Weekly Security Report Weekly Report Week 1 Week 1
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | MAJOR INCIDENTS |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 4 |
| 2 | Robbery | 7 |
| 3 | Gang | 4 |
| 4 | Drugs | 2 |
| 5 | Maritime Incidents | 4 |
| 6 | Terrorism | 7 |
| 7 | Political/Government Agencies | 5 |
| 8 | Murder/Assassinations | 3 |
| 9 | Rape Incidents | 2 |
| 10 | Others | 7 |
|
| Review/Analysis | |
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
Gunmen Stab Man, Kidnap Wife in Rivers State
Unknown gunmen, December 19, abducted a woman, Yoummor Oyerede in Ahoada, Rivers state. Sources disclosed that the gunmen first stabbed her husband before whisking her away. Further details of the abduction remain sketchy as neighbours have called for her unconditional release. Meantime, the Rivers state Police Command has advised residents to be very vigilant, noting that some commercial vehicles driven by robbers divert their passengers to points where they force them to make withdrawals with their ATM cards. According to the Police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, the robbers sometimes keep their victims hostage for several days until they exhaust their accounts. He urged residents not to move about with their ATM cards at all times. The Police spokesman also advised commuters to avoid commercial taxis with two or three males at night, stressing that they could be robbers.
Court Jails Native Doctor Jailed for Kidnapping
An Effurun High Court, Effurun, Delta State, has sentenced a 46-year-old native doctor, Philip Itoje, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for kidnapping the wife of a professor. The convict was found guilty of kidnapping Christiana Eruotor, wife of a professor with the Delta State University Abraka (DELSU). The trial judge, Justice Benjamin Ikoh, insisted that the accused would serve his jail term with hard labour. The court held that from the evidence before it, there were facts that pointed out that the accused person was guilty of the act. It was gathered that the convict had been posing as “prophet” of God before the bubble burst. He was arrested by security operatives after the woman was declared missing in August 2012.
Abducted Wife of Varsity Lecturer Rescued
The abducted wife of the chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Osun State University chapter, Mrs Funmilayo Abiona, who was kidnapped by an armed gang last Friday, was on Tuesday evening, rescued by the police. Close family source informed the Nigerian Tribune late Tuesday evening that Mrs Abiona was rescued at a spot on Ilesa/Akure Expressway around 4 o’clock by policemen, saying two of her abductors were also arrested by the police. Mrs Abiona was abducted by a gang of five men around UNIOSUN junction, Osogbo/ Ibokun road December 19, while heading home after closing from her shop. However, her abductors, who allowed her to speak with her husband, demanded a N50 million ransom before she could be released. Security source informed the Nigerian Tribune that the kidnappers must have been lured to the spot where Abiona was rescued with a promise to pay the demanded sum.
3-Year-Old Rescued from Kidnappers Den in Rivers
Rivers State police command, December 23, rescued a three-year-old boy, Emmanuel Obasi, from the den of kidnappers in Port Harcourt. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, who made the disclosure, said that two of the suspects were arrested at their hideout, where the victim was kept. The police image maker said the three-year-old kidnap victim had since been handed over to his father by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Dan Bature, in his office.
Robbery
Police Kill 4 Suspects, 2 Robbers
The police in Kokori community, Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, have killed four kidnap suspects and two armed robbers. They were said to have been terrorizing the community in recent times. Police public Relations officer, Celestina Kalu, December 23, confirmed that the suspects were killed last weekend, after police rounded them up on a tip-off. Kalu further explained that with the killing of the suspects, peace has returned to the community, deserted over frequent robberies. Investigation revealed that Kokori community has been under siege of armed robbers in the last six months. Kalu disclosed that over 20 suspected robbery kingpins have been arrested and charged to court.
Robbers Make Away With Bullion Van Loot, Kill 1
Rampaging armed robbers, December 23, in Umunede, Delta State attacked a bullion van conveying money in a two-hour siege and gun battle with policemen. One person was killed and several others injured before the robbers made away with the money unhurt. Eyewitness said the armed robbers ambushed the van along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. The armed robbers reportedly escaped with their car after killing a 12-year-old boy and injuring the policemen with the bullion van. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the robbery incident, said the police would do everything possible to bring them to book. She added that no policeman was injured during the attack.
Enugu Police Rescue Suspects from Mob
The Enugu State Police Command, December 19, rescued two suspected criminals from being burnt alive by a mob. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, the victims were accused of stealing. The prompt intervention of policemen from the Central Police Station saved the victims from the imminent death. The victims, who were severely burnt and unconscious, were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital by the operatives for medical attention.
Security Agents Foil Bank Robbery
A bank robbery was, December 22, foiled by men of the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Army, in Agbor, Delta State. The robbery gang arrived at the bank, shooting sporadically before gaining access into the bank. The robbers were said to have struck few minutes before the money being expected was brought to the bank. However, they were accosted by a team of policemen on patrol with support from men of the Nigerian Army. The driver of the vehicle the robbers used for the operation was shot dead, while other members of the gang successfully escaped. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the story, said two unexpended dynamites and various ammunitions were recovered from the scene of the robbery, while no arrest was made.
2 Arrested with Human Skull as 4 Robbery Suspects Die in Auto Crash
Police detectives have arrested two suspected ritualists with a human skull on the Ibillo-Isua Expressway in Akoko South-East LGA of Ondo State. Also, four armed robbers met their death in an auto crash after attacking a team of policemen, while on patrol on the Idanre Road in Akure metropolis. Police Commissioner in the state, Isaac Eke said the four armed robbers were the killers of two policemen at a road block in Akure in November. It was gathered that after the robbery, information reached the police, who gave them a hot chase. Their get-away vehicle, which was said to have been snatched at Ifon area of the state, crashed into a church fence and the four of them died on the spot. Items recovered from them include two AK-47 rifles belonging to the Police. Also recovered were 126 live ammunition, three magazines, N160,120, two number plates, 21 handsets, and a substance suspected to be dynamite and charms.
Car Snatcher Arrested in Benin
A 27-year-old man has been arrested by operatives of the anti-kidnap unit of Enugu State Police command for allegedly snatching a Toyota Camry car at gun point. The suspect had allegedly snatched the car at the gate of the owner’s house on November 29. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident and the arrest. The Police image maker added that the suspect was arrested by the operatives of the anti-kidnap unit command after the suspect had sold the car at the rate of N700,000. He, however, said that the university graduate was arrested in Benin City in Edo State where he went to enjoy the money realized from the car he sold.
Lagos Police Dislodge 4-Man Gang of Robbers
The Lagos State Police Command have arrested a four-man armed robbery gang, which specialized in snatching tricycles and robbing riders and the passengers in Lagos and nearby states. The suspects were identified as Akazue, aged 26; Christian, 29; Paul, 20, gang leader, while the fourth member, Monday, remained at large. According to reports, the incident occurred on December, 11,at 9.30p.m., at Ikotun a suburb in Lagos. It was learned that when information came to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, that one tricycle snatcher had been caught by Police in Ikotun, he quickly ordered the officer in charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, to fish out the other hoodlums and crush the gang. According to the self-acclaimed leader of the gang, Paul, “the idea to snatch tricycles and rob their drivers and passengers originated from me.
Gang Incidents
Cult Clash Claims 10 in Benin
No fewer than 10 persons were last weekend killed in Benin City, Edo State by cultists in parts of the city. Areas affected include Erediauwa Street, off Upper Sokponba Road, where two people were killed; New Benin and Okhoro, where two people were also killed. Among those killed were a leader of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) and a commercial bus driver, both of him were reportedly shot and killed at close range by armed men, operating in broad daylight. It was learnt that the multiple attacks started on December 19 in clashes between three rival cult groups. One of the cult groups was said to have first struck at Upper Sakponba before some of its members in New Benin clashed with another cult group in the area. The fight, it was gathered, spilled over to Okhoro area within few hours after it was launched in New Benin. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Edogiawerie, confirmed the attacks. The Police image maker said that the police have made several arrest since the unfortunate incident. He assured the residents of adequate police protection of lives and property.
Hoodlums Strike in Ibadan, Injures Several
Hoodlums wreaked havoc on some parts of Ibadan metropolis, December 23, leaving some people injured and cars damaged. It was learnt that trouble started December 21, when some groups of young boys at Bode went for a birthday party around the area where they had a clash with another set of young boys after an argument. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the story and disclosed that one arrest had been made.
Hoodlums Invade Akure Church, Assault Pastor, Worshippers
Suspected thugs, December 21, invaded a church, C.A.C Pillar of Fire at Odopetu area of Akure, Ondo State, during a church service and beat up the presiding pastor, Pastor Arije and other members of the church. It was gathered that the hoodlums arrived the church on motorcycles during the service and went straight to the pastor, who they severely and attacked other members that attended the service that day. The hoodlums were said to have also destroyed the church properties and carted away offerings for the day before the arrival of policemen. It was gathered that a rival pastor of one of the churches within the area might have sponsored the attack.
5 Students Arraigned in Court over Arms Possession
Five students of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, were, December 19, arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital over alleged illegal possession of firearms. The accused persons faced a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and being members of a secret society, Black Axe, which is contrary to Section 3 and punishable under Section 5 of the secret cult (prohibition and special prohibition) laws of Ogun State 2006.
Drugs
4 Suspects Arrested with 6.135kg of Narcotics
Four persons, among them a farmer and a student in Cyprus, have been arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, with a total of 6.135kg of narcotics. The drugs include 4.290kg of heroin, 570 grammes of methamphetamine and 1.275kg of cocaine. The suspects include Taiwo, a 44-year-old engineer, 25-year-old Charles, a hotel attendant in Lagos; Chidi, a 24- year-old student in Cyprus and Agomuo, a 44-year-old farmer in Imo State. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander at the Lagos airport, Umar Hamza, confirmed the arrest and seizures.
Suspects Excretes 87 Wraps of Cocaine, Heroine
The Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 44-year-old man, Taiwo Omidiya, who swallowed 87 wraps of drugs, suspected to be cocaine and heroin. It was learnt that Omidiya was put under check by the operatives after some wraps of cocaine and heroin were found in his underwear. It was gathered that Omidiya later excreted 87 wraps of the drugs. It was learnt that apart from Omidiya, three other suspects – Chidi Igwe, Charles Anikwe and Basil Agomo – were apprehended by the operatives of the agency at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, in connection with narcotic substances that tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine. The NDLEA Commander at the MMIA, Mr. Umar Hamza, confirmed the arrest, adding that a total of 6.1 kilogrammes of drugs were recovered from the suspects.
Maritime Incidents
Police Recover Arms, Ammunition from Pirates
Rivers State police command, December 19, recovered one general purpose machine gun (GPMG), one G3 rifle, 85 rounds of live ammunition, five assorted phones and Twenty-Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty Naira (N22,450) from sea pirates operating along the Opobo Queen Town Sea in the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, December 20, disclosed that one of the robbers was fatally wounded, while others escaped. Three speed boats of the robbers were also recovered.
Pirates Kill 3 JTF Operatives in Bayelsa
Gunmen suspected to be pirates have killed three soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF), along the waterways in Bayelsa State and also hijacked a military gunboat, December 21. It was gathered that the soldiers were ambushed and killed at Santa Barbara in Nembe LGA. In the recent attack, the victims were said to be escorting items to Brass terminal owned by NAOC when the gunmen opened fire on them. It is suspected that the gunmen hijacked the gunboat, later killed the soldiers and threw their dead bodies into the water or they shot and pushed them into the water before stealing the gunboat. The Santa Barbara where the incident occurred is in Nembe and is notorious for piracy. The Media Coordinator of the JTF, Col. Mustapha Anka, confirmed the attack but said it was premature to conclude that the soldiers were killed by the pirates.
JTF Arrests, Destroys Oil Bunkering Barge
The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta says it has arrested an illegal oil bunkering barge in the region. The JTF said the barge containing Automated Gas Oil (diesel) suspected to be illegally refined was apprehended by its troops that were patrolling along Alakiri waterways of Okrika LGA of Rivers State. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col. Mustapha Anka, December 21, said the barge, which had four compartments, was fully loaded with suspected stolen products. Anka said the apprehension took place after loading from an undisclosed illegal oil refining camp in Alakiri area of the state. He said the arrest followed a tip off, stressing that the barge was arrested on its way to the sea. He said the barge and the product were towed to a safer place and destroyed immediately in line with the mandate of the JTF.
Navy Acquires War Ships
In its renewed fight against maritime crimes in the country and the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy is expecting two ships from China and the United States of America before the end of year 2014. The Navy said it had enhanced its operational efficiency by way of sustaining its prioritization of training and human capital development. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin disclosed that aside ensuring safety in the maritime domain; the navy was also working closely with sister services in the area of countering insurgency and all forms of insecurity across the country. Jubrin stated that the Navy had recorded some achievement in its policing duties and implementation of transformation plan, which he said has led to the drastic reduction of crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
Terrorism
Nigerian Troops Kill over 110 Boko Haram Insurgents in Borno
Military authorities in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, December 21, claimed that troops, in an ongoing mopping operation, killed over 110 Boko Haram insurgents when they attempted to retake Damboa, the town which was recently recaptured by the Nigerian soldiers. The clash reportedly followed the troops’ move to stop the terrorists who were in the process of attacking the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) engineers working to restore power to parts of Borno State. The troops also captured a stolen Hilux vehicle, which the insurgents had repainted and mounted with an Anti-Aircraft gun. Other weapons recovered by troops included rocket propelled grenades and rifles. Two soldiers died in the encounter. In a similar development, military engineer troops, who have been clearing terrorists IEDs and effecting repairs on bridges, repelled an attack while working on a bridge around Husara. Several terrorists also died in the encounter. A total four general purpose machine guns, three rifles and two rocket propelled grenade launcher were captured from the terrorists during the encounter.
Over 50 Elderly People Slain by Boko Haram
Villagers from Gwoza area in Borno State have said that people too old to flee are being rounded up and executed by Boko Haram insurgents, with at least 50 killed this week. Residents from five villages say people too elderly to flee Gwoza LGA were being rounded up and taken to two schools where the militants opened fire on them. Muhammed Gava, a spokesman for civil defense groups in the area, December 21, stated that over 50 people (male and female) had been killed at Government Day Secondary School in Gwoza. A villager who had fled said more elderly people were being gathered and shot at Uvaghe Central Primary School. In a recent video by the Boko Haram extremists, gunmen were seen mowing down civilians lying face down in a dorm, and a leader saying they were being killed because they were “infidels” or non-believers.
Bomb Blast Kills 16 in Bauchi Market Attack
At least 16 people were, December 22, killed at the Bauchi central market in a bomb explosion. The injured victims were rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH). The chairman of the association, Alhaji Adamu Musa Noma, informed that two men, dressed in mobile police uniforms and a lady, came to the market Monday evening and bought boxes and Atamfa (Ankara) clothing materials and kept them in a shop, where the bomb was detonated. Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, has condemned in strong terms the bomb blast around the Central Market in Bauchi town. He described it as a most unfortunate and barbaric incident aimed at disrupting the absolute peace the State is enjoying.
Military Kills Many Terrorists in Ambush
The Nigerian military in its continued offensive against terrorist in northern Nigeria has continued to record huge successes against Boko Haram terrorists, as many the military announced that several terrorists were killed in an ambush near Maiduguri, Borno State. According to reports, a very large number of terrorists were killed after falling into an ambush laid for them by Nigerian troops between Maiduguri and Damboa, Borno State on December 19. The Director of Defense Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that the clash followed the troops’ move to stop the terrorists who were in the process of attacking the electricity engineers who were working to restore power to parts of Borno State.
Over 10,000 IDPs from Borno Relocate to Adamawa
Over 10,000 residents of Chibok, Damboa and Gwoza communities in Borno State have been reportedly displaced by the multiple Boko Haram attacks on their communities, forcing them to seek refuge in Adamawa State. This disclosure was made, December 21, by a lawmaker, David Kitakwa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman of Gwoza LGA, Abdulmunini Isah. They both revealed that the over 10,000 persons are now taking refuge in Adamawa State, having narrowly escaped the onslaught of the Boko Haram insurgents. The duo, while commending the Federal Government’s efforts at fighting the insurgency, stated that the public had a great role to play in curtailing the activities of insurgents by divulging useful information that would aid the military to end the attacks by the insurgents.
Troops, Islamists Clash in Borno
Nigerian troops have repelled a Boko Haram attack near the village where 185 people were recently kidnapped, killing several insurgents, soldiers and witnesses disclosed on December 21. About 150 militants had stormed the town of Bulabulin on December 17, but the military had reportedly received advanced warning of the raid and ere battle ready. Defense spokesman, Chris Olukolade, confirmed that troops successfully battled the Boko Haram fighters in the area, while a resident, Samuel James, confirmed that the military overpowered the militants.
Twin Blasts Kill Scores in Gombe, Bauchi
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists continued their reign of terror in the North-east where bomb blasts in Gombe and Bauchi States resulted in the death of scores of people and left several others injured. In Gombe, no fewer than 19 persons lost their lives on Monday, when a female bomber disguised herself as a passenger and detonated a bag of explosives at Dukku Bus Park in the state capital. An eyewitness said the bomber waited till passengers had already boarded the bus, adding that she left her bag in the bus and exited the vehicle before detonating the explosives. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Fwaji Atajiri, said 19 people were feared dead while 25 were injured. The police spokesman, however, called on members of the public to always be vigilant, as well as assist security agencies in the state with useful information, to ensure safety of the people and their property.
Political/Government Agencies
NIS Repatriates 430 Illegal Foreigners in Jigawa, Seizes 20 Voters’ Cards
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) arrested and repatriated 430 illegal immigrants in Jigawa between January and November this year. The Comptroller of the NIS in the state, Mr. Isa Jere, who made the disclosure on December 20, said that 90 per cent of the arrested immigrants were from Niger Republic while others were from Cameroun, Chad and Mali. According to him, the service has intensified its mop-up operation to get rid of illegal immigrants in the state before the commencement of the 2015 general elections. The comptroller also said that the state’s command had seized 20 voters’ cards from Nigerien immigrants. He said that 11 out of the 20 were permanent voters’ cards while the remaining were temporary ones. The NIS chief said his officers and men were vigilant to prevent foreigners from participating in the forthcoming general elections.
NIS Repatriates over 120 Illegal Migrants in Enugu
No fewer than 120 illegal aliens were repatriated by the Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS), Enugu State Command in 2014, the Comptroller, Bashir Ismail, disclosed, December 22. He said the illegal immigrants were mostly from Niger Republic, while few were from Cameroun, Sierra Leone and Ghana. According to him, the command ensured that immigrants in Enugu State were legally documented in view of the security threats in some parts of the country. He further stated that one of the most outstanding achievements of the command was the arrest and deportation of one Hassan Koffi, a human trafficking kingpin.
Police Assure of Adequate Security
The Nigeria Police has put in place operational strategies to enhance security during this year’s Christmas holidays and beyond. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba, in a release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, has since directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands to put in place extended police visibility and patrols taking into consideration their peculiar security situation. The aim, he said, is to protect the citizens as they celebrate the yuletide.
Ihejirika Sues Australian Hostage Negotiator, Demands N100bn
A former chief of army staff, Lt.General Azubuike Ihejirika has dragged Australian hostage negotiator, Dr Stephen Davies, who accused him of sponsoring Boko Haram insurgency in the north east Nigeria before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Counsel to Ihejirika, Chief Nnoruka Udechukwu, SAN, who filed the suit is demanding N100 billion as aggravated damages for defamation. Apart from the N100 billion damages, Ihejirika is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining Davis or his agents from further making defamatory comments about him. He also seeks “An order for the defendant to publish forthwith a dull and unqualified retraction and apology conspicuously in the front page of THISDAY Newspaper to assuage the plaintiff for the said false malicious and libelous publication.”
ISIS in Nigeria to Recruit Fighters -NOA
The Federal Government has warned that agents of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are scouting in Nigeria to recruit youths as fighters for the terrorist group. The Coordinator of the National Information Centre and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, who made this known, said that intelligence reports had shown that three South African nationals were among some of the fighters recruited by ISIS agents operating under the guise of humanitarian support groups for refugees and orphans in Nigeria. He added that ISIS was scouting for fighters around the Islamic world and from Africa, and cautioned Nigerians against being lured into joining the terror group. He however assured the public that the federal government was doing everything possible to secure the lives and properties of every Nigerian.
Murder/Assassinations
Pastor Arrested over Fatal Spiritual Bath
Pastor Samuel Olusoji of New Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ajah area of Lagos has been arrested by the Police, over the demise of two brothers, Abiodun and Ayinde Oniru, during a spiritual bath last weekend. The pastor, who reportedly fled when the incident occurred in a stream in Agombo area of Ajah, was arrested on December 23, four days after the incident. Pastor Olusoji denied having a hand in the death of the two brothers. He was said to have denied being anywhere near the river when the incident occurred. He was also said to have said that he was informed that the deceased were swimming in the river when tragedy struck. He was also said to have stated that the deceased were members of his church. When contacted, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Kenneth Nwosu said investigation was still ongoing.
Nursing Mother Bathed with Acid
The medical team at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, in Anambra State, are now working round the clock to save the life of a 37-year-old nursing mother, Benedette Chiugo. She was said to have been bathed with liquid sustenance believed to be acid by yet to be identified attackers. It was gathered that the attackers, who came on a motorcycle, December 22, attacked the woman with liquid substance inside a plastic container. The attackers allegedly emptied the substance on the woman and jumped on the waiting motorcycle and sped off. It was gathered that the cries of the woman attracted her husband, who quickly rushed her to the Hospital.
60 Journalists Killed Worldwide in 2014
At least 60 journalists around the world were killed in 2014 while on the job or because of their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), said Tuesday, making the past three years the deadliest for journalists since the organisation began keeping track more than two decades ago. Syria was connected to two of the more horrifying killings of journalists this year, the beheadings by the Islamic State group of American freelancers, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. Both had disappeared while reporting on the conflict. The conflict in Ukraine between the new government and Russian-backed separatists saw five journalists and two media workers killed. They were the first that the CPJ had recorded in Ukraine since 2001. About one-fourth of journalists killed in 2014 were international ones.
Rape Incidents
Two Men Docked over Rape of Girl, 11
A senior Magistrates Court 6 sitting in Katsina, has remanded two men in prison custody for allegedly raping an 11-year- old girl. The two suspects, Haladu Abdu (65) and Ashiru Musa (64), both of whom are grandfathers, allegedly had carnal knowledge of the girl. Prosecuting police officer, Hashimu Musa, told the court that the father of the victim reported the case at Sabon Gari police station. Musa informed the court that the two old men criminally conspired and lured the girl to a shop, where they forcefully had sexual intercourse with her. According to him, as a result of the forceful act, the young girl sustained various degrees of injury in her genitals. No plea was taken due to lack of jurisdiction by the court. The presiding magistrate, Nafisat L Bagiwa, however, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case.
Apprentice Arrested for Defiling 12-Year-Old Girl
The police in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested one Ugochukwu Ernest (28), a trader apprentice for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl. The suspect was said to have raped the girl inside his master’s shop after all his efforts to woo the girl for a relationship proved abortive. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect, disclosed that the victim had allegedly lured the victim into his master’s inner store, knowing that the master had travelled to Onitsha to purchase more goods. The suspect was said to have descended on the victim, practically tearing her clothes, an act that left her with no option than to shout for help that attracted co-traders and other persons to the scene. Although the suspect was said to have denied the allegation, but Kalu said the suspect is currently helping the police for further investigation, adding that on completion of investigation, he would be charged to court.
Others
Father, Mother, 5 Children Killed in Inferno
A major fire outbreak claimed a family of seven at Anyamkor in Gboko area of Benue State on December 18. An eyewitness disclosed that the fire, which ravaged a four-flat building, started at one Lawani Oye's flat late at night and burnt the husband, wife and five children. It was gathered that, although the wife raised the alarm, which prompted other neighbours to rush out of their flats, she and her family could not be saved as they were burnt beyond recognition. The cause of the incident could however not be ascertained as the only clue they had was that the generator was on in the night and by the time they went round after the fire, they saw a lantern near the generating set.
Angry Odi Youths Attack Community Leaders over Sharing of Compensation
Angry youth in Odi community of Bayelsa State, December 20, stormed the residence of their community leaders and attacked them over grievances in the sharing formula of N15 billion being paid by the Federal Government as part of compensation over the infamous 1999 invasion by Nigerian troops under the leadership of the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The N15 billion is part payment of N37.618 billion ordered by the court over the destruction of the village by soldiers. A mob of angry youths attacked the deputy traditional head of the community, Chief Ebitimi Karuiru, and other leaders over alleged discrepancies in the sharing of the N15 billion. The angry youths, according to the report, had descended on the homes of some prominent elders of the community over the alleged disappearance of over N600 million from the total sum remaining after a consortium of lawyers for the community reportedly took 40% payment. A squadron of armed mobile policemen has since been deployed to Odi to maintain law and order.
Man Arraigned for Assaulting Police Inspector
A 20-year-old man, Mamode Samson, has been arraigned before an Egor Magistrate’s Court for assaulting one Monday Okungbowa, a Police Inspector in Benin, Edo State. He was also accused of assaulting three siblings, Jennifer Okunrobo, Uyiosa Okunrobo and Eghosa Okunrobo on December 20. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge. Mamode was accused of hitting the police inspector with his fists and tearing his police uniform. Trial Magistrate, Taiye Omoruyi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety in like sum, who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to January 7, 2015.
Fraudster Jailed for Duping Australian of $800,000
Justice Kudirat Jose of the Lagos High Court has convicted and sentenced Promise Ntuen Ekemini to one year imprisonment, for hijacking the e-mail of a lawful owner of a property, located in Western Australia, valued at $800,000 and attempting to sell the property. He was arraigned in April, 2014 on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to defraud, attempt to obtain money by false pretences and forgery. Justice Jose found him guilty of all the charges and convicted him. His sentence is to run from the day of his arraignment. Ekemini got into trouble by impersonating Brian Roderick Daniel and offering his property to buyers on the internet without the consent of the owner. The Australian Police alerted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to monitor delivery of some documents related to the transaction to Ekemini. He was arrested at the point of collection of the documents.
Detectives Arrest 32-Year-Old for Impersonation
Detectives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 32-year-old man, Mahmood Sani, for impersonating a public servant, cheating and defamation of character. According to the Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, the suspect paraded himself as the officer in charge of SARS, Bauchi and obtained under false pretence a sum of N20,000 from one Mr M.A Abubakar. The PPRO informed that the suspect was once arrested and charged to court for similar offence in 2011, when he defrauded one Alhaji Ali Wakili of the sum of N450,000, under false pretence that he was the ADC to the governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda. Mohammed stated that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was concluded by the police.
Man in Court for Stabbing Co-Tenant
A 48-year-old businessman, Kassim Raheem, who allegedly stabbed his co-tenant over disagreement on the usage of the only bathroom at their residence, December 19, appeared before an Oshodi Magistrates Court in Lagos over a two-count charge of breach of peace and assault. The prosecutor, Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused stabbed his co-tenant, Sunday Awulu, on the head on December 11. According to the prosecutor, the accused claimed that it was his turn to use the bathroom, but the complainant entered and ignored him. The accused got very angry and stabbed him.
4 Remanded in Prison over Vandalism, Theft
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the remand of four men, charged with vandalism and unlawful dealing in petroleum products in prison custody. The accused are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, vandalism and unlawful dealing in petroleum products. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following a bail application moved and adopted on behalf of the accused by their counsel, McAnthony Akhariale, trial judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million each, with two sureties each in like sum. The judge, however, ordered their remand in custody pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions granted by the court. He adjourned the case to March 31, 2015 for trial. The prosecutor, Raymond Akhane, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in November and were apprehended by a team of policemen at the Majidun area of Ikorodu in Lagos, on a tip off.
Review/Analysis
Robbery and gang cases remain top on the watch list for security operatives. The yuletide season has witnessed increase in robbery/gang related cases, while the authorities have remained vigilant, tracking down and arresting suspects. A large amount of these incidents have been recorded within the south-south and south-eastern part of the nation.
As the government battles the Boko Haram insurgency, terrorism related activities have consistently stayed top in recent times. Cities and villages are regularly being attacked and bombed by insurgent groups with them mostly targeting large gatherings like markets in the north-east. It is, however, reassuring that the Nigerian military is making breakthrough with the arrests and killing of some insurgents. This success is also attributed to the support from the people, who provide the military with timely information.
Piracy and attacks on JTF were also witnessed within the water ways in the south-south, while the JTF also made arrests and seizures of stolen oil.
Individuals and corporate entities are strongly advised to maintain high security consciousness and remain alert to their environments. Timely reporting of suspicious activities to the authorities could prevent crime and save lives.
The priority remains to stay safe.