medium Security Prison where 275 inmates were confirmed to have escaped and 108 recaptured by December 8.

Robbers Kill Pastor in Edo State

A pastor, Godfrey Agbonwaneten, who was in charge of a Church in Benin City, Edo State, has been killed by armed robbers. The Christian cleric was shot in the early hours of December 9 by armed robbers, who raided his residence. According to his wife, Jane, the robbers gained entry into their apartment by removing the burglary and the window louvers. The body has been deposited in the mortuary, while police have visited the scene of the incident and have commenced investigations.

Ex-Militants Threaten to Attack Oil Installations

Irked by what he described as the deliberate exclusion of members of his camp from documentation and integration into Phase Three of the amnesty programme, ex-militant leader, David Owhegbe, December 10, issued a two-week ultimatum to the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, Kingsley Kuku, to correct the anomaly, failing which he will mobilise his men to attack oil installations in Delta State. Owhegbe lamented that the time frame promised them for their documentation and payment of stipend had long expired without any payment made.

Police Nab Cultists, Recover Ammunition in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two renowned cultists terrorizing residents of Ajah. The suspects were arrested for allegedly attempting to launch a robbery attack in the neighbourhood. It was learned that the gang, from whom ammunition were recovered, was going to inspect the location of a resident, where they had planned to attack when they were apprehended. The suspects arrested were simply identified as Solomon and Saleh were arrested, while Sunny, a member of the gang, remains at large. According to one of the suspects, 21-year-old Solomon, he did not know that the so-called fraternity, which his friend told him to join, was an armed robbery gang, claiming that it was dangerous for him to leave them when he found out that they were armed robbers.

Gang Incidents

Thugs Engage Police in Street Battle

Hell was let loose in the streets of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, as suspected political thugs engaged policemen in a battle at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a bid to hijack election materials for the House of Representatives primaries. During the battle, the suspected thugs held the members of the Electoral Committee of the party deployed to the state for the conduct of the primaries hostage. The PDP Election Committee members were held hostage at the PDP Secretariat for hours. The incident triggered pandemonium as politicians who had congregated at the secretariat to witness the distribution of materials scampered into the surroundings.

Suspected Thugs Invade Ebonyi Courts, Disrupt Proceedings

Youths suspected to be political thugs, December 5, invaded Ebonyi court complex and disrupted proceedings in various courts in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Eyewitness disclosed that about 1,500 thugs besieged the court premises and attacked judges and other workers. They said that the thugs invaded the judiciary at about 9:00 a.m. wielding different types of weapons and chanting war songs. The eyewitness said that “nobody knows the motive behind the invasion, but it was gathered that the attack was done to stop political opponents from obtaining court injunctions. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Chris Anyanwu, confirmed the incident.

Fake EFCC Agents Caught In Akure

Fake agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been caught and arrested by the EFFC in Akure, Ondo State. The impostor, one Olubunmo Olalekan and his syndicate of scammers operated from Akure for many years without suspicion. Olalekan and his cohorts had opened an EFCC office in Akure, from where they sent fake invitation letters in forged EFCC letter-heads to unsuspecting members of the public, particularly heads of government agencies and institutions on the pretext that they were being investigated for financial crimes. . Those who fell for the scam were asked to large sums of pay money so that their cases would be dropped. Olalekan ran out of luck when he tried Dr. Asunyikanmu Pius, director of Technical Aids Corps, Abuja, who smelt a rat and contacted the EFCC. He was encouraged to play along and consequently agreed to pay the sum of N2 million as demanded by the group to throw the ‘case’.

Drugs

Court Remands Man, 38, for Drug Trafficking

Justice Musa Kurya of a Federal High Court in Lagos, December 10, ordered the remand in prison custody of a 38-year-old businessman, Camara Issa, charged with drug trafficking. Issa, who is being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is facing a charge of unlawfully importing about 1.67kg of Cocaine into Nigeria. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Emeka Ehiju, had told the court that the accused was arrested by officers of the NDLEA on July 28 at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. He said that the accused was apprehended during the inward clearance of passengers on an Emirate Airline flight from Brazil. According to Ehiju, about 1.67 kg of the narcotics was recovered from the accused which he concealed in a large brown envelope.

Maritime Incidents

Navy Nabs 12 Suspects with Stolen Diesel

TheNigerian Navy, December 8, handed over 12 suspected oil thieves and 161,280 litres of suspected stolen diesel to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Commodore Chindo Yahaya, the Base Operations Officer of NNS Pathfinder, said the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the theft of the diesel valued at N30 million during several raids off the waterways in Asari-Toru LGA of the state. Yahaya, who handed over a tug boat, a barge, three wooden boats, and 172 drums containing the stolen diesel to the NSCDC, said the barge, MV Saviour, contained 120,000 litres of diesel, while the wooden boats carried 41,280 litres of the stole diesel. The Deputy Commandant of NSCDC, Christy Abiakam, who received the suspects, said the corps would carry out detailed and speedy investigation into the case.

Terrorism

Troops Nab Terrorists Cameramen

As the Nigerian troops continue to sustain their offensives against Boko Haram terrorists, more arrests have been made as troops nabbed professional cameramen for the terrorist group who are experts in photo, video recording and filming of their attacks on communities and atrocities against innocent citizens. The terrorists were nabbed during patrols, surveillance and raid operations to track fleeing terrorists in communities around Adamawa State. Confirming the development, the Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said four of those nabbed as they tried to escape in an SUV with digital camera and weapons were taken into custody. He added that they are helping in ongoing investigation in one of the barracks.

Nigerian Military Kills 67 Boko Haram Insurgents in Ashaka

At least, 67 terrorists died during a fierce battle for the control of Ashaka, the host community of Ashaka Cement Plant in Gombe State recently. Other insurgents managed to retrieve three truckloads full of their members before their final retreat from the town, which they stormed earlier on that day after suffering heavy defeat in the hands of Nigerian troops. The terrorists, who had come in large numbers with heavy equipment and convoy of over 30 vehicles, including a number of motorcycles, were on a mission to take control of Ashaka town, after they had operated in Bajoga and environment in the state. Most of the vehicles and equipment used by the terrorists for their mission were destroyed by the troops who chased the insurgents from the town. More than 10 soldiers, it was gathered, died during the battle while others who were wounded are being treated in military hospitals

Female Suicide Bombers Kill Six in Kano Market

Two female suicide bombers, December 10, detonated bombs at the very busy textile Kwari Market located in the Kano city centre, leading to the death of six with seven others sustaining injuries. The suicide bombers, who disguised as customers while traders and shoppers were going about their businesses, however aroused suspicion when the two women asked for water to ease themselves. An eyewitness told journalists under anonymity that the traders denied them access to toilets, which caused a shouting match between the traders and the two female bombers. During the ensuing melee, he said one of the female suicide bombers detonated her bomb to avoid arrest. Confirming the explosions, the state Police Commissioner, Aderenle Shinaba, disclosed that the explosions killed six persons including the suicide bombers.

31 Killed as Twin Blast Hit Jos

A twin bomb explosion, December 11, rocked the city of Jos in Plateau State, killing 31 persons and injuring several others. One of the explosions occurred in front of a fast food outlet, while the second, a few minutes later, detonated very close to the scene of the first explosion. Immediately after the explosion, the area was cordoned off by security agents. No person or motorist was allowed to get close to the spot for the fear that another bomb may yet explode. The Media Officer of Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, Ikedichi Iweha, said 16 persons were killed, while 25 others were injured. The blasts in Jos came as the police in Kano yesterday diffused a high calibre bomb discovered at Dawanau International Foodstuffs Market concealed in a bag.

Police Diffuse Bomb at Kano Market

Police in Kano, December 11, diffused a high calibre bomb discovered at Dawanau international foodstuffs market after it was concealed in a bag. The State police commissioner, Aderenle Shinaba, disclosed that operatives of the anti-bomb squad of the command had successfully detonated the discovered bomb, adding that the area was also sealed. Meanwhile a 13-year-old girl in an explosives vest was arrested in Kano.

Military Deploys Sniffer Dogs in North

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, December 10, disclosed that over 20 dogs, specially trained on explosives detection, search and rescue operations and other areas in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, had so far been deployed in various operational theatres in the northern part of the country. Minimah made this disclosure when he commissioned a newly constructed block of kernels for war dogs at the army headquarters Provost Dog Platoon in Abuja. He said a dog section was established under his predecessor, Lt-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika (rtd) in 2012, in order to “enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the service in the fight against insurgency.” According to him, the deployment of the elite trained detection or sniffer dogs have been of tremendous value to the overall success of the ongoing offensive and war against terror in the three key states of the North-east.

Troops Hunt Boko Haram, Shut Adamawa Communities

The troops of the Nigerian Army are carrying out a major operation to flush out remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in Michika and some neighboring communities in Adamawa State. Investigation revealed that the soldiers have restricted movement from Hong to Michika to prevent the insurgents from fleeing the area. It was gathered that the soldiers, riot policemen and vigilance groups are carrying out house-to-house search to flush out the insurgents hiding in some of the communities. The troops reportedly recovered three buses which were taken away from the College of Education, Hong, during the invasion of the community by the insurgents. They were also able to repel an ambush by the insurgents.

Political/Government Agencies

IGP Warns against Fireworks, Urges Vigilance against Explosive-Laden Gifts,

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has warned all citizens to be vigilant while receiving gifts from unknown persons that may pose as friends during the yuletide season. This is to avoid being victims of explosive-laden hampers disguised as gifts. The IGP also cautioned against the use of fireworks and other explosives in the celebration as they could cause distraction that may further heighten fear of insecurity. Abba further enjoined Nigerians to shun all forms of violence and unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancour and go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter during and after the season. Meanwhile, to ensure, a peaceful and incident-free Yuletide, the IGP has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Command Commissioners of Police, to take all necessary measures in ensuring the provision of adequate security for worshippers, travellers and all citizens across the country before, during, and after the season.

Peter Ekpendu is New Controller-General of Prisons

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of DCG Peter Ekpendu, as the new Controller-General of Prisons. Ekpendu, who hails from Ibeku Okwuato in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, had his primary school education at St Patrick’s school Ibeku, Okwuato in Aboh Mbaise LGA, while his Secondary School education was at Mbaise Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise. Before his present appointment, he held various positions in the prisons, including the Deputy Commandant, Prisons Training College, Lagos (1991-1994); Officer-in-Charge of Umuahia Prisons (1995-1996) and officer in-charge Owerri Prisons (1997-1998). He attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies, Kuru, Jos, in 2007 and was Assistant Controller General of Prisons (Operations) at the Prisons Headquarters, Abuja in 2008. This is coming four months after the former CG, Ibrahim Zakari retired from service.

FG Orders Release of Seized French Aircraft

The Federal Government has ordered the release of the French owned Antonov aircraft, which was impounded on December 6 at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, enroute to N’Djamena, Chad. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Adesola Amosu, disclosed this during a joint press conference with the French Defence Attaché (DA) to Nigeria, Col. Marc Humbert. Amosu said although Nigeria and France have a year-long arrangement called ‘Block Clearance’, whereby both countries’ aircraft are allowed to land or use the airspace under certain conditions, the seized aircraft did not follow proper procedure required in the arrangement. The Air Force Chief assured that having concluded the necessary investigation and satisfied that what was on the aircraft did not violate the agreement of Block Clearance with the French government, Nigeria would be ordering the release of the air craft to head to its final destination in Chad. Humbert denied the allegations that the aircraft was carrying weaponry and other materials in violation of the Block Clearance arrangement.

IGP Orders Investigation into Alleged Torture of Couple

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has ordered a full scale investigation into an alleged police incivility to a couple in Ikoyi, Lagos. The couple was reportedly brutalized by a police officer. The IGP said the action was in line with his avowed commitment to protect and uphold the human rights of all Nigerians and residents. According to him, the officer involved had been identified and was already undergoing administrative trial. All other officers whose conduct did not speak well on the incident are also being sanctioned, preparatory to further necessary action, he added. The IG further reiterated the determination of the police to abide by the contents of the newly launched NPF Human Rights Practice Manual, stressing that no abuse of human rights will be tolerated in the force.

NSCDC Arrest 5 for Printing Fake PVCs

The Nasarawa State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), December 11, paraded five suspects for allegedly printing fake permanent voter cards (PVCs) in both Keffi and Karu LGAs of the state. The state commandant of the corps,  Andekin Amos Musa, stated that his men arrested one Iliya Emmanuel Ayas, 23, an indigene of the state and recovered 87 fake temporary voter cards and one fake PVC. According to him, officers of the NSCDC stormed Angwan Kofar, particularly a house which was said to belong to one Badamasine, a resident in Keffi area of the state, where INEC machine was stationed and was registering people when my men arrested them and brought them to the command. Other suspects paraded were Sadiq Lebo and Mohammed with Zinox laptop, two capturing cameras, as well as three thumb printing and scanning machines. He added that his men also apprehended suspects in Karu, in connection with fake registration of national identity card.

Three Policemen Jailed 2 Years for Negligence

Three policemen were, December 10, sentenced to two years imprisonment by Magistrate A. Demi-Ajayi of an Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Oyingbo, Lagos, over negligence, which resulted in the stealing of their AK-47. Apart from being jailed for two years, they will also serve a six-month community service after completing their jail term. The three cops who were attached to Ishashi Police Division of Lagos State Police Command, were said to be on patrol when they left duty to dine with someone, who invited them for dinner at a hotel, claiming he wanted to reward them for a job they did for him. But the person rather drugged the food they ate, after which they slept off and their weapons, three AK-47 rifles and 90 live ammunition were stolen. The hotel manager reported the matter at the Ishashi Police Station after which the unconscious policemen were arrested and later charged to court.

Murder/Assassinations

Businessman Shot Dead by Unidentified Assailants

The Police in Abuja are trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the brutal killing of a 39-year-old businessman, Tony Eze, recently, at Tungama area of Zuba. The father of two was killed around 7:20pm after he had drinks with three of his friends on the fateful day.Eyewitness account said the Enugu-State born businessman met his untimely death while he was trying to avoid a porthole, just few meters away from the refreshment garden where he went with his friends for conviviality.The deceased and his friends were moving in a motorcade when he was shot dead inside his car. They said he was shot after he slowed down to traverse the culvert that leads to the express road. They also said they heard a bang at their back but thought that Tony must have hit something but they proceeded on, believing that if truly he did, he (Tony) will call them back for assistance.

Osun Residents Panic over Discovery of Mutilated Corpses

Residents in Osun State are now in panic over the December 11 discovery of two mutilated corpses that were dumped along the popular Ife/Ibadan Expressway. This is the second time in a week that mutilated corpse was found, raising suspicion that suspected ritualists may be on the prowl in the state. This development came barely six days after a beheaded corpse of a lady was sighted in an uncompleted building around Magaji neighbourhood in Iwo. Two bodies involved in the latest incident were allegedly dumped at about 100 metres apart. Eyewitness disclosed that almost same parts of the two bodies were missing, giving room to speculations that the unidentified bodies might have been victims of ritual killings.

Wife, Children Arrested over the Killing of Husband

A middle-aged woman, Comfort Tifase and her children, Olufumbi and Oluropo, are currently being interrogated by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, over the circumstances surrounding the death of her husband, Moses. It was gathered that the suspects had allegedly hacked Moses to death with a pair of scissors during a fight at their residence on December 6. Sources disclosed that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of day, blew open when the suspect and her children attempted to quickly bury the man. They were said to have contacted a member of their church with the news of their father’s death and demanded his immediate burial, claiming he slumped and died. The church member suspected foul and alerted the police in Festac Police Station. The corpse was taken to the mortuary for autopsy. The suspects denied killing the man, but the policemen recovered a blood-stained pair of scissors in their apartment, while the entire apartment was in disarray.

Court Sentences Man to Death over Osogbo Bombing

Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of an Osun State High Court, December 11, convicted and sentenced Richard Adesanmi to death for detonating an improvised explosive device at the Osun State Government Secretariat in 2007 and causing the death of one person. The convict, who was arraigned on six counts including murder, was found guilty of all the counts, by the court. The convict and three other accomplices were said to have driven a car to the car park of the Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development at the Osun State Government Secretariat on June 14, 2007, where the explosive device went off. One of the occupants of the vehicle, whose name was given as Taye, was dismembered by the explosive. The convict who lost one eye was treated at the secretariat clinic before he was taken away. Two other occupants of the car, Henry and Gboyega Olasogba, escaped and they were still been hunted by the police.

Rape Incidents

2 Teenager Rape 11-Year-Old Girl

An 11-year-old girl in Adeta area, Ilorin, Kwara State has been allegedly gang-raped by teenage boys simply identified as Wasiu and Ade. It was gathered that the victim, a primary five pupil of a public primary school, went to beg for money to buy food from the suspected rapists, but was reportedly lured into their rented apartment till the following day. It was learnt that Wasiu, who first had carnal knowledge of the victim, invited his other accomplice, who joined him at midnight to further perpetrate the evil act. The girl was released the following day and taken to her father by someone who found her roaming the street along Gaa Aremu area in the early hours of December 7. The source said the alleged rapists fled their apartment on getting information that the father of the victim was coming along with policemen to arrest them. The victim said she was forced to beg for money because of her father’s cruelty, alleging that he always locked her up without providing her with basic needs, including food.

Court Remands 32-Year-Old Man for Rape

An Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded a 32-year-old man, Saheed Egbeleye in prison custody for allegedly raping a 21-year-old physically challenged woman. The accused was alleged to have lured woman into a room and raped her before he was caught in the act. The police prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on November 29 at Ilawo Compound, Adedotun in Abeokuta. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Anthony Araba ordered that the accused be remanded in Ibara Prison while awaiting Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice. He, however, adjourned the case to February 13, 2015 for mention.

Suspects Rapists Arrested in Ekiti

Ekiti State police have arrested some suspected criminals across the state, among them are rapists. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO ),Victor Babayemi, who disclosed this, December 10, said that five suspects were held in connection with a reported case of gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Ikole Ekiti. Babayemi also gave, the names of the rape suspects as: Olaoluwa Gbenga (20), Dada Samson (18), Saliu kazeem, (19), Olaoluwa Lekan, (20) and Aribaloye Lekan (20) were also linked to the alleged offence. Investigation revealed that the suspects lured the victim to Dada Samson and took their turns to rape her. Her scream attracted neighbours to the room where the suspects were caught in the act. Detectives were contacted immediately and the suspects were rounded up together with the exhibits.

Residents Cry Out Over Increasing Gang Rape Incidents

Some residents of Lagos State living around Cele bus Stop on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway have raised alarm and cried for help over rising cases of gang rape in the area its surroundings. According to them, the nefarious act was being perpetrated by miscreants who usually attack unsuspecting victims coming back from work anytime from 4pm.

Others

Police Arrest Nine Suspects with INEC Materials in Rivers State

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command has arrested at least nine persons allegedly in possession of three registration machines and other items belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission. The suspects were apprehended with the INEC materials at Okabique Hotels in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state at about 11.30pm on December 4. The hotel, according to a source, is owned by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. It was gathered that the security agents also recovered other items like printers and photographs of some persons. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Mohammad, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, stated that the suspects claimed that they were Internet scammers who wanted to unlock a code.

NPS Recaptures 108 Escaped Inmates of Minna Prison

The Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has recaptured 108 inmates out of 275 prisoners that escaped from the Medium Security Prison in Minna, Niger State on December 6. The Controller-General of Prisons (CGP), Dr. Peter Ekpendu, disclosed this, December 8, stated that the inmates were recaptured through the combined efforts of the military, security and intelligence agencies and cooperation of the surrounding communities. He said a search party comprising the Nigerian Army, Directorate of State Security (DSS), police and prisons are still conducting investigation and search around the neighbouring states, adding that the incident is not a terrorist attack but an attempted jailbreak. The CGP appealed to communities and neighbouring states of Kwara, Kaduna, Kebbi and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be vigilant and watch out for any suspicious movement around and report such person(s) to the nearest police stations or prisons formations.

Deputy Controller of Prisons Jailed for Fraud

A High Court sitting in Okene, Kogi State, December 5, sentenced a Deputy Controller of Prisons, Joseph Idachaba, to seven years in prison for defrauding the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) of over N1.4 million. The convict and another staff member of the prison, Ruth Onoja, were arraigned for fraudulently transferring the money from NPS bank accounts to that of a ghost staff named, Mohammed Ugbede, in February. They had been stranding trial on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, falsehood and fraud preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In his judgment, Justice Josiah Majebi said that the prosecution had proved the case beyond all reasonable doubts. Majebi, however, acquitted the convict on charges of conspiracy and falsehood.

26 Vehicles Destroyed in Lagos Tanker Fire

An explosion from a tanker loaded with petroleum product rocked Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, December 8, resulting in fire that destroyed 26 trucks. There were also indications that the scene of the fire incident was an illegal fuel depot. It was gathered that petroleum products were being trans-loaded into trucks at the depot located at C40, Alakuso Avenue, when the explosion occurred. Efforts to contain the fire failed. It took the intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service to put out the fire. The affected vehicles include 24 fuel tankers, a caterpillar and one 505 car owned by Interland Transport Company. Confirming the incident, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, said three fire trucks contained the fire, adding that his office was not informed that there was a fuel depot in the area. Similarly, another fire outbreak occurred at Odo Iya Alaro area of Maryland, Lagos, after a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of petroleum product spilled its content on the ground. Men of the Lagos State Fire service reportedly contained the situation.

Court Convicts Two Pastors for Stealing N32m

Justice F. O. Ohwo of the Delta State High Court, December 10, convicted and sentenced Pastor Glory Okeoghene Abrefera and Reverend Vincent Okpogu to seven years imprisonment each for stealing depositors’ funds amounting to N32 million. The Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren said:  “The two clergymen were nabbed after deceiving unsuspecting members of the public into investing in Mustard Seed Micro Investment Limited, a wonder bank, and defrauded them of their hard-earned money.” Justice Ohwo convicted the accused persons on all of the nine-count charge preferred against them by the EFCC. They were sentenced to seven years imprisonment on each count. The sentence is to run concurrently. According to the judge, the convicts would serve the seven-year term after completing the 10 years sentence they are currently serving for illegal banking.

Teenager Arraigned over Assaulting on Policeman

A teenager has been charged before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for assaulting one Sergeant Rabiu Awalu, by throwing stones at him. The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of assault brought against him by the police, which noted that the offence took place at Oshodi, Lagos on November 29. When the charged was read to the accused before Magistrate L. A. Owolabi, he pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Owolabi granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 and adjourned till January 19, 2015.

Man Docked Over N1.9m Dud Cheque

A 53-year-old man, Emmanuel Adeola, was, December 8, arraigned before an Ota Magistrate’s Court in Ogun State, for allegedly issuing a dud cheque. The accused is facing a two-count charge of fraud and forgery. The prosecutor, Sergeant Itaita Ebibomini, said the accused committed the offence on September 24, at Afobaje in Ota. He said Adeola fraudulently converted 15,000 litres of kerosene, worth N1.9 million, belonging to one James Olawuyi to his personal use. According to him, the accused forged a fund transfer form of Zenith Bank and also issued a dud cheque to deceive the complainant that he had paid the money. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Titi Bello, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till January 7, 2015 for hearing.

Electrician Arraigned for Alleged Impersonation

An Electrician, Michael Onyekwere (47), who allegedly impersonated as an army officer and had in his possession counterfeit Nigeria Army materials, on December 8 appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused is facing a three-count charge of unlawful representation, fraud and unlawful possession. The Prosecutor, Inspector Feddy Asu, told the court that the offences were committed between September, 2013 and November, 2014. He alleged that the accused had in his possession a counterfeit army beret, camouflage jacket, a jack knife and an electric shocker. The prosecutor alleged that the accused used the army materials at different times and periods to harass members of the public. Onyekwere, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. The Magistrate, E.O. Ogunkanmi, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

NSCDC Nabs 4 over Adulterated Fuel

Men of the Ogun state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have arrested four men over their alleged involvement in fuel adulteration. The men were adulterating Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as well as illegally dealing in petroleum products. NSCDC spokesman, Kareem Olanrewaju, December 9, said the four suspects were caught by the Corps’ Anti-Vandal team who were on routine patrol. Olanrewaju stated that the security operatives stumbled on the suspects when they were dispensing the content of the two fuel trailers, which were already laden with 33, 000 litres of PMS into kegs. The suspects include a 38-year-old Adewumi Segun, Peace Ode, 37, Festus Onosigbo, 28, and Edward Oghuvwu, 46. The spokesperson further stated that one of the drivers of the fuel trucks seized, Peace Ode, in his confessional statement, explained that he loaded the petroleum product in Apapa, Lagos State and was meant to deliver the content in Enugu before he decided to sell some to one of the suspects, Adewumi, who is a black marketer of the product.

Two Women Held Over Oil Theft

Two women, Iyabo Dunyinle and Patience Pemi, were December 11, docked before a Federal High Court in Lagos over the theft of petroleum products worth N1.1million. The women are standing trial on a two-count charge but they pleaded not guilty to the offence. Justice Okon Abang admitted them to bail in the sum of N1 million each with one surety each in like sum and adjourned the case to March 11, 2015 for trial. The prosecutor, Daniel Apochi, disclosed that the women committed the offence on November 9 and about 11,000 litres of petrol was recovered from them. He said the oil was extracted from a vandalised pipeline in the village for sale. Apochi said the oil is valued at N1.1 million.

Review/Analysis

Terrorism remains top on the list of major incidents in the country with the northern part of the country being the target area.

Robbery, murder, kidnap and other crime activities remains rampant in the country as individuals, corporate bodies and institutions are being attacked daily. Cases like fire outbreak, accidents, and communal crises are also on the rise. More of these incidents are recorded in the south-west and south-south part of the country.

Corporate bodies and individuals are advised to be security conscious and to take cognisance of their environment. Individuals are advised to be their neighbours’ keepers, disallow unknown faces and strangers into their homes under any guise. We are further advised to exercise caution when receiving gifts during this yuletide as criminals become desperate in carrying out their nefarious activities. The public should be wary of strange faces in and around their neighbourhood, and quickly report to the authorities any slight threat observed as such could prompt an investigation and prevent threats from becoming incidents.

Be alert and always remember to stay safe.