Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 15

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapper of Judge’s Wife Gets Death Sentence

A Delta State High Court sitting at Ughelli in Delta State, March 30, sentenced one David Tamarakpo Pade to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping of wife of a retired judge of the Court of Appeal, Mrs. Roli Awala. The court also sentenced two of his accomplices to a total of 19 years in jail with hard labour for the same offence. The court, presided over by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, found the three accused persons guilty on various counts, while delivering its verdict amidst tight security for the trial that lasted several hours. The convicted kidnappers include a popular herbalist, Moses Omiovwobese, who was sentenced to two years in jail for accessory on grounds that the kidnapped victim was rescued from his shrine by the Police. The three accused persons with two others now at large had, on August 5 2009, kidnapped Roli Awala and held her for six days before she was rescued. He also told the court that they robbed the victim, her husband and daughter of their mobile phones and car, while armed with a gun.

Police Arrest Herbalist for Abduction

The Kwara State Police Command, April 1, announced the arrest of an herbalist, Akeem Adeniyi, for allegedly abducting his girlfriends, simply identified as Bose and Busayo, for money ritual. It was gathered that Adeniyi connived with two other suspects ─ Biodun Yusuf and one Raphael, who is still on the run ─ to abduct the victims. It was learnt that the suspects were apprehended after the residents of the Alla-Isin area of Kwara State heard somebody screaming for help at about 11pm on March 11 and rushed to the scene. It was said that the residents could not find the victim on getting to the scene, but saw a Sienna Space Wagon bus believed to be the property of the people that attracted the residents. Adeniyi reportedly told them that Busayo was his girlfriend and he was only trying to forcefully have sex with her when she screamed. He was said to have initially declined to reveal her whereabouts. Police said Adeniyi and his friends were also responsible for the abduction of Bose, who was declared missing on March 19 by her father. The herbalist, who claimed the second victim was also his girlfriend, reportedly led security operatives to their hideout, where Busayo and Bose were rescued alive.

Robbery

Jailbreak Escapees Caught in Fresh Robbery

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested some suspects who were allegedly involved in Ekiti jail break which occurred in November last year. The suspects, according to the police, were arrested in connection with another robbery incident. While parading the suspects on March 30, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammed Katsina, said the command pre-election efforts also led to the arrest of eight armed robbers. He explained further that as the suspects fled the scene they ran into a nearby ambush. Investigation also revealed that the leaders of the robbery gang, one Boluwaji Olawumi, John Isaac and Fagboyegun Wale were among those that escaped in the Ekiti jail break on November 30, 2014 where they were awaiting trial for armed robbery and murder.

Transformer Vandal Nabbed in Calabar

A suspected transformer vandal, Eyo Inyang Effiom (30), was arrested on March 30 as he tried to vandalize a transformer at Edgerton Street in Calabar, Cross River State. Eyo, who had been allegedly vandalizing transformers in the locality for more than two years, was caught around 2am by the vigilante while he was trying to remove the armoured cable from a transformer. A member of the vigilante, Nkpama Asim, said the suspect and his group had been vandalizing transformers in and around the metropolis for over two years.

Police Recover N9m from Dead Bank Robbers

The police in Ondo State have recovered N9 million from the six of the fifty armed robbers who raided four banks at Owo recently. Six police officers and seven civilians were killed by the robbers who stormed the banks on March 20. Also shot dead by the robbers were a bank manager and his deputy who reportedly refused to cooperate with them on arrival at the bank. The six robbers were shot dead by policemen who engaged them in a shootout that lasted for two hours. Three of the police officers were shot dead at the police station on arrival by the robbers who destroyed the station with gunshots. About 23 assorted fire arms, including 9000rounds of ammunition, 11 dynamites, 100 magazines, ten smoke hand grenade, three steel helmets, police berets and uniforms, nine exotic vehicles, were recovered from the robbers. Police Commissioner, Isaac Eke, disclosed that one of the robbers was arrested alive, while six others lost their lives said after intense and protracted exchange of fire.

Police Nab 2 Suspects over N15m Stolen Goods

Police operatives in Lagos State, March 31 announced the arrest of two suspects who received stolen goods worth over N15 million. The suspects, identified as James Adeoba and Emeka Philip, were trailed to three states -Kwara, Taraba and Yola states- before they could be located and arrested and were later nabbed and the stolen items recovered from them. Police recovered 23 fuel pumping machines from them valued at over N15m. Four generating sets were also recovered from them. Adeoba was arrested in Kwara State and confessed to how some of the goods came to be in his possession. Following Philip’s confession, police team went to Jalingo and Yola state where some of the stolen goods were recovered.

Police Arrest Ondo Bank Robbery Suspect in Edo

The Edo State Police Command, April 1, paraded 24 suspected kidnappers, cultists and armed robbers, including one Etopa Sadiq, who was alleged to have participated in the recent attack on some banks and police stations at Owo, Ondo State. Sadiq was arrested with bullet wounds around Ibillo in Akoko Edo LGA of the state after a gun battle with policemen. The state’s Police Commissioner, Samuel Adegbuyi, who paraded the suspects, said his men engaged the robbers in a shootout after a tip-off. The commissioner said the robbers fled when they felt the superior fire power of his men, abandoning their arms and ammunition. Items recovered from them include 32 AK-47 magazines, three LAR rifle magazines, seven TO6 rifle magazine, 23 tear gas canisters, three boxes of ammunition, 12 rounds dummy cartridges, 23 live ammunition, three police crash helmets, one set of police uniforms, among others. He added that efforts were on to arrest the fleeing robbers. However, the suspect denied involvement in the Owo bank robbery operation, claiming he was arrested while travelling through Ibillo.

Gang Incidents

Cult Members Stab Man to Death in Ilorin

Three suspected cult members, March 13, killed one Abdulrahman Kayode after he cautioned them against harassing a lady that was with him. It was learnt that the gang had trailed a lady, Murisade Adebanji, to a building over a disagreement between them. The assailants stabbed the deceased until he died. Adebanji reportedly panicked and fled the scene. It was learnt that two members of the gang, Abdulazeez Asaju, a student, and Sodiq Olabanji, were arrested after Adebanji’s sister, Grace, reported the incident at the Police Division E, Kulende in Ilorin, Kwara State. According to the police, the suspects are members of Alora confraternity. A locally-made pistol with live cartridges, a knife and an axe were said to have been recovered from the duo.

Gunmen Kill Cult Member in Lagos Attack

Gunmen, suspected to be cult members, March 26, invaded Shitta area of Surulere in Lagos State, unleashing terror on residents. The assailants, numbering five, reportedly stormed the neighbourhood in two jeeps and started shooting sporadically. One Ete Williams was said to have been killed in the incident, while two others, identified as Danglish and Sir Feti, were injured by stray bullets. It was learnt that the deceased was a member of Eiye confraternity, while his killers belonged to Aiye – a rival cult group. A resident, Azeez Aregbesola, said Williams was killed at a drinking joint called Medube where hoodlums and smokers reportedly converged on. The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu confirmed the attack.

Gunmen Attack at Ekiti APC Members

Gunmen, on April 1, attacked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat and jubilant members of the party in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The APC members had just returned from the streets of Ado Ekiti where they had gone to celebrate the victory of the APC candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the March 28 Presidential election. The state Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said the gunmen came in three Hilux vans with Government House registration number and three men in police uniform. He alleged that the gunmen were members of a killer gang sent to disrupt the APC victory party by the governor. But Fayose said the attack was a self-sponsored attack by the APC to make it look like an attack from outside, urging the people to disregard the allegations. Olatubosun wondered why the hoodlums attacked the secretariat unchallenged in the presence of a detachment of police led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Ologede Police Station, Ado Ekiti that had provided security for the APC.

INEC office in Rivers, Benue set ablaze

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commissions, INEC, in Emohua LGA of Rivers State, was on March 29, set ablaze by suspected political thugs after the March 28 presidential and national assembly elections. Vanguard gathered that at dawn, the building, located in Emohua, administrative headquarters of the council which houses the electoral body, had been razed by persons alleged to be aggrieved. Similarly, aggrieved voters in Benue state, torched the INEC office in Logo LGA of the state. Public Relations Officer of INEC in the state, Louis Ochai confirmed the development, describing it as unfortunate and deplorable.

18 Suspected Cultists, Gunmen Nabbed in Oyo

At least 18 suspected cultists and gunmen, who allegedly caused violence during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections, were arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State by the police. The suspects, who wielded guns, belonged to a gang of cultists known as One Million Boys. According to the police, the gang had been notorious in the area for unleashing violence on residents and taking the advantage of campaign rallies to mobilise for deadly operations. The suspects were apprehended by policemen on patrol with the help of a special squad deployed in the state from Abuja. The cops were said to have engaged the cultists in a shootout and subdued them. Items recovered from the suspects included guns, cutlasses, machetes, broken bottles, burnt tyres, charms, hammers and chisels. The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina, said the police were intensifying efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.

Suspected Arsonists Set INEC Office Ablaze in Delta

Arsonists, on March 30, set fire on the Isiokolo office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State, destroying files and other sensitive items. The hoodlums stormed the premises through the back fence and broke into the office, after chasing out security guards and immediately set the building ablaze. It was gathered that an unspecified number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were burnt. But the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, has denied the incident. Ethiope East LGA is one of the areas in Delta Central Senatorial district whose results are being contested by the Labour Party (LP) for alleged voting irregularities.

Armed Thugs Attack Federal High Court in Bayelsa

About fifteen lawyers among them a pregnant woman, March 30, escaped death after armed thugs invaded the Federal High Court in Yenagoa over the suit between Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Foster Ogola. The incumbent Senator, Lokpobiri, is challenging the choice of Ogola in the court as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Bayelsa West Senatorial district of the state. According to eyewitnesses, the thugs stormed the Federal High Court premises at about 10am over a purported sitting of the court. An eyewitness said it took the deployment of armed policemen and sporadic shooting into the air to restore normalcy as the invaders fled the scene. The Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.

Police Investigate Ihiala Violence

The Anambra State Police Command says investigation has commenced into the crisis that erupted at headquarters of Ihiala LGA on March 29. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Uche Ezeh, disclosed that two officers sustained injuries in the attempt to restore peace. An eye-witness disclosed that a group of politicians and their thugs stormed the LGA headquarters to beat up those at the collation venue. According to him, about four persons had gunshot wounds, including policemen, while one person was feared dead. The PPRO, however, said that no life was lost in the incident. Ezeh attributed it to the desperation of politicians who did not heed the order of the police not to move about on election days. He said investigations were underway to unravel the cause of the problem.

Drugs

Maritime

Terrorism

Military Battles Boko Haram in Bauchi

Nigerian troops battled scores of Boko Haram fighters in Bauchi State on March 29. Soldiers supported by two fighter jets intercepted the militants who were in 20 pick-up trucks at Dungulbe village, seven kilometres (four miles) from the Bauchi city, and engaged them in fierce fighting. The Islamists arrived in the village around 10am and set up camp in preparation for an invasion of the city, said Dungulbe resident, Mudassir Hambali, who fled to Bauchi. The militants were believed to have come through the town of Alkaleri, 60 kilometres away, where there was a dawn raid on March 28. Gunmen in several vehicles attacked public buildings and security checkpoints. A police station, the office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the local electoral commission premises were all razed. The gunmen also attacked polling stations and destroyed ballot boxes during the attack. Defence Headquarters (DHQ) spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said the attackers were repelled by the military.

Boko Haram Kills 7 in Nafada

Insurgent group, Boko Haram, March 28, disrupted the presidential and National Assembly elections in Nafada, Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State, killing seven people. The group had on February 14, attacked Dadin Kowa and surrounding villages before heading for Gombe, the state capital, distributing leaflets, warning people not to come out to participate in the general election as it would strike on election days. The heavily armed insurgents, who arrived at the town in several Hilux vans and motorcycles, opened fire on residents who were being accredited at some polling units. The insurgents were said to have burnt a bank and the police station in another attack in Dukku at about 11am, forcing residents to run for dear life.

Gunmen Kill Five in Gombe

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen, March 28, attacked the towns of Dukku and Tilen village in Gombe state, killing five people, residents disclosed. The gunmen stormed Dukku, 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the state capital Gombe city, shooting randomly as voters queued up at polling stations. The gunmen also reportedly killed a state assembly lawmaker and the local chief in the nearby herding village of Tilen. Witnesses reported that the assailants in Gombe made clear their intention was to disrupt the polls.

Boko Haram Militants Behead 23 in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram militants beheaded 23 people and set fire to homes in Buratai, Borno State on March 27, a federal lawmaker representing the area, Mohammed Adamu, disclosed.  It was not clear if the raid late Friday was linked to Saturday’s polls, but Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau had vowed to disrupt the vote.

Soldiers Rescue Women, Children Locked-Up by Boko Haram

The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, March 27, disclosed that troops of the Nigerian military have rescued some women and children, who were locked up by insurgents in Gwoza. Olukolade said the rescued hostages were being given medical attention and necessary care by troops pending the arrival of emergency agencies in the area. He said some of the freed hostages were providing useful information to the troops on the activities of the militants. The military spokesman also disclosed that the troops also discovered a building converted by insurgents to a bomb making factory. He explained that the factory was used for the purpose of the production of Improvised Explosive Devices. According to him, the military has embarked on ‎a careful evacuation of the dangerous materials stored in the building.

Police, Bauchi Youths Kill Four Insurgents, as Attackers Kill 3 Youths

A joint team of Police and vigilante group, on March 29, killed four gunmen, who attacked Tafawa Balewa town in Bauchi State. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, Haruna Mohammed, the gunmen stormed the town in a convoy of 18 Hilux vans, shooting sporadically.  The joint police and local vigilance group in the town engaged them into a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon four Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft machine guns and retreated towards Bununu after sustaining heavy casualties.” The Police spokesman added that rampaging youths set the corpses of the attackers ablaze and recovered the Hilux vehicles. He added that two empty shells of 12.7mm ammunition of AA were also recovered at the scene. Mohammed also disclosed that the attackers killed three vigilance group members in Jitar village in Bauchi LGA of the state.

12 Killed as Herdsmen Attack Benue Community

Twelve persons, including children were, on April 1, killed in Tse Tume and Agaraga in Logo LGA of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The headsmen also razed over 45 houses and huts in the affected communities in a renewed attack. Over 45 houses and huts were razed by the herdsmen who beat a retreat after the attack. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Austin Ezeani, said the police were aware of three deaths in the attack. Ezeani also confirmed that several houses and huts were razed by the assailants but noted that the attackers retreated when security personnel stormed the area.

Political/Government Agencies

Muhammadu Buhari Wins Presidential Election

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, emerged winner of the March 28 Presidential election, defeating incumbent president, and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Goodluck Jonathan, in a keenly contested race. International election observers largely described the electioneering process as peaceful and credible. The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, who announced the result on March 31, presented the certificate of return to Buhari. In a move that surprised the nation, Jonathan, promptly conceded defeat and congratulated the president elect. The official handover of power in Nigeria remains May 29, 2015.

50 Killed in March 28 Elections —NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said no fewer than 50 people were killed during and after the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections across the country. The chairman of the governing council of NHRC, Chidi Odinkalu, while commending Nigerians for refusing to be cowed by hiccups in the electoral process, noted that the voting process was not without some challenges, including violence and security breaches, as there were incidents, reports and allegations of various forms of violence from different parts of the country, including some reported attacks by extremists in some parts of north-eastern Nigeria, designed to frustrate the elections. He added that acts of violence resulting in fatalities were reported in Akwa Ibom, Borno, Bauchi, Edo, Gombe, Lagos, Osun, Rivers and Yobe states. The commission also noted that widespread availability of small arms and light weapons in some parts of the country, especially in parts of Akwa Ibom, Imo, Delta, Rivers and Benue states.

Murder/Assassinations

Election Tragedies: Woman Kills Husband in Lagos

A woman, simply identified as Onyinyechi, stabbed her husband to death over party affiliation, as Nigeria held the presidential and national assembly elections. It was gathered that the suspect has since been arrested and is currently being detained at the Ejigbo Police Division, Lagos. The couple, who were expecting their first child together, had a minor argument over their party affiliations. The argument degenerated into a fight during which she allegedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife in the chest region. A neighbour disclosed that, the suspect had attempted to manage the situation immediately the incident occurred. It was when she discovered that the situation had overwhelmed her she raised alarm and called for help. Reports from the neighbours said the suspect had called for help too late. It was also gathered that the police were called in and they promptly arrested the suspect, after which they took the corpse to the morgue.

One Killed as Gunmen Attack LGAs, Set Electoral Materials Ablaze in Bauchi

Unknown gunmen, suspected to be members of Boko Haram insurgent group, March 28, attacked Alkaleri and Kirfi LGAs of Bauchi State. The gunmen, whose number could not be ascertained, were said to have arrived in the areas in about 10 Hilux vehicles fully armed and stormed many polling units in the areas, while they also destroyed electoral materials. They thereafter attacked both the divisional police headquarters in Alkaleri and Kirfi, the headquarters of Alkaleri and Kirfi councils respectively. A report said one person was killed during the attack, even as the attackers were said to have set the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) office in the areas ablaze. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, stated that the gunmen were repelled and pursued towards Dindima on the Bauchi-Gombe road. Meanwhile, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Bauchi as well as in Alkaleri and Kirfi following the attacks.

Youth Leader Clubbed to Death in Edo

A Youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Igie Osayande, was allegedly clubbed to death and set ablaze by suspected political thugs, allegedly led by one Osamede Edorodion in Ikpoba Okha LGA of Edo State on March 28. Trouble started when the said Osamede Edorodion stormed the area with thugs demanding to be accredited long after accreditation had closed and voting had commenced. In an attempt to resist them, the APC youth leader, Igie Osagiede, was attacked by the thugs and clubbed to death. His body was also set ablaze.

Court Remands Suspects over Killing of Hotel Manager

A Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ebute Meta, March 30, remanded three suspected robbers for allegedly stabbing a hotel manager, Olalekan Oduwobi, to death. The suspects, Agbomeji Seun (30), Rasaq Babatunde (30) and Anthony Gbagolo (19), were arraigned on three counts of murder and unlawful possession of firearms. It was reported that the suspects had, on February 25, sneaked into Imokun Noforija community in the Epe area of Lagos and killed Oduwobi who worked in 12-30 Hotel. The robbers were later apprehended by residents and handed over to the police. Their pleas were not taken for the offences. The police prosecutor, Victor Eruada, applied for their remand in prison. The defence counsel, Kayode Oduntan did not object to the remand application. The magistrate, M. O. Tanimola, ordered that the defendants are to be remanded in prison pending legal advice from the DPP.

One Dead, 2 Injured in Zamfara

One person was, on March 28, killed in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, while two others sustained injuries, following their alleged insistence to vote in the area, when they were not registered to vote. The deceased and the two others injured were said to have insisted on voting in a polling unit in the area, despite warning from other voters that they were not to vote. It was learned that their refusal to heed the warning resulted in a fight with other voters, following which the deceased was axed and he died instantly, while the two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in an unnamed hospital. Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Mustapha Anka, said it was true that the tragedy occurred, but that security agents were called in, who immediately restored order to the area before things got out of hands.

Petrol Tanker Crushes Two to Death in Delta

Two persons were, March 27, crushed to death at Ozoro in Isoko North LGA of Delta State by a petrol tanker. It was gathered that one of the victims was selling roasted plantains and yams at her kiosk close to the fence of a filling station in the community, while the other victim had stopped by to buy some of the items when the tanker, which had just discharged its content and was trying to get out of the premises, rammed into the fence, pulling it down and crushing the victims. An eyewitness disclosed that the driver of the tanker was discussing with someone, when the conductor attempted to pull the tanker out of the filling station. The conductor was promptly arrested by the police.

Rape

Armed Robbers Rape Women in Church

Seven ladies who went for night vigil for deliverance in a church in Benin-City, Edo State, were allegedly raped by armed bandits who stormed two churches at about 4am on March 26. The robbers were said to have earlier raided a building near Ewuotubu community where they robbed the residents. It was learnt that two persons, including a police officer, were shot dead while others sustained various degrees of injuries in the process. The robbers had, on storming the church premises, rained bullets on the roof and ordered members to lie down and they raped the women. One of the victims, narrated that most of them were beaten mercilessly when they refused to identify the pastor. The robbers reportedly ransacked the church and collected any cash they found and escaped.

Teenager Kills Would-be Rapist

The police in Lagos have arrested an 18-year-old lady, Kafayat Olawale, for allegedly stabbing to death a man, Ojo Ijabike (32) after he allegedly tried to rape her on March 27. Investigations revealed that Ijabike had attempted to forcefully have carnal knowledge of the suspect, which resulted in a scuffle between them. Olawale was said to have stabbed the deceased in the heart region, while the 32-year-old victim inflicted injuries on her. The landlord of the house, who heard the noise, was said to have broken the locked door and met the duo lying in a pool of blood. They were reportedly rushed to a private hospital in the area where Ijabike, died. The suspect’s boss, a hairdresser, said Olawale was tricked into Ijabike’s apartment. It was gathered that the deceased had first used the weapon to threaten the suspect so she could submit to his desire. A police source said the suspect was stabbed more than six times in her back and was first hospitalised before arrest. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Man Rapes Boy, 10

A 39-year-old man accused of allegedly committing an offence of having unnatural carnal knowledge of a 10-year-old boy, has pleaded for clemency. Chinedu Okandu was arrested by police at Aihuobabekun Community in Ovia North-east Local Government Area of Edo state on February 23, 2015. He attributed his sexual escapade to “prolonged bachelorhood”.

Others

Explosion in Anambra Polling Units

Explosion greeted a polling unit in Awka Anambra State on March 28 as voters prepared for accreditation before 8am at Amaenyi Primary school. Eye witness said that voters came out for accreditation but were shocked when the explosion occurred disrupting the exercise. One of the class room blocks was demolished as a result of the explosion. The police anti-bomb squad was on hand to attend to the situation, while other security operatives controlled human traffic in the area. This, however, did not deter eligible voters in the State as they stayed back to vote.

Irate Youths Attack Radio Station, Journalists in Jos

Irate youths from Anguwan Rogo and Zinaria community in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, on March 29, attacked a private radio station and journalists from both electronic and print media. The youths were after a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Muhammed Adam, for making an inciting statement on a live programme on radio. Adam allegedly tagged a religious scholar and youths who had stoned him the previous day as a Boko Haram member during a live chat with journalists. He had made the instigating remark before he hurried out of the station accompanied by security operatives. The youths threw stones at journalists demanding the handover of Adam and threatened to burn the Radio House. The youths also burnt the politician’s family home and his brother’s house at Anguwan Rogo. An eyewitness alleged that one person was killed when the Special Task Force stormed the area to disperse the youths.

APC Women Protest in Rivers

About two thousand female members of the All Progressive Congress, APC, March 30, protested on the ever busy Aba road in Port Harcourt calling for cancellation of the March 28 presidential election in the state. The protesters were dispersed at Waterlines portion of the road by stern looking policemen with mild teargas fired into the air, thus preventing the protesters from getting to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about five hundred meters away. Meantime, the APC in a statement issued Monday by its Chairman in the state, Dr Davies Ikanya called for suspension of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dame Gesilia Khan, accusing her of electoral bias.

Bomb Explodes at Enugu Polling Booth

A car bomb exploded at the WTC Primary School Polling Booth in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State on March 28, just before the start of elections at 8am. There was no casualty as the bomb exploded before the accreditation commenced. The police anti-bomb unit was able to defuse three other unexploded bombs at the centre. The bombs were planted in a Honda Accord car and parked behind the WTC primary school. Officials of the Anti-Bomb Unit, who rushed to the scene after policemen were posted to the centre, raised an alert that one of the bombs exploded inside the car while the second did not explode. The bomb experts dismantled the second bomb which was timed to explode during the voting.

Police Arrest 10 For Electoral Violence In Osun

The Commissioner of Police for the elections in Osun State, Sam Okaula, on March 29, disclosed that the police arrested four suspects for attempting to snatch the results of the presidential election in Ikirun. He said the suspects had been transferred to the state capital, Osogbo, for interrogation. He added that six others had been arrested in the state for causing violence that led to the death of two people. He also said that over 5,000 policemen were deployed in the state for the elections.

Governor’s Aide Kills, Injures Youths in Election Celebration Accident

Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Alhaji Isah Ahmed Duniya Bahutu, knocked down and killed an ex-soldier and injured four others in Birnin-Kudu LGA of Jigawa State on March 30. The accident occurred when the special adviser was returning from his village. It was gathered that the governor’s aide ran over a group of youths, who barricaded the main road, celebrating the senatorial victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bahutu ran into the gathering, lost control of the vehicle and hit the deceased, who died instantly. Four of the youths, who sustained injuries, were rushed to the hospital. It was gathered that immediately the special adviser noticed what had happened, he took to his heels to avoid being lynched by irate mob that had gathered. An eyewitness disclosed that the special adviser did not deliberately hit the youths, saying he did all he could to dodged the crowd but to no avail.

Police Nab 50 Persons over Electoral Malpractices

Delta State Police Command, on March 31, confirmed the arrest of at least 50 persons over various electoral malpractices during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Celestina Kalu, who disclosed this, said that the suspects were arrested from various polling units in across the State. She said those arrested included those who snatched ballot boxes, caused a breach of the peace and other acts that could undermine the election. The police image maker said the suspects are undergoing investigations after which they will be charged to court. She used the opportunity to warn all, particularly the youths, not to go against the rules as police will deal with anyone who breaches the law.

23 Die Celebrating APC’s Victory at Presidential Election

The victory celebrations by supporters of the president-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), turned sour in many towns and cities in the northern part of the country, as the wild orgy of jubilation turned tragic, leading to the death of no fewer than 23 persons in Kano, Gombe and Niger States. It was gathered that tragedy occurred simultaneously in different locations and local government areas of Kano State as soon as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the final result of the presidential election. It was gathered that six people also died at Hotoro quarters during a head-on collision with their vehicles while celebrating Buhari's victory on March 31. Spokesman of the Kano State Police Command, Musa Magaji Majia, who confirmed the deaths, said the command found seven unknown dead bodies.

Police Arrest Trader for Shaving Woman’s Pubic Hair

A 35-year-old trader, Ibrahim Adamu, has been arrested by police in Benin City, Edo State for reportedly shaving the pubic hair of a 25-year-old woman without her consent. The suspect was alleged to have lured the victim, Jumai Jasper, into his room on March 24, where he perpetrated the act. Adamu, who admitted shaving the victim’s hair, however denied using it for ritual purpose. The suspect, who did not disclose the whereabouts of the victim’s hair, alleged that the residents at his neighbourhood were those who invited police after the victim raised the alarm. The state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, who confirmed the report, said the suspect would be arraigned in court for indecent assault when police investigation is completed. Adegbuyi also paraded two other suspects for offences bothering on rape and defilement of minors.

Review/Analysis

With the Presidential and National Assembly elections, being the focus of Nigerians this week, crime waves appeared reduced marginally. However, gang related incidents, were severally witnessed as political thugs appeared to have their time with clashes witnessed at various points. Cultist also cashed in on the opportunity to unleash terror on themselves and innocent victims.

With the military all out to rid the country of all traces of terrorism, the activities of Boko Haram insurgents have drastically reduced, with just trickles of attacks in some places in the north-east. Nigerian troops have audaciously defeated the Boko Haram sect with the successful recapture of towns and villages where the Boko Haram sect had formerly occupied. The military remains vigilant with mop-up operations and the rescue of locked-up hostages, on-going. However, the sect, unrelenting in its characteristic style of terrorising people and communities, continue to leave trails of death and destruction in small communities as it flees the military onslaught.

Murder/assassination is slowly finding its way to the top on the crime index with different stories of murder and killings across the country. Nevertheless the police have arrested some culprits, while investigations open to reported cases.

Robbery, which took an upward plunge last week, took a downward toll this week. The Police have done a very good job with the arrest of some suspects.

Kidnap/hostage incidents remain commendably low as the long arm of the law caught up with a gang of kidnappers, where the kingpin received the ultimate death sentence, while others were handed various jail terms.
Villeworth maintains her call for you to stay safe, law abiding and security conscious.
Remain alert to your environment and promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement to the appropriate authorities for investigation. You could save a life.