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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 25

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

9

2

Robbery

5

3

Gang

4

4

Drugs

3

5

Maritime Incidents

2

6

Terrorism

9

7

Political/Government Agencies

1

8

Murder/Assassinations

8

9

Rape Incidents

3

10

Others

8

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Angry Youths Demolish Suspected Kidnappers’ Den in Ondo

Youths of Ago Oyinbo community in Okitipupa LGA of Ondo State have demolished a mud building suspected to be a kidnappers’ den while the suspected ritualists have been arrested by men of the Ondo State Police Command. According to reports, the suspects had been using the place for the past three years, claiming they were using it as a location to shoot film. Items found at the site located few kilometres from Benin-Ore-Ijebu-Ode Expressway were cow horns, different types of clothes reportedly belonging to some of their victims, palm fronds, bottles of gin, calabashes, among others. The Baale of the Ago Oyinbo, Chief Moyebi Okeowo, explained that the shrine gradually started in 2012 when the suspects came to him to beg for a space, which they claimed they need to shoot film.

Abducted PDP Chieftain Regains Freedom in Abia

A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abia State, Chief Israel Mark, has been freed by his abductors four days after he was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Aba. It was gathered that Mark was abducted by gunmen in his house at Ozumba Street, Umungasi, Aba, on June 1. An associate of the family stated that the kidnappers abandoned Mark at Osisioma Ngwa area after they threatened to kill him several times. The family associate could not confirm if any ransom was paid. Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, Onyeke Ezekiel, could not confirm the incident.

Gunmen Kidnap Brother of IYC President in Bayelsa

Gunmen in Bayelsa State, June 5th kidnapped one Erepamo Eradiri, at Famgbe, a coastal community in the Yenagoa LGA of the state. Erepamo is the younger brother of the President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Udens Eradiri. His assailants were said to have accosted him with a commercial tricycle and whisked him away to an unknown place. The kidnappers were said to have established contact with the victim’s family and demanded N20m ransom. The IYC leader, who confirmed the kidnap, said the abductors reached out to him and demanded N20m. But he insisted that no ransom would be paid by any member of his family for the freedom of his brother. The Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the development, also said three women were earlier kidnapped in the area.

Vigilance Group Nab Kidnapper in Onitsha

Vigilance operatives attached to Millennium Merchant Line, Sokoto Road Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, June 8, apprehended a middle-aged man over his alleged involvement in kidnapping a 12-year old girl in Enugu State. The suspect, Ambrose Amaechi, had allegedly abducted his victim, Charity Okoh, in Enugu but on getting to Onitsha, he was apprehended inside the market. The suspect confessed that he was at the market to buy a new skirt for the victim who was still in her school uniform. The suspect drew attention of the public when the victim started undressing at the centre of the market. The traders alerted leadership of the market. On reaching the security office, the victim who had now regained her consciousness, narrated that she was on her way to school when the suspect called her and she answered, thinking that he had a message for her and hung a necklace round her neck and she immediately became unconscious.

Police Arrests Child-Trafficking Gang

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a syndicate which specialised in the stealing and trafficking of children. The suspects, Kelechi Nwogu (22) and Ebuka Ibe (22), were reportedly arrested following a distress call by a resident of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Austin Evbakhavbokum, June 8, disclosed that the suspects had abducted two siblings, aged 4 and 3 years, who were returning from school. The two victims were being conveyed by the suspects to a prospective buyer before policemen chased and arrested them. When a search was conducted in the house of one of the suspects, Ebuka Ibe, the following exhibits were recovered: One locally-made revolver pistol with one round of live ammunition, one locally-made shotgun, one locally-made single-barrelled gun and two big iron cutters.”

Police Nab 3 Kidnappers, Robber in Lagos

Lagos State police command has arrested three out of the eight suspected kidnappers cum armed robbers who locked three car dealers in the boot of cars meant for sale and drove away. One of the suspects arrested by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Promise Nwanobim, was said to have introduced himself as a colonel to the car dealers which the police later learnt to be a fake. The victims, who escaped death by the whiskers, said five of the hoodlums were wearing camouflage. They thanked the police who had arrested three of the hoodlums from Rivers State on June 4 and also recovered the vehicles.

Three Kidnappers Arrested over Death of 11-Year-Old Girl

Men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun State have arrested three suspected kidnappers for allegedly killing an 11-year-old- girl, Aminat Ishola, after kidnapping her from her father’s company. The suspects, including Babatunde Aderonmu (21), Sina Damilare (40), and Taofeek Kola (50), were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of the girl on May 21. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, while parading the suspects on June 10, said one Babatunde Aderounmu, a former employee of the victim’s father at his bakery, masterminded the action. He said the girl died after one of the suspects, Taofeek Kola, who claimed to be an alfa, administered a powdery sub-stance on her to hypnotise her.

Security Operatives Rescue Kidnapped Nun

A member of Friends of Mary Missionary Sisters Congregation, Reverend Sister Mary Nkeiruka Okoli, who was kidnapped in Bayelsa State, has been rescued in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by operatives of Department of State Services, DSS, after 17 days in captivity. Okoli was abducted on May 21, along Tombia-Amassoma Road by unidentified gunmen, while returning from Amassoma. State Director of DSS, Mr. L.B Baba, disclosed that the victim was rescued in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on June 6. The command, according to him, has launched a manhunt for the kidnappers and has intensified investigation to unravel the circumstances of the kidnap. He also called on the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that would help fish out criminals, assuring that the identity of informants would be treated with utmost confidentiality. She thanked the state command of DSS for rescuing her.

Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, Demand N20m Ransom

A Catholic priest in Ekiti diocese, Reverend Father Emmanuel Akingbade, has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen. The cleric was abducted in Ido-Ekiti on June 9 and taken to unknown destination. A gang of three armed men stormed the residence of the cleric, who is the Parish Priest of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in the town and shot into the air sporadically before gaining entry to take the pries away. Confirming the incident, the Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, said the Commissioner of Police in the state had been informed about the development.

Robbery

Police Nab Amourer over Sale of Guns to Robbers

A 65-year-old blacksmith, Najim Bakare, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police command for making guns and sell and selling them. It was learnt that Bakare and three others were arrested for allegedly indulging in cult activities in the Ajah area of the state. It was gathered that Bakare allegedly sold a gun to a gang which the police have now recovered. The suspect, however, stated that he sold the guns because he was poor and needed to make ends meet. Apart from Bakare, the other suspects, who allegedly fomented trouble in the Mobil Road area of Ajah, are Adewale Odusote, Tairu Idris and Dare Ayetoba. Bakare said he sold the gun to the gang for N30, 000 and used the money to meet some domestic needs. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, June 7, confirmed the arrests.

Robbery Gang Kills Policeman, Soldier

An armed gang, June 9, killed an army lance corporal and his police colleague during their operation at Ukum LGA of Benue State. According to the state police spokesman, Austin Ezeani, the deceased men were members of ‘Operation Zenda,’ a special squad comprising of mainly some security agencies in the state. He said the police sergeant, attached to 13 MOPOL Unit, Makurdi and his soldier counterpart of 72 Special Battalion, Makurdi were ambushed by the robbers who opened fire on them at Alibiam village in Ukum. He added that the deceased security operatives were actually part of the team trying to respond to a distress call by some victims of the dare devil robbers before they ran into the ambush. Ezeani however, expressed confidence on serious efforts ongoing to track down the culprits.

Robbers Storm Ikorodu Jetty, Kill Boat Operator

A commercial boat operator, simply identified as “Oyibo or Yellow”, was on June 9, shot dead at the Bayeku/Oke-Ira Jetty in Ikorodu, Lagos. The victim was shot at close range by persons suspected to be armed robbers who had robbed a bank and were escaping with their loot through the waterways. Oyibo was returning to Ikorodu with 22 passengers on board when he ran into the robbers who were trying to escape with another hijacked boat. On sensing danger, Oyibo decided to berth the boat in a nearby jetty, after he was hit.

Court Remands 4 for Armed Robbery, Homicide

A Minna Magistrates’ Court, June 10, ordered four men to be remanded in prison custody for alleged armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. It was reported that the accused persons are Yahaya Ciroma, Jano Baushe, Babangida Dogo and Samaila Kade. The Prosecutor, Ahmed Ali, had told the court that the accused persons conspired and robbed some Fulani herdsmen of their cows valued at N500, 000 ‎at Farin Dutse area of Niger State. He said that the accused also broke into the house of one Hassan Garba and used a sharp stick to beat and injure him. The prosecutor added that investigation into the case was still ongoing and prayed the court for adjournment. The Magistrate, Sa’adatu Gambo, however, ordered that they be remanded in prison custody.

Police Kill 2 Robbers, Nab 2 Others in Delta

The police anti-crime fighters in Agbor, Ika North East LGA of Delta state, have killed two notorious armed robbers and arrested two others in the area. It was gathered that the armed robbers had been terrorizing Agbor and its environs in the last one year and have allegedly killed several persons before nemesis caught up with them. The Divisional police officer in the area, Lawrence Ogoegbulen, who confirmed the incidents on June 9, said the police anti-crime fighters engaged the robbers while they were operating along the Express way. He said that police arrested two of the robbers on the spot while two others escaped with serious bullet wounds.

Gang Incidents

Police Arraign 129 Suspected Cultists in Edo

The Nigerian police, June 5, arraigned 129 suspected cultists as part of ongoing measures to rid Edo State of suspected criminal gangs who terrorise the state’s residents. The force spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, made the disclosure on June 5. According to him, the ongoing onslaught against criminal gangs in the country received a boost with the arraignment of 129 suspects, for offences ranging from kidnapping, cultism, murder and armed robbery at the Chief Magistrate, Special Grade “F” Court in Benin. He admonished cultists to shun crime or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.”

Edo Police Arraign 98 Suspected Cultists

Ninety-eight persons arrested by the Special Squad deployed to Edo State by Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, for alleged cultism, were, on June 8, arraigned before a Special Magistrate’s Court in Benin. Besides, 129 of the suspects were arraigned on June 5, bringing to 227 the number of suspects standing trial over cult-related offences. State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, said cult-related activities in the state became worrisome so he sought the assistance of the IGP. He said on completion of investigations, 129 were arraigned on June 2, 3, while 98 were arraigned on June 8. He added that the command recovered several dangerous weapons and other items bearing the marks of some of the cult members.

Cult Clash Claims One Life in Bayelsa

A young man, Blessing Amakiri, was reportedly killed, on June 9, following a clash between two rival cult groups in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The incident, which occurred at the Ovom suburb of Yenagoa was said to have caused panic in the densely-populated area. An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, wondered why the police initially abandoned the corpse only to return and remove same to the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred after a clash between two rival cult groups.

Suspected Cultists Abduct Former Cult Leader

Suspected cultists have abducted a former leader of their group, Godwin Victor, in the Akoka area of Lagos State. The gang members were said to have been displeased with his decision to quit the group and embrace normal life. Victor’s wife, Eniola, said her husband had returned from Port Harcourt where he relocated to due to threats to his life. It was learnt that the victim had gone to a club on June 12, when the gang attacked and abducted him. Another friend, who was with him, Toheeb Akinpelumi, was said to have been injured before he escaped. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, said he would get back to our correspondents. But he had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

Drugs

Seven Arrested over Cocaine Possession

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), June 11 announced the arrest of a serving military officer and six other persons for dealing in illegal drugs, including cocaine. The suspects, according to NDLEA, were arrested in various parts of Bayelsa state in the last one week. Superintendent of Narcotics of NDLEA, Mr. Osakwe Ikenna, said over 32 kilogrammes of various types of drugs had been seized and removed from circulation. He warned all drug traffickers and dealers to desist from the illicit business, saying whatever guise or guile they employed to beat the agency’s prying eyes would be thwarted. He urged residents to keep watchful eyes on the activities of their children and wards.

NDLEA Arrests Tricycle Rider, others over Drug Peddling

A commercial tricycle rider was among four suspected drug traffickers apprehended recently by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Enugu airport. The suspects were apprehended at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu while attempting to smuggle 8.876kg of various narcotic drugs to India, Turkey, Hong Kong and China. Two of the suspects were found to have concealed illicit drugs in their luggage while the other two ingested the drugs found on them. NDLEA Commander at the Enugu Airport, Nsikak-Abasi Udoh said that all the suspects are being investigated. Chairman of the NDLEA Ahmadu Giade said that the Agency shall continue to step up security checks at the nation’s entry and exit points.

NDLEA Arrests Lebanese Man for Drug Trafficking

A 23-year-old Lebanese national, Yve Awad, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Lebanon. The suspect, who was arrested during outbound screening of passengers on Middle East Airline flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was caught with 260 grammes of cocaine. The Head of Media and Public Affairs of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, June 8, said the information leading to the arrest of the suspect was supplied by FAAN officials. The NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, who provided details on the arrest, said the drug was hidden inside Awad’s boxer shorts. The suspect holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and Lebanon.

Maritime

JTF, Navy Impound Vessel, Nab Three Suspects over Stolen Crude

A merchant vessel laden with 1500 metric tons of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil AGO substance have been impounded by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta off the Atlantic fringe of Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. Similarly, three suspected illegal refinery operators were nabbed in the creek of Bilabiri in Ekeremor LGA, by men of the Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy. The Merchant Vessel, EUROPORT, was intercepted on June 2 by a JTF patrol team following a tip off at about 0230 hrs. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt.Col Isa Ado, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspects on sighting the patrol team boarded a speed boat and sailed into the high sea. He also said troops of JTF operating along Eleme Area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State impounded an illegal oil bunkering truck with 33,000 tons capacity loaded with substance suspected to be stolen crude oil. The seized truck and its contents, he said, were destroyed in -situ but that the suspect bolted away on sighting the troops.

14 Foreigners in Court over Illegal Oil Bunkering

Fourteen nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Japan and the United Kingdom, have been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over their alleged involvement in oil bunkering in Nigeria. They were alleged to have illegally dealt in thousands of metric tons of petroleum products such as automotive gas oil (diesel) and low pour fuel oil (LPFO). The matter is before Justice Ibrahim Buba. According to the charge, the foreigners were said to have dealt in petroleum products without lawful authority or appropriate license. EFCC’s lawyer told the court that the accused illegally dealt in 1,738.087 metric tons of petroleum product; 1,500 metric tons of automotive gas oil aboard MT Anukret Emerald’s cargo tank and 3,035 metric tons of low pour fuel oil, LPFO, aboard the same cargo on March 27.

Terrorism

Gunmen Sack Seven Villages, Kill Soldier, Two Others in Plateau

At least seven villages in Gashish district of Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State were on June 5, sacked by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaving hundreds of persons displaced. A soldier attached to the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis was shot dead in an ambush at Ngar village of the same LGA, while another was injured. Two farmers were ambushed and killed along Bululu and Yiplack villages of Kanam LGA while they were returning from their farms. Chairman of Kanam LGA, Honourable Ado Yusuf, who confirmed the attack, added that security operatives have been deployed to the communities to prevent further breakdown of law.

Military Repels Terrorist Attack on Borno, Kills Suicide bomber

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that two suicide bombers leading a band of terrorists were among over a score who died as the military successfully repelled the Boko Haram terrorist attack on Shetimari in Borno State on June 4. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed that over 12 rifles and one machine gun were captured from the terrorists group as the attack was repelled. Olukolade said rocket propelled grenades and some bombs were also recovered from the group. He noted that troops conducting mopping up operation were still combing the area while others were in pursuit of fleeing terrorists.

Bomb Explosion Kills 10 at Maiduguri Cattle Market

A bomb explosion at the Maiduguri abattoir, June 6, killed 10 persons. A member of the youth vigilante in the town, Abba Idi, said the explosion happened at about 3:35pm. Idi said most of the people killed were traders who daily came to the market to eke out a living. Kasuwan-Shanu is one of the largest cattle and sheep markets in the North-east and serves as a major supplier of animals slaughtered in the Maiduguri abattoir. The Kasuwan-Shanu bomb blast would be the fifth of such attacks since the first that rocked Maiduguri on May 30 this year. The state police command, June 7, confirmed the killing of two persons after a suspected female suicide bomber detonated an explosive along Baga/Monguno. Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Opadokun, said that four persons were also injured.

Suicide Bomber Kills 2, Injures 4 in Borno

The Borno Police Command, June 7, confirmed the killing of two persons after a suspected female suicide bomber detonated an explosive along Baga/Monguno. Commissioner of Police Aderemi Opadokun, said that four persons were also injured. A female suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped on her body along Baga/Monguno highway, killing herself and two others on June 6. He also confirmed an IED explosion near a military check point in Konduga LGA, in which two persons were injured. Opadokun advised residents to be vigilant and report strange objects to the nearest security check point for action.

Boko Haram Suspects Escape Arrest, Kill Security Operative in Kaduna

Two Boko Haram suspects, June 7, escaped in Kaduna after a gun battle between them and team of joint security operatives which led to the death of one of the operatives. An eyewitness disclosed that the team of the security personnel raided the area when the area became saturated with gun-shots that lasted for hours. According to the eyewitness, although the two Boko Haram suspects whose names could not be ascertained escaped, their wives were arrested by the security operatives after the gun battle that left their building shattered.

Chadian Soldiers Kill 207 Boko Haram Terrorists
…as Militant Group Slaughters 15 in Borno

Over 200 Boko Haram fighters were, on June 9, killed by Chadian soldiers near a Nigerian town close to the border with Cameroun, according to Chad’s army. One Chadian soldier was killed and another nine were wounded in the clashes near Gamboru. Chad’s military also claimed to have seized large quantities of small arms and ammunition and two pick-up trucks. Niger, Cameroun and Chad have launched a regional military campaign to help Nigeria defeat the Boko Haram insurgency, which aims to carve an Islamic emirate out of North-eastern Nigeria. Meanwhile about 15 persons were killed when the Islamic sect attacked a remote village in Borno State. Bukar Zira, who fled the village of Huyum in the Askira-Uba district, disclosed that the militants burned down several houses in the village.

Nigerian Military Apprehend Mastermind of Gombe Bombing

The Nigerian military has apprehended two masterminds of the 2014 bombing at the Gombe Line Transport Service after a shootout with troops in Gombe on June 7. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the two suspected high profile terrorists were eventually arrested following surveillance and intelligence operations that tracked them to a check point at Bajoga in the state. Olukolade said one of the suspects sustained serious injuries during the encounter.

Three Suicide Bombers Die in Failed Mission

The Borno State Police Commissioner, Aderemi Opadokun, June 10, confirmed that three suspected female suicide bombers were killed in Konduga LGA of the state when their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) detonated on their way to Maiduguri on June 9. According to him, all the three suicide bombers were killed with no other casualty. He also confirmed a blast at Tungushe Dogonwaya area along Baga/Monguno highway. He did not provide more details.

Boko Haram Kills 37 in Borno Attack

The fighters of Boko Haram sect have killed 37 people in separate attacks on six villages in Borno State, a youth vigilante disclosed on June 11. He revealed that the sect attacked Koshifa, Matangle, Buraltuma, Darmanti, Almeri and Burmari villages – all in Damboa LGA of Borno State, on June 10. He said the insurgents opened fire indiscriminately on the villagers and burnt down houses. A top member of the youth vigilante group in Biu, a neighbouring local government to Damboa, said those that escaped were mostly women, who said the insurgents killed their husbands and burnt down their houses. The women were afraid that the insurgents might come back to finish off the villages and they had to flee.

Political/Government Agencies

Military Moves Command Centre to Maiduguri

The military, June 8, disclosed that the reconnaissance and advance team for the establishment of Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) for Operation Zaman Lafiya for the fight against terrorism and insurgency has moved to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the military said the team, which is led by a two-star general, has already commenced work in earnest and comprises  elements of the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, all the relevant army headquarters departments and other combat support components. The army spokesman explained that the centre was essentially an elaboration of an already existing army headquarters command and control arrangement. President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the relocation of the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) to Maiduguri.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Nab 7 over Gang Killings

The police have arrested seven people suspected to have been involved in the recent shooting death of the five youths at Ajah area of Lagos. It was learnt that one of the suspects identified as Kazeem Olokodana and six others have so far been arrested by the police for interrogation, even as their gang members have threatened to unleash mayhem in the state if they are not released immediately. The police, in their resolve to get to the root of the mater, have also summoned the leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyebanji branch, Lagos Island, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, aka Seego, who said to be at large. Police Public Relations Officer, Ken Nwosu, who confirmed their arrest on June 7, declined to state specifically the number of the suspects as of the time of this report.

Suspected Cultists Kill Teenage Girl, 2 Others in Delta Community

Suspected cultists terrorising Oghara community, Ethiope West LGA of Delta State, killed a teenage girl and two others on June 6. The corpse of the teenager was found by the road side around Scott Road, Oghara while others were dumped in the bush path. Some people, on their way to farm, saw the corpse and raised an alarm which attracted security agents. It was learnt that the corpse was evacuated to a morgue while some suspects were allegedly arrested.

Lagos Police Launch Manhunt for Suspected Killers

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the suspects behind the death of five persons killed as they were returning from a naming ceremony at the Ajah area of the state. The suspects, believed to be members of a gang, were said to have ambushed the deceased persons who were said to have belonged to a rival faction and shot them in cold blood on June 3. The gang was said to have opened fire on the bus conveying the other faction members and killed five of them on the spot. However, two people including the driver of the vehicle escaped the brutal attack because they had pretended to be dead. The Lagos State Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, stated that the police had extended their dragnet and were set to catch and arrest them.

Wife Kills Husband in Kaduna

The police in Kaduna have arrested a 40-year-old woman, Mary Luca, who allegedly clubbed her husband to death at their Gonin Gora area of Kaduna metropolis on June 5. The incident occurred when the wife complained that her husband always returned home late. One of the deceased’s sons, Kefa, said he heard his father shouting around 3am that day and called on his mother to inquire what was happening to his father. The mother reportedly shouted back at him from her room to keep off and remain quiet that armed robbers were operating. But when he finally summoned courage to enter his father’s room, he found him vomiting blood and he could no longer talk, while his mother was still pretending that it was armed robbers who attacked him. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Zubairu, confirmed the incident and the detention of the accused.

Youth Corps Member Murdered in Imo

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced the gruesome murder of a corps member, Akpanika Hope Frampton, in Imo State. Akpanika was killed at his residence on June 6, 2015 with stabs of knife on his body. The late corps member was mobilised for the 2014 Batch ‘C’ and deployed to Imo State. The DG appealed to the security agencies, traditional rulers, and the good people of Imo State to do everything within their power to safeguard lives and property of corps members deployed to their states. He warned that the NYSC will not fold its hands and allow criminal elements to continue to threaten its operations by mindless and senseless killing of corps members.

Police in Benue Arrest Killer of Policeman, Others

The onslaught by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Hyacinth Dagala, and his men led to the arrest of about 32 prime suspects over various crimes in some parts of the state. The suspects included Terrungwa Gbermke, the suspected killer of a member of the Task Force on Cattle Rustling and Kidnapping at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Baba Ibrahim. Parading the suspects on June 6, Dagala said a crack team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Makurdi swung into action, traced the hoodlums to their hideout along Abaji-Amafu Road in Katsina-Ala and arrested four of them. Items recovered from them included one G3 rifle with four rounds of live ammunition, one red Toyota Carina 11 vehicle, an unregistered motorbike, amongst other items.

Man Hacked to Death by Lover’s Son

A middle-aged man, Osayande Edoigiawerie, was allegedly stabbed to death by his lover’s son at Zabayor Street, Benin City, Edo State, on June 8. Edoigiawerie was said to have gone to his lover’s to have his dinner when the son of the woman, who is now on the run, attacked him with a dagger. The mother of the assailant was said to have raised alarm, which attracted the people in the area to the scene. He was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he was confirmed dead.

Woman, 38, to Die by Hanging over Murder of Step Son

A Makurdi High Court, June 11, sentenced a 38-year-old woman, Ternenge Tersoo, to death by hanging for the murder of her one-year-old step-son. The convict’s husband had reported her to the Police at Vandeikya in 2012, alleging that his wife killed his one-year-old son. According to the First Information Report (FIR), filed before the court by the police prosecutor, she was accused of snatching her year old step-son from a nanny and strangling him to death. In the course of the trial, the accused denied the allegation, but called no witness to support her claims. She was also alleged to have failed to show remorse over the incident and held her ground that she had no hand in the death of the baby. In her judgment, Justice Jennifer Ijohor held that the weight of evidence against the accused was overwhelming.

Rape

Man Docked over Rape, Incest with Daughter, 14

A 49-year-old trader, Adesola Adeboye, was June 11, brought before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defiling with his 14-year-old daughter. The defendant is standing trial on a count charge of incest preferred against him by the police. The prosecutor, Inspector Kenneth Asibo, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence sometime in November 2014 and on March 5. He said Adeboye had unlawful sexual intercourse with his biological daughter. It was learnt that the day after she was allegedly raped by her father, the teenager, fled from home and later found succour with a middle-aged woman in a nearby church, who reported the incident to the police. However, when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty. The defendant’s counsel, Chris Owen-Brown, urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal terms as the alleged offence was a bailable offence. Magistrate F. F. George granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with three responsible sureties, two of who must be a family member.

Bread Seller Raped, Murdered in Benin City

Unknown assailants reportedly kidnapped, raped and killed a 23-year-old-woman, Joy Okoh in Benin, Edo State. It was learned that the deceased, who was said to be a bread seller at Lucky Way Junction by Ramat Park was alleged to have closed for the day’s business when she was kidnapped at about 7.30pm on June 8. The car was said to have been snatched by the gunmen, used for the act and abandoned. Police Public Relations Officer, Stephen Onwuchei who confirmed the story, said the police have commenced investigations.

Man Jailed 21 Years for Defiling 6-Year-Old

An Ikeja High Court, June 11, sentenced a 27-year-old man, Chidi Ibiam, to 21-years imprisonment for defiling a six-year-old girl. During the trial, the prosecution led by the state counsel, Adebayo Haroun informed court that Ibiam committed the offence on December 15, 2012 and was caught after the victim reported the assault to her mother. The prosecution said the convict was well known to the victim’s family as he was a neighbour. The six-year-old told the court that the defendant had unlawful carnal knowledge of her on 12 different occasions including in his shop and a neighbour’s house.

Others

Father in Court over Assault 5-Year-Old Son

A father, who allegedly assaulted his five-year-old son by flogging him and inflicting severe injuries on him, was, on June 10, arraigned at the Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused, Sikiru Mustapha (29), however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Prosecutor, Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 5 at his residence. Anyanwu said the accused beat his five-year-old son because he defecated on his body as he was preparing to go to school. The prosecutor said that the victim was still undergoing treatment at a private hospital. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Soladoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till July 20 for mention.

Court Acquits 15-Year-Old Who Killed Her Husband

A High Court in Gezawa, near Kano, June 9, struck out a case against Wasila Tasi’u, a 15-year-old girl accused of killing her 35-year-old husband with rat poison. The teenager was charged with culpable homicide for allegedly lacing a meal she cooked for her husband, Umar Sani, with rat poison. Sani and four others died within hours in April 2014. Activists, who celebrated as she was acquitted, had used the case to highlight the issue of child marriage, which is common in northern Nigeria. They argued that she should be treated as a victim but Wasila’s family maintained that she was not forced into marriage and that 14 was a standard marrying age in the region. Her defense lawyer, Hussaina Aliyu, on March 16 called for the case to be dismissed on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish her intent to kill Sani and exactly how he died. The prosecution applied for the murder charge to be withdrawn on May 20.

Petrol Tanker Explosion Rocks Lagos Again, Razes Several Buildings

Another petrol tanker went ablaze on June 5 in Idimu, Lagos, destroying many houses and property worth of several millions, nut no life was lost in the incident, which was the third of its kind in the last one week. The incident razed down 34 houses and 70 shops. A similar tanker fire had occurred on June 2 at Iyana-Ipaja area of the state which left several shops and vehicles destroyed.

FG Bans Unregistered Local Gin
…as Scores are Confirmed Dead in Rivers State

Following several deaths in Rivers and Ondo States due to food poisoning linked to consumption of local gin, popularly called ogogoro, the federal government on Monday banned its consumption. Reacting to the death over 65 persons in Rivers State, the government said the recent deaths in Rivers State and Ode-Irele in Ondo State are associated with the consumption of locally made gin. The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, said a "preliminary investigation by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and WHO ruled out any infectious diseases and confirmed the possibility of poisoning as the cause and in turn advised NAFDAC to conduct further investigation.

Ondo Police Arrest Five Suspected Ritualists

Five suspected ritualists have been arrested at a shrine where abducted persons are slaughtered and their parts sold to prospective buyers at Ago Oyinbo in Okitipupa area of Ondo State. Upon discovery of the kidnappers den, youths in the town, June 7, stormed the place and demolished it. It was gathered that the suspects were arrested, following a tip-off by people of the community, who noticed strange movements and stench oozing out of the building. Men of Igbotako Police division reportedly arrested the suspects. The Baale of Ago Oyinbo, Chief Moyebi Okeowo, said the shrine must have been erected in 2012 when the suspects came to beg for a space in the village to use as location to shoot films.

Police Arrest 2 with Human Parts

Two suspects have been arrested by Oyo State Police Command for alleged possession of parts of human skull and hair. Two suspected fraudsters, Adebayo Saheed, 28, and Bello Mustafa, 30, were caught with fake dollars and pieces of human skulls.  The suspects were, June 8, paraded along with a custodian of an Ibadan masquerade, known as Ogunmola Adenimodo, for allegedly destroying some vehicles at Ayeye area of Ibadan metropolis. They were rounded up at Moniya in Akinyele LGA of the state. Ibadan masquerade festival had always left on its trail tears, losses, violence, bloodshed and even death in some cases. However, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammed Katsina, insisted that the reign of terror and impunity would not continue. The CP explained that the ambush squad of the command arrested the two members of a dangerous syndicate who specialized in duping unsuspecting members of the public.

Man Arrested over Money Rituals

A man accused of engaging in money ritual has been handed over to the police by residents of Iresi Street, in the Orile-Agege area of Lagos. The suspect, who was identified only as Mohammed, was alleged to have moved around the area on June 6, pretending to be mentally-challenged. It was learnt that a woman, Olawumi Alani, who sells confectionery, alerted her neighbour, Mrs. Grace Ogedengbe, to his presence. It was gathered that Mohammed initially pretended he understood only Hausa and declined response when Alani requested to know who he was looking for. He later confided in Ogedengbe, that he needed human parts and was directed to the area by a friend. He was reportedly chased away by the women. But on June 7, he appeared again and was challenged by some youths who recovered some charms from him and handed him over to the police. The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Police Dislodge Syndicate Printing Fake Drivers’ License

The police in Lagos have arrested a syndicate which allegedly printed fake driving licenses to unsuspecting motorists in the state. The suspects Waziri Akinyemi (35), Adewumi Muyiwa (38), and Osoko Lamoni (32), were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the Iyana Ipaja area. The operatives recovered the machine allegedly used to print the fake driving licenses and some other fake documents from the syndicate. The police said the syndicate had operated for several years. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrest on June 8.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases took a leap up the crime index. Security operatives made major arrests of gang members and were successful in rescue operations, as witnessed mostly in the southern part of the country.

Terrorism also rose up the crime index with various bomb attacks and raids on villages. The military continues to record success in its battle to flush out terrorists and restore peace in the areas affected. The north-east region was mostly affected.

Murder/assassination also maintained a high position on the index, but 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.

Robbery, which took an upward plunge last week, took a downward toll this week. Suspects were arrested and gangs dislodged.

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.