Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 44

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	5
2	Robbery	4
3	Gang	1
4	Drugs	2
5	Maritime Incidents	1
6	Terrorism	9
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassinations	13
9	Rape Incidents	10
10	Others	5
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

6 Students Rescued from Female Kidnappers in Lagos

A mob, October 23, foiled an attempt by a female kidnap syndicate to abduct some students in the Aguda area of Surulere, Lagos. Three of its members were arrested. The women were said to have cajoled the six students into their vehicle and zoomed off towards Orile/Mile 2. It was reported that the oldest of the abducted students, raised an alarm on noticing that the route plied was different from the regular route to their school. The alarm raised reportedly attracted curious commuters at Orile, who chased after the vehicle. The mob attempted to set the women ablaze but for the timely intervention of policemen, who rescued them and arrested them.

Navy Confirms Abduction of Expatriates in Bonny

Nigerian Navy has confirmed abduction of two Ukrainians and two Lithuanians in a vessel, MV Solarte, on the Bonny waterways by suspected sea pirates. Commanding Officer, Forward Base Operation, Bonny, FOB, Captain Yah Cashalla Kirpu, disclosed that the vessel was rescued by the Navy on October 20 when the abduction occurred. According to him, the Commanding Officer, Eastern Naval command, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir deployed men from the FOB and the NNS Centenary for the rescue, adding that efforts were on to rescue the hostages.

Gunmen Abduct Community Leader in Bayelsa

Armed men in military camouflage, October 23, kidnapped a community leader, Chief Geoffrey Agorodi, at Ogbia Town, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. The gunmen allegedly bundled Agorodi into a waiting speedboat at Ogbia Town jetty and sped off after shooting sporadically to scare people away. Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Ogbia clan, Osaanya B. Osaanya, condemned the incident, describing it as one abduction too many in the council. According to him, kidnap incident had become a worrisome development at Ogbia as over five persons were abducted in the past one month. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development, saying investigations were on-going to unmask the identities of the abductors and rescue the victim. He said investigations were on-going to arrest the abductors and rescue the victim.

Police Parades Suspected Kidnapper of Journalist's Wife

The Lagos State Police Command, October 27, paraded a suspected member of the gang that allegedly kidnapped Mrs. Toyin Nwosu, wife of the Deputy Managing Director of the Sun Newspapers. The suspect, Odo Sylvester, a student of the Kogi State University, is presently being detained at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Sylvester, however, denied being a part of the kidnap gang, confessing, however, that he wanted to use the kidnap incident to make some money for himself. The state commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspect alongside 42 other suspects, said the case was being investigated.

Gunmen Abduct Business Man in Delta

A business man, Adetona Olayimika, was, October 28, abducted by unknown gunmen in Ughelli, Delta State. He was said to be on the way to his home when he was abducted. Wife of the victim disclosed that she got a call from a man telling her that her husband was in their custody and that they would get back to me on their demands when their boss arrived. According to the family, no ransom had been demanded by the gunmen.

Robbery

Police Kill Rustler, Recover 224 Cattle in Kano

The police in Kano state have confirmed the killing of one suspected cattle rustler and recovery of 224 heads of cattle. The police said the incident occurred at Nadurku-Gwammo village in Sumaila LGA. The State police commissioner, Muhammadu Katsina, October 23, disclosed that the command recovered 34 sheep and goats from the gang of bandits in the area. He said the deceased rustler was killed during an exchange of gunfire between the special anti-cattle rustling squad and the bandits.

JTF Arrests Nine Suspected Oil Thieves in Delta

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta have arrested nine suspected oil thieves while they were trying to steal crude oil from pipelines belonging to a Delta State-based indigenous oil company. Operatives of the JTF apprehended the suspects in an operation in Ughelli area of the state. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of JTF, Lt-Col. Isa Ado, October 23, said that their arrest was made possible by "credible intelligence" received by the security outfit. The suspects included the driver of the vehicle that reportedly conveyed the suspected vandals to the point where they started the illegal siphoning from the oil pipelines.

Suspected Robbers Attack Ex-LG Boss in Kogi

A gang of armed robbers struck at Itakpe, a community along the Lokoja-Okene Road, attacking the former chairman of Mopamuro LGA, Sogo Williams. The prompt response by a combined security team of the army and mobile policemen saved others from being attacked by the heavily armed robbers. Sogo Williams said the robbers dispossessed him of valuables during the attack. Residents of the community called on security agencies to step up their surveillance as robbery was fast becoming the order of the day in the area.

13 Armed Robbers, Others Nabbed By Police

The Lagos State police command has arrested 13 suspected armed robbers in four operations. Also arrested were 172 street urchins, 17 Cultists, and four impostors in the metropolis. Commissioner of police in charge of the state command, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects on October 27, said some roadside hawkers in traffic gridlocks were robbers who usually disguise themselves with their wares. Owoseni assured that the menace of traffic robbers would soon stop. He warned people not to patronize those who hawk where there was traffic gridlock to avoid being arrested with the seller as such trade was banned by law.

Gang Incidents

Cultists Unleash Mayhem in Lagos, Kill 5

Suspected cultists, October 23, went on rampage in Lagos, killing 5 persons. The cultist allegedly went on rampage at the Igbo-Elerin area after a rival gang shot and killed their leader, simply identified as Skay, on October 22. Angered by the death of their leader, members of the gang stormed a house where they dragged a member of a rival cult gang out of his house and slaughtered him in front of his gate. It was gathered that the cultist raided several relaxation centres searching for members of the rival gang.

Drugs

NDLEA Seizes Cough Syrup, 824 Kg of Hard Drugs in Plateau

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Plateau State Command, October 24, disclosed that it had seized 1,510 bottles of cough syrup and 824 kilogrammes of hard drugs in a recent raid on drug stores. State Commander, Ngozi Madubuike, said the drug stores raided were in Jos-Bukuru metropolis, adding that the NDLEA officers also confiscated psychotropic substances. She explained that the syrup was seized because it contained codeine, noting that it was a controlled drug and was not meant to be sold over the counter. She lamented that most youths who were into drugs buy the cough syrup not to treat cough “but to make them high and prepare them for nefarious activities.’’

NDLEA Seizes 3,500kg of Indian Hemp in Ondo

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ondo State Command, has seized about 3,500kg of Cannabis Sativa also known as Indian hemp between September and October 2015. State Commandant, Muhammed Sokoto, October 25, disclosed that the command also destroyed 36 tonnes of the substance and three Cannabis Sativa plantations within the period. The command also arrested 11 drug suspects, including three females during the period. The NDLEA boss further revealed that the command was collaborating with the Ondo State Government to use the confiscated plantation for cocoa farming under the cocoa revolution initiative of the administration. The commandant, who pointed out that the agency was in the process of rehabilitating drug addicts, disclosed that three of such addicts were still on admission, while three others had been discharged after being certified non-adherent to hard drugs.

Maritime

Navy Arrest 8 for Oil Theft, Impound Vessel with Illegal Crude

Commanding Officer, Forward Base Operation, Bonny (FOB), Captain Yah Cashalla Kirpu, said eight suspected oil thieves in a barge loaded with 3000 metric tonnes of stolen crude around Ogu/Bolo creek in Rivers state have been arrested, with their speed boat impounded. Captain Kirpu, October 23, assured that the FOB, Bonny will continue to make the area uncomfortable for oil thieves. He disclosed that mariners had intensified policing effort on the waterways ahead of the festive season when oil thieves indulge more in illegal oil bunkering activities.

Terrorism

Troops Arrest Four Boko Haram Insurgents on Failed Mission at IDP Camp

Four insurgents have been arrested in Damaturu Yobe State, as they tried to enter the Pompomari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. Alhaji Musa Jidawa, the Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the arrest on October 25. Jidawa disclosed that two suspects initially disguised as visitors to see relations at the camp but were apprehended. He added that two others, who came separately, were also arrested while trying to enter the camp. He explained that “security operatives and some IDPs screening entries and exit from the camp identified the suspects, who were later confirmed as insurgents by the IDPs from their communities.’’

Four Suicide Bombers Die in Car Explosion

A vehicle conveying four suspected suicide bombers heading for Maiduguri, Borno State, October 24, exploded before it could reach its destination. The vehicle was eight kilometres away from Maiduguri before it suddenly exploded and went up in flames killing all the four occupants suspected to be suicide bombers on a mission to Maiduguri. The information officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the Northeast, Mallam AbdulKadir Ibrahim, confirmed that there was an aborted suicide bomb attack at Njimtilo. He also confirmed the death of the four suspects.

Nigerian Military Dislodges Boko Haram from Borno Villages

The Nigerian military has dislodged Boko Haram fighters from their enclaves within some communities of Borno state, North-East. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, October 24, said that the troops of 5 Brigade Nigerian Army have been making tremendous progress towards complete elimination of the terrorists from their hideouts. Usman said that the formation was able to comprehensively destroy all Boko Haram camps and enclaves at the border towns of Kerenowa and Chikun Gudu as well as their contiguous villages in Borno State. He disclosed that the troops, during the on-going operation, discovered and destroyed over 20 well-fortified terrorist camps in Kerenowa.

Adamawa Bomb Blast Death Toll Rises to 33

The casualty figure from the October 23 bomb blast in Jambutu area of Yola, Adamawa State capital, has risen to 33 dead, with at least 90 injured and hospitalized. The State Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Saad Bello, confirmed the death toll. The commissioner for Higher Education in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Abubakar also confirmed that 25 students, including two members of staff of the Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Jambutu Campus, were affected by the bomb blast. He further said out of the total casualties, four students died and 21 were injured, including two members of staff of the Polytechnic where the new mosque was built. The commissioner said the new mosque was built by the members of the Polytechnic community and unfortunately on the day of its commissioning suicide bomber struck leading to the death of several people.

Boko Haram Kills 18 Worshipers in Maiduguri

The terrorist Boko Haram sect, October 23, killed 18 worshippers in a suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.  About 20 others were injured when the suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Jiddari Polo area of the troubled town around 5am.

Blast Kills 5 in Maiduguri

The Borno Police Command has confirmed the killing of five persons in the October 24 suicide attack near Maiduguri. The Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Opadokun, confirmed that there was an explosion when four suspected female suicide bombers detonated explosives at Dala Yazaraye village, near Molai on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Five persons, including the four suicide bombers died in the explosion. Opadokun said security agents had cordoned off the scene. The area has been rendered safe by EOD personnel at the scene.

45 Arrested over Terror Plot in Lagos

The Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested and charged 45 suspects to court over an alleged terrorist plot to attack Lagos state. Sources disclosed that about 60 suspects were picked up from different locations in Lagos by the DSS acting on intelligence information that they were planning to attack Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi. Some of the suspects were released after preliminary investigations, while 45 others were charged before a magistrate court on October 23. The DSS urged the court to remand them in prison pending further investigation and their eventual arraignment before a high court. Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde, has called for the public’s help in ensuring the safety of the residents in the state.

Air Force Strikes Boko Haram Workshop and Ammunition Dumps in Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jets have successfully carried out air strikes and destroyed the Boko Haram sect’s vehicle workshops, fuel and ammunition dumps located within the Sambisa forest. A statement by the Director of Public Relations and  Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, on October 27, said the feat by the force was as a result of a painstaking intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts by the NAF’s Unmanned Aerial vehicle (UAV) and ATR-42 platforms. Alonge said with the successful strikes on the insurgents, their capabilities had been further degraded to pave the way for the final onslaught by the land forces.

Troops Rescue 338 Boko Haram Hostages

The Nigerian Army, October 28, announced that troops at the fringes of Sambisa forest have rescued about 338 people held by Boko Haram as well as killed over 30 Boko Haram terrorists. The Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed that the troops of 28 Task Force Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Bitta and Pridang carried out a successful raid on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages along Bitta and Damboa road at the fringes of Sambisa forest on October 27. The rescued persons, which comprised of male 8, female 138 and children 192, have since been evacuated to Mubi. They also recovered arms and ammunitions during the raid operation which include 1 General Purpose Machine Gun and 2 Dane Guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 6 boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) and 3 cutlasses.

Troops Ambush, Kill Suspected Terrorist

Nigerian troops, based on a tip off, ambushed and killed 4 suspected Boko Haram terrorists on a suicide bombing mission to Gubula, Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. The Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, October 28, disclosed apart from 2 AK-47 rifles recovered, the troops also recovered some Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs), mortar bombs and cash sum of N153,385.00 was retrieved.

Political/Government Agencies

Army Establish Task Force Brigade to Fight Boko Haram

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, October 26, said that the new 29 Task Force Brigade in Beneshiek, Borno, was strategically established to end insurgency. Buratai made the remarks while addressing soldiers deployed to the new brigade in Beneshiek and Ngamdu. The army chief assured the troops that government would provide them with all the necessary kits and equipment to facilitate their success to end insurgency. Buratai charged the soldiers to apply tactics, battle procedure and fire discipline. He assured the civil population that the army would maintain high standard of professionalism in the course of its duties.

Murder/Assassinations

Gateman, 4 Others Kill 32-Year-Old over N32,000 Debt

The Police in Lagos have arrested 5 suspects over the October 22 murder of a 32-year-old man, Lawal Afolabi Kunbi, at Oworo area of Lagos. The principal suspect, Alliu, a security guard, confessed that he and four others killed the deceased to avoid paying him the sum of N32,000  debt owed him for motorcycle purchase. Kunbi reportedly received a phone call from Alliu, informing him to come for his money, but his lifeless body with marks of violence, was reportedly found the next morning behind Alliu’s compound. It was gathered that the blood from the spot where Kunbi’s body was dumped was trailed to Alliu’s apartment. Further checks on his apartment reportedly led to the discovery of a shirt that was stained with blood and a knife suspected to have been used to stab Kunbi to death. Alliu was discovered to be cleaning the blood stain in his apartment when he was arrested. Alliu, who admitted masterminding Kunbi’s death, said that he enlisted the help of his relatives to kill him.  Police spokesman, Joe Offor, said investigations had commenced.

Police Nab Suspected Ritualist over Murder of Hunchback in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a suspected ritualist, Marshal Nwankwo, for allegedly killing a hunchback man, Ukata Iheme, for money making ritual. The suspect, who was said to have committed the crime with another suspect, Emeka Okoye, now at large, allegedly killed and buried the victim. Police spokesman, Onyeke Udeviotu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect was arrested, following information that he was alleged to have been sighted last with the victim before his disappearance. According to the Police, the suspect on interrogation made useful statements that led to the discovery of the grave where the body of the victim was buried. The victim was reported missing on October 10, 2015.

Man Murders Brother in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command, October 24, arrested one Paul Ulegu for the alleged murder of his 27-year-old brother in Abakaliki. The brother reportedly had a fight after the deceased accused the suspect of stealing his chicken. He explained that trouble started when the suspect engaged the deceased in a fight and the suspect eventually slit his throat with a machete. Okafor said the suspects would soon appear in court.

Students Protest as Teacher Flogs Student to Death in Ibadan

Students of IMG Secondary School, Oke Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State, October 28, went on rampage after a student was flogged to death by a teacher. The student reportedly slumped and died as a result of the severe punishment from the teacher for arriving late to school. An eye witness disclosed that trouble started when the student arrived at school after classes had commenced for the day, and he reportedly told the teacher he came late due to illness. But the school’s principal allegedly ordered the teacher to flog the student for coming late. Efforts to revive the student proved abortive. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Police Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the Police were investigating the matter.

Mechanic Stabs Friend to Death over Ex-Girlfriend

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Usman Abubakar, for allegedly stabbing his friend, Adio Jimoh, to death in the Ojo area of the State. The suspect killed Jimoh during a scuffle over Abubakar’s ex-girlfriend, Ayinke. It was learnt that during a reconciliatory meeting, Abubakar beat up Ayinke, who then reported him to his friends. The suspect was allegedly attacked by his friends, during which he stabbed Jimoh to death. The suspect reportedly hid in a police post before he was arrested by policemen from the Ojo division. Jimoh told the police he acted in self-defence and did not mean to kill the victim.

Man Beheads 4-Year-Old Boy

A Magistrate Court sitting in Iragbiji, Osun state has ordered the remand of four suspects in Ilesa Prison custody for allegedly killing a four-year-old boy, Bakare Teslim. The accused persons including 60-year-old Ganiyu Abidoye, Taju Ganiyu (25), Aremu Moshood (48) and Agboola Abdulwasiu (31), were docked October 26 by the Police. The accused persons were said to have kidnapped Teslim on the 9th October, 2015 before beheading him. Magistrate Idowu Ajao remanded the four accused persons in prison and adjourned the case till 21st December, 2015 for mention.

Police Nab 5 Suspected Assassins in Imo

The Imo State police command, October 27, arrested five armed men suspected to be hired assassins in Aladinma Layout of Owerri. Investigations revealed that luck ran out on the armed hoodlums when a crack team of eagle-eyed policemen swung into action soon after getting a credible tip-off and foiled their plan. It was also gathered that the armed gangsters were on the verge of taking off for their operation when the police men arrived and rounded them up.

Imo Police Arrest Killers of Catholic Priest

The Imo State Police Command, October 27, said that it has smashed the killer gang that murdered a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Dennis Osuagwu, in August. Police spokesman, Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that the police stormed the hide-out of the hoodlums after getting a credible tip-off on October 25. Enwerem also disclosed that one Musa Isah, who also bears Yahaya Ibrahim, was identified as the gang leader.

Cop Arrested for Killing Tennis Player

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has ordered the arrest of a policeman, who allegedly shot and killed a tennis player, Beauty Mc-Cleod. The victim, Beauty Mc-Cleod, was said to have been shot by the policeman at a hotel during an altercation on October 25. It was revealed that the tennis star was lodging at the hotel with her daughter when she was killed by the trigger-happy policeman when she challenged the cop for refusing her guest entry into the hotel premises. Police spokesman, Joe Offor, confirmed the incident.

Woman Stabs Native Doctor to Death, Reports Self to Police

A 44-year-old native doctor, simply identified as Owe, was, October 23, stabbed to death in Benin City, Edo state by a woman during a domestic brawl in his residence. The suspect, said to be a friend of the victim’s wife, is now helping the Police in their investigations. The Public Relations Officer for Edo Police Command, Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the story, said the police had commenced full scale investigation into the case. Onwochei disclosed that the attacker turned herself in to the police after the dastardly act.

13 Cultists Remanded for Murder

Thirteen suspected cultists, who allegedly murdered two men before dumping their bodies in a river, were, October 29, remanded in Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos. An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court ordered their remand pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The accused are facing a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, membership of unlawful society, breach of peace and causing grievous harm. According to the prosecutor, Iyobosa Onaiwu, the offences were committed on September 27 at Mile 12, Lagos. Onaiwu added that the accused, believed to be members of Eye Confraternity and Federal Boys cult, had been terrorising the public and dispossessing them of their valuables. Among the dangerous weapons found in their possession were a jack knife, cutlasses and machetes.

Man Remanded in Prison for Murder

The Police in Lagos, October 28, arraigned 24-year-old Lateef Olajumoke, before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates court for shooting a man dead. He was remanded in Ikoyi Prisons. The Court did not take the plea of the accused for lack of jurisdiction, and ordered that he should be kept behind bars pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The accused is facing a two-count charge of murder and conspiracy. The prosecutor, Sergeant Matthew Akhaluode, told the court that the offences were committed on September 30 at Oshodi. He said the accused shot Adekunle Mamora on the head, killing him instantly.

Man Kills, Buries Pregnant Girlfriend

A 39-year-old man, Chamberlin Ojoko, from Ezeakam, Eziudo community in Ezinihitte LGA of Imo State, has been arrested for allegedly killing his pregnant girlfriend, Chinonye Ella (25), through the administration of a local concoction. The suspect, had, on July 20, 2015, taken Chinonye to an uncompleted building where he gave her the local concoction, which he had earlier procured for the abortion. Soon after the concoction was administered on the lady, she started experiencing severe pain in her stomach and eventually died on the spot. The man then buried her close to the building. Feeling that he had accomplished his mission undetected, Ojoko returned to his Port Harcourt base, not knowing that a little girl clearly saw him as he lifted the body of his girlfriend and buried it close to the uncompleted house.

Rape

Police Officer Arrested for Defiling 3-Year-Old Girl

The Ebonyi State police command, October 24, arrested a Police Officer attached to Ugbodo Police Division in Ebonyi LGA for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl. Police spokesman, George Okafor, said the suspect lived in the same compound as the parents of the girl. The suspect was said to have lured the girl into his apartment where he allegedly carried out the act. The policeman reportedly offered to pay N50,000 as compensation to the victim but her family turned down the offer and dragged him to Family Law Centre. It was at that point that the matter was reported to the command which prompted his arrest.

Man, 30, Arrested for Defiling Girl, 6

A 30-year-old man, Chinedu Nweke, has been arrested by the Lagos state police command for allegedly defiling a 6-year-old girl. It was learned that the suspect, a neighbour to the victim, had sent the little girl’s elder brother on an errand and defiled the girl before her brother returned from the errand. It was gathered that the girl’s aunt, whom she lived with, did not file any complaint after she collected money from the suspect to cover the crime. When the Coordinator of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, heard about the case, she contacted the police and got the suspect arrested on October 18.

Court Remands Teacher, 51, For Allegedly Defiling 4 Pupils in Ekiti

A 51-year-old teacher, Mathew Oluyede, was, October 26, remanded in Ado-Ekiti Prisons for allegedly defiling four pupils. Magistrate Taiwo Ajibade, who did not take the plea of the accused, ordered that he should be kept behind bars until the next date of adjournment. The prosecutor, Sergeant Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the accused committed the offence between October 19 and October 21 at Ayetoro-Ekiti in Ido Council Area of the state. According to him, Oluyede defiled four minors of ages between two and nine. He urged the court to remand the accused immediately. The case has been adjourned to November 17 pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Guard Jailed 5 Years for Raping 9-Year-Old Girl

An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court, October 26, sentenced a security guard, Onoja Abel, to five years imprisonment with hard labour without an option of fine for raping a nine-year-old girl. The Chief Magistrate, Victoria Bob-Manuel, sentenced the convict, after he pleaded guilty to rape and assault. The prosecutor, Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the convict had unlawful carnal knowledge of the minor girl after he lured the girl into his room. He raped the girl three times, between September and October 2015.

3 Men Docked over Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl

Three men, Qaudri Yekini, 23, Moses Osagie, 23, and Ebuka Anosike, 20, were, October 26, remanded in prison custody by an Apapa Chief Magistrates Court over the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl in Lagos. The defendants are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual assault preferred against them by the police. Prosecutor, Inspector Tony Idibe, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences between September and October 2015, before they were caught on October 11. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Magistrate Abolarinwa granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 with one responsible surety each in like sum. The case was adjourned till November 25, 2015, for mention.

Boy, 16, Arraigned for Sexually Abuse of Toddler

The police, October 28, arraigned a 16-year-old boy in court for alleged sexual abuse of a toddler.  The accused is standing trial on a charge of gross indecency. The prosecutor, Adama Musa, said one Samuel Zakka of Pegi village, Kuje, Abuja reported the matter at the FCT command on September 22. According to him, the accused deceived and took the two-year-old girl to an uncompleted building and abused her sexually. He said that the accused dipped his finger into her genitals. Musa said that during police investigations into the matter, the girl was taken to the hospital and it was revealed that she was abused sexually. The accused however pleaded not guilty. The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000, with one surety that must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. He adjourned the case to December 17.

Trader, 35, Docked for Allegedly Impregnating 13-Year-Old

A 35-year-old trader, Maharazu Ali, October 28, appeared before a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Katsina for allegedly impregnating a minor. According to reports, the accused lured the minor into his shop and had sexual intercourse with her, an act that resulted to the minor getting pregnant. The FIR stated that hospital examination on the minor confirmed that the minor was eight months pregnant. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Hashimu Musa, said the police were still investigating the matter. The Magistrate, Nafisa Bagiwa, refused to take the plea of the accused. She ordered the case file to be forwarded to the state’s ministry of justice for advice and adjourned the case to November 4.

Man, 42, Arraigned for Impregnating Daughter, 12

The Benue State Police command, October 27, arraigned a 42-year-old-man before a Makurdi magistrate court for allegedly impregnating his twelve-year-old daughter. The accused reportedly defiled two of his daughters, with the older one getting pregnant. The police prosecutor, Omaye Ujata, told the court that one Francis Omanga had reported the matter at the Police. According to Ujata, the accused had constantly forcefully engaged in sexual intercourse with his two daughters, ages 12 and 10. It was gathered that the accused had threatened to kill the victims if they exposed his unholy act. The accused, who had reportedly confessed to the crime, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when the case was mentioned. The magistrate, David Agada, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in the like sum.

Police Arraign 3 Teenagers over Gang Rape of 13-Year-Old

Three teenagers, Elijah Adebowale (15), Suleiman Balogun (16) and Shefiu Adam (14), were October 29, charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over the alleged gang rape of a 13-year-old girl. The suspects are being tried on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor. The Prosecutor, Inspector Rita Momah, told the court that the teenagers and three others, now at large, committed the offences on October 5, in an uncompleted building at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. Momah said that the accused all conspired to lure the 13-year-old to the building, where the six of them took turns with her. The judge, F.A Adeeyo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to December 7, for continuation of hearing.

Lagos Investigates Gang Rape of 18-Year-Old

The Lagos State Government has waded into the case of an 18-year-old girl that was allegedly gang-raped at gunpoint by six men in Shomolu area on October 10, 2015. It was gathered that the 17-year-old was attacked and gang-raped for several hours before she was released by the suspected cultists. Coordinator of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said that the government is wading into the case to ensure that the victim gets justice.

Others

20 Motorcycle Riders Arrested after Clash with Police in Lagos

Over 20 commercial motorcycle riders were arrested around Ajao Estate by the police in connection with the clash between them and the police on October 28. The commercial motorcyclists attacked the policemen with petrol bomb, broken bottles and other weapons, according to residents who witnessed the fight. Fifty-four commercial motorcycles were also impounded by the police. A policeman was injured and a police Armoured Personnel Carrier damaged by the commercial motorcyclists. A team of policemen from the Special Task Force had gone to Carnal area of Ajao Estate to implement the ban on commercial motorcycle operation when the clash started. Police spokesman, Joe Offor, confirmed the arrest of 11 riders and 54 motorcycles.

Two Ekiti Towns Clash over Boundary Dispute

Two neighbouring towns, Oye and Ilupeju Ekiti in Oye LGA of Ekiti State, October 24, engaged each other in a violent battle over boundary lines. The crisis, which had been looming, developed into a bloody clash as the youths of both communities used dangerous weapons in the battle, resulting in various degrees of injuries. It was learnt that some arrests have been made on both sides by the police in order to bring the situation under control. The clash was said to have been caused by commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders in both communities over payment of dues and right to ply some routes.

Osun NSCDC Nabs 7 Suspects

The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six persons for alleged diversion and adulteration of petroleum product. The command’s head of Public Relations and Protocol, Wale Folarin, October 26, stated that the suspects who were driving three trucks containing 22,000 litres of fuel, 15,000 litres of diesel and 33,000 of diesel, were arrested at the Abere, Sekona and Ikire towns respectively. The two suspects, who were arrested at Abere, aroused the suspicion of the NSCDC officials who were on stop and search operation, when the officers discovered alteration of the vehicle number on their way bill.

NSCDC Arrests 13 Suspects for Pipeline Vandalism

The Lagos State command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), October 27, said it has arrested 13 suspected economic saboteurs that specialised in pipeline vandalism. Lagos state commandant, Gabriel Abafi, said that the eight suspects were arrested by the command with 706 plastic kegs of 25 litres each of petrol, around the Badagry area. He disclosed that they were apprehended while attempting to move the product to neighbouring countries of Benin, Togo and Ghana. He advised Nigerians, especially the youths, not to engage in illegalities.

Septuagenarian, 3 Others Apprehended with Human Head in Ekiti

The police, October 29, arraigned a 75-year-old man, James Adeniran, and three others before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ekiti State, for alleged conspiracy and possession of human head. Prosecutor, Caleb Leramo, told the court that the accused persons on October 27 at Iloro-Ekiti, Ijero LGA, conspired and unlawfully had in their possession human head of one Peter Ajayi. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge. Their counsel, Mr Busuyi Ayorinde, urged the court to admit his clients to bail, promising that reliable sureties would be available to take them on bail. The Magistrate, Richard Adegboye, granted bail to each of the accused persons in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each in like sum. Adegboye adjourned the case till November 23 for hearing.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination cases took a surge with despicable killings as was seen when some persons conspired to behead 4-year-old boy. The authorities made few arrested and killed some suspects. Many others remain at large. The south-west recorded more of these incidents.

Rape cases also plunged upward with records of abuse of minors. Thankfully, neighbours were on the watch and the police were able to arrest virtually all known suspects. Government agencies and NGO’s are cooperating to bring perpetrators of this dehumanising act to book. The south-west and north-central regions of the country witnessed more of this incident. However, parents, and mothers especially, are urged to remain on the look for their female children and wards in order to protect them against paedophiles.

Terrorism also maintained its place of the crime index. The activities of terrorist sect, Boko Haram, seemed to have been hampered by the brute force of the Nigerian military in the past few days. However, as they flee the military onslaught in their enclaves, they leave in their trail, harm and destruction of helpless communities and civilians. The north-east remains the endemic region.

Kidnap/hostage incidents took a nose dive, with just a few incidents on record in various parts of the country. But the authorities were resolute in their effort to rescue the victims as some were returned back to their loved ones. The police remain in search of the other victims, with a view to rescuing them unhurt. The south-south recorded more of these incidents.
Every Nigerian and persons resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It is remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.

Villeworth also urges you to remain law abiding and report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities for investigation