Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 11

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Abducted Students Rescued from Captivity

The three female students that were abducted from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary in Ikorodu, Lagos State have been rescued after spending six days in captivity. Their release came a day after the Inspector General of Police (IGP) deployed the Intelligence Response Team to support the Lagos State Command in rescuing the girls. The Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed their rescue on March 6, disclosed that the police also arrested a suspect. The arrested suspect, Emmanuel Arigidi, confessed to his involvement in the abduction of the girls. Arigidi was reportedly arrested from Adama Creeks. The police are on the trail of the other fleeing suspects.

Man Jailed 10 Years for Trafficking Girls

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, February 29, sentenced a 37-year-old man, Favour Eboigbe to 10 years’ imprisonment for trafficking six girls to Burkina Faso for prostitution. Eboigbe was arraigned on a 12-count charge preferred against him by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The convict, who lived outside the country, was arrested in Edo state in 2009 following a tip-off. The victims, who were between the ages of 15 and 21 years, were taken to NAPTIP after they were rescued. Eboigbe had pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice A.A. Okeke. The spokesman of the Benin Zonal Command of NAPTIP, Nduka Nwanwene, further disclosed that the agency had successfully rescued 1,200 girls in Edo State since 2004 and secured 55 convictions.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper of Senator’s Mother

The Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Delta State has arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as one of those who abducted the mother of Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo. The suspect, Emmanuel Okobi, reportedly confessed to the crime and mentioned five other members of the gang, who are on the run. According to the police, the senator’s mother, Cecilia Aguariavwodo, was released in the creeks on February 29. The State Police Commissioner, Alkali Baba Usman, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects on March 3, disclosed that they were arrested on a tip-off and the police raided their hideout.

Banker Kidnapped in Rivers State

Unidentified persons, March 6, kidnapped a banker, simply identified as Mrs Olowu, in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. The incident reportedly forced banks in the area to shut their doors against customers in protest. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the incident, adding that the Police was only informed 24 hours later. He assured that efforts were on to secure her release from captivity. Similarly, the mother of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, Mr Sobomabo Jackrich, was March 6, kidnapped by yet-to-be identified gunmen. She was reportedly abducted on her way from church service.

Police Parade Suspected Kidnappers

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, March 7, paraded six suspected kidnappers who were arrested around the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode area. The suspects reportedly confessed to being responsible for kidnapping an expatriate in Lagos State and an 87-year-old man, Chief Modiu Rabiu, in Ijebu Ode. The gang, allegedly led by Mahama Godwin, used a canoe to take their victims to their den around the Omu Ijebu River. The suspects reportedly collected N2.7m as ransom for the 87-year-old man. They were on their way to kidnap another expatriate in Ijebu Ode when the men of SARS swooped on them.

Police Arraign Ese’s Abductor, Yinusa, in Court

Yinusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, the man who allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and forcefully married 14-year-old Ese Oruru was, on March 8, remanded in prison custody by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Dahiru was brought before the court under very tight security and is being prosecuted on a five-count charge of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge. On the sidelines of the court proceedings, Dahiru admitted to impregnating the teenage girl, but pleaded “not guilty” to the five-count charge when the charges were read to him. The police accused Dahiru of conspiring with the duo of Dankano Mohammed and Mallam Al Hassan to abduct, coerce, deceive and sexually assault the Ese Oruru. After listening to the police prosecutor and the lawyer to the accused, the judge adjourned the matter to March 14, while he remanded the accused in prison custody.

Edo Magistrate Abducted

The Police in Edo State have confirmed the abduction of Magistrate Hassana Garuba, wife of former Speaker of the state House of Assembly. Garuba, a serving magistrate in the state, was kidnapped at Obadan village near Ogbemudia Farms, along the Benin-Okene-Lokoja Road on March 8. Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Osifo, confirmed the abduction, adding that police were working hard to locate and set her free. Garuba was said to be travelling to Ehor, where she is a Magistrate, when she was kidnapped along with other persons yet to be identified. A family source said the kidnappers had not contacted them.

Man Arrested for Kidnapping Two-Year-Old

A 20-year-old man, Samuel Olabanji, has been arrested by the police for allegedly snatching a two-year-old boy from his guardian, who was returning from an Arabic school at the Ajegunle area of Lagos State. The boy, Rokeeb Akinwale, was said to have gone to the school on February 25 in company of 10-year-old Shukra, a neighbour, who strapped him to her back while returning home around 6pm. It was learnt that Olabanji reportedly waylaid Shukra by the roadside and snatched the boy from her. The abduction was said to have been reported at the Ajegunle Police Division the same day by Rokeeb’s mother, Sadiat Akinwale. The suspect and three men were said to have returned to the area on February 29 for another operation when he was caught. The others, however, escaped. It was learnt that a mob beat him up before the police came to his rescue. The police said Olabanji had confessed to the crime, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing members of the gang.

Robbery

Police Arrest Robbery Gang that Lures Victims with Girl

Three members of a five-man robbery gang that operates along Igando-Obadore and Iba Expressway, a Lagos suburb, have been arrested after a member of the gang gave one of their victims his phone number. The gang has a female spy, who lures men to areas where the waiting gang members rob them. Seun Kuye, Sakiru Oseni and Jeremiah Lucky, are the suspects arrested. The suspects were traced using the phone number given to one of the victims.

Man, 48, Disarms Two Armed Robbers in Bayelsa

A 48-year-old man, March 2, engaged two suspected armed robbers and disarmed them of two locally made pistols during an attempt to dispose him of some amount of money along the Otiotio area in Bayelsa State. Eyewitnesses told leadership that the man had gone to the Bank to withdraw a huge sum of money to pay workers on a building site in the area when the robbers waylaid him. The first armed robber shot at the man carrying the back pack and demanded that he hands over the money. But the gun failed to go off. He attempted the second time and the gun failed to shoot. It was at that point the victim dealt a deadly blow on the robber and he fell. Leadership however gathered that the victim sustained minor injuries from the blows he dealt on the armed bandits. The second robber also attempted to shoot, and was equally disarmed. Both suspects immediately fled the scene in their car.

Lagos Police Arrest, Parade 26 Armed Robbery Suspects

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, March 7, paraded 26 armed robbery suspects arrested from different locations across the state between February 19 and March 7. Owoseni, who paraded the suspects at the command Headquarters, Ikeja, said one armed robbery suspect died in a shootout with the police. About 11 different types of arms, 49 different calibres ammunition were recovered from the suspects. The police also recovered 20 snatched vehicles for their owners at different points in Lagos.

Blind Man, Others Arrested for Stealing N20m Goods

The Lagos state police command, March 7, paraded a 61-year-old blind man, Monday Iruanya, who was arrested for alleged robbery and stealing of tyres valued at about N20m. His accomplices were identified as John Michael, Charles Chinoso and James Francis were also paraded by the state commissioner of police, Fatai Owoseni. The police said a soldier was being trailed for aiding the suspects. The command said the tyres were stolen at a warehouse in Apapa and were being taken to Sagamu, Ogun State, for sale when they were intercepted in Ijebu Ode by policemen, who had been on their trail from Lagos. It was gathered that Michael, who acted as the owner of the goods, had approached the blind suspect to help him get a waybill to help him pass through security checks without much questions. Iruanya, who police said was released from the Kirikiri Prison for stealing in 2010, was said to have provided the waybill, which listed the stolen items and the destination, after a promise of N100,000 from the proceeds.

Police Parade 4 Suspected Armed Robbers

The Police in Cross River State, March 7, paraded four suspected armed robbers that were arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, two of the armed robbery suspects, Victor Obim and Peter Edim, were arrested in the Boki Local Government Area of the state on February 17. He said the suspects were threatening the peace of Orumekpan community in Boki. The other two robbery suspects, John Nnamdi and Uwem Asuquo, were arrested on February 21 when the police raided a criminal hide-out in the Odukpani LGA, he added.

Police Alert on Bus Robbery Syndicate

The Delta State Police Command, March 8, issued a security alert on the activities of a criminal syndicate led by a lady and a man on clutches. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the syndicate specialised in robbing commuter buses on the highways. She disclosed that the modus operandi of the syndicate was to chatter commuter buses in any part of the region under the guise of coming to Agbor in Delta state to pack their belongings, only to end up robbing the unsuspecting driver/passengers. The statement advised transport companies, especially those operating in the South-South, South-East and South-West to be vigilant of the syndicate, which is led by a lady and a man on clutches.

Gang Incidents

Delta Police Raid Hideout of Cultists, Arrest 27

At least 27 suspected cultists were, March 2, arrested by Policemen attached to the Delta State Police Command for their alleged involvement in cult related activities. The State Police Commissioner, Alkali Baba Usman, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on a tip-off and subsequent raid of their hideouts in Asaba and its environs. He said that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

Lagos Police Arrest, Parade Suspected Cultists

The Lagos State Police Command, March 7, paraded 50 suspected cult members that were arrested during raids of criminal hideouts at different locations across the state. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects, said detectives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) who conducted raids at various criminal hideouts within the metropolis arrested about 981 suspected members of the Awawa cult group of Agege from February 19 to March 7, 2016. While some suspects remained under investigation, Owoseni disclosed that 113 persons were allowed to go after they were screened and found that they had genuine means of livelihood.

Police Parade 9 Suspected Cultists

The Cross River State Police Command, March 7, paraded nine suspected cult members arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The state Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, said the suspects were arrested on February 29 at Ikot-Ansa area following a tip-off after the suspects allegedly killed one Fred Akiba. A team of operatives from the Federal Housing Police Station stormed the area and nine cultists were apprehended. Two locally-made pistols, one live cartridge, two army caps, one plastic mask, some wraps of Indian hemp, eight phones and others were recovered.

Drugs

Three Freight Forwarders Arrested for Drug Peddling

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have arrested an exporter and three freight forwarders in connection with unlawful exportation of illicit drugs. The seized drugs weighing 54.76kg include 24.7kg of methamphetamine disguised as artificial hair, 2.810kg of cocaine concealed in foodstuff and 27.250kg of diazepam. The seized drugs have a street value of N222million naira. The NDLEA Airport commander, Ahmed Garba, who disclosed this on March 5, added that the command was working to improve productivity.

Militancy/Maritime

Alleged Mastermind of Agip Pipeline Attack Arraigned

The alleged mastermind of the bombing of a crude oil delivery line belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, “Gen” Pastor Oyere, has been charged to court. The suspect, an ex-militant leader, was, March 9, arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa. Oyere is charged with unlawful tampering with Agip Pipeline, criminal extortion and illegal oil bunkering. The Prosecutor, U.J Chidozie, told Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, that they were prepared to proceed with the case against the accused. Counsel to the accused, Tekena Ediyekio, agreed with the adjourned date of April 25, 2016. The accused was apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in collaboration with a private security firm, Guardian Dragon Oil and Gas Security. Oyere was allegedly arrested after being lured to Yenagoa from the creek of Southern Ijaw by officials of the private security outfit.

Terrorism

DSS Arrest Boko Haram Gun Runners, Ansaru Members

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three suspected gunrunners, covert linkmen and couriers for Boko Haram. The suspects include Musa Garba Abubakar, Umar Khalil Muhammed and Mohammed Yakubu Tahir aka Mallam Yaro. In a statement by Tony Opuiyo of the DSS, two of the suspects were arrested on March 2 in Jos, Plateau State, during a special tactical operation. Abubakar was described as a major gun fabricator, arms-runner and a covert linkman/courier for the Boko Haram group. 2 pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents were recovered from him. Musa was arrested after he approached a foreign mission in Nigeria for logistics and financial support to fight the Boko Haram. The DSS also arrested three persons who are members of an extremist cell under the coordination of Yakubu, with affiliation to the proscribed extremist group, Ansaru. They are said to perfected plans to travel to Sudan for terrorist training with other radical elements of the group.

Military Clears Boko Haram Strongholds, Kills Terrorists

Soldiers of 121 Task Force Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade, March 6, carried out clearance operations at Dure district and killed several terrorists as it intensified efforts to clear remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the troops met stiff resistance from the terrorists during the encounter, but they succeeded in clearing Dure 1, Dure 2 and Jango, Dibiye and other suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts in the district. The troops recovered two hand held Motorola radios one of which was booby-trapped and materials for making improvised explosive devices. The troops also destroyed several grains storage facilities. Another combined team of units under 26 Task Force Brigade based in Gwoza same day cleared Amdaga Makaranta and Amdaga Madachi of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and killed two Boko Haram fighters.

Military Kills Terrorists in Alagarno Forest

Troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion of 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army, have demystified Boko Haram terrorists spiritual power base at the Alagarno forest, Borno State. Similarly, troops of Army Headquarters Special Forces Team B, 7 Division Garrison, conducted fighting patrol in which they cleared Boko Haram hideout at Lawin Meleri, Matiri Bulaka and Aljeri villages, killing 5 Boko Haram terrorists. The troops recovered 1 Dane gun and 1 Light Machine Gun Bipod Stand and detonated 1 Improvised Explosive Device enroute. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, March 4, disclosed that the troops, based on a tip-off, 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.

Troops Raid Boko Haram Hideouts, Kill Five
…As Boko Haram Poisons Water Supply

Nigerian troops have killed a total five terrorists and captured one, Musa Abdulahi, after raiding Boko Haram’s hideouts in different parts of Borno State. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, March 6, disclosed that the operation in Doksa, Biu LGA led to the killing of two terrorists and the capture of Abdullahi by the troops of the 231,331 battalions and some elements of the Armed Forces Special Forces 3 Division. The troops also recovered two military uniforms, one General Purpose Gun, one AK47 rifle and two Dane guns from the Boko Haram fighters. Usman said the troops discovered that the terrorists were also poisoning sources of water supply, apart from burying Improvised Explosive Devices in the areas.

Military Kills 18, Repels Fresh Terrorists’ Attacks in Pulka, Bitta Towns

The troops of 26 and 28 Task Force Brigades, March 8, repelled an attack on military locations at Pulka and Bitta on the fringes of the Sambisa forest in Borno State by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the troops of 114 Task Force Battalion were attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists. According to Usman, the Nigerian troops came under three-pronged attack by terrorists fanning out of Sambisa forest from Damboa, Tokumbere and Pulka axis. According to him, 18 terrorists were killed by the troops, who also captured one of them alive. The army spokesman said that the troops also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Browning Machine Gun (BMG) and two Toyota Hilux vehicles. He listed other items recovered to include a 60mm Mortar tube, seven boxes of 12.7mm ammunition and a belt of 12.7mm ammunition. Usman noted that there was no casualty on the side of the troops.

Fulani Herdsmen Attack, Kill 8 in 4 Benue Villages

Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked and killed eight persons in an early morning attack on four villages in Logo LGA of Benue State on March 8. The herdsmen reportedly attacked residents of Ngorukgan, Tse Chia, Deghkia and Nhumbe villages at dawn, hacking down any body insight. A witness said the villagers who were in shock aftermath of the action wondered why they were attacked unprovoked by the herdsmen with several sophisticated weapons.

Senate Alleges Regrouping of Fleeing Boko Haram Members in Taraba

The Senate, March 9, reported that fleeing members of Boko Haram sect have infiltrated towns and villages in Taraba State, following which the Senate called on the Federal Government to urgently call on security chiefs to deploy security men in Taraba State to stop the killings and flush the insurgents out of the state. It also urged the Federal Government to undertake a holistic study of the crisis in Taraba State, rehabilitate the Internally Displaced Persons, as well as supervise their re-integration into their communities. Deputy Senate Minority leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, disclosed that over 2,000 people had been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Taraba State since December 2013, adding that there was the need to halt insurgents re-assembling in Taraba as well as put a stop to what he described as ongoing silent genocide in the state.

Troops Kill Wanted Boko Haram Kingpin

A wanted Boko Haram kingpin has been killed by the troops of 7 Multinational Joint Task Force Brigade Quick Response Group stationed in Baga. The Nigerian Army spokesman, Sani Usman, disclosed that the wanted terrorist, who is number 95 on the first Nigerian Army wanted list of 100 Boko Haram leaders, was fatally wounded during an exchange of fire on March 10. The Army spokesman did not give the terrorist’s name but said he was travelling with some members of the terror group when they were ambushed by the troops along Daban Masara axis, a route used by Boko Haram terrorists to convey logistics. Other members of his team escaped with gunshot wounds, Usman added. The troops recovered seven 30-litres Jerry cans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), motorcycles and food stuff in addition to arms and ammunitions.

Political/Government Agencies

DSP Faces Dismissal over Marked Notes

A Deputy Superintendent of Police, David Ekong, attached to the Cross River State Police Command and some of his subordinates are facing an orderly room trial over N24,000 marked money received as bribe demanded from one Ottobong Inyang. Ekong and his team had allegedly unlawfully arrested and detained Inyang and demanded N250,000 as bribe for his bail on February 19. It was gathered that Inyang was arrested shortly after he bought a Volkswagen Passat from a car shop. The police had claimed that the car was stolen during an armed robbery but the date and scene of the incident were not disclosed, while the dealer, who was arrested alongside Inyang, was not detained. Inyang, however, got a legal team that immediately approached the AIG in charge of Zone Six, Adisa Bolanta, who marked the notes and gave it as part of the balance to be handed to Ekong. The money was eventually delivered and soon after, the detectives swooped on him and arrested him with the balance in his pocket. The Zone Six Police Public Relations Officer, Nwibani Baritoge, confirmed that the orderly trial was currently ongoing.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Behead Rivers APC Chief, Kill Wife, Son

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, March 5, attacked and beheaded a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Franklin Obi, in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. Obi was beheaded, while his wife, Iheoma, and their 18-year-old son, Bestman, were also killed at their residence. The assailants took the head of the APC leader away. The girl disclosed that she and her brother were in their room when they heard a gunshot and decided to hide somewhere in the room, from where they saw how the assailants cut off her father’s head. She disclosed that her brother was killed for moving slowly after the gunmen ordered them out of their hiding place. The state Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo, who visited the scene, expressed sadness that some of the people of the area, who had earlier sighted some of the masked gunmen, did not call the police. He assured that the police was not relenting in ensuring that those behind the dastardly act were arrested and brought to book. The Police boss, March 8, disclosed that one person, Anthony Ugoh, has been arrested for the murder of Obi.

Man Kills Brother over Farmland, Family Members Kill Him

A man, identified as Opipi Ajomo, killed his younger brother, Eravwokpo Ajomo, over sharing of their father’s plot of land at Agadama community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. His family members promptly retaliated, killing Opipi as well. It was gathered that trouble started when the younger Eravwokpo engaged his elder brother in an argument demanding that their father’s land, which the latter was already farming on, be shared between them so he can farm on his part. A witness, who confirmed the incident on March 5, disclosed that the elder brother, who was infuriated by the request of his brother, got a knife and stabbed him in the neck. The younger Ajomo bled to death. The source said on realising his actions, the elder brother tried to escape but was apprehended by some family members, who equally stabbed him to death. The brothers were buried on same day.

Man Hacked, Burnt as Thugs Clash in Rivers State

A middle-aged man, Ofinjite Amachree, was, March 7, hacked to death and burnt in Buguma Town, in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that Amachree, was hacked severally by hoodlums before being set ablaze. The development led to a violent clash between rival political parties in the area. Police Spokesman, Ahmed Muhammad, who confirmed the incident, however, added that normalcy had returned to the area due to the swift response of security operatives. The victim was reportedly tortured half dead at the community sand-field area and was later taken to the road, where he was set ablaze. The source said it was this development that triggered the clash as friends of the victim tried to avenge the killing. State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo, March 8, said that the Police had arrested one suspect, Ndubuisi Tochi, over the murder of Amachree. While describing the incident as murder, he appealed for cooperation from members of the public to fight crime.

Teacher Beheads 10-Year-Old Pupil

A teacher in a private school, Edet Umoren, March 3, beheaded a 10-year-old pupil, Precious Adedeji, in Esugbo, Itamerin in the Ijebu East LGA of Ogun State. The 52-year-old teacher, who has since been arrested, said he was provoked by the victim and the head teacher, who is the wife of the proprietor. Adedeji was the granddaughter of the proprietor, Pastor Joseph Olutoye. The girl was killed a day after her 10th birthday. The state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, said the suspect, who ran away after committing the crime, was later arrested at Itamagiri. Umoren was alleged to have also severed the right hand of Adedeji. He allegedly attacked Adedeji, who was in company with her friend, Patricia, and the head teacher. Patricia, who escaped from the scene, was said to have run back to the school to inform the proprietor of the attack.

One Killed in Buguma Reprisal Attack

Following the March 8 killing of one Ofinijete Amachree in Buguma, Asari Toru LGA of Rivers State, his supporters have reportedly embarked on a reprisal attack, killing and burning one person, simply identified as Godstime Ifuroiyala, on March 10. The victim, just like Amachree, was allegedly killed and set ablaze at the sand field area of the community. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has alleged that the military invaded Abonnema community in Akuku Toru council and harassed members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area. But the spokesman, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt Army Barracks, Captain Lazarus Eli, however, said that the military operation in Abonnema had nothing to do with politics.

Kogi Community Leader Murdered by Herdsmen

A community leader and former Councillor, who represented in Okagi/Ayede Amuro Ward in Mopamuro LGA of Kogi State, Hon. Oluwole, a.k.a Serebe, was March 10, killed at Ahunrun, the ancestral home of the Okagi people. Oluwole was killed after he ran into a gang of daredevil Fulani herdsmen, who were alleged to have been disturbing the peace of the communities in Mopamuro. The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Oba Dele Obasa, cautioned the angry youths of the community against taking the laws in their hands, while the police authorities in the area promised to unravel the mystery behind the heist committed by the Fulani herdsmen.

Mechanic Kills Friend for Urinating Near Shop

A mechanic, identified only as Oshare, March 9, stabbed his friend, simply identified as Rasta, to death and injured several others at the Berger, Mile 2 area of Lagos state. It was gathered that trouble started at the park of the Association of Maritime Truck after Rasta allegedly urinated beside a stationary truck. Oshare reportedly challenged the deceased for urinating at the spot, close his shop. But as Rasta tried to calm him, he reportedly slapped him, which led to a scuffle. It was gathered that the mechanic then grabbed two bottles and stabbed his friend in the neck. He was also said to have injured some people who attempted to caution him. Rasta reportedly bled from his injuries and he was rushed to a hospital for treatment. He, however, died before he could get help. The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Dolapo Badmos, said Rasta’s corpse had been deposited in a morgue.

Rape

Man, 58, Jailed for Defiling 10-Year-Old Daughter

A 58-year-old man has been jailed two years by a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt. The suspect, John Ufoegbu, was convicted of incest for sexually abusing his 10-year-old daughter. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, who described evidences from the girl as disturbing, added that the victim was defiled by virtue of father-child relationship. He regretted that the convict used his position as a father to violate natural law by luring his own little daughter to bed, stressing that the act has exposed the victim to a long term psychological trauma. The convict maintained that he never raped his daughter.

Fake Policeman Arrested for Raping 23-Year-Old Lady

A fake policeman, Idongesit Effiong, was, March 10, paraded by the Cross River State Police Command for allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman. Effiong (29) was arrested by men of the state police command on January 17, 2016, in the Ekorinim area of Calabar. Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, said the suspect committed the crime along with two of his friends, who remain at large. The victim was allegedly raped by Effiong and his two friends in an uncompleted building in Ekorinim. Immediately after the attack, the lady promptly reported the incident to the police and the police promptly swung into action to arrest Effiong while two of his friends fled. Police investigation revealed that he had been using a fake police uniform to commit heinous crimes in the area. The suspect, however, denied the allegation.

Man Arrested for Raping, Impregnating 15-Year-Old Niece

A 43-year-old man, Femi Kulajolu, has been arrested by the police in Lagos State for allegedly raping and impregnating his brother’s 15-year-old daughter. It was learnt that Kulajolu was also being investigated for an attempted rape of his stepdaughter. His stepdaughter’s case prompted his wife, Ndidi, to report the incidents to the police. The father of six is alleged to have raped Lola on three occasions at his hotel and at her mother’s house, while her mother was away. The victim alleged that he threatened that she would die if she revealed the incident to anyone. Kulajolu’s wife, Ndidi, said her husband was about raping her 14-year-old daughter when he was caught in the act. Kulajolu, who was arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court on a 2-count charge, pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Adegite, granted him bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned till March 17, 2016.

Prophet Accused of Raping Daughter

An Ogbesun Chief Magistrates’ Court in Benin City, Edo State, March 9, ordered the remand of a 41-year-old Prophet, Benjamin Bernard, in prison custody for allegedly raping his seven-year-old daughter. The Chief Magistrate, Taiye Omoruyi, refused to admit the cleric to bail. The prosecutor, Kenneth Ugiagbe, said the pastor committed the incest against his third daughter on January 26, 2016. Bernard pleaded not guilty to the one count of defilement preferred against him. The minor, led in evidence by Ugiagbe, told the court that after defiling her, Bernard used a white handkerchief to clean her genitals and warned her not to mention it to anyone else. She further alleged that her father threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The court adjourned the matter till March 16 for further hearing.

Others

Minister, Wife, Son Perish in a Ghastly Motor Accident

The Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity, James Ocholi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), his son and wife, March 6, died in a ghastly motor accident along Kaduna–Abuja express way. The deaths occurred after one of the rear tyres of his vehicle burst, causing the vehicle to somersault several times. Kaduna State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Francis Udoma, confirmed that the accident occurred 57 kilometres away from Kaduna. The driver, the chief detail, the orderly and his (Personal Assistant) were injured and hospitalized, Udoma added.

Protesters Shut Down Bori over Military Operations

Residents of Bori, headquarters of Khana LGA of Rivers State, March 5, took to the streets in protest over the military invasion of two communities in Ogoni that resulted in the death of some persons. The protesters carried placards denouncing the military invasion. Some of them also carried mock coffins, saying that the military operations were politically motivated. The Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, has, however, endorsed the presence of the military in the area, stating that it was in the interest of the people. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Lee Maeba, who addressed the protesting youths, condemned the invasion, saying that there was no reason for the invasion. Secretary to Rivers State Government, Kenneth Kobani, also condemned the military operations, saying that it negated the tenets of popular democracy. About 17 persons were killed when the military stormed Yeghe and Bori communities in Ogoni in search of an ex-militant leader and in the operations.

FRSC Confirms 2 Persons Dead from Tanker Explosion in Benin

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Edo State Command, March 5, confirmed the death of two persons in a road crash involving two articulated vehicles at the Ovia River near Benin. The Tollgate Unit Commander, Adewale Ameen, who confirmed the accident, said the driver of one of the vehicles and his assistant were burnt to death in the inferno. Ameen said that one of the vehicles was conveying petrol while the other was carrying rods. Both vehicles were coming from the same direction from the Lagos axis to Benin when the accident occurred on March 4. The tanker laden with 33,000 litres of petroleum product rammed into the truck carrying steel rods while they were descending the slope and there was an immediate explosion with the driver and his assistant trapped.

DSS Invades Ekiti Assembly, Four Members Declared Missing

Armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), March 4, invaded the Ekiti State House of Assembly complex in a commando-like manner, causing members and staff to scamper for safety. The Speaker of the House, Kola Oluwawole, who confirmed the incident, said the operation lasted for about 50 minutes, adding that since then the whereabouts of four of his colleagues remained unknown. He added that Hon. Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency was abducted and taken to Abuja, while the whereabouts of three other members remained unknown. He described the action of the DSS officers as an attempt to coerce some members to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose and his deputy, Kolapo Olusola.

2 Arraigned for Possession of Human Skull

Two persons, Kamoru Oladele (48), and a female accomplice, Jolaobi Adedokun (48), March 9 appeared in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged unlawful possession of human skull. Oladele was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession of a human skull and charms. Adedokun was charged with alleged conspiracy and compound felony by aiding a defendant to escape arrest. The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that Oladele and others, now at large, allegedly conspired to commit felony. Ogunremi said the defendant was in possession of a human skull and charms when he was arrested on February 22. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Richard, granted bail to Oladele in the sum of N75,000 and Jolaobi in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties each in like sum. The sureties for Oladele should be blood relations with three years tax clearance, while Jolaobi’s sureties must be civil servants on grade level 09. The case was adjourned to May 10 for mention.

34 Confirmed Dead in Lekki Building Collapse
…As Police Arrest Contractor, Developer

The death toll from the March 8 five-storey building collapse in Lekki area of Lagos rose to 34 as rescue work was concluded on March 10. So far, 13 persons were rescued alive in the incident. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested the contractor of the collapsed building, Odofin Taiwo, over the incident as preliminary investigation revealed that the building was served a contravention notice for exceeding the approved floors. Consequently, the building was said to have been sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency. But owners of the building, Messrs Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited, LWE, promoters of Lekki Gardens, allegedly unsealed the property and continued construction work, until tragedy struck. The directors of Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited have also been arrested. Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the arrest of one of the contractors. The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Michael Akindele, confirmed the death toll.

Suspects Arraigned over Mile 12 Riots

A total of 177 suspects have so far been arraigned before three Magistrate Courts sitting in Ikeja in connection with the March 3, 2016 riot that occurred at the Mile 12, Lagos. The Police, March 9, arraigned 89 of the suspects on a two-count charge of conspiracy to wit felony, unlawful assembly, disorderly conducts and also disturbance the public peace. Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has taken over the prosecution of all the suspects arrested. The suspects were arraigned before Magistrates Y.O. Aje-Afunwa, A.O. Layinka and B.O. Osunsanmi. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the two count charge offence preferred against them. The further admitted the suspects to bail with conditions and adjourned the matter was adjourned till May 27, 2016.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high as criminal gangs took a step further in their quest to prey on the innocent citizens, and demanding exorbitant sums as ransom for their release. Albeit, the authorities showed some bravery as they arrested major suspects and rescued hostages, notable was the successful rescue of three female students who were abducted from their school in Lagos State. A daredevil suspect, who snatched a baby form his guardian and dared to return to the area to further his nefarious act, was mobbed and handed over to the police. The police assure that that they remain on the hunt for fleeing suspects. The south-west and south-east region were mostly affected.

The battle against terrorism continues to make headlines as terrorist attack villages and even dared an attack on a military location, while the military continues to deal heavy blows on known enclaves of Boko Haram terrorists. The Nigerian military troops carried out massive onslaught on Boko Haram killing and arresting suspects, while also clearing out their hideouts. Huge cache of weapons, buried Improvised Explosive Devices and other items were recovered from the terrorists. It is frightening that the terrorists, becoming more desperate under the unrelenting military onslaught, have resorted to other means of killing people, including poisoning sources of water supply. In a new trend, some Fulani herdsmen, while heavily armed, attacked some villages, killing anyone in sight. The north-east remains the endemic region of terrorism.

Murder/assassination maintained its place on the crime index as figures of the dead sprout. Political thugs and unknown gunmen invaded various communities within the south-south region, killed and maimed perceived rivals in various attacks and reprisals. The killings become more gruesome with recent cases of beheading and burning victims alive. Siblings turned the knife against each other, while a teacher turned his knife against his 10-year-old pupil, beheading her. The authorities were able to nab some suspected killers as they combed the affected areas for more suspects. The south-south and south-west regions witnessed more of these killings.

Robbery incidents took a nose dive as activities of armed robbery gangs were hampered by mass arrest carried out by the Nigerian police force across various regions of the country. Most of the suspected criminals escaped the police net as they fled for their lives. The police recovered some arms, vehicles and dangerous weapons used by the robbery gangs. The south-west recorded more of these incidents.

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.