Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 2

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Ebonyi Police Rescue Abducted 5-Year-Old

The Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Ebonyi state police command has rescued a five-year-old boy, who was kidnapped on December 30 at Okwu-Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who confirmed the incident on January 4, explained that the police expedited action for the prompt rescue of the child because of the threat that he would be sold out. She added that with intelligence gathering and collaborative efforts of the family and the community on aggressive search, the victim was on January 3 rescued after an attempt by the kidnappers to collect ransom was foiled.

Kidnappers Demand N35m to Release Mother of Governor’s Aide

The kidnappers of 73-year-old Queen Eyetan Egbedi, mother of the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Julius Egbedi, have demanded a ransom of N35m to release her. The septuagenarian was kidnapped December 27 from her country home in Sapele by unknown gunmen. Security agencies have intensified the search for the victim, while about six suspects have been reportedly arrested by soldiers in connection with the incident. According to the Governor’s aid, one of the victim’s sons, Michael Egbedi, was kidnapped a month earlier but was released after two days when the kidnappers sensed that soldiers were closing-in on them.

Doctors Protest Kidnapping of Colleague in Delta

Worried by the spate of kidnapping of medical personnel and others in the state in recent times, members of the Delta State chapter of Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and their Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) counterparts, January 5, took to the streets of Asaba in protest. The peaceful protest by the MDCAN and ARD members was prompted by the December 29 kidnapping of a neurologist, Dr. Obiabo Yahaya. The whereabouts of the victim has remained unknown since his abduction. The doctors, speaking through the Vice-Chairman of MDCAN, Dr. Ejiroghene Umuerri, urged the Delta State Government and security agents to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of their kidnapped colleague.

Traditional Ruler Kidnapped as Abducted Clerics Regain Freedom in Delta

The traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku community in Delta State, Obi Akazez Ofulue (III), was, January 5, kidnapped by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The abduction of the first-class royal father allegedly took place when unidentified gunmen ambushed and whisked him away while traveling along the Abior Road in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state. Meanwhile, two catholic priests that were, recently abducted have been released by the kidnappers. The priests were reportedly released after about five days in the hands of their abductors, who had demanded a ransom of N40 million, an amount the church authorities said they would not pay.

Gunmen Kidnap Wife of Footballer

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, January 4, kidnapped Maimunat Ogude, wife of Fegor Ogude, Super Eagles and Amkar Perm of Russia player. Ogude said that his wife was kidnapped by unknown armed men in Warri, Delta state. He reported that the gunmen invaded his residence while he was away and took his wife away in her car after they threw-out his kids. According to reports, the car was found in Ughelli, but with no trace of the woman.

Father, Mother Sell Own Baby

A middle-aged man, Okwuchukwu Ibekwe, was January 6, paraded by the Lagos State Police Command for conniving with his wife to sell their 5-month-old baby boy for the sum of N500,000. Ibekwe and his wife sold their five-month-old baby boy to one Chinelo in Ihiala, Anambra State. Ibekwe, who confessed to selling his son, said that he needed the money to boost his business and that his wife, who is now on the run, agreed to it. According to him, his friend, Chinelo, had approached him and convinced him to sell the child. He confessed that Chinelo, who is also on the run, gave him N250,000 and gave his wife N150,000 for the baby.

Robbery

Police Arrest Two Traffic Robbery Suspects in Lagos

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, January 2, arrested two members of a three-man traffic robbery syndicate.  The suspects, Odunayo Mustapha and Adedayo Akinjola, both 22, use motorcycles to rob commuters around the Lekki/Ajah Expressway. The two suspects were arrested by the RRS bikers on patrol duty after they had snatched a mobile phone from their victim. The police operatives gave them a chase when the suspects were trying to escape with their motorcycle. Police spokesman, Joe Offor, said efforts are on to arrest the third suspect, identified as Lekan, who escaped with the phone.

Bank Robbery Suspects Arrested by Police

Four suspects, who were alleged to be members of a gang of robbers that attacked an old generation bank in Ilututu area of Ondo State on December 24, have said they were disappointed not finding money in the bank’s vault. The suspects, who were arrested on December 26 by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team, SIRT, in Ondo State, were said to have broken into the bank with the aid of a security guard, who was sacked in 2015.

Court Remands 16-Year-Old in Corrective Home for Armed robbery

A Lagos magistrates’ court sitting in Ikeja has remanded a 16-year-old boy in the Children Corrective Home for allegedly robbing a boutique in the Ajangbadi area of the state. It was learnt that the suspect and one Friday, who is at large, had on December 15, around 10pm, gone to the shop under the pretext of buying clothes before robbing the shop owner and his girlfriend at gunpoint. Some passers-by, who got wind of the robbery operation, gave the suspects a chase and caught the suspect, who was later handed over to the police for investigation. The teenager reportedly confessed to the crime. The accused’s plea was not taken by the court. The magistrate subsequently ordered that the suspect be remanded in the Children Corrective Home while his case file should be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. The case was adjourned till February 1,

Police Killed Armed Robbery Suspect in Lagos

A gang leader, simply identified as Isiaka, was, January 1, shot dead in the Okobaba, Adekunle area of Lagos State, while robbing motorists. It was gathered that Isiaka and four others had laid siege to the Estate bus stop end of the Third Mainland Bridge, robbing motorists and pedestrians of valuables before a police patrol team arrived and engaged the gang. While the four others escaped, Isiaka, the second-in-command, reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and managed to escape from the scene. It was gathered that when Isiaka got to Abeokuta Street in the Oyingbo area, he slumped and died in front of a house. Isiaka’s corpse was recovered by the police after a resident raised the alarm on the dead body. The Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Giwa, confirmed that Isiaka was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with the police.

Armed Robbers Kill NFF’s Protocol Head and Gateman

The Head of Protocol of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Abubakar, was January 6, killed by dare-devil armed that attacked his residence. The 43-year-old father of three was killed alongside his gateman, Umar Saidu, in his home at Kado Estate near Gwarinpa in Abuja. NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed Abubakar’s death. The Chairman, Security Committee of Kado Estate, Umar Kontagora, alleged that policemen on duty at the estate failed to respond to his distress calls during the attack. Kontagora alleged that he called the policemen at the security post during the attack, but adding that the officers ignored his phone calls while the attack lasted. Kontagora explained that the estate had recorded many attacks by armed assailants, adding that it was the reason a police post was established by the entrance to the estate.

Robbers Terrorize Community, Kill 19-Year-Old

Armed robbers, January 3, attacked Ondo and Odaliki streets in the Ebute-Meta area of Lagos State, killing a 19-year-old man, simply identified as Olaniyi. Olaniyi was said to have been shot on the chest by the rampaging robbers. Policemen, who arrived after the incident, made no arrest. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Giwa, confirmed the robbery. He added that the teenager died because the victims did not alert the police on time to the incident.

Police Arrest Robbery Suspects, Recover Rifles in Lagos

Operatives of the anti-robbery section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Lagos, have arrested three suspected armed robbers terrorizing Mushin and other parts of Lagos State. The suspects were apprehended when the SCID operatives received an intelligence report linking them to several armed robbery cases and gang-related killings within the area. It was gathered that an AK-47 rifle, which was snatched from a policeman, murdered in 2013 at Isolo area of Lagos and an unlicensed pump action gun were recovered from the suspects. Police sources disclosed that the rifles were recovered from the roof of a popular bakery in Mushin, where the suspects were arrested. The suspects, when paraded on January 5, confessed that they could not give an exact number of people they had killed in their various operations.

Gang Incidents

Pregnant Woman, Three Others in Delta Cult Clash

Rampaging cultists in Obiaruku and Kwale Communities in Delta State, January 1, killed a pregnant woman and three others between Ogume and Kwale communities. It was gathered that the rival cultists were engaged in a violent clash in which dangerous weapons were freely used. But the police denied any casualty in the melee, while six suspects, believed to be leaders of both cult groups were arrested. The pregnant woman, identified as Mary Ossai, was allegedly hit by stray bullets during the fight of the cultists where three of their members were killed. Investigation revealed that Kwale, Ogume, Obiaruku and environs have been hubs for cult groups.

Police Parade 7 Suspected Cultists

The Kwara state police command has paraded seven suspected armed cultists in Ilorin. The state Commissioner of Police, Esosa Amadasun, who paraded the suspects on January 5, said that they were members of KK cult group, who were arrested on January 1. The police boss said when a search was conducted on them, a locally made pistol and a live cartridge was recovered from them. Investigation later revealed they were members of the above named cult group and were on their way to carry out armed robbery operations at Asa-Dam area of the metropolis.

Police Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command, January 6, granted amnesty to 12 cultists after they renounced their membership of various cult groups in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, who presided over the amnesty programme organized in Ewekoro LGA of the state, urged the repentant cultists to shun any cult activities. The Police had recently arrested eight of them, while four others joined them at the point of granting the amnesty. The twelve cultists were made to sign undertaking against going back to cultism. The state Police Commissioner said the amnesty programme was going to be held in all the 20 LGAs in the state for cultists that renounce their membership. He said after the exercise, the Command would no longer grant amnesty to anyone caught for cultism.

Police Arrest of 5 Suspected Political Thugs in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa state police command, January 6, confirmed the arrest of five suspected political thugs who were alleged to be planning an attack ahead of the January 9 supplementary election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State. The suspects, according to the Police, were arrested on January 2 by a team of detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping/Anti-Vice Unit. Spokesman of the command, Asinim Butswat, said the suspects were nabbed in a hotel in the Swali suburb of Yenagoa, after a tip off. According to him, the suspects were drawing a plan to launch an attack on a yet to be identified location when police operatives swooped on them. The spokesman said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation while investigation is on-going.

Drugs

72-Year-Old Remanded in Prison for Selling Indian hemp

A 72-year-old man, Samuel Akhigbe, was, January 5, arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court in Lagos by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dealing in Cannabis Sativa. Prosecution counsel, Jeremiah Aernan, had told the court that Akhigbe dealt in 3.3 kilogramme of Cannabis Sativa otherwise known as Indian hemp without lawful authority. He alleged that the accused committed the offence on November 9, 2015 at Command Road, Ipaja. Akhigbe pleaded guilty to the charge. The judge ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter till March 12. The offence of drug trafficking attracts up to life imprisonment term if convicted.

Driver Arraigned in Court for Illegal Drug Possession

A Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, January 5, granted bail to a driver, Friday Onyieje (46), in the sum of N500,000 for allegedly being in possession‎ of one and half bag of Indian hemp. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.I Dan-Oni, ordered the accused to produce one surety in like sum, evidence of tax payments and verifiable address. Onyieje pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of unlawful possession of weed. The prosecutor, Inspector Gabriel Ekundayo, told the court that the driver committed the offence at Mile 2 Expressway on December 26, 2015 when a Police patrol team caught him. He alleged that the accused could not give good account of how he came by the weed. The case was adjourned till February 1 for mention.

Maritime

Navy Raids Hideouts of Crude Oil Thieves in Delta, Arrests 16

Men of the Nigerian Navy, January 2, uncovered the hideouts of crude oil thieves and arrested 16 suspects in Oteghale Community in Warri-South LGA of Delta State. Confirming the arrest of the suspects, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Augustine Suleman, said that the navy discovered a tap on the trans-forcados pipeline, fixed six inches valve that enables crude oil thieves to access Nigerian crude unhindered. He disclosed that drums of over 8,000 tonnes were recovered from the hideout. Real Admiral Suleman said that the operatives realized that the Cotonou boats were not available and the illegal refineries no longer existed with the impunity that it used to be as the mother ships were arrested.

Terrorism

Suicide Bomber Kills 5 Returnee IDPs in Borno

At least five persons were, January 4, killed and many others wounded in the reclaimed Izge community in Gwoza LGA of Borno State as suicide bomber sneaked amidst resettling members of the town and detonated explosives. Izge community has been one of the deadliest strongholds of the Boko Haram insurgents until military reclaimed it recently. Five persons, including the bomber, were killed while many others were seriously injured.

Boko Haram Kidnaps Camerounian Police Commissioner

Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect have abducted Ismaïla Sago, police commissioner in charge of public security at Dabanga, a town in the far north of Cameroun. According to reports, Sago fell into an ambush laid by the group on January 4 while returning from Kousseri, a border town with the Chadian capital of N’Djamena. Sago was reportedly in the company of two unidentified civilians at the time he was abducted. There was no official confirmation of the attack but Boko Haram has carried out series of attacks in the northern Cameroun, forcing the government to proscribe the wearing of hijab in public places, in view of its widespread use in suicide bombing.

Political/Government Agencies

IG Prohibits Officers from Illegally Accessing Peoples Mobile Phones

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has warned police officers who are in the habit of indiscriminately checking of personal information on mobile phones of members of the public to stop such practices with immediate effect. In a police circular signed by the Force Secretary, Patrick Dukumor, the IGP directed that severe disciplinary action would be taken against any officer(s) and their supervisors (DPOs, Area Commanders and Sectional Heads) against whom a proven report of illegal mobile phone checks not supported by appropriate court orders or operational exigency is made. The circular also reminded officers to ensure protection of the rights to private and family life as enshrined in the constitution.

Murder/Assassinations

Army Arrests 3 over Alleged Killing of Bike Man

Military officials attached to the 222nd Battalion, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli have arrested three members of a local vigilante group at Oveto Street in the town for allegedly killing a commercial motorcycle rider on January 1. Two single barrel guns, 4 live cartridges and a cutlass were said to have been recovered from the suspects, Peter Ogheneochuko, Sunny Oyovwire and Fidelis Onwah. A female passenger of the victim disclosed that the victim was shot at the back of his head by one of the vigilante members, who had accosted them along Oveto Street following an argument between the bike rider and the vigilante group. The suspect, who allegedly pulled the trigger, Peter Ogheneochuko, described the incident as an accidental discharge noting that he never intended shooting the victim. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, while confirming the incident, disclosed that the victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Policeman Kills Father of 2 in Aba

A policeman attached to the Abia State Police Command, January 6, shot and killed a middle-aged man, Ikeokwu Onyemachi, while attempting to seize his motorcycle at Ogbor Hill in Aba. Late Onyemachi and his friend, Okike, were on their way home after depositing the body of Okike’s father at the mortuary near Azuka Police Division when the killer policeman and his colleagues attempted to seize their motorcycle. It was learned that several efforts by the deceased and his friend at explaining to the Police team that they just deposited the corpse of Okike’s father at the mortuary fell on deaf ears as one of them, Corporal Patrick Kalu, pulled out his gun and shot Onyemachi on the head. The Police team was said to have fled soon after. Police Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Onyeke, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Habila Joshak, had ordered the immediate arrest of the killer policeman.

Fleeing Robbers Kill Two in Bayelsa

A policeman was, January 1, killed by a gang of armed robbers as they attempted to escape after robbing a woman at Agudama community in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State. The gang also shot dead one Victor Abule after robbing the woman identified as Evelyn Patrick. It was gathered that the deceased police officer confronted the hoodlums as they were escaping from the scene of robbery and succeeded in killing one of them. But the cop was not that lucky as he was reportedly overpowered by the hoodlums, who shot him and killed him. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident, saying that efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Man Hacks Step-Mother to Death

A 40-year-old man, Friday Anyim, has been arrested for killing his step mother, Bennedeth Anyim, with an axe on December 27 in Umuenem Ezinesi Oduma community in Aninri LGA of Enugu State. The incident happened when the deceased intervened to stop the suspect from using an axe on his sister, Abigail Anyim, during a fight. The suspect was said to have engaged Abigail in an argument over his attempt to sell a water tank in their compound. It was gathered that the suspect had picked an axe to hit his sister before the deceased rushed to intervene and was hit by the flying axe. The attack left the deceased sprawling on the floor just as the suspect took to his heels. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident in a statement. He added that the police was conducting further investigations into the incident.

Police Arrest 12 Suspects as Cultist Kill Man in Delta State

The police in Delta State have arrested six suspected cultists for their alleged involvement in the killing of one John Mobor in Warri during a clash. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, January 2, said the Police received information that some suspected cultists were engaged in a free for all fight at Igbo market roundabout in Warri, and Patrol teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they met the corpse of John, who was stabbed to death. In another development, the police swooped on suspected cult members of ‘Eye’ and ‘Aye’ confraternities who were at war at Cable Point, Asaba and arrested six while others fled the scene on sighting the Anti-Crime patrol team.

Masked Men Behead Suspected Cultist in Rivers

A dreaded cult member in Elibrada community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State was, January 4, beheaded by masked men. The killing of the two cultists that were allegedly terrorizing the community, led to massive celebrations by residents. According to reports, unknown gunmen, January 3, invaded Elibrada Carnival shooting sporadically, after which they picked the slain cultists, Sunday Okogbule, whose headless body was discovered the following day. A source disclosed that one of the close associates of Okogbule was, earlier beheaded in the third week of December 2015. It was gathered that Okogbule was the leader of one of the cult groups that have imposed a reign of terror on the Emohua people.

Fleeing Lover Surrenders after Being Declared Wanted

Monday Hounga, the 28-year-old-man, who was believed to have killed his lover, Cecelia Joseph, and fled to Benin Republic, January 1, submitted himself to the police, claiming that he and Cecelia were attacked by a three-man gang that stabbed her to death and ripped open his stomach on December 25. He stated that he went to Porto Novo after he was rejected by four hospitals in Nigeria. Hounga denies earlier reports that he and Cecelia had had a fight during which the victim was stabbed to death. The Lagos State Police Command had contacted Interpol to assist with the arrest of the suspect, after he was said to have escaped to Benin Republic. Hounga, who was declared wanted, surrendered himself to the police in Benin on January 1, 2016, and was transferred to the Nigerian Police the next day. The suspect denies fighting with and killing Cecelia.

Man, 29 Stabbed to Death by Thugs in Kaduna

A 29-year-old man, Nansoh Emmanuel Wardam, was, December 24, stabbed to death by thugs in Kaduna State. According to eye witnesses, the incident occurred after Wardam mistakenly splashed drainage water on the thugs, who were smoking Indian hemp and other hard drugs. The thugs, angered by this act, attacked the deceased and his friend, Monday, who was severely wounded. Wardam had gone to see his friend when he mistakenly stepped on a wooden plank that fell into the drainage and splashed water on the thugs, leading to the attack. Four suspects were said to have been arrested and initially taken to the police post in Television, but they were later taken to the Police Station in Sabon-Tasha because youths of the area threatened to invade the Police post in Television and apply the jungle justice on the suspects.

Octogenarian Remanded over Alleged Killing of 82-Year-Old

An octogenarian, Ayodele Adeyeye, was on January 7, arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate court for burning to death an 82-year-old man, Olanrewaju Adu. The police prosecutor, Sergeant Bankole Olasunkanmi, told the court that Adeyeye, had, on January 2, unlawfully murdered Adu and burnt him to cover the dastardly act. But the unlawful ‘cremation” was not completed before he was sighted by passers-by. The plea of the accused was not taken, as his counsel sought for a date of adjournment pending the outcome of DPP advice. Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo consequently remanded the accused person in prison custody till the outcome of DPP advice. He, however, adjourned the case to February 12 for further hearing.

22 Remanded in Prison for Murder

An Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, January 8, remanded 22 suspects in Prison in connection with the recent attacks on residents of Eruda, Gambari, Agaka and Ita-kure all in Ilorin metropolis. They were also remanded for the alleged death of one Muyideen Ibrahim, who was shot dead in the violence which resulted into the destruction of about 28 vehicles. They all pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, disturbance of public peace, mischief and culpable homicide. The Prosecutor, Inspector David Wodi, said they were arrested at a carnival organized by one Taofeek Oba and Rasaq Musa. Wodi told the court that the investigation into the matter was on-going, and urged the court to remand the suspects while the probe lasts. The Magistrate, Mohammed Ndakene, refused the bail application of the suspects and ordered their remand at Okekura Prison Yard, Ilorin. The matter was, thereafter, adjourned till January 21 for mention.

Rape

Man Docked for Allegedly Defiling 4-Year-Old Boy

A Lagos State Chief Magistrates’ Court, January 4, ordered the remand of a 19-year-old man, Akinola Samuel, in prison custody for allegedly defiling a four-year-old boy. The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, ordered that the accused should be remanded at Kirikiri Prisons, till January 13 when the bail application would be entertained. The accused is facing a three-count charge bordering on defilement. The prosecutor, Corporal Bimbo Oluwateru, told the court that the offences were committed on December 22, 2015 at the accused residence. The accused, who resides in the same house with the victim, had allegedly called the victim to his room and defiled him through the anus. The victim later told his mother as he felt pain following the incident, and the accused was apprehended. The accused pleaded not guilty.

Police Arrest Man, 22, over Alleged Rape of 5-Year-Old Boy

Policemen attached to the Alakuko Divisional Police station have arrested 22-year-old Ganiyu Amisat, for allegedly raping a five-year-old boy in Lagos State. It was gathered that the bubble burst after the child complained that his anus was hurting. The matter was promptly reported to the police, leading to his arrest. The suspect was, January 7, arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The prosecutor, Inspector Rita Momah, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 12 when the suspect dragged the boy into an uncompleted building and viciously penetrated the little boy’s anus and ejaculated. Ganiyu, however, denied the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs F.A. Adeeyo, granted him bail in the sum of N400, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and directed that the file should be forwarded to the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. The case was adjourned to March 9.

Man, 45, in Court over Defilement of 12-yr-old Girl

A 45-year-old man, Bowale Adedeji, January 4, appeared before an Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Sergeant Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 5 when he lured the girl into an uncompleted building and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. He said the accused was apprehended by passers-by and handed over to the police. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, admitted Adedeji to bail in the sum of N350,000, with two sureties in like sum. He said that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and show evidence of payment of tax to the Ogun State Government in the last one year. Banwo also directed that one of the sureties should be a civil servant not below grade level 13 in the employment of Ogun State. The case was adjourned till January 29 for hearing.

Man in Court over Rape, Robbery

An armed robbery suspect, Promise Olasehinde (33), who allegedly robbed and raped a woman, January 6, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused is facing a six-count charge of conspiracy, rape, and assault, breach of peace, damages and stealing. The Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed on December 27 when the accused and 12 others, who are at large, went to the house a middle-aged woman to rob her of her possessions, damaged her phone and raped her. Ogu told the court that the accused were sighted on their way going and 12 of them escaped, but the accused was apprehended. The accused pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge preferred against him. The Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to January 25.

Man Robs, Rapes Neighbour

A 32-year-old man, Musa Ismail, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly raping his neighbour, after robbing her at her residence on December 26. Ismail and his gang reportedly attacked the victim around 2am after threatening her with a knife. Ismail reportedly raped her before he fled the building with his gang. The victim reportedly drew the fury of the gang earlier in the day after they converged by her window, smoking cannabis, an act she was said to have condemned. They were reportedly vowed to deal with her. The victim was able to identify Ismail during the robbery and reported the incident to the police, and the suspects were arrested and charged to court. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences. While the magistrate, Mrs. T. Akanni, admitted the gang members to bail in the sum of N200,000, Ismail was granted bail in the sum of N250,000. All with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned till January 25, 2016.

Others

Police Nab Suspected Pipeline Vandals

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Anti Pipeline Vandalism Unit arrested two suspected pipeline vandals at the Isolo area of Lagos. The suspects, Moshood Jubril (40) and Friday Joseph (37) were arrested at the verge of conveying a 33,000 truck laden with the siphoned petroleum product to Ibadan, Oyo state, where a petrol station owner was waiting to receive the product. While Joseph, driver of the truck, drove ahead, Jubril, an escort, reportedly drove behind in a car. The officer in charge of the Unit, Valentine Olumese, January 4, disclosed that the vandals were trailed right from Ijedodo to Isolo where Joseph was accosted.

Police Nab Suspected Pipeline Vandal, Recover Truck

The Nigeria Police, January 2, arrested a suspected pipeline vandal and seized a petrol tanker conveying 13, 800 litres of diesel in Aninri LGA of Enugu State. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed that the suspect was arrested after a tip-off. According to him the police also recovered pipeline drilling equipment, two pumping machines, pipeline sealants, a generating set and some spanners. According to the PPRO, the suspect alongside others, who are still at large, had allegedly stormed Umurah Ndeaboh bush on December 31 with their pipeline drilling equipment and began siphoning the product, diesel, before police operatives swooped in on them. He added that the police were on the trail of other suspects and assured that all those involved would be prosecuted.

5 Die in Lassa Fever Outbreak in Rivers, Taraba

Two persons have been confirmed dead following a recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Rivers State, while three deaths have been recorded in Taraba state rises. In Rivers State, a mother and her baby died December 31 and January 1 respectively. Confirming the deaths, the Rivers State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Theophilus Odagme, disclosed that contact tracing of the people who are infected with the disease has begun. He further assured that the state government, World Health Organization and other partners and stakeholders were working tirelessly to address the outbreak adequately. He urged the public to maintain high sanitary conditions as Lassa fever is highly contagious and easily transmitted by rodents and direct contact with infected blood, human secretion. Authorities of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo have commenced a sensitization programme aimed at curbing its spread since its reported outbreak on December 25, 2015. Several others are undergoing treatment for the disease.

OPC Members Nabbed with Police Guns

Policemen attached to the Anti-Robbery Squad, State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, Lagos have arrested three members of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) with two police guns. The suspects ─ Gbadamosi Azeez, aka Agarasha; Salami Raufu, aka Orobo; and Waheed Oseni, aka Oosa ─ were apprehended with a pump-action rifle and an AK-47 rifle after a tip-off that the men were allegedly planning to rob Mushin residents during the Yuletide. It was learnt that the police had first arrested Azeez, who allegedly used his tricycle to ferry ammunition for the group. The suspect was said to have led the police team to Folarin Street, Mushin, on December 29, where Raufu and Oseni were arrested. Azeez, an indigene of Ogun State, denied knowledge of the guns, saying he had been called by a leader of the OPC, Olori, to drive him to meet a friend.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination incidents remain high on the index. Records of killing by gunmen, cultists and others abound. The police were heavily engaged in the fight against crime as some officers lost their lives in some incidents. It was however reassuring despite the gruesome killings, that the police were able to make arrests, and they remain on the trail of fleeing suspects. The south/south and south-east recorded most of these incidents.

Robbery maintained its place on the crime index as criminal gangs carried out their despicable acts of violence across various regions of the country, even killing innocent person as they sought to escape after their attacks. The police in a quick reaction to the situation on ground stormed the affected areas, engaged the hoodlums a gun battles, killing a few suspects. While the law enforcement agents successfully apprehended some suspects, others made good their escape. The south-west and south-east regions witnessed more of this.

Kidnap/hostage took was largely witnessed in Delta State with notable kidnap incidents across the state. In Ebonyi, the police successfully rescued an abducted boy. It was a shocking revelation in Lagos that father and mother connived to sell their 5-month-old son for money to promote his business.

Rape cases took a nose dive with few stories on record. Most of the suspects were arrested and taken to custody while the victims have sought medical attention. The rising cases of sodomy perpetrated on young boy give serious concern to parents and the authorities. Perpetrators now turn their sexual interests to boys less than 5 years of age.
Every Nigerian and persons resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It is the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.
Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding and report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities for investigation.