Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 31

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

4 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Kwara

Four members of a suspected kidnap gang that had been terrorising residents of Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and its environs have been arrested by the police. There had been reports of attempted kidnappings and threat to life in the area in recent times. The Divisional Police Officer of Omu-Aran Police Command, Adamu Zawah, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects on July 18, said the command headquarters had been notified for further investigations. One member of the gang, who is believed to be the ring leader, was said to still be at large. It was gathered that the suspects had on July 9, kidnapped the head of the Fulani clan in Ekiti LGA, Alhaji Aliyu Harande. He was later freed by the suspects after the payment of an undisclosed amount of money as ransom.

Odi Compensation Fund Chairman, Daukiye, Kidnapped in Bayelsa

Unidentified gunmen, July 17, abducted the Chairman of Odi Compensation Funds Disbursement Committee in Bayelsa State, Professor Zibokere Daukiye. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident. The gunmen reportedly whisked him to a waiting speedboat and sped off to an unknown destination. The police stated that a manhunt had been launched by a combined team of Marine Police, anti-kidnapping unit and JTF to rescue the victim and arrest the abductors. The development has raised anxiety among residents of Odi, which was in 2014, given N15 billion as compensation for its invasion by federal troops in 1999. The Community dragged the Federal Government to court for the incident and was awarded N37.6 billion by a Federal High Court, which was later negotiated down to N15 billion. Consequently, the community constituted a committee to handle the disbursement of the money to its people and appointed Daukiye as its chairman.

Police Arrest Mechanic for Alleged Kidnapping

The Abia State Police Command has arrested one Ifeanyi Nwunni, an auto mechanic in Umuahia, for allegedly kidnapping a taxi driver at gunpoint. The command’s Spokesman, Ezekiel Onyeke, July 20, disclosed that Nwunni was arrested following a tip-off. He said the suspect was carrying his victim, one Ifeanyi John, in the booth of his car before he was arrested on July 15 at Onuimo, the boundary between Abia and Imo. A second suspect, who was driving the vehicle when they were flagged down by the police, escaped into the nearby bush. He said that the arrest was made during a stop-and-search operation by a police patrol team. The suspect, however, denied kidnapping the victim. He said that the victim was always coming to steal some valuables, including tyres belonging to his customers from his workshop. The police spokesman urged the public to take security as ‘everybody’s business’ and to assist the police with useful information that could help them in crime prevention.

Police Nab 14 Pregnant Teenagers and Women in Abia Baby Factory

The Police in Abia State, July 18, arrested 14 pregnant teenagers at a maternity home allegedly used as baby factory in Isiala Ngwa South LGA of the state. The pregnant girls, aged between 14 and 25, were arrested at Nma Charity/Maternity Rehabilitation Centre, while its proprietress, Nma David, escaped before police stormed the area. Some of the teenagers claimed to have come from Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Rivers states, while others said they were brought to the maternity home by sympathisers after they were driven away from their homes because of the unwanted pregnancies. Spokesman of Abia State Police Command, Ezekiel Onyeke, who confirmed the incident, urged the public to assist the police with information that could lead to the arrest of the proprietress of the home.

Nigerian Women Rescued from Prostitution Ring in Burkina Faso

Six Nigerian women have been sent back to the country from the Burkina Faso where they were allegedly taken to for prostitution by a woman, named Balikis. While re-uniting the girls with their parents in Ibadan, Oyo State, on July 22, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, Innocent Akatu, said the girls were tricked to leave Nigeria, adding that the victims did not tell their parents about the journey. Akatu said the girls refused to engage in prostitution in Ouagadougu, Burkina Fasso, and were locked in a room by the trafficker. He added that their journey back home after three weeks began when one of them escaped and alerted the Burkinabe police.

Protests as Gunmen Kidnap 92-Year-Old Traditional Ruler in Yenagoa

Gunmen, July 23, kidnapped a 92-year-old paramount ruler of Tombia community in Gbarain Area of Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa state, Chief Christian Otobotekere, from his palace. The kidnapping triggered protest on the streets of Yenagoa as the people demanded an end to the worrisome dimension of the menace. It was gathered that heavily armed men numbering five stormed the community in the early hours of the day and abducted the old man from his palace. But as they moved out of the town, the palace household were said to have raised the alarm which forced the gunmen to start shooting as they made good their escape. A food vendor was hit and injured by a stray bullet. Confirming the incident, the state police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, said the marine police, the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the anti-kidnapping unit have moved into the creeks for the rescue and possible arrest of the suspects.

Robbery

Police Arrest 3 Robbers, 4 Others

The police in Delta State have arrested three robbery suspects and four others believed to be members of a cult group terrorising Okpanam community. A recent cult war between two cult groups allegedly claimed two lives while many others were severely injured. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, said that the police are inhibited in the arrest of suspected cultists and other criminals in Okpanam as a result of lack of volunteers as witnesses to facilitate the prosecution of the criminals. It was reliably gathered that the robbery suspects were allegedly robbing motorists and Keke riders operating in the area when the police acted on a tip-off and swooped on them on July 18.

Armed Robbers Attack, Hold Residents Hostage for 2 Hours

Armed robbers, July 18, held some residents of Patrick Ejinkonye road in Asaba Delta state hostage in an operation that lasted over two hours. The robbers, it was learnt, arrived shortly before 2a.m that morning, scaling through the fence of about nine feet to enter the compound, even though there was a barb wire at the top of the fence. They also visited two other compounds in the vicinity and carted away valuables. Even though they were heavily armed, no life was lost in the operation which ended some minutes past four, in the early hours of the morning. According to one of the neighbours, Joseph Omoroh, who claimed to have seen the robbers when they came in, they were able to scale the fence through the help of the tallest one among them, who stood close to the fence while the others used his joined palms and shoulders as staircase to climb the fence.

Lagos Alerts Residents to New Robbery Tactics

Lagos State government, July 22, alerted residents on a new dimension of criminal activities in parts of the state perpetrated by men of the underworld. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Habib Aruna, disclosed that unscrupulous persons rendered their prospective victims unconscious through the rubbing of a perfumed handkerchief on their face. The statement alerted that the bandits usually targeted victims in either a lonely commuter bus, taxi or at a quiet corner. It added that by the time the effect of the drugged perfume wears off, the criminals would have fled after robbing a victim. The statement listed the Igando axis in Alimosho LGA as one of the areas where this new dimension of crime had become very pronounced in recent times.

Gunmen Kill 52-Year Trader after Robbery Attack in Umuahia

Four unknown gunmen operating in a tricycle, July 18, shot dead a 52-year old trader, Obiora Ibe, in his shop in Umuahia. The gunmen were also said to have collected an undisclosed amount of money, being the sales of the day, his phone and that of his wife, after shooting him. The victim and his wife, Azuka were preparing to go home after the day’s business when a young boy of about 20 years of age, pretending to have come to buy something, promptly pulled out a steel gun and ordered her to give him the money and phone, which she willing did. Mrs. Ibe narrated that it was at that point that her husband who was coming out from the shop saw the boy going away with the apron that was containing money and phone and shouted. She said that while the person with the apron that contained the money quietly walked into the waiting tricycle, another member of the gang standing by the side shot her husband on the neck and head, before they zoomed off.

Borno Police Parade 10 for Robbery, Possession of Fake Currency

The police Borno State, July 22, paraded 10 suspected armed robbers, fake currency dealers and a suspected rapist. The Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Opadokun, said the suspects were arrested from the Maiduguri metropolis and Kwaya/Kusar town. Opadokun said N4.59m fake currency was recovered from one Adam Ajid, in the Fulatari ward of Maiduguri. Another suspect paraded for spending fake currency, Ba’ana Musa, was reportedly arrested on July 16, 2015. Also paraded was a 20-year old, Bakura Njidda, who was arrested for raping a nine-year old girl. The commissioner said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as doctor’s report was obtained.”

Delta Police Kill 2 Robbery Suspects, Arrest 6 Others

Police detectives in Kwale Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State, July 23, killed two robbery suspects and arrested six others in the area. It was gathered that one of the dead suspects, identified as Chukwudi Opobo (26), had been in the Police wanted list for allegedly terrorising Kwale community and its environs, before he met his waterloo. He was said to have been behind most cult related killings within the area, and had also raped some married women before he was killed. Opobo was gunned down around Ugiliamai town when the Police detectives acted on a tip-off. Police Public Relations Officer, P Celestina Kalu, said the Police anti-robbery detectives moved into the scene where the suspects were operating adding that on getting there, the suspects opened fire on them, leaving the Police no choice but to retaliate in which they killed two of the six -man gang while others escaped with bullet wounds.

Gang Incidents

14 Militant Camps Destroyed in Cross River Creeks

The Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has disclosed that about 14 militant camps in the creeks in the state have been dismantled by joint military operation. Ayade, July 18, said he had encouraged the military to continue with such operations until the waterways in the state are freed of criminals. Ayade stated this at Ikang waterfront in Bakassi LGA, shortly after inspecting the reconnaissance operation embarked on by officers and men of the joint military task force in the area. He said some of the communities where the militia camps were dismantled by the military have been very excited and happy with the actions of government. Ayade said he took the issue of security seriously in order to sustain investors’ confidence in his signature projects.

8 Arrested for Cultism, Robbery in Ondo

Three students of a polytechnic in Ondo State and five others have been arrested for alleged robbery and cult activities. The suspected criminals were arrested with dangerous weapons including guns, knives and axes, among others, by police detectives in the state. One of the arrested students, Fasanu Tolulope (24), confessed that he was initiated into cult in 2013 by one Temitope Adeyeye and others. According to reports, he further confessed to his involvement in various operations, including rape. Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, July 18, said other suspects in police custody included Wale Ilori, 29; Abayomi Oluwafemi, 16; Eze Ogokwe, Taiwo Segun, 16 and Ifeanyi Obi.

Hoodlums Unleash Mayhem on Idi-Oro

About 50 armed men, suspected to be cultists, stormed the railway line, Idi-Oro, in the Fadeyi area of Lagos State and started shooting indiscriminately on July 19. It was learnt that the hoodlums, said to be loyal to one Toyeeb, had come for a rival group identified as Toba boys. Attacks of the factions on each other have claimed several lives since the beginning of the year. It was learnt that policemen arrived at the neighbourhood after receiving a distress call and were able to repel the hoodlums. They reportedly regrouped around 6pm and went again on the rampage, destroying two vehicles before they were overpowered by riot policemen drafted to the area. Two of them were said to have been arrested. Police spokesperson, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, adding that four suspects had been arrested.

Benue Youths Chase-out 12 Cult Members from Community

Vigilance groups assisted by youths at the Modern Market Ward and environs of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, July 20, came out in full might and forcefully ejected 12 suspected cult members from their communities. Cult activities had been on the rise in Makurdi metropolis and environs resulting in the killing of several persons by different cult groups in their reprisal attacks. Vigilante Chairman for Community Unit 2, Modern Market Ward, Stafanus Tor, explained that the step became necessary after cultists had practically taken over the area and were unleashing unbridled terror on citizens. Tor intimated that 16 traditional rulers that make up the wards had at a meeting mandated them (the vigilance group) and the youths in the area to chase away cultists from their domains. The State Commissioner of Police, Hyacinth Dagala, who confirmed the arrest of some of the cult members by the vigilance groups, said some were already in police net.

Police Arrest 93 Suspected Hoodlums in Oshodi

The Police in Lagos, July 22, arrested 93 suspected hoodlums at Oshodi as it continued with its raid of criminal hideouts in the metropolis. The suspects were arrested by its Rapid Respond Squad (RRS). The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at about 1am when a special team of crack police detectives and a team of RRS Decoy operatives raided Oshodi and the surroundings under the bridge. According to him, some miscreants in the area were in the habit of robbing, snatching handsets and valuables from innocent citizens at night and day time. The miscreants consist of 23 juveniles, all of them males, 67 adults who had their abode under the bridge and 3 underage girls. They were rigorously screened on arrival at the Taskforce office, and 20 were able to substantiate their mission at the point of arrest and means of livelihood and were released.

Drugs

Lagos Arrest 132 Hemp Smokers

The Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Unit has arrested 132 alleged cannabis smokers across the state. Fifty nine of the suspects were immediately arraigned before the Special Offence Court, Alausa, on July 23, while 23 under-aged suspects were referred to correctional homes for rehabilitation. The rest were said to be undergoing investigation. It was learnt that 35 smokers were arrested in the Agege, Pen Cinema, Oko-Oba and Bariga areas, while 34 were nabbed in the Oshodi area. The rest were reportedly arrested in other parts of the state. The task force Chairman, Akeem Adedeji, said the arrest followed the desire to reduce crime rate in the state, adding that the government would not fold its arms and allow crime to thrive in Lagos.

Maritime

Terrorism

Military Clears Damaturu-Biu Road of Explosives

A team of Nigerian Army Special Forces, Explosives Ordinance Devices with support from the Nigeria Police and members of local vigilante, have cleared Damaturu-Biu Road of mines. During the painstaking and thorough operation, four Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists were discovered and successfully detonated. A statement by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, enjoined commuters to use the road as adequate security is being provided. The Nigerian army further enjoined the public to be more security conscious and report any suspicious persons and movements to the security agents.

Three Policemen Killed in Damaturu Checkpoint Blast

Three police officers, July 20, were killed in a bomb blast during a vehicle search at a checkpoint in Damaturu, Yobe State. Police spokesman, Toyin Gbadegesin, confirmed that three officers were among eight people who died, including two bombers. A police highway patrol team was searching an SUV with a male and a female inside when the blast occurred from inside the car. A handbag belonging to the woman in the car was found and some explosives were recovered and defused. Damaturu has also been repeatedly attacked during the six-year insurgency. The latest deaths take the number of people killed this month alone to nearly 500, and nearly 760 since Muhammadu Buhari became president on May 29, according counts. The Police Command in Yobe has recovered four bombs, two improvised explosives, six mortar bombs, a machine gun and two Ak47 rifles inside a damaged Toyota Highlander, belonging to insurgents, an official said.

10 Killed, Houses Razed as Boko Haram Attacks Borno Villages

Suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, July 17, invaded Sabon Gari, Manjakwa villages of Hawul LGA of Borno state killing at least 10 residents. The insurgents stormed the village AK47 rifles and petrol bombs, which they used in setting many houses ablaze after killing innocent residents and looted their farm produce. The insurgents also snatched one of the three new brand Hilux patrol vehicles donated to vigilante group. The terrorists according to Mallam Yakubu Isa Manjakwa came in large numbers, wreaked havoc and succeeded in sacking the whole of the farming communities. The immediate past Caretaker Chairman of Hawul LGA, Andrew Usman Malgwi, confirmed the attacks on Sabon Gari Manjakwa.

32 Boko Haram Fighters, 16 Niger Villagers Killed in Attacks in Niger

Boko Haram insurgents, July 15, killed 16 civilians in an attack on a southeast Niger village, near the Nigerian border, a local official reported. The insurgents fired on locals who were praying in a village near the town of Bosso, according to the mayor of Bosso, Bako Mamadou. Meanwhile the Niger army, July 18, disclosed that it had killed 32 Boko Haram fighters from July 15-17 during operations following the July 15 attack by Boko Haram elements. The defence ministry added that three Islamist fighters were taken into custody, adding that Chadian soldiers also took part in the operation.

Boko Haram Invades, Razes Hometown of COAS

Boko Haram terrorists, July 21, invaded Buratai town in Biu LGA of Borno state, leaving two persons dead and razing several house in the town. Buratai is the home town of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai. Among the houses razed were those of the COAS and the former Borno state commissioner of education Barrister Isa Buratai. A resident of Buratai who fled to Biu, disclosed that the Boko Haram insurgents came in large numbers, shooting sporadically. He added that the insurgents killed two people and burnt down the remaining houses that were still standing after many houses were razed during their first attack of the town.

Bomb Blasts Kill 40 in Gombe Bus Stations

More than 40 people were killed in Gombe, July 22, after a series of bomb blasts ripped through two bus stations. The first blast happened near the entrance to the Dadin Kowa terminus, while the second occurred some 20 minutes later in the Dukku area. Gombe state police spokesman, Fwaje Attajiri, confirmed the blast but did not give a death toll. Boko Haram has increased the frequency and intensity of its attacks since Muhammadu Buhari became president on May 29. Since then, more than 750 people have been killed in insurgent attacks. There have also been suicide attacks in Chad’s capital N’Djamena, while earlier on Wednesday, explosives strapped to two girls detonated in the central market of Maroua, northern Cameroon, killing 11. Buhari has vowed to crush the insurgency, which has claimed at least 15,000 lives and made more than 1.5 million homeless since 2009.

Political/Government Agencies

IGP Commend Gallantry of Officers in Yobe Attack, Pledges Support to Families

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has commended the courage and gallantry displayed by officers of the Yobe State Police Command in containing the menace of insurgency in the State. While regretting the death in active service of three officers in the incident of July 20, the IGP observed that but for the indomitable spirit, sacrifice and professionalism of the deceased officers; the terrorists would have detonated the explosives in a high profile target. To further consolidate the commendation, the IG has approved the posthumous promotion of the deceased officers. In addition, four children each of the deceased officers will be offered scholarship up to secondary school level while the families will be afforded priority in the budding Police Housing Scheme. Similar gesture will be extended to other officers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the course of fighting insurgency.

Police Disown Recruitment Adverts

The Police Service Commission has disowned an online advertisement on the recruitment of general duty police officers. This is contained in statement issued in Abuja on July 20 by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani. The statement advised the public to discountenance the publication. It said that the commission was currently investigating the source of the advertisement. The statement appealed to the media to always crosscheck any information before publication.

Army Chief Warns Troops against Cowardice, Indiscipline

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Turkur Buratai, has warned troops against acts of indiscipline and cowardice in the on-going campaign against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East. Buratai also urged the commanders to ensure a prompt and timely response to distress calls from communities in the besieged area. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the COAS made the comment during a visit to troops of 103 Battalion Nigerian Army, Konduga, Borno State, on July 19. Usman said that the Army Chief also renamed the military operation in the North-East from Operation Zaman Lafiya to Operation Lafiya Dole as part of the efforts to intensify the onslaught against the insurgents in the area. He said that the change of name was to send out a strong message to the insurgents that they would not be allowed to perpetrate their heinous crimes in the region.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill 13 in Benue Attacks, Police Nab Suspects

Gunmen, July 17, killed over 13 persons, including a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and elder statesman, Chief Atoza Ihindan, in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue state. According to reports source, three armed men riding on a motorbike, ambushed Chief Ihindan at his construction site in Katsina-Ala town and shot at him repeatedly. It is feared that it was that same gang or members of the same group of bandits that a day earlier, raided a beer parlour in Tor Donga, and killed 12 persons including a one-year-old baby. Meanwhile, fourteen suspects have been arrested by Police for alleged involvement in the assassination of Ihindan. Police Public Relations Officer, Austin Ezeani, said among those apprehended by the Police was the suspect, who allegedly shot and killed Chief Ihindan, a woman and her baby, among others. According to him, the suspect was arrested with bullet wounds on his leg. An AK-47 rifle loaded with 128 live ammunition was also found on him at the time of his arrest.

Suspected Fulani Mercenaries Attacked Nasarawa Community, Kill 2

Scores of suspected Fulani mercenaries, July 19, invaded Kofar Gwari in Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State, and killed two sons of the traditional ruler of the community and that of Sabo Gida. The incident took place when some members of the vigilante groups in the area were having a meeting. The mercenaries reportedly swooped on them, killing one Yawel Oshawu, the son of the Mai Angwa of Kofan Gwari, and Idi Ibrahim, the son to Mai Angwa Sabi. According to residents, the recent killing brought the number of those killed at Kofan Gwari to 12 in one month. The witness said the mercenaries had earlier invaded the village and embarked on a four-hour operations, which left many homes and individuals robbed of their property. Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, Ismaila Numan, confirmed.

Police Confirm Killing of Bus Driver in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi Police Command has confirmed the killing of one Augustine Obaji, a commercial bus driver. Police spokesman, Chris Anyanwu, said Obaji was killed on July 18 along Okwor- Idiokpo Market road in Ohaukwu LGA. According to him, the victim was found with severe injuries inflicted on him by the assailants. He disclosed that the police had commenced investigations into the matter and also assured that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

Gunmen Kill Couple in Benue, Police Arrest Suspect

Gunmen believed to be assassins, July 18, shot and killed a couple in Katsina-Ala town of Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The gruesome murder is coming about 24 hours after gunmen believed to be thugs shot and killed a chieftain of the PDP, Elder Atoza Ihindan, in Katsina-Ala town when the deceased visited his construction site to inspect a building project. However, the police have arrested one suspect in connection to the deadly attack. It was gathered that the suspected murderer was arrested in the forest located on the Katsina-Ala-Takum expressway. The Police Public Relations Officer, Austin Ezeani, stated that the killing of the couple and the arrest of the suspect took place in the early hours of the day. He said one of the children of the deceased was able to recognise the suspect.

Suspected Homosexual Rapist Shot Dead in Reprisal Attack

A suspected homosexual rapist, identified as Alhaji Tunji, and a landlord’s son, Ganiyu Adebayo, were shot dead in a riot which enveloped Temidire, in the Alagbado area of Lagos State on July 20. It was learnt that the unrest started after a landlords meeting was ambushed by Tunji and his thugs. The incident is feared to be a spillover over from June 16 when about 25 landlords stormed the premises of the Lagos State Police Command to report Tunji, whom they accused of being a suspected land grabber and a homosexual rapist. Tunji allegedly stormed the area with his thugs, who shot sporadically during which one person was killed. Aggrieved youths in the area, who learnt of the death, organised a protest, which led to a fight between them and Tunji’s thugs. Alhaji Tunji was said to have been shot dead during the unrest. Landlords and shop owners were said to have locked up their apartments, as the hoodlums threatened to avenge Tunji’s death. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed Tunji’s death.

Police Arrest Suspects over Murder of Lagos APC Chieftain

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects as it commenced investigation into the killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Salawe Daramola. The command’s spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrest on July 21. Nwosu said they were arrested during the Sallah celebration in different parts of the state and had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Two gunmen on a motorcycle, had on July 16, shot and killed Daramola at K Close, 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town.

24-Year-Old Arraigned over Lawyer’s Murder

A furniture maker, Oluwaseun Oladapo, 24, was July 22, arraigned before a Lagos High Court for alleged murder of human rights lawyer, Kunle Fadipe, who was stabbed several times. The defendant was accused of robbing Fadipe of a large sum of money, while armed with an offensive weapon to wit, a knife, and assaulted one Abiola Owolabi by stabbing her with a knife. He was arraigned by the state on a five-count charge of murder, armed robbery and assault occasioning harm. Director of Public Prosecution, Idowu Alakija, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Justice Ipaye held that in the interest of justice, more time should be given to the defence counsel to study the proof of evidence. The matter was adjourned to August 17 and 18 for trial.

Man Stabs Sister-in-Law, Self to Death

A man, identified as Uba Okoroafor, July 20, stabbed his sister in-law and himself to death in Aba, Abia State. It was gathered that Okoroafor stabbed his sister-in-law, Oyidiya, because she stopped him from going out because of the state of his health. When he realised the gravity of his action, he also stabbed himself in the chest and fell dead. Spokesman of Abia State Police Command, Ezekiel Onyeke, confirmed the incident, saying investigations into the incident had begun.

Policemen Kill Engineer at Abakaliki Checkpoint

Some policemen, July 9, shot dead an engineer, Chinedu Uzor, during an altercation at a checkpoint in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. It was learnt that the leader of the police team, Inspector Agbo Onwe, had been arrested and detained at the command headquarters, Abakaliki. It was learnt that 33-year-old Uzor had reportedly zoomed past the policemen at the first checkpoint, but stopped at another checkpoint at Sperando Junction. It was learnt that the policemen at the first checkpoint, however, came after him to Sperando and shot him in the head and chest. A witness was said to have contacted the family, after which he rushed Uzor to a nearby hospital where he died. An eyewitness said Uzor’s head was blown open by the bullets and his brain tissues spilled out. Police Public Relations Officer, Anyanwu Chibuike, confirmed the arrest of Onwe, adding that the matter was being investigated by the police.

Hausa Thugs Slaughter 33-Year-Old, Flee Community over Fear of Reprisal Attacks

Tension is brewing in Lara, Igbe community, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State after some Hausa thugs allegedly killed a resident, Shola Olaide (33), during an argument on July 19. After the killing, angry youths went on the rampage threatening to kill all northerners in the area, which made Hausa to flee the community. It was gathered that Olaide had gone to a shop owned by a Hausa man to buy an item. It was learnt that Olaide had met some Hausa men standing at the entrance of the shop, and reportedly asked them to give way. An argument was said to have ensued during which the trader and his friends allegedly dragged Olaide to the back of the shop, and slaughtered him. The landlord of the house along with other residents were said to have rushed Olaide to a hospital in the area where he later died. Residents have called on the government to look into the uncontrolled attacks by the Hausas in the area. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. He added that investigations were ongoing.

Rape

Boy, 17, Arrested for Defiling Neighbour’s Daughter

A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Tobi George, is currently being investigated by the police at Alakara Division, Lagos, for allegedly defiling a minor. It was learned that the act started after the victim and her younger sister began to stay in the suspect’s house after school hours to wait for their parents. The incident came to fore on July 13, when the victim’s younger sister innocently revealed to her class teacher, during a lesson on sex education, that their neighbour’s son, Tobi, did to her sister what she was teaching. The teacher invited the victim’s parents to inform them. The victim, thereafter, told her parents that the suspect threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone what he was doing to her. She was immediately taken to a hospital where several tests revealed that the victim had been sexually abused repeatedly. The suspect has been arrested and the case is currently being investigated at Alakara Police Division.

Man Docked for Allegedly Raping Female Customer

A 31-year-old man, Obinna Ezechukwu, who allegedly raped his customer, was, on July 22, arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The accused, a tricycle operator, is facing a three-count charge of obtaining by false pretence, stealing and rape. The prosecutor, Rachael Williams, told the court that the offences were committed on July 9, 2015, at the residence of the accused. According to Williams, the accused who picks the victim every day from the bus stop to her place of work, promised to get her an apartment. The accused reportedly collected N30,000 from the victim under the pretence of securing one of the vacant rooms in his compound for her. He then invited her to meet the landlord, but on getting to the home of the accused, he drugged her drink and taped her. The accused pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted bail to the accused at N200,000, with two sureties each in like sum. Elias adjourned the case to August 18.

Man, 30, Arrested for Rape

A 30-year-old man, Imonitie Ilen-Otuma, has been arrested by the police for allegedly raping a 27-year-old woman in the Lekki area of Lagos on July 10. It was learnt that Imonitie had been arrested in May for raping a colleague, but was set free after the victim’s family agreed to withdraw the case. In the July 10 incident, the suspect allegedly took his victim to a party where he allegedly brutalised and raped her. It was gathered that victim had insisted on going home when it was around 12am, but the suspect allegedly refused. He allegedly lured the lady to the backseat of his car where he squeezed her throat and raped her. The victim was said to have alerted her family to the incident, and the police from the Maroko division arrested the suspect. The victim’s mother said the suspect allegedly threatened to strangle her daughter and dump her corpse by the roadside.

Others

NSCDC Arrests 12 Suspected Oil Bunkerers

Ondo State command of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 12 suspects in connection with illegal bunkering activities in Ilaje LGA of the state. Corps Commandant, Claudius Danladi Yakubu, who disclosed this on July 17, said that the suspects were arrested by officers of the command during an operation by the combined team of anti-vandal and armed squad units of the command. Yakubu explained that the command destroyed over 40,000 litres of diesel stored in surface tanks and drums in Ugbo area of the state. According to him, more than 1,600 litres of diesel contained in 40 jerry cans of 25-litre capacity, eight containers of 50-litre capacity and one drum of 200-litre capacity all filled with the product were seized from the suspects and brought to the state command headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure as exhibits. Other items seized from the suspects include, six pumping machines, one motorcycle, two generators and three big hoses suspected to be used in siphoning the product from the pipeline.

EFCC Arraigns 10 for Oil Bunkering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, July 23 arraigned 10 persons and a vessel, MV Peace for their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering before Justice Muhammad Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products. According to a statement signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, MV Peace and its crew members were intercepted about five nautical miles off Lagos Fairway Buoy by the Nigerian Navy Ship, Ikot-Abasi on the 4th of April, 2015 on suspicion of illegal dealing in petroleum products. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge when read to them. Justice Idris ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Ikoyi prison and adjourned the case to 27 July, 2015 for hearing on the bail application.

Scores Feared Dead as Explosion Rocks NNPC Pipeline in Arepo

Another explosion was recorded at one of the pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the Arepo area of Ogun State, killing several people. The incident occurred after some vandals exchanged gunfire on July 22. The vandals, who were said to be from opposing camps, had engaged in a gun duel in a show of supremacy over who should control the pipeline and siphon products illegally. It was gathered that one of the camps had first stormed the pipeline in order to tamper with the valves and then siphon products to their waiting kegs. In the process of milking their illegally gotten product, the other camp came over too to perpetrate the same act, but met the first group. A supremacy tussle over who should vacate the pipeline area for the other ensued. The fracas quickly degenerated to a gun duel, during which a bullet hit the pipeline, which immediately exploded.

Katsina Governor Pardons 18 Prisoners

Eighteen persons serving different jail terms, July 17, regained freedom as the Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, granted them pardon. The prisoners granted amnesty by the governor were serving between two to three-year jail terms without option of fine for various offences committed. They had at least six months left to complete their jail terms. Masari, who was represented by the solicitor general and permanent secretary, Ministry of Justice, Fatima Jibo, disclosed this when she visited the Katsina Central Prison. She said the affected convicts were granted amnesty based on their good conduct which they exhibited while in the prisons. The governor also paid the fine for 49 inmates also jailed for debt and theft.

FRSC to Impound Trucks and Prosecute Drivers over Unlatched Containers

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned that it will commence impounding of articulated vehicles and prosecuting truck drivers over improper container-laden articulated vehicles on Nigerian roads. FRSC Zonal Commander, Zone Two, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, Eseobung Akpabio, July 18, disclosed that the Corps was worried over the high incidents of deaths resulting from felled trucks and container. He said the Corps will commence operation this month after meeting with the container driver to educate them on the danger of not latching their containers properly before leaving seaports.

PCN Seals 123 Premises in Osun

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed-up over 123 premises out of 142 visited in Osun State during the council’s yearly operations against indiscriminate sale of Drugs. The Director in charge of Inspection and Monitoring Department of the Council, Anthonia Aruya, who disclosed this on July 17, also noted that the premises were closed down because they did not submit to the regulatory control that would guarantee sale and distribution of Medicines through approved channels by the council. She noted that the premises sealed comprises of 14 Pharmacies and 109 patent medicine shops for offences ranging from unauthorised sale of medicines, operating without the supervision of the Pharmacist among others. She also advised the public to always purchase their medicines from licensed Pharmacies and simple household remedies from licensed patent and propriety medicines vendor shops.

LASWA Recovers Bodies of Two Female Passengers in Lagos Boat Mishap

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), July 21, said it had recovered the bodies of two female victims involved in a boat mishap on July 18 in the creeks in Ojo. The motorised boat was reported to have been conveying 10 passengers who were said to be returning from a party. The Managing Director of LASWA, Yinka Marinho, identified the victims as Temitope Bolarin-Ajayi and Princess Cynthia John. Marinho said that the two ladies were the only causalities. The dead bodies of the two missing ladies were found floating and pulled out of the water.

Soldiers Kill Three, Recover 2,000 Stolen Cattle in Kaduna

Security operatives have recovered 2,000 cattle and rams in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State in a joint operation against cattle rustlers. The recovery was made after they raided the bandits’ hide out in Birnin Gwari and Damari village on July 19 and 21. Three bandits were reportedly killed in the operation and nine others arrested. Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i commended the operatives for their “swift intervention” and pledged government support to ensure continued success for their operations. He said the operation was part of the new offensive in the North West against cattle rustling.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination remains top on the crime index with records of brutal killings mostly within the south-west, north-east and south-eastern region of the country. While brutal killings continue unabated, the authorities remain resolute and continue to assure citizens of their unflinching efforts to bring perpetrators to book.

Kidnap/hostage also maintained its place on the crime index. The authorities have maintained their resolve to curtail the excesses of kidnappers, and this has paid off with the rescue of victims and hostages. While some suspects were arrested, others remain at large. This was witnessed more in the south-east and north-eastern part of the country.

Terrorism also maintained its pace with a few of bomb attacks, but at major targets, where high casualties were recorded. The military troops in their continued battle to keep the nation free of all traces of terrorism successfully repelled some attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents with an enormous killing of members of the sect. It was however, disheartening that some policemen, performing their lawful duties, were victims to suspected Boko Haram insurgents as they paid the supreme price. The north-east region was the centre of these cruel acts.

Robbery and gang incidents took a nose dive as there were only pockets of robbery. The authorities have made some arrest. The south and western regions of the country recorded more of these cases. Major criminal suspects and gang leaders were arrested while some suspects remain large.
The government security forces charge every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious. It is also seen as the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch. Take cognizance of your environment to keep you and your neighbour safe.
Villeworth also urges you to remain law abiding and report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities for investigation.