Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 37

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	7
2	Robbery	7
3	Gang	3
4	Drugs	2
5	Maritime Incidents
6	Terrorism	5
7	Political/Government Agencies	3
8	Murder/Assassinations	9
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	11
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Kidnap Columnist in Port Harcourt

Popular columnist and broadcaster, Ms. Donu Kogbara, was kidnapped at the Nkpogu area of Port Harcourt on August 30. It was gathered that armed men in police uniforms accosted and abducted Kogbara in front of her house. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway to ensure her safe rescue. He however expressed concern that the hoodlums wore police uniforms in their operation. Kogbara is a highly regarded writer and broadcaster and has a weekly column in Vanguard Newspapers. She is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of African Access Limited, a public relations outfit.

Army Uncovers Baby Factory, Arrests 13 Suspects in Enugu

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu has uncovered a baby manufacturing factory located within Akwuke Road in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State. The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, HA Gambo, disclosed that the discovery followed the reinvigorated Directives of the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru, that they should embrace and apply faithful compliance of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Vision for the Nigerian Army. Gambo averred that the vision entails carrying out their constitutional duties professionally and responsively to stamp out kidnapping, militancy, illegal oil bunkering, sophisticated armed robbery, crimes and its related offences within 82 Division Area of Operational Responsibility. He stated that the operatives arrested 13 suspects, who have been handed over to the National Agency for prohibition of Traffic in persons (NAPTIP).

Kidnappers Demand N50m for Abducted Bayelsa Chiefs

The kidnappers of Chief Blessing Wagio and Chief Isaac Akono-Igolo have reportedly demanded N50 million for their release a week after their abduction. The victims, both indigenes of Okpoama in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State and a security operative, whose identity could not be ascertained, were kidnapped on August 26 along Ogbia-Brass waterways by armed men suspected to be pirates. Though the whereabouts of the kidnapped victims are unknown, the kidnappers were said to have contacted the family of one of the chiefs, on August 31, demanding N50 million as ransom before they would be set free. The victims’ boat was heading for Brass on the Atlantic fringe when it came under attack around Kiberibio area.

Pastor, Wife, Others Arrested for Child Trafficking

The Abia State Police Command, September 1, paraded a 71-year-old man, said to be a retired pastor, for allegedly stealing a year-old baby. The suspect was arrested alongside his wife following an alarm raised by the mother of the baby. Police Commissioner, Joshak Habila, who paraded the suspects, said a 21-year-old mother had reported that she lost her 11 months old baby to a supposed friend under the pretext of offering help to her. Luck, however, ran out on the supposed friend, when the anti-robbery squad of the command intercepted him at Owerrinta and arrested him for allegedly trafficking pregnant girls. The arrest led to the discovery of the stolen child, sold to the retired pastors’ wife, who was said to have kept the deal away from her husband. According to Habila, the suspect sold the baby for N500, 000 to the wife of a pastor who allegedly lied to her husband that she went through the normal process of adoption for the baby. The other suspects, Maria Mba and Ekwutosi, also explained their role in the transaction.

Kidnappers Shoot Eight-Year-Old Son of Escaped Victim

The Nigeria Police, Kogi State Command, September 2, paraded the kingpin of a kidnap gang, Muhammed Abubakar, who allegedly shot the 8-year-old son of Evangelist Adejoh Andrew, Rejoice Andrew. According to police sources, Rejoice was rescued after four surgeries on his battered bowel. Abubakar, along with other accomplices according to the police, invaded the evangelist’s house who escaped being kidnapped, but his son who was not that lucky was shot in the stomach. A member of the gang, Ali Sumaila, was also apprehended and paraded. Items recovered from the suspects included an AK47 rifle belonging to the police, amulets and other dangerous weapons. The State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Ogunjemilusi, said the AK47 that was recovered from the suspects was snatched from one Corporal Agbonika Amos who was attacked on July 8, 2015.

Kidnappers want N20m as Ransom for Retired Civil Servant

Abductors of a retired civil servant in Imo State, Chief Raymond Irechukwu, have demanded about N20 million from his family members as ransom for his release. The kidnappers had scaled through a fence in his ancestral home located in Umuofia at about 1.30am on August 31, heavily armed and forcefully took him into a waiting motorcycle blindfolded. The Imo State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident, adding that the Command was yet to receive any information either opening communication with the kidnappers or a ransom demand.

Woman Steals 3-Day-Old Baby from Friend

A woman has been arrested over the theft of her friend’s 3-day-old baby in Igueben LGA of Edo on September 3. The suspect was said to have visited to felicitate with her friend on the birth of the baby boy. She was said to have assisted her friend with some domestic chores as guests trooped in to congratulate her. The mother of the baby was said to have left her baby with her friend to attend to other chores in the backyard only for her to return and discover that her friend had disappeared with the baby. She quickly raised an alarm, which led to a manhunt for the fleeing suspect. The suspect was eventually apprehended in Irrua community of Edo Central LGA and handed over to the police.

Robbery

Police in Bayelsa Rescue Boat Passengers from Pirates’ Attack

Men of the marine division of the Bayelsa State Police Command repelled an attack on a passenger boat by suspected pirates along the waterways of Southern Ijaw LGA of the state. The attack occurred less than two days after suspected sea pirates ambushed two passenger boats and allegedly kidnapped two chiefs and security operative on the Ogbia Brass waterway of the East senatorial district. It was gathered that the latest pirates attack occurred on August 29 on Ginagbene waterway. Occupants of the passenger boat escaped unhurt. Spokesman of the state police command, Asinim Butswat, said that the state Marine Police forced the suspected pirates to abandon their speed boat, mounted with 75HP Yamaha Engine, with the Inscription ‘DEEP SEA MARINE’. Items recovered from the hoodlums, he said, include, one AK 47 rifle, three magazines loaded with four live ammunition, one bag, one voter’s card and four life jackets.

Vandals Escape with Bodies of Shot Policemen after Shootout

Three policemen and one suspected vandal were, August 31, killed during a shootout with pipeline vandals at Olanukan village, in Ishawo Agric area of Ikorodu, Lagos. A police corporal, identified simply as Yerima, who sustained bullet wounds was said to be responding to treatment at an undisclosed hospital. It was learned that a tanker fully-loaded with suspected stolen petroleum product, was flagged down by the policemen. An argument ensued during which the driver was said to have made several calls to his colleagues. On arrival, the vandals opened fire on the policemen. Sources hinted that the three policemen shot by the vandals were dragged into the operational vehicle, alongside their dead colleague.

Rivers Police Arrest 214 Robbery Suspects in Two Months

The two months emergency declared by the Rivers State Police Command against violent crimes came to an end, August 31, with the arrest of 214 armed robbery suspects and recovery of 152 arms. Speaking on the operations of the command, outgoing Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, disclosed that 638 ammunition and 312 cartridges were among items recovered from suspects, adding that 41 different brands of vehicles, cash sums were also recovered from the suspects. He said most of them were already facing prosecution in court. He said his command also arrested 107 suspected cultists, noting that some confessed to being members of dreaded cult groups such as Dey Gbam, Dey Well, Iceland and Vikings. The Police chief also disclosed that his command lost two men during encounter with robbers within the period, while three suffered gunshot injuries. He described the emergency against violent crimes as a huge success.

Army Uncovers Illegal Bunkering Site in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Army, September 2, uncovered a massive illegal bunkering site located at Makoba Beach, near the Rivers Port Complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, who disclosed this, said that 13 suspects were arrested at the scene of the illegal facility. Olabanji stated that the discovery of the bunkering site as well as the arrests followed the deployment of army operatives to the site following a tip-off, adding that thousands of litres of illegally refined diesel were discovered at the site. Olabanji stated that an additional 150 drums loaded with about 3,150 litres of diesel were also discovered in 21 Cotonou boats, pointing out that the illegal bunkering dump has not yet been set ablaze in line with the Joint Task Force (JTF) mandate because of its closeness to residential buildings and the port complex. He said that preliminary investigation had already begun to unravel sponsors of the facility, adding that the 13 suspects would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Scores Injured as Robbers Raid Akwa Ibom Fish Market

Scores of persons were injured at the fish market in Itu-Itam Modern Market, otherwise called T- Junction in Akwa Ibom State when suspected robbers struck on September 2. Goods worth millions of naira were carted away in the attack. According to witnesses, over 12 armed robbers invaded the area in three boats and shot sporadically, dispersing passers-by while looting went on unabated. Police spokesperson, Cordelia Nwawe, confirmed the incident and assured that the police were on their trail.

3 Arrested for Pipeline Vandalism in Lagos

Lagos State Police Command is investigating three suspected members of an illegal oil bunkering syndicate which specializes in vandalizing petroleum pipelines, siphoning products, transporting and selling of the products in Cotonou. The suspects were intercepted while coming from Mile 2 at Iyana Era Bus Stop, along Badagry Expressway. They were attempting to transport a container-load of petroleum products carefully packaged in large sacks on August 28, when they were intercepted by an SIB officer, Inspector Sylvester Imoukhedene. The division had received intelligence report that some notorious oil bunkerers were transporting products to Cotonou to resell. The Divisional Police Officer mobilized officers, who swung into action. During preliminary investigation, the suspects could not give satisfactory details and account of why they were in possession of 70 large sacks of fuel loaded inside a 20-foot container.

NSCDC Arrests 10 Suspects for Pipeline Vandalism in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 persons suspected to have vandalised crude oil pipeline owned by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) along the creeks of Southern Ijaw LGA of the state. The suspects were arrested within the time frame of six months over alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism and oil theft. Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, Anikan Udeoyop, who confirmed the development on September 1, said that the continued raid and arrest along the creeks had contributed to the peace in the troubled area. Udeoyop commended the state security outfit, Door Akpor, for the working partnership with the Corps.

Gang Incidents

Three Killed in Abeokuta as Rival Cult Groups Clash

Three people suspected to be members of rival cult groups were, on August 29, killed in Elega and Ago-Odo areas of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The killings occurred when the groups clashed in the early hours of the morning. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, however, confirmed that only one person was killed. Adejobi, who disclosed that 33 other suspects were arrested in connection with the violent clash, also stated that 84 suspected cultists were arrested inside a forest at Igbesa in the Ado-Odo/Ota LGA of the state on August 30. According to the PPRO, the 84 suspects were on the verge of carrying out cult related rites. Adejobi assured that all those arrested would be screened to ascertain their levels of involvement before the identified cultists are charged to court.

Militant Leader Surrenders 84 Rifles to Benue State Government

A renowned gang leader in Benue State, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Ghana, has surrendered 84 guns to the state government, embracing the amnesty programme declared by the state government for residents of the state to surrender illegal weapons in their possession. State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on August 31, had announced that the amnesty window to surrender illegal weapons in the state had been extended to the end of September. Akwaza had surrendered the illegally stockpiled weapons with him and had promised to desist from his violent activities in Benue and Taraba states communities. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Col. Edwin Jando (rtd.), disclosed that he received 135 assorted rifles and 770 rounds of ammunition from those who voluntarily surrendered their weapons.

SARS Arrest Female Student with Gun

A female student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Miss Oreoluwa Adedamola, has been arrested by the men of the Ogun State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), for being in possession of a locally-made gun. The 20-year-old lady was arrested on August 29 at Ifo, around 11.45pm, while travelling in a mini-truck with one Sikiru Kelani. Oreoluwa said it was Kelani that hid the gun inside her bag without her knowledge. She explained that she knew Kelani, a self-confessed cultist, through her late boyfriend, Akeem. Kelani confessed that he was the one who hid the gun in Oreoluwa’s bag when he sighted the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad on the highway at Ifo. He said he was on his way to Oshodi, Lagos, to attend a friend’s party when they were arrested.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 7 with 88kg of Cannabis

The Taraba State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 7 persons with 88kg of cannabis in Taraba. The state NDLEA Commandant, Ishaku Y. Kwajaffa, August 31, said the suspects were arrested in Daka in Bali LGA of the state while trying to smuggle with 88kg cannabis to Jalingo, the state capital. He noted that their arrest was made possible when information got to the command that some persons were planning to smuggle dried weeds from Daka to Jalingo. Kwajaffa urged parents to engage their children productively through vocational skills acquisition to keep them from idleness, stressing that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. He advised parents to always monitor the behaviour of their children closely.

NDLEA Intercepts 11.461kg Cocaine at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), September 1, said it intercepted in Lagos 7.576 kilogrammes of white cocaine and 3.885 kilogrammes of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of N57 million, being smuggled from Brazil through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. The Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, disclosed that one of the suspects, Omoluonye Izuchukwu Simon, was caught with both white and crack cocaine in tins weighing 7.785kg. The crack cocaine weighed 3.885kg while the white weighed 3.900kg. Akubueze Kyrian Nonso, 28 years old had 1.110kg by the side of his luggage while Obidike Onodyer, 40 years old, ingested 11 wraps of cocaine weighing 0.485 grammes. Others are Onyeabor Maduabuchukwu Friday, 35 years old found with 74 wraps weighing 1.256kg and Ifoh Emma, 37 years old, who was caught with 34 wraps weighing 0.710 grammes.

Maritime

Terrorism

DSS Arrests 21 Boko Haram Suspects in Lagos, Enugu, Others
…Warns of Attacks in Southern Cities

The Department of State Services (DSS), August 30, disclosed that it had arrested notable commanders and front line members of the notorious Islamic sect, Boko Haram, from different parts of the country, especially, those responsible for the coordination and execution of the suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos. The DSS said a number of the terrorists were also arrested in Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Enugu and Gombe states, following re-strategized counter-terrorism measures deployed to combat the menace of insurgency in Nigeria. Spokesman of the DSS, Tony Opuiyo, confirmed the arrest, pointing out that the group’s new pattern of movement and spread was necessitated by the pressure being put on them in their core areas of strength in the North-east. The DSS has alerted Nigerians to plans by Boko Haram to attack some cities in the southern part of the country.

Military Bursts Bomb Making Factory in Borno State

Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, August 28, uncovered another bomb making factory in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the discovery was made during a cordon and search operations at Sandia, Kokakowa and Nyaleri villages suspected to be Boko Haram enclaves. According to him, the military discovered and destroyed another Improvised Explosives Device (IED) making factory at Miyati and Nyaleri villages in Damboa LGAs of Borno State. In addition, he said, three terrorists were arrested comprising an “Ameer”, a high contact and a foot soldier. Usman said that the joint operation between the Brigade and Nigerian Air Force that provided air cover and tracking was part of the determined effort by the military to rout out terrorists in the general area and open more roads hitherto held by the terrorists for public usage.

Boko Haram Kills 80 in Borno Horseback Massacre

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen on horseback, at the weekend, shot dead nearly 80 people in attacks on three villages in Borno State, a vigilante and residents disclosed. Babakura Kolo, a vigilante fighting Boko Haram, said 68 people were killed in the attack on Baanu village in Borno state on August 31, while residents said another 11 people were shot dead in two other villages on August 29 and 30. The gunmen stormed Baanu around 8.30 pm, shooting sporadically. Kolo also said four people were killed in another attack by the Islamists in Karnuwa village on August 31.

NAF Jets Bombard More Targets in Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued to hit vital targets of the Boko Haram terrorist sect in Sambisa forest with a view to decimating the capability and resolve of the members of the sect to continue to fight and cause havoc. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Dele Alonge, September 2, said the most recent success was the attack on the terrorist targets in Ngoshe and Pulka by the Alpha Jets providing close air support to own ground forces. He also revealed that the aerial bombardment was instrumental to the recapture of the strategic boundary town of Gamboru-Ngala by the Nigerian army. The targets, which include solar panels believed to be used by the sect for generating electricity within the Sambisa Forest, were hit during the recent take-over of Gamboru-Ngala by own troops, he disclosed.

Boko Haram Kills 26 in Borno Villages

Boko Haram terrorists continued their attacks on villages and communities in the North-east, where 26 persons, including elderly and kids, were killed. Witnesses say 26 people were killed in   Borno State by attackers on horseback believed to be rebels of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram on September 1. Abbas Gava, a spokesman for a civilian defense group, said 26 people died in the attacks on Kolori.

Political/Government Agencies

7 Killed in Air Force Plane Crash

A light military plane, Dornier 2k, August 29, crashed in Kaduna with all seven on board feared dead. The plane, which took off   from Dana Airport, operated by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in Kaduna, came down some minutes after at the Kantoma Army Barracks. It was gathered that the pilot, co-pilot, two engineers and three passengers were on board the plane, which was on its way to Abuja. A statement by Air Commodore Dele Alonge, Director of Air Force Public Relations, confirmed the incident. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, expressed deep pain over the crash, saying a board had been constituted to investigate the immediate and remote cause of the sad incident.

Nigerian Army Pardons, Reinstates 3,032 Convicted Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has pardoned and reinstated 3,032 out of 5000 soldiers, convicted of various disciplinary offences through series of General Court-Martial (GCM) set up by the immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd). The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, announced the reinstatement on September 3. Usman recalled that the Army had instituted a committee to review the recent disciplinary cases in the service with a view to ensuring discipline, regimentation and justice in the system. According to him, the Committee had concluded its sitting and made certain recommendations that led to the reinstatement of 3,032 soldiers into the Nigerian Army out of 5,000 cases that were reviewed. He further stated that he reinstated soldiers had shown their total readiness to be re-launched into theatre to combat insurgency and have now commenced a re-training exercise at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Niger State.

IGP Bans Use of Commercial Vehicles for Police Operations

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has directed that all police commands and formations should immediately stop the use of commercial vehicles and those painted in the states’ commercial colours for police operations and patrol duties. The directive was contained in a circular issued to all police formations and commands nationwide on September 3. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, explained that the directive was due to the enormous negative consequences associated with such practices as complained by members of the public. The IG further warned that violation of the order by any police unit will attract severe sanctions.

Murder/Assassinations

Policemen Club Woman to Death in Her House
…Culprits Arrested, Suspended from Force

A 50-year-old woman, Ronke Adelugba, has been beaten to death by policemen in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The incident occurred on August 29 after the policemen, numbering about seven, invaded the house of deceased in search of a felon. The policemen had gone searching a nearby bush for some boys believed to be smoking Indian hemp in the area, but when they could not find anybody in the bush, they went to Adelugba’s house to see if the boys were hiding there. An argument ensued when Adelugba insisted that she would not let her children be arrested without any explanation or warrant. She was shoved, beaten and hit with a gun butt. She promptly slumped and died within two minutes. The policemen involved have been arrested, according to the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke. He assured that thorough and unbiased investigations would be carried out on the matter, adding that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution if found culpable. Two of the men involved Inspector Fabunmi Oladipupo and Inspector Haruna Idris, have been suspended in view of the role they played in the death of the woman.

3 Feared Dead as Pro-Biafra Group, Security Agents Clash in Anambra

Three persons were feared dead and about twenty others wounded on August 30 when members of a new pro- Biafra group, the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and security operatives engaged in a shootout in Onitsha. It was not clear what caused the trouble, but one of the injured persons, Chinwendu Ikechukwu, said the group was carrying out an evangelism programme on the need for people to embrace Biafra Republic after their routine meeting, adding that it was while they were on the street that security operatives opened fire on them. According to him, the injured persons were initially rushed to the nearby Paragon Hospital, Fegge before they were distributed to other hospitals. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Okechukwu Ali, however denied the involvement of police in the shooting, adding that the police were in a ‘Show of Force’ operation in Onitsha as at the time of the incident.

30-Year-Old Man Poisons, Buries 11-Year-Old Girl in Bauchi

A 30-year-old resident of Railway Road in the Bauchi metropolis has allegedly poisoned and killed Hajara Ahmed, the 11-year-old daughter of the Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque, Bala Inna. The suspect, Jarelu Ahmed, who was arrested on August 31, was said to have buried the deceased in his room after killing her. The Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, stated that forensic experts visited the scene of the crime, exhumed the body and had taken the corpse to the hospital for postmortem.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 3 in Delta State

Three persons have been killed and two others injured in renewed hostilities between Fulani herdsmen and residents of Okuke, a satellite village at Amorji in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State. It was gathered, that the people of the community had been at loggerheads with the herdsmen who they accused of destroying their farmlands and terrorizing them over the last three years. An indigene of the community, August 30, disclosed that the herdsmen had threatened to chase the residents out of Okuke, a development which, he said, prompted Amorji to constitute a 15-man delegation to meet with the herdsmen for a peace talk. The delegation was on the way for the peace talk when they were ambushed by herdsmen, who reportedly shot and killed three of them. Two others were injured, and one person remained missing. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the killings and said the incident was a suspected reprisal attack.

APC Chieftain Murdered in Edo State

Suspected assassins, August 27, shot and killed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State, Captain Samson Amineshi (rtd). He was shot along the Igarra-Okpe Road. He was said to have attended a social function in Igarra and was driving back home to Okpe in his car with two other occupants when they were said to have been flagged down by the gunmen. He was said to have dodged them and sped off not knowing another group laid metres away. The late Amineshi, who died on the spot, was a former councilor in the council and was believed to be preparing to in coming council election in the state.

Landlord Sets Toddler Ablaze

The police detectives in Ota, Ogun State have arrested a 65-year-old landlord, Joseph Olaleye, for allegedly killing a three-year-old son of his tenant, Abdulahi Razaq, by setting him on fire. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspect committed the crime on August 31. According to Adejobi, the incident occurred when the suspect threw an ignited kerosene stove at the boy, who was a son to one Olalekan Razak, one of the tenants of the suspect, which caused severe injuries on the victim before he was rushed to a Hospital in Otta, where he was confirmed dead. The reason why he threw the stove at the boy was yet to be ascertained. The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had directed that the suspect be charged to court after investigation without delay.

One Killed as Commercial Motorcycle Riders Clash with Police in Lagos

A commercial motorcycle rider was killed at the 7th Avenue in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos on September 2, after policemen raided commercial motorcycle riders in the area and impounded about 100 motorcycles. It was learnt that a bike rider was also shot dead in the violence which greeted the raid, while some policemen sustained injuries from bottles and stones hurled at them during a midnight raid. Violence was said to have erupted when the motorcycle riders put up a resistance. The policemen were said to have opened fire to disperse the motorcyclists during which Omofule was reportedly hit and killed. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Patricia Amadin, said the police arrested 20 suspects and impounded 72 motorcycles during the raid, adding that the exercise, which was a directive from the Commissioner of Police, would continue.

Suspected Cultists Bury Motorist Alive in Lagos

Suspected cultists at the Mushin area of Lagos State allegedly dragged a motorist out of a commercial bus and buried him alive. The yet-to-be identified driver was said to have been dragged out of the bus around 8pm on September 2 and buried alive in murky water. It was learnt that policemen from Alakara removed the corpse on September 3. A resident lamented that the police in the area, were not doing enough to arrest the unrest in Mushin, lamenting that there were saboteurs in the force. He said it was the second time in a week that people from the Oyingbo area would be hounded and killed in Mushin, which could start a war between the two communities. Residents of the area alleged that the increased killing of suspected cult members from Oyingbo was orchestrated by one Rilwan, aka Itakun.

Police Arrest Passenger for Murder of Driver

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a man identified as Ekene Ugwu for allegedly killing another man identified as Anthony Sunday Nnamani. It was gathered that the suspect used a cutlass to cut the throat of his victim, and attempted to run away with his car before he was caught. It was learnt that the victim was conveying the suspect to an unknown destination when the suspect murdered his victim in a bid to snatch the Toyota Camry being used to convey him. The Police, August 22 nabbed the suspect. It was further gathered that members of the public who witnessed the scenario and suspected that it could be an alleged ritualistic act, raised a distress call which prompted the arrival of security operatives to the scene before the suspect could escape.

Rape

Man Docked over for Raping 15-Year-Old Stepdaughter

A 37-year-old man, Oluwaseyi Akinmulayo, who allegedly defiled his step daughter, was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on September 1. The accused is facing a charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offence was committed sometime in February at the accused’s residence. According to Iseghede, the accused defiled his 15-year-old step daughter and told her not to tell anybody. However, the girl told her mother. The accused disappeared after committing the offence but was eventually caught. The accused denied the charge. In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, admitted the accused to a bail of N2 million in addition to two sureties in like sum.

Father Arraigned over Rape of Daughter

A 34-year-old factory worker, Mohammed Ahmed, was on September 2, paraded by officials of the Osun State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over the serial rape of his daughter. According to reports, he started having sex with his 14-year-old daughter in April, 2015. The Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the NSCDC, Mr. Wale Folarin, said the command was alerted to the man’s act by one of his neighbours. Folarin said, “The incident was reported to us by a neighbour, who said he hears the cry of the girl every night. The girl confessed that her father had been raping her.

18-Year-Old Docked for Defiling Minor

An 18-year-old man, Kazeem Ajao, was September 3, arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate court for allegedly defiling a minor. According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), one Abdullateef Babatunde reported that one Kayode Joseph had induced his 13-year-old daughter and has been having sexual intercourse with the said girl. The FIR further stated that Kayode Joseph was arrested. The suspect pleaded not guilty to the offence. In his ruling, Magistrate Jumoke Bamigboye admitted the suspect to bail in sum of N50, 000.00 with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned the case.

Others

NCC Arrest 26 Suspected Pirates, Impound 7,000 Films

At least 26 suspected pirates and 7,000 copies of pirated films, mostly pornographic films, were confiscated by the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) and Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) during a three-day anti-piracy raid across the state. The three-day raid, which was carried out in collaboration with the Yoruba Movie Producers/Marketers Association of Nigeria covered Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Oshodi, Ijora, Orile-Iganmu and Obalende. Executive Secretary of the LSFVCB, Bamidele Balogun who disclosed this on August 31, said the raid was part of the continuous effort to rid the State of the sale of pirated and unclassified movies asserting that those that were caught during the raids will be tried and brought to justice.

Cholera Kills 20 in Bauchi

At least 20 persons have died of cholera in Shira LGA of Bauchi State. This is contained in a statement issued in Bauchi by the Information Officer in the LGA, Malam Danlami Baza. The statement said 200 persons were admitted in the hospital. It added that the Acting Chairman of the LGA, Alhaji Usman Mashema, had called on the public to come out for treatment as soon as they noticed any sign of cholera. The statement appealed to the Federal and state governments as well as donor agencies to come to the aid of those affected. It added that the affected communities included Bakul, Dunmagari and Gallari, among others.

Woman Tortures of 16-Year-Old Niece with Hot Iron

A middle-aged woman was, August 31, arrested by the Police in Lagos for allegedly using hot pressing iron to inflict injuries on a 16-year-old girl, Bimpe Badmus. It was learned that the suspect, an aunt to the victim, used hot iron to burn Bimpe severally after one of their neighbours informed her that the victim was sleeping with the landlady’s son. It was gathered that Bimpe’s aunt reportedly asked two of her friends – Khadijah and one Iya Daniel, to hold the victim’s hands and legs while she used the hot iron to burn her severally. A relative of the landlady, who witnessed the torture, called in the police and administered first aid to the victim before she was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Man Jailed 5 Years for Setting Pregnant Lover Ablaze

An Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin, Edo State, August 31, sentenced one Lucky Esonahae to five years imprisonment for setting his pregnant lover, Stella Isaac, ablaze on July 6. The 37-year-old bar operator was arraigned on one count bordering on causing bodily harm. The prosecuting officer, Sergeant Ganiyu Yahya, told the court that the incident occurred at Uwelu Quarters in Benin, and was reported by the victim, Stella Isaac. He said that the victim was rescued by one of her sons and her neighbours. He said the victim, who was later rushed to the Central Hospital, where she received treatment sustained burns on her hands and forehead. The police prosecutor also told the court that Esonahae had earlier accused the pregnant woman of infidelity for allegedly returning at about 6pm from her ante-natal care and had threatened to kill her. The accused pleaded guilty to the offence and begged for leniency. But the presiding magistrate, Igho Braimoh, said the court would not be lenient, and therefore, sentenced him to five years in prison with hard labour.

Man Arraigned for Stabbing Neighbour over Loud Music

A 33-year-old unemployed, John Ena, charged with stabbing his neighbour with a bottle on her head for playing loud music, was on September 2, arraigned in Lagos.  The Prosecutor, Sergeant Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on August 2, at his residence. He said that the accused unlawfully assaulted his neighbour, one Miss Elizabeth Okpaku, by stabbing her with a bottle on her head. Olatunde said that the accused unlawfully entered the apartment of the complainant to stab and damage her property. The accused had forcefully entered the complainant’s room and ordered her to reduce the volume of her DVD player, claiming that it was too loud. The accused forcefully stopped the music by throwing the DVD player outside and also damaged her generator set, after which he also beat her up and stabbed her with a bottle. The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum. The Magistrate, Aka Bashorun, adjourned the case to September 21, for mention.

Sapele Youths Protest Killings, Kidnappings in their Community

Over 50 Sapele youths, September 1, stormed the streets of Asaba, Delta State, protesting the alleged killings, arson and kidnappings by a cult group in Sapele. The youths besieged the Ministry of Justice, where they presented a petition to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP). Accusing the DPP of being compromised to shield and grant the suspects bail, they alleged that the leader of the cult group had made lives unbearable for many of them, decrying that they had been chased out of Sapele since 2009. The spokesman of the youths, Gabriel Omofeye, said the protest was to draw government attention to their situation, lamenting that their lives was in great danger following the purported plan by the DPP to release three arrested suspected cultists currently in detention in Sapele prison. Omofeye alleged that all the killings, arson and kidnapping that had taken place since 2009 in Okirighwre community in Sapele were masterminded by the cult leader.

Anambra Clamps-down on Illegal Vigilante Operatives

The Anambra State Government has begun a clampdown on some members of the state vigilante services, who are considered to be illegal in the state and outside the recognized 4,000 in the state. Chairman of Anambra State Vigilante Supervisory Committee and former Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Ikechukwu Aduba (rtd), who disclosed this on September 1, noted that the essence of clamping down on the illegal vigilante operatives was to help control the spate of crime rate amongst local vigilance operatives in the state. Aduba also noted that the clampdown exercise became imperative in view of the urgent need to arrest the discordant and disparaging activities of the various vigilante groups in the state. Aduba warned that no vigilante group was allowed to bear arms or operate cells and detention camps, stating that offenders would face the law.

Police Arrest Doctor, Nurses in Abortion Clinic

Police at Zone ‘5’ Police Headquarters in Benin, Edo State, have uncovered an abortion clinic where a medical doctor and four nurses were arrested. Vanguard learned that a foetus, hospital equipment suspected to be abortion equipment, and other exhibits were recovered at the clinic. It was further gathered that the raid of the clinic was sequel to complaints received by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Musa Daura, in charge of the zone on the illegal activities of the clinic, whose staff were alleged to have been secretly performing the act for several years. Trouble started when an expectant mother visited the facility for check-up and allegedly had her pregnancy terminated.

Three Die as Container Smashes SUV in Lagos

Three persons were, September 2, killed after a container fell and smashed their vehicle at Ojuelegba in Lagos state. It gathered that the about five tonnes container, which was being conveyed by a heavy duty truck on the bridge, overturned and fell to the ground. The occupants of a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), said to be a female, and another person were trapped underneath the container, which completely smashed the vehicle. It took the combine effort of the Federal Fire Service, whose office is located around Ojuelegba and other good Samaritans to evacuate the container. The South-west Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, said emergency services rushed to the area when notified, and confirmed the death of 3 persons.

Scores Jump to Death in Balogun Market Plaza Fire

Several people were feared dead and others injured when a six-storey plaza in the heart of the popular Balogun market in Lagos was gutted by fire on September 3. It was also observed that the plaza was being used as a wholesale and retail outlet for shoes and bags. Investigations revealed that the fire started at about 9am and was battled by a team of combined fire fighters from the Union Bank and UBA before the arrival of the Lagos State Fire Service. Some eyewitnesses, who spoke said that some people who jumped out from various floors of the burning plaza to escape the fire were carried away dead. Mallam Hamza Abdullahi, a trader in the market said that he saw three dead bodies and five people who were wounded.

Customs Seizes N14.6m Worth of Poultry Products in South-West

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has impounded 3,247 cartons of frozen poultry products worth N14,611,500.00 (Fourteen Million, Six Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) in the last two weeks of its war against smuggling of poultry products. The seizures which consist of 3,247 (Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven) cartons of the banned products were impounded at different locations along the south western borders of Nigeria. A statement by Deputy Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, on September 3, commended the steadfastness of the operatives even as he noted that the management of the Service assures the general public of its determination to continue the onslaught against the smugglers of the banned products.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination maintained top spot in the crime index with several stories of mob attacks and a few solitary killings. The authorities have maintained their resolve to nab suspects with significant arrests. This week also witnessed the ruthlessness of policemen, who invaded a family residence, causing the death of woman. Killings were witnessed across the country.

Kidnap/hostage cases maintained its place on the index, but the authorities continue to rescue hostages and make mass arrest of suspects during raids of their hideouts. These incidents were recorded across various regions of the country.

Robbery took a leap up the crime index with criminal gangs engaging law enforcement agents in gun duels. It was however encouraging as the police made enormous arrest of these criminal gangs, suspects and gang leaders. These were mostly recorded in the south-east and south-west regions.

Terrorism took a plunge as activities of terror groups were minimal with trickles of attacks in the north-east region of the country. However, these attacks recorded high casualties. The Nigerian military troops have been tough and resolute in the fight to restore terrorist endemic areas.
The government charges every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious. It is 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.