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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 13

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

8

2

Robbery

3

3

Gang

2

4

Drugs

1

5

Militancy/Maritime Incidents

3

6

Terrorism

10

7

Political/Government Agencies

4

8

Murder/Assassinations

11

9

Rape Incidents

2

10

Others

7

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Arrest Nurse for Allegedly Selling Teenager’s Baby for N500,000

The Ondo State Police Command, March 19, paraded a nurse, Chibuzor Okoye, for selling a baby belonging to a 17- year-old girl, Tessy Obianua, to a couple in Onitsha, Anambra State for the sum of N500,000. The State Commissioner for Police, Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, who paraded the nurse and the teenage mother at the Command Headquarters in Akure, said five persons were involved in the case. According to her, Tessy became a victim of a specialized child trafficker, Chibuzor Okoye, who convinced her to sell the baby to Mr. and Mrs. Sunday Kalu, who were desperately looking for a baby. She said the police got a tip about the matter when Tessy’s father, Henry Obianu, reported that his pregnant daughter was missing to the police.

Man Steals 7-Month-Old Baby

Operatives of the Gender Department of Lagos State Police Command are currently investigating a 26-year-old man for allegedly kidnapping a seven-month old baby. It was gathered that the suspect, Happiness Umaru, was intercepted at Surulere by policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at about 10pm on March 16. Umaru initially claimed to be the father of the baby. He later confessed that he found the baby around Ijora Railway, when he went into a bush to ease himself. Officers from the unit visited the scene of the incident and later located the biological mother of the baby. According to the mother of the baby, Patricia Victor, her baby went missing after she left him on the bed inside her house and went to buy food for her older son. According to her, as she raised the alarm, neighbours joined her in the search all night. When she went to the police the next day, she found that the police had already rescued him.

Court Remands Ikorodu Kidnap Suspects in Prison Custody

An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Oyingbo, March 18, remanded the six suspects, who allegedly kidnapped three students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School in prison. The six suspects include: Emmanuel Arigidi, 37: Gift Pius, 30: Omoni Rufus Fred, 32: Owei Omobo Geofrey, 38: Akanji Seun, 38: and James Henry Segun, 29.  The Magistrate, Mrs I. O. Adelaja, ordered their remand, following a remand application filed by the prosecutor, Godwin Osuyi, who informed the Court that the remand application was to enable the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) to issue an advice on the matter. He therefore urged the court to remand the suspects for the first 30 days, pending when the advice will be issued by the DPP. The defense counsel did not oppose the application.

Police Nab Member of Notorious Kidnap Syndicate

The Police in Delta State, March 16, arrested a member of a notorious kidnap syndicate, Best Odeh, in Oghara town in Ethiope West LGA. The kidnapper syndicate, which targets rich persons, trail their victims to convenient places and abduct them for huge ransom. The 34-year-old suspect revealed that members of his gang were responsible for series of abductions in Oghara community. Police spokeswoman for the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. According to her, the suspect had confessed to his membership of a notorious kidnap gang headed by a wanted kidnap kingpin, one Onos Okerobo of Otumara village, Oghara. Items recovered from him included an improvised single barrel cut to size gun. Meanwhile, investigation is on-going while manhunt for other members of the gang continues.

Kidnappers Seize Kaduna Pastor, Demand N100m as Ransom

The Kidnappers of a Kaduna based Christian cleric and President of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, Reverend Emmanuel Dziggau, have demanded for a ransom of N100 million for his release. Dziggau was reportedly kidnapped along with his Vice President, Reverend Iliya Anto and one Reverend Yakubu Zarma by gunmen along the Kaduna–Abuja Express Way on March 21. One Reverend Jubrailu Wobiat, who was with them at the time of the attack, however, escaped being kidnapped. He disclosed that the trio had gone to clear a land to start building their seminary school and were returning when they were attacked by six masked men, armed with AK-47 rifles.

18-Year-Old Boy in Court over Baby Theft

An 18-year-old boy, Balogun Segun, was, March 21, charged before an Ota Magistrate’s Court in Ogun State, for allegedly stealing a baby, Aluko Faith. The prosecutor, Itaita Ebibomino, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 25 at Oko-Agi Area of Ota. He said that the accused stole a baby, Aluko Faith, belonging to Aluko Kehinde. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge preferred against him. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Funke Odubanjo, granted N200,000 bail to the accused with responsible sureties in like sum. Odubanjo also directed that one of the sureties should be a guardian or parent of the accused, while others should produce one year tax clearance from Ogun State Government. The case was adjourned till April 29 for hearing.

Abducted Septuagenarian Regains Freedom after Five Weeks in Captivity

72-year-old Chief Inegite Nitabai, who was abducted five weeks ago from his residence in Otuoke, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, was, March 22, released by his abductors. Nitabai, an uncle to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was kidnapped along with a 35-year-old relative, Samuel Oki, who was later killed by the abductors. Oki’s body was found floating at Otuoke creeks two days after his abduction. The recent kidnap would be the second time that Nitabai would be kidnapped by gunmen in about two years. Details of his release remain sketchy. The septuagenarian was released unhurt and is said to have reunited with his family.

3 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Oyo

Three suspected kidnappers, including those who kidnapped and killed 50-year-old Harande Ardo, have been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said that the suspects were arrested at different parts of the state. He disclosed that Ardo was abducted by the suspects at gun point on March 6 and taken to a secluded forest, from where they demanded for N1m as ransom for his release. When the condition could not be met, the victim was brutally murdered by the kingpin of the criminal gang before the report got to the police. Leye said the anti-kidnapping squad of the command immediately swung into action, identified where the victim was held hostage, penetrated the evil camp and discovered a shallow grave where the body of the victim was buried. The police boss added that one of the suspects, Usman Umaru, who was earlier arrested, assisted the police in its investigation.

Robbery

Police Arrest 3 Teenage Robbery Suspects in Enugu

Three teenage armed robbers were, March 21, arrested after robbing a man of his Toyota Venza car at Enugu Ezike, Igboeze North LGA of Enugu State. The leader of the gang, Arinze Eya, said that he brought the other two suspects to help him rob the vehicle from the owner so that he could use the proceeds to travel to Indonesia. The suspects robbed the vehicle from their victim and were traveling to meet a buyer when the vehicle got involved in an accident at Alor-Agu, before they were arrested with the aid of the local vigilante group.

Court Remands Notorious Armed Robber, 12 Others in Prison

Thirteen armed robbery suspects linked to Lekki, Ikorodu, Agbara and Festac bank robberies, were, March 21, remanded in prison custody by an Ebute-Meta Magistrate Court. The suspects, who were arrested separately by operatives of the Inspector General of Police’s Special Intelligence Response Team (SIRT) in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Oyo and Rivers States, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate O.I Adelaja. The gang was allegedly led by a notorious armed robbery, identified as ‘Million’. The thirteen suspects and others at large committed the offences between March 2015 and October 2015 in Lagos State. The lead prosecuting counsel, CSP Eno-Edobor Aidenoge prayed the court to remand the suspects in prison custody pending when the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) gives its advice on their prosecution.

Abia Police Smashes Student Armed Robbery Gang

The Abia Police Command, March 23, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of students in tertiary institutions in violent crimes. Police spokesman, Ezekiel Udeviotu, while parading two suspected armed robbers, who are students of higher institutions in the state, said the duo would appear in court soon. The arrest follows the beheading of two students of Abia State University on March 12 by suspected cultists that were on a revenge mission. The arrested suspects were allegedly caught robbing in a female hostel at the school. Udeviotu disclosed that one of the suspects, who claimed to be a student of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, is assisting the Police in the investigation on the armed robbery case.

Gang Incidents

Two Killed as Cults Groups Clash in Ondo

A violent clash between two rival groups at Owo, headquarters of Owo LGA of Ondo State, on March 18, led to the death of two persons while scores were injured. The clash of the groups caused pandemonium in major areas of the town including Ogbonmo, Oke Dogbon and Idaniken areas. One of the dead, Wasiu Jimoh, was said to have been killed during a shoot-out at Oke-Dogbon area of the town. The second dead, Ojo Lawrence, a suspected cultist, was said to have been killed by members of a rival cult group at Idaniken area of the town. The intervention of the police and army got the situation under control. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, said two persons were arrested in connection with the incident. Various weapons including two Dane guns and barrels were recovered from the suspects.

Police, Anti-Cult Squad Clash with Suspected Cultists in Onitsha

A combined team of policemen and the anti-cult squad in Anambra state, March 20, chased the suspected cultists to the River-Niger bank in Onitsha after a gun battle. The suspected cultists, had, in the wee hours of March 19, killed a member of a rival cult gang at his residence in Nkpor. Following a tip-off, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogidi, Hassan Musa, led a team to the house of the deceased, where he said axes, charms, machetes and clubs were recovered. It was gathered that in a bid to arrest the suspects, the security operatives stormed the cultists’ hideout but the suspects on sighting them, fled to the River-Niger bank.

Drugs

Man Arrested with 50kg Indian Hemp

The Abia State Police Command, March 21, announced the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker, Tochukwu Nna. Operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad arrested the 27-year-old who was in possession of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, weighing 50kg. The suspect was arrested at Umuobiakwa community in Obingwa council area, Abia State, while trying to deliver the substance to a yet-to-be-identified courier. The police got information ahead of time that the substance was being ferried from Benin City to Aba and mobilized to intercept it. Luck ran out on the suspect when the tricycle conveying the illicit drug broke down at Umuobiakwa community, causing him to drop the Indian hemp in a nearby bush. While the suspect and the tricycle driver were trying to repair the tricycle, men of the anti-robbery stormed the area and apprehended the suspect. The tricycle operator escaped.

Militancy/Maritime

14 Foreigners Jailed for Illegal Oil Dealings

A Federal High sitting in Lagos, March 18, sentenced 14 foreign sailors from Russia, Ukraine, Philippine and Japan to various jail terms ranging between two and five years for unlawful dealing in petroleum products. The court found the suspects guilty of illegally transporting 1,738 tonnes of crude oil and some 4,500 tonnes of petrol in their vessel MT Anukpet Emerald. Justice Ibrahim Buba sentenced 11 of the 14 foreigners to two years’ jail or alternatively to a fine of two million naira (10,000 dollars) each. The remaining three — all Russians — were given five years each in absentia without an option of fine for jumping bail. The court also ordered that the vessel and the seized petroleum products be forfeited to the Nigerian government. The Nigerian navy arrested the sailors and the vessel in February 2015 and handed the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

Soldiers Destroy Illegal Crude Oil Farm in Abia State

Soldiers of the 144 Battalion, Asa, Abia State have destroyed illegal crude oil reservoirs in a swamp located at Umuelechi community in Ukwa West council area of the state. The reservoirs are estimated to have the capacity to contain over 10,000 litres of crude oil drawn from a pipeline that passes through the Umuelechi community to the Imo River. Various equipment including pipes and machines used by the operators of the illicit business to draw crude oil from the pipeline from where they sell it to buyers, were also destroyed. The Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion, Asa, Lt. Col. Kasim Umar Sidi, March 22, described the activities of vandals as an economic sabotage.

NSCDC Arrest Five Vandals, Recover 87 Jerry Cans of Petrol

The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspected vandals in Ibafo. The suspects’ names were given as Banwo Olaide (38), Kabiru Rahimi (13), Tunde Rahimi (25), Disu Toheeb (27), and Jamiu Koleosho(33). The state Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Kareem Olanrewaju, said the suspects were arrested near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s pipelines at Ibafo, in the Obafemi-Owode LGA. The state Commandant, Akinwande Aboluwoye, said the new strategy adopted by the corps in the command was yielding positive results. He stated that exhibits recovered from the suspects included two buses, 87 fifty-litre jerry cans containing petrol, five handsets, N50,000 cash, as well as tools and documents.

Terrorism

Military Guns down Two Female Suicide Bombers in Borno

The Nigerian military, March 24, intercepted and gunned down two female suicide bombers in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, March 25, disclosed that troops of 7 Division Garrison based in Maiduguri, in conjunction with Civilian JTF intercepted two female suicide bombers in the early hours of the day on the outskirts of Maiduguri. One of the suicide bombers detonated her explosive device, killing herself instantly, while the second bomber, in an attempt to escape, was gunned down by one of the Garrison snipers. He said that the combined team of Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army’s Explosive Ordinance Device team safely defused the unexploded explosive strapped on the gunned down suicide bomber.

Boko Haram Abducts 14 Women, 2 Girls in Adamawa

Suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, March 23, abducted 14 women and two girls in Sabongari village, Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. Police Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the abduction of the women, said that the command had sent a detachment of police officers to the affected area, adding that his men were working round the clock to track down the abductors. The women were abducted by gunmen in a forest near Sabongari while they were fetching fire woods. They were abducted while in the company of two local vigilante operatives, who were overwhelmed by the insurgents. Two out of the abducted women managed to escape from their abductors.

Soldiers Ambush, Kill Boko Haram Fighters

The Nigerian military has killed some Boko Haram fighters and intercepted a suicide bomber in parts of Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, March 20, said troops from the 7 Brigade ambushed and killed seven sect members at Dawashi in the early hours of the day. The troops kept vigil at the terrorists’ suspected crossing point where they engaged them on sight, killing the seven terrorists and recovering a Peugeot Station Wagon loaded with 2,010 litres of petrol in 67 jerry-cans, uniforms, some materials and improvised explosive making devices. He listed others items recovered to include dry cell batteries, AK-47 rifle, tools and fish.

Soldiers Intercept, Kill Boko Haram Suicide Bomber

The Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, March 20, said the troops of 25 Task Force Brigade ambushed and killed a suicide bomber at Kumala and Musafanari villages general area on March 19. According to him, the troops, who on receipt of information, laid an ambush and engaged the terrorist who was on suicide mission from Sambisa general area. The army spokesman said the troops recovered a motorcycle, 12 primed IEDs and a hand bag containing personal effects which included a hijab obviously meant for disguise and concealment of explosives for the intended nefarious act.

Military Guns down another Boko Haram Kingpin, 18 others
Rescues 67 Hostages

The Nigerian military has gunned down another Boko Haram kingpin in Borno State, as it increased aerial bombardment of the suspected terrorists’ logistic base at Allargano forest in Yobe State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, March 21, disclosed that elements of 22 Brigade Garrison carried out clearing operation at Dalore camp on March 20, during which 19 sect members were killed among whom was Ameer of Dalore. Usman said the troops also captured two AK-47 rifles, small machine gun, hand grenades and recovered four pickup vehicles, disclosing that the troops also rescued 67 hostages from the terrorists. The freed hostages are undergoing screening at internally displaced persons (IDPs) Camp in Dikwa, he added.

Air Force Fighter Jets Hit Sect’s Logistics Base in Yobe

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft has successfully attacked suspected Boko Haram Logistics Base at parts of Allagarno forest in Yobe State. The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) of the NAF, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the attack, which took place on March 18, was part of the collective efforts by the Nigeria armed forces to expeditiously bring to an end the war against insurgency in the North-east. According to Famuyiwa, the target was selected after careful Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) by NAF drones. He noted that the mission, which was carried out in support of surface forces in order to further degrade the fighting capacity of the remnants of the insurgents, was successful.

Soldiers Raid Terrorist’s Hideout, Kill 58, Recover Explosives

Authorities of the Nigerian Army, March 22, said that one of its soldiers was died and 58 Boko Haram terrorists killed during a clearance operation to rid the insurgents from their hideout in Musari. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of 153 Task Force Brigade, 5 Brigade, on March 21, had an encounter with terrorists at Musari village in Borno State, during which a soldier paid the supreme price, while the troops killed 58 terrorist and recovered 2 hand grenades, 52 motorcycles, and several bags of foodstuffs such as beans, onions, sweet potatoes and guinea corn, as well as cartons of fish.

Soldiers Rescue 180 Boko Haram Hostages, Kill 5 Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the soldiers prosecuting the war on terror, March 23, rescued 180 hostages, mostly women and children, who had been in Boko Haram captivity for several months. The soldiers also killed 5 terrorists during the encounter to rescue the captives. Several dangerous weapons and explosives were reportedly recovered. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of 7 Division Garrison and 112 Battalion, assisted by some Civilian JTF, conducted clearance operations at Menari, Bulamari, Zangebe, Maafa, Mijigine, Baale and Kaltaram villages in Mafa LGA, during which they killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued 180 persons held hostages by the terrorists at Giltimari and Baale.

Police Nab Two Boko Haram Kingpins

Two Boko Haram kingpins, declared wanted by Nigerian Army, have been arrested in Taraba state by the Police while on surveillance around the state. The suspects, Alhaji Ali Abdu and Abdulmumuni Abdulahi, were arrested through intelligence gathering, according to the Commissioner of Police Taraba state command, Shaba Alkari. Alkari, March 23, stated that Audu was arrested at Tela town in Gasol LGA through a tip off, while Abdulahi was arrested at Bali town in Bali LGA of the state on the 5th of March 2016. The Police boss said the two suspects have since been repatriated to Yobe by the Nigerian Army.

Military Clears more Hideouts in Kala Balge

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement, March 25, said that the troops of newly inducted 3rd Battalion, 22 Brigade, in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) and the Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF), carried out a spectacular clearance operation on March 22. According to him, the military forces cleared the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in Kala Balge general area.

Political/Government Agencies

INEC Suspends Election in 8 LGAs, as 6 Die in Rivers State Re-run Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), March 19, suspended the rerun legislative elections in eight LGAs of Rivers state. The elections were suspended due to violence and allegations of fake electoral materials. At least six persons were killed in election violence in three LGAs. The state governor, Nyesom Wike, chided INEC for shoddy arrangements that led to late kick-off of voting in most centres. Meanwhile the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged the intimidation by soldiers in some areas. The areas where INEC suspended elections are Eleme, Khana, Gokana, Andoni, Bonny, Tai, Asari-Toru and Etche. There was a large turnout of voters for the highly anticipated Rivers State rerun elections.

NASS Passes N6tn Budget

The National Assembly, March 23, passed the 2016 budget of N6.060 trillion. The budget that was passed by the legislature had a reduction of N17 billion from the N6.077 trillion proposed by the executive. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, who presented the budget report to the Senate, blamed the budgetary cuts on the country’s economic challenges, explaining that cuts were made in recurrent spending, the budget deficit and borrowing plan. The budget was predicated on oil benchmark of $38 dollars a day, crude oil production volume of 2.2 million barrel per day crude, exchange rate of N197 to $1, a N2.204 trillion fiscal deficit, and a gross domestic growth (GDP) growth rate of 2.14 per cent.

IGP Cautions Operatives against Extrajudicial Killings

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, March 23, warned police operatives in the country against indiscriminate killing of the citizens and people they are meant to protect. Arase said heavy sanctions awaited any police personnel found culpable in indiscriminate use of arms, especially against civilians. He warned that any policeman found wanting in that regard, would face the music appropriately because extrajudicial killings have given rooms to litigations.

Police Dismiss 1 ASP, Demote 2 Others

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and the demotion of two other officers over established cases of misconduct. The officers who had their ranks reduced were a Superintendent of Police (SP) and an Assistant Superintendent (ASP). The Head of Press and Public Relations of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, March 25, confirmed this. He further disclosed that the commission rejected 23 appeals from some dismissed Policemen for reinstatement and restoration of ranks. The statement said the decisions were taken at the 15th Plenary Meeting of the commission presided over by its Chairman, Mike Okiro. The commission, however, approved the reinstatement of 10 other Police Officers, exonerated three and committed the dismissal of three others to retirement.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Confirm 9 Killed in Village Attack in Zamfara

Nine persons were, March 19, killed at Fanteka Village in Daraga District of Maru LGA of Zamfara State when unknown gunmen attacked the community. Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Amiru, described the incident as a reprisal attack by the gunmen. According to the police spokesman, six of those killed were members of the community, while the other three were members of the gang who were gunned down by the villagers. He said that a team of armed policemen have been able to restore peace to the affected area, while a combined team of security men were on the trail of the gunmen.

Woman Killed in Akure Army Barracks

A 25-year-old woman, Juliana Adeyemo, was, March 13, found dead in a pool of her blood at the 32 Artilery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Owena Barracks, Akure, Ondo State. The body of Juliana was reportedly found in her apartment inside the barracks. Husband of the deceased, Wale Adeyemo, who said he was not around when the incident happened but was informed on the telephone four days later, alleged that the killer carried out the dastardly act on his wife in the presence of her two children, adding that there were many cuts on her body which indicated that she was stabbed to death. According to Adeyemo, one of the children, Dayo, a four-year old, during the interrogation revealed that it was a soldier that entered into their apartment and killed woman. The Public Relations Officer of the 32 Artilery Brigade, Captain Ojo Adelegan, who confirmed the incident, said the Brigade had commenced investigation on the matter.

Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen in Renewed Benue Attacks

Two policemen drafted to maintain law and order in some agrarian communities of Benue state, were shot and killed as the violence in the communities continue unabated. Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, March 21, confirmed the killing of the policemen by some armed militia that were unleashing terror on Benue communities. Meanwhile, three suspected cattle rustlers were arrested in Guma LGA of the state. Ortom said the arrested cattle rustlers were believed to Fulani herdsmen and that they had stolen about 300 cows from Kaduna state and brought them into Benue to graze. The Commissioner of Police, Paul Yakadi confirmed the shooting and arrests adding that the command had deployed its men to Guma LGA.

2 Killed, Several Others Injured In Otolokpo Raid

Two persons were reportedly killed, with several others injured when six gunmen, March 18, invaded the town of Otolokpo in Ika North East LGA of Delta State. The deceased include a retired primary school headmaster, David Nwadialo, and a trader, Dina Utomi. It was gathered that the armed men also robbed Nwadialo’s wife of her savings, after which they attacked the rest of the community. The injured were said to include some of the town vigilantes, who were overpowered, and those who were hit by stray bullets.

Court Sentences Killer of Policemen to Death

A Bayelsa State High Court, March 22, sentenced to death by hanging, one of the killers of the 11 policemen in Lobia II community of Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State on April 5, 2013. The accused, Jackson Feutubobai, was found guilty on all the 11-count charge of murder preferred against him. According to the charge, Jackson Feutubobai was accused of killing one Police Inspector, Joseph Ofozini. Police prosecutor told the court that the accused has over five cases in various courts bordering on alleged kidnapping, sea piracy and involvement in the killing of 11 Policemen in 2013. Justice M. Ayemieye, after taking into account the nature of the offence, noted that the sentence for murder was death and it was mandatory. Justice Ayemieye accordingly sentenced the accused to death by hanging.

Man, 29, Stoned to Death in Ilorin

A 29-year-old man, Ahmed Saheed, has died due to injuries he sustained from stones allegedly hauled at him by some guests at Peace Hotel, Ilorin, Kwara State on March 22. The victim was said to have slumped while reporting the attack on him at the Adewole police station, Ilorin. It was gathered that a disagreement had ensued between the management of the hotel and members of Okesuna community over allegations that some people threw faeces into the hotel premises. Some guests at the hotel allegedly responded by hauling stones at the residents which reportedly hit the deceased where he was sitting. He and some other aggrieved youths went to the police station to lodge a formal complaint, where he slumped and died. Policemen were deployed to the scene of the incident to arrest the culprits, who escaped by scaling through the fence. Following the escape of the culprits, the manager of the hotel and one other person were said to have been arrested.

Gunmen Kill Mobile Policeman in Lagos

A Mobile police personnel attached to Mopol 23 Squadron, was, March 24, killed by gunmen at Satellite area of Lagos state in an unclear circumstance. While details of the killing remain sketchy, the Lagos State Police Command said the policeman was attached to Satellite Division. Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, is said to have ordered investigation into the killing. The command’s spokesman, Dolapo Badmos, said the gunmen operated on motorcycle.

Gunmen Kill Policeman, Unidentified Man in Rivers

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen, March 24, shot and killed a police sergeant at the Waterlines area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, had trailed a bullion van from an undisclosed location to the Waterlines, before launching an attack. It was learnt that the bandits, on sighting the policeman, who mounted guard in front of the bank, opened fire and shot him dead. The shooting attracted the attention of the heavily-armed security personnel deployed in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s office in Port Harcourt, who swiftly intervened and foiled the robbery attempt on the bullion van. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, gave the name of the slain officer as Sergeant Sunday Adoga.

Three Arrested over Pounded Human Flesh

The Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested three suspects in connection with pounded human flesh stashed in a sack in Lagos State. One of the suspects, identified as Ekene, was arrested with the sack and he then implicated two other suspects. The two other suspects included an Oil and Gas businessman and a native doctor. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspects were undergoing interrogation following the discovery. According to her, Ekene was accosted by the police detective on routine check along Bucknor area of Ejigbo with one white sack containing undisclosed content. Ekene was ordered to open the sack and he confessed that it contained human flesh. He told the police that he was promised N500,000 by the oil magnate to abduct a baby. He confessed that he abducted a two-year-old baby, whom he took to the native doctor as was directed. According to him, he was caught while returning the severed and pounded body to the man that sent him.

Police Confirm 4 Dead in Eket Cult Clash

The Divisional Police Officer in Eket, Abdulkadir Jamal, March 25, confirmed that four people died in a cult clash in Eket, Akwa Ibom. A source explained that trouble started at a notorious night club on Ataobong Road in Eket and spilled over to Rescue Point at St. Gregory’s area off Liverpool Street after a suspected cultist was harassed by a member of a rival gang. Jamal noted that police investigations had commenced investigating the cause of the clash and killings. He called on the public to always give information to help the police arrest criminals. He called on youths to shun crime, saying that criminals would always be made to face the wrath of the law.

3 Brothers Remanded in Prison for Alleged Murder

An Evbuoriaria Chief Magistrate court, March 24, remanded three brothers in prison custody for allegedly killing one Edwin Ogiemwense with an AK47 rifle. The three brothers, whose names were given as Kelvin Ogiamien, Solomon Ogiamien and Samuel Ogiamien were arraigned for alleged conspiracy and murder. They were alleged to have committed the offense on December 22, 2015 at Ubiaza village in Ikpoba-Okha LGA. The suspects were alleged to have also shot one Efosa. Presiding Chief Magistrate, Aibueku Ihenyen, declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter and remanded the accused persons in prison custody. Ihenyen ordered the case file duplicated and forwarded to the state Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

Rape

Teacher Jailed for Sexual Assault in Benin

An Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin City, Edo State, March 23, sentenced a 47-year-old man, Rotimi Olayemi, to four years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Olayemi, said to be an English teacher at the King of Kings College, had been arraigned on four counts bothering on sexual assault. The prosecutor, Osasu Ewemade, had told the court that Olayemi committed the crime on May 26, 2014, in his office in the college. The father of three was said to have invited the victim to his office where he hugged, kissed and fondled her. Ewemade had also said Olayemi put his hand in her genitals. The convict had pleaded not guilty to the charges. The presiding magistrate, Igho Braimoh, found him guilty on all counts and sentenced him to one year in prison for each count. Braimoh added that the prison terms would run concurrently. The magistrate, however, gave an option of fine of N50,000 for each of the counts.

Guard Rapes 8-Year-Old

The Lagos State Police Command, March 23, arraigned a 33-year-old man, Freedom Barryneh, before an Apapa Magistrates Court on two counts of rape. The suspect allegedly raped his neighbour’s 8-year-old daughter. The incident reportedly happened at the Ajegunle area of Lagos State after the victim approached the suspect for N10 to buy biscuit. Barryneh, who was reportedly watching a pornographic film when the minor entered his apartment, gave her the money and persuaded her to stay with him. The suspect later dragged her into bed and raped her. The suspected reportedly warned the victim not to disclose the act to anybody. But the girl promptly opened up to her mother on the incident. Her mother quickly reported the incident to the police, which led to his arrest on March 3. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge before the presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Adegite, who admitted him to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Others

Army to Deploy Troops to End Agatu Killings

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Army would deploy troops as part of measures to end the killings in Agatu communities in Benue. Buratai, who said this during his visit to a military tactical operational base, near Otukpo in Benue, expressed confidence that the mayhem would be contained. According to him, all logistics and other requirements had been provided for the operation. Buratai said measures had been adopted to ensure that the clashes did not repeat. He also noted that the troops were cooperating with other security agencies to restore peace and order in the area. Clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Agatu and environs had claimed many lives and displaced many families.

Another Building Collapse Kills One in Lagos

A storey building at the mile 12 area of Lagos state, March 19, caved in and killed a 47-year-old woman. The building had shown some signs of distress prior its partial collapse. The balcony of the building located at 9 Alli Close, Mile 12 collapsed on the woman. The General Manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Michael Akindele, confirmed the incident. He ascribed the incident to poor maintenance of the building, explaining that the incident was a partial collapse which affected the balcony of the building. Akindele, who advised the public to report cases of distressed buildings and other emergencies in their communities and neighbourhoods for appropriate action to forestall ugly recurrence building collapse.

Two Killed, 100 Shanties Burnt in Kuramo Fire Outbreak

At least two persons died when a fire outbreak razed over 100 structures in Small Kuramo area along the Lekki Beach Road in Lagos State on March 21. The casualties of the inferno, a male and a female, were reportedly sleeping when the fire broke out at about 3am. The residents explained that the fire spread so quickly and rapidly that many could not remove their properties from their apartments. The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe explained that fire started after an explosion occurred when a woman was cooking in a kitchen close to where fuel was kept.

Group Petitions ICC to Investigate Nigerian Army over Zaria Killings

A United Kingdom-based non-profit organisation, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has asked the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct investigations into the attacks on members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria on December 12 and 13, 2015. The group alleged that the Nigerian Army carried out massive attacks on December 12 and 13, 2015 which targeted IMN members in Zaria and led to the death of 216 members of IMN and the arrest of 219, with 480 still missing. It claimed that the army committed crimes against humanity during the attacks and that the Nigerian authorities were unwilling to investigate and prosecute those who committed the alleged crimes. There were reports that the military blocked access to medical care for the injured and shot at and killed wounded persons. Witnesses and victims reported signs of widespread force and cruelty with allegations of looting, arson, mutilation, mass graves, torture, rape and other inhumane acts by the military.

Siblings Bury Suspected Thieves Alive in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command have arrested two siblings Omoniyi Alaleran and Oluwaseun Enikuomehin for allegedly burying alive two persons, Igbekele Orisabinole and Ogbaro Erinbo, over allegations that they stole N130,000 belonging to their mother, Mrs  Ogunnuga. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, who disclosed the arrest of the suspects, said the incident happened on March 12 after Mrs. Ogunnuga informed her children that her money was stolen by Orisabinole and Erinbo. After severe torture and the victims continued plea of innocence, the suspects took them (victims) inside a bush, dug a pit and pushed them inside it and covered the pit up to their neck. But a passer-by, quickly informed the mother of the suspects on the action of her children. Seeing what her children had done, the woman raised an alarm which attracted people who later alerted the police. The PPRO explained that the matter was being handled by the Special Investigative Bureau at the headquarters of the command in Akure.

Detained Ekiti Lawmaker Regains Freedom

A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Afolabi Akanni, who was detained by the Department of State Security (DSS), has been released. Akanni was released in Abuja on March 22 to a member of the House of Representatives from his constituency, Olamide Oni. Oni, who is a retired assistant commissioner of police, was asked to bring Akanni to the DSS in Abuja once in a week. The member of the House is also said to be a member of the committee set up by the House to investigate allegation that the men of the DSS invaded the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Akanni was arrested by the operatives of the Service over sundry allegations, including issues bothering on the originality of his secondary school certificate, the blockage of Efon Alaaye -Itawure Road which led to the death of one Modupe Karimu during an alleged attempt to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose by the state lawmakers.

Police Division Headquarters Sacked, as Delta Communities Clash

The Police Divisional Headquarters in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South LGA of Delta State, was, March 24, sacked and its armoury looted by youths in the community before waging war on neighbouring Aladja community in Udu LGA, causing the military to move-in to restore peace. This follows renewed hostilities over their lingering boundary disputes. A house was torched in Aladja and residents fled in droves to neighbouring Udu communities. Coordinator, Concerned Members for Peace in Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Friday Deinghan, said the quick intervention of soldiers, prevented a total breakdown of law and order in the area. The Udu council chairman, Chief Solomon Kpoma, disclosed that his findings revealed that some Aladja women who went to farm in the area were attacked and molested by Ogbe-Ijoh youths, triggering the renewed clash. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said that the situation was under control.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination took an upward plunge as cases of gruesome murder rise. Communal clashes and cult rivalry led to wanton killings. Some police officers lost their lives in line of duty. Ritual killers were also on the prowl with gruesome killings. The authorities arrested suspects, including a man with pounded human flesh. The long arm of the law also caught up with some killers as the court sentenced a man for the killing of a police officer. These were witnessed across the various regions of the country.

Terrorist activities remained high as Boko Haram terrorist group intensified their acts, raiding communities, and kidnapping women and children in the north-eastern region of the country. The military continue to work tirelessly to restore peace to the affected states. It is good news that the military continues to record successes in their clearance operations as they kill and arrest terrorists during encounters. Several explosive devices and weapons were recovered by the military.

Kidnap/hostage cases took a downward plunge on the crime index, albeit criminal gangs remained vicious as victims were snared to their deadly fangs with high sums demanded for their release. The authorities were able to salvage the situation as some hostages regained freedom. It is also reassuring as the police arrested some members of a kidnap syndicate while others remained large. 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.

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