Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 28

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SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Confirm Release of Abducted VC

The Police in Rivers, June 27, confirmed the release of the Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University, Professor Rosemond Osagholu; who was abducted by gunmen on June 20. She was kidnapped as she was leaving the campus of the  institution. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that Osagholu was released on June 26, but did not give details of her release. He did not also say if any arrest had been made. It was reported that the abduction of the vice chancellor threw the academic community into a state of shock.

Kidnapped Kogi Judge Regains Freedom

A High Court of Judge in Kogi State, Justice Samuel Obayomi, who was kidnapped by three gunmen on May 25, has been released. His release came 34 days after he was abducted and taken to the kidnappers’ den. Obayomi was abducted on his way to the office by the gunmen who reportedly dressed in black. During the operation, the judge’s police orderly, Usman Musa, was shot dead, while the kidnappers drove away the judge in his car. The gang later demanded N150m ransom for the judge’s release. The State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Ogunjemilusi, June 28 said Obayomi was released on Saturday between 10pm and 11.30pm. He stated that the judge had been taken to a safe place, but had yet to be released to his family.

Police in Edo Arrest 30 Suspected Kidnap and Criminal Suspects

The Edo State police command has arrested 30 suspected cultists and 20 kidnappers in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, who disclosed this on June 26, said the kidnap suspects were intercepted by the highway patrol teams of the command at various locations in the state. He noted that while the suspects had confessed to the crimes with 107 arms and ammunition recovered from them, 15 of their victims had been rescued. He explained that as part of proactive measures by the Inspector-General of Police, several highway patrol vehicles had been deployed in locations within the state, including Benin-Lagos Road, Benin-Agbor Road, Benin-Akure Road, Auchi-Okpella Road, Ibilo, Ehor and Benin Bypass.

Imo Police Parade Suspected Child Traffickers

The Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Austin Evvbakhavbokun, June 26, paraded a five-man gang of suspected child traffickers. The CP said following a reported case of alleged mysterious disappearance of a 20-year-old pregnant lady, Ibuchi Okafor from her home, and her return after some days without her child with no clear explanation on the whereabouts of the baby, the case was reported formally to the command. He disclosed that on interrogation of Ibuchi, she revealed that she absconded to the home of one Chief Emmanuel Eke. Both of them (Ibuchi and Eke) revealed that a baby boy delivered by the lady at the maternal home of Eke’s late wife was sold at N500,000 to yet to be identified buyer.

Gunmen Kidnap Former Wife of Ex-Bayelsa Speaker

Gunmen, June 30, kidnapped Martha Binabo, wife of former Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Nestor Binabo. She was said to have been whisked away from the warehouse located in her home along the Azikoro/Agbura Communities road. The woman was then taken to the nearby Otuokpoti waterside from which the suspects escaped in a boat. The police have confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asinim Butswat, said the gunmen wore military camouflage.

7 Women Arrested Trafficking, Prostitution

Seven women have been arrested by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State command, for alleged prostitution and child trafficking. The suspects were arrested at a brothel in Akure. The suspects were paraded by the command after they were arrested for the trafficking of a girl from her home town in Akwa Ibom to Akure, for prostitution. According to the command’s spokesman, Kayode Balogun, officials of the agency got wind of the incident after complaints from some church members. Balogun added that the suspects had been handed over to officials of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation. The victim said she was lured from her home town in Akwa Ibom to Akure under the guise of serving as a maid, but when she arrived in Akure on June 21, she was lodged in a brothel and was introduced into prostitution.

Gunmen Kidnap APC Chieftain in Nasarawa

The Police in Nasarawa State, July 1, confirmed the abduction of Mrs Mary Enwongulu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency at the 2015 general elections. Police spokesman, Ismaila Umar-Numan, confirmed that Enwongulu was abducted assured that the police were doing everything humanly possible to rescue her. He emphasised that investigation was on to know her whereabouts and called on members of the public to give useful information to enable the police to rescue her. Umar-Numan urged the public to always give vital information to the police in order to curtail criminal activities in the state and the country at large in the interest of peace and national development.

Gang of 4 Kidnap Mother of 2 in Lagos

A seven-year-old girl, Olumide Basorun, has narrated how her mother was kidnapped by 4 men on June 23 at Ikorodu, Lagos. Olumide’s mother, Gbemisola Basorun (38), was kidnapped by four unknown men at the entrance of her Ikorodu residence on her way from a church service around. The woman was driving home with her children after evening service, when she noticed that four strange men were trailing her on a motorcycle. She stopped at a neighbour’s shop to report her observation, was assured of her safety, but charged to notify others of development when she got home. Olumide said while the discussion was ongoing, the men drove past the Basoruns, which heightened their fear. Their assailants hid somewhere, only to resurface when Olumide alighted from the car to open the gate for her mother. According to her, one of them pointed a gun at her mother and ordered her to the back seat, threw out her younger brother from the car and sped off with her mother.

Gunmen Abduct FCE Obudu Chief Librarian

Gunmen, June 30, abducted the Chief Librarian of Federal College of Education Obudu, Godwin Anyating, and took him to an unknown destination. His wife, Felicia, disclosed that seven gunmen invaded their home at about 2am, robbed the family of valuables and dragged her husband into the car before driving off. She said it took the hoodlums about an hour to cut the window’s burglary proof to gain access into the house located at Bebuabong Village, along Ogoja Road, to kidnap the librarian. She said the matter had been reported to the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, adding that the kidnappers were yet to get in contact with her or the school.

Robbery

Enugu Police Apprehend Wanted Robbery Kingpin

A notorious car snatching and armed robbery kingpin who had been on the wanted list of Enugu Police Command has been arrested. The suspect, Chidera Ifediegwu, was apprehended by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, on June 26 after a gun battle at his hideout. Police source disclosed that recent attacks on policemen at New Haven were allegedly carried out by the group. Enugu State command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

Gunmen Attack, Rob Construction Workers in Ogun State

Gunmen attacked and robbed an expatriate and some construction workers on a site at the Banku area of Ogun State. It was learnt that about 20 heavily armed men, who reportedly stormed the construction site on June 16, in five vehicles gunmen beat some of them with axes and cutlasses. They were said to have carted away money and injured workers who could not give them any valuable. After leaving Banku, the robbers reportedly went to a neighbouring area in Warewa, where the expatriate, who was supervising a construction work, was robbed. It was gathered that policemen from the Ibafo and Warewa stations, who later arrived at the scene, apprehended three of the robbers. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He added that the three suspects arrested by the police had been transferred to the state command headquarters in Abeokuta.

Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robbers, Cultists in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command said that about 80 suspects involved in armed robbery and cult related activities have been arrested in Rumuekini forest in Obio/Akpor LGA and other areas of the state. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Mohamed disclosed this on June 26 while briefing on the command’s achievement for the month of June. He revealed that items recovered from them include two pump action guns, nine live cartridges, a Toyota Camry and assorted household items suspected to be stolen.

Army Dismisses Soldier for Armed Robbery, Hands Him over to Police

The 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State, June 30, said it had dismissed a soldier, one Lance Corporal Itugbu Augustine Omorodion, who snatched the sum of N250,000 from a civilian at the Aba area of the state. Omorodion was alleged to have attacked his victim with a dagger and robbed him of the money. It was gathered that the victim after being robbed, raised the alarm which attracted passers-by, who in turn alerted men of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) on patrol in the area. The unit said the soldier was tried under the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 and consequently dismissed. The 14 Brigade in the statement said the soldier had been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abia State Command, Onyeke Udeviotu Ezekiel, also confirmed the incident.

Robbers Strangle Driver to Death in Lagos

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos State, June 28, arrested a five-man gang for allegedly strangling a cab driver, Sonye Chukwudi. The suspects had tricked the 32-year-old to the Ransome Kuti Gardens, thinking he had a lot of money. They were said to have bound him hands and feet before strangling him, only to discover he had only his phone and N4,750 on him. It was gathered that the suspects hid the corpse in the gardens and were about escaping in the victim’s car when a team of policemen, acting on a tip-off, apprehended them. The police were said to have found the victim’s corpse hidden in the gardens and covered with flowers.

5 Docked for Attempted Murder, Theft

The police in Lagos, July 2, arraigned five men before Apapa Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for alleged theft and attempted murder. The defendants are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy assault and stealing preferred against them by the police. The prosecutor, Olu Ojaokomo, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on the June 30, 2015, at Dusbin Bus Stop Oregie, Ajegunle Apapa in Magistrate District. He said they conspired among themselves to commit felony, stealing a Mercedes Benz car and other items. The prosecutor said the suspects also unlawfully assaulted their victim with a cutlass on his right hand which caused him bodily harm. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Magistrate P.A Adekomaya granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the matter till July 7, 2015, for mention.

Police Arrest 3 Motorcyclists for Robbery

The police in Abia State, July 2, paraded three suspected members of a robbery gang who allegedly dispossessed victims of their valuables. The suspects, who are motorcycle riders, were arrested by Ubakala Police Division after they allegedly robbed two female victims of their valuables. Abia State Commissioner of Police, Habila Joshak, who spoke through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Onyeke, said the suspects were followed by another motorcycle rider, Ugochukwu Okoro, as he allegedly joined his friends to rob the victims after brandishing machete and threatened to cut them to pieces if they refused to cooperate.

Gang Incidents

Woman, Grandchild Killed in Lagos Cult War

A 57-year-old woman, Osayemi Victoria, and her one-year-old granddaughter, Opeyemi Yusuf, were on June 30, shot dead in Lagos. They were killed when a bullet pierced through the back of a tricycle they boarded. The bullet first hit Opeyemi, who was strapped to her grandmother’s back and penetrated to Victoria’s head, killing both victims on the spot. It was learnt that the tricycle they boarded ran into the middle of a gun battle between rival cult groups along Ishawo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The driver of the tricycle, Awoyemi Olaoluwa, said the single bullet pierced through the nylon back side of the tricycle and hit the duo. The other two passengers escaped unhurt. The tricycle driver was said to have called for help as the other passengers alighted and mixed with a crowd of people that had formed around the scene. Policemen from the Owutu division were said to have been alerted to the scene.

Imo Police Kill Cultist, Arrest Others

The alleged leader of a 15-member gang of a notorious cult group said to be terrorizing Egbu in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, has been gunned down by the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that the gang leader, Chimaobi Iheme, was killed on June 28 during a gun battle with the police, while two of his gang members were arrested. The police operation was sequel to an information received that cult members, numbering about 15, were terrorizing Egbu community. He said operatives of the command immediately swung into action but met a stiff opposition from the group, as they were armed. Items recovered from the cultists include three locally made pistols, seven live cartridges, four expended cartridges, two cutlasses, one small axe, six cell phones, one tricycle and one motorcycle.

Imo Community Laments Activities of Cultists

Residents of Umuobi Ikwerede in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State have lamented the terror brought on by activities of cultist in the area in recent times. A man, simply identified as Abacha, was on June 28, killed by a rival cult group, while several houses and personal effects were burnt, destroyed or looted by another cult group said to be on revenge mission. It was gathered that the crisis started as a mere disagreement in beer parlour at Umuobi and later snowballed into a huge conflagration that had sent several villagers scampering into neighbouring communities. A woman disclosed that immediately the news of Abacha’s death broke, his group quickly mobilized and unleashed terror and mayhem at Umuobi, burning houses and destroying precious property.

Police Kill Two Gang Leaders in Delta

Two notorious cult leaders, Chukwudi Opobo, and other yet-to-be-identified, have been gunned down by the police in Delta State during separate operations. It was learnt that 26-year-old Opobo, aka Okonam, was killed on June 22, when he led a robbery gang to unleash terror on residents of the Ugiliamai area of Kwale. Opobo, said to be a leader of Aiye Confraternity, opened fire on an anti-robbery police patrol from the Kwale division, which came to the area after a distress call. During the gun battle, he was shot and arrested, while his two gang members reportedly escaped with bullet injuries. The items recovered from him were one cut-to-size gun, two live cartridges, and one battle axe. In the second incident, which took place at Ogwashi-Uku, a cult leader reportedly led his gang members to the Ogbeofu Quarters, and robbed the residents June 17. Policemen from Ogwashi-Uku division, who came to the scene, reportedly engaged the cultists in a shootout during which the gang leader was shot dead. Other suspects were said to have escaped into the bush with injuries.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 3,478 Drug Suspects in 5 Months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that between January and May 2015, the agency arrested 3,478 drug suspects and seized nearly 170, 341.704kg of narcotic drugs. NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, disclosed this on June 26 as the world celebrated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the launch of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015-2019. A total of 783 cases have so far been won in court, he said. Giade, who gave the monetary value of seized drugs and cannabis plant destroyed in 2014 as N542 billion, stated that the agency played a very crucial role towards the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections. Director General of NDLEA, Roli Bode-George harped on the need to strengthen capacity in combating drug trafficking in the country.

Man Jailed 10 Years over Illicit Drug

A Federal High Court in Lagos, July 1, sentenced a 30-year-old man, Adedeji Adeleye, to 10 years imprisonment for trafficking in 100 grammes of Indian hemp. Adeleye pleaded guilty to the one-count charge preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia sentenced the accused without any option of fine, but held the sentence would take effect from the day of arrest. The convict was sentenced after the review of the facts of the case provided by the NDLEA prosecutor, Orji Kalu. Kalu said Adeleye was arrested due to a petition written against him to the NDLEA by some landlords where he resided.

NDLEA Arrests 84 Suspects, Seizes 2,633kg of Indian Hemp in Ogun

The Ogun State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 84 suspects with cannabis sativa between January and June 2015. The sector commander of the agency in the state, Balla Fagae, disclosed this on June 29. Fagae explained that the command found 2,633 kilograms of Indian hemp and 35 kilograms of psychotropic substance with the suspects. He further said that of the 84 suspects, the command had been able to secure 18 convictions in all the cases charged to court, while 30 of such cases were still pending at the Federal High Court.

Maritime

6 Children Drown, as Boat Capsizes in Lagos

A canoe conveying 14 school children, July 1, capsized at Irawe area of Ojo, Lagos State, drowning six children, while eight others, including the driver, were rescued. The incident occurred after a fibre canoe reportedly ran into the passenger boat. Officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) took part in the rescue operation. LASEMA’s General Manager, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the tragedy. He said six other children were still missing and that rescue operation was still on to remove the children from the water. The Government blamed the careless operator of a speedboat, while also regretting that none of the 15 passengers wore life-vests during the ill-fated home-to-school ride. Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Agency (LASWA), Yinka Marinho, disclosed that tragedy struck when a motorised speedboat, developed fault mid-water and strayed onto the oncoming canoe when the operator was attempting to fix the problem in motion. He disclosed that the captain of the speedboat has been arrested and would be prosecuted.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Kills 145 in Two Attacks on Borno Villages

Boko Haram terrorist sect in two separate attacks on Borno villages in a space of 48 hours, killed 145 persons and injured several others. The first attack was on June 30 in Musarram village, where 48 males where picked out by the insurgents and killed, according to fleeing residents. In the second attack on July 1, the insurgents attacked Kukawa, a border town with Niger Republic, killing 97 persons. In Musarram, the terrorists numbering about 40 and well-armed, rounded up the villagers, sorted out the males and opened fire on them. A member of the vigilante group in the area, Modu Kurawa, said the attack was on for over four hours. But there was no challenge by the military or the local vigilante group. There was no immediate comment on the attack from both the military and the police in Maiduguri.

Suicide Bomber Kills Five in Leprosy Hospital

At least five people have been killed and 10 wounded after a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a leprosy hospital on the outskirts of Maiduguri on June 27. According to reports, the bomber had tried to gain access to the hospital but detonated his explosives outside the building during security checks. An eyewitness disclosed that the bomber was one of the three men who were dropped off near the hospital by an SUV vehicle. A civilian vigilante man, Danlami Ajaokuta, confirmed the hospital explosion. He also disclosed that there had been a failed suicide attack by two women in Jakarna village, close to Maiduguri on the same June 27. According to him, two female suicide bombers died when the explosives on one of them went off prematurely while they were waiting for a bus along the highway in Jakarna.

11 Killed in Chadian Raid against Boko Haram

Eleven people were killed on June 29 when Chadian police launched a raid against Boko Haram jihadist militants in a district of the capital N’Djamena, police said. Five officers, five Boko Haram elements and one police informant died in the operation in which officers seized several suicide belts, according to Chadian police spokesman, Paul Manga. The assault follows the June 15 double suicide bombing, which killed at least 33 people in N’Djamena.

Four Killed, Soldiers Injured in Renewed Plateau Hostilities

Four persons have been reportedly killed in a renewed clash between Fulani herdsmen and the Berom in Foron village of Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Three soldiers attached to the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis were also allegedly injured in the clash. Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), Samson Tsok, blamed the recent hostilities on the herders whom he said swamped on the village of Foron on June 30. Leader of the Fulani group, Mohammed Adamu, blamed the Berom alleging that some armed men suspected to be Berom youths shot and killed eight cows.

12 Die as Boko Haram Attacks Borno Villages

At least 10 people were killed when suspected members of Boko Haram invaded villages in Monguno LGA of Borno State on July 1. Meanwhile, two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a village in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, at the time Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was visiting the city. The terrorists were fleeing from military bombardment by air force raid when they sneaked into the nearby villages, setting many residential buildings, mostly thatched houses, ablaze.

Political/Government Agencies

IGP Redeploys CPs to Lagos, Rivers, Ogun

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase, has ordered the redeployment of new Commissioners of Police to Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and other formations in the Force headquarters. In a statement issued by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abayomi Shogunle, on July 2, the new posting is expected to reduce the crime rate in the affected states. The commissioners affected by the posting and the states they are posted to are; “CP Ajani Fatai Owoseni; Lagos State, CP Chris Ezike; Rivers State, CP Abdulmajid Ali; Ogun State. He also ordered the withdrawal of policemen attached to politicians and other persons not authorised by the Inspector General of Police (IG). The CP for Rivers State, Chris Ezike, has promised to remain neutral in the politics in the state and warned that any policeman or woman who engaged in politics would be disciplined.

Plateau Police Call for Reinforcement over Incessant Attacks

The Plateau State Police command has requested for more personnel and vehicles for reinforcement to enable it live up to the challenges of insecurity as the rage by suspected Fulani herdsmen continue on Plateau villages with attendant killings, maiming, and destruction of property. The state Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki, June 26, said the hostility in the council areas between the Fulani and the natives was an age long crisis that seems to have defied solutions, adding that his command was however determined to put an end to it. He said that his command had deployed more men to the affected areas, and that he had requested for more personnel and operational vehicles from the Inspector General of Police to comb the areas affectively.

Murder/Assassinations

Tricycle Operator Killed in Plateau

A tricycle operator in Jos East LGA of Plateau state, Jacob Jeremiah, has been murdered by a three-man gang who posed as passengers. State Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki, June 26, said men of his command in Angware division have arrested the men; Chung Timothy, Gyang Toma and Aaron Dung in connection with the crime. He said the first two suspects had engaged the services of the deceased to convey them in his tricycle from Fubur to Lamingo, and along the way they told the deceased to park in pretending that they wanted to carry something. He said that it was in the process that they dragged the deceased into a nearby bush, stabbed him to death and abandoned his corpse there, adding that the two suspects took the deceased tricycle to their village and kept it in the custody of the third suspect, Dung, who for the reason best known to him set it ablaze.

Corpse of EX-VC Found in His Residence, Police Arrest Suspects

The Nigerian Police, Ondo State Command, has confirmed the death of the former Vice- Chancellor (VC) of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Albert Ilemobade, who was said initially reported to have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen on June 22. Isaac Eke, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state, disclosed that the decomposing body of Ilemobade was found in a store at his residence on June 28. His corpse was found after the arrest of two of his domestic staff by security agents in Ogun State, who were trying to sell the deceased vehicle. The two suspects have reportedly confessed that they killed Ilemobade and hid his corpse in a store which housed his generating set, before running away with his vehicle which they planned to sell. They were charged to court for murder and have been remanded in prison custody.

Wife Poisons, Kills Husband in Lagos

A Beninoise woman, Kwenume Ojo, has been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly poisoning and killing her Nigerian husband, Jimoh Ojo, on June 26. The 17-year-old suspect took the poison from a relative of her boyfriend after she was forced to marry 32-year-old Jimoh. It was learnt that the suspect had been arrested by policemen from the Adekunle Police Division. Jimoh’s in-law, Rotimi Akinlagun, explained that the deceased was retarded, which made it difficult for him to get a wife. He said his marriage to Kwenume was arranged by the two families, even when Kwenume was already in love with someone else. According to reports, she had confessed to the crime, adding that she collected the poison from her boyfriend’s brother. The Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Policeman Arrested for Killing Two at Funeral

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a police corporal for shooting two women to death during a funeral in the Etsako Central LGA of the state. It was gathered that one of the women, Sandra Imhaku, was hit by a bullet from the yet-to-be-identified police officer’s gun on June 27. The other victim simply identified as Aishitu Saliu, was said to have collapsed and died instantly following the shooting. The gun went off while the cop was trying usher in his principal into a vehicle. The incident, it was gathered, led to a pandemonium as angry youths attacked the policemen at the event, who however, fled for their lives. The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, who confirmed the arrest, said that a case of accidental discharge, which claimed the lives of two women, was reported.

Food Vendor Kills Man over N50 Bread

A 28-year-old man, Ajayi Peters, was, June 21, stabbed to death in the Yaba area of Lagos State after a disagreement over N50 loaf of bread. It was learnt from residents that Peters was killed by a bread vendor, identified simply as Yinka. It was gathered that Peters had tried to prevail on Yinka after he refused to sell a loaf to one of his customers on credit. It was learnt that there was an argument between the men and in the ensuing scuffle, Peters grabbed a knife and stabbed the deceased in the head. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. He said the matter had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation for further investigation.

Rape

Police Arraign 3 Farmers for Raping 10-Year-Old Girl

The police, July 2, arraigned three farmers in a senior magistrates’ court in Katsina for raping a 10-year-old girl. The accused are Yahuza Musa, 20; Tasiu Abubakar, 20; and Sadiq Isyaku, 20. The prosecutor, Hashimu Musa, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 11. The complainant had informed the police that his daughter, in company of her three sisters went to purchase mango at Dakiya village. The prosecutor said the three accused accosted the sisters in the bush, where they held the hand of the victim and pushed her to the ground. He pointed out that Musa held the hand of the victim, while Abubakar and Isyaku tore her skirt and pant and had carnal knowledge of her one after the other.

NSCDC Arrests Suspect for Allegedly Impregnating Girl, 14

The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), June 28, said it had arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old. The State Commandant, Muhammad Gidado, disclosed that the suspect was arrested in Kazaure LGA. The matter was reported by the mother of the victim. The commandant said when the suspect was invited and interrogated, he confessed to having canal knowledge of the girl many times. Gidado said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Motorcyclist Docked Over Abduction, Rape of 15-Year-Old

The police in Lagos state, June 30, arraigned an 18-year-old motorcyclist, Maro Ashake, for allegedly abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl. He was arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court, Yaba, Lagos, on two counts of abduction and rape. The incident was said to have occurred at Oko Afo, Badagry, Lagos, on June 23. It was learnt that the victim had left home and did not return for 8-days. It was learnt that the victim’s father alerted the police when he could not find his daughter. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defence counsel, Mr. E. E. Bassey, applied for the bail of the defendant in liberal terms. The magistrate, Mrs. A. O. Soladoye, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

Others

Fire Guts Agip Facility, Disrupts Production of 20,000bpd of Crude

A fire at two crude oil storage tanks at the Ebocha Oil Centre owned by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has disrupted the production of 20,000 barrels of oil per day. The fire was said to have started at the Ebocha plant in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA in Rivers State on June 28, after a loud explosion, while firefighters tried to contain the inferno. The Ebocha oil centre is located in OML 61, with export pipelines linking the Irri, Kwale and Akri fields with the Ebocha centre.

Protest in Anambra over Alleged Relocation of 47 Boko Haram Prisoners

There was tension in Anambra State within the week under reveiw, following reports that 47 Boko Haram suspects have been relocated to Ekwulobia Prisons in Aguata LGA of the state. When the rumour of the alleged relocation broke out, hundreds of people stormed the streets, while market were shut in protest. A visit to Ekwulobia Prisons, however, did not show any sign that new inmates were brought there and the prisons officials said they had not received any signal to that effect.

Petrol Tanker Explodes, Kills Five in Kebbi

A fully loaded petrol tanker, June 27, exploded at Dabi in Kebbi, killing five people and injuring six others. The tanker was heading to Mahuta in Kebbi when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the hilly Dabai junction resulting in the fall of the vehicle and subsequent explosion. The accident also left 12 houses and some vehicles parked by the roadside destroyed by the resultant inferno. The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, condoled with relatives of the victims and pledged to offset the medical bills of the hospitalized. The deputy governor said the State Emergency Management Agency had been directed to provide prompt relief material those who lost shops, household property, livestock and food crops to the inferno.

Man Bathes Ex-Girlfriend with Acid

The police in Lagos have arrested a man, Paul Nwokobia, for allegedly pouring acid on his ex-lover, Rosemary Nnaife, in the Surulere area of the state. It was learnt that Nwokobia, who was arrested by policemen from the Itire division, was apprehended along with three of his friends ? who were identified as accomplices. It was learnt that Rosemary, whose head to waist was damaged by the acid, was presently receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba. It was gathered that Nwokobia had allegedly been sending threat messages to Rosemary to come back to him, but the latter reportedly refused, leading him to pour acid on her. The suspects were, on June 26, arrested by the police. Rosemary, a secondary school leaver from Delta State, said Nwokobia was the only one who had sent several threat messages to her after she ended the relationship.

Woman, 3 Others Die in Delta Floods

Flood, July 2, killed a pregnant woman and three teenagers after a heavy rainfall that left residents of DLA Road, Asaba, stranded. It was gathered that the victims fell into some drainage channels that were covered with rain water and drowned. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, said the victims, identified as Rosemary Iyamah, Paul Nwanibi, Celestine Chigozie and Emeka Nwaru, were later evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre mortuary, Asaba. He said they drowned after being swept into the drainage channels, where they gulped some water.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high cutting across the country. The authorities were able to make some arrests, while some abducted hostage regained freedom.

Robbery incidents also took a leap up the crime index with few cases of robbery on record, it is however reassuring as the police, in a bid to rid the affected areas of this robbery syndicates have made major arrests of suspects and gang leaders in endemic areas.

Gang cases maintained its place on the crime index with few incidents on record. It was also a major breakthrough as the Delta State Police command made major arrest, killed and dislodged some gang members. Most of the attacks carried out were as a result of cult clashes which took the lives of both the actors and innocent persons caught in the battle. Gang activities remain sporadic and cut across various parts and strata of the society

Terrorism took a downward plunge, though the boko haram group in the fight to undermine the efforts of the Federal government have continued to carry out indiscriminate attacks as they flee the military onslaught in the enclaves. The military remains resolute in their battle to completely flush out terrorism in the north east.

Murder/assassination also went down with a handful of killings mostly within the south-west region of the country. The authorities, however, rose up to the occasion with the apprehending and killing of some suspects.

Villeworth calls on you to remain law abiding and security conscious. Always report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement to the appropriate authorities for investigation.