Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 21

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	4
2	Robbery	4
3	Gang	4
4	Drugs	0
5	Maritime Incidents	1
6	Terrorism	5
7	Political/Government Agencies	3
8	Murder/Assassinations	12
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	4
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

70-Year-old Woman Nabbed for Kidnapping a Toddler

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 70-year-old woman, Zainab Alabi, for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old girl, Fatiah Mustapha. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the arrest on May 10, said the victim had been released to her parents. The girl was found in a worship place popularly called Ori-Oke at Basin area of Ilorin while being used by the suspect for begging for alms. It was also gathered that the septuagenarian had claimed that she used the proceeds from the alms begging to feed and clothe the child. The girl had been declared missing by her parents since March 25. The girl’s grandfather, Mallam Isa, went to the same Ori-Oke to worship where he saw the 70-year-old woman with the missing girl, according to reports. He was said to have alerted the priest in charge of the centre that he had seen his missing grandchild in the custody of an unknown person. They later accosted the woman but allegedly met a resistance from her, leading to Police intervention.

Former CMD, Wife Kidnapped in Ekiti

Former Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Dr Patrick Adegun was on May 7 abducted. Adegun was kidnapped alongside his wife, Kikelomo, and taken to an unknown destination. They were kidnapped few metres from their residence at Goshen Avenue, Oke Ila, in Ekiti State. The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria in Ekiti, Dr Olusola Aduloju who lamented the insecurity in the health sector, ordered members to withdraw their services until Adegun was found.

Lecturer Kidnapped, Driver Killed in Ife

A lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Femi Omisore, was on May 9, kidnapped by unidentified persons at the weekend. It was gathered that the lecturer was kidnapped at Ado-Ekiti, while on his way to Oye-Ekiti. According to a source, the kidnappers also killed Omisore’s driver and burnt his vehicle to ashes. A source disclosed that the driver tried to escape but he was caught. The driver tried so much to avoid being overtaken by the unknown men, but it is painful that he did not succeed as they eventually killed him. The kidnappers came back to the area and shot at the petrol tank of the vehicle, resulting in an inferno that burnt the car.” Chairman, OAU Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, confirmed the incident.

Police Parades 40 Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers in Calabar

Over forty (40) suspected cultists, armed robbers and kidnapper were, on May 9, paraded by Cross River State Police command. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Hogan Bassey, said the suspects were arrested at different locations in the State. This comes a few days after rival cult groups -Vikings and Scorpions- clashed in Calabar, leaving several deaths on its trail. An aged man and local Chief in the area, was also paraded among the suspects for allegedly aiding and abetting cult activities. His two sons, who are suspected members of a cult group, fled their home before the police arrival. According to the PPRO, some dangerous weapons including locally made pistols and axes were recovered from the suspects.

Robbery

Delta Police Kill Six Armed Robbery Suspects

Six suspected armed robbers have been shot dead by the police in the Delta State. It was learned that three of the suspects were killed in a gun duel with the police on May 8th in the Ughelli metropolis, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. Two suspected armed robbers were killed in Afiesere community and another in Iyede, Isoko North Local Government Area. Area Commander in charge of the Ughelli Area command, Mr. Alali Pedro, said the police had engaged a gang of armed robbers operating in the metropolis “and three of them were gunned down.”

Gunmen Shoot Ughelli Based Pastor in Attempted Robbery

A five man robbery gang, May 9, shot the pastor and founder of a prayer group in Ughelli, Delta State. The pastor identified as Steve Akpokomuaye, was said to be driving home from church along the Oviri-Ogor road where he had gone for a prayer session when he was attacked by the gunmen in a Camry car and two motorcycles. According to witnesses, the hoodlums tried to steal the car and an argument ensued between the gunmen and the pastor leading to the shooting of the pastor on the leg. Though the bandits failed to abscond with the car, they fled the scene immediately they shot their victim. A senior member of the Ughelli vigilante stated that a combined team of the vigilante and police chased the gunmen to Agbarha-Otor were they abandoned their car and fled into the bush.

Gospel Preacher Remanded over Theft of Lexus Jeep

A 35-year-old mobile gospel preacher, Lucky David, was on May 12, remanded at Kirikiri Prisons by an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Lexus jeep valued at N1.5 million. David had pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft. Magistrate Peter Nwaka did not grant the accused bail because he did not provide a residential address. He adjourned the case to May 27 for mention. The Prosecutor, Oluwafemi Adeleye, had told the court that the accused on May 1 at Idimu in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, stole a Lexus jeep valued at N1.5 million. The accused on the said date impersonated as a gospel preacher around the residence of one Stella Ogunfatimi, while he monitored her movement. As soon as Ogunfatimi came out of her jeep to pick something in her house, the accused entered the jeep and drove it away. Adeleye said the woman immediately reported the case at Idimu Police Station and some police officers went after the accused. The accused was apprehended in a traffic jam while the jeep was recovered from him.

Scores Killed as Police, Pipeline Vandals Engage in Gun Duel

Scores of persons were, on May 14, feared dead in the aftermath of the bloody gun duel between pipeline vandals and policemen at the Igando area of Lagos. Report put the figure of policemen that lost their lives at three, while nine vandals were also said to have been gunned down by the police. The vandals, numbering over 20, had positioned themselves in strategic positions in the creeks, to vandalise pipeline and siphon petroleum products, while others kept watch. On sighting the police, the vandals reportedly opened fire, but their shots were countered by that of the police. It was gathered that the task force was able to intercept three fuel-laden tankers and two empty ones found at the scene. The team also reportedly arrested a female suspected vandal, identified simply as Anchika. It was gathered that the heavily-armed vandals, who had laid an ambush, opened fire on the task force as they wanted to leave with the exhibits. The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed a shootout in the area.

Gang Incidents

Secondary Schools Students Clash in Abeokuta

Pandemonium broke out in Abeokuta when secondary school students clashed after writing the Senior Secondary Examination. The clash was between students of Lafenwa High School and Premier Grammar School who allegedly threw caution into the wind shortly after the external examination on May 13. The clash forced many residents and passers-by to run helter-skelter to scamper for safety of their lives as the students, who were suspected to be cultists, unleashed terror on the people in the area. They were armed with dangerous charms and other weapons such as cutlasses, broken bottles, and cudgels, among others. But, nine of the students were arrested by men of Vigilante Service of Ogun state.

Edo Government Officials Arrested over Cult Related Activities

The Inspector-General of Police Special Squad to Edo State to tackle the spate of cultism, kidnapping, robbery and other related crimes, has arrested 11 suspected leaders of cult groups in the state, among them, four state government functionaries. The team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad (FEDSARS), Chris Ezike, stormed the hideout of the cultists few hours after arriving Benin City on May 12 and successfully arrested leaders of cult confraternities for alleged complicity and murder of persons in the last one month in Edo State. Confirming the arrests, Force Public Relations Officer, Acting Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed the arrests.

Rivers Police Gun Down Two Suspected Cultist in Shootout

The Police in Rivers State, May 13, engaged two suspected cultists in a gun battle, during which two kidnap suspects were gunned down. Police operatives acting on a credible information, stormed a suspected kidnappers den at NDDC Road, off Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, where a kidnapped victim, Righteous Inimme, was safely rescued. The suspected kidnappers later died while on the way to hospital. One AK 47 rifle and one Beretta pistol with 20 rounds of live ammunition were reportedly recovered from the suspected kidnappers. Rivers State Police Command expressed its appreciation for credible information and urged members of the public with credible information to volunteer such to the Police. The police assured that their identity will strictly remain confidential.

Police Arrest 25 Over Benin Cult Killings

The Edo State Police Command has arrested 25 suspected cultists over recent cult-related killings in Benin City. The state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, who disclosed this on May 10, said the suspects were arrested by officers of the command at different locations within the state capital. Adegbuyi said six single barrel guns were recovered from the suspects, stressing that those linked to the killings would be charged to court. At least, 20 persons have been reportedly killed in circumstances linked to cult activities in the last one month. The police chief stated that nine deaths had been recorded by the command from separate cult incidents, which he said might be fallout of the 2015 general elections. The police commissioner also disclosed that six other persons were arrested for cult-related offences in Ekpoma, Ubiaja, Uromi and Benin.

Drugs

Maritime

JTF Parades Suspected Sea Pirates in Bayelsa

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, May 14, paraded four suspects, including a 17-year-old, for their alleged involvement in sea piracy and other criminal acts on Bayelsa State waterways. The suspects were said to be behind most of the sea attacks in the creeks and rivulets of the East senatorial district of the state. Parading the suspects at the JTF headquarters in Yenagoa, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lt. Col. Isa Ado, on behalf of the JTF Commander, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, said the suspects were arrested at Mbikiri and Nembe 1 communities by troops deployed at Fontua, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Items recovered from the suspects, include one AK 47 rifle with registration number QQ1798, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one G3 rifle loaded with 7.62mm NATO and one pump action gun loaded with cartridges.

Terrorism

Military Uncovers Treasure Trove of Boko Haram's Activities, Intelligence

The on-going military offensive in Sambisa forest continues to yield results, with the discovery of sensitive materials including arms, ammunitions, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets and video recordings of beheadings left behind by the fleeing Boko Haram members. Some of the videos, included recording of scenes of trials, beheadings, executions, stoning, floggings and those taken during preparations for suicide attacks. The Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, May 8, confirmed the discovery of vital materials, apart from arms and ammunition, adding that the recovered items were being subjected to intelligent analyses.

Gunman Attacks College in Potiskum, 14 Injured

A gunman, May 8, attacked the College of Administrative and Business Studies (CABS) Potiskum in Yobe State, injuring 14 people, before killing himself. The man, who was armed with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and AK47 rifle, stormed the school, shooting sporadically and forcefully gained entrance into the school premises. People around made efforts to apprehend him after it was noticed that he had ran out of ammunition. Sensing the move, he detonated the IED on him, leading to his death and injuries to others nearby. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Yobe State Police Command, Toyin Gbadegesin confirmed the incident.

20 Killed as Insurgents Invade Village in Borno

At least 20 people, including 12 terrorists, were killed when a group of suspected Boko Haram insurgents invaded Ngulde Village of Askira/Uba LGA of Borno State. The insurgents reportedly connived with some residents of the village suspected to be collaborators of Boko Haram on May 6 and wreaked havoc on the village, which led to the killing of eight residents with several others injured, before setting ablaze some houses, places of worship and shops. The community vigilante group, however, confronted them and repelled the attack, killing a dozen of the terrorists.

Soldiers Repel Boko Haram Attack in Maiduguri

Soldiers in Borno State, May 13, successfully repelled an attack on Maiduguri by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. A source disclosed that the insurgents tried to gain entrance into Maiduguri through Bale in Jere LGA on the outskirts of the town, but were repelled by the military, who engaged them in a gun duel for about an hour. According to the source, the military sighted the insurgents in their numbers trying to make a move into Maiduguri. Following the attack by Boko Haram on Maiduguri, the Army has imposed a 24 hours curfew on the city. The imposition of the 24-hour curfew was contained in a press statement signed by Colonel Tukur Gusau, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations.

60 Killed as Boko Haram Attacks Communities in Maiduguri

At least 60 people mostly suspected members of dreaded Boko Haram insurgents were feared dead in a clash between troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army around Kayamula village, in Maiduguri, the Borno state on May 13. The attack was launched by suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to invade the city with heavy weapons of mass destruction targeting military formations. An eyewitness disclosed that 13 persons were killed near the Giwa military Barracks in the town when six women who pretended to have escaped from Boko Haram captivity detonated the explosives strapped on them. The insurgents suffered another setback when some of their members were reportedly killed in faraway Iraq; an incident which has confirmed the touted link between Boko Haram and Islamic State (IS). The five Boko Haram members who went for training, according to reports, were killed on been confirmed by the Mosul Youth Resistance Movement, Iraq.

Political/Government Agencies

Arase Confirmed as IGP

The Police Council, May 12, confirmed Solomon Arase as the substantive Inspector General of Police (IGP). The new IGP was appointed as acting IPG after the former IGP, Suleiman Abba, was sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan in April. The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and former IGP, Mike Okiro, said high level of indiscipline among the rank and file of the force was the main reason Abba was sacked by the president. Arase explained that in tackling the challenges of insecurity, the police, under his watch, would ensure that crime is brought to at least a tolerable level.

Jonathan Signs New Criminal Justice Bill into Law

President Goodluck Jonathan has signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2015 into law. The bill was passed by the Senate on May 5. The bill seeks, among others things, to address the problem of delayed criminal trials. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed in an interview with journalists that the president had signed the bill into law. According to Abati, Jonathan signed the document on May 13, the same day he received the bill from the National Assembly.

Governor Imposes Curfew on Parts of Plateau State over Killings

The Plateau State government has imposed curfew in some parts of the state with immediate effect following the recent killings in parts of the state. The restriction in movements across farmlands and communities affect Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos East, Mangu, Wase, Langtan North and Langtan South LGAs between 10pm and 5am. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Chirtip Bello, the Permanent Secretary to the state Ministry for Information. Security agencies in the state were directed to enforce the order on the restriction of movements and to set up their surveillance across the state.

Murder/Assassinations

Gombe Police Arrest Murder Suspect

The Gombe State Police Command has announced the arrest of a murder suspect, Adamu Abubakar aka Baban Tudu, who had been at large over the killing of a young man in the state capital in 2014. Parading the suspect alongside eight other murder and robbery suspects on May 8, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kudu Abdullahi Nma said he had placed a N250, 000 price tag on the suspect while he was at large. The CP said six other members of the gang had been arrested and were serving different jail terms but that Abubakar escaped before the police could get to him.

Man Stabs Girlfriend to Death in Bayelsa

A man stabbed his girlfriend to death and attempted to kill himself by drinking poisonous substance suspected to be sniper. The deceased identified as Rita Abalorun, aged 35, was reportedly stabbed with a knife by her boyfriend simply known as James. Though the motive of the attack could not be immediately ascertained as the suspect (James), was found unconscious in a nearby bush and is yet to give his statement to the police. He was said to have stabbed the deceased following a bitter quarrel over his alleged indecent affairs with her sister. The man was said to have hurriedly arranged a tricycle operator to convey the deceased to the hospital. It was however learnt that the operator rushing the victim to the hospital as instructed diverted to the Akenfa police station where she was confirmed dead before she could be taken to hospital for treatment. James was said to have taken to his heels but was later traced to a nearby bush by security operatives on his trail where he was found unconscious. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat confirmed the incident.

Trigger Happy Cop Kills Tricycle Operator, Flees

The police in Lagos have launched a manhunt for an Assistant Superintendent of Police, identified simply as Mohammed, who allegedly shot dead a tricycle operator, Akeem Aranse, in the Shasha, Akowonjo area of the state. Mohammed had boarded a commercial motorcycle (okada) which was hit by the tricyle operator on Kareem Laka Street in the Egbeda area. It was gathered that   the incident led to an argument, which degenerated into the killing of the tricycle operator by the ASP. Eyewitnesses explained that some passersby had tried to settle the skirmish but the police officer remained adamant. The officer was said to have eventually brought out his pistol and shot the tricycle driver. Thirty-one-year-old Akeem, who was shot in the chest, reportedly died on the spot. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident on May 10, adding that the police were intensifying efforts to arrest the ASP.

Police Nab Suspected Cultist for Murder

A 20-year-old suspected cultist, Joberi Pyagbara, has been arrested for his involvement in cult activities and the killing of a member of a rival cult group. Pyagbara, who was paraded on May 10, alongside 30 other cult members, said he could not have a rival cult group kill his friends without fighting back. According to him, he identified one of the cult members that killed his friend around his Eken community in Khana LGA of Rivers State and clubbed him to death.

Osun Police Arrest Man for Murder

The Osun State Police Command, May 10, said it had arrested one Olagbaju Tajudeen, 45, in connection with the murder of one Dare George during the April 11 governorship elections in Ile-Ife. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Folasade Odoro, disclosed that Tajudeen was arrested on April 30, in Okerewe, Ile-Ife with a pump action gun, six live cartridges, 29 new cutlasses and one forest guard contractor harmer were recovered at the suspect’s house. Other items recovered include a sword, a wrap of weed suspected to be Marijuana, one unregistered Mercury villager bus and unregistered KIA Jeep. It also said that Tajudeen had provided useful information that would assist the police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder.

Pastor, Daughter Stab Nurse to Death

A pastor and her daughter have allegedly stabbed a trainee nurse, Calista Uzoigwe, to death. The pastor, who is said to be in charge of a church in Umuayamele village, Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State, allegedly got involved in the argument between her daughter and Calista over allegation of phone theft on her daughter. A witness, who narrated the incident on May 10, said that a phone battery and its charger were kept in the possession of Calista before it was allegedly stolen by the pastor’s daughter. But the allegation was said to have not gone down well with the pastor who later confronted Calista, however, in the ensuing fracas, her daughter joined and in the process, both of them allegedly beat up the deceased before she was finally stabbed by the pastor’s daughter with a knife.

Escaped Suspect Kills Informant

Thousands of Ovwian youths and women stormed the Divisional Police Station at Ovwian/Aladja in Udu LGA of Delta State, on May 9, after a robbery suspect, who reportedly escaped from police station, trailed and murdered one Bestman Okome, an indigene, who had earlier opposed the suspect’s release from police custody. The suspect reportedly escaped from the police station, on May 7, during interrogation. The demonstrators accused the police of connivance with the suspect to aid his escape and murder of Okome. Trouble started when a robbery gang invaded Ekrimowhe Quarters in Ovwian recently. It was gathered that a victim of the robbery identified a member of the gang and dragged him to the community which in turn handed him over to the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, however, said the suspect did not escape as portrayed by the community.

21-Year-Old Girl Stabs Brother to Death

A 21-year-old lady, Omasan Ogbe, on May 13, stabbed her younger brother, Laju, to death following a fight over domestic chores in Ugbuwangue community in Warri South LGA of Delta State. Before the argument degenerated into a fierce fight, Omasan was said to have directed the deceased to wash the dishes, but the boy reportedly refused claiming that he had fetched water into the drums in the house and was too tired to wash the dishes. The disagreement led to a brawl with the boy allegedly flooring his sister, who later picked a knife from the kitchen to stab him in the chest. The boy thereafter screamed for help, the family source said, and neighbours, who were not initially alarmed at what they considered the usual bickering of siblings, eventually rushed the victim to the Central Hospital Warri. Laju was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty apparently because he had lost so much blood. Omasan, who reportedly attempted to go into hiding, was caught and handed over to the police.

Police Arrest Pastor, Member for Mysterious Death in Church

The police in Lagos have arrested the pastor of a Pentecostal church, Popoola Oluwasomidotun, for the death of one Waheed Majekodumi in the Ipaja area of Lagos State. The 32-year-old victim was found dead in the church auditorium on May 7 at the Peace Estate, Baruwa, Ipaja. An eyewitness had reported that the deceased had entered the church on the fateful day, crying for help when he suddenly collapsed and died. Policemen from the Ipaja division were said to have been invited. They arrested the pastor and another member of the church, Folashade Ebun, who states that she was on the church premises when the deceased entered the church. The ex-wife of the deceased, who said that she did not suspect foul play in his death, said their marriage crashed due to his reckless lifestyle.

19-Year-Old Kills Father in Onitsha

The Fegge Divisional Police, Onitsha, has arrested 19-year-old Joshua Uzochukwu Ezirim, for allegedly killing his father, Sampson Ezirim, with a kitchen knife on May 9. The late Ezirim, who is from Imo State, was stabbed more than 30 times by Joshua, his last son, after he chased away his mother and siblings from their flat and locked the doors. The incident was reported to the police by Chimdike Ezirim, the suspect’s brother. The suspect had been threatening the entire family before the incident. The source added that DPO of Fegge Police Station, Rabiu Garba, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the suspect had locked himself and his father’s corpse in before policemen used teargas to smoke him out. The suspect, who was on May 14, arraigned in court, was remanded in Prison custody.

Herbalist Landlord Kills Tenant over Wife’s Treatment
…Community Youths Retaliate, Kill, Set Herbalist Ablaze

Youths of Ikot Abasi Effiom in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State, May 12, set ablaze a herbalist, Ette Okon Friday, after he allegedly slashed the throat of a commercial motorcyclist, Itoro Titus, following a misunderstanding. According to Rita Emmanuel, cousin to Itoro, trouble started when Itoro’s wife, Ndarake, took ill and his landlord, Friday, said he could treat her. He assured the Itoro that his wife would get well soon. But she rather got worse, prompting him to demand explanation from Friday. But this got the landlord infuriated and he killed him. The youths of the community in anger, got hold of him, cut his throat, dumped him inside the shrine and set the place ablaze. Spokesman of the command, Mr. Hogan Bassey, said the matter was being investigated.

Man Remanded in Prison over Alleged Murder of 63-Year-Old in Lagos

A Magistrate, Mrs. O.I. Adelaja, of an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered that Sunday Obadele, 37, be remanded in prison custody, for allegedly killing a 63-year-old man, Amuda Abudo. The magistrate who gave the order on May 13, said the defendant should be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons, pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP. The Prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, told the court that the offence was committed on February 17 when the defendant and the deceased were involved in a heated argument which led to a fight in which both used cutlasses on each other, which eventually led to the death of the deceased. “While fighting, they both picked up cutlasses as weapon to defend themselves, but Obadele’s cut was much deeper,” he added.  She adjourned the matter till June 12.

Rape

25-Year-Old Rapes Schoolgirl to Death

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Ishau Arowolo, for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl, Sofiatu Akilolu, to death in Orisada-Eyo Community in the Yewa South LGA. Arowolo, after raping the girl, allegedly caused her to drown. It was said that the suspect lurked in a bush near the community river to perpetrate the act. Sofiatu and her friend, Abibatu, had gone to the River to fetch water when she was attacked and raped by Arowolo on April 1. Abibatu ran back and alerted the community that Sofiatu was being raped in a bush. The quickly mobilized to the scene, but only found their clothes and shoes. They began to comb the forest, until they found him hiding in the River. Minutes later, they also found Sofiatu unconscious with blood dripping from her genitals. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was confirmed dead. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He added that the police had charged the suspect to court.

Accountant Docked over Rape of Neighbour

A 33-year-old accounts officer, Stephen Itodo, who allegedly raped his neighbour, was on May 12, arraigned in an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Itodo is being tried for assault and rape. The prosecutor, Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 3, at his residence. The accused allegedly forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with his 20-year-old neighbour without her permission. The accused had reportedly asked his neighbour to help him get a box of matches as he was not feeling fine. But when she brought the item to him, he rather locked the door and raped her. The prosecutor said that the complainant shouted for help but the accused overpowered her and forcefully had sex with her. The accused denied committing the offence, and Magistrate Akeem Fashola granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety in like sum. Fashola adjourned the case till June 8 for further hearing.

3 Jailed 21 Years for Gang Rape of 14-Year-Old

A high court sitting in Warri, Delta State, May 14, sentenced three accused persons. Oghor Osie, Great Obawakpor and Tejiri Akpofure to 21-year collective jail term, with hard labour, for jointly raping a 14-year-old school girl. The presiding Judge, Justice Ohwo Francis, said that evidence proved beyond reasonable doubts that the accused committed the crime in willful act, adding that they were guilty of a count charge preferred against them in three count charges. The charges; conspiracy, abduction and rape were slammed on the accused persons, who in the month of April, pleaded guilty before the court during hearing. Justice Ohowo, after taking his time to read through the charges, dismissed the counts of conspiracy and abduction. The three convicted persons were said to have hijacked a 14 year old secondary school girl on the 15th December, 2012 and took her to an apartment where they forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The prosecution said that the girl lost consciousness after each of the young men took their turn in raping her while she pleaded with them to no avail.

Others

Fire Razes 100 Dwellings; 300 Homeless

At least 300 people were, May 11, displaced as fire razed about 100 dwellings in swampy Otumara, Ebute Metta West area of Lagos State. An eyewitness attributed the inferno to carelessness on the part of two residents, who were neighbours. The eyewitness, Madam Sherifat Hassan, said the fire started when one of the occupants lit a candle and slept off. His neighbour was transferring Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, from one power generating set to another, unknown to him that there was a naked light nearby. No life was lost in the inferno, which was later contained by Lagos State fire fighters.

Police Arrest Five for Mast Vandalism

Five men have been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command over the vandalism of an Airtel mast in Dagbolu Village, Ogun State, while a 6th suspect escaped. The police explained that the men were apprehended around on May 11. It was learnt that the suspected vandals overpowered the security guard before stealing two heavy machines, eight giant batteries and other equipment. It was learnt that luck, however, ran out on the robbers after they were caught by a team of policemen who had received a tip-off. The Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Katsina, said efforts were being intensified to apprehend Dauda and the intended receiver of the stolen equipment, adding that the damage was valued at N50m.

Driver Knocks Down Man, Absconds with Victim in Bayelsa

The police have launched a manhunt for an unidentified driver of a Nissan SUV who allegedly knocked down and took away one Ebikiye Johnson (34) in Ogbogoro community in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa state. It was gathered that onlookers were stunned when the driver of the SUV suddenly stopped after knocking down the victim. He was said to have been helped to lift the man into the vehicle, but on getting back to the steering, he zoomed off leaving bystanders even more stunned. Relations of the victim later mobilised to search all hospitals within the capital city to see if the driver had rushed him to any hospital for treatment, but no report of any such victim was recorded in any of the hospitals. It was gathered that the 34-year-old victim was taking a walk along the Ogbogoro road before the SUV crushed him from behind. A member of the investigating Police team noted that the killer vehicle was coming from the Famgbe end with high speed and ran into the curve before knocking down the man.

Lead Poisoning Kills 28 Children in Niger State

The Federal Government, May 13, confirmed the death of 28 children in a fresh outbreak of lead poisoning from illegal mining in Niger State. The Minister of State for Health, Fidelis Nwankwo, who stated this in Abuja, said 63 cases of the outbreak had been confirmed by the state government, while many animals in affected communities had died. Nwankwo said there was fear among neighbouring communities in the Kaduna State, noting however that the disease was not contagious. The communities affected are Shikira, Magiro Ward and Kawo, all in Rafi LGA, according to the Director of Port Health in the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, who led the federal government’s team to the areas. Nwankwo said the health ministry received the report of the outbreak on the May 7 and immediately swung into action.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination incidents have maintained a steady rise in recent weeks, even as the authorities remain determined to put an end to these acts with major arrests of suspects, while others remain at large. These incidents were recorded across various regions of the country.

Terrorism also maintained its position on the crime index as there were just trickles of attacks by the fleeing terrorists. The military troops in their continued battle to keep the nation free of all traces of terrorism, successfully repelled an attack on Maiduguri by suspected Boko Haram insurgents with an enormous killing of members if the sect. The north-east region continues to bear the brunt of these terrorist activities.

Government security agencies have continually urged residents to remain alert to their environment and identify threats, strange behaviour or movement, which should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

Villeworth maintains her call for all to see safety and security as priority. Everyone is involved.