Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 3

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGO

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	6
2	Robbery	13
3	Gang	2
4	Drugs	2
5	Maritime Incidents
6	Terrorism	1
7	Political/Government Agencies	2
8	Murder/Assassinations	13
9	Rape Incidents	1
10	Others	6
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Arrest Suspected Human Trafficker with Four Girls

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected human trafficker, Ganiat Ajijola (35), for allegedly trafficking four young women and a male in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State. Ajijola, who was arrested by the command’s Rapid Response Squad on January 8, had been reported to the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Alausa, Ikeja, before the ministry officials gave the police a tip-off on the incident. It was learnt that the ladies were already dressed with luggage and allegedly being prepared by Ajijola to be taken to Libya when the police apprehended her. An official of the ministry, Femi Malik, disclosed that Ajijola confessed that she contacted the girls and had made arrangement to take them to Abeokuta, Ogun State, to obtain travel passports.

NIS Arrests Two Suspected Traffickers with 29 Victims in C/River

The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), January 10, arrested two suspected human traffickers with 29 victims. State Comptroller of NIS, Funke Adeuyi, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended by men of the NIS on border patrol at Itigidi in Abi LGA. According to her, the immigration border patrol officers intercepted two buses carrying 29 youths, who were discovered to be victims of human trafficking, who did not know where they were being taken to. The suspects were handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation. Receiving the victims and suspected traffickers, Victor Odudukudu, an official from NAPTIP, assured that the agency would continue with the investigation.

Kidnappers Demand N20m to Free Ex-Speaker Ondo Speaker

The kidnappers of the former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Victor Adekanye Olabimtan, have demanded N20 million as ransom. It was gathered that the hoodlums had established contact with the family to demand N20 million before the former speaker could be released. According to a source, Olabimtan’s driver, who was kidnapped along with him, was freed after some hours. Olabimtan’s kidnapped came barely 48 hours after he declared his intention to run for the gubernatorial ticket of the APC in the coming governorship election in the state. The former lawmaker was kidnapped on his way from Akure to Abuja by fake soldiers, who flagged down his vehicle at a military checkpoint in Kwali, Abuja. The Secretary of Olabimtan Campaign Organisation, Gboyega Ajayi, confirmed the incident.

Kidnappers Abduct Pastor during Service

A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kabba, Kogi State, was, January 10, kidnapped by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The Pastor, Ayo Raphael, was kidnapped during the Sunday morning service. Eyewitnesses said the kidnappers, numbering about 10, stormed the church auditorium at about 9am and ordered the congregation to lie face down. The pastor was then dragged out of the church into the bush while the abductors shot sporadically into the air to facilitate their escape. Many members of the congregation reportedly sustained injuries as they scampered for safety. The kidnappers had contacted the church, demanding N50m before the pastor could be released.

Man Arrested for Stealing Baby from Day Care

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Okhuli Damian (29), for allegedly stealing a baby girl from a day care centre in the Alakuko area of the state. It was learnt that when the one-year-old girl was discovered missing, the school management raised the alarm, and alerted the Alakuko Police Division, which quickly mobilized and caught the suspect. The suspect was arrested, and the toddler reunited with her parents. He added that the suspect had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation for further investigation. A resident near the day care said the victim, being a one-year-old girl, exposed the suspect with her persistent cries.

Police Arrest 16 Kidnappers, Rescue 4 Victims

The Delta State Police Command, January 12, said it has renewed war against men of underworld with the arrest of 16 kidnappers and rescue of four kidnap victims. Police commissioner in the state, Alkali Baba Usman, said the kidnap and robbery suspects were arrested in Sapele, Warri, Otu-Jeremi, Asaba and Agbor among other towns in the state. The police commissioner disclosed that the four kidnap victims were rescued by the police during a routine patrol, while guns and ammunition were recovered.

Robbery

Police Arrest 11 over Robbery Attack at National Theatre

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested the alleged culprits behind the recent attack on some fun-seekers at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The suspects were arrested after some members of the gang had robbed a female victim of her handbag and other accessories. The RRS promptly operatives stormed the scene and arrested one suspect, who was identified as one Onuwa Friday, who confessed to the crime and led the police to the other suspects. The suspect was said to have attacked the victim, Adeola Sulaiman, on January 9 and dispossessed her of her handbag, which contained about N250,000, her mobile phones and other valuables. Although the police gave chase, other members of the robbery gang escaped with the gun used to rob the victim and other unsuspecting members of the public.

Armed Robbers Mobbed for Attacking Bank Customers

Four armed robbery suspects, January 12, met their Waterloo at the Jibowu, Lagos State, after they were apprehended by a mob while attempting to rob a bank customer. It was gathered that the robbers had first raided customers at a Skye Bank branch before they attacked a Diamond Bank customer, quickly raised the alarm. The robbers, who wanted to shoot him, became confused after they saw a mob coming for them. The robbers reportedly fired two shots into the crowd, but nobody was hurt or injured. When people saw they had expended their ammunition, they chased them. The witness said while some of the robbers escaped on a motorcycle, four others were not so lucky, as they were apprehended by the mob. The mob was said to have broken their legs and was about to lynch them when policemen from the Onipanu division intervened. The Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the incident.

Police Beef Up Security in Ekiti over Incessant Armed Robbery Attacks

Following the increasing spate of armed robbery attacks along the Aramoko-Igede-Efon Alaaye road in Ekiti State, leading to the death of a commercial driver, Femi Philips, the state police command has increased the number of checkpoints in the towns located along that axis. Philips was killed on January 6 by unknown gunmen during an early morning robbery operation. Philips was reportedly shot in the chest by some masked men who emerged from the surrounding bushes few metres away from a police checkpoint, which fuelled suspicion that there could be police complicity in the robbery. The NURTW members in the area had poured their rage on the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti West LGA, Anthony Okpalaeke, whom they beat him up over his alleged inability to properly coordinate his men and officers to curb rampant banditry in the area.

Two Declared Wanted over Warri Shoprite Looting

The Delta State Police Command has declared two persons wanted over the January 8 attack on looting of the Warri Shoprite (Delta Mall) complex by armed hoodlums. The suspended Chairman of Uvwie Local Council, Baro Henry, and the Chairman of the Central Motor Park, Effurun, Napoleon Odibu, were declared wanted by the police as the principal actors in the incident. The crisis was allegedly an offshoot of an altercation Baro had with two Naval men outside the Shopping Mall, which led to the invasion of the mall by the hoodlums. The hoodlums embarked on protest along some streets in Warri, shooting sporadically and in the process, one Afor Emero was hit and killed by stray bullets. Meanwhile, Henry said he was a victim of a power drunk naval officer. He claimed that the Naval Officer, Rex Bogoadjera, attached to the Delta Shopping Mall as security agent came after him while he was settling an issue of his car brushed by a hit and run truck driver. Goods estimated at millions of Naira were looted from the Mall during the invasion.

Police Kill 2 Robbery Suspects in Ughelli

A combined team of policemen and vigilante, January 10, engaged a gang of suspected armed robbers in a shootout, during which two of the bandits were killed at Upper Afiesere Junction in Ughelli, Delta State. According to reports, the hoodlums, numbering four, opened fire on the security operatives, leading to a gun duel that resulted in the death of two suspects. Two others escaped into a stream with bullet wounds. Items recovered from the suspects were two motorcycles, a cut-to-size double-barrelled gun, one locally-made pistol, four expended and two live cartridges.

Robbery Suspects Die in Gun Duel with Police

A wanted armed robbery suspect and a man dressed in police uniform died after engaging a team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives in a gun duel in Sapele, Delta State on January 8. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the security team, acting on a tip-off, trailed the robbery kingpin to a marriage ceremony in Sapele. According to her, the wanted robbery suspect, on sighting the SARS operatives, ordered two men dressed in mobile police uniform, who were with him, to open fire on the SARS operatives, leading to a gun battle. The suspect and one of men in uniform were killed in the ensuing gun battle.

Gang Attacks, Robs Stroke Patient, Husband

The Lagos State Police command, January 6, paraded three members of an armed robbery gang that attacked a stroke patient and her husband in December. The couple had travelled from Ogun State to Lagos state to seek medical assistance when they were attacked by the hoodlums, who beat up the woman. The man, Federick Banji said that the robbers escaped with his car, in which the three suspects in custody were eventually nabbed. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the men, said the suspects were tracked down by members of the command’s Rapid Respond Squad. The police remain on the trail of the fleeing members of the gang. The gang members were said to have been involved in a robbery spree spanning from Surulere to Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos.

Police Arrest 10 over Robbery in Niger

Operatives of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad of the Niger state police command arrested ten robbery, Kidnappers and cattle rustlers have been nabbed by the squad. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, January 12, disclosed that the suspects were arrested from kateregi forest in Katcha, Masalachin zaki forests Mashegu and some from Edati LGA of the State. Elkana said the squad arrested notorious armed bandits and recovered two AK47 riffles with 134 live ammunition from two suspects, Adamu Bello and Manu Ciroma. He said other suspects -Abubakar Sani, Mohammad Saidu Suleiman and Usman Wakili- were arrested in Sabon Gada via Kateregi, while the authorities recovered 62 cattle stolen from neighboring Kebbi state. The police spokesman disclosed that the squad also raided Kateregi forest and arrested a notorious armed robber, Adamu Abubakar and recovered a fabricated SMG riffle with 21 rounds of ammunition while Amadu Mohammed was arrested with a pistol.

Victim Knocks Down, Kills Robbery Suspect

An armed robbery suspect, January 13, met his waterloo when his victim allegedly knocked him down with his vehicle shortly after a robbery operation. A four-man robbery gang had allegedly blocked a motorist at Obosi by-pass along the Onitsha-Owerri dual carriageway and dispossessed him of his personal effects. But after the robbery, the victim used his vehicle to knock down one of the suspects, while the others escaped into the nearby bush. They added that as soon as the suspect was knocked down, some passers-by held him and were taking him to the nearby Obosi police station when he died.

Police Arrest Pipeline Vandals after Shootout

Five suspected pipeline vandals, said to be on the wanted list of the Joint Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism, were, January 13, arrested while two dane guns, 23 live cartridges and 23 vehicles used to transport siphoned products were recovered from them. The arrest was made after a shoot-out which lasted about 15 minutes at Wawa area of Arepo, Ogun State. The vandals reportedly disguised as scavengers, using waste disposal trucks to convey siphoned products from vandalised pipelines to their ready buyers. However, they met their waterloo when a patrol of the JTF comprising the Army, Navy and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), caught up with them. The Maritime Component Commander of the JTF, Navy Captain Yahaya, confirmed the shootout and arrest of the suspects, who have been handed over to the NSCDC for prosecution.

Robbers in Police Uniform Rob Motorists in Delta

Motorist and Passengers have raised the alarm over incessant armed robbery attacks by hoodlums who operate in police uniform on the Ibusa/Asaba road in Delta State. But the state commissioner of police, Alkali Baba Usman, January 11, dismissed the allegation as untrue. He, however, admitted that Ibusa and Umunede communities have been flash points of a robbery syndicate, saying that the police would ensure that the hoodlums were brought to book. Meanwhile, a suspected armed robbery kingpin identified as Jossy Ekoh, has been arrested in Umunede by the police detective in the area. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the robbery kingpin, said the police acted on a tip-off that robbers were operating in a house within the community and that the suspects held their victims hostage. She said that the police moved quickly to the scene and arrested the 25-year-old suspect leader of the robbery gang, while the others escaped.

Rivers Police Kill Two Suspected Armed Robbers

Men of the Rivers State police command, January 13, killed two suspected armed robbers, who were fleeing after an attack at Etohu community in Eleme LGA of the State. The police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, said other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds. According to him, a police patrol team was informed of an armed robbery taking place at filling station along East-West Road by Etohu, and the policemen, who stormed the scene while the suspects were fleeing, gave them a hot chase. A gun duel ensued and two of the robbers were fatally wounded while others fled. The police are searching for the fleeing members of the gang. One (1) AK-47 rifles and (12) rounds 7.62 of live ammunition were recovered from the hoodlums.

Police Kill Suspected Robber, Nab Others

The Lagos State police command has shot dead a suspected armed robber and arrested three of the gang members who specialized in the use of motorcycle to escape after dispossessing bank customers of their cash. The suspects identified as Godwin Uzong, Ahmed Fatai, Rafiu Mogaji, and Bayo Kadiri, were arrested after they robbed one Joy Oru and attempted to escape. The suspects and one at large used two motorcycles to snatch the bag containing the money. Immediately the robbers carried out the dastardly act, they were given a hot pursuit by a policeman, who was later joined by an anti-robbery patrol team attached to Onipanu division. One of the suspects was shot dead in front of First Bank Morocco road. The other three were arrested at Shilloh junction, at Fadeyi area of the metropolis. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the incident, said the police recovered one locally-made pistol and two live cartridges from them.

Gang Incidents

Suspected Cultist Arrested in Ogun State

A 23-year-old suspected cultist, Kazeem Tiamiyu, January 11, confessed that his gang had killed about 15 persons in Ogun State since he joined in 2012. The suspect was paraded by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Adejobi disclosed that the suspect was arrested in Ijebu-Ode on January 3 sequel to the command’s anti-cultism fight and investigation into various murder cases in the area. The suspect, who also confessed that he had sold several guns to cult members in Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu Igbo, and Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, added that he had buyers from Lagos. Tiamiyu’s arrest led to the arrest of a trans-border arms dealer, Taiwo Adekun, who was arrested along with his stepdaughter, Sofia Opeifa, on January 6 when they came to supply arms to Tiamiyu.

Hoodlums Invade Akwa Ibom Community, Torch Houses

At least 20 houses were razed in Ikot Akpan Udo in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following an attack on the community by youths suspected to have come from Amazaba community on January 12. The village head, Ete-Idung Oscar Abel, was declared missing, while hundreds of people from Ikot Akpan Udo community were said to have sustained various degrees of injuries. Youth leader of Ikot Akpan Udo, Abasi Etukudoh, reported that it was the third time his community was being attacked by the same Amazaba people. According to him, the first attack occurred on August 28, 2008 and claimed 15 lives, with about 500 houses burnt, while the second attack occurred on July 12, 2015, which left one person dead. He accused the state government of delay or refusal to take action against the perpetrators, which causes them to keep continue attacking his community.

Drugs

Police Confiscate Intoxicants Worth N1.2bn In Kano

The Kano State Police Command, January 11, disclosed that it recovered and confiscated hard drugs, Indian hemp and other illicit substances with a street value of N1.2 billion through various raids it carried out across the state. Police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majiya, disclosed that an exercise codenamed ‘Operation Gida-Gida’ rolled out by the command yielded fruitful results, with over 250 drug retailers and addicts caught at their various domains. The statement added that items recovered include over 900 cartons of Trammadol tablets, cocaine powder, 48, 000kgs of Indian hemp, hundreds of thousands bottles of cough syrups, Tutoline, Raphenol, Parkalin, Suck and rubber solutions. Majiya revealed that 10 suspects were arrested and found various quantities of illicit drugs. The suspects admitted involvement in one form of drug dealing or another.

NDLEA Official, 4 Others Arrested for Drug Trafficking

An operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ali Adamu, and a 48-year-old woman, Ijeoma Ojukwu, have been arrested in connection with the discovery of 2.2 kilogrammes of drug that tested positive for cocaine. The woman claimed that the drug, estimated at about N20m was sent by one Agina Ejike from Brazil and that said she had gone to collect the bag on behalf of her brother. It was learnt that Adamu and Ojukwu were arrested with three others – Victor Umeh, Uche Igwelo and Egbuche Osita – for assisting in the smuggling of the drug into the country. Ojukwu and the three other suspects had met with Adamu at the airport to facilitate the collection of the bag when they were rounded up. The NDLEA Commander at the MMIA, Ahmadu Garba, said Osita had come to the airport with an authority letter, mandating him to collect the bag, adding that the drug was discovered in the process.

Maritime

Terrorism

Boko Haram Kills Six, Injures Eight in Adamawa

Boko Haram terrorists, January 11, attacked some villages in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State, killing six and leaving eight others injured. An eyewitness disclosed that the insurgents struck at about 2:30am and picked their prospective victims in their houses before setting two houses of prominent personalities in the town ablaze. The resident said the terrorists killed six persons, while several others sustained injuries. According to him, the terrorists operated for several hours unchallenged due to the complete absence of security personnel in the area they attacked. Another resident of the area, Joseph John, accused the soldiers deployed of leaving them to their fate, as there was a complete absence of security personnel in the attacked area. The member representing Madagali and Michik, federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Adamu Kamale, confirmed the attack and casualty.

Political/Government Agencies

Dickson Re-elected Governor of Bayelsa State

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), January 10, declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and incumbent governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, winner of the governorship election in the state. Dickson won with a total of 134,998 votes, while his closest rival, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 86,852 votes. The election, which started on December 5, 2015, could not be concluded on December 6, but was finally rounded off on January 9. While declaring Dickson the winner, the collation and returning officer, Professor Zanna Apagbu, who read out the result, said having met the election requirement, Dickson was duly elected as the next governor of Bayelsa State. Dickson’s victory came after results of the supplementary election had been computed with that of the inconclusive election of December 5 and 6, which necessitated a supplementary election.

Cops to Undergo Psychiatric Test to Curb Extra-Judicial Killings

The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, January 12, announced that police operatives will henceforth be subjected to annual psychiatric test and mental evaluation. This, he said, was aimed at reducing the increasing cases of extrajudicial killings by police operatives across the country. Arase said both serving officers and fresh recruits into the force would be made to undergo the annual psychiatric test. The IG also announced that the force would build trauma centres to manage the stress suffered by its operatives. He maintained that the shortfall in the numerical strength of the force made officers to work long hours, noting that this sometimes impacted negatively on their ability to pay attention to details.

Murder/Assassinations

28-Year-Old Man Kills Pregnant Woman for N50,000

The Akwa Ibom state police command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Edet Stephen Asuquo, for killing a pregnant woman. The suspect confessed that he was hired by a village council leader in Itu LGA to kill a pregnant woman for ritual purposes. It was gathered that the suspect was arrested by the police on January 11 after his brother reported the matter. The body of the deceased was found by the police on a plantain farm. Parading the suspect on January 13, Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, disclosed that the suspect, who deals in Oysters, had lured the woman, who was his customer, to buy oysters in his house, where he killed her and hid her body, hoping to harvest the foetus for rituals. Nwawe said the suspect’s sister, who witnessed the act, reported to her elder brother, who later alerted the police. The suspect, Asuquo, added the council leader had promised him N50,000 if he completed the job.

Father Sets Son, 22, Ablaze

A 22-year-old man in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Sola Akangbe, January 8, died from severe burns after his father, Kehinde, tied him up and set fire on him. Doctors at the hospital battled to save his life as the fire affected most parts of his body. The deceased was said to have been accused of stealing an undisclosed amount of money from some roadside beggars and was apprehended and handed over to his father. The father, a commercial driver, allegedly drove his son to a bush, tied his hands and legs before setting him ablaze. The mother, who acknowledged that Sola was an unrepentant troublesome fellow, however, expressed shock at the father’s action. Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident, saying that the suspect was already in police custody and that investigation was ongoing.

Landlord Pushes Tenant to Death

Detectives at the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, are investigating a 60-year-old landlord, Kareem Ajao, for allegedly killing his tenant, Chukwunyere Eke. Chukwunyere and the landlord had been having a running battle over payment of rent. It was learnt that the victim, whose rent expired in June 2015, was packing out from the house on December 14, 2015, when the landlord came and accused him of packing away without informing him. They were said to have engaged in a scuffle during which Ajao allegedly pushed him, causing him to hit his head against the ground, leading to his death. The matter was reported at the Ilemba Hausa Police Division, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Policemen from the Ilemba Hausa Police Division were said to have arrived at the scene and arrested the landlord.

Scores Killed in Bayelsa Election Violence

Rival political thugs in Bayelsa State, January 8, engaged in fierce fight killing several persons. In Nembe, five persons were reportedly killed. The home of a top PDP stalwart was reportedly vandalised while supporters of the party were driven out of Nembe Bassambiri. In Nembe Ogbolomabiri, the hometown of the deputy governor, Admiral John Jonah (rtd), five others were killed. In Southern Ijaw, it was an all-night battle as ex-militant leader paraded nine boys he reportedly captured at Peremabiri even as many are feared dead. Security forces locked down all the waterways in the state. In Yenagoa, all business premises were reportedly closed.

Man Paraded For Poisoning Son to Death in Plateau

The Plateau State commissioner of police, Adekunle Oladunjoye, January 11, paraded a man, who allegedly poisoned his four-year-old son, Bwesaf Palony, to death with insecticide. The police boss also said police detectives from the SCID investigating the case of infanticide, on the December 15, 2015, arrested one Salome Samuel of Shonong village in Riyom LGA of the state who threw her baby down through a storey building. He said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that she had a still birth and she had no option than to throw down the dead baby through the window of the building.

One Killed as Shi’ites, Muslim Youths Clash in Plateau

Media and Communications Officer of the Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State Operation Safe Haven, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, has said that one person was killed and several others injured in Jos as rival Muslim youths clashed with members of the Shi’ite movement who had protested the continued detention of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Following the clash, the Commander of the STF, Maj. Gen. Tagbo Udeh, ordered a ban on all forms of processions and rallies in the state. Hundreds of Shi’ite women, all clad in black, had staged a protest in Jos on January 9, demanding the release of El-Zakzaky, his wife and members of the movement that were arrested when they clashed with soldiers on December 12, in Zaria, Kaduna State. Iweha confirmed that many members of the movement were also arrested when the procession turned violent at Bauchi road, leading to the death of one person.

Six Feared Killed as Bayelsa Victory Party Turns Bloody

The victory celebration by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson, has turned bloody with six persons feared killed. The six persons were reportedly shot dead in a post-election gun battle between supporters of two political parties in Peremabiri community of Southern Ijaw area of the state. Spokesman for the State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed that the police had received report on violence in the area. Also shot and left in a critical condition was the Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Progress Neverdie. He was said to be shot in the head. A cousin of the monarch, Alfred Olotu, alleged that an ex-militant leader from the community led armed men in the bloody battle.

Gunmen Kill Police Corporal, Friend in Lagos

Gunmen, January 10, shot dead a police corporal, David Sunday, and his friend, identified as Taiwo Balogun, at the Agege area of Lagos.  The policeman was driving in his car with Balogun at about 2pm when they were attacked and shot by the assailants. A third occupant of the car, Raheem Suleiman, was shot and wounded by the yet-to-be identified gunmen, who fled the scene after the attack. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the killings, said the case had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, for further investigation.

Man Kills Wife’s Lover

A 25-year-old man, Sohnan Sunday, has confessed to killing his wife’s lover, one Garba Vondung. The suspect, who was arrested and paraded by the Plateau State Police command in Jos on January 11, said he killed Vondung in self-defense. According to him, the woman, Chanchi Sohnan, with whom he had three children left him in May 2015 for her parent’s house.  He stated that he had gone to her father’s house in December to beg her to return to his house when he his wife and her lover making love. He alleged that Vondung immediately stood up and attacked him with a knife, but he overpowered the deceased and stabbed him. The woman quickly raised an alarm, which attracted neighbours, leading to his arrest.

Bus Conductor Remanded in Prison for Murder

An Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court has ordered that a 32-year-old murder suspect, Samson Eletu, be remanded in prison custody for killing a 36-year-old man, Babatunde Omoyeni. Omoyeni had, on November 28, 2015, entered Eletu’s vehicle and had given him N500 for a fare of N50 and demanded his change. A scuffle ensued between the men after the defendant claimed not to have change and refused to release the money to the deceased. After the dispute was settled, Eletu was said to have trailed the victim to his home and stabbed him. The suspect was handed over to policemen from the Aguda division. He was arraigned on one count of murder. The defendant’s plea was not taken, while the police prosecutor, Cousin Adams, asked the court to remand the defendant in prison pending the release of the legal advice from the DPP. The magistrate, Mrs. H.O. Omisare, said the defendant should be remanded pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The case was adjourned till January, 2016.

Man, 32, Remanded for Killing Two-Month-Old Baby

A Magistrate Court in Kano, January 11, remanded a 32-year-old man, Kamal Rabiu, in prison for allegedly strangling a two-month-old baby to death. Chief Magistrate Muhammad Idris ordered the remand of the accused following an application by the Police prosecutor, Inspector Badamasi Ya’u. He said the accused should remain behind bars pending an advice from the State Director of Public Prosecution. The accused, whose girlfriend, Malama Kaltume Tijjani, gave birth to a boy in October, went to the Hospital on December 21 to collect the two month-old baby from Kaltume. But in the struggle that ensued, Rabiu strangled the baby. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate adjourned the case till February 8, for further mention.

Suspect Turns Himself in for 2012 Murder of his Boss

A 31-year-old man, Chukwunyere Chimezie, has handed himself over to the Police in Aba, Abia State for killing his boss, Towechi Ejike Nmezi, in 2012. The suspect told the police how he strangled the victim on July 21, 2012 before he fled with her phone. According to him, there was a spirit that sometimes takes control of his and directs him to do things. He further confessed to being responsible for the 2005 murder of his elder brother, who was also strangled to death in Aba. Police Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Onyeke, confirmed that the suspect turned himself over to the Police on December 8, 2015.

Prophet Remanded in Prison for Killing Friend

A Lagos prophet, Samson Olorunshola, was, January 12, remanded in prison custody by an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court, over the death of his friend. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offence was committed on November 13, 2015 at the accused’s residence. Iseghede said the accused and the deceased, Taiwo Olajide, 49, who were friends, had an argument and in the Process, the accused picked up an iron and hit the deceased on the head with it. He said the accused had accommodated the deceased in his room, when the argument ensued. The plea of the accused was not taken as the Chief Magistrate B.O. Ope-Agbe ordered that he be remanded in prison custody pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Rape

Landlord Rapes Tenant’s 14-Year-Old Niece

A landlord in the Lekki area of Lagos, simply identified as James, January 4, raped a 14-year-old ward of his tenant. It was gathered that James had given the girl N1,000 to stop her from revealing what transpired between them. However, the three-year-old daughter of the tenant, who witnessed the rape, was said to have exposed the suspect. The case was reported at the Langbasa Police Division. The victim was taken to the hospital for medical examination, which showed that there was forceful penetration, while semen was also recovered from the victim’s genitals. The incident took place while the tenant, who was the victim’s uncle, was away from home. The suspect is, however, said to be at large and was yet to respond to police invitation to respond to the allegation.

Others

Soldiers Raid Ex-Militant’s Home over Alleged Gunrunning, Kidnapping

Properties were destroyed when soldiers, January 10 and 11, raided the houses of a former militant leader, Solomon Ndigbara, for alleged gun running and kidnapping. The soldiers were said to have stormed one of Ndigbara’s houses in Bua-Yeghe, Gokana LGA of Rivers State on January 10, and another at his Port Harcourt house on January 11. Similarly, a group of armed policemen had also raided two houses belonging to another ex-militant leader and Caretaker Committee Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA, Soboma Jackrich. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Eli Lazarus, disclosed that Ndigbara’s supporters staged a protest against the raid. He added that investigation was on-going into the activities of Solomon Ndigbara, who is suspected of gun running and kidnapping activities. Meanwhile the whereabouts of Ndigbara’s wife, Kate, and his two younger brothers identified as Bariagan and Gabriel Ndigbara remained unknown after the soldiers’ operation.

Woman Arrested over Torture of Girl, 9

The police in Lagos have arrested a woman, Ifeoma Mbakwe, who assaulted her nine-year-old housemaid, Precious Chinwendu. Mbakwe, had on December 27, poured hot water on the victim, whom she accused of stealing crayfish. According to the victim, the woman angrily took a small pestle and hit her in the head, bit her in the back before pouring the hot water on her. Mbakwe’s neighbour disclosed that they had severally cautioned her to stop beating the girl to no avail. Mbakwe, who was arraigned before an Ogba Magistrates’ Court on January 5 on two counts of assault, was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum after she pleaded not guilty to the counts. The case was adjourned till January 27, 2016.

Lassa Fever Spreads to 10 States, Claims 35 Lives

The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed that out of the 76 victims of Lassa fever outbreak, 35 had lost their lives. The affected states are: Bauchi, Nassarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo. The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, however, said the impact had not reached the magnitude which the disease could be declared a national emergency, even with the case fatality rate of 46%. The Health Minister assured Nigerians of government’s readiness to stem further spread of the haemorrhagic fever now confirmed by laboratories to be Lassa Fever Viral Disease. Meanwhile, affected states have been advised to intensify awareness creation on the signs and symptoms including preventive measures such as general hygiene.

Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 41 —Minister

The Federal Government, January 12, disclosed that the death toll from the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in 10 states across the country has claimed 41 lives from 93 reported cases. The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, confirmed this. The minister assured the public that the task of the committee was not to apportion blame but rather to document lessons learnt for better planning of an affective responsive. According to Adewole, part of the long term response is to establish an inter-ministerial committee to deliver a lasting solution to Lassa fever and other related diseases. He also urged the public to avoid contact with rodents and rats as well as food contaminated with rat’s secretions and excretions.

Soldiers Arrest Ballot Snatching Suspects in Bayelsa

Two suspected political thugs in January 9 supplementary governorship election in Bayelsa State have been arrested for allegedly snatching a ballot box. The suspects were arrested by soldiers at Otuokpoti Unit 1, Ward 2, Ogbia LGA, where the box was allegedly snatched. The suspects were said to have forcefully carried the ballot box while polling was ongoing at the unit. The incident caused pandemonium at the unit but after the suspects were taken away, accreditation and voting resumed. Spokesman of the command, Asinim Butswat, said that the situation was calm in most polling units where the election was being conducted.

PAN Cautions Farmers as Bird Flu Resurfaces in Kano

The Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Plateau, Mr John Dasar, has cautioned its members to ensure strict bio-security measures to avert another outbreak of bird flu. Dasar said that the warning became necessary as investigations showed that the disease had resurfaced in Kano and some states in the South West. He called on the farmers to adopt stringent bio-security measures to forestall the outbreak of the disease. Bird flu is one of the fastest spreading diseases in Nigeria. This is because poultry products are being moved from one point to another and from state to state.

Review/Analysis

The increase in armed robbery and related incidents took their toll on the society. Armed robbers, in series of attacks across the south-east and south-west regions of the country, also shot and killed innocent lives. In a bid to stifle the activities of the criminal gangs who raided banks, attacked and killed innocent lives, and carting away with valuable items, the police were able to make some arrests. Though some victims met with their untimely demise, it was awesome as the authorities brought to halt the nefarious activities of the criminal gangs. It is, however, sad that many of them escaped and remain on the police wanted list.

Murder/assassination also stood tall in review Most of killing stemmed from pre-election violence in Bayelsa State. It was sad to also as reports of infanticide were on record. It is worse that the killings were carried out by the parents. The authorities responded swiftly to curb the killings and made an ample arrest of suspects. This was witnessed across different parts of the country.

Kidnap/hostage events took a downward plunge on the crime index, but the police were able to make some arrest regardless of the enormous challenge. Some victims were rescued and reunited with their families despite the huge amount of ransom demanded by the kidnappers. This incidents cut across various spheres and strata of the society.
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.