Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 52

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Bayelsa Governor’s Sister Kidnapped in Yenagoa

Unidentified armed men, December 19, abducted the youngest sister of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Nancy Keme Dickson. Nancy and her sales girl were abducted in broad daylight from her shop located at Okaka road in the Yenagoa metropolis by the gunmen without any hindrance. The Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the abduction, said efforts have been intensified to rescue the victims and arrest the abductors.

Suspect Confesses to Serial Kidnapping

The Enugu State Police command has arrested a 27-year-old man, Peter Nweke, who admitted that his gang abducted Professor Kamene Okonjo, the mother of former finance minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in 2013. Nweke also told the police that his gang was involved in the abduction of a pastor’s wife, her friend as well as their driver in Enugu in October. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the anti-kidnap unit of the command arrested the suspect, who had escaped to Cotonou after the kidnap of Okonjo. According to the police, the suspect resurfaced in 2015 with another gang, which two others.

Kidnappers of Catholic Priests Demand N100m Ransom

The kidnappers of the two Catholic Priests in Delta state have reportedly established contact with the Issele-Uku Diocese, demanding a ransom of N100 million. Reverend Fathers Franklyn Odiaka and Moses Nwanochei were, December 18, kidnapped around Obior in Aniocha North LGA of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the kidnap of the priests, said the church had not lodged a formal complaint to the Police.

Bayelsa Commissioner Kidnapped

The Bayelsa state Commissioner for Local Government, Sarafina Otazi, has been abducted in Ogbia LGA of the State. A family member and nephew of the victim, Patrick Oba, said she was kidnapped at gunpoint in Otuoke, on her way to Ewoi Community for a funeral. Otazi was once the Acting chairperson of Ogbia Council area and former Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state. Spokesperson of the Bayelsa state Police Command Asinim Butswatt, December 19, confirmed the incident, adding that efforts were in top gear to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects.

Court Remands Kidnappers in Prison

A Lagos magistrates’ court, December 21, ordered the remand of three suspected robbers in prison custody for allegedly kidnapping their victims after dispossessing them of their valuables. The suspects –ThankGod Hussein, 29; Solomon Michael, 35; and 29-year-old Ibrahim Sossa– and others at large, had reportedly stormed a residence at Surulere area of the state on October 2, carting away several valuables, including a car, which belonged to one Alhaji Modupe Idris. The robbers also kidnapped Idris and one Alhaja Risikat Laminu, said to be his relative, demanding N24m as ransom. The police said the victims were rescued from their captors a few days after. The suspects were arrested on October 16 when they attempted to sell the car. They were rounded up by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the state police command and subsequently arraigned on four counts of robbery and kidnapping.

Three Policemen Die in Gun Battle with Kidnappers

Three policemen, December 22, reportedly lost their lives when they went to foil an attempted kidnapping of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jerry Needam. Needam, who disclosed this, commended the gallantry of the policemen deployed to rescue him during the attempted kidnap. He disclosed that the policemen engaged the heavily armed men in a fierce gun battle for several hours. Needam said two of the policemen and his security guard sustained bullet wounds during the incident and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Bishop’s Wife Regains Freedom from Kidnappers’ Den

The wife of the Bishop of the Lagos Central Diocese of the African Church, Dorcas Adebanjo, has been hospitalised after she was released by her captors on December 22 following the alleged payment of N2m as ransom. Dorcas’ release came exactly a week after her husband, Rt. Rev. Gabriel Adebanjo, regained his freedom from the same captors. The couple had travelled to Delta State on December 5 to attend a harvest programme, which was supposed to hold the following day, but were kidnapped after their vehicle took a detour at Effurun to avoid a fire incident. Their driver was shot and wounded. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said she was not aware of the release, adding that the church had not been cooperating with the police.

Police Arrest 2 Women over Alleged Child Theft in Delta

The police in Delta State have arrested two women, Margaret Igbenoba and Stella Odewele, for allegedly stealing a two-year-old baby in Okwe community, a suburb of Asaba, Delta State. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, December 24, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on a tip off when the parents of the two-year-old boy reported the case of their missing child to the police. The police swung into action and arrested the two women, who were on their way to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The police had recently arrested a woman suspected to have stolen a seven-month-old baby at Ominigboma, also a suburb of Asaba after a relative of the child’s mother spotted the suspect with the baby and raised the alarm, which attracted some police men on duty.

Robbery

Suspected Robber Confesses to Stealing Laptop for Rare Software

The Police in Lagos state have arrested an Information and Communication Technology (ICT), expert in Lagos, Emma Osim, who broke into the home of an unsuspecting client. According to the ICT consultant, he plotted the robbery of his clients after he observed that his client had uncommon software in his laptop. It was gathered that a three-man armed robbery gang, on December 10, invaded the residence of the client and dispossessed him of his GSM phones, I-pad, laptops and other valuables after they had tied his hands and legs with rope. It was gathered that immediately the police received a tip-off that armed robbers had attacked a resident at the Gbagada estate; they swiftly responded and intercepted the robbers while trying to escape. Some of the looted items were immediately recovered and the policemen rescued the bound victim.

Navy Arrest Three Oil Theft Kingpins

The Nigerian Navy in Delta state have released twenty-one oil theft suspects from their custody following their cooperation in the investigations that led to the arrest of three sponsors of the crimes. Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, who disclosed this at the Warri Naval Base on December 18, described those released as “foot soldiers” earlier held in place of the kingpins that have been arrested. Earlier the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, had inspected a massive ship, MT Eyuwa, caught with 670 (100 truck load) metric tonnes of crude oil in Forcados River in Burutu LGA.

One Killed as Police, Robbers Engage in Gun Battle

Men of the Ogun State Police command, December 22, killed an armed robber during a gun duel with a gang of armed robbers along Ijebu Ode/Benin expressway. Other members of the gang fled with bullet wounds. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, while confirming the clash, said the anti-crime patrol team responded to a distress call that hoodlums had blocked the road with a vehicle, which had earlier been snatched by the robbers. After the operation, the commuters were all rescued unhurt and all their belongings were intact. When a search was conducted on the dead robber, a cutlass, five live cartridges and assorted charms were recovered from him.

Boy, 17, Arrested for Traffic Robbery

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 17-year-old boy, Ibrahim Taiwo, while allegedly robbing a tricycle operator in the Iddo area of the state. It was learnt that the teenager was nabbed by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad on December 19. It was gathered that Taiwo and an accomplice, identified only as Abdullahi, who remains at large, attempted to rob the driver, identified as Okeke. It was learnt that the duo had allegedly used a penknife to dispossess the victim of two mobile phones, money and other valuables, before the police arrested the teenager. Taiwo, however, denied the robbery, saying it was his runaway friend who robbed and dropped the knife beside him.

Suspected Robber Arrested after Operation

The police in Lagos have arrested a suspected robber, Saliu John, after allegedly dispossessing some market women of their money. John was, December 21, nabbed by members of a vigilante group after he reportedly lost his way after an operation carried out alongside two others. It was learnt that John and his accomplices became separated, forcing the suspect to hide behind a tanker parked on the road, where he was arrested. John, who was questioned by the security men, could not account for why he had several female purses containing money him, arousing the suspicion of the security men that John allegedly attacked some market women earlier.

Gang Incidents

Police Smash Suspected Cultists during Initiation

Six students of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka have been arrested by the police for allegedly being members of a cult group. The students were arrested around the railway area of the university community. Confirming the incident on December 21, Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, stated that the suspects were arrested following information that the sound of a girl crying was being heard from an uncompleted building around the railway line. Giving the name of the cult group as Viqueen, Kalu stated that one female, Omojevbe Tracy Ngozi, was met being raped as part of the initiation proceeding into the cult group and she was also arrested.

Drugs

Woman Arraigned in Court for Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 21, arraigned a 38-year-old woman before a Federal High Court in Lagos over drug trafficking. The accused, Alake Abdulrazaq, is standing trial on a one-count charge bordering on the offence. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 12 when she was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, during the outward clearance of passengers on-board an Ethiopian Airline flight to India. Ibrahim told the court that about 4.5kg of Cocaine was recovered from the accused, which she concealed in a neat wrap. Justice Saliu Saidu granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case to February 2, 2016 for trial.

2 Bus Conductors Arraigned for Trafficking in Hard Drug

Two commercial bus conductors, Akeem Akinwande and Seun Abolade, were, on December 23, charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly trafficking in hard drug. Both are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, trafficking in hemp and breach of public peace. The prosecutor, Sergeant Joseph Ajebe, told the court that the offences were committed on December 16 at SMC Motor Park, Ogba Okeira in Lagos State. Ajebe said the accused were arrested by policemen on patrol. The accused unlawfully sold and smoked weeds suspected to be hemp in the public. Several wraps of weeds and dangerous weapons such as axes and cutlasses were recovered from them, Ajebe alleged. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Alexander Komolafe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with one surety each. The case was adjourned to January 22 for mention.

Suspects Hide 3,542.25kg of Hemp in Biscuits and Cheese Balls

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a truckload of cannabis concealed with cartons of biscuits and cheese balls. The discovery of the drugs weighing 3,542.25kg was made by officers and men of the agency in Ogun State, along the Odeda axis of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North LGA of the state. Two suspected cannabis dealers conveying the drugs, Ihenacho Chinweuba, 27, and Uche Enuosa, 33, have been arrested and the truck impounded. NDLEA commander in Ogun State, Bala Fagge, December 23, said the shipment was meant for consumption in Ogun and Lagos States. The cannabis was neatly arranged in the inner part of the long containerised truck while the outer part was filled with more than 300 cartons of biscuits and cheese balls to cleverly evade arrest by security agents.

Maritime

Security Forces Arrest 3 Suspected Militants, Recover Arms, Explosives in Delta

Operativesof the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta have arrested three suspected militants and pipeline vandals along the Benin River in Delta State. The suspects were identified as Mako Ajagidi, Godspower Alebi and Okiti Ariri. Commander of the JTF, Major-General Alani Okunlola, December 18, disclosed that the suspects were arrested by troops along the Benin River and its adjoining creek in Itagbene, Warri North LGA of Delta State. Items recovered from the suspects, according to Gen Okunlola include, one Light Machine Gun LMG, five AK 47 rifles, one G3 rifle and one LAR rifle. Others are 20 AK 47 magazines, 2 LAR rifle magazines and 415 rounds of 7.62mm × 39mm special, quantity 299 × 7.62mm NATO Ammunition, 273 rounds of 5.65mm Ammunition, 10 dynamites and bundles of 2 detonating cord. Okunlola said the recovery of the arms and ammunition was a result of the raids on suspected militant camps.

Terrorism

Child Suicide Bomber Kills 9 in Borno

Three child suicide bombers, aged between 10 and 15 years, December 20, killed themselves and six other persons by detonating an improvised bomb which they carried to Benisheik town of Borno State. Spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the children were spotted by the vigilant Borno State Youth Empowerment Scheme (Civilian JTF), who suspected something fishy about them. But while the Civilian JTF was in the process of screening the suspects following the necessary drills and precautions, the carrier detonated the IED. The army spokesman commiserated with the families of the deceased and called for more vigilance.

Nigerian Troops, Boko Haram Clash in Buratai

Boko Haram gunmen, December 19, launched a dawn raid on Buratai town in Borno State, leading to a fierce gun battle with troops. There was no immediate report of casualties. Buratai is the hometown of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai.  Some Buratai residents had fled to Miringa, where they took shelter in a primary school, locals said. Buratai and nearby villages have been repeatedly targeted in deadly raids by the Islamist insurgents since June, when the army chief assumed office. Residents believe the attacks are in response to recent military gains against the jihadists under the army chief.

Boko Haram Now Lures People to Bomb Them, DHQ Warns

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), December 21, warned members of the public that Boko Haram terrorists have devised a new tactic of luring people together in order to bomb them. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, disclosed that some of such tactics include crying and feigning pains to attract sympathy from unsuspecting public. According to him, when a lot of people gather to render help, the suicide bomber detonates bombs which they conceal under their clothes. Similarly, he said suicide bombers used monetary incentives and other inducements especially in crowded places to lure innocent citizens in order to cause colossal damage to both lives and property. The DDI further warned the citizenry to be wary of such antics of the terrorists and be extra vigilant in such places as parks, worship centres and recreation spots particularly in this festive period. Citizens are advised to report suspicious persons or objects to security agencies for prompt action.

Troops Clear More Boko Haram Enclaves

Troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade, December 20, flushed out terrorist camps located along the Sabon Gari and Damboa axis in Borno State. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of 25 Task Force Brigade conducted a fighting patrol along Damboa-Njaba-Bale Road in Borno State. The troops killed 3 suspected Boko Haram terrorists that had been terrorizing the communities around Sabon Gari and Damboa. According to him, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with its magazine, 43 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 grinding machine and five dane guns. In a related development on December 22, troops of 7 Division Garrison on patrol at Mainari village in Mafa LGA had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists, during which nine terrorists were killed. Weapons, including four AK-47 rifles and one Pump Action gun, were recovered.

Civilian-JTF in Maiduguri Intercepted Bombers with Bombs in Food Flasks

Vigilante operatives in Borno State, December 23, intercepted five food flasks filled with bombs outside a popular Maiduguri mosque and arrested the suspects. The suspects, believed to be members of Boko Haram, loaded five big food flasks on a hand-pushed cart and were headed for Medinatu Mosques in the heart of Maiduguri, Borno state, where adherents of the Tijjaniya Islamic sect were marking the Maulud Nabiyi. The arrested bombers, according to witnesses, earlier claimed the giant food flasks contained hot rice cooked to be delivered to the celebrating Muslims as gifts. Witnesses said the arrested culprits were all surrounded before they could escape and handed over to the soldiers in the neighbourhood. The spokesman of the Borno State branch of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Muhammed Abba Gava, confirmed the development.

Political/Government Agencies

Army Commutes Death Sentences of 66 Soldiers to Imprisonment

The Nigerian Army authorities have disclosed that the death sentences by firing squad passed on 66 soldiers in January and March 2015 by separate General Court Martials have been commuted to 10 years imprisonment each. This was confirmed on December 19 by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman. Usman recalled that 71 soldiers were arraigned on several charges in joint trials. The soldiers were arraigned on several count charges that include Criminal Conspiracy, Conspiracy to commit mutiny, Mutiny, Attempt to Commit an Offence (Murder), Disobedience to Particular Orders, Insubordinate Behaviour and False Accusation, amongst others. Following a series of petitions, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, ordered a legal review of the cases.

Police Service Commission Promotes 986 Officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC), during its 14th plenary meeting held in Abuja, approved the promotion of 986 senior police officers. According to a statement signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, 12 Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM) were also resolved. The PSC approved the promotion of Commissioner of Police, CP Shuaiba Gambo, to the next substantive rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), while DCP Jonah Jackson Mava, Olusola Babajide David, Titus Sumba Lamorde, Chika Abubakar Maidama and Abdullahi Chafe Ibrahim were elevated to Commissioner of Police. All the promotions took effect from December 16, 2015. The PSC also approved the reduction in rank of two officers, severe reprimand for another two and warned four. One officer is to receive a letter of advice while three others were exonerated.

Adamawa State gets New Commissioner of Police

Mr Ghazzali Mohammed has assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar, confirmed that Mohammed assumed office on December 23 to replace Gabriel Adaji. Mohammed, until his appointment, was in charge of election planning and monitoring at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The new Commissioner solicits the cooperation of the general public and calls on all to be law abiding and confident in the security apparatus of the state in the course of his administration.

Murder/Assassinations

Protesters Kill Six Taraba

Six people were killed at Bela village, Bornon Kurku area of Bali LGA of Taraba state by youths protesting the killing of two people during a robbery incident. The protesting youths, reportedly went after the victims on the suspicion that they or their kinsmen masterminded the robbery incident along Chediya/Borno Kurku road that claimed two lives. The robbery attack was suspected to have been carried out by members of the Tiv community in the area prompting the protesting youths to unleash mayhem on the victims using guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. The deadly protests, was ignited when the corpses of the two people killed during the robbery incident were brought to Bela. Infuriated by the sights of the corpses, the youths descended on the Tiv people that were part of the crowd that gathered to see the slain men. Police spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, December 21, confirmed the killing of the two Fulanis during the robbery incident saying investigations are on-going to bring the perpetrators to book.

Court Remands Man in Prison for Killing Co-Tenant over Electricity Bill

A man, Chukwuebuka Okeke, who allegedly beat a co-tenant, Nwabunike Ezeike, to death over N5,000 electricity bill, was, December 21, remanded in prison custody by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court. The court ordered that the accused should be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The 28-year-old accused is being tried for murder. The Prosecutor, Corporal. Iyobosa Onaiwu, told the court that the offence was committed on December 1 at the compound, where they both lived. Onaiwu said Ezeike’s death was caused by the blows he received on his head from Okeke during a fight. The Chief Magistrate, Miss B.O. Ope-Agbe, adjourned the case to February 1, 2016.

Police Arrest 12 Suspected Cultists for Beheading Man

Twelve men, who have been on the wanted lists of the Police for allegedly beheading one Afeez Obokwu in May 2015, have been arrested by the Lagos State police command. It was learned that Obokwu’s headless body was recovered at Oyingbo railway while the severed head was recovered by the Police at Otto Ilogbo in Ebute Meta. The suspects were arrested by the Police on tip off. The Police, December 21, said some of the suspects were earlier arrested and charged to court but were released. From investigation, the suspects belong to two rival cult groups called the Otto Boys with allegiance to the Eiye cult and the Apapa Boys with allegiance to the Aiye cult with their base at the Ebute-Meta area of the state. The suspects in their confessional statements to the Police revealed that they had participated in various killings across the state.

Police Parade Teenager for Matricide

An 18-year-old boy, Endurance Akpan, who allegedly killed his mother, Lovina Akpan, in Idio Nung Iba village, in Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom, has been arrested by the Police. Police spokeswoman, Cordelia Nwawe, who paraded the suspect on December 22, disclosed that Endurance reportedly killed his mother on arrival in his village from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he lives with his father. She added that Endurance tricked his mother out of her room to another room, where he tied and strangled her to death with a wrapper. After she died, he reportedly pulled her out of the room and took her close to a pit toilet within the compound and dumped her corpse there before he left for Port Harcourt, where he was arrested.

Pastor Arrested over Alleged Murder of Church Member

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, December 22, said it had arrested a pastor of God’s Power City, Gideon Idio, who allegedly killed a female church member, Joanna Okon. The pastor was said to have called the deceased to his office, where a scuffle ensued for yet to be determined reasons. The deceased reportedly collapsed and died inside his office during the scuffle.

Gunmen Attack APC Chieftain, Kill Police Escort in Rivers

A policeman was reportedly killed on December 22 after his principal, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chikordi Dike, was attacked. It was gathered that armed men had allegedly attempted to kill Dike, who is a onetime Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA of the state. It was gathered that the suspected assassins attacked their victims around Polo Club in GRA phase 2 and engaged the only policeman attached to Dike in an exchange of gunfire.

Enugu Lawyer Killed over Land Dispute

A lawyer in Enugu State, Mr Ejiofor Ozongwu, was, December 23, killed at Okwojo Ngwo, following a land dispute. Some witnesses disclosed that the late lawyer had gone to inspect the disputed land when he sighted his opponents in the dispute and fired some gun shots to scare them away. Ozongwu was said to have in the course of scaring them, wounded the President-General of the town’s union, whose supporters then pursued him and killed him. Residents of Okwojo Ngwo were said to have fled the town over fear of possible arrest by the police for questioning.

Man Arrested for Killing Friend in Fight

The Police in Ogun state, December 24, confirmed that they have arrested a 19-year-old vulcaniser, Fatai Sabitu, who was alleged to have killed his friend, Yusuf Sheu (38), in a fight. Sabitu explained that after Sheu slumped, he rushed him to two different hospitals before he died. Sabitu and Sheu, who both lived on Raji Fashola Road, in Otto Awori Local Council Development Area, had fought over a stolen phone. It was learnt that Sheu, bought a phone from the suspect, which was later discovered to have been stolen. After the real owner took back his phone, the deceased was said to have demanded a refund of his money, which led to a fight. The deceased was said to have slumped during the fight and was confirmed dead in a hospital. The matter was reported at the Ilemba Hausa Police Division, and the suspect was arrested.

Rape

Man Defiles Nine Under-aged Girls in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi Police Command said it had arrested a middle-aged man for allegedly defiling nine children aged between six and 10. The suspect, a father of three, allegedly carried out the act where he lived in the same compound with the victims. Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, confirmed the arrest, adding that the matter was under investigation. Okafor denied that the police compromised on the matter as being insinuated in some quarters, pointing out that proper investigative modalities were being applied. The Chairman of the Family Law Centre in Abakaliki, Mrs Elizabeth Nwali, said the centre petitioned the state Criminal Investigation Department about the matter following complaints that the suspect, who was handed over to the Police at Onueke, headquarters of Ezza South, was discharged the same day without proper interrogation. Some parents of the victims said that they became aware of the act when their children started complaining of severe pains in their private parts.

Man, 32, in Court for Raping 18-Year-Old Girl

James Adamu, a 32-year-old man, who allegedly raped an 18-year-old woman in Ota, Ogun State, December 21, appeared before an Ota Magistrates’ Court. The prosecutor, Sergeant Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 7 when he lured the teenager into his house before having unlawful carnal knowledge of her.  The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, who admitted the suspect to a bail of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum, said the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and also show evidence of tax payment to the Ogun state government. Banwo said the surety should also swear to an affidavit of means and submit four recent passport-size photographs to the court. The surety must possess reasonable means of identification while the address of the surety should be verified by the Police, he added. The case was adjourned till December 28 for hearing.

Man Rapes 24-Year-Old Facebook Friend

A 26-year-old man, Taiwo Oluwatobi, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, for allegedly raping his Facebook friend after luring her to his friend’s house. It was gathered that the incident happened at the suspect’s friend’s rented apartment on November 30. It was gathered that the victim and the suspect had been friends on Facebook since June 2015. The victim was said to have reported the matter to the Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba. It was learnt that Oluwatobi and his friend, Adenuga Adedayo, in whose apartment the rape allegedly took place, have both been arrested. Oluwatobi, however, denied the rape allegation, saying he had a consensual sexual intercourse with the woman.

Others

DPO Arrested for Suspect’s Abduction from Police Cell

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igbogbo Police Division in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has been detained at the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, for his failure to account for the whereabouts of Waidi Kabiru, who was abducted from the station on November 23. The DPO was arrested on December 19 on the orders of the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who had, on December 11, given the DPO a four-day ultimatum to produce the 26-year-old, who was abducted from the police cell by some masked men. Waidi was arrested during a raid on Shelewu Road, Ikorodu, and detained at the station. He was, however, abducted from the station hours later. The division had refuted the abduction, saying he was released to a surety, who they had yet to identify.

Several Injured, Housed Razed as Kwara Communities Fight over Land

At least 20 people were injured and over 50 houses destroyed in Share town when a violent clash between the people of Share and Tsaragi towns in Kwara State erupted. The clash forced residents of the warring towns to flee to the neighbouring communities for safety. Following the clash, the state government, December 20, imposed of a 24-hour curfew in the affected communities. The two communities have been embroiled in a running battle over land for several years. The recent crisis broke out on December 19 when there was a report that some people suspected to be from Share town invaded a disputed land with the intent of felling trees. About 20 people were said to have sustained serious injuries while some schools were vandalised. The state police command has drafted anti-riot policemen to maintain peace and order.

Navy Arrests 20 Vessels, Destroys 149 Illegal Refineries in Six Months

The Nigerian Navy, December 19, said it has arrested over 20 vessels and their crew, as well as destroyed 149 illegal refineries in the last six months. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, made the disclosure at the flag-off ceremony of Exercise Treasure Guard, a sea exercise aimed at maintaining professionalism and improving personnel capability. The CNS said upon assumption of office he promulgated his strategic directives 2015-1 with emphasis on maintaining zero tolerance for illegalities within the nation’s maritime environment.

Customs Intercepts Truck Loads of Rice

The Oyo/Osun State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) stormed a forest along Kishi-Igbeti area of Oyo State and intercepted five long trucks fully loaded with foreign rice, brought illegally into the country by smugglers. The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Abdulsalam Hassan, disclosed that the operation took place after thorough intelligence gathering. The bags of rice were seized and brought into the Command. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) for the rice is estimated to be over N23.9million.

FG Slams Fresh Charge against Kanu, 2 others

The Federal Government has slammed a fresh six-count criminal charge against the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu was charged before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court alongside two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.‎ The trio is accused of committing treasonable felony, an offence punishable under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. When the matter was called up by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, on December 22, neither the prosecuting counsel nor the accused persons ‎was present in court. ‎‎The Judge therefore adjourned the case December 23, saying a date for the arraignment of the accused persons would be communicated to all the parties.

Police Van Driving against Traffic Kills UNIPORT Student

A police van driving against traffic at the Choba area of Rivers State, December 20, crushed a final-year student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to death. According to eyewitnesses, the van was moving against the traffic when it swerved and crushed the deceased, Edah Oghenekevwe, who was standing by the roadside. The UNIPORT Public Relations Officer, Dr. William Wodi, confirmed that a student of the school was knocked down. The Rivers State Police Command has admitted to killing the student. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), A.A. Muhammed, promised that justice would be done in the matter.

Police Burst Counterfeit Currencies Syndicate in Hotel

Detectives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have uncovered a hotel in Badagry area of Lagos, allegedly used for printing of fake foreign currency. It was gathered that about 15 persons, including 11 Ghanaians and four Nigerians allegedly, use some of the rooms in the hotel to print the fake foreign currencies. Luck ran out on them after a team of the IGP Intelligence Response Team, said to have acted on a tip off, stormed the hotel. The suspects reportedly abandoned the fake currencies in their hotel rooms and fled. Two suit cases filled with fake Ghanaian currencies were recovered. Owner of the hotel, who was arrested over the recovery, denied knowledge of the illegal business in his hotel, maintaining that it was not in the purview of the hotel to interfere in their guests private affairs.

Scores Burnt to Death in Nnewi Gas Explosion

An industrial Gas plant in Nnewi, Anambra state, December 24, exploded, killing over 100 persons. The explosion rocked the Inter Corp Oil Limited, an LPG Gas Plant. The incident occurred when a truck was discharging its contents, suddenly burst into flames, affecting the entire plant and nearby facilities. The magnitude of inferno hampered rescue efforts into the factory where hundreds were allegedly trapped.

Customs Arrests 23 Suspects, Seizes 1,300 Cartons of Frozen Poultry Products

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, of Nigeria Customs Service, Owerri, has arrested 23 suspects in connection with smuggling activities. The zone also intercepted a truck loaded with 1,300 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, concealed with Polymers Vinyl Chloride (PVC) sheets and ceramic bath tubs with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12.4 million on Benin-Ore expressway few days to Christmas. The Customs Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Dimka Victor David, December 23, revealed that a total of 31 seizures which include 21, vehicles had been recorded between December 1 to date with DPV of N118,190,217.00, with 23 arrests made and 22 cases pending in different courts within the Zone ‘C’ axis.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued as gunmen took high profile targets as hostages, including clerics. Some victims regained their freedom after ransom was paid. One person reportedly escaped being kidnapped due to the resilience of security agents, who gave their life protecting him. Some suspects were arrested, including two suspected child traffickers, following painstaking investigations by security operatives and vigilance by citizens. These incidents were recorded in the south-south and south-eastern parts of Nigeria, with a trace in the south-west.

Murder and assassination incidents had random cases recorded across the regions of the country. Most suspects were arrested, including a youth, who killed his mother. Other murder incidents involved mob and gang activities. The security agents remained vigilant in apprehending suspects and restoring calm in affected areas.

Armed Robbery and gang incidents took a downward plunge as we saw a reduction in comparison to the previous week. However, attacks were witnessed as hoodlums continue to terrorise individuals and the nation’s economy. It is worthy of note that suspects were variously arrested as these incidents were recorded across the country.

Terrorism incidents were low on record as the government announced that the military had technically defeated the Boko Haram terrorists. Troops continue to clear Boko Haram enclave, destroy weapons found and kill terrorist during fighting patrols. However, it is scary to note that as the military continues its onslaught, the terrorists continually devise new means of carrying out their attacks. These include the use of children as suicide bombers, feigning pain in public places to attract sympathetic crowd, amongst other means. The defense headquarters continues to advise residents to remain highly vigilant. The north-east bears the brunt of terrorists’ attacks.

Drug related crimes and rape incidents both remain low on record. Illicit drugs were seized while suspected rapists, including a serial child rapist, were arrested
Everyone is charged to be security conscious and promptly report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities.