Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 10

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Woman Kidnapped, Murdered in Imo

Unidentified persons, February 5, abducted a 67-year-old woman, Ezinne Ann Nwachukwu, in Isiala Oparanadim community in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State. The woman, who was the Secretary of Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ihitte Ubi, was found dead five days after her abduction by seven hoodlums. Her son, Pastor Anslem Nwachukwu, said that the kidnappers had contacted his family with her mobile phone and had demanded a ransom N10 million ransom, which was later reduced to N3 million. But before the family could gather the requested fund, one of the kidnappers called, directing members of the family to where the woman’s lifeless body was dumped, while the caller said they no longer have any need for the family’s money. The traditional ruler of Isiala Oparanadim, Eze Isidore Atughara, expressed regret, saying it was not the first time such incident was happening in the area.

Gunmen Abduct Students in Lagos Hostel

Gunmen, February 29, struck at a hostel of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary in Ikorodu, Lagos, kidnapping three girls in the process. The gunmen, numbering over 10, had arrived the school in a van, broke the fence to gain entrance before whisking the girls away. The Lagos State Police Command has assured that the police were on the trail of the armed men. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said the police are on top of the situation. As part of measures to beef up security within the area and be on the heels of the abductors, personnel of Mobile Police Squadron 22 have been deployed to the area to commence ‘combing’ of Agunfoye Lugbusi village in Ikorodu where the school is located. Sniffer dogs and helicopters were also deployed by the police command and the state government to rescue the girls from the neighbouring bushes, where they are feared to have been kept.

Gunmen Abduct Retired SSS Officer in Taraba

A retired officer of the State Security Service, Hosea Danjuma, was, March 1, abducted by gunmen at his residence in Baisa, headquarters of Kurmi LGA of Taraba State. The Caretaker Chairman of the council, Steven Agya, confirmed the development. Agya said that the council had mobilised to cooperate with security agents in searching for the kidnapped man. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Joseph Kwaji, who also confirmed the incident, said the command had deployed a special squad to rescue the retired officer. A family member, Adama Danjuma, disclosed that the gunmen destroyed the back gate of the house from where they gained entrance into the compound. She explained that the gunmen were furious and threatened to shoot anybody, who resisted the abduction of her uncle.

Squatter Kidnaps One Month Old Baby in Lagos

A yet-to-named Togolese woman is on the run after stealing a month-old baby, Mustapha Ibrahim, Lagos on February 20. She is alleged to have conspired with another woman, simply identified as Sekinat, who had been neighbours with the parents of the stolen child at Okokomaiko, a suburb of Lagos for about 5 years. It was learned that Sekinat had introduced the Togolese to the parents of the child, Ganiyu and Saidat Ibrahim, as her elder sister on February 19. Mother of the baby, said that she had left her sleeping baby in the room to have her bath but could not find him when she returned to the room. According to her, she raised alarm and neighbours informed her that they saw a lady with a baby. Effort to track her proved abortive. Sekinat, however, denied knowing the alleged kidnapper, saying she had only helped the woman, who claimed that she had nowhere to stay. Confirming the kidnap, Police Public Relation Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said efforts were on to track down the suspect and recover the stolen baby.

91-Year-Old Ex-CBN Director Kidnapped in Church

Unidentified gunmen, February 28, kidnapped 91-year-old retired Director, Foreign Operations of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Joseph Ogedegbe. Ogedegbe was whisked away at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Emevor in Isoko North LGA of Delta State. It was gathered that the nonagenarian, who retired from the apex bank in 1978, was abducted in the church premises as he was alighting from his vehicle. Sources said the kidnappers, who drove in an ash-coloured Passat car, followed Ogedegbe into the church’s premises, forced him into their vehicle and zoomed off.

Police Arrest Wife of Detained Kidnap Kingpin for Complicity

The Police in Rivers State have arrested the wife of a kidnap gang leader, Mr Prosper Nengi David, who coordinates the activities of his gang from the Port Harcourt prisons. A member of the gang, Ifeanyi Nwanfo, had disclosed that David, who was remanded at the Port Harcourt prisons, coordinated the activities of the group from the prison with a phone. According to Nwanfo, the group always gave David’s share of the ransom to his wife, Clara. Clara, who was arrested by the anti-kidnap unit, February 26, confessed that she had, at different times, collected money from a member of the gang, but that she did not know that her husband was a kidnapper and that the money was from the illicit dealings.

Police Raise Alarm over Plans to Abduct School Children in Bauchi

The Bauchi Police Command has raised the alarm over intelligence reports that some undesirable elements plan to abduct under-age children for recruitment for terrorist activities. Police spokesman, Abdulrahman Ahmed, who disclosed this on March 1, said that the group specifically planned to abduct school children going to or returning from schools to recruit and indoctrinate them for terrorist activities. The police urged members of the general public to be security conscious of their physical and social environment. He also called for increased vigilance on persons and objects at schools, motor parks, shopping mall, markets, filling stations and places of worship. He urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or objects in their neighbourhood to the nearest police station.

Ese Oruru’s Abductor, Yunusa, Arrested, Detained

The Police have arrested the alleged abductor of Ese Rita Oruru, the 14-year-old girl, who was taken to Kano and converted to Islam without the consent of her parents. The 25-year-old suspect, Yunusa, was arrested and brought to Abuja by a Special Police team from Zone 1 headquarters, Kano, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Force Public Relations Officer confirmed the release of Ese, who underwent medical test, and was later reunited with her mother. Ese, who was abducted from Bayelsa State in August 2015, converted to Islam and forced into marriage in Kano, was on February 29, rescued by the police and later reunited with her parents. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, had directed that the case be transferred to the Bayelsa State Police command, under whose jurisdiction the alleged crime was committed.

Medical Doctor, Wife Kidnapped in Orlu

A prominent medical doctor in Orlu, Imo State, Dr. C.I.C Ogbuokiri, and his wife, Theresa, were reportedly kidnapped on February 28 by unidentified gunmen while on their way to church. It was reported that the man and his wife were being driven to the church when a commercial tricycle operator brushed their vehicle. It was also gathered that when their driver alighted from the vehicle to see the extent of the damage, the gunmen arrived and ordered the couple into their waiting vehicle before speeding off. Residents of Orlu have appealed to the state government and the security agencies to double their efforts in securing life and property in the state, as the spate of kidnapping in the area was alarming.

Kidnappers Reduce Ransom from N100m to N20m per Student

The kidnappers, who stormed Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, on February 29 to abduct three female students have reportedly reduced the ransom to N20 million per student. The kidnappers had initially demanded for N100 million for each student. The bandits, numbering 15, had gained access into the school through its low fence, which borders uncompleted buildings and bush. They shot sporadically while the attack lasted for about 25 minutes. The Commanding Officer, 174 battalion Nigerian Army Ikorodu, Lagos, Lt.Col. Julius Ogbobe, has ordered the soldiers in his unit to fish out the kidnappers. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed that the police had made renewed efforts towards rescuing the students.

Gunmen Shoot, Abduct Rivers APC Chieftain

Unidentified gunmen, March 1, shot and kidnapped a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State, Ipalibo Black-Duke. The gunmen were said to have shot several times at Black-Duke before taking him away. Party leaders fear he was killed and his corpse taken away. The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Mohammad, said though the victim was kidnapped, he was not aware that he was killed. Mohammad added that the police had arrested a suspect in connection with the abduction of the victim.

Robbery

Armed Robbers Invade Bayelsa Community

Suspected armed robbers, February 27, invaded Okoroba community in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State, forcing the natives to flee their homes before carting away valuables. The invaders, about 10 in number, armed with sophisticated weapons, raided homes and retail outlets in the coastal community. Regent of the community, Chief Romani Ide, who confirmed the invasion, said that the gunmen spent over two hours in the community, terrorizing the natives. Most of the youths, who attempted to resist the raid, were brutalized. Similarly, sea pirates laid siege to the Burutu-Warri waterways and riverine communities in Burutu LGA of Delta State, where they robbed passengers of valuables and carted away speedboats and engines.

Police Arrest Artisan Refurbishing Stolen Cars

An automobile electrician has been arrested by the Enugu State Police Command for refurbishing stolen vehicles. The suspect, John Chijioke, was part of a syndicate that specialised in stealing and refurbishing vehicles, before selling them. Chijioke was arrested while working on a stolen car at his workshop in Onitsha, Anambra State by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, who also recovered the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was stolen from the owner in the Awkunanaw area of Enugu on February 20. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the development on February 26, said the vehicle was traced to the suspect’s shop in the course of investigations into the robbery. Amaraizu added that the police was on the trail of other members of the gang.

Man Shot Dead as Pirates Attack, Seize Boat in Akwa Ibom

Eight suspected sea pirates, March 1, shot and killed a middle aged man, Hansley Edet, on Oron waterway when he was returning from Cameroun to Nigeria. The pirates were said to have aimed their gun at the driver of the boat, but missed the target. Having shot Edet in the armpit, the pirates were said to have ordered the boat into an island in Oron and robbed the passengers. It was learnt that the pirates stole the boat, an outboard engine, money, fish and clothes. Eyewitness and relation to the deceased, Effiong Etim, disclosed that the pirates began to chase them the moment they entered the Nigerian territory. He added that they had been encountering pirate attacks on the sea almost on weekly basis.

Robber Set Ablaze for Stealing Plasma TV

A mob, February 27, set a suspected robber ablaze at Funmilayo junction in the Agege area of Lagos State for allegedly stealing a plasma television. It was learnt that the suspect, identified as One Mopol, was leaving Sura Odumakin Street, where he had allegedly stolen the TV set when he was caught by a resident. The resident was said to have raised the alarm, drawing the angry crowd to the scene. He was almost lynched when policemen from the Elere division arrived to rescue him. As the operatives were taking him away, he reportedly vowed to go after his assailants when he left the police custody. His statement was said to have drawn the ire of the mob that snatched him from the police. It was learnt that the mob stabbed him several times, tied him with a rope and dragged him to the junction where he was set ablaze. An eyewitness, Diran Oderinde, said the police later came in a van and took away his corpse, adding that the deceased was notorious for robbery.

Gang Incidents

Lagos Police Arrest 46 Cult Members

About 46 suspected cult members were, February 27, arrested by operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command. The suspected members of Awawa confraternity were arrested at the Agege area and environs following a tip-off. Commander of the RRS, Olatunji Disu, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that the police had received incessant complaints from the residents alleging that some group of young boys and girls aged between 15 and 22 years, were making lives difficult for residents as they rape, loot, snatch and dispossess law-abiding citizens of their belongings. The commander disclosed that the suspects, including six female, engaged the police in a fight, throwing stones and broken bottles at them. He maintained that the police was on the trail of the fleeing members of the group. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said that their financiers and leaders would also be arrested.

Two Killed in Clash over Oshodi Motor Park Leadership

A violent clash between factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Oshodi in Lagos State, March 2, led to the death of two persons, disrupting commercial activities for several hours as the hoodlums went on rampage. Several others sustained various degrees of injuries as some of the hoodlums took advantage of the mayhem to loot many shops and businesses in the Oshodi Market. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the clash, however, denied the loss of life. She also confirmed the arrest of suspects over the incident. She also stated that the police had been able to restore normalcy to the affected area while investigations had commenced. The feuding factions -Talo and Bush boys- had engaged themselves in a violent fight over who would become the chairman of the union. Cutlasses, guns and other dangerous weapons were freely used during the clash.

Drugs

Man Excretes 30 Wraps of Cocaine at Abuja Airport

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), has apprehended four suspected drug traffickers with 6.822kg of narcotics worth N61 million. One of the suspects, a Birmingham-based cleaner was alleged to have excreted 30 wraps of cocaine weighing 479 grammes. A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Ofoyeju Mitchell, February 27, said the seized drugs consisted of 4.193kg of heroin and 2.629kg of cocaine destined for Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia; Birmingham, United Kingdom; Rome, Italy and Mumbai, India. NDLEA commander at the airport, Hamisu Lawan, said those arrested were caught attempting to smuggle the drugs out of the country.

Drug Suspect Attempts Escape at Abuja Airport

A drug suspect, Michael Nwobodo Alli (31), February 29, broke through a glass wall at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in an attempt to escape the long hands of the law. He had earlier been caught with 81 pellets of hard drugs, packed in a clean Parker Whisky carton along with boxes of chocolates in a duty free bag during the screening of passengers on an Emirates airline flight from Dubai, the United Arab Emirate. Alli was, however, unlucky. He was re-arrested. As soon as the drug was detected, the suspect took to his heels, breaking through a glass wall. But he was pursued by narcotic officers and apprehended with the help of security officials at the airport. The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander at the Airport, Hamisu Lawan, said that the suspect sustained minor injuries in the process.

Student Jailed 7 Years over Fake Drugs Production

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, March 2, sentenced a lady, Clara Onah, 35, to seven years imprisonment over sale of fake drugs. Onah, a graduate of Microbiology of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and current postgraduate student, was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drugs, Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) on a five-count charge of possession and sale of fake drugs. The prosecutor, Shamaki Umar, had told the court that the accused sold fake brand of 200mg of Amazon Amagyl Metronidazole tablets to members of the public.

Militancy/Maritime

Court Jails Nine Pipeline Vandals over Arepo Killings

Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Lagos, February 29, convicted nine out of the 20 persons charged with pipeline vandalism and killing of nine policemen in the Arepo area of Ogun State on May 24, 2014. The judge, however, discharged and acquitted 11 of the accused persons, saying the police failed to substantiate the charges against them. Justice Abang sentenced the nine accused persons he convicted for pipeline vandalism to 12 years imprisonment. He said though the convicts were not found guilty of murder, their action was condemnable, saying they worked to undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria. The convicts Felix Yayu (25), Yakubu Ebiwei (45), Augustine Ebiwei (28), Owei Atile (37), Atinuke Odewale (42), Ijoufaya Legbe (42,) Ahmed Bashorun (42), Odewale Waheed (43) and Tuesday Filatei (36). Some heavily armed, suspected vandals had on the night of May 24, 2014 reportedly stormed the Arepo area of Ogun to carry out an illegal oil bunkering deal. In the process, nine policemen, who challenged them, were killed. The judge said that the term of imprisonment shall run concurrently from the date of the judgement.

3 Suspected Pipeline Vandals Killed as Fuel-Laden Bus Explodes

Three people suspected oil thieves were, March 1, killed when their bus, laden with jerry cans of fuel, rammed into a stationary truck and caught fire. It was learned that the accident occurred when the driver of the bus, lost control. The lone survivor, who was badly burnt, is receiving treatment at Isolo General Hospital. An eyewitness said the bus caught fire at Nusuratu Azeez Street in Isolo at about 4.30a.m. The driver tried to swerve to the other side and the vehicle ran into the gutter, spilling the contents of the jerry cans which resulted in the fire. The driver, who is the lone survivor, was rescued by worshippers from a Celestial Church of Christ close by and taken to Isolo General Hospital.

Terrorism

Army Arrests 4 Boko Haram Suspects

The army has announced the arrest of four suspects in connection with the killing of 44 persons in the 2011 Christmas day bomb blast at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church at Madalla, Niger State. The spy, Victor Moses, was arrested hovering around a mosque in Alkaleri town claiming that he wanted to convert to Islam. Victor Moses was arrested along other three suspects Abubakar Shetima Bama, Salisu Mohammed Bello and Umar Madaki. The suspects were paraded before the Chief Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on February 29. The Brigade Commandant of 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, Brigadier General Abraham Luka Dusu, said the suspects were arrested following information from the public. He disclosed that Victor Moses confessed that he is conducting surveillance for Boko Haram.

1,890 Captives Rescued from Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army has said that it had rescued 1,890 people who were being held by the Boko Haram insurgents in the north-east. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, February 26, said that the captives were rescued at various locations in the North-East in the past two weeks. He said that the rescued people included 800 Nigerians, who crossed over to Banki, Cameroon and were brought back to the country by troops of the 21 Brigade on February 25. He added that 350 others including five Cameroonian girls were rescued in a joint operation by troops of 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters Support Group and Armed Forces Special Forces at Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare, Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja, and Marya in Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Areas.

Military Kills Scores of Boko Haram Insurgents in Alagarno Forest

Troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion of 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army, destroyed the Boko Haram terrorists’ spiritual power base at the Alagarno forest in Borno State. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, March 3, disclosed that the troops conducted a clearance operation around Alagarno forest general area, destroying terrorists’ camps at Mosa, Ariwuzumari and Kagalmari, as well as Missene, Joba, Yajiwa and Sansan. The troops were able to clear all the camps, killing quite a number of terrorists and destroyed their logistics base, and recovered some arms and ammunition.

Military Rescues 63 Boko Haram Hostages

Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, March 3, disclosed that troops of the Nigerian Army Headquarters Special Forces Team B, 7 Division Garrison, conducting fighting patrol at Lawin Meleri, Matiri Bulaka and Aljeri villages, cleared Boko Haram terrorist’s hideout. During the operation, they killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists and also rescued 63 persons held captives by the terrorists. The troops recovered 1 Dane gun and 1 Light Machine Gun Bipod Stand and detonated one Improvised Explosive Device en route.

Political/Government Agencies

PSC to Sanction Erring Officers over 14-Year-Old’s Abduction and Forced Marriage

Following the directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, that the roles of police detectives and other senior officers involved in the abduction drama of Ese be investigated, the Police Service Commission (PSC), has said it will sanction those found wanting in the matter. Head of Public Relations of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, disclosed that the commission was waiting on the on-going investigation of some police officers on the directive of the IGP and will ensure that any police officer found to have compromised himself either by omission or commission in the saga will be flushed out. Ese, who was taken to Kano and forced to convert to Islam and into child marriage, was rescued by the police following a media campaign for her release. She was reunited with her parents on March 1.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill 5 in Rivers State

Five persons were allegedly shot dead in Ogbele community, Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State on February 27. Witnesses disclosed that the assailants, who reportedly arrived through the waterways at night, also kidnapped the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Nehemiah Jerry. It was not immediately clear what triggered the fresh killings in the community as residents said the area had been peaceful in recent days. The Police and the military, February 29, visited the deserted community to assess the situation.

Cultists Storm Rivers Community, Kill Three

Gunmen suspected to be cultists, February 28, stormed Oyorokoto community in Andoni LGA of Rivers State and killed three persons. It was gathered that the local government council had imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew to forestall a recurrence of the ugly incident. The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Andoni LGA, Ere Victor, said that the curfew was only imposed on those in Andoni mainland from Ngo town. Security agencies were directed to arrest perpetrators of this act as well as sponsors of the cultists in Andoni LGA. He promised to continue to work hard to ensure that lives and property of Andoni people were protected.

Curfew in Taraba Community as Fulani Herdsmen Kill 9

Nine persons, including a staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were reportedly killed while ten others sustained various degrees of injuries as Fulani herdsmen attacked Ibi and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State on February 25. Earlier, there had been coordinated attacks in Zando, Wusen and Gborucha villages of Wukari and Ibi town, the headquarters of Ibi LGA, which left five persons dead. Five others were killed in Zando, Wusen and Gburucha villages. The state government immediately imposed 24 hours curfew within Ibi LGA headquarters. The chairman Youth Vision, Taraba State, Audu Kefas, disclosed that farmers within these affected areas have deserted their villages for fear of further attacks. Kefas also disclosed that the Fulani militants who carried out the attacks on the villages in Ibi and Wukari areas have their camps in Gishsrin Hasan and Tunga villages at the border areas of Taraba, Nasarawa and Plateau states.

Gunmen Kill 82-Year-Old Chief Priest in Edo

Unidentified gunmen, March 3, shot and killed an 82-year-old community leader, Clifford Omosomwan, in Aruogba community, in the Oredo LGA of Edo State. It was learnt that Omosomwan was also the Chief Priest (Ohen-Ogba) of Aruogba community. According to sources, the octogenarian was shot twice in the head after the gunmen gained access into his apartment. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Osifo, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident. There had been reports of violence in Aruogba community for over a year, which also claimed the life of the assistant head of the community, Goodluck Uwumahongie, who was beheaded in January 2015.

Man Beheads Stepmother

A middle-aged man, Echeno Adakole, March 2, beheaded his 50-year-old stepmother, Titi Enokela, in Obaganya community, a suburb in Otukpo LGA of Benue State. Adakole allegedly killed the woman for ritual purpose. The suspect allegedly ambushed the victim at the family farm, hit her with a piece of wood and cut off her head. He thereafter wrapped it with the dead woman’s cloth and put it in a polyethylene bag. According to the source, her family and children got worried when she did not return from farm early. They went in search of the woman, only to discover her headless body tucked away in a corner of the family farm. Following the discovery of the body, the search party raced back home for help, only to discover the severed head of the woman with her stepson, who was acting strange and making moves to flee. The source said the suspect was held by a mob, who attempted to lynch him but for the quick intervention of police, who took him away. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident.

10 Killed in Mile 12 Bloody Clash, Ambode Declares Curfew

At least 10 persons were, March 3, killed as a bloody clash erupted between the Hausa and Yoruba in the Mile 12, Ketu area of Lagos State. Among the dead were two schoolchildren, traders, artisans and residents. Two churches and over 20 houses were also set ablaze and hundreds of residents rendered homeless in Maidan community as a result of the violence which was said to have broken out after a disagreement between some Yoruba and Hausa in the area, following the killing of a Yoruba motorcycle operator by the Hausa. The killing of the Yoruba motorcyclist occurred after one Hausa operator was earlier cautioned for reckless driving and almost hitting a pregnant woman. Despite the heavy presence of security personnel, the hoodlums, mostly Hausa, who wielded bows, arrows, cutlasses, charms and stones, refused to vacate the roads. They also attacked the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who tried to calm them down. A team of policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the military brought the situation under control with the arrest of about 70 suspects. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has ordered the closure of the Mile 12 Market and imposed a curfew on four streets in the area.

Rape

Man Rapes 8-Year-Old Stepdaughter

A 40-year-old man has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly raping his eight-year-old stepdaughter at Okpanam, in the Oshimili North LGA of the state. He was reported to the police by his 30-year-old ex-wife, who is the mother of the victim. It was gathered that he allegedly started raping the eight-year-old victim, a primary II pupil, since she was four years old. The mother of the victim said she first noticed something was amiss while she was giving the victim a bath after returning from work. According to her she noticed that there was blood coming out of the little girl’s genitals. The girl reported that her stepfather was the one who raped her when she was in his house. Police Public Relations Officer for the command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

Man Remanded in Prison over Defilement of 3-Year-Old

A 23-year-old man, Obinna Obaji, was, February 29, remanded in prison custody by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl by inserting his finger into her vagina. Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias remanded the accused at the Kirikiri Prison and adjourned the case till March 7 for ruling on bail application. The prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 21 at his residence. Aigbokhan said that the accused was living in the same compound with the victim’s mother.

Man Forces Stick into 3-Year-Old’s Vagina

A suspected ritual killer, February 28, abducted a three-year-old girl and forced a stick into her vagina. The suspect picked the girl while she was playing with her peers and took her to a nearby forest in Ikang, headquarters of Bakassi LGA of Cross River State, where he inflicted injuries on the toddler. The girl was rescued after her peers raised the alarm and a search party combed the forest where the suspect was caught in the act. The suspect was said to have been handed over to the police, while the girl, who was already bleeding profusely because she had machete cut and a wood inside her vagina, was rushed to the hospital. She has reportedly undergone several surgeries at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Man Remanded in Prison over Alleged Rape of Minor

A middle-aged man, Uchenna Oti, was, March 3, arraigned before a Gudu Upper Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for alleged rape of a minor. The Prosecutor, Urom Inah, told the court that one Nuhu Abdullahi had reported the matter to the police on February 20. Inah said that the defendant used force on the minor and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her without her consent. Oti pleaded not guilty to the allegation of rape. The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, who said that he recognised the name and face of Oti as one who had been arraigned in the court twice for alleged rape, turned down the bail application and remanded the defendant in prison custody. The case was adjourned to May 23.

Others

7,000 Persons Displaced in Fulani Herdsmen, Agatu Farmers’ Clash

At least 7,000 persons are reported to have been displaced following the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and Agatu farmers of Benue State. The displaced persons who were sacked from Okokolo, Akwu, Ocholonya, Adagbo, Ugboku and Aila by the rampaging herdsmen are currently camped in Otukpo, Ugbokpo, Adoka, Ojantele, Ikobi and other neighbouring communities. One of the refugees, Elder Sani Echioda, an indigene of Ayila lamented that the condition in the camp was terrible and called on public spirited individuals, the state and federal governments to urgently come to their aid. He also lamented the absence of medical officers at the crowded camp. According to him, the Fulani herders remained in their communities causing mayhem, while their cows graze on the farmlands.

Customs Intercept Truck laden with N18million Frozen Products
…Arrest Suspects

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot truck conveying alcoholic beverage loaded with 3,328 cartons of imported poultry items into the country. The Command further arrested two suspects in connection with the seizures, even as the truck used for conveyance was seized. The remarkable seizures estimated at the monetary value of N18million were concealed with cartons of alcoholic beverage by smugglers to escape security checks, but the men of FOU who operated with high intelligence network uncovered the prohibited items. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of FOU Zone- A, Comptroller Dahiru Umar, said investigations were on-going to ascertain the level of involvement of the suspects before charging them to court, and to know the degree of complicity of the truck owners in such unlawful act. Umar confirmed the operational readiness of his Command to deal decisively with smugglers, in line with the vision of the current Customs management.

Petrol Tanker Crushes 5 to Death in Osun

A petrol tanker, February 25, veered off the road at Akoda Junction along Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway in Osun state, and crushed five persons, including two children, to death. It was gathered that the NNPC truck, which was travelling towards Osogbo on top speed suffered break failure and the driver lost control of the truck. The truck veered off the road, crushed five persons to death and injured four other persons who were believed to be trading or waiting by the roadside. However, some residents said the casualty could be much higher as the truck ran over two commercial buses at the entrance of the motor park.

Human Parts Dealer Arrested in Oyo State

The Oyo State Police Command, February 29, paraded a 50-year-old man, Kamoru Oladele, for selling human parts. Oladele confessed that he and his gang members sold human parts between N25,000 and N30,000, adding that his gang has human abattoirs in Oyo and Osun states. Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said the breakthrough was made by the special anti-kidnapping squad of the Command after receiving intelligence report on the activities of the suspects. Police further stated that the suspects had succeeded in giving their victims erroneous impression that they could make them rich through rituals. The police recovered one smoked human skull upon a search of his house.

Gang Leader, Adigun Oriyomi, to Die by Hanging

Notorious Lagos gang leader and serial killer, Adigun Oriyomi, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Lagos State High Court. Oriyomi was, February 29, sentenced to death by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, after he was arraigned on multiple counts of murder. The court convicted him of killing his best friend, Femi Adekeye, in front of his four-year-old daughter. The convict had been arrested for murder on September 9, 2013, and arraigned before the Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court where he confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity and owned up to four other murders between 2010 and 2013. He was remanded in prison pending the advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, but was released under controversial circumstances, after which he jumped bail. Oriyomi escaped all the murder charges, except for that of his best friend whom he killed in front of the daughter.

Fake Naval Officer Arrested in Enugu

A panel beater, Sunday Oka, who allegedly impersonated a naval officer in Enugu, has been nabbed while attempting to secure the release of two fraudsters from police custody. It was learnt that Oka had been posing as a naval officer before his arrest by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command on February 26. The suspect, who had on several occasions, claimed that he was a naval officer, met his waterloo when he went to the New Haven Police Station to effect the release of two suspected fraudsters, Abea Johnson and Henry Nwankwo. Johnson and Nwankwo had been arrested for being in possession of fake currency notes and making purchases with fake naira notes. Oka was arrested when the operatives discovered that he was a fake naval officer. The spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the development, said Oka and the two other suspects, Johnson and Nwankwo, would be charged to court.

Suspected Vandal Electrocuted in Akwa Ibom

A middle-aged man suspected to be a cable thief, was March 1, electrocuted in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. It was gathered that the suspected vandal, identified as Adaddy, went into the Grace Bill 500KV substation, to steal cables before he was electrocuted. A statement by the Manager, Corporate Communications of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Jonah Iboma, said the man was killed while cutting the 300mm single core armoured cable. Iboma lamented that the activities of vandals had plunged PHED’s customers into darkness. The PHED spokesman specifically condemned the wanton destruction of his company’s installations, adding that such acts had led to the loss of over 150 transformers with other accessories in the system.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases got the peak position on the crime, with some casing resulting in the deaths of hostages. Sad in the report this week, was the invasion of a school, where three female students were abducted. The authorities have placed all mechanisms in place to ensure the quick rescue of the girls. The police also rescued a 14-year-old girl, who had been abducted since August 2015. The authorities have pledged to cripple activities of kidnappers, and are still investigating several cases, while in search of kidnap suspects. Some kidnap suspects were arrested. The authorities have alerted parents on the need to be extra vigilant on their children as it raised the alarm over planned abduction of under aged girls. The south-east and south-west witnessed more of this heinous crime.

Murder/assassination was also high on the crime index. Brutal cult killings were variously recorded in the south/south, while the west and north experienced tribal/sectarian clashes resulting in several killings. The police in a quest to abate the high rate of murder in the society worked closely with vigilante groups to control the killings and apprehend suspects.

Terrorism took a downward plunge as the military continues its offensives and clearance operations against Hoko Haram terrorist in the north east. The military arrested several Boko Haram members, killed a few members and also rescued some captives from various locations in the north-east. Various calibres of arms and ammunition were also recovered.

Rape incidents also took a nosedive as the police made good arrests of suspects in all the recorded incidents. Some of the incidents were so brutal and left the victims, who were mostly minors, hospitalised under intensive care. The north-central and south-west regions of the country mostly witnessed these dastardly acts. Parents and guardians are urged to be extra vigilant in protecting their young ones from falling victims to rapists.

The authorities continue to urge the public to provide them with useful credible information that could lead to the arrest of suspects and reduction of crime. Let us do our part in keeping the society crime free and safe for all.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding and be your neighbour’s watch.