Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 46

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	7
2	Robbery	8
3	Gang	3
4	Drugs	6
5	Maritime Incidents	1
6	Terrorism	4
7	Political/Government Agencies
8	Murder/Assassinations	12
9	Rape Incidents	5
10	Others	11
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Kidnap 68-Year-Old Woman in Delta

Unidentified gunmen operating at Emevor in Isoko North LGA of Delta State, November 8, kidnapped a 68-year-old woman, Evelyn Agboro. Officers of the state police command have reportedly been mobilized to search for the victim and apprehend the suspects. According to reports, police detectives immediately swung into action and trailed the suspects, who abandoned their vehicle and fled into the bush with the victim.

APC Chieftain Kidnapped in Imo

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Rev. Emmanuel Ebomuche, has been kidnapped by unknown persons in Imo State. Ebomuche, who once served as Chairman of Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ISOPADEC), is currently the APC Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema LGA. A police source confirmed that the police had commenced investigation.

Gunmen Attack Church, Hospital; Abduct 16-Year-Old Girl

Six armed men, November 8, raided the Holy Trinity Anglican Church and St. Anthony’s Hospital at Amanuke in Anambra State and abducted a 16-year-old girl. The gunmen reportedly assaulted the nurses, patients at the hospital, while at the Anglican Church, they made away with items worth thousands of naira. They assailants later went into the town and raided many shops and homes, including the home of a 70-year-old peasant farmer, Faith Ilomuanya, where they abducted 16-year-old girl, who was staying with her. The whereabouts of the victim was still unknown.

Court Remands 7 Suspected Abductors in Prison

Seven suspects arrested in connection with the September 21 kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, have been remanded in prison custody by an Akure High Court. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), November 10, informed the court of his decision to withdraw the earlier charges preferred against the suspects and replace them with new one. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution team, led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Akinladapo Ogunleye, asked the court to give them few days to enable them present their witnesses. Presiding judge, Justice William Olamide, adjourned the case to December 2 and ordered that the suspects be kept in prison custody until the adjourned date.

Two Siblings Abducted in Calabar

Two siblings at Efut-Abua Street in the Calabar-South area of Cross River State were, November 10. The victims, Etido Asuquo, aged five; and four-year-old Esther, were abducted after school hours. The abductors, it was learnt, had positioned themselves at the school gate waiting for the pupils to finish classes before they struck. An eyewitness, Michael Solomon, explained that the kids were taken away by two unarmed men who pretended to assist the children cross the road. The mother of the abducted children, Nyeti Etim, raised the alarm around 5pm when she did not see her children after school hours. The Head Teacher of the school, Asari Eta, said the police had been contacted while investigations were ongoing.

Kidnapped RCCG Pastor Regains Freedom

The kidnapped pastor of Redeemed Christian Church (RCCG), New Anointing Chapel, Yenagoa, Pastor Mark Christmas, was released on November 5, after 20 days in captivity. Pastor Christmas was abducted on October 19 alongside two others, in his home town of Biseingbene, a riverine community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State. Christmas, November 11, described his release as miraculous, stressing that no ransom was paid.

Police Nab Member of Child Trafficking Syndicate

An observant driver foiled plans by a 25-year-old woman to sell a one-week-old baby boy, who was stolen in Onitsha, Anambra State. Trouble started for the suspect, identified as Nkechi Obi, after the driver of the vehicle she chartered from Asaba to Lagos became suspicious when he observed that she never breastfed the baby, even though the child cried ceaselessly during the six-hour journey to Lagos. Not satisfied with her incoherent explanation, the driver was said to have alerted some policemen in Lagos. The police subjected the suspect to interrogation during which it was discovered that the baby was not hers. Preliminary investigation revealed that the baby was stolen from his biological mother, who fled home on discovering she was pregnant. The suspect, November 11, claimed that the baby was given to her by her boss in Onitsha to take to a ready buyer in Lagos.

Robbery

Six Armed Robbers Arrested in Ogun

Six armed robbers were, November 6, arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects specialised in robbery and snatching of cars at Ire-Akari Community and other areas of Ado Odo/ Ota. The suspects were reportedly arrested by the police operatives after a tip-off from the community and a thorough surveillance placed on the suspects throughout the night. Adejobi disclosed at least four out of the suspected armed robbers had been identified by victims of their various operations. A black Golf 3 car, weapons and assorted charms were recovered from them.

Police Arrest 3 Traffic Robbers in Lagos

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command have arrested three suspected members of a robbery gang that specialized in attacking motorists and commuters trapped in traffic around Ikoyi area of the state. The suspects were arrested in their hideout around Bourdillon while preparing for an operation on November 7. Four cutlasses, axes and iron rods used in breaking victims’ cars’ windscreens were recovered from the suspects. The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, the suspects were arrested following complaints from members of public on incessant in-traffic robbery attacks around the axis. According to him, his men laid an ambush, which led to the arrest of the suspects. Others manage to escape arrest.

Navy Hands over Robbery Suspects to Police in Warri

The Nigerian Navy, November 12, handed over two armed robbery suspects to the Delta State Police Command. The suspects were alleged to be members of a gang terrorising night shoppers and staff at the Shoprite mall in Effurun. The navy, in two other separate operations on crude oil thieves and illegal refineries in their area of jurisdiction, destroyed volumes of stolen crude and refined products. Commodore Raimi Mohammed, Commander, NNS Delta, confirmed the raids.

2 Armed Robbers Nabbed in Kebbi

Two armed robbers terrorising Marafa Community in Fakai LGA of Kebbi State were arrested after the community mobilized and captured them on November 8. The two robbers, according to some community members, have been operating in the area, unleashing terror by attacking local people during market days with dangerous weapons.

Robbers Attack School, Kill Security Guards

Suspected armed robbers, November 8, attacked the Olofin Grammar School, Idanre in Ondo State and killed two night guards of the school before proceeding to steal all the computers that were newly purchased by the state government. The attack was the second time robbers would attack and rob public secondary schools in the state. The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Femi Joseph, confirmed that the command had begun investigations.

Niger Police Nab 7 Cattle Rustlers, Others, Recover 205 Cattle

The Niger State Police Command, November 7, disclosed that it had arrested 7 suspected cattle rustlers and recovered two hundred and five cattle, 121 sheep from the rustlers in two operations. Police Spokesman, Bala Elkana, revealed that 143 cattle and 71 sheep were recovered in an operation at Kudami forest, of Munya LGA, while 62 cows and 50 sheep were recovered after the arrest of one Yunusa Nono in the second operation. Nono is described as a notorious cattle rustler. Elkana disclosed that 6 other suspects were arrested in the two operations with five motorcycles and four cutlasses, while four others were arrested during another offensive against armed robbery.

Ex-Convict Nabbed for Robbery Day after Release

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 39-year-old Segun Adeleke for allegedly robbing a motorcyclist in Oyo town. Adeleke had served two separate jail terms and his latest arrest came a day after he completed a five-year jail term. According to police authorities, he was released from prison on November 4, 2015 and allegedly committed robbery the following day. While parading the suspect and others, the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said Adeleke was arrested during an unsuccessful robbery. The suspect barricaded the road with logs of wood waiting for the suspect. He tried to overpower his victim by stabbing him with a broken bottle but despite his injury, the victim raised the alarm which eventually led to his arrest. The suspect confirmed that he had served two jail terms of seven years for robbery.

Fulani Men Arrested for Robbery in Ibadan

Three Fulani men were, November 11, paraded along with other suspects for armed robbery by the Oyo State Police command. The suspects were alleged to have been involved in series of robbery operations at Ajebamidele-Atogun road in Oyo State. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, also paraded a male undergraduate student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, who allegedly broke into female hostels, raped and stole their properties.

Gang Incidents

Police Nab 5 Suspected Cultists in Lagos

Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID Panti, Yaba, made a break through following the arrest of five notorious cultists in Oshodi area of Lagos state. Their arrest came after the gang unleashed mayhem in Oshodi while attacking a rival cult group. According to Police sources, the cultists were arrested by the Police in different parts of Oshodi with charms, cutlasses, and a military emblem which they used during their operations.

Police Nab Cultist, Teenager in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, November 6, arrested a 15-year-old girl for concealing a locally-made pistol that belonged to her cultist boyfriend, Ofonime Eton (23). The teenager was said to have concealed the firearm in her handbag when the police intercepted a tricycle she and her boyfriend had boarded. The girl revealed that her boyfriend was a cultist but that she had not seen him with a gun before that day. Eton equally confessed that he was a member of a cult known as KK. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Cordelia Nwawe, who confirmed the arrest, also disclosed that two ladies were also arrested for being in possession of hemp.

Police Arrested 7 Suspected Cultists in Lagos

Officers of Lagos State Police Command have arrested seven notorious cultists, after they allegedly broke into the shop of a woman they referred to as Iron Lady. While parading the suspects on November 12, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the suspects were arrested in an effort to reduce cultism and street fights. Owoseni added that after profiling the suspected cultists, police discovered that some of them were connected with previous murder cases during the last electoral campaigns in the state. However, all the suspects denied being cultists.

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs 22, Seizes 77.99kg of Illicit Drugs in Gombe

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gombe State Command arrested 22 suspects and seized 77.99kg of illicit drugs between July and October 2015. The state commander, Aliyu Adole, November 10, disclosed that the agency had expanded its operations to the rural communities in Dadin-Kowa of Yamaltu/Deba and Dukku LGAs. Adole expressed appreciation to the residents of the area for their support and cooperation to the agency, which he said, had assisted the agency to discharge its duties effectively. According to him, all suspects have appeared in court alongside the outstanding 36 pending cases that included those that were arrested between January and June.

22 Drug Suspects Convicted in Abia State

The Abia State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bamidele Akingbade, has disclosed that the command successfully prosecuted 22 drug suspects in the last three months. Akingbade, November 10, disclosed that among the 22 convicts, four were given an option of fine while 18 were to serve between six months and five years jail terms. The commander said that 69 drug suspects were arrested within the period. He lamented the involvement of hotels, especially in Aba, as the base for drug couriers.

Police Arraign Six over Possession, Smoking Indian Hemp

The Police in Ogun State, November 12, docked six men before an Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged possession and smoking of Indian hemp. The prosecutor, Sergeant Ebibomino Itaita, told the court that the accused and others still at large committed the offences on October 14. Itaita said the accused were found smoking weed suspected to be Indian hemp in the public. The accused, however, all pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Funke Odubanjo, granted the accused persons N500,000 bail, with two sureties in like sum, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Odubanjo said that one of the sureties must be a close relation of the accused, produce one year tax clearance and swear to an affidavit of means. She also said that the addresses of the sureties should be verified and adjourned the case till December 21.

NDLEA Recovers N59m Worth of Cocaine Hidden in Bottles

Two suspected drug traffickers have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for smuggling 6.6 kilogrammes of cocaine into the country. The suspects, Michael Okwuma and Chidiebere Nwajagu, allegedly smuggled the drugs into the country from Brazil. While Okwuma hid the drugs inside wooden frames, Nwajagu was said to have concealed same in cartons of whisky bottles. It was gathered that the drugs were uncovered at the MMIA during an inward screening of passengers on board a South African Airways and an Emirates flight. The NDLEA Commander at the MMIA, Ahmadu Garba, who confirmed the arrests, put the street value of the drugs at N59m.

Court Remands Two for Laundering Drug Money

A Federal High Court in Lagos, November 11, ordered the remand of two men, Ikenna Ozoh and Ogbo Obiora, in prison custody for allegedly laundering about N128m, said to be the proceeds of illegal narcotics business. The remand of the two followed their arraignment on four counts of money laundering by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The agency specifically accused Obiora of collaborating with one Chinedu, who is now at large, to conceal N128m in his (Obiora’s) personal savings bank account with Diamond Bank. The accused persons were said to have committed the offence between 2014 and 2015. Ikenna and Obiora were said to have been arrested on September 9, 2015 at the MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos State, during the outward clearance of passengers on board an Etihad Airline flight to Brazil. Ikenna and Obiora, however, pleaded not guilty to the four counts preferred against them. Justice Saliu Saidu admitted both Ikenna and Obiora to bail in the sum of N20m with two sureties each in like sum.

Man Jailed Three Months for Illegal Drugs Possession

A Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, November 14, sentenced a 26-year-old man, Jelje Danladi, to three months imprisonment over the illegal possession of 199.9 grammes of cannabis. Danladi was also found with 250 grams of Tramadol, a psychotropic substance. He was first arraigned on July 10, but pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of illegal possession of the drugs. The prosecuting counsel, Sarah Oketola, tendered the exhibits, certificate of test analysis, request for scientific Aid form and the accused person’s confessional statement. The Judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa, sentenced the accused to three months imprisonment on both counts. He ordered that the sentences were to run concurrently, without an option of fine.

Maritime

Navy Hands over 6 Seized Vessels, 15 Suspected Oil Thieves to NSCDC

The Nigerian Navy, November 8, handed over six vessels and 15 suspected oil thieves to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution. Captain Olusegun Soyemi, Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, said that the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal bunkering. He said that one of the suspects was arrested while discretely discharging about 108, 000 litres of diesel from a large wooden boat into five vessels without license at a private jetty situated opposite the busy Slaughter market around Trans-Woji area in Port Harcourt on October 18. The vessels, MV Denis, MV Faith, MV Lum VII, MV Eliora, and FP Comfort had no approval from Navy headquarters for the transaction, he disclosed. Soyemi said that the prime suspect had provided useful information during preliminary investigations.

Terrorism

Troops Clear IEDs in Borno

The Nigerian Army said it had cleared Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) buried along the road that linked new Marte-Dogongida-Kerenowa in Borno State. A statement issued by the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Tukur Gusau, on November 11 indicated that the troops, after clearing Boko Haram terrorist camps in Kerenowa, also embarked on clearance of IEDs buried along the road that links New Marte-Dogongida-Kerenowa. Gusau also said that the troops had also arrested five suspected terrorists in another operation in Gudunbali in Baga LGA. The statement stated that troops of 115 Task Force Battalion under 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force have arrested five fleeing suspected Boko Haram terrorists and a family of a terrorist after they were abandoned due to military offensive.

Women Suicide Bombers Kill 3 in Cameroon Mosque Attack

Three people, November 9, died when two women suicide bombers attacked a mosque in Fotokol a town in northern Cameroon, security sources said. While one successfully detonated her bomb, the second one was neutralised and killed. The attack occurred about 24 hours after two suicide bombers left two people dead and 14 injured across the border in the Chadian town of Ngouboua. Both Ngouboua and Fotokol have come under attack several times from Boko Haram fighters in the past.

Troops Arrest Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist

Troops of 23 Brigade Special Battalion, November 9, caught a wanted Boko Haram terrorist, Ishaku Wardifen, in Maiha, Adamawa State. According to the Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspected terrorist is a Cameroonian citizen. Usman said another suspect, Chindo Bello, was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by Aviation Security as he was boarding flight to Lagos. Both suspects have been handed over to military intelligence for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Army Rescues 20 Persons, Clears Terrorists Enclaves

The Nigerian Army, November 7, said it had rescued 20 abducted persons, after clearing four more suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ enclaves in Borno. Col. Tukur Gusau, the Media Coordinator of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ who disclosed this, said that the rescued persons, including 14 children and six women, were held in captivity by the terrorists before they were rescued by the army. Gusau said that the rescue was part of the continuation of the military offensive to clear the Boko Haram terrorists from the North-East. According to him, troops of the 103 Battalion under 21 Brigade had conducted a 23-kilometer wide clearance operation in Rigaga and its adjourning villages in Bama axis. The army also recovered materials for making Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in other operations around Lagaran Fulani and Ango Baya villages.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Vigilante Lynched after Killing Father, Son in Aba

A member of a local vigilante group in Aba, Abia State, has been lynched by an irate mob for allegedly killing two and injuring another person with his gun. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the mob also set ablaze a building belonging to the late vigilante member. It was gathered that the deceased was a member of a local vigilante in Ohanku area, popularly known as Aguleri Vigilante and was alleged to have gone on a lone operation to arrest a suspected criminal, identified as Ahuama Augustine, and to recover allegedly stolen items. But he reportedly met stiff opposition from the suspect and his father. He was said to have fired a shot that killed both father and son. He was later overpowered and set ablaze, while the mob identified his residence and also set it on fire.

8 Killed as Violence Erupts in Taraba over Elections Tribunal Verdict

At least eight persons died in Wukari town, Taraba State as violence broke out following the judgment of Elections Petitions Tribunal, which nullified the election of Governor Darius Ishaku. The tribunal, sitting in Abuja, November 7, quashed the election of Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Aisha Alhassan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the poll. Some touts were said to have taken advantage of the anti-ruling protests to unleash mayhem while some residents fled their homes for safety. Former Vice Chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, Alhaji Tanimu Danlele, confirmed that at least eight people lost their lives and more than 30 others were injured in the crisis. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the violence.

Policeman Killed, Patrol Van Torched as Pirates Invade Afikpo

A policeman was killed and property worth thousands of Naira was destroyed when suspected pirates invaded Afikpo in Ebonyi State on November 6. The pirates reportedly entered the community through Ndibe beach, armed with machine guns mounted on their flying boats. They had killed a Police Inspector, abducted two persons, and destroyed properties before they were reportedly over-powered by the police. The state Commissioner of Police, Peace Abdallah, led a combined team of Army and Police to Afikpo for an on-the-spot assessment of the area and reinforcement of policemen.

Bus Drivers Protest Alleged Killing of Colleague by Soldier in Rivers State

Commercial activities came to a halt in Port Harcourt, Rivers State as commercial bus drivers took to the streets to protest the November 8 killing of their colleague by a yet-to-be identified soldier at Rumuokoro. The bus driver was reportedly shot dead by a soldier because he allegedly drove against the traffic which triggered a spontaneous protest by drivers. Commercial bus drivers withdrew their buses from several routes in Port Harcourt and ObioAkpor LGA in solidarity with the protesters. Some of the protesters lamented that commercial bus operators had become targets of trigger happy security operatives on the roads.

Court Remands Man in Prison for Murder

An Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a 24-year-old man, Lateef Olajumoke, for the alleged murder of one Adekunle Mamora, a close aide to the Oshodi chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya. The Magistrate, K.A. Ariyo, ordered that Olajumoke be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The deceased was shot dead on September 30 after he was attacked by a gang of three. The killer gang abandoned his corpse on his car without stealing any item from him. It was reported that the deceased was killed as a reprisal for the death of a factional leader of the NURTW, Olayemi Eniola. The matter was adjourned till December 1, 2015.

Farmer Arraigned for Attempted Murder

A 27-year-old farmer, Mohammed Abdullahi, was, November 10, arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court for allegedly attempting to kill a herdsman, Shaibu Zakariyau. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Mathew Ologbonsaye, told the court that the accused hacked the victim on the neck, hand and head with a machete. The prosecutor said that the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. The defence counsel applied for bail for the accused, but the prosecuting counsel objected, urging the court to remand him, pending the outcome of investigations. Magistrate Kalejaiye Yahaya upheld the submission of the defence and admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum. The court adjourned the case till November 18, for further mention.

Mob Lynches Cow Thief in Katsina

A mob, November 8, lynched a middle aged man suspected of being in possession of a stolen cow when he attempted to sell it at Charanchi village in Charanchi LGA, Katsina State. The man was alleged to belong to a gang of cattle rustlers who stole cattle from Runka village. An eyewitness disclosed that the mob attacked the suspected cattle thief shortly after somebody identified the cow he brought for sale as being among those rustled. People whose cattle was stolen sometimes find such cows in the market. Attempts to prevent the killing of the suspected cattle thief by officials of the market and some security operatives were fruitless as the crowd defied all appeals and continued to rain blows on him until he died.

Man, 38, Arraigned for Murder

A 38-year-old man, Jamiu Adedumoye, has been arrested and charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court for killing one Olayemi Matthew Eniola in Lagos during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in April 2015. According to the police, the case was reported and investigated by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), but no arrest was made at the time. Subsequently, the case was transferred to Federal Anti-robbery Squad, which led to the initial arrest of one Murtala Aweniya. This arrest led to the arrest of Jamiu Adedumoye. During interrogation, Adedumoye reportedly confessed to killing Eniola with hammer and wood. The presiding Magistrate, Ms Abimbola Awogboro, remanded him in Ikoyi Prison, while the case was adjourned till December 14.

Woman, 27, Dies from Acid Attack by Boyfriend

A 27-year-old woman, Ladi Moses, who was bathed with acid by her boyfriend, has died from the burns sustained during the attack. Ladi died on November 10 at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, where she was receiving treatment for first degree acid burns. The deceased was attacked recently by a young man at the old Nigeria Prison Service Yard, Wadata area of Makurdi town, where she lived with her parents. The suspect reportedly called her out of the house, but when she approached him, he promptly brought out a bottle and emptied its contents, suspected to be acid, on her. The suspect quickly fled the scene, but the vigilante group in the area mounted a search for him. He was eventually caught and handed over to the police. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Matthew Oku, had earlier confirmed the attack and the arrest of the suspect.

Herdsmen Sack 9 Kogi Communities, Kill 22

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, November 9, sacked nine farming communities in Dekina LGA of Kogi state, killing 22 persons. The herdsmen were said to have carried out the attack in the early hours of the day. Most of the displaced community members have reportedly taken refuge in neighbouring areas. The affected communities are: Agojeju, Ikpoba, Ojeh, Ajomojayi, Ajadaji, Idochi, Ojiyanawo, Ulaja and Oganenigu in Dekina/Bassa Federal constituency of the state.

Woman Sells Grandson to Ritualists, Supervises Killing

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a woman for allegedly selling her three-year-old grandson and supervising his killing by ritual killers. The woman, who was arrested and taken into custody, said she sold the boy for N100, 000. The woman was reported to the police after she told her landlady that the toddler was missing and that they should not bother looking for him. Following her response, the landlady became suspicious and invited the village elders. The confessed that she needed a lady’s motorcycle before the end of the year, which prompted her to sell the boy for N100,000. She further confessed that she sold the child to a native doctor in Akwa Ibom, who killed him in her presence.

Man, 39, Remanded in Prison for Alleged Murder

An Evboriaria Magistrate’s Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, November 12, remanded one Lucky Jerry (39), in prison custody for allegedly killing one Aimuanmwosa Otabor. Police prosecutor, Aigbedion Obakpolor, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 19, 2013. He alleged that the suspect shot the deceased with a single-barrelled gun. The trial magistrate, Mrs. F. O. Idiake, noted that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, and ordered that the case file be sent to Director of Public Prosecution for advice. She adjourned the case to December 30.

Rape

Five Men Rape 5 and 3 Year-Old Sisters

A five-year-old girl has accused five of her father’s colleagues of rape. The victim was allegedly raped alongside her three-year-old sister. It was learnt that the victims and their father lived in the same compound with the suspects who all work in the same company. Father of the victims said he was disappointed when he found out that his colleagues raped his daughters that he left in their care because he had no wife. The angry father disclosed that he discovered the alleged rape when his daughters started complaining about pains in their genitals. The girls reported that the suspects threatened to kill them if they told their father what was going on. The suspects, who were paraded by at Lagos State headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), however, denied the allegations. The Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Gabriel Abafi, said that a preliminary check revealed that there were bruises in the minors’ genitals.

Evangelist Arrested over Rape of 13-Year-Old

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested an evangelist alleged to have raped a 13-year-old girl in Marraraba, Karu LGA of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Sani Mohammed, November 9, disclosed that the suspect was invited to stay with the girl’s family in Marraraba, based on trust, but abused the privilege by forcefully having carnal knowledge of the minor. The Commissioner, who claimed that the suspect had confessed to committing the crime, said that the evangelist had earlier told investigators that he was trying to remove demons from the girl. Mohammed said that investigation had been concluded on the matter and the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Man, 50, Rapes 2-Year-Old Girl

A 50-year-old man, Okon Michael, has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police command for raping a two-year-old girl. Michael was paraded at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan, on November 12. Michael, who confessed to the crime, said that he was under the influence of an evil spirit when he committed the crime. He was paraded alongside other suspects arrested for offences, ranging from illegal possession of firearms, Indian hemp to armed robbery and theft. While parading the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, said the suspects were arrested at various locations in the state through sustained patrol and intelligence sharing.

Police Sergeant Rapes Neighbour’s 9-Year-Old Daughter

Officers of the Edo State Police Command are investigating a sergeant, Umoru Babalola, who allegedly raped a nine-old-girl. Edo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, November 10, ordered the arrest of the sergeant, following a report from the girl’s mother that the policeman, who was her neighbour, allegedly lured her daughter and raped her in his apartment. According to the mother, she was told that Sergeant Umoru had sent her daughter to buy him recharge card. But she got worried when the girl did not return. She added that she decided to look for her daughter in Umoru’s apartment. She reported that she peeped through the window and saw him naked with her daughter crying. She immediately raised an alarm and neighbours forced him to open the door. The victim was taken to the hospital where it was confirmed that she was raped.

Mob Beat Up, Arrest Teacher over Attempted Rape of Minor

A school teacher in Lagos, Benedict Ekpenyong, was, November 10 arrested by the police after a mob beat him up for allegedly locking up a female pupil in his room and attempting to rape her. It was learnt that the 14-year-old pupil had been lured by Ekpenyong to his apartment at about 12pm, after which he locked the door. His neighbours, sensing foul play, mobilized and forced the door open to find that Ekpenyong had attempted to have rape the minor. The teacher was reportedly beaten by the mob before he was dragged to the Police. A resident disclosed that that the neighbours became angry because Ekpenyong had a habit of bringing schoolgirls and locking them up in his room during school hours.

Others

NSCDC Prosecutes 8 Pipeline Vandals in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it is currently prosecuting eight suspected pipeline vandals in the state. The command’s spokesperson, Orndiir Tezungwe, who disclosed this on November 9, said the suspects were arrested in Igabi and Chikun LGAs of the state. The spokesman also said that six other vandals had been convicted after they were found guilty by a court in Kaduna. Tezungwe said that the command had carried out series of sensitisation campaigns in communities known for pipeline vandalism, particularly in Kaduna North, Igabi and Chikun LGAs.

Multiple Oil Spills in Bayelsa

Fear has gripped indigenes of Kalaba/Ayamabele and Akumoni communities of Okordia clan in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State following reported multiple oil spills from a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). According to the natives, the spills occurred between November 2 and 3, 2015 from 12 ruptured points on the pipeline. The cause of the spills could not be immediately confirmed. The oil spill, according to the locals, is spreading fast within the swampy environment aided by the current flood. A community source, disclosed that they had attempted to address many of the issues with Agip but there were no positive results yet.

NSCDC Confirms Arrest of 8 for Oil Theft, Adulterations

The Bayelsa Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), November 10, confirmed the arrest of eight suspects over their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering and selling of adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). According to the command, the eight suspects were arrested in two separate operations in the Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa LGAs of the state. While some suspects were arrested on Yenagoa-Mbiama Road while discharging adulterated petrol at Lion Filling Station, the others were arrested at the Otuegwe community in Yenagoa while being involved in illegal bunkering activities, with over 33 jerry cans, a motorcycle, long hoses and three wheelbarrows seized. The state commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, said the suspects were arrested on November 7.

Government Officials, Traders Clash in Anambra

At least 30 people sustained injuries, while goods and property worth millions of naira were destroyed when traders opposed to imposition of Caretaker Committee at the New Auto Spare Parts market Nkpor, November 10, clashed with government officials sent by the Anambra State government to inaugurate a Caretaker Committee appointed to run the market. Thugs cashed-in on the clash to loot shops. The traders had protested against government imposition of Caretaker Committee, suspension of their election, and alleged refusal by the former market administration to render account of over ten years of their stewardship. They appealed to Governor Obiano to prevail on the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS to allow them conduct their election according to their constitutional provision.

Five-Year-Old, Couple Drown in Neglected Canal

A five-year-old girl and a couple have drowned in an uncovered canal at the Ewekoro end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ogun State. The little girl, Aliyah Hussein, was returning from Abeokuta with her parents on November 1 when she and her mother slipped on the edge of the canal and fell into it. It was also gathered that a yet-to-be-identified couple also drowned in the canal on November 2. Residents of Ewekoro have lamented the failure of the state authorities to put a slab on the open part of the canal to prevent fatal accidents.

Enugu Police Recover Ammunition in Commercial Bus

The Enugu State Police Command, November 9, said that it has recovered 80 rounds of live cartridges hidden inside a bag in a commercial bus. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said the cartridges were recovered by officers during a stop and search exercise along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway. Amaraizu said that while the search was going on, one of the occupants of the bus suspected to be the owner of the ammunition discretely ran into the bush. He appealed to commuters, drivers and motor park owners to be wary of people, who pose as passengers in parks while carrying dangerous items. Amaraizu also called on the public to volunteer information that would lead to the arrest of individuals, who constitute security threat.

Police Arrest 44 Pro-Biafra Protesters in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, has said that no fewer than 44 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were arrested during the November 10 pro-Biafra protest in Port Harcourt. The police chief denied reports of the killing of some protesters in the state. Kimo said those arrested during the protest have already been charged to court and remanded in prison custody. The police commissioner warned against all forms of protests in the state, pointing out that anyone caught will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country.

8 Illegal Immigrants, 18 Others Arrested in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have arrested eight illegal immigrants, who are part of a 26-man gang that has been terrorising residents of Rivers State. Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, the commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, who announced the arrest on November 10, said the arrested illegal immigrants are from the Republic of Niger, while others claim to be Nigerians. Ibrahim, who was represented by the NNS Pathfinder’s Base Operations Officer, Commander Chidi Ejiofor, stated that members of the gang were arrested during a raid of criminal hideouts in the state capital, adding that the arrest followed an intelligence report of incessant terror campaigns by the group. He said that the suspects had been handed over to operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for investigation and deportation of the aliens.

Police Arraign 7 over Pro-Biafra Protest

Seven persons have been arraigned by the Police before a Chief Magistrate court in Port Harcourt for their alleged role in the November 10 pro-Biafra protest in Port Harcourt by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The suspects were charged for conspiracy and breach of peace. Count one accused them of conspiring to “levy war against the Federal Government”, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004. In count two, they were accused of “unlawfully demonstrating and chanting “war songs” and the need for a Biafra nation, causing panic in the neighbourhood. Business and commercial activities in the state capital and its environs were brought to an abrupt end for several hours following the face-off between the protesters and security agents as commuters were forced to trek long distances to their destinations.

Woman Arrested for Trading in Stolen Petroleum Products

A woman, Toyin Olatunbosun (45), alleged to have been a frequent receiver of stolen petrol from vandals has been arrested by the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ogun State. According to the NSCDC spokesman, Kareem Olanrewaju, the woman was arrested with “exhibits” which served as evidence. He said the woman and her husband were involved in the shady business, adding that the woman had confessed that her husband and some other people normally go out at night and scoop petrol for her to sell. The woman was caught with more than 2,000 litres of petroleum products stored in her house at the time of the arrest.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination maintained its place at the top of the crime index. The Police maintaining its resolve, made some to keep the society safe, arrested key suspects. Most have been charged to court for their various roles in the killing of their victims. This was witnessed across the country.

Robbery took its toll on the citizens as activities of men of the underworld lingered. Some communities made bold to mobilise and apprehend suspects. The authorities equally arrested known suspects and killed a few in gun battle. The south-west and south-east were immensely affected by this peril.

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued as gunmen took hostages in various regions of the country. It is also cheering that some hostages regained their freedom with no ransom paid. The vigilance of a driver also saved a baby from the hands of traffickers ready to sell him to a willing buyer. The suspected child trafficker, with network from the south-east to the south-west, was arrested.

Drug related crimes took a downward plunge as their activities were hampered by vigilance of the Nigerian Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), successfully prosecuted about 28 drug suspects in various parts of the country.
Every Nigerian and persons resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It is the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.

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