Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 51

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Kill 4 Suspected Kidnappers

The Police in Rivers State, December 12, killed four persons suspected to have kidnapped one Ken Livinus from his house at Rukpokwu area of Port Harcourt and successfully rescued their victim. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed that the police reacted to distress call and gave the suspects a hot chase, killing the suspects during an exchange of gunfire. He added that the confrontation led to the safe rescue of the victim while four unidentified kidnappers were fatally wounded.  The victim’s vehicle, a car belonging to the kidnappers, three locally made pistols and twelve cartridges were recovered after the rescue operation.

Council Chairman Killed in Ghastly Accident after Being Kidnapped

Newly-appointed transition committee chairman of Jos East LGA of Plateau state, Hosea Azi, was December 12, killed in a ghastly motor accident alongside his kidnappers after he was kidnapped at Miango road, in Kufang, Jos. The accident occurred near Keffi, along Abuja road as his abductors were escaping with him. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abuh Emmanuel confirmed the development. Two of the suspects, who suffered serious injuries in the accident, have reportedly confessed to the crime while receiving treatment.

NSCDC Rescues 30 Trafficked Teenagers

At least 30 teenagers, who were about to be trafficked to neighbouring countries for child labour, have been rescued by the Enugu State command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) from January to December 2015. The State Commandant of NSCDC, Stephen Zwali Lar, December 14, stated that operatives of the command raided the hotels where the children were kept and swiftly rescued, handed them over to relevant authorities and arrested the culprits.

Servant Kidnaps Employer’s 6-Year-Old Son

The Edo State Police Command, December 14, paraded one Andy Ibojie, 26, for allegedly conspiring with a house help to kidnap his boss’s six-year-old son in Okomu town Ovia South West LGA. Also paraded were dismissed police officers, Adedeji Adeleke, Oniyo Musa, Abena John, and Henry Shobowale, who were arrested for the murder of one Benson Obode in May, 2015. Recovered from the suspects are two pump action gun, live cartridges, two locally made pistols, black axe regalia, 21 Ak47 rifles, three TO6 Rifles, 4 cut-to-size guns, 34 IEDs, 131 rounds of 7.62mm, four live cartridges, 47 AK47 rifle magazines, and the sum of four million, four hundred and fifty-two thousand, five hundred naira only (N4, 452, 500, 00).

Kidnap Suspect Arrested after Victim Dies in Captivity

The Enugu State Police Command, December 15, arrested six notorious kidnap suspects from their various hideouts.

Kidnappers Release Kidnapped Bishop, Hold Wife Hostage after Collecting Ransom

The kidnappers of the Bishop of the Lagos Central Diocese of the African Church, Rt. Rev. Gabriel Adebanjo, have released the bishop but kept his wife, Dorcas, after an undisclosed sum of money was paid as ransom for their release. The bishop and his wife were kidnapped when they went to Delta State on December 5, to attend an adult harvest programme. They were reportedly kidnapped and their driver shot after they took a detour to avert a fire outbreak at Effurun Junction. The spokesperson for the diocese, Chief Femi Adetona, confirmed the release. The Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the police were not aware of the release. She lamented that the family had not been cooperating with the police by providing information that could help with the arrest of suspects.

Robbery

Suspected Robber, Herbalist Arrested for Gun Running

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Ogun State Police Command has arrested one herbalist for keeping arms and making charms for a group of suspected armed robbers that have been terrorizing residents of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, December 14, disclosed that the SARS operatives had been investigating the activities and involvement of the herbalist in many robbery operations. Based on  investigations, the SARS operatives  carried out a raid on the Sagamu residence of the herbalist, Musiliu Otun,  where he was  arrested with some guns , ammunition  and assorted charms. In a related development, the PPRO said police operatives arrested one Kabiru Soyemi for robbery and cultism. According to him, the Police operatives responded to a distress call from the victims and arrested the suspect with a locally made pistol while other members of his group fled.

Police Arrest Soldier, Fake Naval Personnel for Robbery in Lagos

Four fake naval personnel and a soldier were, December 12, arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for alleged armed robbery. The suspects, who wore military attires, were arrested by youths at Ilado area of Lagos state while they were fleeing in a canoe after escaping from police detention. They were handed over to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). According to reports, the gang leader, who dressed as an Army Lieutenant, told them that the Army High Command had sent his group on joint military operation, for which he demanded N2million. The group prevented the fishermen from doing their job after they failed to pay the requested N2million. This prompted a report to the Army authorities, where the group was disowned. The residents then mobilized against the group and arrested them. Police sources said the Nigerian Army has confirmed that the man who claimed to be a Lieutenant was a Sergeant and had been taken for court-martial. The police have requested that the man should be brought back to the Police for proper prosecution after the court-martial.

Police Kill 2 Robbery Suspects in Ebonyi

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Ebonyi State Police Command, December 13, killed two armed robbery suspects during a shootout. Police spokesman, George Okafor, said the unidentified robbers stormed the Rice Mill junction along old Ogoja road, Abakaliki, and the Mechanic Village. They were later confronted by the SARS, who arrived at the scene following a distress call. The PPRO further stated that the hoodlums opened fire on sighting the police team, who overpowered them. He disclosed that some amounts of money were recovered by the police from the hoodlums after the gun battle.

Police Nab Cattle Thief, 4 Armed Robbers in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a notorious cattle rustler, Adamu Belto, and four other suspected armed robbers that have been terrorising the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Jibrin, while parading the suspects on December 13, explained that the Command had recorded significant success within the short time he arrived at the Command. He disclosed further that Adamu Belto, an ex-convict, was a notorious criminal who specialised in cattle rustling, armed robbery and kidnappings in and around the Bagudo LGA of the state and New-Bussa LGA of Niger State. 16 locally made pistols, one cutlass, three pieces of charms, four pieces of iron and five locally made pellets were recovered from the suspects.

Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested with 86 Bullets

The police in Lagos have arrested a suspect, Akiri Kemepamini Wisdom, who allegedly participated in the bank robbery in Festac Town on October 13. The suspect and one Diokoro Chinedu were apprehended by the Igando Police Division on December 8, while in possession of 86 bullets and an AK-49 rifle. The robbery gang had stormed two commercial banks in the Festac during which a mother and her child were killed. According to the police, Kemepamini-Wisdom and Chinedu, who were on an unregistered motorcycle, were arrested during a stop-and-search, while a third suspect, also on the motorcycle, had escaped arrest. Other items recovered from them include a Nigerian Army cap, a T-shirt with the inscription, ‘Gallant Patrol’, and the sum of N134,675. Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said they were assisting the police with investigations.

Robbers Attack Lagos Community, Kill Resident

Armed robbers, December 13, attacked some communities in the Agege area of Lagos State, killing a resident, Rasheed Durojaiye. The 43-year-old man was shot in the stomach after hitting one of the robbers in the head with an iron rod. It was learnt that the robbers, who raided Ola Ore and Ajebori Ogbon streets and looted valuables, were armed with guns and cutlasses, among other weapons. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Isokoko Police Division, Ifedolapo Badmos, and the Police Area Commander, Ebuka Edward, were said to have led a team of officers who apprehended two of the robbers with guns.

Police Confirm Death of Officer 2 Others after Shootout with Robbers

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a police officer and two others, by unknown gunmen, who opened fire on motorists along Ikwerre Road, in Port Harcourt on December 14. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the killings, said several other people sustained injuries. Muhammad stated that the gunmen were on a mission to rob a bank in the area, pointing out that no arrest had been made. It was learnt that the robbers, who were armed with AK-47 rifles came in three vehicles, shot sporadically in order to repel the advancing policemen. An eyewitness said the superior fire power of the policemen had forced the robbers to beat a retreat and escape through another road.

Carjackers Arrested in Lagos

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command, December 15, announced that have arrested three suspected car snatchers and recovered a stolen car. The suspects, Opeyemi Aregbeshola, Bola Salami, and Ogunleye Lateef, were arrested after the SARS operatives tracked a stolen vehicle to the abode of the receiver at Abule-Egba area of Lagos. According to the police, the suspects attacked the victim and snatched his vehicle But unknown to them, the vehicle had a tracking device. When the victim alerted the Police, the vehicle was tracked to the home of the receiver, Ogunleye Lateef, where he was arrested. Lateef assisted the operatives in arresting the other two members of the gang.

Traffic Robber Nabbed with Gun

The Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, December 15, arrested one Ese Ebrorhie, a suspected member of a three-man robbery gang. The police said the gang specialised in using motorcycles to rob commercial buses in the Mile 2 and Apapa areas of the state. The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, said the suspect was arrested while he and other gang members were escaping from a scene of a botched operation in Mile 2. He was allegedly arrested with a locally-made double-barrelled gun and a pistol.

Vigilante Groups Nab 6 Suspected Robbers in Delta

Security operatives have arrested six suspected armed robbers at Ofagbe community, in Isoko North LGA of Delta State. The armed robbery suspects were arrested at different locations on December 13 after an attack on patients and medical personnel at the Ofagbe General hospital. Sources said men of the Ofagbe vigilante team stormed the hospital after they were alerted by one of the patients in the hospital. The robbers reportedly took to their heels after they sighted the vigilante men, but the vigilante went after them, arresting three of them in the neighbouring Ibrede community through the help of Ibrede vigilante team. Three others were arrested after a hunter spotted them hiding in the bush along the Ofagbe-Ashaka Road.

Armed Robbers Kill Two, Loot Bank, Remove ATM in Osun

Armed robbers, December 15, invaded a branch of Wema Bank in Ibokun, Oriade LGA of Osun State, killing a security guard and a resident of the town. The armed robbers, numbering eight, carted away huge amount of money from the bank’s vault. It was gathered that the robbers used dynamite to remove the bank’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM), which they took away after the operation. Reports said the dare-devil men of the underworld on arrival at the bank fired gunshot at a security agent guarding the bank and also killed a resident of the town, who was passing by. An eyewitness said the robbers, after looting the bank, invaded the Ibokun Divisional Police Station, close to the bank and shot sporadically to scare away the policemen on duty. Police Public Relations Officer, Folasade Odoro, confirmed the robbery.

Gang Incidents

Several Killed as Military Arrest Sheikh Elzakzaky

There was tension in Kaduna and Kano as men of the Nigerian Army, December 13, arrested the spiritual leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Elzakzaky, whose members were alleged to have attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was in Zaria for the passing out parade of the Nigerian Army Depot on December 12. It was gathered that in the process of arresting the sect leader, dozens of people, including his son, Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky, and his wife, were allegedly killed. Elzakzaky's Gyellesu residence and the Hussainiyya Headquarters of the Shiite sect were reportedly demolished by the army. The army chief was said to have been heading to the emir's palace for a courtesy call when the sect members, who were said to be performing one of their religious rites, allegedly blocked the road and started throwing stones at his convoy. Another three members of the sect were killed on December 15 after they clashed with the police during a protest over the arrest of their leader and the killing of several of their members.

Police Arraign Osun Pupils for Attacking Teachers with Weapons

The Osun State Police Command, December 14, arraigned six students of St. Marks Anglican High School and Adenle Middle School in Osogbo before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly attacking their teachers with cutlasses and clubs. The students, suspected to be cultists had on December 4, invaded the schools premises where they allegedly chased their teachers with guns and cutlasses. The pupils were accused of causing breach of peace by disturbing school activities on December 7. The accused persons, whose age were said to be 18 years, pleaded not guilty to the two counts preferred against them. Meanwhile, the accused persons, who were represented by amicus curiae, urged the court to grant them bail in a liberal term. The Magistrate Adejumoke Olowolagba granted the six accused persons to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each in the like sum. She ordered that one of the sureties must provide tax clearance certificate. The case was adjourned till 15th February, 2016 for mention.

Ghanaian, 12 Nigerians Arraigned over Alleged Possession of Dangerous Weapons

A Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians, who are alleged to be members of an unlawful confraternity, were, December 16, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, over alleged possession of dangerous weapons and charms. The defendants are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, belonging to unlawful society, possession of dangerous weapons and carrying out unlawful business. The prosecutor, Inspector Feddy Asu, told the court that the defendant’s committed the alleged offences on December 14, 2015, at Falomo, Ikoyi. The prosecutor also informed the court that the defendants were allegedly found smoking substance suspected to be Indian hemp, thereby polluting the atmosphere for the people living in that area. The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charge. The magistrate, Mr P. Adekumaiya granted them bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety each in like sum. He adjourned the case to January 28, 2016 for mention.

30 Arraigned for Cultism, Robbery

No fewer than 30 suspects, including persons said to be sons and relatives of policemen in the Falomo Police Barracks, Ikoyi, Lagos, have been remanded for engaging in cultism and robbery. Seventeen of the suspects were arraigned in the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court while 13 others were brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on four counts bordering on the offences. The suspects were aged between 18 and 38. The suspects were picked up between December 13 and 14 by a team of policemen who raided the barracks and its environs. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ikoyi division had directed the raid following complaints by residents. They were also said to have attempted to rob one Peter Teneri, stabbing him with knives and broken bottles in the back before he was rescued. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. All suspects were granted bail in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

Two Killed, 10 Injured as NURTW Members Clash in Ondo

Two persons were killed while 10 others sustained injuries when members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), December 17, clashed at Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State. An eyewitness disclosed that members of the NURTW in the area were fighting against the continuous stay in office of the chairman of the union in the area. It was gathered that dangerous weapons including guns and machetes were freely used during the clash. The intervention of military personnel in the area prevented further breakdown of law and order. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area, Musiliu Sogbade, said normalcy has returned to the area.

Drugs

Woman Nabbed with Tons of Cocaine

A 45-year-old Senegalese woman, Sall Fatou, has been arrested by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for attempting to cross the Seme border with tons of cocaine. The suspect, who hid the drugs in her private part, was intercepted by curious Immigration officers who were suspicious about her nervous posture at the border. The Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Zone A, Musa Maza, December 14, confirmed the arrest.  The suspect was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Man, 27, Docked For Peddling Cannabis

A 27-year-old man, Sunday Effiong, was, December 15, arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged trafficking in Indian hemp. The prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, said that the accused was arrested on November 30 at Alaba Rago area of Lagos for allegedly dealing in Cannabis Sativa. According to him, about 300 grammes of the narcotic were seized from the accused, which he allegedly sold to hoodlums in the area. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Justice Mohammed Yunusa ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to January 14 for hearing on his bail application.

NDLEA Impounds Truck with N15m Indian Hemp in Nasarawa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 18, said it impounded a truck loaded with Indian hemp worth over N15 million in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. The NDLEA Area Commander in charge of Akwanga and Kokona LGAs, Saidu Salihu, said that the truck was impounded after knocking down and killing three street hawkers at Alushi Village, near Akwanga. According to him, the occupants of the vehicle fled the scene after the accident. He said that the impounded vehicle had been deposited at the Akwanga Police Station while investigation was on-going to arrest and prosecute the suspected traffickers.

Maritime

Terrorism

Troops Clear More Terrorists’ Camps, Rescue 31

Troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State have cleared the camps of the terrorists in the Aulari general area within the Sambisa forest. A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, revealed that all four camps located within the area were cleared. The army spokesman further disclosed that a terrorist was killed while trying to escape while 31 hostages were rescued. A stockpile of farm produce in metal drums, sacks and underground storage facilities were discovered. Other items recovered include several bicycles and motorcycles. Some of the farmlands yet to be harvested were also set ablaze by the terrorists. A wooden rifle used for training and practice by the terrorists was also retrieved.

14 Die in Fresh Plateau Attack

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, December 13, invaded the Kwata, Zawan area of Jos South LGA killing about 14 women and children. The Spokesman of Operation Safe Haven (Op SH), Captain Ikedichi Iweha, who confirmed attack, described the incident as a reprisal attack after two Fulani men were killed at Wereng village in Riyom LGA on December 11. He added that security operatives were drafted to the location and calm had returned as residents, who initially fled, were beginning to return. No arrest was made as the attackers had already fled before the arrival of security men. According to a resident of the community, John Dalyop, some Fulani herdsmen had written to warn the community of Kwata, Trade Centre and Kuru that they were not going to enjoy a peaceful Christmas, but the communities took the warning for granted.

Boko Haram Kills Eight, Torches Houses in Borno

Eight persons were killed and several houses torched in separate attacks on Mangari and Warawara, villages in Biu LGA of Borno State. One of the residents of Mangari who fled to Miringa town, disclosed that the insurgents besieged his village at about 3.15pm on December 13 on motorcycles and bicycles. He said they shot at anyone in sight and set houses ablaze. The attack on Warawara occurred after the siege to Mangari. It was gathered from the residents of the village that the insurgents moved to Warawara from Buratai, setting virtually all the buildings ablaze and killing indiscriminately. A resident of Warawara said the attackers came in the early hours of December 14, set houses ablaze and killed five persons.

Troops Intercept 4 Female Suicide Bombers in Mafa

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that members of the youth vigilante in Borno State, popularly referred to as Civilian JTF, December 16, intercepted four female suicide bombers close to Maiduguri. Army spokesman said that preliminary investigation revealed that suicide bombers were earlier observed trying to bypass a military checkpoint through a close by village before they were ordered to take the right road. However, few metres to the checkpoint, one of the bombers swiftly detonated her vest. The vigilant troops gunned down the other 3 suicide bombers before they carried out their nefarious acts. However, one of the Civilian JTF lost his life and 4 other persons sustained various degrees of injuries. The Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device team safely detonated the unexploded devices carried by the other suicide bombers.

30 Dead in Boko Haram Attack on Three Villages

Boko Haram Islamists, December 12, attacked three villages in Borno state, leaving at least 30 dead and 20 others wounded. Most of the victims were hacked to death, according to witnesses of the attacks in Warawara, Mangari and Bura-Shika villages. The Islamists further set the villages ablaze after killing their victims. ‎Warawara, where 20 people were killed, was the worst affected. The attackers killed six people in Bura-Shika and another four in Mangari. Residents of the villages fled to Biu.

FG Alerts on Boko Haram Plans for Abductions for ransom

The Federal Government, December 18, issued a security alert that Boko Haram terrorists were planning sensational abduction of pupils/students or foreigners in a desperate effort to raise funds through ransom. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who disclosed this, said the planned abduction was in line with the terrorists’ new modus operandi of focusing on soft targets, having been routed from their stronghold and their capacity to stage spectacular attacks substantially degraded. According to him, the largely defeated terrorists have now concentrated their attacks on soft targets, like motor parks, schools and entertainment centres. The statement advised the general public to upgrade their security arrangements for the holidays.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest Killers of DPO, DCO

The Police in Rivers State, December 13, announced that it had arrested two persons involved in the murder of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rumuokoro, Cliff Igwebge, who was recently ambushed and killed recently. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, announced the arrest of two notorious armed robbers who confessed to have been involved in series of armed robberies and kidnappings, including the murder of Igwegbe. The suspects include Prince Essien (30) and Hosanna Nse (23), while Clever Idaminabor (27), who was believed to be leader of the gang, was fatally wounded in the shootout that ensued when policemen raided their hideout at Location road, Ada George, Port Harcourt. Items recovered from the suspects include two AK 47 rifles, one assault rifle, 119 rounds of live ammunition and seven magazines.

Herdsman gets Death Sentence for Murder

An Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki and presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Alloy Nwankwo, December 11, sentenced a herdsman, Musa Barugun, to death by hanging for murder. Barugun had in February 2013 attacked and killed one Chibueze Nkwegu with a sharp knife. The deceased had complained of destruction of his crops by the cows, and had severally pleaded with Barugun to control his cows. But as Barugun failed to heed the pleas, trouble began, during which Barugun stabbed him to death and was arrested. Barugun could not put up defense to counter the evidence before the court on the matter as the knife used in committing the act was found in his possession with the blood stained clothes he wore during the murder.

15-Year-Old Arabic Pupil Kills Neighbour

The police in Lagos, December 14, confirmed that it had arrested a 15-year-old Arabic pupil, Sodiq Isa, for allegedly beating his neighbour, Johnson Adeboye (26), to death with a stick. It was learnt that the duo had a disagreement after the deceased complained that the suspect was making a noise with a plate. The suspect was alleged to have abused the deceased, which led to a fight. In the course of the scuffle, Isa hit the deceased with a stick, causing his death. He was said to have been arrested by policemen from the Amukoko division before he was transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba. The suspect, regretting his action, said Adeboye had first attacked him, and he was forced to retaliate. Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were on-going.

Man Stabs Friend to Death in Ogun

A 26-year-old man, Rafiu Gbadamosi, has been arrested by the police for stabbing his friend to death on December 9 at the Igberen area of Ogun State. It was learnt that the deceased, Yinka Badmus, had an altercation with one Ebenezer on that fateful day when the suspect intervened and settled the quarrel. But the deceased and his gang, later accosted the suspect and challenged him to a duel during which Gbadamosi stabbed him with a broken bottle. Gbadamosi, who confessed to the crime to the police, said he acted in self-defence, adding that he regretted his action. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He said the suspect had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran.

Ex-DPO Bags 10 Years Imprisonment for Manslaughter

Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, December 14, sentenced a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Segun Fabunmi, to 10 years in prison for manslaughter following the killing of one Ademola Ade during the 2012 fuel subsidy protest in Lagos. Justice Akinlade also found Fabunmi guilty of shooting three other persons during the protest. Fabunmi was arraigned on May 5, 2013 by the Lagos State Government on a seven-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm. At the time of the incident, the defendant was the DPO of Pen Cinema Police Station, Agege and had led out his men to Yaya-Abatan area of Ogba following intelligence report that there was a disturbance in the area. The court agreed with the defendant that there was indeed a mob at the scene of the incident, but rejected the defence counsel's argument that the shooting was the result of an accident when the defendant struggled with the mob to retain possession of his rifle.

Commercial Sex Worker Strangled to Death

A commercial sex worker, simply identified as Precious, was, December 9, found dead in a hotel room in the Oshodi area of Lagos State after she was allegedly strangled by a yet-to-be-identified customer. Precious was reportedly found dead by a hotel worker, who wanted to clean up the room. The worker was said to have raised the alarm, after which the matter was reported at the Akinpelu Police Division. It was learnt that the hotel manager and two other workers on duty on the night of the incident had been arrested and detained over the killing. Precious was suspected to have been strangled with a rope or clothes by her customer, who fled the hotel before anyone suspected that Precious had died. The Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, confirmed the arrests, adding that investigation was on-going.

Hoodlums Hack Policeman to Death

Unidentified hoodlums, December 11, hacked a policeman, Reuben Boture, to death. The hoodlums also injured another police officer before leaving the place. Residents suspect that the attack was a case of transferred aggression from other filling stations that had hiked fuel prices, while A.A. RANO filling station, where the policemen were attacked, maintained the approved pump price of N87 naira per litre. This, according to them, could have sparked up jealousy and led them to hiring hoodlums to perpetuate such heinous act.

Lecturer, Son Assassinated in Port Harcourt

The Returning Officer in the March 28, House of Representatives election for Obio Akpor federal constituency in Rivers State, Dr Ebirien Fubara, was December 12, killed alongside his son at their residence in Port Harcourt. The late Fubara was recently appointed a Commissioner in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), by Governor Nyesom Wike. It was gathered that the assassins, who stormed his residence, first killed his second with a rod and then went for the father, clubbing him until he fell unconscious before they fled. Fubara died on December 13, according to reports. He was a senior lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University, Rivers State.

ASP Tortures 21-Year-Old to Death

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Salawu Kazeem, has been arrested and detained by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly torturing a 21-year-old carpenter, Ganiyu Akinyemi, to death. Kazeem and two accomplices were arrested on December 15. The ASP and four men had come to the deceased’s apartment on December 14, accusing him of theft. It was gathered that the ASP arrested Ganiyu and told his family that he would detain him at the nearest police station. But when the family members went to the Oke-Odo Police Division, the victim was not found there, while no report had been made in the station. The family members were called to the hospital around 3am on December 15, where they were told by a doctor that Ganiyu was dead. The matter was immediately reported to the police and the ASP and two of the men were arrested, while two others escaped. The Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, confirmed the ASP’s arrest.

Rape

Man Jailed Four Years for Attempted Rape

A Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ogba, December 14, sentenced one Ganiyu Awawu to four and half years’ imprisonment for attempting to rape a 25-year-old woman, Taiwo Ogundipo. Awawu was also fined a sum of N5,000 by the court presided over by a Chief Magistrate, Mrs. T. Akanni. The victim, a food seller, was hawking along Safuratu Yakubu Way, on August 28 when the convict, said to be high on cannabis, called her and bought food from her. He was said to have lured the victim to an uncompleted building to collect the money for the food. But on getting there, he was said to have overpowered her, stripped her naked and threatened to kill her as he attempted to rape her, but she resisted. In the ensuing scuffle, a passer-by, who heard her screams, mobilised others to rescue the woman. Awawu was later handed over to the police. Upon his arraignment in the court on September 2, he had pleaded guilty to the four-count charge against him.

Man in Court over Alleged Rape of Colleague

A 27-year-old man, Michael Agboola, was, December 15, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos for allegedly raping his colleague within the company premises on Allen Avenue, Ikeja. It was gathered that the case was reported at the Isokoko Police Station on December 9, 2015. Michael was detained and charged to court by the police, after obtaining a test result indicating that the victim was raped. The prosecutor, Inspector Uche Simon, told the court that Agboola was the immediate boss of the victim, and he used his position to perpetrate the act. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The magistrate, Samuel Olori adjourned the case to January 15, 2016 and granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000.

Man, 54, Arraigned for Defiling 3-Year-Old

A 54-year-old man, Kehinde Layode, was, December 16, docked before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly defiling a 3-year-old girl in January 2013 at his residence. The defendant is facing a count charge of defilement of a child. At resumed hearing, the prosecutor, Mr Afeez Owokoniran, Principal State Counsel, told the court that he was ready for trial, after the defence maintained that they were not served with a medical report which was to be used as an exhibit. Justice Atinuke Ipaye, ruled that the prosecution should go and do the needful, and adjourned to January 13, 2016.

Others

9 Foreigners Jailed 5 Years for Oil Theft

Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, December 15, sentenced nine foreigners to five years imprisonment each after convicting them for stealing 3,423,097 metric tons of crude oil from Nigeria. Five of the convicts are Filipinos while the other four are from Bangladesh. The convicts were intercepted by the Nigerian Navy on March 27, 2015 while they were trying to take the stolen product loaded in their vessel, MT Asteris, out of the country. Justice Buba convicted them on four counts in relation to the crime and sentenced each of them to a jail term of five years with an option of N20 million as fine. The judge said the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was not controverted.

Five Jubilant IPOB Supporters Killed in Onitsha

The jubilation by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Onitsha, Anambra State, over the decision of a Federal High Court in Abuja to unconditionally release the embattled Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, turned soar on December 15, when soldiers allegedly shot at them, killing five of them at the Onitsha end of the River Niger Bridge. The IPOB members had on hearing the court’s ruling ordering Kanu’s release, converged around the statue of the late Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Trouble started when the IPOB members were accosted by the soldiers and asked to stop their march towards the bridge, an order the group allegedly defied. An argument ensued between the soldiers and the group, which later degenerated into violence.

Police Recover 3 Female Corpses in Lagos

Fear has gripped residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State, following the discovery of three mutilated female corpses in a canal in the area on December 14. The police had a week earlier, recovered six mutilated female corpses that were dumped in the area by unknown persons. The corpses which were in various stages of decomposition were discovered by residents of the area in the early hours fuelling speculations that they may have been dumped around midnight. The six mutilated corpses were recovered beside Bugon Filling station and Water Corporation in Ikorodu. The latest corpses were said to also have been mutilated with their vital organs conspicuously missing.

20 Pipeline Vandals Arrested in Lagos

A team of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have arrested 20 suspected pipeline vandals in the creeks of Ilado and Ilase in the Amuwo Odofin LGA of Lagos State. The suspects were intercepted by a patrol team between the Atlas Cove and Mosimi depot. The Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), December 15, disclosed that two Hilux vehicles containing thousands of jerry cans filled with petroleum products, equipment and several power generating sets, were recovered from the suspects. The Managing Director of the PPMC, Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, disclosed that the PPMC had recorded a huge success in tackling oil theft in the areas.

Military Nabs 3 Suspected Militants, Pipeline Vandals, Recover Arms

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has apprehended three suspected militants and pipeline vandals. Major-General Alani Okunlola, Commander of the military outfit, December 18, stated that the arrest followed intensified raids and patrols. Okunlola explained that the raid carried out on December 6 led to recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition by troops deployed to patrol Benin River and adjourning creeks in Itagbene, Warri North LGA of Delta. The recovered items included one Light Machine Gun (LMG), 5 AK-47 rifles, One G3 rifle, and one LAR rifle. “Others are 20 AK-47 magazines, two LAR rifle magazines and 415 rounds of 7.62 mm x 39 mm special ammunition, 229 x 7.62 NATO ammunition, 273 rounds of 5.65 ammunition, 10 dynamites and bundles of 2 detonating cords. The commander solicited the support of Niger Delta people for the campaign against oil theft and sundry crimes in the region by providing useful information to aid the troops in tracking miscreants in the area.

Review/Analysis

Armed Robbery and gang incidents took the top spot in the crime index. Brazen attacks were witnessed severally as they take their toll on the citizens and businesses, leading to loss of lives of civilians and security operatives. However, the police remain undeterred in their determination to bring criminals to book as they recorded major arrests. Vigilante groups in some communities were also up and alert as their presence led to the arrests of suspects in major operations.

Murder and assassination incidents were mostly random and lone incidents, except for where a father and son were brutally assassinated by yet to be identified persons. Most suspects were arrested, including those who ambushed and killed a serving DPO for performing his official duties. It is, however, assuring that families of slain person got justice as two suspects were convicted separately. While an ex-DPO was jailed for carelessly using his service rifle, causing the death of a Nigerian youth’ a herdsman got the death sentence for the brutal murder of a farm owner. These incidents were recorded across the country.

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued as gunmen took hostages variously. Some hostages regained their freedom after ransom was paid. Suspects were arrested after a death in captivity was recorded. Cross-border Child trafficking was also hampered as men of the NSCDC rescued would-be trafficked teenagers.

Terrorism incidents were low on record. However, the recorded incidents had high casualties. Boko Haram continues attacking and looting villages as they flee the continued military onslaught. The military has continued to deal decisive blows to the terrorists, destroying their camps and recovering high calibre arms and ammunition left by the fleeing terrorist. Several hostages, including aged men, women and children, were rescued by the military.

Drug related crimes and rape incidents both plunged down. Illicit drugs were seized while rape suspects were arrested.
The Federal Government has alerted on a new strategy of kidnap and ransom being planned by Boko Haram. Operators of soft targets are warned to add extra security measures to safeguard the lives of their patrons.
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.