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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 1

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

7

2

Robbery

11

3

Gang

3

4

Drugs

1

5

Maritime Incidents

2

6

Terrorism

6

7

Political/Government Agencies

1

8

Murder/Assassinations

9

9

Rape Incidents

1

10

Others

8

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Smash Murderous Kidnapping Gang in Imo

The Imo State Police Command, December 27, exhumed the remains of a 63-year-old kidnapped victim, Madam Ogo Omereji, who was abducted and buried alive in a shallow grave by her abductors, even after the payment of N500,000 as ransom. The woman was abducted in her farm on September 26, 2015 by a three-man kidnap gang. The gang reportedly killed the victim as they feared she would identify them as her nephews. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that operatives of the Anti-kidnapping Unit of the state police command arrested the three suspects, who confessed to have abducted the woman, whom they subsequently murdered and buried in the forest. The suspects Gift Emeka (26), Sunday Uchenna (28) and Emeka Chinedu (27), were her nephews.

Kidnappers Demand N40m for Abducted Bayelsa Commissioner

Kidnappers of Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government, Madam Sarafina Otazi, have demanded N40m as ransom for her release. Otazi was kidnapped at gun point and forcibly taken away on December 20, 2015 at Otuoke while on her way to Ewoi Community in Ogbia LGA for a funeral. The kidnappers, according to one of her family members, had established contact with them and are demanding a ransom of N40m to set her free. Otazi had previously served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Acting Chairman of Ogbia LGA.

Police Arrest In-Law over Kidnap of Septuagenarian

The Bayelsa State Police Command, December 27, 2015, arrested one Ebemu Monday (25) for his alleged involvement in the abduction of 78-year-old Dennis Ogosi. The suspect, said to be an in-law to Ogosi, is believed to be the mastermind of the abduction in the first week of December at Sagbama town in Sagbama LGA of the state. The whereabouts of Ogosi remains unknown. The suspect was arrested by detectives from the Sagbama Division following a tip-off. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the arrest, revealed that the suspect had made useful statements.

Gunmen Kidnap Toddler, LG Official in Rivers

Unidentified gunmen, December 28, 2015, kidnapped a member of the caretaker committee for Degema LGA of Rivers State, Mrs. Elekima Patson and her two-year old son. The gunmen, who stormed the Buguma community in three speedboats, shot sporadically, killing two members of the community before abducting their victims. Chairman of the caretaker committee for Degema, Hon. Tonye Tyger, who confirmed the incident, said one of the suspected kidnappers was arrested by members of the local vigilante, and handed over to the police.

Police Rescue Two Kidnapped Victims in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command, December 29, 2015, rescued two kidnap victims, Jackson Sunday and Mary Monday, at the Ogbakiri waterfront area of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said the rescue operations were coordinated by the tactical unit of the command. The victims, Jackson and Mary, were kidnapped on different days at Rumuodara and Rumuigbo respectively in Port Harcourt. The suspected kidnappers, who were found guarding the victims, reportedly engaged the men in a gun duel. Three suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded while the victims were rescued unhurt. One AK47 rifle, one locally made pistol, twenty rounds of ammunition, charms and a Nissan jeep belonging to Jackson Sunday were recovered from the kidnappers' den, according to the police spokesman.

Gunmen Kidnap Woman, 80, in Rivers

An 80-year-old woman, Rebecca Igbe, was, December 28, abducted in Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. The octogenarian, who is the mother of a serving  Assistant Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Batram Igbe, was kidnapped after four heavily armed men attacked her shop in front of her house, shooting sporadically. It was learnt that Rebecca’s abduction was the second time she would be taken away by kidnappers in 2015. State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Mohammad, said investigation was on-going with a view to rescuing the octogenarian.

Gunmen Abduct DELSUTH Consultant, Demand Ransom

Unidentified gunmen, who abducted a consultant neurologist with the Delta State Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), have demanded N15million as ransom for his release. The consultant, Dr. Obiabo Yahaya, who is the DELSUTH chapter chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, was trailed and abducted on December 29 while trying to enter his house in Sapele. President of the DELSUTH Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Innocent Okocha, confirmed that the abductors have made contact with his family demanding a ransom of N15 million. Okocha added that the matter had been reported to the security operatives in the area, including the police.

Robbery

Two Killed, Several Persons Injured in Ekiti Bank Robbery

Two persons, including a private security guard and a carpenter were killed in a robbery operation on December 24 in Okemesi Ekiti in Ekiti West LGA of Ekiti State. It was gathered that a nine-man gang of armed robbers had invaded an old generation bank in the town, shooting sporadically for about an hour that the operation lasted. The robbers reportedly blew open the security door with an explosive device. The bandits were said to have carted away money running into millions of naira. The source revealed that one of the robbers had been at a nearby bar close to the gate of the bank reading newspapers before others came in a black Sienna car. He immediately ordered the security guard and the carpenter to lie down, before their killing.

Soldier Arrested for Supplying Arms to Robbers

A Lance Corporal of the Nigeria Army was among eight persons arrested by the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (SIRT) for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to robbers in Lagos. It was gathered that the suspects were picked up at various locations in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Borno states, by the SIRT operatives, led by CSP Abba Kyari, and officials of the Defense Intelligence. Six automatic pump action rifles, a pistol and some cartridges were recovered from the suspects. The army corporal was picked up at his duty post in Maiduguri, Borno State and is currently undergoing interrogations at the Defense Headquarters, Abuja. It was gathered that a member of the gang,  who was arrested recently by the SIRT operatives, confessed  during, interrogations that his gang received large supplies of  arms and ammunition, from the soldier, who was  posted to Borno State,  to fight the Boko Haram sect.

Vigilante Operative Arrested for Robbery

The men of Ogun State Police Command attached to Sagamu Division have arrested a man, Adesiyan Adeniji, who claims to be a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria for alleged armed robbery. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspect, who had been placed under surveillance by the policemen in the area for some time, was arrested on December 30 in Sagamu. Adejobi disclosed that the suspect was in possession of a stolen motorcycle, a locally-made double -barrelled gun with 20 live cartridges. The police spokesman added that the suspect, who claims to be a vigilante group official, had been terrorising the people of Sagamu and dispossessing them of their belongings.

Police Nab 2 Robbery Suspects in Lagos

Two suspected members of a four-man armed robbery gang were, December 28, arrested by officers of the Lagos State Police Command, during a robbery operation at Gowon Estate, Egbeda area of the state. The two suspects, simply identified as Akeem Abu and Banabas Ebijimi, were arrested while attempting to cut the burglary proof of a house in the Estate when the security alarm system installed in the building was triggered off. A member of the family quickly alerted the police, who responded immediately and arrested the duo while two others escaped.

Police Kill 2 Armed Robbers, Parade 11 in Ondo

Police Detectives in Ondo State shot and killed two suspected armed robbers, while 11 others were arrested. State Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodu, who disclosed this on December 30, added that two suspects that specialised in snatching trucks along Ore road were also arrested. According to him, 14 stolen vehicles were recovered from the syndicate that specialized in attacking trucks. The arrests were made after a victim reported to the police in Ore that one of his trucks, loaded with petroleum product was hijacked at gunpoint. Ogbodu said his men swung into action and the truck was recovered in a petrol filling station while discharging the product.

Man Remanded for Robbing Neighbour

A vulcaniser, Jelili Dimeji, was, December 28, 2015, remanded in prison custody for allegedly leading a 3-man gang to rob his neighbour, Oladipupo Audu. The suspect and the victim both live in Isheri Osun, in the Ijegun area of Lagos. Audu and a friend were driving on Ijegun Road when Dimeji and his gang members, who are still at large, waylaid them. They were said to have snatched Audu’s car, dispossessed him of gold jewellery worth about N1,450,000 and a cash sum of N300,000. The car was later recovered by men of the Rapid Response Squad. Dimeji was arrested on October 7 and was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Ikeja. A locally-made gun, phones and two Automated Teller Machine cards were said to have been recovered from him. Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Olayinka, ordered that the defendants should be remanded in prison custody pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The case was adjourned till January 28, 2015.

Police Arrest Car Snatchers, Robber in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two men who allegedly specialised in snatching vehicles in Akure and one member of an armed robbery gang. The suspects were paraded by the state Police Commissioner, Mike Ogbodu, at the state headquarters of the command on December 29. The suspects are Muhammad Bello, Akinde Ayo and Moses Olayemi. Ayo and Olayemi were alleged to be members of a car-snatching syndicate in Akure, while Bello was arrested during a robbery operation on Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode expressway where two of his 10-man gang were killed. Olayemi, who confessed to the crime, said he had stolen no fewer than 11 cars since he began the operation in 2015. He said other members of his gang had not been arrested as they had fled the town when they learnt he had been arrested. The police boss said the command was on the trail of the fleeing members of the gang while the arrested suspects would soon be charged to court.

Police Arrest two, Kill One Robbery Suspect

The Delta State Police command, December 29, announced that its patrol team killed an armed robbery suspect in Ughelli and recovered a Volkswagen car snatched from its owner at gunpoint by two armed men. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the suspect was gunned down following a gun duel with the patrol team while two of his gang members were also arrested. Kalu also disclosed that the police arrested another suspect, who was attempting to rob a bank customer in Warri. Items recovered from the suspects, according to Kalu, include two double barrel cut-to-size guns, one locally made pistol, and some mobile phones. She added that investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Police Arrest Trans-Border Armed Robber

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, December 26, 2015, arrested an ex–convict, Wasami Dennis, for trans-border armed robbery.  The suspect, who was released about a year ago from Kirikiri prison after he was convicted for a robbery incident, was arrested in his hideout in Agbole Orile area of Lagos. The suspect, who operates in Ghana and Nigeria, confessed that it was easier for him to operate in Ghana. Confirming the arrest, Police Spokesperson, Joe Offor, said the suspect was helping the police with information that could lead to the arrest of his accomplices.

UNN Student Arrested for Robbery, Cultism

A student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has been arrested by the operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Enugu State Police Command for alleged armed robbery and secret cult activities, while two of his accomplices escaped. The suspect, Ugwuanyi Ezinwanne, was said to have been terrorising inhabitants of the town along with two others now at large; intimidating, harassing and robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables and cash at gun point. The spokesman of the Nigeria Police, Enugu Police command, Ebere Amarizu, confirmed the arrest of the final year student, adding that an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects had commenced in full scale.

Soldiers Kill Robbers, Recover Arms, Money

Soldiers attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi State, December 31, killed three suspected armed robbers and recovered three AK47 riffles, four magazines, 147 round of ammunition, charms and the sum of N294,730 after a shoot-out in Gamawa LGA. The Sector 3 Commander of the brigade, Major Suleiman Asuku Yakubu, explained that they carried out the operation at about 2am at Udubo village following a tip off. He said the operation had triggered a fierce gun battle between them and the suspected bandits where the soldiers succeeded to kill three of them while others fled into the bush.

Gang Incidents

Five Persons Dead in Rivers Cult War

The Rivers State Police Command, December 29, confirmed that five people died in the recent cult clash that rocked Egi clan, Akabuka, Obite, Ogbogu and Egita communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of the State. Residents, however, reported that over 21 people were killed in clashes by the rival cult groups, while several properties were destroyed. It was gathered that the communities have already been deserted. Security personnel deployed in the affected areas had restored peace. Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that only five people were killed in the cult clash.

Students Stabbed to Death, Cultists Raze Buildings in Lagos

A 17-year-old student was stabbed to death and at least 25 others rendered homeless after suspected cultists invaded and torched two buildings on Sholanke Street in the Yaba area of Lagos State and set fire to them on December 30. It was learnt that rival cultists had clashed on Ibukunolu Street a day earlier and had stabbed a 17-year-old Rilwan to death. Two of the attackers were said to be identified as Makayoko and Ororo. It was gathered that angry rival cultists had thereafter stormed Sholanke Street and razed Makayoko’s father’s residence as a reprisal for the killing of Rilwan. It was learnt that some residents alerted the policemen.

One Killed as Rival Cults Clash in Kwara

A man, identified simply as Muyi, was, December 28, 2015, killed in a clash between two rival cults in Ilorin, Kwara State. It was gathered that many people were injured during the mayhem, which occurred at the Agaka area of Ilorin metropolis. A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the clash was between a cult from Ita-Kure/Oja-Iya and another group in Agaka. He said the clash was mainly a supremacy battle between members of the rival cults. The Commissioner Police, Esosa Amadasun, December 31, paraded 19 persons over the recent rival cult clashes in Ilorin, the state capital.

Drugs

Suspected Drug Trafficker Arrested

The Acting Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Roli Bode-George, December 30, alerted members of the public to some drug cartels that had invaded Facebook and other social media platforms for the recruitment of drug mules. Bode-George raised the alarm as the agency foiled attempt by a drug trafficking organization to recruit a 37-year-old lady, Gloria Uju Ezeabata, on Facebook as a drug courier under the guise of marriage proposal. She was to smuggle 1.325kg of methamphetamine to Malaysia when she was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. A suspected leader of the cartel, Philip Akpaka, was equally arrested. The drug was concealed in 26 packs of Indomie noodles in a bag of foodstuff, which he gave her. Philip admitted preparing the travel documents of Gloria on the request of his friend based in Malaysia, and giving the bag to Gloria.

Maritime

JTF Arrest Five Sea Pirates, Oil Thieves in Bayelsa

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, December 23,have arrested five suspected sea pirates and two oil thieves in the creeks of   Sangala in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. According to the Commander the JTF, Major-General Alani Okunlola, the suspects were arrested by troops of Sector 2 while they were patrolling the creeks. The Coordinator of Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col Isa Ado, speaking on behalf of the Commander, disclosed that the troops recovered four shotguns, four cartridges and 12 mobile handsets and other valuables from the suspects. He gave the names of the suspects as Gabriel Abel, 23, Ebiaredia Godday, 23,   Samson Ezekiel, Gift Enihus and Richard Christian. He stated that the suspects would be handed over to the prosecuting agencies at the conclusion of preliminary investigation.

Navy Destroys Illegal Refineries, Stolen Oil

The Nigerian Navy has destroyed illegal refineries, as well as 8,000 metric tons of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products in Warri, Delta State. It was gathered that the operation was executed by high-ranking officers from the Nigerian Naval ship, NNS DELTA, on Bennet Island and in Kantu community. The NNS DELTA Commander, Commodore Raimi Muhammed, December 28, 2015, said the operation followed the navy’s determination to clean up illegal activities in the Niger-Delta region. He revealed that 26 storage pits used for storing crude oil were discovered, while 4,900 metric tons of stolen crude oil was destroyed on Bennet Island A total of 22 storage tanks were destroyed in Kantu. The product and the pits were set ablaze.

Terrorism

Military Alerts on Terrorists’ Plan to use Beggars for Attacks

The Nigerian Army, January 1, alerted Borno residents on plans by Boko Haram terrorists to use beggars and other strategies to carry out attacks. The media coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Mustapha Anka, who disclosed this in Maiduguri, stated that the terrorists planned to conceal explosives in bundles of firewood, which would be placed in crowded and strategic areas of the city and environs to cause havoc. He also warned that the terrorists had also devised a new means of attracting the public by shouting “Boko Haram” to create panic and lure unsuspecting members of the public for maximum casualty. He advised residents to be extra vigilant.

Army Nabs Seven Boko Haram Bomb Experts in Kaduna

Troops of the Nigerian army have arrested seven suspected Boko Haram bomb and improvised explosive device-making (IEDs) specialists. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who disclosed this on December 27, said that the terrorists were arrested in Kaduna after painstaking surveillance and proactive intelligence operations over period of time. Usman disclosed the suspects were in Kaduna to conduct suicide bombings during the festive period. Usman urged members of the public to continue to be more vigilant and security conscious by reporting suspicious persons and movements to the security agencies.

15 Killed, 6 Abducted as Boko Haram Attacks Borno Village

Sixteen people were, December 25, killed by members of Boko Haram terrorist group, in an attack on Kimba village in Biu LGA of Borno State. A curfew had been slammed on the state, starting from December 24 through December 27. Six others were abducted after several houses and shops were set ablaze. A member of youth vigilante in Biu confirmed the attack and killing.

30 Killed as Two Female Suicide Bombers Hit Adamawa

Two female suicide bombers, December 27, hit a market in Adamawa on December 27, killing at least 30 persons. The military chief in Adamawa state, Brigadier-General Victor Ezugwu, confirmed the twin suicide blasts in Madagali but did not give a toll. Madagali has been repeatedly attacked by the jihadists. Maina Ularamu, a community leader and former chairman of Madagali LGA, also confirmed the attack.

21 Killed, 91 injured from Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri— NEMA

At least 21 persons, were killed when Boko Haram terrorists attacked Maiduguri, Borno State on December 27 and 28. Mohammed Kanar, head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the region, disclosed that 21 persons had died and 91 were injured when the insurgents attacked Jiddari Polo, on the outskirts of Maiduguri and other parts of the city. A member of the youth vigilante group assisting the military confirmed that there were more than a dozen suicide blasts in Maiduguri in a space of two days. According to reports, the suicide attacks were carried out by young suicide bombers, who sneaked into the city during the gun battle between soldiers and Boko Haram gunmen on December 27.

Military Destroys Suspected Terrorist

The military said it had intercepted and destroyed 10 suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State. The Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Mustapha Anka, who disclosed this on December 27, 2015, stated that two suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers earlier intercepted by vigilant troops disclosed their colleagues’ intention to enter the city with bombs. According to him, the troops laid ambush on the terrorists’ routes along Damboa road and eliminated them. The suicide bombers were intercepted in three different locations while approaching the city. The Explosive Ordinance Device Team were mobilised to comb the general area and clear the debris.

Political/Government Agencies

Police to Arrest of Holders of Invalid Firearms License, Tinted Glass Permit

The Nigeria Police Force will commence a revalidation of firearms license and vehicle tinted glass permit with effect from January 1, 2016 through its digital platform, the Nigeria Police Central Information System (NCIS). The Police said the current firearms license and tinted glass permit would become invalid by March 18, 2016 and the holders might be liable to arrest and prosecution. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, who said this during the inauguration of the NCIS in Abuja on December 31, explained that all police permits would be henceforth processed through the digital platform.

Murder/Assassinations

Drunken Killer Cop to be Dismissed even in Death

The Lagos State Police Command, December 27, said plans had been concluded to try and dismiss killer cop, Stephen James. James, who was drunk, was said to have killed three undergraduates before finally killing himself at a pub attached to Paulson Hotel at Anibaba area of Ikosi in Ketu on December 26. The cop was said to have been involved in a heated argument with the three deceased persons before he shot them at close range. Two of the deceased persons were twin brothers identified as Taiwo and Kehinde Oyesunle, the third person was their friend, who was known as Jeje. The state Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, said the killer cop ceased to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force by his callous action, which led to the death of three persons.

Son Kills Father in Enugu

A 60-year-old community leader, Paulinus Ugwuoke, was reportedly hacked to death by his son, Anselem, on December 25 in Imilike Agu community in Udenu LGA of Enugu State. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident. Anselem Ugwuoke, alongside his friends, had engaged his father in a serious exchange of words over a yet-to-be established issue, which resulted in the suspect hitting of his father with an object, which led to his death. Anselem and his friends quickly took to their heels after the incident. Amaraizu said full scale investigations have commenced into the alleged incident while manhunt on Anselem and friends had been intensified.

Police Launches Manhunt for Suspect over Christmas Day Killing

The Lagos State Police Command, December 28, 2015, disclosed that it had launched a manhunt to track down and arrest a murder suspect, simply identified as Sunday, over the December 25 stabbing death of his girlfriend, Cecilia Joseph. The suspect allegedly stabbed his 21-year-old girlfriend to death at their rented apartment in the FESTAC Town area of the state. It was learnt that the duo had a fight during which Sunday allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Joseph in the neck and in the stomach. Neighbours, who learnt of the attack after Sunday had fled the house, reported the matter to the Police. A source said the suspect ran out of the country to the Benin Republic. The Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident, said the Interpol section would be given the suspect’s details to aid their investigations.

Policemen Detained over Death of Undergraduate

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested the policemen in the patrol van that hit and killed a final year student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Oghenekevwe Edah. The victim was returning from church at the Choba area of Rivers State on December 20, 2015, when a police van driving against traffic hit him. The policemen were said to have attempted to escape from the scene, but passersby compelled them to take the victim to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where he died. The policemen were said to have initially denied hitting him, saying they only picked him from the road after he was knocked down by a vehicle. But authorities identified the culprits and they had been detained to answer to the crime. The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed their arrest.

Arabic Pupil Remanded in Prison for Killing Neighbour

An Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court has remanded a 19-year-old Arabic pupil, Sodiq Isa, for allegedly killing his neighbour, Adeboye Johnson (26). The magistrate, N.A. Layeni, said the defendant should be remanded for the first 30 days pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. Isa claims that he was returning from an Arabic class when his food plate fell on the ground and while cleaning it, it made a lot of noise. According to reports, the deceased cautioned him, but Isa ignored the warning and continued what he was doing. This infuriated the deceased, who allegedly beat the suspects, describing his action as rude. The teenager was alleged to have carried a stick with which he struck the victim in the head, thereby killing him. Policemen from the Amukoko division arrested Isa. He was arraigned on one count of murder. The defendant’s plea was not taken.

Suspected Murderer Nabbed in Lagos

The Police in Lagos State, December 25, 2015, arrested a man suspected to be one of the killers of a young man at the Ajegunle area of Lagos State. The suspect, simply identified as Osha, was arrested by members of the vigilante group in Ajegunle, Orile after a battle with suspected cultist, following attempts by his accomplices to foil his arrest. Osha, who is suspected to be a member of a gang that has been terrorising Ajegunle, was on operation with members of his gang, who were stabbing and robbing people of their valuables, when they killed the young man, identified as Wale. Osha had denied culpability in the murder, insisting that he only stabbed the victim in the head with his bayonet and that it was one of his accomplices identified simply as Blacky, who killed him.

Police Arrest Three over Murder of Enugu Lawyer

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested four persons, including a Town Union President, Dennis Ozongwo, in connection with the murder of a legal practitioner, Ejimofor Ozongwo, in his home town in Udi LGA of the state on December 23, 2015. The late Ozongwo was reportedly lured from where he was attending a wedding, ambushed and murdered. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest, said the President General of the Okwojo Town Union, Ozongwo, had claimed that he was shot at by the deceased. But the police dismissed the claims because investigations suggested that the wound he sustained came after the deceased had been killed. Amaraizu disclosed that the manhunt for the other perpetrators was on, assuring that the police were working to apprehend the culprits and all those who had a hand in the murder.

Man Kills Three, Shot Dead by Police in Edo

A middle aged man who went berserk after he was confirmed to have been poisoned, was, December 28, 2015, shot dead by a police patrol team in Uromi, Edo State after he allegedly shot six persons dead. The man, Onana Osua, was said to have left the hospital a sad man, after he was told by the hospital management that he had five days to live due to the poisoning he allegedly suffered. He was said to have gone home to pick his gun and subsequently went after those he suspected to have poisoned him. The deceased, who was said to have killed the wife of one of his targets when he got to their residence, fled to the neighbouring Ubiaja community where he shot an on-coming police patrol van. The police patrol van responded to the attack and gunned the deceased down in self-defence. The Edo State Police spokesman, Abiodun Osifo, confirmed three persons dead while others are in critical condition in the hospital.

Imam on the Run after Attempted Murder

An Islamic cleric, Mallam Shehu, popularly referred to as Alhaji Sambo, who attempted to use his girlfriend, Busayo Amdalat, for ritual, in Badagry area of Lagos state, is on the run. The victim, who was said to have visited the cleric on December 28, was attacked by the cleric and his friend, Ifa, after they forced her to put on a white cloth. Sambo and Ifa hit Busayo with an iron rod on her head before they started slashing her throat. Busayo reported that she was able to muster courage by hitting Ifa on the head with a bottle before she managed to escape to where a carnival was taking place. Some residents, who saw her drenched in a pool of blood with injuries inflicted on her neck and other parts of her body, quickly rushed her to an undisclosed hospital, while others quickly mobilized to find the suspects, who had fled the area.

Rape

27-Year-Old Violently Rapes 11-Year-Old Girl

A 27-year-old man had been arrested for brutally raping an 11-year-old girl, who was sent on an errand by her grandmother, Mrs Lawal, on November 29, 2015, along Lagos-Badagry Road. The girl, who passed out after the incident, was found unconscious on a culvert, with blood all over her body. It was learned that victim was ambushed by the suspect, simply identified as Sule, who dragged her to an uncompleted building and raped her, after which he ran away. She regained consciousness and tried to walk out of the uncompleted building when she collapsed again on a culvert. The suspect, who initially fled, was apprehended a week later. The distraught grandmother disclosed that a medical report confirmed that the girl was raped. The girl also required an immediate surgery due to damages and complication resulting from the violent attack.

Others

Cable Thief Electrocuted in Kaduna

An unidentified man was, December 27, electrocuted while trying to steal electric cable at a power supply installation in Unguwar Rimi in Kaduna State. The traditional ruler of the area, Dan Iyar Unguwar Rimi, Alhaji Muhammad Gidado, confirmed the incident. Gidado said that the corpse of the vandal was evacuated by the police. According to him, the vandal was unknown to them in the area and urged law enforcement agencies to step-up patrol as the community had suffered from the activities of vandals. The deceased had tried to steal the 150mm four core up-riser cable at the distribution sub-station along Accra Crescent when nemesis caught up with him. The Head, Corporate Communications of Kaduna Electric, the operator of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, also confirmed the incident.

Police Intercept Tanker Loaded with Stolen Petrol

Men of the Ogun State Police Command attached to the Sagamu Police Division, have intercepted a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol, allegedly stolen from vandalised pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The truck was reportedly intercepted on December 25, at Ogijo. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the policemen, who acted on a tip-off, moved to the area where the pipelines were located and caught one Elochukwu Byron, and others, still at large, in the act of siphoning petrol into the truck. Adejobi said the suspect was assisting the police in their investigation to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and reveal more information about their activities.

Air Force Cadets Arrested for Locking Boy in Car Trunk

The convoy of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, December 30, apprehended two Air Force cadets in Mile 12 area of the State while dehumanizing an artisan, Dahiru Lawal, for allegedly breaking the windscreen of their vehicle. The cadets, Peters Solomon and Abdullahi Fahad had forced Lawal in the boot of their car after dragging him on the ground for the said offence. Governor Ambode, who was returning from an inspection visit, saw the situation and swiftly intervened. The cadets admitted putting Lawal in the boot of their car. According to them, Lawal tried to escape after breaking the windscreen and ran into the nearby market where they eventually chased and apprehended him. Lawal explained that he mistakenly damaged the windscreen with the load he carried, and that he took to his heels because he was afraid of what they might do to him. The Governor had since ordered that the suspects be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Police Arrest 20 Suspects in Onitsha

The Anambra State Police Command, December 30, disclosed that it arrested 20 suspects in Onitsha South LGA between December 24 and 27, 2015 for various alleged criminal offenses. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Fegge Police Division, Rabiu Garba, said, that most of the arrested suspects used the holiday periods to burgle houses. He revealed that the suspects were arrested through surveillance, monitoring, and physical patrol. He added that a child trafficking syndicate was also dislodged with the suspects arrested.

Baby Killed as LASTMA Official Causes Accident

A five-month-old baby was reportedly killed and several others injured after an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) attempted to arrest a commercial bus driver for violating the traffic law around the Awoyokun end of Ikorodu Road. It was gathered that the bus driver had picked up a passenger by the roadside when the officials began trailing the vehicle. One of the LASTMA officials was said to have jumped into the front seat and pulled out the key from the ignition while the vehicle was in motion, causing the bus to crash into a stationary refuse truck. The impact of the crash flung many of the passengers out of the bus and some of them sustained severe injuries. All the victims were reportedly taken to the casualty ward of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. The LASTMA Public Relations Officer, Mamud Hassan, denied that any life was lost.

10 Inmates Regain Freedom from Ikoyi Prison

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, December 30, released 10 inmates from the Ikoyi Prison. Atilade said the exercise was in furtherance of the commitment of the judiciary to decongest the prison, populated by a high number of awaiting-trial inmates. The Chief Judge assured that with the newly-introduced Bail Information Management System in Lagos State, justice dispensation would be faster, leading to substantial reduction in the number of awaiting-trial inmates. She, however, appealed to the Office of the Public Defender, the Nigerian Bar Association and non-governmental organisations to assist inmates whose cases were on-going to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

Police Arrest 40 in Kwara over Communal Clash

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 40 persons in connection with the recent communal clashes between Share and Tsaragi, in Ifelodun and Edu LGAs of the state. The Commissioner Police, Esosa Amadasun, December 31, said the suspects had been charged to court. Share and Tsaragi communities were recently embroiled in clashes over parcel of land. The clash led to the razing of at least 30 houses.

Two Arrested over Stolen 33,000 Litres of Petrol

Two suspected vandals, Moshood Jibril and Joseph Friday, were, December 31, arrested by men of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism in Lagos while a tanker truck with 33000 litres of stolen petrol and a car were recovered. The suspects, who were intercepted at Isolo area of the state, after siphoning PMS from a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Commission (NNPC), at Ijedodo-Ikotun area of the State, were heading to Ibadan Oyo State when they were apprehended. The suspects said that they were errand boys who buy and deliver the products to Ibadan.

Review/Analysis

Robbery took an upward plunge in review of report this week, while the police worked activities of criminal gangs lingered across various parts of the country. Despite the resolve from the armed robbers to keep residents on their toes, the authorities were resolute in the fight against crime as the police engaged several the criminal gangs in battles, where the criminals bowed to the superior fire power of the police. Suspects were variously arrested across the country and several others remain large.

Murder/Assassination incidents were also high on record with lone killings and gang assassinations. Target victims spanned from top elites in the society to businessmen and ordinary civilians. Despite the ugly phenomenon, the police and other security outfits were again victorious with the arrest of virtually all known suspects and gang members. The south-east and south-west regions were heavily affected by these frightful incidents.

Kidnap/hostage cases also thrived. The elites and top politicians became victims as some kidnappers demanded huge amounts as ransom. But regardless of their demands, the police was able to make some arrests, while they rescued some victims. However, some kidnappers still remain at large with security operative working to track down and rescue hostages. This incidents cut across various spheres and strata of the society.

Terrorism took a downward plunge as terrorist activities were hampered by the brute force of the military. The Boko Haram sect, not relenting in its bid to continue wreaking havoc on helpless persons and communities, still carried out bomb and other vicious attacks, killing and injuring people across the north-east region of the country.

Gang and Drug related crimes were low on record. This is the result of painstaking raids by police and the NDLEA respectively. These took place in various parts of the country, and suspects were arrested, while major drug rings were broken.
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.