Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 27

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapped Living Faith Pastor Regains Freedom in Calabar

A pastor of the Living Faith Church, otherwise known as Winners Chapel, Seyi Adekunle, who was kidnapped on June 13 by gunmen, has been released. The pastor was reportedly dropped by his abductors at a spot in one of the outskirts of Calabar on June 20. The release of the pastor was confirmed by the chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Lawrence Ekwok. However, Ekwok did not state whether any ransom was paid for the pastor’s release. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), of the Cross River State Police Command, Hogan Bassey, disclosed that the arrest of two suspects possibly led to the release of the pastor.

University Vice Chancellor Kidnapped in Rivers

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State-owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Rosemund Green-Osahogulu, has been abducted by gunmen. The VC left the university after close of work on June 18 when armed hoodlums abducted her around the Aker Base area of Rumuolumeni after they overpowered her security detail and her driver. The abduction occurred barely 24 hours after Governor Nyesom Wike dissolved all the boards of state-owned tertiary institutions. The Rivers State police command confirmed the abduction, and noted that plans had been put in place to ensure her release.

Cocoa Association’s Scribe Kidnapped in Ondo

The Executive Secretary of Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Michael Segun Adewunmi, was on June 21, abducted in Akure, Ondo State, by a gang of four gunmen. Adewunmi was said to have been blocked with another car while heading home in his vehicle. The victim was asked to alight from his car and driven away in the kidnappers’ car. His car was reportedly abandoned at the scene of the incident, while the kidnappers went away with some of his belongings. It was learned that when the abductors were forcing the victim into their vehicle, one of his mobile phones fell. The phone was later picked up by a man and handed over to the police.

Police Arrest 6 in Failed Abduction

Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command, June 19, confirmed the arrest of six persons over their involvement in the foiled attempts to abduct the brother of the former minister for petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke and the armed robbery attacks on some senior citizens of the state. While four persons were arrested over the foiled kidnap attempt, two others were arrested over the invasion and armed robbery attacks on the family of one Allison Amachree Rollins, at Elebele community in Ogbia LGA.

Ex-Vice Chancellor Kidnapped in Akure

A former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Ondo State, Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade, was, on June 22, abducted from his residence by kidnappers. The former Vice Chancellor was said to have been kidnapped along with his gateman. A source within the family said it was a house help that raised the alarm of the kidnap of the septuagenarian. It was learnt that the abductors, who went away with the car of their victim later abandoned the car along Ijare Road in Ifedore LGA. Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Wole Ogodo said investigations had begun on the matter.

Ex-Soldier, 2 Others Arrested for Kidnapping

Benue State police command, June 22, arrested an ex-military officer, Joseph Emeka, and two others for allegedly kidnapping an aged woman in Makurdi. The police also arrested one Oscar Ezeala and Sunday Nnaemeka for conniving with the ex-military man to abduct the woman, Susan Audu. Police spokesman, Austin Ezeani, said that woman was kidnapped on her way back from church on June 21. Ezeani said that Emeka was arrested with a revolver and eight rounds of ammunition at Nigerian Air Force Base (NAF) checkpoint, two kilometres away from Makurdi with Oscar Ezeala during an attempt to escape. He said that two suspects remain at large, including a lance corporal serving at 82 Division in Enugu Military Cantonment.

Policemen Killed, Lebanese Expatriates Kidnapped in Bayelsa

Two policemen were killed and two expatriates kidnapped when gunmen stormed the sleepy community of Onuebum in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State on June 23. The gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, were said to have invaded the operation site of Pache Nigeria Limited where the expatriates were working, while shooting sporadically into the air to scare away people. The policemen were security detail attached to the men when the attack took place. It was gathered that the policemen who put up great resistance against the attackers during a gun battle only fell after their ammunition finished. They were killed instantly. The assailants were said to have immediately grabbed the two expatriates and whisked them into their speed boats and escaped into the thick mangrove rain forest. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Anisim Butswat, confirmed the incident.

Security Operatives Arrest Suspected Gang of Kidnappers in Imo

The Imo State Command of the Department of the State Security (DSS) has arrested a six-man gang of kidnappers said to be terrorising people in the state.  Parading the suspects on June 22, the Imo State Director of the Service, Francis Ejiofor, said the gang members were arrested by his men following a tip-off and intelligence reports, adding that the victim, one Chinasa Nwadike Nnawuike, was abducted on June 15 and kept in a toilet in Nkwerre for five days before his men swooped on the area and freed him.

Argentine Kidnapped in Niger State

Unidentified gunmen, June 24, kidnapped an Argentinian national near a farm where he was working in Niger State. Santiago Lopez Menendez was abducted in the town of Machagu as he travelled to Kontagora road, according to Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore. Amore, who disclosed that the police normally provided protection for all foreigners working on farms and elsewhere in the state,, lamented that Menendez chose to travel alone on the bad road without police protection, and got kidnapped him. At least 10 patrol vans and a special anti-kidnapping team have been deployed to rescue him. The state police spokesman, Bala Elkana, said the bad road where the kidnapping took place was usually plied by motorcyclists because it is “hardly motorable.” He further disclosed that abductions had been reported on the road.

Man Kidnaps Boss’s Son for Two Years

Two men, Christopher Osoba and Emmanuel Okenze, have been arrested by the police for allegedly kidnapping a student, Olamilekan Ogunbiyi (21). It was learnt that Osoba was the personal assistant to Olamilekan’s father, Abayomi Ogunbiyi. It was learnt that Abayomi had sought to get his son to travel abroad when Osoba volunteered to help and linked up the family with Okenze, who claimed to be a travel agent. The victim’s father was said to have paid Okenze, N900, 000 and N300,000 at different times to facilitate the travel. But the men, with some other suspects, were said to have connived and kidnapped the victim and had allegedly collected more than N6m from the victim’s father. The police, June 25, arraigned them before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on seven counts of kidnapping, stealing, obtaining money and accessories after facts.

Robbery

Soldier Arrested for Alleged Robbery in Aba

A soldier attached to the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, identified as Itugbu Augustine Omorodion, has been arrested by police for allegedly robbing a 21-year-old man in Aba on June 19. Omorodion was alleged to have attacked his victim, one Ebuka, with a dagger and robbed him of N250,000 which he was taking to the bank. It was gathered that the victim after being robbed, raised the alarm which attracted passers-by who alerted men of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) on patrol in the area, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Onyeke Ezekiel, who confirmed the incident, said the matter had been transferred to the Aba Police Area Command for further investigation, while the authorities of the 14 Brigade have also been notified about the incident.

Lagos Police Dislodge 7-Man Armed Robbery Gang

The police in Lagos have arrested a 7-man armed robbery gang that had been terrorizing Iyana-Ipaja, Dopemu and other areas of the state, including neighbouring Sango-Ota in Ogun state. They were arrested on June 15 by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Iyana-Ipaja. Detectives also alleged that the gang had been unleashing mayhem on residents of these areas. Their method of operation, according to police sources, included, carrying out a house-to-house raid and subjecting their victims to severe beatings at the end of which they were dispossessed of cash and other valuables. Meanwhile, residents of Ijaiye Community in Ifako-Ijaye LGA of the Lagos have lamented incessant armed robbery attacks. Most times, they rob with commercial motorcycles, ambushing workers on their way to work. At other times, they attack traders and shop owners while closing for the day.

Mob Sets 2 Robbers Ablaze in Onitsha

Two armed robbers were, June 22, burnt to ashes along Limca Road in Onitsha, Anambra State. The robbers, armed with pistols, had accosted a lady, who boarded a commercial motorcycle with a bag filled with money and allegedly snatched the bag from her. But as the thieves made to zoom off, their motorcycle somersaulted. It was gathered that some passers-by alerted policemen and went after them. They were, however, overpowered by the mob and set ablaze. It was learned that one of the robbers removed the burning tyre from his neck and fled with his body on fire. He was, however, caught again by the mob, which tied his hands and legs, pushed him into a drainage system along with his accomplice and set them ablaze a second time.

Police Arrest Notorious Robbery Suspects

Three suspected members of a notorious armed robbery gang in Ajegunle area of Lagos state were, June 20, arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The suspects, identified as Tunde Seun, 20; Abayomi Segun, 28, and Turheeb Kolawole, 19, met their waterloo after a member of the gang, Tunde Seun, was apprehended by a mob during an aborted operation. It was gathered that while the operation was on, members of a vigilante group in the area swooped on them. Others reportedly managed to escape, leaving Seun at the mercy of the mob that was on the verge of setting him ablaze but for the timely intervention of policemen. The policemen were said to have recovered a cut-to-size locally made gun, a dagger, live cartridges and charms belonging to the gang from the scene of the mob attack.

Robbers Kill One, Injure Six in Lagos Robbery

One person was shot dead, while six others sustained injuries when gun-wielding robbers invaded the Railway line in the Ijora Badia area of the state on June 18. It was learnt that the gunmen, reportedly numbering 10, stormed the area at night, shooting sporadically. It was gathered that the gunmen also entered some shanties in the area, and dispossessed the dwellers of money and phones. The gunmen also laid siege to Obanle, Oniyanrin, and Aliwo streets where they damaged vehicles and looted shops.

Robbers Raid Ikorodu Banks, Carts Millions Away

The notorious armed robbery gang terrorising the Ikorodu area of Lagos, June 24, struck again and succeeded in robbing two banks and escaping with their loot. The policemen, who engaged the armed robbers, were, however, overwhelmed. During the operation, three persons were injured, while an unspecified amount of money was carted away from the banks. The robbers also set five vehicles ablaze and damaged an armoured tank as they escaped from the scene. Eye witnesses’ accounts said all members of the gang wore masks and were led by a young lady of about 20 years of age. They were said to have used guns, dynamite and charms to scare people during the operation. The Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the attack, but said no casualty was recorded.

Edo Police Arrest Army‎ Deserter, Others for Armed Robbery

The Edo State Police Command, June 24, announced that it had arrested a suspected deserter from the Nigerian Army identified as Lance Corporal Adegoke, and two other persons for alleged armed robbery in Benin City. It was gathered that Adegoke had absconded from service, after he was deployed to Maiduguri to join in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents. He was said to have abandoned his unit, taking with him his AK47 military rifle and uniform, which he used with a robbery gang. He and his gang were said to have terrorised residents of Ikpoba Hill, Upper Mission and its environs, before they were rounded up by the police, following a tip off. The suspect, who was paraded by the security agency was said to have confessed that he had spent only two weeks in Maiduguri before he fled in January, 2015.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest Notorious Cultists in Lagos

Lagos State Police Command, June 20, paraded three suspected cultists alleged to have been terrorising Lagos Island and environs. The State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, had ordered a comprehensive raid of all dark spots following incessant skirmishes around Lagos Island and environs. The raid led to the arrest of the suspects Adebayo Dipo, 30; Alade Ogbulu, 30; and Kofi Olumide. The police also recovered from the suspects a pump action rifle, one single barrel rifle, four rounds of cartridges, two cutlasses and one battle axe. Parading the suspects, Aderanti said the suspects confessed to be members of Abija group specialised in terrorising residents on the Island.

Two Suspected Cultists Killed as Rival Groups Clash in Anambra

Two suspected cultists were, June 20killed, while 10 others were injured when two rival cult groups engaged themselves in a bloody clash at Nkpor, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State. The timely intervention of Anti-Cult squad saved the situation from further degeneration as both rivals fled for fear of arrest and possible identification. Divisional Police Officer at Ogidi, Hassan Musa who confirmed the incident, said by the time a joint team of policemen and Anti-cult squad could rush to the scene, members of the particular cult group that lost two of their members had taken away their corpses.

1 Killed, Several Injured in Benue Cult Clash

One person was stoned and burnt to death while several others sustained severe injuries during a cult clash between rival groups in the Welfare Quarters area of Makurdi, Benue State. The rival cultists, numbering over 20, June 20, clashed during a reprisal attack which they claimed was because some of their members were killed in a previous attack. The cultists had vowed to be killing the rival members that escaped from the previous attack, one after the other. The cultists invaded the place and attacked a young man in the area identified as “Onions”. Residents of the Welfare Quarters area are reportedly fleeing the community for fear of being attacked by cultists terrorizing the place. There have been incessant cult clashes at the Welfare Quarters community since two months ago and this has paralyzed social and economic activities in the area.

45 Criminal Suspects Paraded in Kogi State

A 72-year-old man, Ahmed Adoke, was among the 45 kidnappers and armed robbery suspects paraded by the police in Kogi State on June 22. Also paraded were the All Progressive Congress, (APC) candidate for the Okehi constituency in the state House of Assembly in the last election, Idris Ozi Shuabu; and a cripple for being an accessory to the criminal gang terrorising the people of the state. Force Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the harvest of arrests was consequent on the Special Anti-Crime Task Force led by Chris Ezike, a Commissioner of Police of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad assigned by the Inspector General (IG) to combat the menace of kidnapping and armed robbery rocking the state. The force PRO alleged that the high rates of criminality in the state was due to the engagement of youths in thuggery and political violence, sponsored by highly placed politicians who have over the years recycled the hoodlums.

Hoodlums Loot Lagos Hotels, Shoot Policemen

Suspected cultists, June 22, attacked two hotels on Ishawo Road in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, during which they looted the property and engaged some policemen in gun battle. The hoodlums, numbering about 50, stormed the area in two commercial buses at about 1am, shooting sporadically. The vandals were said to have trailed a rival group to the hotels. The hoodlums, who looted the hotels and attempted to burn the buildings, were said to have escaped from the scene after the gun battle. The police, however, arrested two of the hoodlums – Joshua Asumba and Kenny Good – who fell off the commercial buses. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. He added that the police recovered 50 litres of fuel abandoned at the scene.

Drugs

NDLEA in Jigawa Arrests 92 Suspects

The Jigawa Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency said it arrested 92 suspects for allegedly using and dealing in illegal drugs in the state between January and June 2015. The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Abdullahi Abdul, June 25, said the command had seized 151.704 kilogrammes of illicit substance from the suspects within the period under review. He explained that the major seizure by the agency was that of 22.350kg of cannabis property of one Muhammad Aminu, arrested in Gumel on June 1. He said that 60 drug addicts were counseled and rehabilitated by the agency within the same period.

NDLEA Busts International Hard Drugs Syndicate

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a businessman alleged to be leader of an international drug trafficking organisation. The arrest of the 37-year-old suspect reportedly followed the agency’s discovery of three laboratories used for the illegal production of methamphetamine in his home town in Anambra State. The Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, June 24, disclosed that surveillance indicated that the suspect hides under the cover of motorcycle parts business in running a drug cell that has international affiliation. During a search of one of the suspect’s laboratories at his house, 2.615kg of liquid methamphetamine, according to Giade, was found inside a yellow plastic jug, with another 250grammes of crystallized methamphetamine concealed in a white transparent polythene bag.

Maritime

Sea Pirates Kill Four Policemen in Rivers

Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates, June 23, shot and killed at least four policemen at the Abonnema Wharf area of Port Harcourt.  The policemen were on patrol when they were ambushed by the suspected pirates. The pirates were said to have opened fire on the policemen, killing four of them on the spot while one policeman who jumped into the sea escaped. Eyewitnesses said the pirates were about 24 in number and had come in four boats and carried out their attack. Following the attack, men of the Joint military task force were seen in the area probably to prevent a recurrence.

Terrorism

Twin Explosions Kill 35 in Maiduguri

Two bomb explosions in the Baga fish market in Maiduguri claimed at least 35 lives, according to reports on June 22. The explosions suspected to have been carried out by female suicide bombers, took place when Muslim faithful in the market were observing their Ishai prayers. A source revealed that “immediately after the first blast, another female suicide bomber died when the IEDs strapped on her body accidentally went off before reaching her crowded target at a mosque close to the market”. An eye witness, Mallam Abubakar Aji Ali said, the explosion left dozens of people including some Muslims who were performing their prayers dead. The State Police Commissioner, Aderemi Opadokun, confirmed the twin explosion, but put the death toll at 12.

Boko Haram Kills 35 in Attacks on Yobe, Borno

About 30 persons were believed to have been killed in Borno and Yobe States June 23. Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect launched an attack on a Debiro, a remote village in Borno, killing not less than 20 persons, while a female suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped on her, killing 15 persons and injuring 26 others at a market in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Reports indicated that some of those killed in Borno had their throats slit.

42 Killed in Borno Terrorist Attacks

Two attacks by insurgents on two villages in Borno State have left at least 42 people dead, witnesses said. About 20 people were murdered in an assault on Debiro Biu, on June 23. Earlier, suspected Boko Haram gunmen on June 22, had killed 22 people in Debiro Hawul. The militants also torched some homes and took away food and medicine. Boko Haram has stepped up attacks in the North-east in the face of a regional military offensive this year backed by forces from Cameroun, Niger and Chad, which has seized territory from the terrorists.

Political/Government Agencies

NSCDC to Build Command and Control Centre in Bayelsa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), having come to terms with the fact that the conventional means of tackling the problem of vandalism and illegal oil bunkering in the country is now less effective, has resolved to build a Command and Control Centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The Commandant General of the corps, Ade Abolurin, on June 22, stated that new technology was required to ensure diligent execution of surveillance as well as arrest. Abolurin said the control centre, which would house modern technology to enable it deliver on its mandate diligently, would also ensure the use of drones especially in accessing volatile terrain.

Police Deploy Highway Patrol to Replace Roadblocks

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, June 23, said that he has immediately deployed highway patrol vehicles to fill in the vacuum that has been created with the June 22 presidential order for dismantling of military roadblocks on highways in the country. Arase disclosed that in addition to over 300 patrol vehicles recently deployed to the roads another 157 highway patrol vehicles are ready for deployment on the roads. The police boss who submitted that the police would need the prompt collaboration of the public in order to have an upper hand over crimes and criminality, however, affirmed that the Nigerian military could still be called upon to assist in security whenever the need arises.

NSCDC Arrests 350, Jails 35 in 6 Months

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had arrested 350 suspected vandals and oil thieves involved in vandalism of critical government infrastructure, between January and June 2015. The Corps commandant-general, Ade Abolurin, who made the disclosure on June 22, said 35 of the 350 arrested suspects had been prosecuted and were currently serving between one to 35-year jail terms. Abolurin noted that the economic saboteurs now operate as a sophisticated cabal and re-echoed the Corps determination to intensify the ongoing war against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other critical installations of governments, and other criminal activities sapping the nation of its resources.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill 13 in Kaduna State

About nine persons from Katsak village of Jema’a LGA of Kaduna state were, on June 18, killed by unidentified gunmen. Similarly, five persons were killed in Ungwan Danborno community of Birnin Gwari LGA. Confirming the attacks, Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, conveyed his sympathy to families of the victims. El-Rufa’i said that series of comprehensive measures were being designed to tackle the problem and secure sustainable peace across the state. The Governor said that he was determined to work with the security agencies and the judiciary to end what he described as the epidemic of killings and the impunity that feeds it.

8-Year-Old Burnt to Death over Witchcraft Allegation

Police in Plateau state, June 19, said it had arrested a 60-year-old man, who burned a young girl to death after accusing her of being a witch. Yakubu Vong lured an eight-year-old girl to his house in the village of Sabon Layi, doused her with lamp oil, and set her ablaze. Plateau State police spokesman, Emmanuel Abuh, says police believes he attacked the girl because she refused to admit to him that she was a witch.

Gunmen Kill Aide to IYC Scribe

The Personal Assistant to the national secretary of Ijaw Youths Congress (IYC), Engr. Emmanuel Bristol Alagbariya, by unknown gunmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The deceased PA, Sylvanus Otueneh, was shot dead on June 19 at the residence of Alagbariya by unidentified gunmen, numbering four. The Otueneh was shot dead when he refused to disclose the whereabouts of Alagbariya. The IYC has condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, as they called the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies to properly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Man Drowns Friend in Lagos

The police in Lagos are on the trail of a suspected cultist, Anu Olokodana, for allegedly drowned his friend, Adeleke Awosiga, in a swimming pool on June 13. It was gathered that Awosiga drew Olokodana’s ire when he refused to join his friend’s cult group.  The incident occurred after Awosiga attended Olokodana’s birthday party. It was said an argument, however, ensued during the party, which allegedly made Olokodana to twist his friend’s neck before drowning him. It was gathered that Awosiga’s family, who stayed in the Mowe area of Ogun State, reported the matter at the Isheri Police Division. Our correspondent learnt that the deceased’s corpse was recovered by residents and policemen the following day. The suspect and other cult members reportedly went into hiding after the incident.

Pandemonium in Oghara as Vigilante Leader is Killed

Soldiers attached to 19 Military Battalion, Koko, Delta State, on June 23, allegedly trailed and shot dead the chairman of Oghara Vigilante Group, Benson Ogedegbe, in broad daylight. There was commotion in the community as residents quickly took to the streets in protest. The Executive Director of Africa Network for Economic and Environmental Justice, ANEEJ, David Ugolor, has called on the Inspector General of Police to fish out and prosecute the trigger-happy soldiers. It was learnt that the deceased was having problem with the leader of a criminal gang, who contacted his military friends to eliminate him after attempts to rope him into a criminal case failed. When contacted, Commandant of 19 Battalion of Nigeria Army, Koko, in-charge of the area, Lt. Col. Aminu Umar, denied that soldiers in the battalion were responsible. But police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the death of the deceased.

Pastor Shot Dead in Lagos

The Lagos State Coordinator of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Chukwuemeka Okpokpo, was on June 22, shot and killed at Apple Junction, Amuwo Odofin area of the state. The gunmen, said to have used a motorcycle, reportedly trailed the deceased from a Bank, where he had gone to withdraw N3 million for the church. They reportedly fired shots into the air, which sent other road users and passers-by scampering for safety. Reports said Pastor Okpokpo tried to escape when it became obvious that he was the target. He reportedly slowed down on reaching a bad spot in the road, and the hoodlums shot at the tyres of the Chosen vehicle he was driving, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt halt. One of the gunmen then alighted from their motorbike, walked to the vehicle and shot Pastor Okpokpo dead before he took the bag containing the money. The Lagos State Police Command said it had begun investigation into the killing.

Man, 31, Kills Girlfriend in Lagos

A 31-year-old man, Michael David, who reportedly murdered the mother of his son and subsequently reported himself to the police for arrest, June 24, confessed that his actions was the handiwork of the devil. The suspect was involved in a fight with the victim, Oyinyechi Dennis, and allegedly stabbed her to death at Ojoku area of Lagos. It was learned that Michael, a carpenter, had made ugly remarks about Onyinye, which led to a violent confrontation and the eventual death of Onyinye.

Man Killed for Protesting against Brother’s Murder

A man, identified as Balongo Unogu, has been killed at Angwan Ishaku, in the Katako area of the Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State after he complained bitterly against the murder of his brother. Bolongo’s brother, Edwin Unogu, was said to have been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Sunday, June 21, along with two others, identified as Rahab Ishaku and Pam Gyang. Balongo was said to have been trailed to his house by the killers, who snuffed life out of him less about 3 days after his brother was killed. Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, who deplored the spate of killings in the two local government areas, called on security agencies to urgently address the situation.

Rape

Teacher, 52, Rapes 5-Year-Old Pupil in Classroom

The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 52-year-old school teacher, Isaac Ikiabeke, for allegedly raping a five-year-old pupil. It was gathered that Ikiabeke, who is also the proprietor of the school, Brighter Glory School, in Ikorodu, raped his victim after school hours. The victim, five-year-old disclosed that the father of three had allegedly raped her 10 times. Investigations revealed that the suspect had also raped other children in similar manner. A police source revealed that a three-year-old pupil, who was equally raped by the suspect, was in a critical condition in a hospital. The police on June 22 arraigned Ikiabeke before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court on one count of unlawful sexual intercourse. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and elected summary trial. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Soladoye, in her ruling, said the offence was bailable. She thereafter admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned till August 10, 2015.

Police Arrest Man for Raping 9-Year-Old Boy

The Bauchi State Police Command, June 23, disclosed that it had arrested an 18-year-old man, Mustapha Abdullahi, for raping an eight-year-old boy. Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, said the suspect, Mustapha Abdullahi, committed the offence on June 20. He added that police detectives attached to the Dass division arrested Abdullahi in Wandi District in Dass LGA of Bauchi State. The suspect reportedly lured an eight-year-old boy and had unlawful carnal knowledge of him. The victim was rushed to the Dass General Hospital for medical examination.

Seven Gang-Rape Trader in Alaba Market

Seven men have been accused of raping a trader inside a plaza in the Alaba Market, Lagos State. Two of them, Abeeb Busari (22) and Lawal Gbolahan (18), who were nabbed and arraigned in court by the police, have been remanded in custody by an Apapa Magistrate’s Court. It was learnt that the police had launched a manhunt for the other fleeing offenders while the arrested suspects have owned up to the crime. It was gathered that the 24-year-old victim was hawking her wares on May 27, when Busari summoned her under the pretext of buying a jacket and lured her to a room in plaza to collect her money. But on getting to the room, Busari shut the door and called out the others who were hiding in the room. They allegedly took turns to rape her. After about 30 minutes, a welder, Idris Lasisi, who reportedly saw the trader and Busari, traced her to the plaza and barged into the room. The welder reportedly raised the alarm and two of the suspects were caught. The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges and were remanded in prison. The case was adjourned to July 28, 2015.

Others

Woman Tortured to Insanity by Spouse

Policemen in Ikorodu have charged a middle-aged man, Ajisafe Solomon, and his sister, Ajayi Ayomide, before an Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court over allegation of battering and sodomy. Police said the accused conspired and inflicted grave bodily harm on Solomon’s wife, Opeyemi Amuda, 25, by inserting a bottle of beer and pepper in her vagina, which made her run mad. It was gathered that the incident happened on June 19, when Amuda’s husband, Solomon Ajisafe, reprimanded her over allegation that she committed adultery and had the effrontery to fight her mother-in-law. The Magistrate, Mrs Afeez, remanded the accused in prison and ordered that the victim be taken to a rehabilitation centre for three months. The case was adjourned to July 15.

Ogun State Police Arrest 22 Criminal Suspects

The men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested at least 22 suspected criminals for armed robbery, murder, cultism and kidnapping. The Commissioner of Police, Val Ntomchukwu, paraded the suspects at the police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on June 25. According to him, 15 of the suspects were nabbed in connection with the recent murder and supremacy clashes between members of Aiye and Eiye confraternities in Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North LGA. Ntomchukwu said efforts were still in progress to track down other suspects in connection with the abduction of a 97-year-old man, Amos Samaye, in Ogbere. He said those arrested included an electrician who used to work for the nonagenarian, a truck driver and another suspect, Emeka Obi. Ntomchukwu explained that the cooperation of the victim’s family with the police led to the arrest of the suspects, warning victims’ families against rushing to pay ransom to the criminals.

Death Row Convict Escapes from Kirikiri Prison
…Tips Warden N50, 000

A convict on death row, simply identified as Wale, has allegedly escaped from the Kirikiri Maximum Prison after purportedly bribing a Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) warden with the sum of N50, 000. Wale, a murder convict was sentenced to death for killing his friend and burying him to avoid detection. The convict was said to have hatched his escape plan after his appeal for a reversal of his sentence failed. A source disclosed on June 24 that the convict had told the warden that he wanted to go outside the prison walls after they agreed on the sum of N50,000 and the warden allegedly agreed. But Wale rather made his escape.

Court Sentences Man to Death by Hanging for Killing Girl, 6

Justice Yelim S. Bogoro of the Bauchi State High Court presided has sentenced a 40-year-old man, Ibrahim Idris, to death by hanging for killing a six-year-old girl, Asiya Mohammed, after a failed rape attempt. Idris was dragged to court by the state Director Public Prosecution, Dawud Yakubu, who charged him for culpable homicide. The accused had, on September 14, 2012, called the deceased in to his room with the intention to rape her, and when she refused, he used his knife to behead the girl and put the head in a bag, which he threw into a water channel. Justice Bogoro said the confessional statement of the accused was direct and held that the prosecution had proved his case.

Plateau Declares Dusk-to-Dawn Curfew in 2 LGAs

The Plateau State government, June 24, declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs to curtail the spate of killings in the councils in the last one month. The Secretary to State Government, Rufus Bature, stated that the curfew would be indefinite until the security situation and spate of attacks was effectively checked by security operatives. However, Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria and Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Emmanuel Loman, said the curfew was the last solution, having witnessed serious security threat in the two areas. Meanwhile, residents have appealed to the Federal Government to take immediate action to end the continued “genocidal attacks” in Plateau State.

Sharia Court Sentences Nine to Death for Blasphemy

A Sharia Court of Appeal in Rijiyar Lemo, Kano State, June 25, sentenced nine people, including Abdul-Inyas and Hajiya Mairoto, to death for blasphemy against the prophet of Islam. According to a press statement by Malam Nasiru on behalf of the court, the nine people were found guilty under Section 110 and Section 382b of the Sharia Penal Court law year 2000. The offence was committed in May and it resulted in a protest during which hundreds of Muslim youths torched the Sharia court. They accused Nyas, leader of the Tijjaniyya sect, of “making unguarded statements against Prophet Mohammed,” during his a recent preaching at Goron Dutse area of Kano metropolis. Four others, who were arrested alongside the convicted persons, were discharged and acquitted.

NSCDC Arrests Manager of Filling Station for Illegal Bunkering

The manager of a filling station in the Seme area of Lagos, Ashamu Mauhtin, has been arrested along with 16 other suspects by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for illegal oil bunkering. It was learnt that the suspects were apprehended along the waterways in the Ikorodu and Badagry areas of the state between April and June 24 with about 20,000 litres of petrol stored in 790 jerry cans. Two of the speedboats that the suspects reportedly used to transport the product were also recovered. The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Gabriel Abaafi, June 25, said apart from the suspects, two others arrested in May had been charged to court.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases remain high. Though some victims are still held hostage, the police, however, made some arrests of gang leaders and other suspects, while in pursuit of other fleeing suspects.  The south-south and south-west recorded most of these incidents.

Murder/assassination incidents have maintained a steady rise in recent weeks. While security agencies claimed to have tight control measures to combat these nefarious activities, it is startling to see the increasing spate of killings. The south- south and south-west regions of the country bore the brunt of these deadly crimes.

Robbery took a nose dive as there were only pockets of recorded robbery incidents. The authorities have made some arrest, though some of the armed robbers escaped. The south western region of the country recorded more of these cases.

Gang incidents also made its way up on the crime index with various stories of gang attacks, assaults and killings across the country. Nevertheless the police have arrested some culprits, while others remain at large.

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.