Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 49

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Abducted Mother of U-23 Coach Regains Freedom

The kidnapped mother of Samson Siasia, Nigeria’s Under 23 football team coach, has regained her freedom. Madam Beauty Siasia, aged 72, was kidnapped on November 16 at her Odoni country home in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State by three armed men. The septuagenarian was rescued on November 28 along the East-West road by men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Bayelsa State Police command where she was abandoned by her captors. Spokesman of the state police command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development. He added that she was hale and hearty, and had been reunited with her family. He further disclosed that the Police had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Boy, 8, Rescued from Kidnappers, 1 Suspect Arrested

Operatives of Imo Security Network (ISN), in collaboration with Imo Community Watch (ICW), have rescued an eight-year-old boy, who was kidnapped by hoodlums. One suspect, Chinedu Oguka, was nabbed by the security operatives and handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. The boy’s aunt, Ngozi Enebili, December 6, disclosed that she had pleaded with one Emeka to escort the boy to school, but he absconded with the boy. It was gathered that the said Emeka had handed the boy over to Ogbuka. The kidnappers had demanded N350,000 as ransom for his release. Ogbuka was nabbed as he allegedly went to collect the ransom, which placed at the designated point by the parents of the boy. His arrest led to the rescue of the boy.

Ogun Police Arrest 3 Women with 26 Children

The Ogun State Police Command, November 30, paraded three women, who were arrested with 26 underage children wearing veil (Hijab). They were alleged to have come from Kano State and were heading for Lagos State before they were apprehended by observant people, who then called in the police. Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at a motor park at Ibafo in Obafemi-Owode LGA of the state while planning to take the children to Lagos. He said the suspects; Zainab Ahmad, 18, Aisha Abdullahi, 55, and Zuliat Abdulmalik, 45, were allegedly taking the children comprising 25 girls and one boy, aged between 8-10 years, from Kano to Lagos State for menial jobs.

Stylist Docked for Abducting 14-Year-Old Girl

A 23-year-old woman, Boluwatife Adewale, who abducted a 14-year-old girl, was on December 2, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for abduction. The prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offence was committed between September and November at Abule-Egbeda area, a suburb of Lagos. Iseghede said that the victim had eloped with a boy; who after a week abandoned her and ran away.  The accused met her wandering, and instead of taking her to the nearest police station, she decided to accommodate her. Iseghede told the court that the victim was sighted by her mother’s friend.  The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. Elias also ordered that the victim be remanded at the Correctional Home for Girls, Idi-Araba in Lagos, and adjourned the case till December 16 for mention.

Driver Arrested for Plotting Boss’s Kidnap

A suspected kidnapper, Solomon Michael, who was paraded alongside four others at the Lagos State Police command, Ikeja, has confessed that he plotted the kidnap of his boss because she maltreated him. The suspect, who was paraded alongside Ibrahim Sozza, Thankgod Husseni, Paul Brutus and Suleiman Mohammed, for allegedly robbing and kidnapping one Alhaja Modupe Idris, a business tycoon in Idumota and her sister, Alhaja Risikat Laminu, confessed that he planned with four others, who assisted him in carrying out the robbery and kidnapping. Solomon had worked for Alhaja Idris for two years. To perfect his plans, he connived with Emmanuel, a leader of an armed robbery gang, who is now at large to assist him. They also collected N1.2 million, and other valuables from her before taking them to a bush somewhere at Ijebu-Ode area.

Delta Police Arrest Alleged Kidnapper in Edo

Detectives attached to the Special Anti–Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a kidnap suspect involved in several kidnappings in Benin City, Edo State, and Asaba and Oghara towns in Delta State. Police seized the suspect involved in the abduction of one Macquain Obi on October 14 in Benin City. The kidnap gang collected N2 million as ransom before releasing the victim. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, December 2, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that detectives tracked him to Benin on November 11. She further disclosed that the suspect has confessed to the crime and his involvement in other kidnapping cases in Benin, Asaba, and Oghara.

Kidnap Victim Abandoned, Rescued

Investigation is in progress while efforts are on to track down members of a kidnap gang in Delta State. This comes after the kidnap of a former Commissioner in defunct Bendel state and publisher, Dr. Idodo Umeh, who was abandoned by the kidnappers after their vehicle was involved in an accident. Delta State Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, December 2, disclosed that a police patrol team and local vigilante recovered a locally made single barrel gun and two vehicles when they combed the surrounding bush near the scene.

3 Women Docked for Stealing Week-Old Baby

Three women, Nkechi Obi (25), Patience Nwogbo (58) and Ogechi Njoku (45), were December 2, charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a week-old baby. The suspects, who all reside in Owerri, Imo State, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, deprivation of liberty and child stealing. The accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the offences were committed on November 3. Imhonwa said that one of the accused, Obi, had travelled in a commercial bus from Imo State to Lagos State with a week-old baby that was not hers. He said the driver of the commercial bus suspected foul play because the baby cried ceaselessly throughout the journey when the accused bearing the child failed to nurse the baby. The driver deliberately drove the bus to a police station where a report was made. Obi could not give a valid reason for bringing the baby to Lagos, nor provide information about the mother of the child. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, admitted each of the accused to bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned till January 25 for hearing.

Army Worries over Kidnap Cases in Rivers State

The Nigerian Army has described the spate of kidnapping in Rivers State as alarming. Brigade Commander of 2 Brigade and Commander, Sector II of the Joint Task Force, Brigadier-General Stephenson Olabanji, December 3, said that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have become the most vulnerable group in the state. He said that the state governor, Nyesom Wike, was driving the process to redress the issue, adding that all hands should be on deck in the renewed effort to rid the state of the menace of kidnapping. Efforts are on to tackle the problem, he added. Olabanji further solicited the support of the media and communities in the state to tackle the menace. While appealing for useful information from the public, he assured that security operatives will conceal identifies of those who disclose information to aid the anti-kidnap crusade in the state.

Ethiope West Residents Raise Alarm as 5 are Kidnapped in 1 Week

Residents of Ethiope West LGA of Delta State have raised alarm over the spate of kidnapping in the LGA. They have called on the state government and security agencies in the state to beef up security measures following the kidnapping of at least five persons in 7 days. The vice chairman of the council, Obukohwo Omarekpughe, December 3, called on the state governor to approve police security for the LGA. Investigation revealed that the kidnapped victims were kept in solitary confinement for over two days and were only released after a ransom was paid.

Robbery

Court Remands Robbery Suspect in Prison

An Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Modakeke, November 30, ordered the remand of one Seyi Gboyega, 22, in prison custody. The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Ona Glory, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 14, 2015 in Modakeke-Ife. Glory said that the accused with others now at large conspired to commit felony while armed with cutlasses and guns and robbed one Olatunji Ishola of N300,000 and other valuables. Magistrate Bose Awosan said that her court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, and asked for the case file to be duplicated to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. Awosan remanded the accused in Ile-Ife prison custody pending the outcome of the advice from DPP. The case was adjourned till January 11, 2016.

Driver Remanded over Alleged Murder, Robbery

Justice Raliat Adebiyi, of a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, December 2, remanded a driver, Samuel Moradeyo, in prison custody over alleged armed robbery and murder. The defendant is facing a four count charge of conspiracy, robbery, armed robbery and murder preferred against him by Lagos State Government. The prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oduntola told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on January 14, 2013. She said that the defendant and others who are still at large conspired amongst themselves to murder one Gbadejoko Akinruyomi, by gagging her mouth and nose with cello tape and locked her up in the wardrobe. Oduntola also alleged that the defendant while armed with offensive weapons robbed one Adebayo Adesonoye of his Honda Saloon car, Mercedes Benz, money, phones, jewellery and other valuables with a gun at the same place and date. However, the defendant denied all the charges against him.

Imo Police Nab Robbery Suspects

The Imo State Police Command announced that it had, in the past 14 days, arrested nine armed robbery and murder suspects, as well as five others for unlawful possession of firearms. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, December 2, disclosed that the Command equally recovered two vehicles and 12 firearms from the suspects. He further disclosed that the Command arrested one Chibuzo Ike and Henry Ndubuisi Simon in connection with the murder of a Customs Officer, who was on duty at Umuhu, Ngor Okpala. He added that his men stormed the hide-out of the criminals, where the AK 47 rifle and its magazine assigned to the slain Customs Officer were recovered. Other exhibits recovered from the suspects include one Mazda 626 saloon car belonging to the slain Customs Officer, one bucket containing suspected improvised explosive device, two small batteries and one small rod.

Police Arrest Cross-Border Robbery Gang

A 57-year-old man from Benin Republic, Bendossou Celestine, who is alleged to be a notorious cross-border armed robber, has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command. While parading the suspect along with other suspected criminals on December 2, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, revealed that the arrest of the suspects was as a result of their renewed effort to dislodge criminal elements and dismantle their operational bases in the state. The gang was arrested following a robbery operation in Oyo State. The police, responding to a distress call, engaged the fleeing robbers in fierce battle at various points. During the exchange of fire, one of the armed robbers was hit by a bullet on the left hand and was subsequently arrested while trying to escape to Benin Republic. Others escaped with bullet wounds. Items recovered from the gang include two vehicles without number plates, a pair of female shoes, some mechanical tools, an identity card and a black bag.

Man to Die by Hanging over N14,570 Robbery

An Ado-Ekiti High Court, December 2, sentenced one David Olugboyega to death by hanging for armed robbery involving N14,570. Justice John Adeyeye passed the judgment following the confessional statement of the convict and the conclusion of trial by the prosecution. The prosecutor, Alaba Adeyemi, had told the court that the convict committed the offence on March 20, 2003. He said the convict, while armed with dangerous weapons including gun and cutlass, robbed three people of N14,570. The convict, who made confessional statement at the police station, opted to defend himself without a lawyer. He pleaded guilty to the charge and also confessed to have been involved in series of robberies. The convict confessed to have joined a gang when he was in a prison.

Gang Incidents

Suspected Cultist Arraigned for Illegal Possession of Arms

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, December 2, remanded two men in prison custody. The suspects, Elijah Adeyemi (37) and Adebola Obafunwa (27), were docked over illegal possession of arms and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. At their arraignment, the accused persons denied being armed robbers, but members of a cult. The suspects are facing a five-count charge of illegal possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and unlawful association. They both entered a not-guilty plea. The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on October 27, when they found with 12 rounds of live cartridges without any license. According to him, the accused were rounded up at their hideout where they had assembled to commit armed robbery. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, adjourned the case till January 28 for trial.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 6 Suspected Drug Traffickers at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested six suspected drug traffickers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos with 13.410kg of substances that tested positive for narcotics. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, gave the names of the suspects as Gabriel Chidimma Juliet (25), caught with 2.900kg of cocaine in duty free bag; Anagbogu Churchill Okwudili (48), ingested 47 wraps of cocaine weighing 940 grammes and Enenchi Jerome Oguejiefor (36), who concealed 5.500kg of cannabis inside 'fufu', a meal of cassava. Others are Ani Kennedy Tochukwu (32), who packed 21 wraps of cocaine weighing 350 grammes inside jeans trousers; Eletamuzor Celestine Kenechukwu (28), caught with a kilogramme of ephedrine inside hair attachment and Okpala Vitus Arinzechukwu (35), caught with 2.720kg of cocaine. According to the agency, apart from Eletamuzor Celestine Kenechukwu and Enenchi Jerome Oguejiefor that attempted to export ephedrine and cannabis to South Africa and Dubai others were apprehended smuggling drugs into the country.

Court Remands Man for Trafficking in Hemp

A Federal High Court in Lagos, December 3, remanded a 29-year-old man, Nurudeen Egeberongbe, for allegedly dealing in drugs. Egeberongbe is facing a two-count charge of drug dealing. Justice Mohammed Yunusa ordered that the accused should be remanded in Ikoyi prison, and adjourned the case to December 4 for ruling on the application for bail. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on October 14. He said that the accused was arrested at Victor Aremu Street in Idimu, a suburb of Lagos, with about 700 grammes of Cannabis Sativa, popularly called Indian hemp’. The prosecutor also said that 30 grammes of Rophynol, a psychotropic substance similar to cocaine, was recovered from the accused.

Maritime

Navy Arrest Boat with 400 Truckload of Stolen Crude Oil

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a self-propelled barge loaded with estimated 4000metric tonnes, equivalent of 400 truck load of suspected stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta. Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, at the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Delta in Warri, November 27, said the boat, MT Camille, was caught on November 15 along with 11 man crew in Forcados waters, Delta State. Apochi added that the crew captain had made serious confessional statement. The crew members were paraded by the Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, who said they would be handed over to relevant agency for further investigation and prosecution. The crew captain claimed they were sailing on a voyage from Thelma, Ghana to Cameroon, adding that the boat was at the Forcados Rivers get fuel and food when it was allegedly hijacked by gunmen who deployed them for the oil theft.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Kills Four, Abducts Teenage Girls in Borno Village

At least four persons were, November 29, killed and some teenage girls abducted when Boko Haram insurgents attacked Bam village in Biu LGA of Borno State. A resident of the area, Abubakar Ali, who fled to Miringa town for safety after the attack, disclosed that the insurgents invaded his village at about 3.30am and raided the town till about 5am. They set whole village ablaze, according to reports. The witness added that the insurgents left with some teenage girls but did not give a number on the numbers of abducted girls.

Boko Haram Burns Down Village in Borno

Boko Haram terrorists, November 29, attacked and burnt down Gajiganna village in Magumeri LGA of Borno State, killing three persons including a soldier. A member of the youth vigilante group known as Civilian JTF from the area, Abba Isa, disclosed that the insurgents attacked the town at 8.30pm on November 27. They shot sporadically and in the process killed one man, a woman and a soldier. The insurgent carted away foodstuff and set all the shops in the village on fire, he added.

22 Killed in Kano Suicide Bomb Attack

At least 22 people were killed in the November 27 suicide bombing at Samawa village in Garun Mallam LGA of Kano State. While one bomber successfully detonated his explosive, the second suicide bomber was arrested while his bomb was yet to detonate. The bomber was arrested and detained by the security operatives of the Shiite Islamic movement, popularly known as Hurras. Police in Kano had disclosed that the members of the Shi’ite took the corpses of their dead colleagues and the injured persons to an unknown destination. Leader of the Shiite in Kano, Sheik Muhammadu Turi, maintained that they were “unperturbed by the action of the enemy”.

DSS Alerts Abuja on Plot by Boko Haram to Attacks Churches, Mosques, Markets

The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted Abuja residents over plots by Boko Haram to attack churches, mosques and markets, using girls to bomb those places. A memo by the Director of Security Services, Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Ibrahim, urged religious bodies to put their members on the alert. The memo asked residents to report suspicious elements around places of worship to the authorities. Three telephone numbers were provided to such reports. They are: 09063872207, 09053872208 and 09053872209.

1 Soldier, 20 Insurgents Die, as Military Repels Attack on Adamawa Town

At least one soldier was reported to have lost his life when hundreds of Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on Gulak town in Adamawa State resulting to a fierce gun duel between the insurgents and Nigerian troops. The insurgents reportedly attacked the town on November 29, leading to a battle that lasted about three hours before reinforcement by Nigerian troops from neighbouring towns led to the repelling of the insurgents. Residents reported that the insurgents stormed the town in large numbers and temporary dislodged the soldiers on duty post in the town leading to the destruction of the troop’s houses as well as two long range artillery guns. A community leader and former chairman of Madagali LGA, Maina Ularamu confirmed that the attack lasted many hours before the attackers were repelled.

Troops in Pursuit of Fleeing Terrorists in North East

The Nigerian Army has said that its troops are pursuing escaping terrorists and also moving to further block any incursion by the terrorists in the North East. Acting army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, December 2, said locations recently attacked by terrorists were being reinforced and the troops were poised to contain any eventuality. He added that the coming weeks would be critical in the operation geared toward destroying all known locations of the terrorists. He said troops in the recent operation in Gulak recovered a Toyota Hilux, several arms and items from the insurgents.

Troops Apprehend Potential Child Suicide Bomber

Vigilant troops of 7 Division Garrison providing security at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Dalori in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, December 1, apprehended an 11-year-old boy, Usman Modu Tella, a potential suicide bomber. A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was from Bama town and was among other children trained for suicide bombing by the Boko Haram terrorists. He added that the three others had already carried out their missions at different locations. The boy also pointed out one other Boko Haram senior member, Alhaji Kerewu Abubakar at the camp, Usman added. The army spokesman added that due to the concerted efforts of the military, a number of towns and villages hitherto held by the Boko Haram terrorists had liberated.

Gunmen Attack Zamfara Village, Kill 4

The Police in Zamfara State have confirmed the death of four persons following attack by gunmen on Tangaran village in Anka LGA of the state, on December 1. The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Sanusi Amiru, confirmed the incident. It was gathered that the gunmen arrived the village in the night while the residents were getting ready to go to bed. They opened fire on those still outside during which the four persons were killed. The command spokesman said six other persons sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to Anka General Hospital with the assistance of the police. Amiru said that normalcy had returned to the area and the police had commenced tracking of the attackers. He expressed confidence that the attackers would be arrested by the police.

Political/Government Agencies

Military Urges Nigerians on Extra Vigilance and Security Consciousness

The Nigerian Army has urged the citizens to be extra-vigilant and security-conscious in tackling insecurity in the country as the yuletide season approaches. The Director of the Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman Kukasheka, who stated that Nigerian military and intelligence operatives are virtually in every local government council in the country, said that the citizens should not only rely on security for protection but should be security conscious and provide useful information to relevant security agencies. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has warned members and relevant agencies in various parts of the country, especially in the North-Central States, to watch out for escaping members of Boko Haram from infiltrating their communities and towns.

Police Seek Citizens’ Participation In Intelligence-led Security

The Nigeria Police Force has called for citizens’ participation in intelligence-driven security operations to ensure cohesive and efficient policing that will guarantee safer environment for businesses. The Force Public Relations officer (FPRO), Olabisi Kolawole, who said this on November 30, noted that the call has become necessary following increasing security threats facing the world. The FPRO also pointed out that intelligence-led policing confers an advantage on those who possess the requisite skills, which can be judiciously exploited to gain knowledge for improving the security of lives and properties.

Air Force Promotes 153 Senior Officers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), November 30, announced the promotion of 153 senior officers to the next higher ranks. A statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Dele Alonge, listed the newly promoted officers to include 14 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), 26 Air Commodores, 22 Group Captains and 91 Wing Commanders. According to Alonge, the recent promotions are in line with one of the key drivers of the vision of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Abubakar Saidque, which is to promote and inculcate the core values of integrity, excellence and service delivery.

FG, Army Vow to Deal with Human Rights Violators

The Federal Government and the Nigerian Army have promised to adhere to the human rights provisions in the execution of the on-going war against terrorism in the country. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, November 30, gave this assurance in  Maiduguri, Borno State, during a one-day workshop on Human Rights organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in collaboration with the Nigerian army. Abubakar, however, called for the understanding of the challenges facing security personnel, who must maintain a balance between observance of human rights and their core duty of national security operations. Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, noted that the military recognises the importance and respects the rule of law, vowing to deal with human right violators in the army.

Murder/Assassinations

Man Stabs Landlord to Death

A 21-year-old man stabbed a landlord to death during a street fight on Olorogun Street, Odo Eran, in the Itire area of Lagos State on November 24. The deceased, Alawu Lateef, had intervened in the street fight, and asked the hoodlums to leave the area, when one of them, identified as Lati Elepo, stabbed him. It was gathered that the father of three slumped, while residents arrested Elepo before he could escape with the other hoodlums. The matter was said to have been reported at the Itire Police Division. It was learnt that about six hoodlums, had come to meet one Balogun, who they claimed owed them some money. It was learnt that when the hoodlums did not meet Balogun at home, they started to make trouble on the street. The landlord, Lateef, was said to have asked Elepo to leave the area with his gang members. The hoodlum, however, stabbed him in the chest. Elepo and two other suspects were arrested by the police.

17-Year-Old Rapes, Murders Girl, 14

A 17-year-old boy and son of a pastor has allegedly killed a 14-year-old girl after raping her, while her nine-year-old sister escaped with wounds inflicted on her by the suspect at Sapele, Delta State. The incident occurred at Oduduru Road, Sapele, same street where a kidnap gang shot dead a young pastor, Great Oduduru, recently after they trailed a businessperson to the area. A source, November 30, said worshipers at the suspect’s father’s church were shocked at the conduct of his son, which they described as unbecoming of cleric’s son.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill Palm Wine Tapper

A-30-year-old Palm Wine tapper was, December 1, killed and one other severely injured by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Ofagbe community, Isoko North LGA of Delta State. The Palm wine tapper, simply identified as Inibu, was allegedly killed while trying to get palm wine in a bush. The injured victim, Thompson Ogege, who was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, disclosed that they were attacked by the Fulani herdsmen, who opened fire on them.

Mob Lynches Suspected Motorcycle Thief

A security guard, Suleiman Sanni (30), has been arrested after a mob beat a suspected motorcycle thief, Moses Uche (24), to death in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State. Sanni was said to have spotted Uche sneaking into the neighbourhood around 2am on that fateful day and trying to steal a motorcycle. It was learnt that Sanni promptly raised an alarm and a mob quickly formed, hitting Uche with various objects. He was later taken to the police station where he eventually died two days later. Sanni maintains that he never touched the victim. Sanni said he rescued the suspect from the mob and reported the case at the Ajegunle Police Station, adding that he handed over the suspect to the police. Four suspects were initially arrested and were later released on bail. The suspect was arraigned on one count of murder before an Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ court. The Magistrate, Miss M.O. Ope-Agbe, December 1, ordered that the suspect be remanded in prison. The case was adjourned till January 19, 2016.

Gunmen Kill APC Chieftain in Bayelsa

The deputy ward chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 1 in Odi, Kolokuma-Opokuma LGA of Bayelsa state, Diseye Dickson, was December 2, killed by unidentified gunmen. The deceased, Diseye Dickson, was reportedly shot in Odi community at 11pm by the gunmen, who were clad in military uniform. Reports claimed the deceased was shot during a shootout between policemen and the gunmen in a failed kidnap attempt on Chief Watson Ogoriba, a businessman. A source further revealed that aside from the deceased Diseye Dickson, a woman was also hit and injured by stray bullet. A member of the House of Representatives representing Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency, Douye Diri, who confirmed the incident, said it was a case of foiled kidnap attempt and not a party conflict. But the leadership of the APC in the state through the Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation alleged that the killing was carried out by suspected thugs hired by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Rape

Three in Court over Rape of 17-Year-Old Girl

An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court, December 2, remanded three suspects in prison for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Ronke Badmus, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on November 22. Badmus stated that the accused persons, Biola Akinwande (18), Ayoola Awodile (25), and Sodiq Oyedele (19), conspired to commit the offence. The prosecutor added that they unlawfully had canal knowledge of the girl by using toy gun and cutlasses to threaten her. The accused persons denied committing the offence. Their counsel, Mr Alaba Awoseemo, pleaded for their bail in most liberal terms. The prosecutor, however, objected to the bail application of the accused persons. Magistrate Risikat Olayemi, ordered the defence counsel to file a written application for the bail of the accused persons. The magistrate ordered the remanded of the accused persons in prison custody, and adjourned the case till December 28 for hearing.

Security Man Remanded for Rape of 15-Year-Old Boy

An Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, December 2, remanded a 45-year-old man, Musa Mohammed, in prison custody over alleged rape of a 15-year-old boy. The defendant is facing a two-count charge of assault and rape preferred against him by the police. The prosecutor, Inspector Asu Feddy, said that the security man committed the alleged offences on November 9, 2015 when he forcefully raped the minor. However when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded guilty. The Magistrate consequently ordered that the defendant should be remanded in prison custody in view of his plea. The case was adjourned to December 9, for review of facts and sentencing.

Others

Nine Protesters, Two Policemen Killed in Anambra

A peaceful protest embarked upon by the supporters and sympathisers of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), December 2, turned bloody when members of the group and Joint Military Task Force clashed at the Niger Bridge head in Onitsha, Anambra State. The cause of the clash was the insistence by the joint military task force that the Onitsha-Asaba road barricaded by the IPOB be opened. The IPOB protesters had maintained that they would protest for three days until the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, was released. At the end of the clash, about nine members of IPOB activists were allegedly killed by the joint task force. Five dead bodies were allegedly picked at the Niger River Bridge head; three at Obodoukwu road, all in Onitsha, as well as a meat seller said to have been hit by a stray bullet. The death of the IPOB members ignited another round of violent protest as youths and protesting IPOB members went on rampage destroying everything on sight.

Seven Students Killed as Fire Guts School in Kano

Seven students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Jogana, Kano State, were killed after one of the school’s hostels went up in flames on November 29. It was learnt that 25 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the inferno. The state Deputy Governor, Hafiz Abubakar, who visited the scene of the incident, confirmed the number of casualties, and promised that the government would offset the medical bills incurred by the injured. Abubakar directed that the school should be closed immediately to assuage the trauma caused by the disaster and to honour the deceased. He also stated that a technical committee will be set up to identify the immediate and remote causes of the fire, as well as advise the government on the best modality to repair the hostel.

Woman Loses Pregnancy after Police Torture

A 37-year-old woman, Risikat Bamidele, has lost her two-months pregnancy after policemen allegedly tortured her on November 28 for making phone call at a police station. Risikat reportedly lost her pregnancy at the Kemta-Idi Aba police station where her husband, Tunde, was being detained. Risikat was reportedly assaulted by a policeman on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for making phone calls. She alleged that the policeman slapped her several times, while she was being pushed behind the counter. Her husband said Risikat started bleeding while she was still behind the counter at the station. The DPO, Amos Samuel, has been removed and summoned by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali. The CP also confirmed that he had called for a thorough investigation into the incident by a team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Investigation and Intelligence Department.

Bayelsa Poll: Security Beefed Up in Yenagoa

Security was beefed up in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and its environs as tension mounts  over the December 5 governorship election in the state. About 14,000 policemen were deployed in the state, drawn from 10 commands across the country. The police are to be backed by three aerial surveillance helicopters for operational efficiency. Nine gunboats were reportedly deployed in the waterways by the Joint Task Force to patrol the rivers and creeks during the election. Security operatives have been drafted to protect the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in the State. Security operatives were also sighted along the road leading to the commission’s office conducting stop and search on vehicles heading and coming out of the area.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued on the rise as gunmen took hostages across the country. However, security agents remained up to the task as hostages were variously rescued, and some released following pressure mounted on them by the police. Through water tight intelligence by security operatives and vigilance by observant citizens, a number of trafficking and kidnap attempts were foiled while the suspects were arrested.

Terrorism and related activities remained high on the index, even as the military intensifies it onslaught on known Boko Haram enclaves. Terrorists’ strong holds were taken down through coordinated raids by the unrelenting troops of the Nigerian military. Improvised Explosive Devices and other high calibre weapons were cleared and destroyed by the military. It is, however, heart breaking that despite the unrelenting military onslaught, the terrorists still succeeded in carrying out their activities resulting in casualties. Suspects, including a would-be child bomber, were apprehended. Meanwhile, Nigerians have been warned to remain vigilant as intelligence reveals plans by terrorist to extend attacks beyond the north-east, which had remained the endemic region.

Trickles of Murder/assassination incidents were recorded. They were mostly random and political killings. The Police, maintaining its resolve to keep the checkmate such incidents, arrested suspects, who are currently being investigated. This was witnessed across the country.

Robbery incidents were also recorded but the authorities made good arrests of suspects across the country. Some have been charged to court, while a convict was sentenced to death as stipulated by the laws of the federation. The south-west and south-east regions were mostly affected.

Rape incidents, especially of minors, were low on record. Suspects were arrested in the cases on record, including that of sodomy, where a 15-year-old boy was raped by a man.

Gang and Drug related crimes were also low on record. This is the result of painstaking raids by the police and the NDLEA across the nation. This is cheering as fears had been heightened over insecurity as the yuletide season approaches.

We are charged to be security conscious. The security agencies require our cooperation to effectively curb the crime rate in the society. Report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities for investigation