Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 52

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Delta Police Arrest Suspected Ritualist

A suspected ritualist has been arrested for allegedly abducting two teenage girls for ritual purposes. It was reliably gathered that the two girls, who were street traders in Onitsha were lured by the suspect to Asaba in Delta State with a promise to make them sales girl in his store, but rather planned to take them to Okija. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect, disclosed that the police had received information that two teenage girls, age 13 years from Onitsha, were seen along DBS road in Asaba in a manner suggesting that they were in distress, adding that based on the information, operatives stormed the scene and on enquiry discovered that the victims were lured by the suspect to work in an uncompleted building in Asaba. The suspected has reportedly confessed to that he abducted the teenage girls from Onitsha.

Abuja Clergyman Kidnapped by Gunmen

The founder of an Abuja-based church known as Great Calling Ministry (GCM), Pastor Francis Irabor has been kidnapped. The clergyman, who was kidnapped along the Lokoja-Abuja Road by armed gunmen December 13, had just returned from London to attend the burial ceremony of his mother-in-law in Edo State. Eyewitness disclosed that a group of armed men rode in a Peugeot 405 car with a concealed plate number accosted the Prado Jeep in which Irabor was travelling, dragged him down and dumped him inside the trunk of their car without taking anything from the victim’s car, besides his mobile phones and sped off. The driver of the Prado Jeep, Pastor Mathew Obamhen, who was said to be visibly shaken, drove the vehicle away from the scene of the incident and proceeded to Irabor’s residence in Utako District in the heart of town, where he narrated the incident and reported the matter to the Utako Police Station before it was referred to the nearest police station to the incident.

Police Nab Septugenarian over Theft of Toddler

Police detectives Delta State have arrested a septuagenarian in Oleh for allegedly stealing a three-year-old baby. The suspect denied the crime against her, claiming that her connection with the baby at the time of the incident was to play with her because of her loneliness in the house. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, said the parents of the stolen child, Mr and Mrs Greg Ochuko, insisted that the suspect was lying, adding that the suspect lives few metres away from their house and visited them as early as 7am on that fateful day, playing with the child when they left for morning prayers. But soon after they left for church, their older child called that the baby was nowhere to be found. It was reliably gathered that the suspect had allegedly arranged with those who took the baby away immediately after the parents left for church

2 Arrested over Missing Girl in Anambra

Two men have been arrested by the police in connection with their missing sister, Ujunwa Mbah (15), in Awka, Anambra State. Mother of the girl, Nkeiru Billy, said on November 9, her daughter, Ujunwa, went to her aunt’s house to collect her school fees and since then, her where about was unknown. A relation, Ite Ibeh, who lives in the same compound, was, however, suspected because of his unusual movement alongside his friends, including several phone calls which he made immediately Ujunwa left the house for her aunt’s. Eyewitnesses alleged that they saw the missing girl in Ite Ibeh’s car that was parked in the compound before the girl left for her aunt’s house.

Rivers Police Rescue Kidnapped Bank Manager, Kill Three Suspects

The Rivers State Police Command has rescued the Branch Manager of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Choba, Standfast Barnabas, who was kidnapped on December 13. Operatives of the command had stormed the den of Barnabas abductors in Rumuola, Port Harcourt, after a tip-off. Police spokesman, Ahmad Mohammad, disclosed that the kidnappers engaged the police in a gun battle. Mohammad explained that three of the kidnappers were killed during the gun duel on December 16 while one sustained gunshot injuries and another in charge of their weapons escaped. Mohammad further disclosed that one locally made pistol was recovered the following morning during a search of the house where Barnabas was kept. The command urged members of the public to be security conscious and report any character or move capable of undermining the existing public peace and security to the nearest police station or call the following police distress phone lines; 08032003514, 08028915460, 08028915462 and 08160723892.

Man, 45, Kidnapped in Nasarawa

A 45-year-old man, simply identified as Eminike, has been kidnapped in Nasarawa State, while a sum of N25 million has been demanded as ransom by his abductors. The victim was kidnapped at his Sabon-Pegi residence after closing from business on that fateful day. According to a family source, the kidnappers had, three months, threatened the victim and they notified the police on this, but nothing was done. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ugochukwu Theodore, confirmed the abduction, saying police have commenced investigation to apprehend the culprits.

Kidnapped Pastor’s Wife Released after Four Days

Wife of Pastor Chris Aniamaka of Dominion City, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki, Mrs. Ifeanyi Aniamaka was December 17, released by her abductors after staying four days in their hideout. It was gathered that Dominion City Church did not pay any ransom to the kidnappers before the release of the victim as such process was strictly against the policy of the church. The husband of the victim, Pastor Aniamaka who was overjoyed over the release of his wife stated that it was a thing of joy to be reunited again with his heartthrob after days of painful separation. The victim was rescued around Oriuzor in Ezza North local government of the State and that the kidnappers did not molest their victim (Mrs. Aniamaka) throughout the period of the ugly incident.

Robbery

Civil Defence Arrests 2 Armed Robbers

The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two notorious armed robbery suspects, Abubakar Sadiq and Garba Musa. The commanding officer of the Jalingo command, Commandant Walter Chika Akubuiroh said the suspects were arrested by the command’s patrol team when they saw Abubakar and Sadiq loading the stolen properties into a tricycle. The suspects would be charge to court as soon as investigation is concluded. He noted that the command would leave no stone unturned in developing crime prevention strategies in the state.

4 Suspected Armed Robbers Killed in Shootout with Police

Four suspected armed robbers were December 16 killed by police operatives in Ogwashi-Uku Delta State. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said the police acted on a tip-off in the early hours the day when the robbery suspects were operating at plantation hostel. Kalu explained that the armed robbery suspects opened fire on the police, and in the ensuring gun battle, four of the six-man gang were killed while two others escaped. She said that items recovered by the police include, eight cut-to-size locally made guns and several ammunition. Meanwhile efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

2 Sentenced to Death for Stealing in Osun

Justice Jide Falola of an Osun State High Court sitting in Okuku has sentenced two robbers to death for stealing. The convicts, Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday, were found guilty of forcefully breaking into the house of one Balogun Tope, a police officer in April 2010 and carting away some of his belongings. The convicts were charged with conspiracy, robbery and stealing. The prosecution team, led by the state Solicitor-General, Mrs Abiola Adewemimo, called six witnesses and tendered several exhibits during the prosecution. The prosecution told the court that on November 13, 2010, men were sighted around Balogun’s home armed with cutlass and a Dane gun, and that while two of them were arrested, others escaped. The convicts were said to have confessed that they stole the complainant’s fowls, adding that they had been in his house before to steal.

Robber, Car Snatching Kingpin Killed in Enugu

Operatives of the Awkunanaw Division of Enugu State Police Command have smashed a notorious armed robbery and car snatching syndicate, which had allegedly been terrorizing motorists and residents of Enugu metropolis and its environs. The gang’s kingpin, identified as one Onovo, had been on the wanted list of the command for heinous crimes perpetrated by his men in recent times. According to Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, the gang leader met his waterloo on December 16 when the suspect in the company of his other gang members, having snatched an ash-coloured Passat car confronted the operatives, who were already on their trail.

Police Arrest 3 Suspected Tricycle Robbers

The Police Detectives in Warri, Delta State have arrested three suspected armed robbers, who specialize in robbing owners of tricycles in the state. Reports said that one of the arrested suspects, John Otomewo had confessed to the crime. It was reliably gathered that while the suspects were making arrangement to sell the tricycles, the police detectives acting on a tip-off arrested them. After being interrogated, the suspects admitted being members of a robbery gang that have been terrorizing Warri metropolis and also specialize in snatching and stealing of tricycles. Sources said that they have been frequent robbery at gun point of tricycles owner in the area.

Women Docked for Pipeline Vandalism

Two women, Iyabo Dunyinle and Patience Pemi, December 14, were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for vandalism and theft of petroleum products. The accused, who are standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on the alleged offence, however pleaded not guilty to the offence. The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million each, with one surety each in like sum. He adjourned the case to March 11, 2015 for trial. The prosecutor, Daniel Apochi, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 9, and were apprehended by the police on a tip off. About 11, 000 litres of petrol was recovered from the accused, which they allegedly extracted from a vandalised pipeline for illegal sale.

Man, 42, Remanded in Prison Custody for Robbery

A 42-year-old man, Emeka Okere, was, December 15, remanded in prison custody by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over allegations of armed robbery. The Magistrate, Mrs Abimbola Komolafe, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending an advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP. The accused is facing a two count-charge of conspiracy and armed robbery. According to the prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, the accused attacked his victims, Ebere Nwagboso and Chike Onuorah on September 14 along the Apapa Expressway, Lagos. He said the defendant shot at Nwagboso twice and dispossessed Onuorah of is Sports Utility Vehicle. Subsequently, Magistrate Komolafe adjourned the matter to February 12, 2015, while awaiting Department of Public Prosecution, DPP’s advice.

Armed Robbers Invade Hospital, Steal Money, Equipment

Eight armed robbers terrorizing Ughelli in Delta State in the last two months have visited the state Central Ughelli Central Hospital where they stole an unspecified amount of money and hospital equipment worth millions of naira. Source said the hoodlums took advantage of the ongoing strike embarked upon by health workers across the country to break into the hospital. A security officer who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said the robbers entered the premises through the fence leading to the doctors’ quarters. The medical director of the hospital Dr Moses Eyovwerhuvuu, declined comments on the incident but investigation revealed that Ughelli and environs have been under siege of robbery attacks.

Gang Incidents

2 Killed Looted as Hoodlums Strike again in Ibadan

Two persons were feared killed in Agbokojo, Amunigun and Agbaje areas of Ibadan in a bloody clash that broke out during a youth carnival, December 13. Over 20 shops were reportedly torched at Agbaje market while the miscreants looted goods worth millions of naira. The carnival was going on smoothly until a rival youth group; numbering 80 reportedly stormed the venue with dangerous weapons. The fight that ensued was said to have lasted for one hour and spread to Agbaje market. The two unidentified persons were said to have lost their lives during the fracas while several other people were injured.

Cult Leader, 12 Others Arrested in Rivers State

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), December 16, confirmed the arrest of the leader of a notorious cult group in Rivers State, Solomon Owhondah, over alleged involvement in the series of killings and destruction of properties during community crisis in Ibaa community of Emohua LGA of Rivers state. Also in the custody of the JTF were 8 members of various notorious cult groups involved in the Ibaa crisis. They were reported to have voluntarily surrendered themselves to the JTF after being declared wanted over their roles in the crisis.

21 Injured Communities Fight over Ownership of Ughelli Market

At least 21 people were shot and wounded as the feud between youths of Ekiugbo and Otor-Ihwreko communities, both in Ughelli North LGA over the ownership of the Ughelli Main Market degenerated, December 17. Commercial activities within and around the market were put on hold as youths from both communities, who had been at war over the control of the market clashed in a show of supremacy. It was gathered that commotion started when the Ekuigbo youths confronted the Otor-Iwhreko youths, who had allegedly set out for the collection of the daily levy from the traders at the market. Tension heightened when the opposing youths reportedly shot sporadically while the panic stricken traders and passersby ran for safety. It took the intervention of men of the 222 Battalion of the Nigeria Army and the police to restore normalcy to the area.

One Killed in Anambra Cult Clash

One person was, December 14, killed at Ihiala town in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, when two cult groups clashed. The problem started in a brothel along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ihiala, around Umuduru in Eziani village of the town, which claimed the life of the 19-year-old boy, Friday Okonkwo, who was attacked by one of the group that was said to have inflicted machete cuts on his head and throat. According to an eyewitness, Okonkwo, who was a cult member, was drinking in the brothel when misunderstanding ensued between the two groups.

Thugs Invade Ebonyi Assembly Complex

The police in Ebonyi State, December 15, arrested over 500 suspected political thugs that invaded the State House of Assembly complex and prevented a faction of the lawmakers from gaining access into the chambers. The incident occurred during the sitting of 10 lawmakers inside the assembly. Few minutes into the commencement of proceedings, it was gathered that louvres of the complex were shattered by suspected thugs. However, security agents made efforts to restore normalcy in the arena, and prevented the disruption of the sitting. The rescue operation was led by the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Maigari Dikko and a combined team of police personnel and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Investigation revealed that a faction of the lawmakers, numbering about 14, out of the 24 -member assembly were not informed about the sitting and manoeuvred themselves into the complex when they got information of the sitting, but were prevented from entering the complex.

Drugs

Osun Destroys N10m Fake Drugs

The Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), December 13, destroyed fake and expired drugs worth over N10m. The drugs were burnt at a dump site in Osogbo in the presence of the state Director, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Kayode Fagboyo. The ministry and the PCN also sealed illegal medicine stores from where the drugs were seized. The Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, Adepeju Ojo, said that inspectors from the ministry carried out the raid on the illegal outlets.

Police Arraign Suspected Cultists in Lagos

Two suspected cultists, Lukman Abdulsalam (44) and Olumide Williams (43), December 12, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stabbing a man with broken bottle. The duo appeared on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, breach of peace and illegal possession of dangerous weapons. The prosecutor, Cpl. Cyriacus Osuji, said that the accused stabbed Mr Kazeem Shoetan on the head with a broken bottle between February, 2013 and date, at Olaleye Village, Iponri, Lagos. He said that the accused and some others, still at large, attacked their victim and made away with his phone. Osuji added that the accused had been dispossessing innocent people of their valuables in the early hours of the day and late at night. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Y.J. Badejo-Okusanya, granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each.

Man Jailed for Manufacturing Fake Insecticides

The Federal High Court in Abuja, December 13, sentenced a middle-aged man, Okwara Emmanuel, to two years imprisonment for manufacturing fake insecticides. Okwara, who pleaded guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government pleaded with the court through his counsel, Ugochukwu Oparah, for leniency, saying he had no previous record of crime. The convict was arrested after a petition was written against him to the National Agency for Food, Drugs and Administration Control (NAFDAC), who raided his residence and arrested him with a gas cylinder, cartons of fake Mortein, Baygon and Raid insecticides. In the charge filed by Umar Shamaki, counsel for the Federal Government in the matter, Okwara was accused of manufacturing unregistered Raid, Baygon, Mortein insecticides and Dettol antiseptic.

Maritime Incidents

9 Docked for Illegal Dealing in Petroleum Products

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), December 17, arraigned nine persons at a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt for offences bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum products. The accused persons were intercepted aboard MB SKYE by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), on November 14, 2014 in Brass, Bayelsa State, while transferring suspected crude oil from two vessels, MT CERGEN-D and MT ELIMINA, which were under investigation for alleged oil theft. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Lambo Akanbi granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500,000.00 each and a surety in like sum, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. The matter was adjourned till March 11, 2015 for commencement of trial.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Kills 32, Abducts Scores from Borno Village

Armed men suspected to be members of the deadly Boko Haram group have killed 32 people and abducted 185 others in Gumsuri village, Borno State Those abducted were married women, girls and boys, according to witnesses. The village head and leader of the youth vigilante, also known as the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), were also killed by the attackers who invaded the village December 14. The militants stormed the village from two directions, overwhelming local vigilantes who had repelled the Boko Haram over the course of the year, said Gumsuri resident Umar Ari, who had trekked for four days to Maiduguri.

10 Killed In Taraba

About 10 persons were said to have been killed, December 17, when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked Sabon Gida Shagogo in Donga LGA of Taraba State. An eye witness, Ahijo Uhaa Gbashi said that the attackers numbering over 100 invaded the village, killing 10 people and setting ablaze houses and places of worship. He stressed that the attackers came few hours after military personnel who were on routine patrol of the area left the village. According to him, the village was reduced to rubble within the two hours that the attack lasted. Police public relations officer, Taraba State Command, Joseph Kwaji, who confirmed the attack, said that only two persons were killed.

Police Arrest 13-Year-Old Girl with Explosive Vest

The police in Kano State have arrested a 13-year-old girl with a suicide vest packed with explosives in Kano. The girl was reportedly arrested hours after an attack by two female suicide bombers on December 11 at the Kantin Kwari textile market in Kano. According to a source, the girl turned up at a clinic on the outskirts of Kano hours after the previous bombings seeking medical attention but suspicious medical officials alerted security agents, who found explosives primed for a suicide attack on her.

DSS Parades 7 for Duping FG over Boko Haram

The Department of State Services (DSS), December 16, paraded seven suspects involved in a fake Boko Haram ceasefire negotiation with the Federal Government. The suspects, said to be alleged associates of the self-styled Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis, allegedly collected several millions of Naira from the Federal Government, while giving the impression that they were members of the deadly sect. The Deputy Director, Public Relations of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, disclosed that following allegations by Davis that former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika were sponsoring Boko Haram; the service initiated an investigation into accusations, and arrested the suspects. She explained that that it was established that they were part of a well orchestrated plan to spread falsehood, undermine and discredit efforts of government to end terrorism in the country.

Cameroonian Army Kills 116 Boko Haram Insurgents

Cameroon’s army has announced that its officers killed 116 Boko Haram militants when they attacked a base in Amchide town in the Far North region of the country. The country’s defence ministry spokesman, Lt.-Col. Didier Badjeck said that the militants ambushed a column of army vehicles using an improvised explosive device and then hundreds attacked residents in the region of Amchide, north of Maroua. The attack was repulsed and the attackers neutralised, Badjeck said, adding that 116 militants were killed.

10 Killed, 2 Abducted in Borno Attack

Gunmen suspected to be members of dreaded Boko Haram terrorists, December 15, attacked motorists in Madari village of Kukawa LGA of Borno state, killing 10 people, while a woman and her two-year-old child were abducted. A driver who fled from the scene, Mallam Abor Modu said they were coming back from cross Kawa when the terrorists’ appeared in about 10 vehicles and opened fire on Motorists plying the Maiduguri- Baga road in a village called Madari.

Gunmen Kill 10 in Kaduna Village Attack

About 10 people were reported killed on December 17 in Angwan Dauda village, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State following an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The bandits said to have been armed with sophisticated weapons allegedly engaged soldiers in a gun duel for hours before they (the bandits) retreated back into the bush. Several houses were reportedly set ablaze by the rampaging Fulani herdsmen in the surprise attack.

Boko Haram Members Disguise as IDPs in Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents, who fled Bama along with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and formed a syndicate along Bama Road in Maiduguri, have been arrested by security operatives. It was gathered that many were arrested, while others escaped. Those arrested were brought to the headquarters of sector 3, around Gidan Madara ‘Milk shop’ on December 16. An eyewitness and volunteer with a vigilante group, Tanimu Shuiabu, disclosed that they had been arresting Boko Haram insurgents, who escaped during a fight with the Nigerian military and stormed Maiduguri as IDPs.

Political/Government Agencies

54 Soldiers Sentenced to Death for Mutiny

The General Court Martial sitting at the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja December 17 sentenced 54 soldiers to death after finding them guilty of mutiny. 59 soldiers were on trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny and mutiny. Four of them were however acquitted. The 59 soldiers, who were serving in the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state, allegedly refused lawful orders by their commander to proceed on a mission to clear out terrorists and secure a town for subsequent military deployments. All the soldiers had pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them at the commencement of the trial last October. According to the charge against them, they conspired to commit mutiny against the authorities of the 7 Division on August 4.

Customs Steps Up Security Checks at Idiroko Border

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko Command has stepped-up its operations to prevent smuggling of arms and ammunition into the country through the border region. The Command introduced 24 hours border patrol with officers on alert to ensure that offensive items are not smuggled into Nigeria either through the forest or any unapproved route to the detriment of local industries. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Haruna Mamudu, who disclosed this, warned smugglers to steer clear or risk arrest and prosecution. He stated that the command was working with the Police, Army and other security agencies in the Command to ensure that ammunition are not smuggled into the country.

Man in Court for Illegal Possession of 589 Voter Cards

A 29-year-old man Animashaun lukmon, was, December 15, arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate's court for unlawful possession of 589 permanent voter cards. The police alleged that Lukmon committed the crime on November 20, at Itire Primary School in Lagos. The prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, alleged that Lukmon was caught in possession of 589 pieces of permanent voter cards belonging to various people and some INEC documents. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the acclaimed charges and was admitted to bail by the Magistrate, Mrs Dan Oni.

Customs Impounds 65 Trailers of Rice

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun State Command impounded 65 trailer-loads of 600 bags of rice each from smugglers between January and November. The comptroller in charge of the state command, Haruna Mamudu, explained that the 65 trailers carried 39,000 bags of rice when they were impounded from the smugglers. He, however, said that 51 of 65 trailers had been condemned by court while the remaining 14 would meet the same fate. The command also said it recorded 1,482 seizures between December 2013 and November 2014, with duty paid value payable of N1.6bn.

Police Ban Fireworks during Yuletide

The Lagos police have placed a ban on the use of fireworks during the Yuletide. The police warned that residents who are caught with bangers would face sanctions. The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, explained that the ban became necessary in order to safeguard the lives of residents of the state. He urged parents and guardians to assist the police by cautioning their children and wards, and stop them from using anything that could bring them on collision course with the law.

Murder/Assassinations

Abducted ex-Bauchi Accountant-General Killed

The abducted former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Alhaji Bappa Tilde, has been killed by his unknown abductors. The 72-year-old Tilde was abducted December 13 at Nuru Quarters in Bauchi, while returning home from the mosque, where he observed his night prayers. Both security and family sources confirmed the death of the septuagenarian. A top security source described the death of the one-time accountant-general as an assassination.

Gunmen Kill 66-year-old Community Leader in Benin

A gang of seven gunmen, December 14, attacked and killed a 66-year-old community leader in Ugbowo area of Benin City, Edo State. The deceased, John Asemota, was the Odionwere (Clan Head) of Power-line community at Ugbowo. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants had carried out the attack on the late Mr. Asemota’s residence and shot him in the head and back. The deceased person’s son, Osemudiamen Asemota, said three of his father’s tenants were also shot and wounded. Osemudiamen, who ruled out possibility of robbery, alleged that his father was killed over community issues.

Man, 50, Remanded over Attempted Murder

A 50-year-old man, Sunday Okoro, was on December 16, remanded in prison custody by a Shomolu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over an alleged attempt to murder one Dele Olukayode. The Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison custody, until he secures his bail either through the High Court or on the advice of the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The prosecutor, Thomas Muhammed, had told the court that the defendant allegedly poured a liquid substance suspected to be a petrochemical, on the complainant and set him ablaze after an argument.

Man, 28, Charged with Stabbing Death

A 28-year-old man, Joseph Agwugho, who allegedly killed one Enya Okpara by stabbing him on the face with a pair of scissors, December 16, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. In her evidence, the IPO alleged that the accused and the deceased were fighting over the ownership of a face cap and, in anger Agwugwo took a pair of scissors and stabbed the deceased on the neck three times. The Magistrate, Mr Y.J. Adefioye, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, for a period of 30 days, pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The accused is facing a charge of murder. The offence was committed on October 16.

Mobile Policemen Kill, Bury Driver in Lekki

Relatives of a 25-year-old driver, Aondona Tavershima, have called for justice over the December 10 killing of Tavershima by mobile policemen. The deceased was allegedly killed and buried in a shallow grave at a beach by a team of mobile policemen attached to Lekki Residents Associations in Lagos State. Tavershima died when policemen from Mopol 23 Squadron Command, Lagos, accosted him on a bike and opened fire on him. He reportedly died on the spot. The policemen, five in number, were said to have hurriedly taken the deceased for burial in a shallow grave at Jakande New Kuramo beach. It was gathered that eyewitnesses alerted relatives of the deceased. The matter was immediately reported at Maroko Police Station and the Divisional Police Officer mobilized his men to Lekki, arrested the five officers and exhumed Tavershima’s corpse.

Man Conspires to Kill Own Father, Burn Corpse

A 33-year-old man, Ahmadu Saidu, of Rakama village, in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State, has been arrested by policemen for conspiring with another man to kill his father, Sa’idu Lawwali (60). Saidu and his accomplice, Umar Sanda Ali (30), according to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, also burnt and buried the corpse in a shallow grave at a nearby bush. In another development, the police, in collaboration of a vigilance group, Danga vigilantes, arrested one Yusuf Abdulkadir and six others at Dajin village in Bafawa Balewa LGA of the state. The seven suspects allegedly conspired and killed a cattle rearer, one Mohammed Jamo and took away 32 cows from him. The police spokesman further informed that exhibits recovered from the suspects included one AK 47 rifle with number 1087; one assault rifle with number 2012147; 202 live ammunition of 7.56 mm; 32 cows and a machete.

Gunmen Invade Benue Community, Kill 6

At least six persons have been reported killed by gunmen at Adeka village in Agatu LGA of Benue State. The fresh attack, December 15, comes despite recent efforts by the state government to ensure the restoration of peace in the troubled council, which had overtime come under repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen. The invaders, with the aid of an engine boat, crossed over from Loko, a border town in Nasarawa State, invaded five riverine villages in Agatu, and unleashed mayhem on our people. Reacting to the killings, the lawmaker representing the area in the Benue State House of Assembly, Audu Sule, expressed sadness over the renewed hostility in the area.

Motor Boy Kills Tanker Driver, Escapes with Fuel Laden Tanker

A motor-boy Sani Saidu (32) has been arrested for killing his bus, Shittu Aremu. The suspect allegedly stabbed his 56-year-old boss, a tanker driver, to death while accompanying him to Port Harcourt, Rivers state. The late Aremu, a driver to S.K Transport Service Nigeria Limited, had reportedly loaded the tanker with aviation fuel worth N5.5 million and consequently left Lagos for Port Harcourt on November 13, 2014, when the incident happened. The company became alarmed when they could not reach Aremu on phone two days after he left, and the tracking device on the truck showed that it was somewhere in Taraba state. The company promptly informed the police, and they got the truck with only Saidu in it.  Investigation revealed that Saidu allegedly murdered the truck driver before diverting the truck.

Man Tortures Son to Death

A 10-year-old boy, Aliyu Rabiu, has been killed by his father in Bauchi State. The father, 43-year-old Rabiu Yusuf, who was paraded alongside other suspects by the police, disclosed that he tortured the boy to death due to his stubbornness. Yusuf stated that he got infuriated with the deceased, following his running away from his house to stay with his mother, whom he had divorced. According to him, he had severally instructed the boy to return home but he refused, saying he had to go and take him home and chained him inside a room so that he would not run away. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, informed that Yusuf conspired with one Ismail Idris to kill the deceased.

Rape Incidents

Girl Gang Raped by Cultist Boyfriend and Friends

A 16-year-old girl has narrated how her cultist boyfriend arranged for her to be gang raped. The victim, alongside another girl, was said to have been gang-raped by four suspected cultists including her boyfriend of over two years, Oluwole Seyi, 18. The three other suspected rapists were identified as Olayinka Andrew,18; Tobi Akindolapo, 17; and Ayomide Akinbinu, 18. The victim was allegedly deceived by her boyfriend who allegedly told her they were attending a party in Ondo town that night. But unknown to her, the boyfriend had allegedly arranged with three of his friends to commit the dastardly act. The Ondo State Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, said the suspects were arrested in Ondo town. Ogodo said they were amongst the 14 suspected cultists arrested across the state. He said the suspects had made confessional statements and would soon be charged to court.

Others

Scores Die in Akure Gas Explosion

Several persons were feared dead and many others injured in an explosion at a gas station along Arakale Road in Akure, December 13. In the midst of the commotion, some persons were being taken to the hospital by emergency workers at the scene. Residents, who were angry over the delay of the fire fighters in arriving at the scene, attacked the firefighters with stones to express their displeasure. It took the effort of men from the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure to curtail the mob and allow the fire fighters do their job.

Fund Manager Jailed 3 Years over N4.9m Fraud

An Ikeja High Court, December 16, sentenced a fund manager, Segun Bright, to three years imprisonment for defrauding over 40 investors of N4.9 million. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye handed the sentence to Bright, 27, after he pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge convicted him on the 21 counts of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences. Ipaye consequently sentenced Bright to three years imprisonment, on each of the counts. She said the sentences were to run concurrently, beginning from December 16.

Police Raid ‘Dark Spots’ in Kogi

The police in Kogi state have taken the fight against crime to the den of robbers in Lokoja, the State capital as men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) raided the den of criminals. The raid, which took the criminals in the area unawares, resulted in the arrest of house breakers, shoplifters, car snatchers and rapists. The police said the raid became necessary because cases of armed robbery, house breaking and shoplifting had become rampant in recent times in Lokoja metropolis. At Sarkin Numa area, a surbub of Lokoja, armed robbers had recently held the residents hostage for almost two hours, dispossessing residents of their properties worth millions of naira.

3 Arrested N168 Million ATM Fraud

Three Nigerians believed to be members of a gang which manufactures and uses cloned Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to withdraw various sums of money from accounts of a number of bank customers were, December 16, arrested by security operatives. The suspects, who claim to be businessmen, are believed to have withdrawn and in some cases, transferred more than GH¢3 million from the accounts of customers of a number of banks in Accra and other parts of the country. A fourth member of the gang, Jonathan Agambila, who was arrested earlier in November 2013, was tried and sentenced to a five-year imprisonment with hard labour. The police are still hunting for the leader of the gang, Paul Mbonu Elochukwu, who is said to have provided gadgets used for the cloning of the ATM cards.

3 Fake Pastors, 2 Others Jailed 7 Years for Stealing

A High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has sentenced three pastors, and two others for stealing depositors N32million. Those sentenced by the court are Glory Okeoghene, Abrefer, Joseph, Ofobu, and Rev Vincent Okpogu. They were sentenced to between seven and 10 years imprisonment each. Justice Felix Ohwo who handed down the sentence said the evidence before the court showed that the ‘men of God’ committed the crime, adding that their statements also showed that they were guilty of the offence. The EFCC had, in its charges against the accused, stated that the clergymen were arrested after deceiving unsuspecting members of the public into investing in Mustard seed Micro investment Ltd, a wonder bank, and defrauded them of their hard earned money.

Court Jails Fake Customs Comptroller 10 Years

Justice Dije Aboki of the Kano State High Court, Kano, December 16, convicted and sentenced one Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Comptroller Kangiwa, to 10 years and six months imprisonment without option of fine. He was sentenced for conspiracy, impersonation and obtaining by pretence. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged the fake Customs officer before the court and filed a four-count charge against him. He was accused of obtaining the sum of N11, 074,500.00 from one Alhaji Balarabe Sumaila, at Kano. The convict presented himself in company of his syndicate to the said Sumaila as Comptroller Husaini Suleiman Kangiwa from Zone C, Owerri Office of the Nigeria Customs Service in 2007.

Review/Analysis

Murder and Assassination is top on the incident list, with the targets cutting across various strata of the society. Robbery/gang related cases still maintains top on the watch list for the authorities. Businessmen, the rich in the society remain the target victims particularly in the south-south, and south-western parts of the country.

Terrorist related activities has consistently stayed top in recent times as the government battles the Boko Haram insurgency and few cases of unprovoked attacks on communities by suspected herdsmen. Cities and villages are regularly attacked and bombed by insurgent groups with them mostly targeting large gatherings like markets. More of these incidents are witnessed in the north-east. As the yuletide is here, criminal gangs are cashing in on the increased business activities and movements of people to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

Individuals and corporate entities are strongly advised to maintain high security consciousness and remain alert to their environments. The priority is to stay safe.