Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 50

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Staff of Federal Medical Centre, Owo Abducted

About five unidentified gunmen, December 5, stormed the residence of Mrs Queen Adeyeye, a pharmacist with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, and kidnapped her. The victim was abducted just as she returned from church where she had gone for prayers. She was said to be in the same car with her son and her sister when the hoodlums struck at about 5.30am. It was gathered that the kidnappers, who had laid ambushed for her at the house, accosted her and asked the other two occupants to disembark before she was driven away to an unknown destination.The kidnappers have reportedly contacted her family requesting for a ransom of N7 million. Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident.

Mother of Abducted 3-Year-Old Boy Cries for Help

A three-year-old boy, Olanrewaju Babalola Obazuaye, has been missing since November 29, and his parents have cried for help in finding him. The boy went missing while playing with other kids in their Ajegunle, Apapa neighbourhood in Lagos State. It is feared that Olanrewaju, who was outside playing with his peers, was abducted by unknown persons in front of their house located at 5 Ladipo Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos State. The distraught mother, Maria Obazuaye, called on the general public and anyone who had any information about his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.

Kidnapped Presidential Candidate Regains Freedom

The kidnapped presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) in the April 2015 presidential election, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima, has regained his freedom after spending more than two days in the hands of kidnappers in Kogi State and paying about N40 million for his release. Galadima was abducted a few kilometres drive after Lokoja, close to Obajana town. Galadima, December 6, confirmed that he and two other men were released after a ransom of N40 million was paid. He revealed that the kidnappers were Fulani boys, numbering about 12 or 15, who took them into the forest. Galadima lamented that no policeman came to their rescue despite being informed; adding that they were only released after their abductors had collected the N40 million they had demanded from each of them.

Police Uncover 23 Illegal Orphanages, Arrest 21

The Delta State Police Command said it has uncovered 23 three illegal Orphanage homes within Warri and Asaba environs, and arrested twenty-one persons suspected to be behind the illicit business. The police also disclosed that it recovered six babies in the hideout of the suspects. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed that the police following a tip-off, rescued over forty babies allegedly put on sale at various illegal orphanage homes in Asaba, Kwale and Warri. She further disclosed that the police arrested 21 persons (male and female) suspected to be running illegal orphanage homes in Warri metropolis, after a raid of their hideout.

NGO Calls for Investigation into Alleged Sale of Baby

The President of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Nigerian Child welfare fund, Joshua Omorere, has called on the Delta State government to investigate an alleged sale of a baby boy, Alexander Damian, by the matron of Saint Anne’s Orphanage home in Warri, Reverend Sister Mary Osifo and the welfare officer in charge of Udu LGA, Eunice Metighan, describing the process as a clear case of child trafficking. The nine-month-old Damian was said to have been taken from his mother, who was then battling a mental ailment, and sold to a woman named Beauty Efokodha, under the guise of adoption. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, said that the suspects upon interrogation confessed to the crime, saying in most cases that they buy from relations of mentally challenged persons and take them to the home before selling them.

British Couple Jailed for Six Years for Enslaving Nigerian

Two Britons of Nigerian origin have been jailed for six years each by a London court, after they were found guilty of keeping a Nigerian immigrant as a slave for more than two decades. Emmanuel Edet, 61, and Antan Edet, 58, were sentenced at Harrow Crown Court in northwest London late on December 7 after their conviction in November for child cruelty, slavery and assisting in illegal immigration. The couple brought the man to Britain in 1989 when he was 14 years old, the crown prosecution service revealed. The couple had told the teenager they would educate and pay him, but instead forced him to work 17 hours a day for no pay. They threatened him with deportation if he tried to escape, even as he received no education and had only very limited contact with his family after the couple took his passport and failed to process identity documents for him. Prosecutors said the Edets had changed the victim’s name, and added him to their family passport as their son when they brought him into Britain.

Kogi Police Parade Kidnap Suspect

The Kogi State Police Command, December 8, paraded one Jale Lawal, who was arrested for conspiring with two others ─Abubakar Isah and Haruna Ilyasu─ to kidnap and assassinate his brother, Mallam Muazu Yahaya. The state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, disclosed that the state’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad intercepted and arrested the suspects who later confessed to the crime during interrogation. Lawal confessed that he planned to kidnap and torture his brother whom he accused of being a wizard, and killing their father and his elder sister. The police spokesman said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

Kidnappers of 78-Year-Old Woman Insist on N50m Ransom

Kidnappers of 78-year-old Mabel Dagomie Abiante are insisting on collecting N50 million as ransom for her release. The septuagenarian was kidnapped on November 28 from her home at Ngo Town, headquarters of Andoni LGA of Rivers State. Her family fears for her health as she was said to have just returned from surgery before her kidnap. A family member, who stated that the 78-year-old grandmother was yet to recover from the surgical operation when the kidnappers struck, raised the alarm that the kidnappers might have been commissioned to kill her. He appealed to the kidnappers to release the family’s matriarch whom he said is too ill to even talk.

Court Sentences Three in Kano for Human Trafficking

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, December 9, sentenced two persons to prison for engaging in human trafficking. Delivering judgment in a case involving the trafficking of 24 girls between the ages of eight and 13 years from Wudil LGA of Kano State to Lagos State for domestic work, Justice Fatu Riman sentenced Zulai Garba and Aisha Abdullahi Abubakar to one year imprisonment each. The accused persons, who were charged under section 23 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, had pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them. The Justice Riman had a week earlier sentenced one Emmanuel Eromosele to two years imprisonment for organising foreign travel and promoting prostitution. The accused person was arrested in Kano by NAPTIP operatives while attempting to traffic two females aged 17 and 20 from Delta State to Libya through Kano to work as prostitutes.

Robbery

DSS Operatives, Soldier Arrested over Robbery

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested two of its operatives, while the Nigerian Army has equally nabbed one soldier in connection with a robbery that took place in a bureau de change. According to a statement on behalf of the DSS by Tony Opuiyo on December 5, the Service arrested two out of five of its staff involved in the November 20 robbery and sharing of the sum of N310m belonging to a bureau de change operator in Abuja. Opuiyo pointed out that, while three of the DSS staff remained at large, the military authorities have commenced a detailed investigation of five of its personnel involved in the crime. Efforts are on-going to apprehend those still at large. A total of Sixty-Six Million Four Hundred and Thirty Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty-five Naira (N66, 437, 445.00) and Six Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($6,200) have so far been recovered, according to him.

Police Arrest 4 Suspected Traffic Robbers at Oshodi

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, December 5, arrested an ex–convict and three traffic robbery suspects for allegedly stealing two mobile phones and a wallet from passers-by in Oshodi area of the state. The suspects were alleged to have connived with others still at large, to steal from unsuspecting members of the public in traffic gridlock. One of the suspects, Ahmed Kazeem, was alleged to have snatched an i-tel phone from his victim, while Sodiq Hassan was reported to have conspired with one Awuwa to also snatch a mobile phone, and Lanre Makinde, was alleged to have stolen the wallet of one Olamide Lukman, all in Oshodi.  Sunday Oyeniran, an ex–convict, who was released on November 14, 2015, was found in possession of a mobile phone snatched by the gang.

5-Man Robbery Gang Members Arrested

A five-man gang of robbers, disguising as commercial transporters, were, November 23, arrested at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos State when operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to the state Police Command arrested two members of the gang that specialised in defrauding innocent people who board cabs in the state. The suspects identified as Joy Duru and Maduka, who were members of the catch-in-the-air robbery gang, otherwise known as one chance, were arrested after a female passenger victim who boarded their vehicle raised the alarm when she realised she had been swindled of the sum of N300,000.

Man in Court for Robbing Taxi Driver at Gun Point

A 37-year-old man, Joseph Ozomena, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on December 9 for allegedly robbing a taxi driver at gun point.  The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the offence was committed on November 14 at Lekki Phase 1 gate. He said the accused, in company for some others still at large, boarded a taxi belonging to Mr Collins Emodi and robbed him.  Imhonwa said the accused was arrested following a police tip off. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsami, ordered that the accused be remanded in custody pending further investigation into the case by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Police Parade Masquerade, 20 Others for Robbery in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command, December 8, paraded 21 suspected criminals, including kidnappers, armed robbers and others said to have been terrorising the people of the state. Among those paraded was a ‘masquerade’ that stabbed one Ishak Yusuf to death during a festival. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Williams Aya, who paraded the suspects at command headquarters, disclosed that the masquerade, Shaibu Musa, of Okene town in Okene LGA of the state and eight others, conspired and in the disguise of celebrating Ekechi masquerade festival brought out the Obiede masquerade to terrorise the people. In the process the ‘masquerade’ engaged the deceased in a fight and stabbed him to death.

Gunmen Storm Owerri Market, Dispossess Traders of Millions of Naira

Armed robbers in their numbers, December 5, stormed the popular Rotibi Street, off Douglas Road, in Owerri capital city of Imo State, dispossessing traders of millions of Naira. It was gathered that the masked robbers, who arrived at about 6pm, shooting sporadically into the air, carted away large sums of money. The victims urged security agencies to come to their aide.

Policeman Killed in Shootout with Bank Robbers

One policeman, was, November 27, killed in a shootout with armed robbers that invaded a community bank in the Adavi LGA of Kogi State. Sergeant Patrick Sunday was killed alongside two of the armed robbers. The Kogi State Police Command, which paraded 21 suspects in the state command headquarters in Lokoja on December 8, explained that the hoodlums engaged the police in a gun battle, leading to the death of Sergeant Sunday, while two of the criminals were gunned down. Items recovered from the robbery scene include two AK-47 riffles, 10 AK-47 magazines, 100 AK-47 live ammunitions, one face mask, one mobile phone, one bottle of Dettol and two sachets of suspected hard drug.

Robbers Attack Inspector, Steal N50,000

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected armed robbers, who allegedly attacked a female inspector and collected her bag containing N50,000 and other valuables. It was learnt that the robbers, at the Idi Oro bus stop in the Mushin area of Lagos, had swooped on the Inspector on November 25 after she alighted from a commercial bus, and snatched the bag. The Inspector was said to have identified six of the suspects after 23 suspects were paraded. The suspects, however, denied attacking her.

Gang Incidents

Police Paraded Arrested Cultists

Seven suspected cultists, said to be terrorizing Ijora area and its environs in Lagos, have been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police. Some of the suspects, who were reportedly arrested during a cult initiation, however denied being cultists. The police, December 7, claimed they carried out the arrest following the directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, to rid the state of cultists and cult-related activities which have claimed the lives of several innocent persons in recent times, in the state.

Gunmen Invade Ebute-Meta in Lagos, Kill 4, Injure 20

Suspected cultists, December 7, invaded the Ebute-Meta area of Lagos State, killing four persons and injuring twenty others. The masked gunmen operated for about one hour at Coates, Odunfa, Ondo, Jebba, Kano and Glover streets, before they were repelled from attacking residents at Apapa Road by a combined team of policemen and the vigilante group. The team of policemen that arrived later arrested four persons in connection with the shooting. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, confirmed that there was a gun battle between the Eiye and the Black Axe gangs in the area.

Police Parade Suspects Nabbed with Illegal Weapons

The Kogi State Police Command, December 9, paraded five suspected armed robbers. Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, disclosed that the five of the suspects -Aminu Alhaji, Onuche Sumaila, Hassan Abalala, Malik Agala and Husseini Alhaji- were nabbed by the state anti-robbery squad (SARS) after a stop and search on the Itobe/Anyigba Road. Ojukwu said they were arrested with locally-made pistol, five live cartridges, navy blue mask and other exhibits.
He called for collaboration from government and public individuals in its efforts to rid the state of criminality.

Renewed Cult War Claims Five Lives

Renewed cult war in Benin City, Edo State has claimed five lives at different points in the city. Police spokesman, Abiodun Osifo, December 9, confirmed the latest killings. Cultists were alleged to have invaded a barbing salon at Usen quarters and shot the barber, inflicting injuries on a customer’s head. Sources also confirmed that four persons were killed along power-line road, beside Ogida police barrack on December 7. Osifo said a suspect has been arrested, adding that policemen in the state command have been dispatched to apprehend those involved in the killings.

Osun Shuts 6 Schools over Cult Violence

The Osun State government, December 9, ordered the immediate shut down of six schools in Oshogbo following recent violent clashes. It was gathered that some suspected cultists, attacked Anglican High Schools 1 to 5 and Adenle Middle School, all located in the same compound at Testing Ground area of the town, three times in one week, where they attacked teachers and students. The last attack was on December 8. Trouble started on December 2 when a student ordered a teacher out of class. The said student, it was gathered had been coming to school with a Dane gun, because of insinuations that members of Peace Corps were being returned to schools to instil discipline in students. It was gathered that Police and DSS operatives were informed of the development and the said student was arrested within the school premises on December 4. Members of his cult group, however, stormed the school and attacked both the Police and students.

Drugs

NDLEA Seizes 928Kg of Drugs in Adamawa

In its effort to rid Adamawa state of illicit drug consumption, the state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized about 928 kg of substances suspected to be hard drugs just as it arrested two suspects in connection to the seizure. The state commander of the agency, Malam Yakubu Kibo, December 4, said the seizure was among the largest made by the command in 2015. He noted that the arrest which was effected on 28th November, followed serious intelligence and surveillance by the officers of the command. Kibo noted that the seized substances were habit forming drugs and could easily be abused by people.

Police Arrest 4 Drug Suspects, Recover Bags of Indian Hemp

The Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), December 7, paraded four men found with bags of Indian hemp. The leader of the RRS team, Inspector Adeniba Olorunshola, disclosed that his team stormed a hideout notorious for the sale of Indian hemp in Oyingbo area of the state on December 6, acting on a tip off. Olorunshola said that six bags of Indian hemp were recovered from the hideout which had underground escape tunnels. He said that four suspected peddlers were apprehended but the main suspect, a man popularly known as “Aroso” escaped arrest. He said that the suspects would be handed over to the NDLEA after investigations had been concluded. Olorunshola said the manhunt for the drug kingpin, “Aroso” would continue.

Man, 32, Bags Life Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court, Lagos, December 9, sentenced a 32-year-old man, Lawrence Aluagu, to life imprisonment, for drug trafficking. Aluagu was arraigned on March 8 and had pleaded guilty to the charge of dealing in drugs. In her judgment, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the convict should serve out his term in prison. She also ordered that the drugs should to be destroyed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, had told the court that Aluagu committed the offence on February 12 when he was arrested under the bridge at Ojota, where he was sold hemp. About 200 grammes of the substance was recovered from him. Aluagu, after admitting guilt, had urged the court to be lenient in sentencing him, as he was a first time offender.

Man Jailed 14 Years for Drug Peddling

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court in Lagos, December 10, sentenced a 22-year-old fashion designer, Tunde Balogun, to 14 years’ imprisonment for drug trafficking. Balogun, who pleaded guilty to a charge preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was arraigned on March 12. But the court ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody pending when the facts of the case were reviewed. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia said the convict would spend 14 years in prison from the date of his arrest. Earlier, the prosecutor had told the court that the convict committed the offence on September 15, 2014.

Man Remanded in Prison over Alleged Export of Methamphetamine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 10, charged a 38-year-old man, Mmaduabuchi Nsude, before a Federal High Court in Lagos, over the alleged export of methamphetamine. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Justice Saliu Saidu ordered the remand of the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons, and adjourned the case to February 18, to decide on his bail application. The Prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 15. He said the accused was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, during the outward clearance of passengers on board a South Africa Airline flight to Johannesburg.

NDLEA Docks Plumber over Drug Peddling

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, December 11, ordered the remand of Timothy Jackson, who is charged with drug trafficking, at Ikoyi Prisons. The accused, a plumber, who was charged to court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), pleaded guilty to the charge. Justice Saliu Saidu, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody, and adjourned the case till February 3, 2016 for a review of facts. The accused was alleged to have committed the offence on November 3 when he was arrested at Hajj Camp in Ikeja, with 300g of Cannabis Sativa.

Maritime

Navy Impounds Five Ships Laden with N240m Stolen Diesel

The Nigerian Navy has said it has arrested five ships laden with about 1.913 million litres of stolen diesel valued N240 million in Rivers State. Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir, made the disclosure, December 8, after inspecting one of the ships. He said two other vessels and two barges were empty but were also arrested for other offences. The ships and barges were arrested for various offences which included lifting and transportation of illegally refined products; none approval to operate in the area; competency, among others. A captain of one of the ship neither had approval nor certificate to operate a merchant tanker ship, while his crew members lacked competency to justify them serving on-board the ship. He said several crew members on board the five ships had been taken into custody and were being interrogated.

Terrorism

DSS Discovers Boko Haram Cells in Abuja

The Department of State Services (DSS), December 5, alerted members of the public that the Boko Haram terrorist group has continued to establish and operate sleeper cells with the sole mandate to conduct surveillance and subsequently carry-out attacks in Abuja and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The DSS stated that the disclosure had become necessary following the arrests of the sect’s members who migrated from various conflict theatres in the North East to the FCT in order to enable them capitalise on the excitement of the yuletide season to launch attacks on the city.

Boko Haram: Military Advances in Mop Up Operations

The Nigerian Army made a strategic advancement and gains in Sambisa forest, Borno State, where they discovered several Boko Haram tunnels. The Nigerian Army, in its on-going efforts to rid the North Eastern part of the country of Boko Haram terrorists, has advanced deep inside Sambisa forest where mop up operations have been yielding the desired results. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, December 5, confirmed the progress. Buratai also disclosed that the military had apprehended many terrorist kingpins including the chief camera man of Boko Haram. The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Yushau Mamud Abubakar, said that Boko Haram activities have greatly been degraded as the military continues to clear the Boko Haram operational area. The Commander called for the support of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other relevant bodies in the area of humanitarian assistance and rebuilding of the affected towns and communities.

Troops Destroy 15 Terrorist’s Camps, Rescue Women, Children

The Nigerian military has commenced air and land strikes deep inside Sambisa forest destroying about 15 heavily fortified camps.  In the ensuing onslaught, the military killed scores of terrorists’ and arrested some of them while most of their weapons and equipment were destroyed. Scores of abducted captives including women, girls and children were also rescued. Acting Director, Army Public relations, Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed this on December 6, stated that advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terrorist’s camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere. Among other discoveries were the terrorist’s tunnels, weapons and equipment. The rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.

Boko Haram Attacks, Loots Borno Village

Boko Haram gunmen December 6, attacked, looted and torched Takulashi village in Borno State. A resident, who fled the attack, disclosed that the terrorists looted food supplies, two days after they stole more than 200 cattle from the village. A group of insurgents on bicycles and on foot invaded the farming and herding community in the early hours of December 6, burning more than 100 homes in the village. The attackers reportedly loaded food supplies onto four vehicles they took from the village and burnt other that they were unable to take with them. The rest of the supplies were set on fire.

Troops Intercept Fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists at Pulka

The Boko Haram terrorists attempting to escape from military onslaught in Sambisa forest, through Pulka in Borno State, were intercepted by Nigerian troops on December 8. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, noted that during the encounter, many of the terrorists were killed, while one was captured alive. Usman said the troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, several rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions, 47 rifle magazines, 36 hand grenades and quite a number of Shilka gun empty shells. The military also in another blow to the Boko Haram terrorists at Buni Yadi general area on December 8, recovered a Toyota Hilux, two boxes of 7.62mm ammunitions and some improvised explosive making devices cords.

Gunmen Kill 20 in Zamfara

Unknown gunmen, December 7, besieged Mashema village in Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State, killing 20 people. The gunmen reportedly stormed the village in the early hours of the day, shooting at anyone in sight. The member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency, Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu, said he was deeply disturbed by the situation in which so many innocent people were mercilessly massacred by bloodthirsty miscreants. The state commissioner of police, Olufemi David, said he had drafted officers and men of the command to bring normalcy to the area and ensure adequate security for the community.

Troops Kill Terrorists, Rescue 210 Persons

Nigerian Soldiers, December 10, had in an encounter with Boko Haram members at Furkati village, Geidam LGA of Yobe State, killing five of the terrorists and recovering four AK-47 rifles. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the troops also responded to a tip-off on the terrorists who besieged Ejilije, Bulagaije-lari, Bulagaije-Adamde and Ajiri villages where they held the inhabitants captives. Usman said the terrorists fled the areas before the arrival of the soldiers. The team, however, found and rescued 210 persons, comprising mostly elderly men, women and children. According to him, the rescued persons said they were brought there by the terrorists from various villages to be used as human shield in case advancing troops of the Nigerian Army came to attack the terrorists. The troops also recovered machine gun barrel, four loaded magazines of G3 rifles, four Dane guns and some quantities of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as empty canisters of Mortar bombs and a bandoleer, Usman stated.

14 Killed as Boko Haram Raids Borno Village

Fourteen people were killed, some of them decapitated, in a Boko Haram raid on Kamuya Village in Borno State on December 10. The Islamist gunmen arrived on foot and by bicycle, witnesses said. A resident, Ibrahim Babagana, said he and other locals fled the attack to the town of Biu as Boko Haram fighters set fire to their village. A member of a civilian militia involved in fighting Boko Haram, also confirmed the death toll, adding that about six others were injured.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Armed Hoodlums Ambush Kill DPO, DCO

Armed robbers, November 29, ambushed and killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rumuokoro Police Station in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Cliff Igwebe, and his Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) for responding to a distress call from citizens. Four other police officers in the DPO’s team were injured and hospitalized following the ambush. Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Muhammed, confirmed the death of the DPO, adding that investigations had commenced.

Hoodlums Kill Man, Dump Corpse for Family

Hoodlums, November 23, lured a man, identified as Azubuike Amadi, out of his residence at Omuokiri, Aluu community of Rivers State, killed him and conveyed his corpse back to his house in a wheelbarrow. Amadi’s murder has heightened tension at Aluu community. Similarly, bandits invaded a home at Ozuoba community, Obio/Akpor LGA and assassinated one Anthony Wede. Assistant Police Public Relations Officers, Grace Iringe-Koko, said police would carry out detailed investigation into the incidents.

Police Arrest Killers of Customs Officer

The Imo Police State Command has apprehended the alleged killers of a customs officer who was gruesomely murdered while on duty at Umuhu Ngor-Okpala along Owerri/Aba Road in Imo State on September 23, 2015. State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who disclosed this on December 5, stated that two of the prime suspects, Chibuzo Ike and Henry Ndubuisi Simon, were arrested in a hideout. He revealed that the two suspects led security operatives to the hide out of other members at World Bank area in New Owerri where the AK47 rifle and its magazine assigned to the slain Customs officer was recovered. The police boss further revealed that exhibits also recovered from the suspects include one Mazda 626 saloon car belonging to the slain Customs officer, one bucket containing suspected IED materials, two small batteries and one small rod. According to him investigation is still on-going while concerted efforts are being made to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large.

Four Feared Dead, Scores Injured in Bayelsa Poll

The December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State was marred by violence, inducement of voters and apathy in parts of the state, particularly in the riverine and coastal areas. Malfunctioning of card reader machines was also rampant. Four persons were reportedly killed in Southern Ijaw LGA. Gunmen were said to have invaded the riverside community in the early hours of the day ostensibly to hijack election materials. Three of the invaders were reportedly killed as security forces battled to restore normalcy while the fourth victim was said to have been felled by stray bullets. Elsewhere in the riverine Nembe and Brass local councils, the election eve witnessed shootings and disruption of the peace, which prompted reinforcement of security personnel in the area. At least 45 suspects were arrested by security operatives.

Six Killed as Farmers, Herdsmen Clash in Benue

A bloody clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Oju LGA of Benue State has led to the death of six persons. An eyewitness said that the skirmish erupted in the community on December 6 after the locals mobilised themselves and besieged a Fulani settlement in the area to stop a large herd of cattle and herdsmen from gaining access into the village. According to a witness, there was resistance and a crisis ensued, which resulted in a clash that left three villagers killed and several person injured. When the villagers discovered that two of their youths were killed and another that was earlier declared missing was also found to have been killed by the intruders, they launched a reprisal on the Herdsmen, killing and beheading three of them.

Conductor Arrested for Stabbing Death of Man

A commercial bus conductor in Lagos, Samson Eletu, has been arrested for the stabbing death of one Babatunde Omoyeni (38) on December 5. Omoyeni had boarded a bus back home when he had a disagreement with the bus conductor over the N50 fare and change. Angry residents almost lynched Eletu, who was reportedly saved by a community leader and handed over to the Police. The victim and the conductor had fought after the victim gave the conductor N500, but the conductor told him he didn’t have N450 change, because the fare was N50. The fight was eventually stopped, but the conductor, who was still aggrieved, trailed the victim to his house, while armed with a broken bottle. He reportedly stabbed Babatunde repeatedly. It was learnt that Eletu, who tried to flee from the scene, was nabbed by a suspicious, resident who saw blood stains on his clothes.

Assailants Murder Woman, Daughter

A 28-year-old woman, Itohan Enagbare, and her four-year-old daughter, Iwinosa, have been murdered in Benin City, Edo State. Enagbare and her daughter were stabbed to death by unknown assailants at their residence on November 25 while her other baby was locked in the bedroom. It was learnt that the killers stormed the victim’s residence in the afternoon and dragged her downstairs and stabbed her to death, while the daughter was killed because she was crying out loud before the killers escaped. The husband of the woman, Mr Enagbare, urged the police to fish out the killers of his wife and daughter. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Osifo, confirmed the incident, adding that the landlady of the victims had been arrested in connection with their death. Information got to the police that they had been having issues and the landlady had been threatening the late woman. The landlady’s son, who is also a suspect, is on the run.

Man Killed over Revenue Collection

A man was, December 9, killed along Oba market road over the collection of revenue for Oredo LGA of Edo State. It was learnt that a quarrel ensued after a group claimed that the acting Chairman of Oredo LGA, Sweet Ikpomwosa, gave them approval to collect revenue from night traders along the Oba Market road and adjoining streets. The group previously collecting revenue for the council was said to have resisted the new group, which led to the killing. Wares of traders selling along the road including some vehicles were destroyed by the rival groups. Police spokesman, Abiodun Osifo, confirmed the killings and said some suspects have been arrested.

Hoodlums Kill Two Traders over Toll

Suspected cult members, who stormed the tollgate area of Mushin in Lagos State, shot dead two traders on December 9. A witness disclosed that the hoodlums, who wielded guns and other weapons, invaded the community around 9pm and opened fire on anyone at sight. Investigations showed that there had been a battle of supremacy between the Tollgate boys and their rivals, known as Toba’s boys. The factions were said to be at war over toll collection in the Mushin area. Residents have called on the government to urgently investigate the killings and bring culprits to book. Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, said investigations were on.

Gunmen Kill Carpenter in Presence of One-Year-Old Son

A 35-year-old carpenter, Joseph Agboola, was, December 9, shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Somolu area of Lagos State. Agboola and his one-year-old son were lying on the bonnet of his car in front of their apartment when the gunmen opened fire in his direction. The hoodlums reportedly shot sporadically, during which two residents were also injured. It was learnt that earlier in the evening, some hoodlums, said to be members of Eiye Confraternity, had converged on the Bajulaiye canal and were smoking hemp. It was gathered that minutes after the hemp-smoking hoodlums dispersed from the canal, the gunmen arrived at the scene, and fired at Joseph, who was mistaken to be one of the rival cultists. Joseph was said to have been thereafter rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Rape

Gateman Defiles 11-Year-Old Daughter of Employer

A gatekeeper, Taoridi Usman (29), who allegedly defiled his employer’s 11-year-old daughter, was December 7, docked before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State. The accused person, who lives in his employer’s residence, is facing a charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offence was committed on November 29 at the accused residence. According to the prosecutor, the accused lured the girl to the gatehouse and defiled her.

Father in Court for Allegedly Raping Six-Year Old Daughter

A 35-year-old man, Harrison Agu, was, December 8, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defiling his six-year-old daughter. The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused had regularly defiled his 6-year-old daughter within the last 36 months. According to reports, the accused began the assault in 2013 when the child’s mother was away on national service. The child reportedly fell ill with a serious infection in her genitals, and the mother observed that the child’s genitals regularly produced a foul smell with discharges. This prompted the mother to take the child to the hospital where it was confirmed that she had been defiled. According to the prosecutor, the six-year-old disclosed that her father deeps his fingers into her genitals, and if she refused, he would beat her. The Magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Police Arraign 16-Year-Old Boy for Defiling 2 Minors

A 16-year-old boy, who allegedly defiled two minors, was, December 7, docked before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused is facing a four-count charge bordering on defilement and assault. The prosecutor, Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offences were committed on November 12 at the accused’s residence, where he lives with his parents and the victims aged two and six years. According to reports, it was the cry of the two-year-old girl that attracted her mother and the accused was apprehended. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The chief magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, granted the accused bail of N1million with two sureties in like sum. As part of the bail conditions, the magistrate ordered the accused to deposit N250,000 into the court registrar’s account and adjourned the case to January 6 for mention.

Security Guard Docked over Alleged Rape

A security guard, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, was December 9, docked before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly raping a 29-year-old woman on December 27, 2013 between 10pm-11pm at the defendant’s residence. It was gathered that the defendant assisted the victim with accommodation at his home, but trouble started when she decided to leave. The defendant, in his statement to the police, stated that when the victim insisted on leaving he refused her because he wanted to make love to her, but she was struggled with him to let her go. He claimed that both of the fell down on the floor in the course of the struggle, and that he did not succeed in penetrating her. However, her screams attracted the attention of his landlord, who invited the police.

Others

NSCDC Arrests Police Officer, Six Others for Pipeline Vandalism

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Charles Atileka, and six others for allegedly transporting 12,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), illegally to Benin Republic from Badagry, Lagos. Others were Jimoh Olusegun, Fashawo Kobla, Akapo Joseph, Amos Bakom, Francis Johnson, and Bederaa Isaac, who is a Togolese. Atileka, who was attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Francis Johnson and another, sustained injury during the gun battle that lasted for about an hour. State Commandant of the NSCDC, Gabriel Abafi, December 6, disclosed that an AK-47 with Nigerian Police emblem and a pistol were recovered from the suspects after the duel.

Hoodlums Bathe Task Force Official with Acid, Injure Another

Hoodlums in Oshodi, Lagos State, December 5, attacked and bathed a member of the state Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences, Akude Silas, with acid and injured a police officer while enforcing the state laws. The police officer was attacked at Ojo High School, Ojo LGA while removing illegal structures erected few meters away from the school. It was gathered that the hoodlums attacked Silas at Oshodi-Oke Bus Stop, Oshodi while managing traffic and enforcing the sanitation law. The Taskforce disclosed that it had arrested over 64 miscreants allegedly terrorizing Oshodi and its environs.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination took the top spot in our crime index. The killings were both targeted and random across in the southern region of the country. Even the police was not spared as a DPO was ambushed and gruesomely killed for carrying out his statutory duty. The Police made some arrests of key suspects. While have been charged to court for their various roles in the killing of their victims, others are still undergoing investigations.

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued as gunmen took hostages, including children in various regions of the country. It is also cheering that some hostages regained their freedom with no ransom paid. The challenge of baby theft and sale was also checked as security operatives dislodged a baby trafficking ring when they raided an illegal orphanage where babies were also rescued.

Terrorism remained high with deadly attacks from the terrorist group, Boko Haram as they continue killing while felling the unrelenting military onslaught on their enclaves. The military has maintained its massive onslaught on the terrorist group, destroying terrorist camps and reclaiming lost towns as it strives to meet the December 2015 deadline to crush terrorism in the country. Several women and children, held hostage by the terrorist group, were also rescued by the military

Robbery and Gang took their toll on the citizens as activities of men of the underworld lingered with associated killings. The robbers, which also included some security operatives, in brazen operations dared to attack security operatives, while a policeman was also dispossessed of money. However, the authorities arrested known suspects and killed a few in gun battle.

Drug related crimes interestingly took an upward plunge. But suspects men their waterloo as eagle eyed operatives of the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), apprehended them. It is feared that the rise could also be linked to people trying to make quick money for the yuletide.
Everyone is charged to be security conscious. It is the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch. Report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities.