Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week 43 week 43
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
S/N | CATEGORY | MAJOR INCIDENTS |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 8 |
| 2 | Robbery | 6 |
| 3 | Gang | 2 |
| 4 | Drugs | 2 |
| 5 | Maritime Incidents | 2 |
| 6 | Terrorism | 10 |
| 7 | Political/Government Agencies | 2 |
| 8 | Murder/Assassinations | 10 |
| 9 | Rape Incidents | 3 |
| 10 | Others | 7 |
|
| Review/Analysis | |
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
Police Arrest Kidnappers, Rescue 3 Abducted Students
The Kogi State Police Command, October 16, said it had smashed a kidnapping syndicate, leading to the rescue of three abducted students of the Kogi State Polytechnic, and the arrest of two suspected kidnappers. The State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, while parading 23 other suspects, including the abductors of the students, stated that the state command was determined to flush out the criminal elements from the state. According to him, the students, who were abducted at the Osara campus of the institution during a night vigil, were rescued through intelligence report. Ojukwu stated that one of the suspects, Ibrahim Jibo, who was arrested at the point of collecting the ransom, was assisting the police to apprehend others.
Ondo Police Arrest Kidnappers, Rescue Chinese Hostage
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a Chinese national, Jiang Peng Fei (25), from the den of kidnapper. The Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodo, who disclosed this on October 18, pointed out that the suspects, had on October 1, while armed with locally made pistol, entered into the office of JHX Plywood Factory in Ore, Ondo State and kidnapped the Chinese National. According to him, the Police quickly swung into action and rescued the victim unhurt, while Adegbayi Akinmusayo, Lucky Akinnuoye, and the manager of Keneri Hotel, where the suspects planned their operation, had been arrested, alongside seven other suspects.
Former Edo NMA Chairman, 2 Others Kidnapped
Former chairman of the Edo state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Philip Ugbodaga, and two other doctors were, October 16, kidnapped in Imo State where they had gone to render free medical services to some communities. Ugbodaga and his colleagues were forcefully stopped and taken away at gunpoint by three gunmen. It was gathered that the incident happened at Isu LGA near Umuaka. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, is leading the investigations to track down the kidnappers and rescue the doctors.
Armed Hoodlums Steal 10-Month-Old Baby in Imo
A 10-month-old baby boy, Chibuike Ojii, was, October 18, taken from his parents by a gang of armed hoodlums in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State. It was gathered that about four gunmen stormed the residence of the boy’s parents, Mr and Mrs Samuel Ojii, at about 2am and made straight for the baby, whom they took and fired gunshots into the air to make good their escape. According to the father, a careful tracing of the motorcycle tyre used for the operation, led to the home of one of the suspects, simply identified as Snake. Although Snake roundly denied any involvement in the crime, the villagers handed him over to the police for proper investigation. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident, adding that two suspects had so far been arrested in connection with the crime.
Police Smash Syndicate, Recover Babies
Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Delta State have smashed a child trafficking syndicate and recovered several babies within Asaba, Onitsha and in Akwa Ibom state. The state police commissioner, Alkali Baba Usman, October 19, disclosed that SARS operatives, acting on a tip-off about an interstate human and child trafficking cell in Asaba, swung into action and arrested one Nkiru Asouza and her husband, Chidiebele Udeagbala. He said that, upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime of child trafficking. The suspects led the SARS operatives to Onitsha in Anambra State where one Mary Bassey Okon was arrested and four other suspected trafficked children, aged 1-5 years, were recovered. Alkali Baba Usman further disclosed that the suspects, upon further interrogation, led the investigating team to Akwa Ibom State where Ekaete Sunday, Etieno Mary Bassey, Stella John and two additional trafficked children of same age bracket were recovered. Two pregnant girls were also rescued.
Comestar Chairman Released from Captivity after 6 Weeks
The Chairman of Cometstar Manufacturing Company, Sir James Uzochukwu Uduji, October 20, regained freedom after being in captivity for about 6 weeks. He was abducted by unknown gunmen at 7th Avenue, in Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos, while he was returning home. The kidnappers reportedly hit his car, prompting his driver to alight to ascertain the level of damage done to the vehicle. The intruders reportedly opened fire, shot the driver and drove off with their target. The kidnappers were said to have made contact with his family, demanding for N220 million as ransom. Report said after much plea, his family paid N100 million cash. But Uduji was not released as the abductors insisted on getting the exact amount demanded. It could not be ascertained whether the balance was paid before his release.
Suspected Kidnappers Arraigned after Ambush on Policemen
The police in Lagos State have arraigned two suspects over the kidnap the September 14 kidnap of Toyin Nwosu, wife of the Deputy Managing Director, Sun Newspaper, and the ambush of policemen. The police remain on the trail of the fleeing suspects. The suspected kidnappers allegedly laid in ambush for a Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that tracked them to their hideout in Ago-Okota area of the state. The SARS team had arrested the ring leader along with four other accomplices, and were about to leave the area when other members, who had gone into hiding, reportedly opened fire on them, leading to the escape of the suspects. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 each with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned till November 3, 2015.
Police Rescue 12 Girls from Suspected Trafficker
The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a woman, Hajiya Ladi Dahiru (60), suspected to be a human trafficker in Kazaure LGA of the State. The command also rescued 12 girls, between 9 and 13 years of age, from the suspect as she transported them to Kaduna. Parading the suspect, the State Commissioner of Police, Usman Abubakar Tilli, explained that, the Police on Safer Highway Patrols, arrested Dahiru, who had told the police that she was transporting the girls to Kaduna in order to enrol them into schools. Investigation, however, revealed that the woman could not take care of the girls as she had only a two room apartment in Kaduna, selling firewood and food stuff. The SCID also discovered that the different parents of the victims slavishly handed over their daughters to suspects who fraudulently made them to believe her statement.
Robbery
Police Foil Bank Robbery in Ondo
Police detectives, October 16, foiled attempt by suspected armed robbers to rob a bank in Ondo State by digging an underground tunnel into the premises. The gang had dug over 15 meters into the bank premises from the fence, which was behind the bank at Alagbaka area in Akure. The Police explained the gang had planned the robbery operation for the weekend when the bank staff would not be at work. Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodu, disclosed that the banks’ surveillance squad discovered the long tunnel dug by the suspected armed robbers behind the Ado/Owo Road branch of the bank. Items recovered include shovel, diggers and other tools.
Police Kill 3 Cattle Rustlers in Kano
Three cattle rustlers were, October 18, killed, after a gun duel with security operatives at Falgore forest in Kano state. The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, while parading 74 rustlers, along with 818 cows and 87 sheep recovered, said that the suspects, who were Senegalese, were gunned down after they engaged policemen in a gun battle at Falgore forest by Gazobi village. He said that the police recovered a large cache of arms from the suspects. He disclosed that some of the suspects were nabbed, clad in police and army camouflage, which they used to intimidate and rob Fulani herdsmen. A revolver pistol and 224 cattle were recovered from the notorious kingpin, while four other members of his gang were arrested. Katsina stated that during the special operation at Falgore forest and environs, the police also recovered 42 AK 47 rifles and 28 live cartridges.
FOC Accuses Security Personnel of Compromise in Oil Theft
Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, has accused soldiers guarding oil installations in the creeks of compromising their duties to encourage oil theft and the operation of illegal refineries in the area. Suleiman made the accusation when he confronted soldiers on guard at Jones Creek oil fields in Warri Delta State, where he led men of the NNS Delta to raid and destroy five local refineries and 11 large wooden boats bearing stolen crude oil on October 16. He was disturbed at the proximity between the houseboat accommodating the soldiers guarding the oil facilities and the spots where the crude oil was stolen and processed at the illegal refineries.
Police Gun Down Robbery Suspects
The police in Delta State have gunned down three armed robbers in Warri. Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, October 19, confirmed the killing of the three-man armed gang that had been terrorizing Warri, Effurun and their environs. The hoodlums were killed at Apala road, Warri, after a fierce gun battle with the police on October 16. He said that items recovered from the gang members include: Two AK.47 rifles, one AK.49 rifle, one K2 rifle, forty-three (43) rounds of AK ammunition and a Vento Car. He added that the current police onslaught against armed gangs in the state would continue so as to ensure a hitch free yuletide. Two suspected armed robbers who are members of a four-man gang, said to be terrorizing Aladja and its environs in Udu LGA of the state, were paraded by the police commissioner.
Mob Lynches Suspected Robber in Owerri
One of the four-man armed robbery gang that had been terrorizing Ihiagwa in Owerri West LGA of Imo State, has been lynched by an angry mob. The deceased, identified as John Nkwocha, was beaten mercilessly into a coma by angry youths in the community but was later rushed to a nearby hospital where he eventually died. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident. He said the others beat a tactical retreat when they were chased by angry villagers. He appealed to anybody that might have any useful hint on how the police would nab fleeing members of the dead man’s gang to report the nearest police station.
Nine Suspected Oil Thieves Arrested in Delta
Nine suspects have been arrested while allegedly trying to steal crude oil from pipeline belonging to an indigenous oil company in Delta State. Operatives of the Joint Task Force, (JTF) apprehended the suspects in an operation in Ughelli area of Delta State. Parading the suspects on October 22, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF, Lt-Col. Isa Ado, said their arrest was made possible through intelligence received by the security outfit. The suspects included the driver of the vehicle that reportedly conveyed the suspected vandals to the point of the illegal siphoning from the oil pipelines at about 3am. Isa said the oil pipelines vandalized belong to foremost indigenous oil company, Midwestern Oil, based in the community in Ughelli.
Gang Incidents
Police Nab 40 Miscreants in Lagos
Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), October 17, arrested at least 40 social miscreants at different black spots in the state. The suspects were arrested around Oshodi, Jibowu, Victoria Island, Mile 2, Ajegunle, Ijora and Law school under bridge. The arrest, according to Commander of the RRS, Olatunji Disu, is an onslaught against criminals in all parts of the metropolis by the state government in order to create a secured environment for prospective investors and to secure lives and properties of the residents, especially in the ember month. He assured that the spate of armed robbery and criminal activities in the state would soon be a thing of the past.
Police Nab 13 Suspected Cultist in Delta Community
Men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ovwian Aladja community, Udu LGA of Delta State, October 21, announced the arrest of 13 suspected cultists following a serious clash between two rival cult groups in the community. The President-General of the community, Paul Odiete, who condemned the increasing rate of cult activities in the area, disclosed that their activities had resulted in the destruction of the community town hall and vehicles worth millions of naira. He disclosed that the incident after the vigilante group in the community had gone for their internal security meeting when over 50 people attacked the town hall premises. According to him, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that arrived at the scene was able to arrest 13 of the suspects, who remain in police custody. Small arms were recovered from them.
Drugs
Students Nabbed with Drugs, Weapons
Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested five students of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, at a black spot in Jibowu area of Lagos, recovering dangerous objects such as knives, broken bottles and wrapped weeds suspected to be marijuana from them. The black spot said to be used as meeting point for robbers, during and after operation, was reportedly raided by the operatives following a tip-off. However during investigation, one of the students, Ezem Harrison (18), denied being member of a robbery gang. He, however, admitted that he visits the spot to smoke. Commander of the Squad, Olatunji Disu, October 16, said the arrest was made through sustained patrol and intelligence gathering around the area.
NDLEA Arraigns 2 Suspects
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), October 21, arraigned two suspected drug traffickers, Inya Samuel Ali and Okorie Onyekachi Kingsley, before an Abakaliki Federal High Court for illegal possession of hard drugs. The suspects, who pleaded guilty at the court, were arraigned on a one-count charge by the drug agency. Ali was accused of illegal possession of 400 grammes of cocaine, heroin, cannabis and other drugs, and was arrested in June 2015 by the officials of the NDLEA. Kingsley, who was arrested in September, was accused of illegal possession of 110kg of cannabis sativa, cocaine and heroin. The two suspects were arraigned separately before the court. Justice Maureen Ada Onyetenu, ordered that they be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter to 3rd of December for tendering of facts.
Maritime
Navy Impounds 5 Vessels, Boat in Rivers
Troops on Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, have impounded five vessels and a wooden boat laden with illegally refined diesel. The operators of the vessels and boat were caught in a private jetty in Port Harcourt discretely discharging about 108,000 litres of diesel into badges without license. The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, paraded 19 crew members of the vessels in Port Harcourt on October 20. He said that troops stormed the area after it got intelligence report of the activities of suspected oil thieves at a private jetty located opposite the Slaughter market in the city.
Police Nab 3 Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Lagos
Three suspected vandals operating at Ilado and Takwa Bay Islands in Lagos State have been arrested by operatives of Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism, recovering 118 jerry-cans and two speed boats. The suspects, including a 20-year-old woman, were identified as Adebanjo Anthony, Moturayo Lateef and Ola Omosowome. They were said to have been arrested at separate locations when the operatives raided Agbagbu, an area in Ilado, which is notorious for pipeline vandalism. Sources disclosed that 20-year-old Lateef was arrested while siphoning PMS from a pipeline belonging to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), into some jerry cans, while Omosowome and Anthony were apprehended on water while heading for the scene where the products were being siphoned. The commander of the task force, Valentine Olumese, confirmed that the suspects were arrested following a tip-off on their activities.
Terrorism
20 Residents Shot Dead by Boko Haram in Borno
Twenty persons were shot dead by suspected Boko Haram gunmen on October 21 on a road outside a remote village in Borno State. According to reports, a large group of Boko Haram gunmen fleeing a military offensive on their camp in Nganzai district opened fire on four cars just outside Jingalta village, killing all 20 passengers inside. The attack came as the Commanding Officer in charge of 28 Taskforce Battalion, Mubi, Adamawa, Brig.-Gen V. O. Ezugwu, confirmed the killing of two members of the sect and the rescue of 16 families in Madagali. Ezugwu said more than 100 cows were recovered alongside two AK 47, six grenade, two pump action machine guns and 18 motorcycles from the fleeing insurgents. The officer lauded the complementary effort of local vigilante members in the area for their support to the military.
Suicide Bomber Dies in Botched Attack on Maiduguri Army Base
Soldiers of the Nigerian Army, October 18, shot and killed a suicide bomber outside a Military base in Maiduguri, Borno State. The shooting caused the detonation of the explosives concealed in her handbag. According to reports, the woman approached the barracks around 7am and headed towards the gates. Guards at the gates asked her to stop for security checks, but she ignored them and continued walking towards the gates with a handbag slung over her shoulder. One of the soldiers opened fire on the woman and the handbag exploded, blowing the woman to pieces. There were no other casualties in the explosion.
Military Intensifies Assault on Terrorists in Kogi
Military forces, October 17, launched an assault on terrorists believed to be hiding in some isolated areas in Okene, Kogi State. A suburb of Okene, Inike, is notorious for harbouring suspected terrorists, who hide in mosques to beat the prying eyes of security operatives in the area. Military forces engaged the suspected terrorists in gun battle as the extremists attempted to repel onslaughts on their bases. The military, acting on a tipoff, stormed the area to arrest and disarm the fundamentalists, only to be confronted by an unexpected degree of resistance. A soldier was reportedly killed in the gun duel. Undaunted by the loss of one of a soldier and several injuries, the military intensified their attack and surveillance on the extremists.
Female Suicide Bombers Kill 11 in Adamawa
Two female suicide bombers killed at least 11 people after hiding among residents fleeing a suspected Boko Haram attack on Dar village, in Madagali LGA of Adamawa state, on October 17. Boko Haram has repeatedly attacked the area, which is near the border with Borno state to the north and the Islamists’ Sambisa Forest stronghold. As the residents fled to the bush, the bombers, who disguised as fleeing locals, blew themselves up. The Adamawa state police spokesman, Othman Abubakar, confirmed 11 dead. Boko Haram is increasingly using two or more bombers, detonating the second or third explosives after the first responders arrive to help the victims of the first blast.
STF Arrests Suspected Terrorists in Plateau
Men of the Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State have arrested some members of a terrorist cell and other criminals in various parts of the state. The high profile suspects are being relocated out of Jos for investigations. Other suspects would be handed over to appropriate security agencies for prosecution after investigations. STF Spokesman, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, October 18, requested members of the public to maintain high vigilance, especially in places of large gathering.
JTF Apprehends 10 Suspected Suppliers of Fuel to Boko Haram
The Joint Task Force (JTF) have arrested 10 suspected suppliers of fuel to Boko Haram in Birniwa LGA of Jigawa state. Brig.-Gen. Hamisu Hassan of Command 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in charge of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, disclosed this on October 16 while parading the suspects. The suspects were nabbed while filling their jerry cans with petrol on October 15. Preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects were from Nguru while the others were nationals of Niger Republic. He said that two of the suspects were below the age of 14. Items recovered from them included 33,000 litres truck filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 40 jerry cans loaded with PMS, 188 empty jerry cans and Toyota Land Cruiser. He said that the suspects would be handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation.
30 Boko Haram Insurgents Killed in Adamawa
At least 30 members of the Boko Haram sect were, October 19, killed in a gun duel with Nigerian troops assisted by the local vigilantes at the border villages between Adamawa and Borno states. The troops had laid an ambush on the insurgents between the border villages of Kirchinga and Imirsa, which had come under attacks of Boko Haram insurgents in recent times. Weapons recovered from the terrorists include AK 47 assault rifles, bows and arrows and other dangerous weapons, according to reports. The onslaught against the insurgents followed increased attacks on parts of Madagali LGA, leading to the death of three soldiers and the abduction of a senior military officer alongside his operational vehicle. The insurgents had disguised as local vigilante operatives and in the process, killed unsuspecting residents and soldiers.
Boko Haram Attacks Gwoza
Boko Haram members, October 18, invaded Gwoza LGA of Borno State, killing nine people and destroying houses. The insurgents, however, met their Waterloo as military operatives in Gwoza town repelled the attack much later, killing scores of the invaders. The terrorists attack also left scores of residents injured, while their foodstuff, including livestock, was looted.
5 Suspected Bombers Docked, One Pleads Guilty
Five alleged masterminds of the bomb blasts that rocked the Kuje and Nyanya axis of Abuja on October 2, 2015, were, October 22, arraigned before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. The accused persons were docked on a five-count terrorism charge. Justice Abdul Kafarati ordered that they should be remanded in Kuje Prison. One of the accused persons, Abdulwaheed Nasiru, pleaded guilty to count four of the charge, which indicated that it was in his house that the items, which the alleged insurgents used in manufacturing the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) used for the bombings, were stored. The FG Identified the items that were concealed in the accused person’s apartment as: 27 pieces of detonators, aluminium powder, Hexomine, Hydrogene Peroxide, Sulphur powder, Sodium Azide plus nitrate, Iron 11 Oxide, soldering wire; sugar and PH litimus paper, among other items.
18 Killed in Suicide Attack on Maiduguri Mosque
An early morning suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno state, left 18 persons dead and about 20 others injured on October 23. A youth vigilante, Modu Kyari, disclosed that the lone suicide bomber mixed with worshippers for the morning prayers at about 5am. The suicide bomber detonated the explosive devices strapped on him, killing 18 persons and leaving 20 persons critically injured. Kyari said the youth vigilante and emergency workers quickly moved to the mosque, which is behind the court in Jiddari Polo area of Maiduguri, to evacuate the corpses and assist the injured to the hospital. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the attack.
Political/Government Agencies
Buratai Warns of All-Out Offensive against Boko Haram
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has in a solemn message to the troops engaged in war against terrorism in the north eastern part of the country, warned of the impending all-out war against the Boko Haram terrorists. Buratai, October 17, stated that "the next few days” would be crucial to the operation against the sect. He urged the troops to brace-up for the challenge ahead.
Police Restate Ban on Fireworks
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has warned the general public against the use of fireworks in celebration of the forthcoming yuletide. Arase, in a statement signed by the Force spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, on October 19, explained that terrorists could hide under the disguise of using fireworks to perpetrate their evil trade. Due to the present security situation and recent bombings in parts of the country, Arase advised Nigerians to desist from using fireworks, otherwise called ‘knock out’ as the ban on it remained in force. According to the police, the warning was crucial as there are reports that hoodlums now use fireworks to confuse Nigerians in order to carry out their nefarious activities. Violators would be made to face the law.
Murder/Assassinations
Two Arrested in Lagos over Murder of Edo Prof
Two persons have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in the Iju Ishaga area of the state for the kidnap and death of Professor Paul Erie of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State. It was learnt that the suspects ─ Lucky Odion and Lucky Anieiyi ─ were arrested from their hideouts in the Iju area by policemen after a tip-off. Erie was kidnapped by the gunmen on June 16 along the Agbor-Uromi Road in Edo State. The remains of the professor were exhumed from a forest in Igbanke on October 1 after the Edo State Police arrested five suspects, who led them to where the professor was buried. Odion and Anieiyi are alleged to be masterminds of the kidnap and murder of Erie. The Lagos State Police spokesman, Joe Offor, confirmed their arrest.
Man Escapes after Killing Stepfather
The police in Lagos have launched a manhunt for a 30-year-old man, Seye Okanlawon, for allegedly clubbing his stepfather, Alex Momoh, 63, to death. It was learnt that Seye hit the victim with a pestle in the head and leg after a disagreement over a cake made by his sister, which was placed on the deceased bed. The suspect was alleged to have grabbed a pestle with which he hit the victim, causing his death. A daughter of the deceased, Joy, disclosed that the family had already buried the deceased, while the prime suspect had fled. She called for justice.
Gunmen Kill Pastor, Wife in Bauchi
A pastor, Obi William, and his wife, Ebere, at Bayan Garin area, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis in Bauchi State, were, October 15, shot dead by unidentified gunmen. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, said the gunmen attacked the couple at Bayan Gari area in the state capital in the evening, after Ebere, a thrift collector, returned home. She was also robbed of a bag containing an undisclosed amount of money, being thrift collected from her customers that day as contributions. Mohammed said following the killing of the couple, the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mohammed, held a meeting with members of the Igbo community and assured them of the security of their lives and property. The police commissioner enjoined members of the Igbo community to always give police information that would lead to detection and prevention of crimes.
Guests Kill Motorcyclist at Birthday Party
Some of the guests at a birthday party in the Mushin area of Lagos, October 18, hacked a 29-year-old motorcyclist, Lateef Sura, to death. It was learnt that Lateef had gone to the party at about 8pm on the invitation of a yet-to-be-identified friend. It was gathered that while Lateef was about to enter the gathering, some of the guests brought out weapons and attacked him. He was thereafter rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, where he was confirmed dead. The matter was reported at the Alakara Police Division, and policemen came to arrest the party organisers. Two principal suspects, who were at the party, and identified cultists, were also arrested. It is believed that the suspects mistook the deceased for a member of a rival gang in the area.
Gunmen Kill Octogenarian Village Head in Katsina
Unidentified assailants killed the 80-year-old village head of Birchi village in Kurfi LGA of Katsina State, Abdulkadir Muhammad Birchi. It was gathered that the armed men, numbering six, stormed the community around 1am on October 19 and headed straight for the traditional ruler’s residence, where they shot and hacked him to death. An eyewitness disclosed that the armed men identified themselves as thieves, but declined to accept an offer of N300,000 made to them by the village head, and they took nothing from the house. Police spokesman, Abubakar Sadik, said the command had made some arrests in connection with the murder.
Septuagenarian Commits Suicide in Kano
A 78-year-old man, Hassan Chiroma, October 20, slit his own throat at the city abattoir, in Kano, Kano State. Eyewitness said the man was earlier sighted at blacksmith section of the market where he allegedly purchased the knife, which he used to commit suicide. But the police authorities, suspecting foul play, have taken four persons into custody over the incident. Police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majia, disclosed that the police were working on two leads and the likely outcome of investigations would reveal whether the death was suicide or murder. The police spokesman said the command had requested the hospital authorities to carry out autopsy to ascertain factors that led to his death.
Gunmen Kill Trader in Delta
Unknown gunmen, October 20, shot dead a 48-year-old trader, Sunday Okpeka, at Oleh in Isoko South LGA of Delta State. This came as men of the state police command shot dead three suspected armed robbers in a gun duel. It was gathered that the deceased was until his death was a trader. The deceased was shot in his shop, close to his residence, while trying to lock up after the day’s sales. The sound of the gunshot and the crashing sound of the dying man attracted family members, neighbours and security operatives on patrol, who arrived at the scene where the deceased was found lying in a pool of his blood. The gunmen escaped from the area before the arrival of the security operatives.
Barber Remanded for Allegedly Killing Friend over Taste of Noodles
A 25-year-old barber, Oluwaseun Ojo, was, on October 22, remanded at the Olokuta Prisons by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing his friend, Shola Omotayo, while arguing over the taste of noodles on September 30. The Magistrate, Sunday Adedapo, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody, pending legal advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Ojo is facing a one-count charge of murder. According to the Prosecutor, Pelumi Adejuwon, the accused stabbed his friend with broken bottles on the chest and back, while arguing over the taste of noodles cooked by the deceased, who lived in the same room with the accused. The plea of the accused was not taken as the chief magistrate noted that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the case. The case was, thereafter, adjourned till November 26.
Woman Remanded over Alleged Murder of Brother-in-Law
A 29-year-old woman, Obiageri Oriuwa, was, October 21, arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere over alleged murder of her brother-in-law. Oriuwa was docked before Justice Raliat Adeniyi. The State prosecutor, Rotimi Oduntola, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on January 28, 2014. The defendant allegedly stabbed one Ikechukwu Oriuwa to death during an argument. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody and asked for a trial date. The judge adjourned the case to January 27 and February 1, 2016, for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody, pending the conclusion of the trial.
Police Arrest Village Head, 2 Others for Murder
The police in Bauchi State have arrested a village head, Mohammed Bello, and two other persons Bature Abdul and Babangida Abdul- for allegedly killing 25-year-old man, Nasiru Audu, in the Ningi LGA of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, October 22, explained that in 2009, the deceased, who is from Judo village in the local government, was declared missing. He said since then, the police had been investigating Audu’s disappearance. Mohammed disclosed that efforts by the police paid off on October 17 when it was discovered that the deceased was killed by Bature (35). Further investigations revealed that the suspect conspired with his elder brother, Babangida, to dispose of the corpse inside a well and they later informed their village head, Bello (70), who warned them not to tell anyone. The PPRO said that the three suspects had been arrested after confessing to the crime.
Rape
71-Year-Old Arrested for Raping 12-Year-Old in Ogun
A 71-year-old man, Richard Odiwe, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in Ogun State. It was learnt that the girl, who fled home on October 13, was harboured by Odiwe at his residence, where he committed the alleged crime. Odiwe had been a tenant of the victim’s grandmother before he moved out in 2013 over allegations of sexually abusing minors in the community. The victim reported that Odiwe had been having sex with her since 2013. She said he would give her money and warn her not to reveal the act to anybody. Odiwe was arrested by the police on October 15 shortly after the incident was reported to a rights group, Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE). Odiwe, who confessed to having sex with the girl, said he was tempted and “foolishly bought into her advances”.
Court Remands 4 Persons for Alleged Conspiracy, Rape
A Makurdi Magistrates Court, October 19, remanded four suspects arraigned in connection with the rape of a married woman. The accused, Aondona Ibiam, Terungwa Iorkyaan, Tersoo Tume and Aondonyerga Tyav, were alleged to have committed the offence in September. They were charged by the police for criminal conspiracy, administering obnoxious substance and having carnal knowledge without consent. The Magistrate, Theresa Wergba, ordered them to be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Makurdi and adjourned the case to November 18 for further mention. The Prosecutor, Inspector Imo Edward told the court that the victim alleged that Ibiam and Iorkyaan took her to an herbalist, Tersoo Tume, who administered some substance on her. The prosecutor said that after the substance was administered, the woman was rendered helpless and Ibiam had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.
Students Arraigned for Indecent Assault on Minor
Three students of the Edo State School of Nursing were, October 21, arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate’s Court in Benin for assaulting a six-year-old girl. The police prosecutor, Corporal Evborhuan Kingsley, from the Family Unit of the state police command, told the court that the accused committed the offence between the months of March and May 2015, on the premises of the school hostel on Sapele Road. According to the prosecutor, the suspects used their fingers to penetrate the victim’s vagina. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. M. Adebanjo, granted them bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with one surety each in like sum. Adebanjo added that the sureties must be Edo State civil servants of grade level nine and above. The case was adjourned till November 20, 2015.
Others
60 Homes, 5 Churches Destroyed by Flood in Rivers
Over 1000 persons have been rendered homeless as flood sacked about 60 homes and five churches in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State. The flood caused by overflow of Orashi River, affected five communities, including Oruama, Akinima, Mbiama and Joinkrama 1 and 2. Meteorologists had predicted flooding in some communities in the country. A community leader in one of the affected communities, Eniata Abiaba, October 19, complained that the flood took them unawares, adding that all their farms had been submerged. The immediate past chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Ikechukwu Obuzor, has called for a swift intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other responsible agencies to alleviate their plight.
Police Arrest Widower over LUTH Consultant’s Death
Dr Femi Thomas, widower of the late Consultant Paediatrician at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Hestianna Thomas, was October 19, transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Yaba, over alleged involvement in his wife’s death. Thomas had submitted himself to the police at Ajao estate division immediately his wife was certified dead at the LUTH recently. He reportedly told the police that his wife could have committed suicide, maintaining that he knew nothing about her death. However, marks of violence were seen on her body. Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Joe Offor, confirmed that Thomas had been transferred to the SCIID until the conclusion of investigations.
Mother Abandons 9-Year-Old Son at Ondo Town
A nursing mother, identified as Esther, has been arrested for dumping her nine-year-old son, Michael Monday, in Ondo town, Ondo State. The suspect, who had reportedly severed her relationship with the victim’s father, recently remarried. She was said to have travelled from Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, to Ondo town where she dumped her son and took off. The Police, October 19, said Esther who was arrested in Ado Ekiti, had confessed that she abandoned the boy because she had no job and that it was difficult for her to continue to take care of him. The victim was picked up while wandering the streets of Ondo town and was taken to the police station at about 11:30pm by some good Samaritans.
Police Arrest 80-Year-Old with 68 Live Cartridges
The Edo State Police Command has arrested an 80-year-old woman, Comfort Izedomwen, for unlawful possession of 68 live cartridges. The Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, October 19, disclosed that Izedomwen was nabbed after her accomplice, Stella Omobude (48), was arrested with 32 live cartridges on October 8. Omobude allegedly peddles the ammunition for suspected robbers. Her confessions led to the arrest of Izedomwen with 68 live cartridges. The commissioner spoke while he paraded 71 other suspected criminals at the state police headquarters in Benin. Izedomwen, however, claimed that she sold the cartridges to hunters and private security operatives.
Ogun Policeman Batters MAPOLY Student
A police officer, Emmanuel Ogunlesi, has allegedly battered a student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Peter Taiwo, inflicting a life-threatening injury on his head. The police officer reportedly attacked the student, Peter Taiwo (25) on October 15. A witness alleged that Ogunlesi had earlier beaten two female students in the area and returned to apprehend them. Taiwo, who they accused of slowing them down and allowing the students to escape, was then attacked by the policemen, after which they fled the scene. Police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that Ogunlesi was currently undergoing interrogation as the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The state Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Olayinka Folarin, said the CDHR would employ all legal means to ensure that justice was done on the matter.
Flood Kills 4, Submerges Farmlands in Imo
At least four persons were feared dead, while many sustained varying degrees of injuries, following the flooding that swept through some communities in Oguta LGA of Imo State. Hectares of farmland were completely submerged as tons of farm products harvested by farmers were lost to the flood. Scores of families, mainly farmers, have relocated to safer grounds, while some others remained trapped in the flooded communities. The villagers bemoaned the huge losses recorded by the people since the deluge started. An official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Quintus Oramalu, confirmed that over 60 houses had been submerged by flood. He appealed to other citizens living in the affected communities to relocate immediately to safer grounds.
Police Arraign 20 Pro-Biafra Supporters for Treason
Police have charged 20 pro-Biafra supporters, who were part of the October 19 protest by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Port Harcourt for treasonable felony. Chief Magistrate Andrew Jaja, remanded the suspects in prison custody and adjourned the matter to October 27 for their counsels to argue issues bordering on their bail application. They were charged for treasonable felony after allegedly destroying the national flag hoisted at the premises of a bank during their protest and chanting hate songs against the Nigerian state. They were not allowed to take plea, but they were all represented by different counsels. State counsel, Ayo A. Ajaghe, who prosecuted the case argued against their bail applications, saying that the magistrate’s court lacked powers to hear the matter. A similar protest in Anambra state also led to the arrest of supporters of the embattled director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu at various points in Awka for breach of public peace. Anambra State coordinator of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ikechukwu Okoye, said their protest was not meant to cause any trouble, adding that they were only on the streets to prevail on security operatives to release Kanu.
Review/Analysis
Terrorism lipped up the crime index with horrible cases of terror attacks by insurgents and herdsmen in the north east region of the country. Attacks by the terrorist focused on public places like worship centres and market squares. The military remains unrelenting in their efforts to rid the endemic region of every act of terrorism.
Murder/assassination also took an upward plunge with some very notable killings. The police, however, made some arrests, while re-emphasising their undaunted resolve to create a safer environment for the public. These incidents were witnessed in different parts of the country.
Kidnap and hostage maintained its place on the crime index with various incidents of kidnap. It is heart-warming to note that some victims were rescued unhurt while suspects were arrested. The south-east and south-west regions were mostly affected.
Robbery took a downward plunge with few incidents and gun battles between the police and armed robbers. The authorities successfully apprehended suspects, while some died during exchange of fire with the police.
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.