Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 26

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Pastor Kidnapped from Church in Calabar

Pastor Seyi Adekunle of Living Faith Church was, on June 13, abducted by gunmen, who invaded the church while he and other pastors were having a prayer session. Five gunmen were said to have stormed the church at about 7.50p.m., shot into the air, grabbed the pastor, bundled him into their car and drove off. Pastor Seyi, who is the Head Pastor of Province Two of the Church located along IBB Way, opposite Margaret Ekpo International Airport, according to a source, has been in charge of the church since 2014 and had been carrying out massive construction work in the church. Mr. Hogan Bassey, spokesman of Cross River State Police Command, said the kidnappers were yet to make any demands.

Nine Pregnant Girls Rescued from Enugu ‘Baby Factory’

Operatives of the 9th Mile Division of Enugu State Police Command, June 13, raided a ‘baby factory’ located at Etiti in Amankwo-Ngwo Udi LGA and rescued nine pregnant girls. The operator of the ‘baby factory was reportedly arrested during the raid on his private residence, from where he operated. The state police command spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrest. According to him, the police had strong intelligence from about his activities and had put a tab on him for a while, which eventually paid off. The nine girls, aged 17 to 24, were at various stages of pregnancy were rescued.

Security Officials Rescue Ondo Regent, Four Others

The kidnapped regent of Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South West LGA of Ondo State, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon, was, on June 16, rescued alongside four persons. The rescued persons were an Indian, Alex John, and his police orderly, Obute Sunday, the driver that drove the university’s car that took the regent,   Aliu Jelili and an NYSC member, Azubuike Ijeoma. The regent and others were rescued by combined operation of the military, Department of the State Security (DSS) and the police. Three suspects were arrested during the operation. One of the suspects said to be the leader of the kidnappers’ gang, was killed when he turned violent and attempted to disarm a soldier. The Director of DSS for the Ondo State Command, Christian Onyebuchi Ojobor, said the victims were kidnapped from different locations and at different times were rescued from Ofosun forest. The regent was kidnapped on June 2 after attending an inaugural lecture at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

Man Arrested for Kidnapping 97-Year-Old Man in Ogun State

Ogun State police command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Emeka Obi, for allegedly kidnapping a 97-year-old man, Iposiola Samaiye. Police Commissioner, Valentine Ntomchukwu, who paraded the suspect on June 17, said Obi and members of his gang had kidnapped Pa Samaiye from his home at Ijebu-Esure on June 11, and demanded a ransom of N20 million. The police boss said his men, however, tracked down the suspect inside the forest where they held their victim captive, while his partner, identified as Prince, escaped. Ntomchukwu warned kidnappers, cultists and other criminal-minded individuals to leave the state, stressing that they would be smoked out to face the full weight of the law, should they fail to heed his warning.

Abducted Priest Regains Freedom

A priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, who was kidnapped on June 9, was on June 16, rescued by security operatives. The Catholic Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, said no ransom was paid before the priest was released but confirmed that the abductors demanded N200million as ransom which he said was declined. Fr. Akingbade is the Parish Priest of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ido Ekiti and Assistant Director of the Legal Department of the Diocese’s Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI). He said the security operatives must be well equipped to be able to tackle the various security challenges confronting the country.

Police Arraign Man over Child Theft

A trader, Ufuoma Adavwetvwe, was on June 16, been brought before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court after allegedly being caught with a 20-month-old baby, Ifeanyi Okwedi. Okwedi was said to be playing in a compound on Fatai Aremu Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos when 35-year old Adavwetvwe abducted him. The suspect had almost escaped with Okwedi when a resident of the area, who reportedly knew the toddler and his parents, challenged him. It was learnt that Adavwetvwe had identified himself as Okwedi’s father to the resident, who alerted other neighbours to the incident on May 17. It was learnt that he was about to be lynched when cops from the Ajegunle Police Station intervened. He reportedly told the police that he had wanted to sell the baby to one Wale in the Marina area of the state. Okwedi’s father, James, said a youth barged into his room to notify him of the incident.

Police Smash Notorious Kidnap Gang in Enugu

The Police in Enugu State have dislodged a two-man armed kidnap and robbery gang that had been terrorizing residents of Igboeze-North LGA. The suspects, Sheeshor Nyoroku and Terser Nyor, both from Gboko, Benue State, fell to the superior fire-power of the police during a foiled operation on June 11. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the duo had stormed Amube village in Enugu-Ezike with their arms in an attempt to kidnap a businessman when nemesis caught up with them.

Robbery

Police Smash Notorious Robbery Syndicate

The Ogun State Police Command, June 12, announced that it had smashed a robbery gang which specialised in snatching exotic cars from unsuspecting eminent personalities, arresting its armourer. Acting on a tip-off, policemen were said to have stormed the Owode area of the state, where a suspected member of the gang who had been on the police wanted list was arrested since 2013. However, during interrogation, the 29-year-old suspect, Rasak Adeyinka, stated that he had never participated in any operation with members of the gang. Though he admitted he knew them, he said he only kept their weapons.

Two Robbers Set Ablaze in Onitsha Market

Two armed robbers, who have been terrorising Nkpor and its environs in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, have been set ablaze by an irate mob at the new motor tyre market, Nkpor. Nemesis came for the robbers when they attempted to rob a trader. The two robbers, who operated on motor bike, allegedly stopped the trader along Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, and ordered him to hand over the money, which the trader refused to do. His refusal prompted them to shoot at him, but the bullets did not penetrate his body. The trader quickly brought out his dagger and stabbed one of them, then an oncoming vehicle hit their bike and both fell off as they tried to run away. Onlookers immediately mobilised and set the robbers ablaze. The police arrived at the scene, took the robbers’ gun and motorbike, while the bodies were still burning.

Police Smash Notorious Armed Robbery in Aba

The police in Aba, Abia State, June 15, announced the arrest of two suspected car snatchers who have been terrorizing motorists between Aba and Port Harcourt, in Rivers State. The suspects, ThankGod Onyebuchi and Egwim Onyekachi, were arrested at a popular fastfood joint, near Tonimas junction on the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway. Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Camry allegedly snatched from the owner in Port Harcourt, an identity card belonging to the Nigerian Navy as well as a military camouflage.

Female Robber Gets Six Months Jail Term

A Bauchi Chief Magistrate Court, June 16, sentenced a female robber, Maryam Musa, to six months imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against her. The 27-year-old was a member of a motorcycle snatching syndicate smashed by the Bauchi State police command recently. According to a statement by the Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, the convict and two others -Ahmed Mohammed Zakari and Ashiru Abdullahi- pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy and theft of five motorcycles and were summarily sentenced by Chief Magistrate to six months imprisonment with an option of N10,000 each. In another development, police in Bauchi on Sunday arrested a 32-year-old armed robber, Monday Ogbodo, for allegedly robbing in broad daylight.

2 Security Guards Rob Employer’s Filling Station

Two young men employed as security guards for a Gas Station in Ifako-Agege, Lagos, mobilised their gang members from Okene, Kogi State, to rob the gas station on June 15. The suspects, identified as Aliu Bello and Rafiu Rasaq, allegedly led three others to attack the station just one month after they were employed. It was learned that the gang killed one Daramola Yemisi, a car dealer, who was in the premises at the time. It was gathered that on the day of the incident, the gas station had made huge sales as it was the only station that sold fuel in the area. After sharing their loot, Aliu and Rafiu travelled to Ibadan, while the other three went back to Okene. State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, began to investigate the case, arrested Aliu and Rafiu, while efforts are on to apprehend the others.

Army Deserter, Two Others Arrested for Armed Robbery

A 30-year-old deserter of the Nigerian Army, Nanabo Perezito and two others have been arrested in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital for armed robbery in the state.
The arrest of the suspected robbery gang identified as ThankGod Victor, 22, and Hanson Victor, 20, was disclosed by the spokesman of the state Police Command, Butswat Asimni on June 17. Asimni said the suspects were arrested at Opolo community in Yenagoa after intelligence gathering on series of armed robbery attacks within and outside the state. According to Asimni, the suspects were arrested on June 6, during an operation carried out by detectives attached to the Ekeki division of the police. Items recovered included seven pairs of military uniforms, One AK 49 rifle, 39 rounds of live ammunition, one locally made pistol, two driver’s licenses and a locally cut to size pistol. The suspects have reportedly confessed to various armed robbery attacks in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Gang Incidents

Delta Police Arrest 5 Cultists, Kill 2 Suspected Armed Robbers

Delta State Police Command, June 13, said it killed two suspected armed robbers and arrested five suspected cultists, believed to be members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity in Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara. According to a statement by the police, the suspected cultists were arrested while holding a meeting at Onodia Palm Groove Club, Otefe-Oghara. The police also disclosed that the suspected armed robbers were killed along Warri/Sapele Road and along Affianta Road, Ibusa respectively. One of the robbery suspects was killed during an exchange of gunfire with the police, while the other died from gunshot wounds on his way to hospital after his three- man robbery gang, opened fire on the police team. Two gang members escaped after abandoning two locally made cut-to-size guns, two battle axes and one live cartridge.

Ogun Police Arrest 30 Suspected Cultists

Police in Ogun State have arrested no fewer than 30 suspects in connection with cult activities in various places, including hotels in Ijebu-Ode LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this on June 14, stated that by 10 teams of policemen from the command carried out the raids on some hideouts during a special operation in Ijebu Ode and arrested the suspects with weapons. He said the teams carried out raids on many black spots and hideouts in Fidipote Street, Ogbogbo Village, Ita Alapo, Imeweje village and some hotels in the area and arrested the prime suspects or ring leaders, who had been involved in many criminal acts, including series of killings of people in the area and in some other parts of the state. Some of the suspects have been arraigned in court in Ijebu Ode.

Drugs

4 Hemp Farmers Jailed 2 Years in Ekiti

A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, June 15, sentenced four men to two years imprisonment for cultivating hemp farm. Justice Isaq Sani, who handed down the sentence, however, did not give the men an option of fine. He sentenced the four men to six months each on the two-count charge of cultivation and possession of the illicit drug (Hemp). The convicts included two siblings – Terwase Tondu, Daniel Tondu, Beeve Friday and Suberu Idowu. Sani, however, said the sentences would run concurrently, commencing from the day of their arrests. The convicts, who were arrested on February 25, had pleaded guilty to the charges. Earlier, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) prosecutor, Mr Charles Ugwuja, had told the court that the farm was discovered by NDLEA officials at Ise-Ekiti in Ise/Orun Local Government Area between Ekiti and Ondo states border.

Man Jailed for Five Months for Illegal Drugs Possession

A Federal High Court in Lagos, June 15, sentenced a 24-year-old man, Ogbonna Succeeder, to five months imprisonment for unlawfully being in possession of 2.7kg of Cannabis Sativa. The convict, according to the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) prosecutor, Mr. J. I. Aernan, was arrested at the popular Katangwa market, Abule-Egba on March 23. The convict pleaded guilty to the charge. Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, consequently pronounced the accused guilty as charged, and sentenced him to five months imprisonment with hard labour.

Maritime

Pirates Kill Navy Officer in Bayelsa

Suspected sea pirates, June 13, shot and killed a naval personnel at Ogbokiri, along the Akassa River in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. The attack on the naval security post has triggered fear of possible reprisal attacks by Navy in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the pirates, about three in number, opened fire on the naval crew during a routine check. The suspected pirates, eyewitnesses said, had passed the security post raising their hands as required during routine check in compliance with the security regulations along the waterways, but suddenly opened fire on the naval team who were attending to other passengers’ boat. The security situation along the waterways had also forced the maritime workers union (boat operators) to embark on strike some months ago, to draw government attention to their plight.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Attacks Yobe Village

Houses were razed by the deadly Boko Haram fighters in Babbangida, Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State during an attack on June 14, resident Maimunat Abubakar, disclosed. Abubakar, who fled with two of her children to Damaturu as a result of the attack, lamented that the insurgents attacked their town in the early hours of the day. According to her, the insurgents had, June 13, attempted to attack the town but their plan was thwarted by the military. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed this attack, disclosing that the terrorists used women and children as human shields. DHQ also confirmed that one soldier and a vigilante member died, while five others were wounded during the encounter.

12 Die in Accidental Detonation of Recovered Explosive

At least 12 people were killed and 40 others injured in Borno State when an explosive device detonated. The device was picked up by one of the vigilantes as they travelled back to the Borno state town of Monguno from a military operation against the Islamists in Marte, 40 kilometres (26 miles) away, according to vigilante leader, Abdullahi Amadu Bukar. The vigilantes had been fighting the insurgents alongside troops in Marte when one of them picked up the explosive device and brought it back to Monguno. It exploded on June 16 as the civilian fighters were examining it on the outskirts of the town. In another incident, a military truck accompanying technicians from a Nigerian power company to make repairs in the Damboa district, June 15, hit a roadside bomb believed to have planted by the rebels. Three soldiers were killed in the blast.

Political/Government Agencies

FG Bans Police, Para-Military from Use of Camouflage Uniforms

The Federal Government has banned the use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Army, Navy and the Air Force. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who announced this on June 12, clarified that Nigerian Police would however use the uniform when in Joint Operation with the military or on special operation such as specific anti-riot missions. According to Olukolade, this followed the directive of the National Security Council (NSC), as it approved the recommendations of a committee on measures to streamline the use of camouflage uniforms, in view of the security implications and concerns raised on the clamour, duplicity and proliferation of camouflage uniforms in the country. The Defence Spokesman further directed that all para-military agencies using various camouflage/fatigues uniforms have up to January 2016 to withdraw such materials currently in their inventory.

Police Set up Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger States

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zone 10, Mr. Bala Hassan, June 16 said the Police in the zone and the Niger State Police Command have formed an anti-kidnapping squad to tackle the increasing cases of kidnappings in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger states According to him, the move became necessary in view of the rampant cases of kidnappings within the zone comprising Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger state. He explained that the squad would be fully equipped with vehicles and modern communication gadgets. The police chief also stressed the need for sharing of information and intelligence among the neighbouring states.

Lagos CJ Frees Additional 26 Inmates from Ikoyi Prison

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, June 18, released additional 26 awaiting trial inmates from Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos. This brings to 47 the number of awaiting trials freed by Justice Atilade, having released 21 inmates from Kirikiri Medium Security Prisons on June 17. Justice Atilade said the visit was aimed at decongesting the prisons and in exercise of the Chief Judge’s powers under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The Chief Judge said it was necessary to release those on the Awaiting Trial list who had been in prison for “an unreasonable period of time.” According to her, the released inmates had been in prison awaiting trial for period ranging from two months and above.

Murder/Assassinations

Hoodlums Open Man’s Skull with Hammer

Some hoodlums, June 12, killed a 30-year-old man, Sodiq Shittu, at the Lawani Street in the Mushin area of Lagos State. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the victim’s skull was broken open with a hammer before one of the gang members carried a big stone and crushed his head. It was learnt that Shittu’s death made it the third time in four months that hoodlums would kill a resident of the street. Policemen from the Alakara Division were said to have taken the corpse and deposited it in a mortuary in the Morocco, Somolu area of the state. It was learnt the hoodlums were loyal to a gang leader, identified as Toba, from Ereko Street and were said to be embroiled in a supremacy clash with residents of Lawani Street over collection of some fees from traders on the street. The Lawani residents were said to have resisted Toba’s attempts to dominate their area by taking fees from the traders. Toba, who is facing murder charges together with another notorious warlord, Muda Adigun, was reportedly released on bail by the state high court.

Two Killed in Communal Clash in Gombe

Two people were, June 14, killed and one other seriously wounded during a clash between Kufai in Billiri and Kulishi in Kaltungo Local Councils of Gombe State over a farmland dispute. The crisis had been recurring every rainy season for more than 30 years, over the disputed piece of farmland, with a lingering legal battle of ownership between the Kufai people of Billiri and Kulishi people. Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Fwaji Atajiri, stated that the Command had not received reports that anybody died in the clash and the Police had not made any arrests. Deputy Governor, Charles Iliya, who hails from Billiri Local Council, has expressed disappointment over the behaviour of the people, describing it as barbaric and warning residents of the areas that government would no longer condone their destructive clashes.

21-Year-old NYSC Member Shot Dead in Benin

Armed robbers, June 13, killed a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member identified as David Onyeasina, in Benin City, Edo State. Two of the robbers have been arrested by the police. The 21-year-old was said to have gone to a shop to buy a recharge card when the robbers attacked and shot him dead. The suspects, who were arrested by police on patrol, said late Daniel was hit by stray bullets as the robbers attempted to escape. Police spokesman, Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the arrest, listed items recovered from the robbers to include two cut-to-size guns, nine live cartridges, 10 mobile phones and jewellery belonging to their victims. Onwochei said the police are on the heels of other members of the gang and urged the public to assist the police with relevant information.

Killer of Corps Member Arrested in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command, June 16, arraigned Abdullahi Tanko, the suspected killer of Miss Idowu Yetunde Shukurat, a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state, before an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court. Shukura was found dead along Fate Road, Ilorin, in May. The police prosecutor, Inspector Matthew Ologbon, informed the court that investigation by the police revealed that Tanko and his collaborators, now at large, conspired to trick the deceased from her residence at Saw-Mill area to Shoprite area, where she was killed on that fateful day. He added that the police located Tanko’s house through the blood trace of the deceased which prompted the suspected killer to be arrested. The mobile phone of the deceased was found with Tanko at the time he was arrested at his place. He added that efforts were still going to arrest Tanko’s fleeing gang by the police. The case was therefore adjourned till August 10, 2015.

Ritualist Kills Female Student in Ogun

Men of Ogun State police command, June 16, uncovered a ritualist’s shrine at Eposo-Akaka, Isara, in Remo North LGA of Ogun State with dismembered human parts suspected to be those of a female student, Morenikeji Owolabi. The shrine contained boiled and smoked human parts. The state commissioner of police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, disclosed that the 21-year-old victim was lured to the shrine by an herbalist, Femi Awise, who is currently on the run. Ntomchukwu said investigation had commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to Morenikeji’s murder and the motive behind it. Ntomchukwu said the shrine was discovered through discreet investigation by his men, saying five persons, including a motorcyclist that took the victim to the shrine, had been arrested in connection with the murder.

Revenue Agents Arrested over Murder of Onitsha Driver

Police in Anambra State have arrested two revenue agents for allegedly killing a driver attached to the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Mission in the process of demanding for the driver’s vehicle emblem in Onitsha, on June 17. The deceased, Okechukwu Onwuamaegbum, was driving the church bus along Owerri Road, when the revenue agents attached to Anambra State Ministry of Transport in-charge of sale of vehicle emblems, confronted him. A heated argument was said to have ensued, which resulted in a fight and the driver was reportedly beaten to a pulp and collapsed thereafter. The agents were said to have abandon the deceased in the pool of his blood and drove away with his vehicle to their office at Water Works Marine premises. Contacted, Central Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Isa Abubakar, confirmed the incident, adding that two ad hoc staff of the ministry had been arrested in connection with the murder.

Mother Stabs Two-Year-Old Son to Death

The police in Ogun State have arrested a 26-year-old woman, Funmilayo Tijani, who allegedly stabbed her two-year-old son, Emmanuel, to death in the Sango Ota area of the state. Funmilayo and her husband, John, had separated two years ago. Funmilayo’s neighbours, had on May 27, noticed that she held a bloodstained knife and saw Emmanuel in a pool of blood. The incident was reported at the Sango Police Division. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, June 17, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect. He added that the police had deposited the corpse in a morgue.

Egba Chief Assassinated in Ogun

Unknown gunmen, June 17, sneaked into the residence of an Egba Chief, Oluwo of Ikanna, Chief Moses Oyebade, at Ago-Oba area of Abeokuta South LGA of Ogun State, and shot him dead. It was gathered that the late Egba chief was reportedly shot several times through the window of his bedroom at about 12am, while he was asleep. It was further gathered that Chief Oyebade was the only occupant in his house at the time of the incident. It was learned that other chiefs at Ikanna reported the case at Ibara Police Station. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the assailants left a note before they exited the scene.

Girl, 18, Kills Mother in Rivers

An 18-year-old girl, June 17, killed her mother at Rumuchakara village in Choba, Rivers State. A source close to the family said a disagreement had ensued between the young lady and her mother after the mother asked her to prepare dinner for the family. The source said the girl protested that she would not cook and this was said to have infuriated the mother, who then slapped her. The girl, in retaliation, picked up a plank and smashed her mother’s head with it. Efforts to save the woman’s life reportedly failed. A source revealed that the whereabouts of the girl is unknown since the news of her mother’s death.

Man Stabs Brother to Death in Imo

Ehume autonomous community in Obowo LGA of Imo State has been thrown into grief, following the alleged murder of Evaristus Chukwudi Ukeh by his half-brother. A villager disclosed that Evaristus had a misunderstanding with his alleged assailant earlier in the day. It was also gathered that the alleged misunderstanding between the deceased and his brother initially ended without any serious incident. The witness said the assailant later went to the deceased’s house and stabbed him with a broken bottle. Another witness recalled that as soon as the assailant noticed that the deceased was dead, he fled to Enugu where he thought the long arms of the law would not catch up with him.

Gunmen Kill Anglican Pastor, 9-Year-Old in Rivers State

Unidentified gunmen, June 18, killed an Anglican pastor, Rev.Ibiene Jamabo and a nine year-old boy, Nimela, at Wakama community in Ogu/Bolo LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the slain Jamabo is the head of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in the community, while the nine year-old child is the son of the member representing Wakama community in the Ogu/Bolo Legislative Assembly. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the killing of the two persons, said the Command had drafted policemen into the community to maintain peace. Leader of Wakama community, John Jonathan disclosed that they were still looking for six members of the community. Jonathan attributed the killing to a boundary dispute between Wakama and its neighbour, Kpogo community in Tai LGA of the state, and appealed to Governor Nyesom Wike to intervene in the boundary dispute and ensure an end to the hostility.

Fulani Herdsmen Hack Eight Taraba Farmers to Death

About 30 machete-wielding men, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, June 17, attacked and killed eight farmers in Taraba State. The assailants reportedly accosted the farmers on their way to their crop field in Sondi village in Wukari district, where deadly clashes between farmers and herders over grazing rights are frequent, according to police spokesman, Joseph Kwaji. The victims included six men, a woman and a boy of around seven years. Teams of anti-riot policemen have been deployed in the area to search for the attackers and to prevent reprisal attacks that could lead to large scale unrest, he added.

Rape

70-Year-Old School Proprietor Rapes 8-Year-Old Pupil

Policemen attached to Igbogbo Division in Lagos have arrested a 70-year-old school proprietor for allegedly raping an eight-year-old pupil. The victim disclosed that the proprietor, Isaac Eniasec, had sent her to go and tidy up his office after school hours. Midway into the clean-up, the suspect allegedly came into the office and raped her. Her classmate and her younger sister, who were with her when Eniasec called, reportedly went in to find out why she was taking long, only to catch the proprietor in the act. A relative of the victim, said they rushed to the school, when the news reached them and found the pupil still in the proprietor’s office, bleeding. She was taken to a private hospital where doctors confirmed that she had been raped. Father of the victim disclosed that when news of the alleged defilement went round Eturenren Street, where the school is located, it was discovered that his daughter’s case was not the first of its kind with the 70-year-old man. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, saying he had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Woman Nabbed for Orchestrating Rape of 14-Year-Old

A 25-year-old woman, Nnena Okoro, has been arrested by the police after she reportedly lured a 14-year-old girl to a hotel, where a man raped her. The woman was said to have been Faith’s confidant. It was gathered that on the noon of May 16, when the girl’s aunt, with whom she lives, was not around, Okoro approached her and requested that she accompanied her to buy mangoes. Okoro, who had allegedly collected an undisclosed amount from the fleeing rapist, lured Faith into a room in the hotel and shut the door. Faith said her mouth was covered, as Nnena aided the man to rape her. In her statement to the police, Okoro confessed to taking the girl to the hotel. She denied coercing the victim into the act and claimed that she had never met the man prior to the incident. The accused pleaded not guilty. The defendant’s counsel pleaded with the court to grant bail to his client. The presiding magistrate, Mr. P.A. Adekomaya, admitted her to bail in the sum of N100,000. He adjourned the

Man Rapes Neighbour’s Daughter inside Toilet

A 27-year-old trader, Lucky Bassey, has been arrested by the police for allegedly raping his neighbour’s daughter, in the Bariga area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the 12-year-old victim was using the toilet penultimate on June 8, when the suspect forced the door open and subsequently raped her. The victim’s mother observed that she could not walk properly after she left the toilet. She reportedly interrogated her daughter, who told her mother that Bassey had raped her. The matter was reported at the Bariga Police Division and the suspect was subsequently arrested. The victim alleged that the suspect threatened to deal with her if she told anyone. However, the suspect denied raping the victim. The Police Public Relations Officers, Kenneth Nwosu, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Man gets 3-Year Jail Term for Rape

A middle-aged man, Ekene Nweke, was on June 17 sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour, by Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki, for raping a 20-year-old girl. The court, presided over by Ebonyi State Chief Judge, Justice Alloy Nwankwo, sentenced Nweke for raping the victim on February 21, 2011. The prosecutor, Mrs Nkem Chukwu, told the court that Nweke on the stated date had carnal knowledge of the complainant without her consent at her residence in Abakaliki.

Others

Inferno from Candle Light Kills 3 Children

A two-year-old girl, identified as Uzoma, and her two siblings, Ufoma, 9, and Emeka, 7, have been burnt to death after fire gutted their apartment at Egbeda in Alimosho LGA of Lagos State. The inferno, which consumed the three siblings, started in their apartment at about 10pm, when the children were sleeping on June 13. Sources said the fire was discovered by passers-by, who raised the alarm to alert residents, as majority of tenants in the house were yet to return from work. It was gathered that the inferno was caused by a candle lit by their father, who locked the three children in his apartment and left for the hospital, where his wife was receiving post-natal care. Effort to rescue the three children proved abortive.

Teenagers Drown in Jigawa River

Two teenage boys, both aged 10, June 13, drowned in a river at Madaka village in Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Muhammad Gidado, who confirmed the incident, said the boys would have been saved had his agency received reports of the development on time. He warned parents and guardians to be extra-vigilant on their children and wards and urged members of the public to be security-conscious and be good Samaritans during emergency situations.

Mother, Son Arrested over Torture of Maids with Hot Iron

A middle-aged woman, Agnes Uchendu and her son, Ikechukwu Uchendu, in Umuahia, Abia State, have been arrested by the police net for allegedly inflicting injuries on their house helps with hot electric iron.  The Police spokesman, Ezekiel Onyeke, who disclosed this, on June 14, said the suspects were picked up based on a petition by the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Abia State Chapter. The suspects allegedly tortured their maids – Hope Ajunwa, 11, and Ngozi Ajunwa, 9, who lived with them over alleged theft.  One of the victims, Ngozi Ajunwa, had injuries on the sole of her foot and other parts of her body, inflicted by the suspect with a hot electric pressing iron. The PPRO stated that Ikechukwu admitted committing the crime alleging that the minors stole One Hundred Naira (N100).

3 Men Charged With Possession of Fake Passport

Three men were, on June 15, docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged possession of fake Nigerian passport. The accused -Akeem (30), Oladiran (41), and Habeeb (24) - are standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on possession of fake Nigerian passport. The prosecutor, P.O. Okebukola, of the State Security Service, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 16 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. He said that the trio conspired with another at large and forged a Nigerian passport. The accused pleaded not guilty. Counsel to the accused, Mr Daniel Abbe, urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms.

Cook Nabbed after Poisoning Family

Two cooks, who are nationals of the Benin Republic, Victor Hounkpe and David Amusu, have been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly poisoning their employers in the Lekki area of the state. The employers, Nwogu Chinaka, and his wife, were hospitalized after eating the poisoned meal. Their security guards and other domestic workers, who ate the poisoned meal became unconscious and were hospitalised. It was gathered that Hounkpe and Amusu reportedly fled from the house during the incident. Hounkpe said he put the substance in the family’s soup to make everybody fall asleep so that valuables in the house could be easily carted away. The CP, Aderanti, who paraded the suspects, advised residents of Lagos to always do background checks on people employed into their homes and places of work.

Nine Foreigners Remanded in Prison for Illegal Oil Deal

A Federal High Court in Lagos, June 18, ordered that nine foreigners allegedly dealing in petroleum products in Nigeria without lawful authority or appropriate license be remanded in prison. The nine accused persons are made up of five Filipinos and four citizens of Bangladesh. The EFCC, had on June 18, arraigned the accused foreigners along with their vessel, MT Asteris, on four counts bordering on dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority. The men were accused of conspiracy, attempt to unlawfully export crude oil from Nigeria, and unlawful storage of crude oil. The EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, alleged that the foreigners committed the offence on March 27, 2015 in Lagos. The prosecution accused the men of dealing in 3,423,097 metric tons of crude oil without a valid license. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the four counts. The matter has been adjourned till June 23, 2015 for trial.

Bandits Escape by Throwing Money into Crowd in Warri

Three suspected bandits pursued by the police, June 16, sprayed bundles of naira on a crowd at Ajamuogha, Warri, Delta State, to cause commotion and make their escape easy. Their gimmick succeeded as people scrambled for the naira notes while they escaped, leaving the anti-kidnapping patrol team angry. Police spokesperson in the state, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said operatives of anti-kidnapping patrol team on routine patrol along Ajamugha Road, Warri, accosted a red Vento car with three occupants.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination cases remains top of the crime index, with Corps members falling victims. However, other cases of solitary killings were recorded. The police continue to assure Nigerians of their commitment to protecting lives and property. The police made some arrests. However, major suspects remain at large. These incidents were recorded across various regions of the country.

Kidnap/hostage cases also ranked high. Though some victims remain in captivity, the police made arrest of gang leaders and other suspects, while in pursuit of other suspects.  The south-south and south-west recorded most of these incidents.

Robbery and gang incidents were low on record with a few attacks carried out by the criminal gangs in different areas.

Terrorism which took an upward plunge last week took a downward toll this week with trickles of attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The north-east region remains vulnerable as the terrorist group are relentless in their bid to wreak havoc on the society.

Villeworth, as always, maintains the call for you to observe safety measures, be aware of your environment and remain law abiding. Security consciousness is key to staying safe.

Promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement to the appropriate authorities.