Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 13

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	10
2	Robbery	6
3	Gang	2
4	Drugs	1
5	Maritime Incidents
6	Terrorism	9
7	Political/Government Agencies	3
8	Murder/Assassinations	13
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	7
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Three Chinese Abducted in Kogi

Three Chinese construction workers were, March 13, kidnapped at the crusher end of Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.  The Chinese workers were taken away after the kidnappers engaged the security men in fierce gun battle which led to the death of a police officer, while two others were wounded. It was learnt that the gunmen, numbering about 12, had gained entry into the company where the Chinese were residing in the wee hours of the day and promptly opened fire. Earlier in the month, two Chinese workers were kidnapped in Kogi state, resulting to five of them currently being held captive by yet to be identified kidnappers in the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, confirmed the incident.

Police Rescue Abducted Assembly Candidate

The Police in Bauchi State, March 13, rescued the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the State House of Assembly election, Alhaji Yusuf Inuwa Dadiye, after spending four days in kidnappers den. Dadiye was abducted on March 9 on his way from Bauchi to Miya in Ganjuwa LGA of the state by unknown gunmen. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, disclosed that he was rescued at Nabordo in Toro LGA of the state. He added that the police were intensifying efforts with a view to apprehending the fleeing perpetrators of the abduction.

Gunmen Abduct LP National Assembly Candidate in Cross River

The Labour Party candidate for Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi federal constituency, Dominic Aqua Edem, was on March 15, kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his residence in Calabar. The Chairman of the LP in the state, Austin Ibok, placed the blame squarely on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ibok said the people of the state should hold the PDP-led government for the abduction of the LP member. The party chairman said until now, violence had been a stranger within the politics of the state; stressing that because the political atmosphere suggest competition for votes from the electorate, the PDP has started adopting   unconventional means to intimidate its opponents. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Hogan Bassey, confirmed the kidnap of the LP candidate. According to family sources, the kidnappers sent a message across, demanding a ransom of N30 million to effect his release.

Police Nab 4 Suspected Kidnappers in Lagos

Lagos State Police Command, March 7, arrested four members of a kidnapping gang in Lagos. The suspects, identified as Edet Ekuno, 32; Sunday Samiga, 24; Hope Okon, 27; and Unuagbon Isaiah, 31, were apprehended after the command received intelligence report on their activities. Parading the suspects, the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, said on March 7, information got to him that some kidnappers were lodging in D2 Hotel located at Ojodu Berger, Lagos, and that they were perfecting plans to kidnap a businessman in Magodo Estate. On receipt of the information, Aderanti immediately ordered the OC SARS, SP Abba Kyari, to arrest them. All the suspects confessed to several kidnappings in Akwa Ibom and Lagos states.

Ogun State Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Free Victim

Ogun State Police Command has arrested a member of kidnap gang that abducted one Mrs Abosede Adenuga from Lagos State, Monday. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this in Abeokuta yesterday, explained that SARS operatives made the arrest and rescued the victim. He said the command got a tip-off that the gang was heading to Ijebu axis to hide the captive, adding that this prompted the command to deploy men on Ibefun/Ikorodu road where some suspected kidnappers operated and hid their victims. Adejobi said the kidnappers were ambushed by the police at Imodi Ijasi, along Ijebu Ode/Ikorodu road, rescued the captive and arrested one Tunde Akilo. He said: “The kidnappers, who noticed police presence, jumped on a motorcycle to escape but, they were caught by the police operatives who used another motorcycle to pursue them and rescued the victim. “One loaded locally-made cut-to-size double-barrelled gun, four live cartridges, a Volkswagen car and assorted charms were recovered from the kidnappers.”

Gunmen Kidnap Rector in Benue State

Unknown gunmen on March 18 kidnapped the Rector of the College of Education, Katsina Ala in Benue State, Hans Senwua. According to reports, the gunmen stormed his residence at about 10pm and took him to an unknown destination. The kidnap of the Rector caused a major protest from angry students of the college who thronged to the major streets in protest against the kidnap, burning vehicle tyres in the process, while hoodlums took advantage of the students’ protest to cause mayhem in the area, sending panic and fear among the residents of the town. Governor Gabriel Suswam condemned the abduction of the Rector, describing it as one of the serious security challenges confronting the state.

SSS Nabs Six Suspected Kidnappers in Edo

Men of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Edo State have nabbed six men said to be involved in the kidnap of a former Local Government Chairman in the state, Mr. Anselm Adima. The suspects were also said to be involved in the kidnap of a woman who was raped in the presence of her daughter, with the pictures of the act taken. The daughter, who was also a victim of the kidnappers, was however said to have been spared the trauma of the kidnappers’ raging libido. Parading the suspects on March 18, the Director of the state command of DSS, Mr. Bello Bakori, disclosed that the group of criminals paraded were those involved in fraud, kidnapping, car snatching and robbery.

Gunmen Abduct Minister’s Nephew in Yenagoa

Gunmen have abducted Joseph Agama (20) and nephew of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani-Allison Madueke. The unidentified gunmen were said to have, on March 19, stormed the minister’s Yenaka community in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State and went straight to the home of their victim. It was gathered that the primary target of the abductors was Chief Maxwell, Joseph’s father and Diezani’s brother, but had to settle for the 24-year-old, having missed their target. The gunmen were said to have fired gun shots into the air, before whisking their victim to an unknown destination. Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Asinim Buswatt, confirmed the kidnap.

Police Arrest Notorious Child Trafficker

The notorious Abia child trafficker, Mrs. Mma Achumba, who has been on the wanted list of various security agencies, has been arrested in Akwa Ibom State where she had been hiding. Achumba whose illegal maternity home at Umunkpeyi in Isialangwa South LGA of Abia State had severally been raided by security agencies had been linked with many child trafficking incidents. Police said she had evaded arrest for over five years. The government had also proscribed all maternity homes in the state as part of measures to clamp down on ‘baby factory’ menace in the state. Parading the suspect on March 20, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, said one Ogechi Kalu from Ebonyi State had reported that a couple she was living with conspired and sold her six-months-old baby boy to the suspect for N150,000. The CP said the sold baby was later recovered, while the suspect fled but was trailed to Akwa Ibom by detectives of the State’s Criminal Investigative Department.

Court Jails Man, Two Sisters Jailed for Child Prostitution

A Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun, on March 19, sentenced a 67-year-old man and two sisters to five and seven years’ imprisonment respectively for using underage girls for prostitution. The sisters were convicted for conspiracy and deceitful use of underage girls for prostitution. The accused were charged with conspiracy, allowing underage to be in a brothel and trade in prostitution, deceitful inducement of persons and offering of underage girls for prostitution. Folorunsho, the owner of Temiogbe Hotel, Akute, was convicted for keeping a brothel and was discharged for being involved in subjection of underage girls to prostitution. In her judgment, Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo, said all the accused would serve the jail term concurrently from the day of arrest. The accused persons had pleaded guilty to all the charges levelled against them, while Folorunsho pleaded not guilty to conspiracy.

Robbery

JTF Raids Home of Suspected Robber, Arrests Suspects

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta,has raided the residence of a suspected notorious armed robber and illegal bunkerer in the Warri South LGA of Delta State. The JTF said its operatives arrested three of his alleged accomplices, but the unnamed suspect, escaped through the swamp. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, JTF, Lt. Col. Ado Isa, March 16, disclosed that the three accomplices were arrested in the house while two phones belonging to the suspects were recovered. He said the troops also raided the suspect’s illegal refinery and discovered plastic tanks of 30,000-litre capacity, 1,500 litres capacity surface tanks filled with substances suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gas Oil or diesel. Other equipment recovered at the site, include two speed boats, one pumping machine and a 4000 litre drum filled with stolen kerosene. He said the items were set ablaze while the suspects were in custody of the JTF for further action.

Police Recover 23 Vehicles, Kill Robbery Kingpin

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, March 16, expressed his determination to take the battle against crime and criminality as he disclosed that his command recovered 23 vehicles, 17 motorcycles, arms and over 3,000 live ammunition from suspected armed robbers. Meanwhile, the police, in Osun State, on March 17, killed a notorious armed robber, who specialised in highway and bank robbery, during a gun battle after a team of Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS) stormed his hideout in Modakeke.

Gunmen Attack Homes in Delta Community

A gang of two armed robbers, March 18, robbed three families in Ughelli, Delta State, stealing children school fees from one of their victims, as well as phones and other personal effects from others. It was gathered that the hoodlums locked each family in their toilets and bedrooms after successfully carrying out their operation and proceeded to the next flat in a quiet and smooth operation that lasted less than 30 minutes. Occupants of the remaining nine flats in the estate did not know of the operation until the two gunmen left the premises with their loot. In Warri, three armed robbers, on March 17 attacked a bank customer and made way with mobile phones and about N250,000.

Teenager Docked for N5m Jewelry Theft

A teenager, Mary Ogah, was on March 18, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing gold jewelry valued at N5 million. This came as the police also charged a 27-year-old man, Okechukwu Okafor, before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing three printing machines, four registered vehicles, 42 pieces of bicycles, one refrigerator and one motor cycle, with a total valued of N4.1 million. Ogah was accused by the police to have committed the alleged offence at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja area of Lagos. The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. However, when the charge was read to the accused before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, she pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Komolafe granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000. The matter was adjourned to April 30.

Fake Police Officer Remanded over Theft of N4.5m Vehicle

An Abeokuta Chief Magistrate’s Court, on March 18, remanded a 35-year-old pregnant fake police officer, Iyabo Ojulari-Abideen, in prison custody over alleged theft of Honda Accord valued at N4.5 million. The police prosecutor, Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the offences on October 20, 2014 when she approached Saburi, a car dealer at Oke-Ile, dressed in police uniform with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and introduced herself as a policewoman with the intention to purchase a car. The accused allegedly told the dealer that she was sent by the Commissioner of Police and that a cheque would be forwarded to the dealer, but rather absconded with the car. The Chief Magistrate, Anthony Araba, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody, adding that she should be allowed access to medical facilities because of her condition.

Police Smash Car Theft Syndicate in Enugu

Ringleader of a gang, Ndubuisi Orji, who allegedly specializes in stealing cars using a master key, has been arrested by operatives of No 3 Police Mobile Unit in Enugu. The suspect was apprehended following a tip-off as he allegedly tried to steal a Red Mercedes Benz belonging to one Ugochukwu Chukwukeru. Confirming the incident on March 18, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, said the guards on duty at an old generation bank located at Okpara Avenue, arrested him while he was attempting to steal the car with his master key. The Suspect had reportedly confessed to the crime and would be prosecuted.

Gang Incidents

Ex-Militants Engage Security Operatives in Bayelsa

One person was killed and several others injured when some ex-militants engaged armed policemen in a fight in Bayelsa State on March 13. The fight followed the attempt by the ex-militants to take over some strategic points in the Yenagoa city centre. In a free-for-all battle, the ex-militants under the aegis of Ex-Freedom Fighters in the Niger Delta hauled stones and other missiles at the police, even as several police trucks were vandalised. Over nine vehicles, market and business outfits including the popular Camp Murphy Relaxation spot at the Tombia junction axis in uptown Yenagoa were vandalised during the clash. The ex-militants claimed that they were angry at the refusal of the Presidential Amnesty Implementation Committee to include them in the programme. Spokesman to the Bayelsa Police Command, Butswat Asinim denied the alleged killing of one of the protesting ex-militant youths.

10 Ibadan Poly Students Arrested for Cultism

The Oyo State Police Command, March 17, announced the arrest of 10 students of the Ibadan Polytechnic who are allegedly members of secret cults. The state commissioner of police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, disclosed that the suspected cultists were arrested while trying to carry out their nefarious activities in the institution. According to him, some cult members of the Polytechnic Ibadan, who unlawfully assembled and carried out nefarious activities that disturbed the relative peace of their institution in March 6, are currently cooling their heels at the state police command. He said one black axe, one empty cartridge, three pairs of belts and one black cap were recovered from them. The police assured the people of the state that criminals were in for a hard time, adding that the arrested suspects would not be spared as they would be made to face the full wrath of the law as soon as investigation was concluded.

Drugs

Drug Barons Recruit Traders as Couriers -NDLEA Warns

Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, March 18, advised members of the public to be cautious of plot by drug barons to recruit drug mules to smuggle locally grown cannabis to countries with capital punishment for drugs, like United Arab Emirates and China. Giade revealed that the NDLEA had foiled several attempts by drug barons to smuggle cannabis in foodstuff outside the country. Three suspects, including a female, Giade said had been caught with 58.755kg of cannabis, destined for Dubai and China, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. While calling on people to resist the antics of drug barons, the NDLEA boss promised to adopt measures, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of drug eradication efforts. Such measures, he said, include timely detection of drugs and exposure of modes of operation by drug syndicates.

Maritime

Terrorism

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 80 in Attack on Benue Community

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, March 15, attacked Egba village in Agatu LGA of Benue State, killing over 80 persons and injuring several others including women and children. It was learnt that the herdsmen who stormed the village at about 4am killed razed the community after killing their victims. According to a resident, the casualty figure could be higher following the disappearance of many other villagers. “The search for victims and survivors is still ongoing, but there is no doubt that the figure may rise because the entire village is like a killing field with the stench of blood everywhere and many still missing,” he said. He said 60 bodies had been recovered from the village at the time he spoke to his people. Confirming the attack on the community, Benue State Police Commissioner, Hyacinth Dagala, said his men had arrived the village to restore peace. Dagala, who confirmed the recovery of 30 bodies from the scene, said he would rely more on reports from his men, adding that the search for the recovery of more bodies was ongoing.

Military Discover Dead Bodies in Bama Wells
…as Boko Haram Slaughters ‘Wives’

The capture of Bama has led to the discovery of the atrocities perpetrated by the Boko Haram terror group while their hold on the town lasted. A large number of dead bodies of some of their hostages or those who resisted the insurgents have been discovered by Nigerian troops. The cordon and search of the town was continuing while some persons in the town are also being interrogated by troops. Security sources confirmed that as troops advanced on Bama, the terrorists embarked on a killing and maiming spree. Military medical teams and emergency workers have been attending to survivors and evacuating internally displaced persons as screening of the town continues. Reports show that members of the sect also killed dozens of women who were forced to marry their fighters before the battle with Nigerian troops in Bama. They reportedly killed the women to prevent them from subsequently remarrying.

Boko Haram Attacks Ngamboru Communities

Hundreds of suspected Boko Haram insurgents, March 19, invaded Fuyi, Fatakol and other communities bordering Cameroon, Kala Balge and Gamboru Ngala LGA of Borno State, leaving dozens of people dead and houses destroyed, sources and witnesses have said. Kala Balge and Gamboru Ngala are located south east of Maiduguri, the state capital, which remained under the control of insurgents, until recently when Chadian troops dislodged them from their hideouts. Sources, however, said, after retaking some of these communities, the troops advanced towards Dikwa town and continued their mission. The incident occurred when the insurgents, in coordinated attacks on the communities, slaughtered over 13 people in Fuyi village near Gamboru Ngala, a border town with Cameroon Republic.

Military Dislodges Boko Haram from More Communities

The Nigerian military, in its ongoing offensive to clear every part of the North-East of Boko Haram terrorists, has intensified its aerial bombardment and ground assault to recover more communities. The Director of Defense Information (DDI) Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, March 14, said that Air Force pounding of identified terrorists hideouts is continuing in some locations in Yobe and Borno States as part of ongoing campaign against terror. According to Olukolade, several sorties are being flown either in conjunction with ongoing ground assault by troops or to dislodge any concentration of terrorists as follow up to intelligence reports. The Nigerian military with the assistance of troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have liberated almost all major towns in the North East with the exception of Gwoza LGA in Borno State, and Goneri, Gujuba LGA of Yobe State. The Nigerian military, with the support of forces from the Lake Chad Basin Commission, March 14, continued the battle with the Boko Haram terrorists in a determined bid to retake Damasak, a border town between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Military Discovers Bomb Making Factory in Yobe

The military March 13, disclosed that the ongoing cordon and search by troops in Buni Yadi in Yobe State has led to the discovery of a bomb making factory, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorists were being produced.  The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that a large quantity of IEDs including those commonly used by suicide bombers was recovered from the Yobe State site. Olukolade said that the factory, located in a fertilizer company, had also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs. The Defense Spokesman also confirmed that four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.

Boko Haram Burns Borno Town as Troops Advance

Boko Haram Islamists have set fire to homes in Nigeria’s northeast town of Bama that are under their control, forcing residents to flee as troops advance to recapture it, witnesses disclosed. The Islamists, March 14, had reportedly told residents of Bama to evacuate before setting fire to many homes as Nigerian troops inched closer in a bid to retake the town, residents disclosed. The blaze forced hundreds of residents to flee towards Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, the group’s hometown and stronghold. The arson followed the sacking of the Islamists from nearby Boboshe and Yale villages by troops as they marched towards Bama‎. Bama, a strategic and historic town in the state, has been under the control of Boko Haram since September 2014.

Boko Haram Kills One in Chad Village

Fighters from Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamist insurgency attacked a village in Chad on March 15, killing one person, local residents said. Boko Haram, which is seeking to carve an Islamist emirate out of northeastern Nigeria, has expanded its zone of operations over the past year, but attacks on Chadian territory remain rare. “Boko Haram elements this morning attacked the village of Djargagoroum, between Ngouboua and Kaiga,” said a resident of the targeted village who asked not to be named. “The attack was repelled. We count one dead and two houses were burned.”

Troops Dislodge Boko Haram from Borno, Yobe Towns

The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, has said a combined operation of Air Force and ground forces have dislodged terrorists from more communities in Borno and Yobe states. Olukolade said the Air Force had carried out several attack missions on identified terrorists’ enclaves in the operational areas. He added that ground forces had commenced simultaneous mopping up operations in the areas pounded by the Air Force planes. Meanwhile, an intelligence source said on Sunday that troops were engaged in a fierce battle with the Boko Haram insurgents to recapture Damasak, a border town between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Operatives Defuse Bomb in Borno IDPs Camp

Security operatives in Maiduguri, Borno State, March 16, announced that they detected a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted near Yarwa Internally Displaced Persons camp in the state. Sources said that the arrested suspects were among the refugees who fled Bama for safety. The suspects reportedly claimed to be members of the Civilian JTF in charge of the refugees’ camp. Meanwhile, a source who craved anonymity said that troops recorded some victories over Boko Haram’s suicide bombers in Kaga LGA in the state as they succeeded in tracking down a would-be female suicide bomber in Ngamdu Township. Also, three suicide bombers heading for a military checkpoint along Damaturu-Maiduguri Road were killed before they could reach their destination.

Political/Government Agencies

FRSC Alerts Motorists to Death Traps on North-Central Roads

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has identified two major roads in the North-Central zone of the country as major death traps in the country, warning drivers to always exercise restraint while plying the roads. The roads are Abuja-Abaji-Koton Karfe-Lokoja-Okene road and Olooru-Bode Saadu-Jebba road. The FRSC’s assistant corps marshal, John Meheux, said the roads recorded high incidents of road traffic crashes every year. The FRSC boss, who said the Abuja-Abaji-Koton Karfe-Lokoja-Okene route is a well paved road, added that high incidents of road traffic crashes were recorded regularly on the road. The FRSC boss identified human factor as one of the major causes of road traffic crashes on Nigerian roads, said that speeding, loss of control, dangerous driving and burst tyres, were leading risk factors responsible for 81 per cent of auto accidents.

Regional Defence Chiefs Meet on Offensive against Boko Haram

The Chief of Defence State (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, on March 16, met with his counterparts from Chad and Niger in Abuja to fine-tune strategies in their collaborative efforts to flush out the Boko Haram terrorists from their contiguous boundaries. Defence spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, at the end of the meeting, said the defence chiefs vowed to continue with their military cooperation, especially in the final major onslaught to dislodge the terrorists from the few remaining areas under their control. Olukolade disclosed that the meeting resolved to establish a structure for joint planning to enhance their operations and consolidate on the successes so far achieved in the mission with a view to accelerating the tempo of operations. They also plan to set up a joint operation headquarters to ensure effective operations between the countries participating in the on-going counter-terrorism. The countries are expected to utilise the structure to beef up their Liaison Teams operating in the mission area.

Russia, Korea, Others Train Nigerian Troops

Foreign private security personnel from South Africa, Russia and South Korea are on ground in North East Nigeria to train Nigerian troops and are not engaged in frontline combat against Boko Haram. According to security and diplomatic sources, Nigeria has brought in hundreds of mercenaries to give its offensive against the militant group a shot in the arm ahead of the March 28 presidential elections. Director General National Orientation Agency, Mike Omeri, March 17, confirmed that the foreign security personnel on the ground were only engaged in training Nigerian troops.

Murder/Assassinations

Nasarawa Youths Petition Police over Killing of 2 Kinsmen

The Tiv Youth Organisation (TYO) in Nasarawa State has petitioned the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sani Mohammed over the alleged killing of two of its kinsmen from Asumeku village in Lafia LGA of the state. This was contained in a letter of complaint jointly authorised by the President and Secretary-General of the organisation, Honourable Peter Igbacher Kwembe and Joseph Ndyar respectively and addressed to the State CP and other security agencies. The organisation appealed to security personnel to get the perpetrators of the dastardly act arrested, prosecute them with a view to serving as deterrent to others and for the interest of peace and justice.

Two PDP Chieftains Killed in Rivers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, March 15, disclosed that two of its leaders in Akuku-Toru were shot dead by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The victims were identified as Mr Ibima Olunta, PDP Chairman Ward 2 Abonnema and Mr Goodfellow Bobmanuel, a PDP councillorship aspirant, ward 2 Abonnema, were killed at the front of their houses. State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Obuah, who condemned the murder of members of his party, called for the arrest and prosecution of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Fenibo Jack. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the killings and added that the police were alerted over a gun duel involving cultists in the area.

Jealous Boyfriend Stabs Pregnant Girlfriend to Death

A pregnant woman, Aishat Noble Mustapha, was on March 15, stabbed to death near her residence at Ogudu, Lagos, by her jealous boyfriend. It was gathered that the deceased was said to have been stabbed over 10 times by the said boyfriend, who has since been arrested by the police for interrogation after some neighbours disclosed that they had witnessed them quarreling before the attack. Eyewitness accounts said the boyfriend had queried her about her relationship with another man, and she had told him point blank that there was nothing between them.

Man Arrested over Mistress’s Death

A father of two, Christopher Ezekeil, has been arrested over the death of his mistress, Adekemi Faboro on March 14. It was learned that Christopher Ezekiel, who resides in Ibadan and Adekemi Faboro met online via Facebook. The father of two travelled from Ibadan to Lagos to spend the weekend with Adekemi when the unfortunate incident happened. Trouble, as gathered, started when Adekemi, started, coughing severely at midnight in her home. Neighbours, who suspected foul play, rushed her to the hospital, where she eventually passed on. Ezekiel was immediately apprehended by the police. The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, said the suspect, Ezekiel Christopher, was currently in police custody as the case had been transferred to Lagos State investigation department, SCID, Panti, for further investigations.

Woman Mobbed to Death over Theft of Baby

A suspected child thief was, march 17, nabbed and clubbed to death in Owerri, Imo State. The middle-aged woman, simply identified as Chioma, was allegedly caught while trying to steal a baby boy at Ogugba Park in Owerri. An eyewitness disclosed that the woman took the little boy from where his mother laid him and tried leave the scene quickly, but luck ran out on her as she was nabbed by people around the around. The stunned mother of the child thanked God for saving her family from the agony that would have befallen them. She thanked those who spotted the child thief early enough and stopped her from taking her child away.

9 Dead as Cattle Rustlers Hit Plateau

No fewer than nine people were on March 15 feared dead in a village in Foron district of Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State as suspected cattle rustlers struck. It was learned that 513 cattle were rustled during the attack. Chairman, Plateau State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Haruna Hussaini, disclosed that the police had arrested two of the rustlers. The Police Public Relations Officer Plateau State Command, DSP Emmanuel Abu who confirmed the arrest of two of the rustlers said the force had recovered 84 cows while 147 cows had also been recovered by the owners.

Benin Youths Protest Death of Man in Police Custody, Shut Hotel

Angry youths in Benin, March 16, crippled activities at Protea Hotel in Benin, following the death of a 26-year-old man, Chibuike Edeh, in police custody. The deceased, who was a staff of the hotel, was alleged to have stolen N42,000 from a guest and was handed over to the police at Area Command, Sapele Road, by the Chief Security Officer of the hotel last on March 6. However, somebody called them, informing them that the deceased body was found at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The entire guests at the hotel were evacuated as the protesters took over the entire premises, forcing management staff of the hotel to take to their heels.

Cultists Shoot UNILAG Student Dead

A student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was on March 17, shot dead in front of the amphitheater within the campus by suspected cultists. The deceased was said to have been gunning for the post of Sports Secretary in the forthcoming dispensation of the Student Union Government (SUG). According to report, he was shot in the full glare of some students, who after much delay, eventually took him to the university’s medical centre, where he was confirmed dead. The Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the killing and added that investigation had commenced into the incident.

Man Arrested for Killing Driver

A 25-year-old man, Shaibu Tanko, was on March 18 taken into custody and arraigned before a Kano State Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly stabbing a commercial driver to death. The police said the alleged killer passenger had contracted the deceased driver, Lawan Dauda, 24, to convey goods from Kano to Zaria. The police said a red golf belonging to the deceased driver was recovered from the alleged killer.

Ekiti Police Kill Robbers, Warn Landlords

The Ekiti State Police Command on March 18 killed two armed bandits in its efforts to rid the state of criminals. While parading the corpses in Ado Ekiti, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alberto Adeyemi, said they were killed along Ikere-Ilawe-Igbaraodo axis during a gun duel with the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Adeyemi said one of the robbers escaped from the police last year during an operation, accusing him of later forming a deadly group that had been terrorising the residents in recent time. He said weapons found on the robbers include: a Russian style single barrel pump action and 25 cartridges. The PPRO warned landlords to always be cautious of the means of livelihood of their tenants, to forestall them from harbouring robbers as neighbours.

Tenant on the Run after Strangling Landlady over Electricity Bill

The police in Ogun State, March 18, said they were on the trail of a woman, simply identified as Sakirat, who allegedly strangled her landlady to death over electricity bill. Sakirat allegedly sneaked into her landlady’s apartment and killed her, before escaping from the community, after it dawned on her that her landlady was dead. It was gathered that the deceased landlady, Saidat Ishola, had earlier in the day, had a disagreement with Sakirat, over electricity bill. The suspect had reportedly accused her landlady of cutting off the electricity to her two-room apartment during the heated argument in the early hours of the day. They were both separated by neighbours and people in the area, only for the neighbours to see the lifeless body of the landlady, in her apartment later in the day.

Assembly Candidate Killed in Akwa Ibom

A House of Assembly candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Okon Uwah, was reportedly killed on March 18, while on campaign in Ward Three in the Ukanafun LGA. Uwah, who was contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress to represent the Ukanafun State Constituency, was a former Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gabriel Achong, confirmed the killing, adding that his men had arrested many suspects. He vowed to bring all those responsible to book.

Gunmen Kill Village Chief in Enugu

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, March 19, killed Tamgbo Ogueji, a member of the traditional rulers’ cabinet at Eke community in Udi LGA of Enugu State. The deceased, aged 85, was allegedly shot in his house in the early hours over an undisclosed issue. President-General, Eke Town Union, Anthony Enu, said the community was irked and the youths restive over the incessant killings of their kinsmen by the same Fulani herdsmen. He called on the government and relevant authorities to prevail on these Fulani herdsmen to ensure justice for his people.

Rape

Abia Director Arrested, Fired over Alleged Rape-to-Death of 10-Year-Old Maid

The Director of Administration representing the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in the Board of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Mr. Christian Onuoha, has been arrested by the police for the mysterious death of his 10-year-old housemaid, who was allegedly raped to death. The victim, Anurika Ngwakwe, was allegedly found unconscious in Onuoha’s car in his house on March 17, before she was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has directed the immediate removal of Onuoha on the board of ASOPADEC. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere, described the crime as heinous.

Police Arrest Cleric for Raping Teenager, Assaulting Mother

The police in Lagos State, March 11, arrested an Islamic cleric, Abdullahi Omobolaji (40) for allegedly having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 17-year-old teenager in the Agege area of the state, where the victim lived with her mother and siblings. He was said to have taken advantage of the minor and slept with her many times, from November 2014 until the act was uncovered by the victim’s mother in March, 2015. When she confronted him, Alfa was said to have beaten up the girl’s mother. While the scuffle was on, the matter was reported at the Isokoko Police Division by the victim. The 40-year-old Ilorin, Kwara State indigene was subsequently arrested. The rape victim said she could not muster the courage to tell anyone about her experience because Alfa had threatened that she would die if she did. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Man Arraigned for Raping Girlfriend to Death

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court, March 19, ordered the detention of one Michael Oyejide, 24, in the Ibara prison for allegedly raping to death his 18-year-old girlfriend. The Magistrate, Martins Akinyemi, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison pending legal advice from the state Director of Public Prosecution. Oyejide, who resides at Ijeja, in Abeokuta, is facing three counts of conspiracy, rape and murder. However, his plea was not taken by the court, and Akinyemi, thereafter, adjourned the case till June 5 for mention. Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Moshood Hammed, told the court that the accused and one other at large, committed the offence on January 8 at Ijeja in Abeokuta. Hammed said the accused and his accomplice had raped the girl after a party to celebrate his birthday.

Others

11 Students Hospitalised Following Cholera Outbreak

Eleven students of the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are now lying critically ill at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, following an outbreak of cholera at the school. The situation at the school was said to be so critical that the authorities closed the school on March 13. The outbreak was said to have triggered pandemonium as parents rushed to the school to collect their wards and some people living in the area temporarily moved out. Cholera has been on the rise in Bayelsa State in recent months following an outbreak early this year in Southern Ijaw and Sagbama LGAs.

Police Lament Fulani-Farmers' Clashes in Ekiti

Following the killing of a man suspected to be a Fulani herdsman by a farmer at Iyemero Ekiti, Ikole LGA of Ekiti State on March 11, the Police have said the command would not hesitate to jail whoever fomented trouble among the groups in the State. The Command had arrested 30 persons in connection with the attempt to burn the palace of Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, and the attack on the police station in the town over cut of power supply by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company on March 12. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, said the Command would not tolerate any senseless killing from any group in the State.

Two Dead as Fire Razes Mile 12 Market

Two persons were burnt to death and several others severely injured on March 13 as the diesel black market located at the popular Mile 12 Market, along the Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos, was razed by fire. The fire which started at the section of the large market where diesel products are sold, razed properties and goods worth millions of naira. The fire, which started at about 5am, destroyed over 40 stalls and lock-up shops alongside other items. The Lagos State Fire Service Director, Rasaq Fadipe, said the fire might have been caused by the illegal oil bunkering activities being carried out in the market. However, conflicting reports alleged that the fire was caused by power surge when electricity was restored to the area that morning.

Polytechnic Staff, Wife, Children Killed in Inferno

A staff of Kaduna Polytechnic, his wife and two children were, March 14, killed when fire engulfed their home in Kaduna metropolis. The only survivor was the deceased’s six-year-old daughter. It was learnt that all the members of the family were sleeping in the same room when the fire started. His neighbours, it was discovered, made spirited effort to save them, but the fire was so intense that it prevented them from entering the building.

Pregnant Woman Arrested for Dealing in Human Parts Business

A 25-year-old pregnant woman, Saki Adediran, who allegedly specializes in selling human parts, was among scores of suspected dare-devil robbers, vandals and rapists paraded by Oyo State Police Command, on March 17. Among the suspects was also a teenager, Ayobami Erinfolami, who confessed that he had been involved in a few armed robbery operations. When the suspects were paraded by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, one of them, who identified himself as Taiwo Akinola, confessed that he was among the suspects that went to a cemetery on the outskirts of Apete in Ibadan to exhume dead bodies.

Court Arraigns Man for over Attempt to Kill Girlfriend

A 27-year-old man, Jeremiah Oboh, from Ebonyi State, has been arraigned and remanded in prison by Okpanam Chief Magistrate Court, in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State, for allegedly attempting to murder his girlfriend, Favour Oduma. According to the charge, Jeremiah Oboh on February 25, 2015, intentionally stabbed Miss Oduma on the left side of her neck, back lap and face with a broken bottle. No plea was taken in the court for lack of jurisdiction. Subsequently, the court headed by Magistrate V.E Ghomorai, among others, ruled that the case file should be referred to the office of the Delta State attorney-general/Director of Public prosecutions for appropriate Legal advice. The accused was sent to Federal Prisons, Ogwashi-Uku, for remand, pending his arraignment in an appropriate court.

Customs Seize, Bury Cartons of Frozen Turkey in Kwara

Smuggled cartons of frozen turkeys worth millions of naira were buried by the Nigerian Customs Service in Ilorin, Kwara State, on March 18. The burial of the contraband goods was supervised by officials of the Directorate of State Services, the Nigerian Police Force, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The Public Relations Officer, Kwara Out-Station, under Niger-Kwara-Kogi Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. George Onumah, said the cartons of frozen turkeys were discovered in a car. He stated that custom officers from the Federal Operations Unit, Kaduna Zonal Office, intercepted the car and two occupants along the Alapa-Ibeti-Shaki Road, a border area between Kwara and Oyo states. He warned all intending smugglers to desist from such illegal act, saying smuggling was negatively impacting on the nation’s economy.

Review/Analysis

The increasing activities of assassins and murderers took the front stage this week as stories ranging from cult related murders and political killings abound. The south-south, south east, and south-west remain high prone areas of these deadly attacks.

Kidnap/hostage related cases have stayed top in recent times. Though the police have made some major arrests of suspected criminal gangs and notorious kidnappers, some victims are still held captive while the police have said that they are working tirelessly to secure their safe release.

Terrorism in recent times have been hampered by the might of the Nigerian military troops as they battle to recapture towns and villages killing fighters of the Boko Haram insurgent groups in a bid to return normalcy to the north-east. But the sect members, as they flee from the onslaught by the Nigeria military, have resorted to attacking villages and killing people at random.

Armed robbery incidents ranging from car theft, to burglary, and other crime related incidents cut across the country. It is however reassuring as the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) within the the week has arrested many suspects, who are being prosecuted in the Court.

Security consciousness remains the watch word. We are urged to remain alert to threats and promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Villeworth urges everyone to stay safe, law abiding and be security conscious.