Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 4

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

12 People Abducted in Bayelsa Creeks

Unidentified gunmen, January 18, abducted 12 people, including a pastor of the Christ Embassy Church, aboard a speed boat on its way to Yenagoa from Brass in Bayelsa State. The commercial speed boat, which took off from Twon-Brass en-route the Nembe waterways to Yenagoa, was waylaid by the suspected pirates immediately after the Obama rice farm in Nembe and diverted to the Okoroma creek. The boat was said to have had a security boat and personnel escort when it was attacked, and the passengers abducted in broad daylight. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Asinim Bustwat, confirmed the incident.

6 Fulani Herdsmen Docked for Kidnapping, Robbery

SixFulani herdsmen that were arrested by the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for allegedly kidnapping and terrorizing businessmen, including residents of Okeho, a border town in Oyo State, have been charged to court. The suspects, identified as Abdullahi Mohammed (35), Abubakar Abubakar (28), Damanya Gambo (30), Usman Saidu (30), Usman Idris (35), and Hassan Maikudi (30), were, January 18, arraigned before an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, on a four-count charge bordering on armed robbery, kidnapping and illegal possession of charms. The suspects, who were alleged to have kidnapped prominent residents, were rounded up at Okeho, a town bordering Benin Republic in Oyo State in November 2015. One of the suspects, Maikudi, was said to have led the kidnappers to abduct his father and a ransom of N1.5 million was paid. Justice M.L. Abimbola, ordered the suspects to be remanded in prison custody after taking their not guilty plea. The case was adjourned to February 2 for hearing.

4 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Delta, Victim Rescued

Security operatives and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria have arrested four suspected kidnappers and rescued a kidnap victim at Ughevuwughe in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. A member of the vigilante group, January 18, said that the hoodlums had kidnapped one Matthew Agatefe at Agbarho and kept him captive in their hideout in the community. A joint patrol team of both the police and the vigilante stormed Ughevuwughe and arrested one of the suspects, identified as Johnson Emubor. The arrest of the suspect, who was said to be guarding the victim, led to the arrest of three others at Ughelli. Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the rescue of a former secretary of Isoko South LG council, Elijah Akpogbero. Kalu pointed out that the victim was dropped off along Otorwhe Road by his abductors while they were being pursued by a police patrol team.

Abducted Christ Embassy Pastor Regains Freedom

Pastor Lawrence Ohimare, the pastor of Christ Embassy Church in Brass, Bayelsa State, who was abducted on January 18, has been freed. Ohimare and 11 other persons were let off the kidnappers’ den at midnight after spending 15 hours with their abductors. Gunmen had abducted the pastor and 11 other passengers aboard a commercial speedboat heading for Yenagoa, through the Nembe waterways. The pastor said their boat was hijacked around 8am on the waterways and taken to their camp blindfolded, where they were robbed of their possessions including their mobile phones and money. Pastor Ehimare said his abductors initially thought the passengers, including himself, were important persons, whom they could hold and demand ransom. He, however, said their saving grace was that the passengers they abducted with him were all civil servants.

Gunmen Abduct Two of Six-Month-Old Triplets

Yet-to-identified gunmen, January 16, broke into the home of a 29-year-old widow, Christiana Iroh, taking away two of her six-month-old triplets. The woman disclosed that the hoodlums forcefully gained entrance into her home at about 1am and made away with the two babies, adding that the hoodlums’ intention to carry all three was foiled when she exerted pressure and raised alarm that drew the attention of neighbours. She reported that, though the hoodlums came with guns, she struggled with them, but they held her by the throat and pointed their guns at her. She regretted that all the noise she made to alert the community did not stop the gunmen from escaping with her babies.

2 Men Sell Stolen Baby for N100,000

The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested two persons, Nkereuwem Matthew Ebong and Enobong Sunday Thomas, for allegedly stealing and selling a new born baby delivered by one Nseabasi Matthew Ebong for N100,000. The state Police Commissioner, Murtala Mani, who paraded the suspects alongside other criminals on January 20, also said police arrested one Mr. Ukana and Isaac Eddie Ndeesor, for kidnapping one Akara Mendie along Urua Akpan Udosen/Ikot Una Village Road in Ukanafun LGA. The suspects kept the victim until N200,000 as ransom was paid.

Abducted Bayelsa Commissioner Regains Freedom

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government, Serafina Otazi, who was abducted in December 2015, has regained her freedom. The commissioner was released on January 21 after she was said to have paid an undisclosed amount of money as ransom. Otazi was kidnapped by gunmen in Otuoke on December 19, 2015. She was on her way to attend a function in Ewoi, a community close to Otuoke in Ogbia when she was seized by her assailants. The abductors were said to have initially demanded N200m as ransom. The kidnappers reportedly dropped their victim at Ondewari community in Southern Ijaw LGA about 3am and zoomed off.

Kidnappers Abduct RTEAN Leader in Ogun

Unidentified gunmen, January 19, abducted one of the leaders of the Ogun State chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Olayinka Oshinkoya. He was reportedly abducted along the Siun-Kopape-Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, while he was travelling from Ijebu-Ode to Abeokuta. The victim’s younger brother, Abolore Oshinkoya, said his brother alighted from his car to ease himself at about 9am when an unmarked Honda car pulled up by his side and three gunmen alighted from the car. He added that the RTEAN boss was ordered to enter the kidnappers’ car at gunpoint. According to Abolore, the abductors had not made any contact with his family after they took him away without allowing him to pick his mobile phones. He said the abductors made a U-turn with their car and headed for Sagamu with their victim. Abolore said the family had reported the matter to the police.

Robbery

Police Arrest Notorious Bank Robbery

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT), January 16, arrested a notorious leader of a gang of bank robbers. The alleged gang leader, Clement Abanara, who disguises as a woman during their robbery operations, was arrested by the police in an apartment in Benin City, Edo State. The suspect, also known as ‘Million’, allegedly took part in the Lekki, Ikorodu, Festac and Agbara bank robberies all in Lagos. The IRT, led by CSP Abba Kyari, had in November 2015, launched a manhunt for the bank robbers. Kelly Fotor, one of the suspects arrested at a wedding in Sapele, Delta State, reportedly gave information that led to the arrest of Abanara.

Security Man Docked for Unlawful Detention, Theft

A 22-year-old security man, Isaac Onoja, was, January 19, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing $1.5 million (N295.5m) from his employer. The defendant is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, failure to prevent a felony and unlawful detention preferred against him by the police. The prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendant and others still at large, committed the alleged offences on December 13, 2015, in Ikoyi. The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant unlawfully detained his employer inside the house by locking him up. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The Magistrate, S.K. Matepo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, and one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant, with verified address. The case was adjourned till February 10 for mention.

Fleeing Robbers Kill OPC Member

Armed men attacked a couple and shot dead a security guard, identified only as Kayode, in front of the Ibafo Police station in Ogun State. Kayode, a member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), was among residents, who responded to the distress call of a couple that was initially taken away by the escaping gang in their SUV. The couple, Oluwakunmi Ayodeji, and his pregnant wife, Oyin, were returning from a maternity centre behind the police station when they were attacked by the gang. Residents reported that policemen at the Ibafo division were said to have hurriedly shut the gate to the station and shunned calls for help. It was learnt that the robbers later shot Oluwakunmi in the eye region and abandoned him and his wife on the road. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the death of the OPC member.

Police Arrest Wanted Robbery Suspects in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom state Police Commissioner, Murtala Mani, January 20, paraded three notorious armed robbery suspects in the state. The commissioner, who was represented by Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, said three armed robbery kingpins, who had been terrorising some communities in Uyo, the state capital, were arrested. He listed the robbery suspects to include Ubon Pius, 20; Isong Bassey Udo, 23; and Isaac Samuel Ukpe, 23.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest 3, Recover Arms from Suspects in Mushin Cult Clash

The Police in Lagos state, January 16, arrested three suspects following renewed clashes between street urchins battling for supremacy at the Mushin area of the state. The suspects, believed to be masterminds of the bloody clashes, were arrested by the police at separate locations within the area. The street urchins were battling for control of motor parks in the area. Similarly, four suspects, who were caught with an AK47 rifle and pump action ammunition by policemen attached to the D9 section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, were said to have confessed that their rifles were handed to them by the suspects and others, who are currently at large. The residents of the area commended the police for being proactive in bringing the suspects to book. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, assured that the matter would be investigated and the police will make public the true position of the matter.

5 Die in Renewed Cult War in Edo

A violent clash between rival cult groups in Benin City, Edo State, has left five persons dead. It was learned that the cult war allegedly between members of Neo Black Movement and Mafite group around New Benin axis of Benin and Lucky Way area, started on January 16 after a disagreement over what they called ‘deferred’ issues. A member of Mafite group was said to have been beaten and hacked to death at New Benin while a reprisal attack was carried out by rival group at Lucky Way leaving about four dead. Police spokesman, Osifo Onwochei, said the command had taken drastic efforts to curtail the situation. The police spokesman disclosed that the command had intensified patrol and raids of all hideouts.

Police Impound Vehicle Conveying Arms in Delta

A vehicle conveying arms in Effurun, Delta State, was, January 17, impounded by mobile policemen. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the policemen recovered documents bearing the name of an aide to a popular Uvwie Community leader. Kalu added that mobile policemen on duty around the PTI roundabout in Effurun suspected and intercepted the car for a search. According to her, while in the process of searching the vehicle, the occupant of the vehicle fled into the bush. Two AK47 rifles, one double barrel gun, three loaded magazines of 60 rounds of AK47 rifles, one cutlass, two smart phones, a Zenith Bank, cheque book, one ATM card, Uvwie local government ID document and National ID were recovered.

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs 3 Drug Suspects in Onitsha

The Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), January 15, paraded three suspected drug dealers for being in possession of 126.09kg of Cannabis Sativa. One of the suspects, Chukwuma Ibis, admitted to the crime, saying that he had been in the business for five years. He said he bought the drugs from Head Bridge to sell at Inland Town. Other suspects paraded alongside Ibis were Monday Eze and Ojuma Uche, who had a full load of Cannabis Sativa in a Toyota Avalon, which they were conveying to Owerri. Eze and Ojuma also made confessional statements. The Anambra State Commander of NDLEA, Sule Mamodu, said the suspects would be charged to court. According to the commander, Chukwuma had previously been arrested for armed robbery in Lagos and was enjoying bail, before he was caught selling Cannabis Sativa. Mamodu said the agency would ensure he did not enjoy bail until he was prosecuted, being a second time offender.

Fake Drug Producer Remanded in Prison

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, January 20, remanded a suspected fake drug dealer, Kenneth Chiokwe, in prison custody following his arraignment by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The suspect was arraigned before Justice Jude Kanyioh Dagat over sale of fake codeine cough syrup. Defence counsel, Chukwudi Nneke in his bail application, urged the court to admit the accused to bail. The prosecution did not oppose to the bail application but prayed the court to impose stringent conditions. Justice Dagat admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a relative of the accused and the second a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction, with evidence of three years tax clearance. The court ordered the remand of the accused in prison until his bail conditions are perfected. The case was adjourned to April 5 for trial.

Fake NDLEA Operative Jailed Four Years

A man, Okoro Anthony, who had been parading himself as an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was, January 21, sentenced to a jail term of four years for impersonation. Anthony was convicted by Justice B. Kuewumi of a Federal High Court in Lagos shortly after he pleaded guilty to one count bordering on impersonation. The NDLEA prosecutor, Fingere Dinneys, had told the court that Anthony was nabbed in December 2013 at Alaba, Lagos, where he was falsely parading himself as a Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics with the NDLEA. The convict was said to have been found in possession of fake NDLEA letterhead papers, a fake letter of employment and a fake letter of compensation.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Hands over Vessel, Boat with N11m Stolen Diesel to EFCC

The Nigerian Navy, January 17, disclosed that it had handed over a vessel and wooden boat with about 10,000 litres of suspected stolen diesel worth N11 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Nigerian Navy also handed over two crew members of the vessel to the EFCC to further investigation and possible prosecution. Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, stated that Nigerian Navy troops during a routine patrol of creeks and waterways on December 2, 2015, accosted the vessel, MT Purity, carrying illegally refined diesel without the relevant permits. He disclosed that the Navy discovered that the vessel, manned by two crew members, had no competency to justify them serving onboard the vessel. The head, Counter Terrorism and General Investigation of the EFCC in Rivers State, David Iyang took delivery of the vessel, wooden boat and suspects.

Navy Arrests Ship with 183 Nigerians, 41 Migrants from Gabon

The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, January 20, disclosed that it had intercepted a transport vessel ‘AV Agamba’ with about 183 Nigerians and 41 illegal migrants on board. Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), who made the disclosure in Calabar, Cross River State, said that the ship was intercepted at the shoreline on its arrival from Gabon. Abdulkadir explained that the ship was, however, allowed to berth at the jetty because a majority of the passengers were Nigerians. He added that the Federal Government had placed a ban, restricting the dumping of illegal immigrants in Nigerian ports. The flag commanding officer said that out of the 183 Nigerians, 93 were children. Abdulkadir said that the Navy would confirm whether the children were brought into Nigeria illegally, adding that there was the need to profile them and trace their origin. Most of the passengers came in with only emergency travel certificates.

Soldiers Arrest Two Suspected Pipeline Bombers

Soldiers combing some communities in Delta State for vandals, who recently bombed oil and gas installations, have arrested two suspected pipeline bombers. The Commander of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Maj. Gen. Alani Okunlola, January 18, disclosed that the suspects, who claimed to be fishermen, were arrested around Gbaramatu community in Delta State while allegedly supervising oil exploration in the area. Okunlola said that the military would not fold its hands and allow the perpetrators to get away with crime. Okunlola urged the government and community leaders to give security agencies working in the Niger Delta useful information that could lead to the arrest of the vandals.

Soldiers Invade Gbaramatu Kingdom, Search for Militants and Arms

Soldiers, January 16, invaded Okpelama community, Gbaramatu kingdom in Delta State, in search of militants after the recent bombing of oil pipelines in the state. The soldiers were also keeping surveillance on Kurutie, the hometown of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom. A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had recently issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Tompolo, who has continued to plead his innocence in the attacks, saying he did not carry out any bombing and did not send anybody to destroy oil installations. The soldiers, who stormed the community with gunboats very late in the night, broke into the homes of villagers, many of whom scampered into the bush on sighting them as they alighted at the jetty. Chairman of the community lamented the invasion, as his community had nothing to do with the on-going attacks by militants. He disclosed that soldiers did not contact leaders of the community on the reason for their invasion.

Pipeline Bombing Continue in Delta

Unidentified persons, January 15, continued bombing oil installations in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. It was learned that they blew up the Abiteye flow station and Sagara to Chevron pipelines. Attacks on oil installations in Delta State entered a third day, as hoodlums blew-up major crude oil and gas pipelines to the Chevron Nigeria Limited Tank Farm in the state. The pipeline from Makaraba through Otunana, and Abiteye to Escravos was attacked on January 15, while Olero to Escravos gas line was also attacked. The Escravos–Warri–Abuja–Lagos pipelines were also attacked. The military has deployed army and naval personnel in the creeks of Delta State to contain the militants.

Terrorism

Political/Government Agencies

800 Peacekeeping Nigerian Soldiers Return from Darfur

All 800 soldiers of the Nigerian Army deployed under the auspices of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan, returned to Nigeria on January 17. The soldiers who were deployed on December 28, 2014, were upon their return told to prepare to be deployed to join the anti-terrorism operations in the north-east after their disembarkation leave. The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos, Major General Isidore Edet, while addressing the soldiers, commended them for credible, gallant performance in the peacekeeping mission in Darfur. He further congratulated them for successfully repelling an attack while in Darfur, killing five of the attackers and capturing their weapons. Edet counselled the soldiers to also give a good account of themselves in any of the locations they would be deployed to in the north-east.

Murder/Assassinations

Missing 9-Year-Old Girl Found Dead

The corpse of a nine-year-old girl, Miracle, who was reported missing in Elele Town, Rivers State, was, January 17, recovered around her family house, with blood spewing out of her nose, mouth and genitals. It was gathered that the girl was abducted on January 16 by some boys around Elele Town roundabout while on an errand for her mother and taken to an unknown destination at gunpoint. There are insinuations that Miracle may have been raped and hacked to death by her abductors. A community source disclosed that there were some hoodlums that had been operating and raping girls in the area.

Notorious Political Thug Assassinated in Ilorin

A notorious political thug, Alhaji Bayo Ajia, was, January 18, shot dead and hacked several times with machete by four men at the Taiwo area of Ilorin, Kwara State. The assailants, who were said to have arrived at the deceased’s workshop in a taxi, met Ajia alone in his shop, shot him several times on the head and dealt several machete cuts on his lifeless body to ensure that he was dead, before they escaped. Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okansanmi, who confirmed the incident, said investigation into the circumstance that led to the incident had commenced. Ajia was sentenced to death by an Ilorin High Court in 2004 over a murder case. He went to the Court of Appeal, but his sentence was subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court. He was, however, granted state pardon by the immediate past administration in the state.

Killers of Ex-FUTA VC get Death Sentence

An Akure High Court, January 20, sentenced two domestic staff of former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Albert Ilemobade, to death by hanging for murder. The convicts, Daniel Itah Effiong and Bamitale Olayemi, were the gateman and driver of the 79-year-old Professor, who was murdered in his house. Justice Williams Olamide found them guilty of the three-count charge of conspiracy to murder, murder and robbery. They were accused of strangling the deceased to death at his residence in Akure on June 21, 2015, and stealing his vehicle and money. Justice Olamide held that the prosecution was able to establish and prove the case against the convicts beyond reasonable doubt and to the satisfaction of the court. The convicts had dumped his corpse in a store/generator house before they fled. Security operatives and family members of the late professor had thought he had been kidnapped until detectives arrested them while they were about to sell the stolen vehicle for N400,000.

Suspected Cultists Kill 16 in Rivers

Sixteen persons were, January 20, shot dead in Ula Upata community in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State by suspected cultists. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, who only confirmed 8 deaths, stated that the timely intervention of Policemen saved the community from the rampaging cultists. One of the suspected cultists was arrested and an English pump action gun recovered from him. A man, who claimed that he hid in the bush and witness everything, disclosed that the assailants killed ten in Ula Upata village and six in Ahoada West. The killing started about 12.05am when about 5 boys, carrying 3 AK47 rifles and two pump action guns began shooting. He added that the JTF that responded to his distress call arrested one of the cultists.

Police Arrest 11 over Ilorin Assassinations

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, has said that two political thugs were killed on January 18 by suspected cultists in Ilorin, noting that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with both killings. According to him, Bukola Ajikobi was killed a few hours before Bayo Ajia. Okaula, who disclosed this, added that his men had been strategically positioned at various flash points in Ilorin to avert any reprisal attack.

Student Stabs Colleague to Death in Kano

A student of First Grade College in Kano, Sadik Ado-maje, January 20, stabbed another student, Usman Salisu, to death. An eyewitness disclosed that the incident happened during a fight that ensued between the deceased’s brother and Ado-maje at the school gate. The deceased was in the school to collect his result when he met his brother fighting with Ado-maje. He decided to intervene and settle the quarrel between them. But the intervention of Salisu angered the suspect, who quickly stabbed him with a knife in his stomach. Salisu was rushed to the hospital where he later died. Police Public Relations Officer, Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident. He said the suspect, who initially ran away, was later apprehended, and would soon be charged to court.

Kidnapped Delta Monarch Found Dead in Edo

The kidnapped king of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, HRM Obi Akaeze Ofulue III, has been reportedly killed by his abductors. The deceased monarch was on January 5, abducted along with his driver by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Obior/Igbodo Road Delta State. The monarch’s corpse was found at Ekpon, in Edo State on January 21. According to reports, a Hausa man who was allegedly found with the king’s mobile phone was arrested on January 18 by the Police. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident, adding that the police was still in search of those behind the crime. The member representing Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Joan Mrakpor, called for drastic solution to the harassment of the civil population in Delta North by nomadic kidnappers.

Rape

Man, 27, Remanded Prison over Rape of Minor

A Minna Magistrates’ Court, January 18, remanded one Yahaya Garba (27), in prison custody for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl. Garba was arraigned on a one-count charge of rape. The Prosecutor, Corporal John Steven, told the court that Alhassan Shaibu of Limawa Gwada reported the matter at the Gwada Station on November 21, 2015‎. Steven said Shaibu’s wife noticed whitish discharge from her daughter’s private part. He added that the girl, when questioned, told her parents that the accused had sexual intercourse with her. He said the accused confessed to have raped the girl twice during police investigation. When the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor applied for adjournment because investigation into the case was on-going. The Magistrate Hafsat Abdullahi, adjourned the case till February 18.

Driver, 58, Defiles 11-Year-Old Girl in Toilet

A 58-year-old man, Emmanuel Egejuru, was, January 18, arraigned before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl on February 22, 2012. Egejuru, who is answering to a count charge of rape before Justice S.S. Ogunsanya, confessed to have committed the offence. He confessed that he met the victim in the toilet, held her by the waist and raped her. Lawyer to the defendant applied for bail on a liberal term, a development which was not objected to by the prosecution lawyer, Mrs M.M. Balogun, on the grounds that it was a bailable offence. The judge admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million, and adjourned the case to March 23.

Man, 37, Rapes Mentally-Challenged Girl

The Police in Lagos State have arrested a 37-year-old man for allegedly raping a mentally-challenged girl. It was learned that the suspect, Adesola Moses, reportedly raped the victim in her mother’s shop. It was gathered that the suspect took advantage of the victim’s mental health and had anal sex with her. A family member disclosed that the victim’s mother had left the 19-year-old girl in her shop, when the suspect sneaked into the shop, asked the girl to remove her clothes and raped her. According to reports, a 10-year-old girl, Tunrayo, who usually played with the victim, saw them and ran out to alert people. The suspect was identified after the elders of the community gathered 12 young men in the area and Tunrayo was able to identify the suspect. The case, which was initially reported at Alagbado, is currently being investigated at State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Panti, Lagos.

Pregnant Housewife Raped to Death in Kano

A 22-year-old housewife, Aisha Abdullahi, was January 21, raped to death by unknown person(s) at her residence in Ungogo quarters on the outskirts of Kano metropolis in Kano State. Police spokesman, Musa Magaji Majia, disclosed that the incident was reported by the deceased’s husband. Police said Abdullahi Muhammad, husband of late Aisha, reported that he met the deceased in a pool of her blood when he returned home. Majiya said detectives had commenced investigation to unravel the mystery behind the act, stressing that no stone would be left unturned. The killing of Aisha Abdullahi has heightened fears of safety for woman as a similar incident was recorded some weeks back when one Khadija Muhammad was also killed in her home. Two suspects are currently facing charges in respect of Khadija Muhammad’s death.

Pastor Arrested over Rape of Stepdaughter, 14

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old cleric, Pastor Chidiebere Ikpa, for allegedly raping his stepdaughter in the Surulere area of the state. Ikpa, who denied the allegation, alleged that it was a neighbour, Richard, who defiled the 14-year-old. The girl, who reported the incident to the police on January 15, insisted that she was raped by the pastor on several occasions. She added that whenever she told her mother about it, she usually shouted her down, and refused to take any action on the matter. The girl reported that Ikpa had allegedly been raping her since she was 10 years old. The girl said it was when her mother failed to take concrete steps that she came to the police. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the pastor’s arrest.

Policeman Arrested for Raping and Assaulting Woman

A policeman with the Railway Command in Lagos State, identified as Agu, has been arrested for allegedly raping and beating-up a lady inside his apartment in the Railway Police Barracks. It was learnt that Agu had tricked the victim into the barracks. He was said to have had sex with her, which the victim submitted to. Later at night, he allegedly woke her up for another round of sex, which she refused. They were said to have struggled, but the suspect allegedly overpowered her. He was said to have assaulted and raped her before she passed out. The police authorities, January 21, confirmed that Agu was arrested, and made to face an orderly-room trial before he was dismissed him from the force.

Man Rapes Three-Year-Old Daughter

A 32-year-old man, identified simply as Mustapha, has been arrested by the Plateau State Police Command for allegedly raping his three-year-old daughter on January 12. The incident reportedly took place while the victim’s mother was cooking in a makeshift kitchen within their compound. It was learnt that the woman had gone into the room to pick some ingredients for the dish she was preparing when she caught her husband in the act. An angry mob was said to have descended on the suspect after his wife raised alarm and alerted neighbours to the incident. It was learnt that policemen from Laranto division intervened and rescued him from the mob. The man could not give any genuine reason when he was asked what prompted him to commit the act. Police spokesman, Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed Mustapha’s arrest on January 20. He said the suspect had confessed to the crime, adding that he would be charged to court.

Others

Three Dead as Soldiers Quell Pro-Biafra Protest in Aba

At least three persons, January 17, lost their lives in Aba, Abia State when security agents confronted members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) that were protesting against the continued detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Eyewitnesses disclosed the victims lost their lives when soldiers opened fire on the protesters along Milverton Road and St Michaels Road in Aba. Police spokesman, Udeviotu Onyeke, said he was not aware of any casualty recorded during the protest. He, however, confirmed that the pro-Biafra agitators staged their usual protest, adding that they had trooped out in large numbers and attempted to block the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, but a combined team of police and soldiers dispersed them. The spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, vowed that “no amount of attack, intimidation or harassment could stop the struggle for Biafran autonomy”.

CJ Frees 21 Inmates in Bauchi Prisons

The Bauchi State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Hamidu Kunaza, has granted freedom to 21 inmates serving various sentences in Bauchi Prison as he reviewed their case files and ordered their immediate release. Justice Kunaza said the inmates were pardoned on grounds of ill health, old age and long stay in the prison. He congratulated the freed inmates and advised them to be law abiding and avoid committing crimes that may bring them back to prison. Justice Kunaza commended the prison authorities for their untiring effort of ensuring the welfare of the inmates. The Bauchi State Comptroller of Prisons, Alhaji Sidi Muhammad expressed his appreciation for the regular visits being paid by the Acting Chief Judge.

Gunmen Invade Police Station in Zamfara

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, January 15, invaded a police station in Kanoma district, Maru LGA of Zamfara, causing panic among residents. The district head, Mallam Musa Kanoma, said upon their arrival, the gunmen headed straight to the police station, firing shots and causing confusion in the area. Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Amiru, confirmed the attack on the station by the gunmen. Amiru, however, said the motive of the attack was not yet known. He stated that there were exchange of gunfire between the police and the attackers, who came in large numbers. He added that many of the attackers escaped with bullet wounds. He called on members of the public, especially those in the surrounding villages to report cases of bullet wounds in their areas to the nearest security authorities.

NSCDC Arrests 2 Suspected Vandals in Kaduna

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kaduna State command has arrested two suspects and recovered about 55 Jerry cans of Automotive Gas Oil also known as diesel. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Alhaji Modu Bunu, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at Ungwan Liman-Kangimi in Igabi LGA following a tip-off. Bunu vowed that the command would not relent in its anti-vandalism drive, warning that hard times await unscrupulous elements that have resorted to illegal and criminal means. He maintained that the command will continue with surveillance on petroleum pipelines in the state.

FG Confirms 212 Lassa Fever Cases in 17 States

The Federal Government, January 19, confirmed 212 suspected cases of Lassa fever across 17 states of the federation. The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, who disclosed this at the Emergency National Council on Health meeting with state Commissioners of Health and other stakeholders in the health sector, warned against a conspiracy of silence among the states of the federation. Adewole described the outbreak as a national embarrassment. He disclosed that the objective of the meeting was to facilitate discussion on control of the ongoing disease outbreak; to develop strategies of prevention and management of all cases in Nigeria, among others.

Trader Bathes 12-Year-Old with Boiling Water over N100

The police in Lagos, January 15, arrested a 39-year-old trader, Chinwe Abasi, for allegedly brutalising a 12-year-old boy, Chinedu Okorie, with hot water. Abasi, a mother of two, allegedly poured hot water on the boy because he collected N100 from a neighbour to buy a pair of socks to wear to school without her knowledge. It was learnt that the trader allegedly ignored the boy’s request for a pair of socks. It was gathered that when Abasi learnt that the boy had collected money from Usman to buy the pair of socks, she became angry and beat up the boy. The 12-year-old reportedly ran to the kitchen during the flogging, where Abasi allegedly grabbed a kettle of boiling water and emptied it on him. The matter was reported to the Police and the trader was arrested.

TRACE, Immigration Officers Clash in Ogun

About 26 armed officers and men of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, January 19, allegedly invaded the Abeokuta zonal command headquarters of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE). The immigration men allegedly battered four TRACE officers, while about six other personnel of the traffic agency were allegedly abducted by the NIS operatives in different parts of the city. It was gathered that the NIS operatives’ invasion was a reprisal, as an unnamed immigration officer was allegedly assaulted earlier in the day. Eight TRACE men were said to have beaten up a Chief Superintendent of Immigration in the Sapon area of the state, who was alleged to have parked his car at an unauthorised section of the road.

Court Orders IPOB Leader Kanu’s Remand in Prison

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in prison custody. Justice James Tsoho made the order on January 19 after Kanu, who has since October 14, 2015 been in the custody of the Department of State Service, was arraigned along with two others on charges of treason and others bordering on his agitation for the secession of the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria. Kanu was arraigned along with two others – Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi. ‎The judge in ordering the remand of the accused in prison overruled the request by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Diri, for an order further remanding the accused persons in the custody of the DSS. The defence team had complained that the accused persons had been denied access to their families and lawyers since their arrest by the DSS in 2015. The accused persons all pleaded not guilty to all the six counts preferred against them.

15-Year-Old Gives Life to Rescue Siblings from Killer Truck

A 15-year-old boy was, January 19, crushed to death in Ogun State when a truck belonging to a construction company in Abeokuta crushed him and three of his siblings. An eyewitness disclosed that the deceased, Imisioluwa lost his life when he was trying to pull his younger ones away from the truck, but fell and was crushed. The incident occurred on Oke-Ijeun Road in Abeokuta, which was undergoing construction by the state government. It was gathered that the siblings were on their way back from school around 4pm and were knocked down while attempting to cross the road. It was further gathered that the driver was drunk and drove against traffic. Shortly after the accident, the truck, which was abandoned by the driver, was vandalized by a mob that attempted to set the truck ablaze but for the intervention of policemen.

Police Parade Ritualist, Bank Syndicate in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command, January 20, paraded a suspected ritualist, identified as John Igwe, who was arrested for being in possession of a human head. The State Commissioner of Police, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, who paraded the suspected ritualist alongside other suspects, said Igwe was nabbed on January 16 while on his way to Ebonyi State for an alleged money-making ritual. The police boss also paraded an alleged leader of a syndicate, who specialises in manipulating bank data of individuals. The Commissioner disclosed that the suspects used various means to access personal information of individuals.

Dismissed Naval Officer Bags 4-Year Jail for Smuggling

A dismissed Naval officer was, January 20, sentenced to four years imprisonment after pleading guilty to illegally escorting contrabands from Seme Border to Lagos to evade customs duty. Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluwadamilola Olanipenikun of the Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ court found Amadu Usman guilty of impersonation, unlawful possession of Navy uniforms and using same to cheat for personal gains. The prosecutor, Inspector William Ologun, had earlier told the court that Usman committed the offence in October 2015 when he wore the complete uniform of an officer of the Nigerian Navy and deceitfully escorted vehicle carrying contraband goods from Seme to Lagos, to evade customs duties. The convict was dismissed from service in 2009, but had kept the uniform to make ends meet.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage incidents took an upward plunge. The police engaged in a gun battle with criminal gangs in an attempt to rescue kidnap victims. The victims cut across various age groups, including babies. Despite the chase and some arrests of suspects by the police, many suspects remain at large. The south-south and south-east parts of Nigeria witnessed more of these incidents.

Murder/assassination maintained its place on the crime index, though it seemed the security outfits have brought calm to a large portion of the country. Innocent Nigerians lost their lives in lone killing and others in cult related killing and organised assassinations. But the authorities managed to arrest some killers and charged them to court. Other killers remain on the loose, while the police carry out investigations. These incidents were recorded across the country.

The resurgence of militancy and pipeline bombings in the Niger Delta has given the authorities new cause for worry. This has resulted in the deployment of troops, who without restraints, invaded Ijaw communities in Delta state in search of suspected militants and pipeline bombers. The fear of the escalation of the resurgence of militancy has gripped oil multinationals in the region and even residents.

Rape cases rose in a frightening manner. While some of the culprits have been remanded in custody, the victims still languish in pains caused by the horrifying act. The prevalence remains worrisome as young girls were are repeatedly by relatives and trusted persons.

Parents are urged to be especially protective of their children against predators in the form of rapist and kidnappers.
Every Nigerian and persons resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It is remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.