Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 14

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

3 Child Traffickers Arrested in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be child traffickers. Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, March 27, disclosed that the suspects were arrested by police detectives on March 25. One of the suspects from Plateau State was arrested for selling a 17-month-old baby to a woman from Imo State at the cost of N200,000. He also said the woman also sold a 14-month-old baby to another woman from Benue at the cost of N80,000. Haruna said the two babies have been recovered and that the mother of one, Fauziya Adamu, has been identified by the police, while efforts were being made to trace the mother of the other.

Fulani Herdsmen Kidnap 2 in Delta

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, March 26, kidnapped two persons, including the Community Liaison Officer of Midwestern Oil and Gas, Kingsley Ikuni, at Kwale in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State. It was gathered that one of those abducted was released after an undisclosed amount of money was paid to the herdsmen, while Ikuni remained in captivity. The victim, who was abducted along Kwale-Ogume Road, was released after a ransom was paid for his release. According to sources, the kidnappers, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, openly came out for the exchange and were seen with AK-47 rifles. But the Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the victims were abducted by some of the community’s youths and kept in the custody of the herdsmen.

Abducted Clergymen Regain Freedom in Kaduna

The president of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, Reverend Emmanuel Dziggau, who was abducted alongside two other clergymen, Reverends Yakubu Dzarma and Iliya Anto, along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway on March 21 by armed gunmen, has regained freedom. Dziggau, Dzarma and Anto were abducted along the highway where they had gone to clear a piece of land for the foundation of their church seminary. However, Anto reportedly died after he was left in the bush by the kidnappers because of his poor health. Dziggau and Dzarma were freed on March 30, while the corpse of Anto was found, almost decomposing in the bush, where he was abandoned by the kidnappers because of his ill health. The kidnappers had reportedly called to say that Anto was not well and they had dropped him at a location in the bush.

Abducted Colonel Found Dead

The Nigerian Army has announced that Colonel Samaila Inusa, who was kidnapped on March 26, was found dead on March 29 around Ajyaita village off Eastern Bypass Kaduna, Kaduna State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman who confirmed this, disclosed that preliminary investigation suggest that Inusa was killed the same day he was kidnapped by his abductors because the body was found already decomposing. Usman assured on the resolve of the military to fish out those behind his abduction and murder to face the full wrath of the law.

Robbery

2 Robbers Shot Dead as Police Foil Bank Robbery in Yenagoa

Two suspected armed robbers were, March 28, shot dead by policemen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State following a failed bank robbery. It was gathered that the four-man armed robbery gang had invaded the Bank along Melford Okilo Road at about 11.30pm with dynamite, but unknown to them, the policemen on duty had sighted them and promptly opened fire on them. One of the armed robbers was killed on the spot while another, who was badly injured, was arrested by police reinforcement team, which was dispatched to the scene. He was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yenagoa, where he later died. Two others escaped. The police are on the trail of the fleeing robbers and assured that they would be arrested.

Police Kill 8 Armed Robbery Suspects in Gun Battle

The Police in Enugu State, March 25, gunned down eight suspected armed robbers during an exchange of fire at Nsukka. One of the armed robbers was the son of a retired Police officer, while the other was the son of a serving police inspector. The eight suspects were killed at separate operations in Nsukka town by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). It was gathered that one of the sons of the police officers, identified as Arinze Ossai, stationed his robbery gang at a hotel in the area from where the gang terrorised the entire area. It was gathered that following information volunteered to the Police and members of the local vigilante group, the dare devil robbers were confronted in their hideouts, leading to exchange of fire between the Police and the suspects. The other suspects were reportedly killed while trying to rob their victims. A senior police officer confirmed the incident at the Police Area Command, Nsukka.

Robber on Watch-list Dies during Shootout

A suspected robber, who had been on the watch-list of the Lagos State Police Command for two months, has been killed during a shootout in the Trinity, Apapa area of the state. The robber, who tried to rob a woman that had just left a bank, is described as a lone operator on a motorcycle, but armed with a pistol. The robber was said to have opened fire on the policeman, who had responded to help the distressed woman. The police corporal promptly returned fire and killed the armed robber. The policeman, Adetayo Ayeni, who was hit below his abdomen, was rushed to the hospital.” The Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the robber’s pistol, with seven rounds of ammunition, had been recovered.

Armed Robber Killed in Failed Bank Robbery

A suspected armed robber was, March 28, killed in a failed bank robbery. The police in Bayelsa State shot and killed the suspect when a five-man armed robbery gang attempted to rob a branch of the Stanbic IBTC Bank in Yenagoa. It was learnt that the gunman fell to the superior fire power of the police after the gang opened fire and engaged the policemen guarding the bank in a gun duel. The robbers were said to have scaled the fence of the bank on Monday at about 11pm and opened fire on the cops on duty. The remaining four robbers fled with gunshot wounds. The Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.

Gang Incidents

Cultists Kill Nine in Imo State

Suspected cultists attacked and killed nine persons in Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State on March 26. It was gathered that the cultists killed their victims to avenge the killing of one their members by a rival group. Armed security operatives had been deployed to the troubled sports to fish out the culprits. Imo State Police Command has confirmed that 10 people died in the crisis which rocked the Assa/Awarra axis of the LGA. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the casualty figure on March 30, also said that police have arrested two people in connection with the incident. According to report a gang of hoodlums, who were dressed in Army uniform, stormed the village and started shooting at anything and anybody on their way.

Police Arrest Eight Suspects over Gwagwalada Violence

Following the violence in Gwagwalada between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the run up to the councils’ polls where one person was killed, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has said it has arrested eight suspects involved in the orgy of violence. The unfortunate violent political clash occurred in Dobi Village, in Gwagwalada Area Council, claimed the life of one Haruna Adam and left in its wake the destruction of property worth millions of naira. The FCT Police Commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu, March 27, confirmed that eight suspects allegedly involved in the violent clash were already in the police net. He said investigation had reached advanced stage to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the fracas.

Cultists Kill One in Ilorin

Gunmen suspected to be members of a cult group, March 27, shot dead one person in Ikokoro/Sakamo area of Ilorin, Kwara State. It was learnt that about four gunmen, who stormed the area, shooting sporadically, killed their target before making their escape. The development led the residents of the area to scamper for safety in view of the killing of the cult member. It was learnt that the sporadic shooting rented the air forcing motorists and motorcycles plying the area to detour and take escape route. The victim, simply identified as Wasiu, had earlier fled the area to avoid being killed but returned recently, according to residents.

Court Jails Two Varsity Students for Cultism

An Ado-Ekiti High Court, March 31, sentenced two students of Ekiti State University, Akintunde Olumide and Oladapo Olaoluwa, to three years imprisonment each. Justice Toyin Abodunde said the prosecution counsel had been able to establish a case of secret cultism against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. The judge relied heavily on the confessional statement made by the accused persons lending credence to the fact that they were members of black axe at the criminal investigation department during interrogation. The Judge added that the fact that the police found in their custody, small cutlass, black head Warmer, black T-shirt, black trousers during investigation, further confirmed their complicity. The police prosecution, Femi Falade told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 13, 2013 in Iworoko-Ekiti. He said that the accused were brought on a three -count-charge of stealing, assault and secret cult.

Kwara Cultist Dies after Angry Mob Attack

An alleged cultist, popularly called Kunle Poly, has been confirmed dead after he was mobbed in Ilorin, Kwara State. Kunle Poly was, March 28, rescued by the Police after he was severely beaten by an angry mob. The deceased was accused of kidnapping four people and turning them to goats. An eyewitness disclosed that the deceased and two of his fleeing accomplices had gone to a village in the outskirt of Ilorin and allegedly kidnapped four people. He stated that villagers, who saw the suspects while abducting their victims, chased them with motorcycles. Luck, however, ran out on the suspects when two of their car tyres burst and the deceased was apprehended by the mob, while his accomplices escaped. Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the incident and the death of the suspected cultist.

Drugs

NDLEA Seizes 480g of Heroine in Letter, Nabs Suspect

Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), March 27, arrested a 33-year-old man with a letter laden with 480 grammes of heroine in Lagos. The suspect, Yunusa Amusan, was apprehended in connection with the heroine-laden letter, which was sent from India on Express Mail Service and addressed to him. NDLEA Director of Operations and General Investigation, Mabo Olugbenga, affirmed that the suspect was apprehended following surveillance report on his illicit drug activities. Olugbenga stressed that the suspect was arrested after collecting the letter, adding that the illicit smuggling of narcotic drugs under the guise of letters was reported and closely monitored by officials, which led to the arrest. Amusan was recruited by his uncle, who lives in India, to take delivery of heroin concealed in letters. The suspect was arrested after collecting the letter. Further investigation is on-going, Olugbenga added.

Police Arrest Producers of Fake Drinks, Wines

The police in Aba, Abia state have arrested two men suspected to be producers of fake alcoholic beverages, spirits and assorted wines. Police Public Relations Officer, Udeviotu Onyeke, disclosed that the two suspects had been arraigned in court on charges of counterfeiting and adulteration of assorted brands of drinks. Onyeke, who gave the names of the two suspects as Emeka Nwankwo (42) and Chinonso Okoro (25), said they were arrested on March 2, 2016 for adulterating assorted drinks in Aba. He said that their arrest was as a result a tip-off by some citizens who were bothered by their activities and the impact on the health of unsuspecting consumers. Products recovered from them include cartons of Bacco hot drink, Eagle Schnapps, Toma red grape wine, St Remy, Centenana Brandy, Cava Pata Negra wine and Black label. Others drinks seized include 501, MacDowels, Royal Challenge whisky, Best Cream Whisky, Ria 969 and Malt Whisky. The police also recovered materials believed to be used for the fake production.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Probes Officer’s Alleged Killing in Gbaramatu

The Nigerian Navy has begun an enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of one Bernard Pius on March 24 by a naval officer in Tebujor-Okpelama community Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State. A community leader, Chief Beck Hitler, who condemned the killing, also urged the Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, to warn his officers to stop further killings in Gbaramatu Kingdom. Commodore Mohammed, who announced the enquiry during a meeting with Gbaramatu leaders on the way forward over the incident which aggravated anger in the communities over military presence in the area, called for calm in the community. The unarmed victim was allegedly shot dead at a jetty in Tebujor Okpelama, where he was scooping sand.

Bayelsa Pipeline Explosion Kills 3 Workers

Three persons were, March 27, killed in a pipeline explosion at an oil field operated by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Olugboro community in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa state. The Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Peter Idabor, confirmed the incident, adding that many people sustained injuries. According to him, a staff member of agency was lucky to escape death. He disclosed that the survivor had drawn the attention of oil workers to the breach of safety procedure and left the scene shortly before the incident occurred.

Security Operatives Arrest Culprit in Agip Explosion

Security operatives, March 30, disclosed that they had arrested one of the culprits, who allegedly planted the dynamite that exploded and killed three persons in an oil platform owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Olugboboro community, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State on March 26. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) disclosed that some suspected criminals had planted the explosive device which killed the workers engaged to fix a ruptured crude channel, contrary to reports that the pipeline exploded on its own. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, said the oil workers had successfully completed the repair work when the dynamites planted by the suspect and his cohorts exploded and killed them. He gave the name of the suspect as Seimghale Perekeyi and his accomplices, now at large, as Emekoko Taribo, Pani Bulogbo, James Komo and Samuel Joyce.

Terrorism

Military Captures Spiritual Headquarters of Boko Haram

Nigerian military troops have successfully captured the spiritual headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist sect. The head of the counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, March 29, revealed that the Nigerian troops’ offensive to capture Alagarno since March 18, 2016, was successfully concluded on March 28. Irabor disclosed that the advance was halted several times due to planted impoverished explosive devices (IEDs) along the routes leading to Alargano. He said during the operations, troops had to clear Yajiwa, Joba, Mosa, Ariwuzumari, Missene Sansan and Kagalmari villages, all at the fringes of the forest. According to him, the gallant troops finally entered Alagarno on March 28, during which several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an encounter. The NAF jets monitored the operation, consistently resupplied the advancing troops as well as assisted in evacuating soldiers that were wounded in action.

Nigerian Military Repels Boko Haram Ambush, Kills Five Terrorists in Borno

The troops of 155 Task Force Battalion of 29 Task Force Brigade repelled Boko Haram terrorists ambush at Bolungu village in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, March 29, said that the troops killed all the three attackers, recovered one Fabrique Nationale rifle, 1G3 rifle and 19 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. Similarly, Usman said some soldiers of the unit stationed in Mayanti encountered two fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from the villages that were cleared recently. He confirmed that one was killed while trying to shoot the troops and the second suspect was apprehended. Usman said the arrested suspected terrorists had been making very useful statements.

Nigerian Military Clears More Terrorist Camps in Borno State

The Nigerian military has cleared three more Boko Haram camps and arrested two other terrorists in parts of Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, March 28, said the troops of 155 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, conducted a clearance operation aimed at clearing remnants of the terrorists hiding in at Dipchari, Jere and Chogolo towns. Usman said the troops cleared all the three camps successfully without suffering any casualty. During the operations, the troops reportedly came in contact with elements of the terrorist group and arrested two suspected members. He added that the troops also recovered abandoned vehicles, motorcycles and a bicycle as well as locally made single and double barrel guns belonging to the terrorists.

Military Clears More Terrorist Enclaves, Rescues 54 Hostages

The Nigerian military in the on-going counter-terrorism operations in the North-east, has cleared more Boko Haram terrorist enclaves and rescued 54 hostages in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, March 27, said that troops of 114 Task Force Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilantes in their areas of operations,  carried out clearance operation of reported remnants of Boko Haram along Bita-Madube Ciki-Njubul axis. The troops had contact with the terrorists and cleared them out of Madube Cikin, killing four terrorists. He said the troops also destroyed two vehicles and two motorcycles belonging to the terrorists, and recovered two cylinders, AK-47 rifle, three boxes of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two bicycles and bags of grains. Usman said the released hostages were being screened while the wounded soldiers have since been evacuated for proper medical care.

Army Kills 25 Boko Haram Terrorists; Rescues 18 Hostages

Nigerian Army Troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, have killed a total of 29 terrorists in several clearance operations while 18 innocent citizens taken hostage including women and children, were rescued. The clearance operations took place at Iza general area and Bita-Madube, Ciki-Njubul axis. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, March 27, confirmed that troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade have cleared remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from three villages in Iza general area, killing 25 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered some weapons. The cleared villages were Mballeri, Shuari 1 and Shuari 2. The rescued persons have been moved to the Brigade’s headquarters for further screening and care.

Troops Kills Scores of Bandits, Arrest 4 at Falgore Forest

Troops from 3rd motorized brigade of Nigerian Army, killed scores of bandits at Falgore forest in Kano following a combat operation. The Brigade Commander, 3rd motorized brigade of the Nigerian army, Kano, Brigadier General Hamisu Hassan, March 28, disclosed that 4 suspects were arrested during the operation. Brigadier General Hamisu also disclosed that over 300 cows and 500 sheep were recovered from rustlers’ camps. He attributed the successful operation to the combined efforts of the public and other paramilitary forces. He further commended the troops for their commitment and dedication, as he enjoined them to sustain the tempo.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Police Corporal Shot Dead in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has said one of its men attached to Mopol 23 was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Satellite Town area of the state on March 25. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the development, gave the name of the deceased simply as Corporal Babatunde Badmos. She disclosed that the anti-riot policeman was shot dead by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he walked along the road. The command is investigating the killing to unravel the motive, she added.

Varsity Student Shot Dead in Hotel

Unknown gunmen, suspected to be cultists, March 27, shot and killed one Clinton Opribo-Amos, a student of the University of Port Harcourt, in a hotel at Aluu community in Rivers State. It was learned that Opribo-Amos was killed while several others sustained various degrees of injuries after the gunmen invaded the hotel. It was learnt that the gunmen switched off the generator set supplying electricity to the hotel before opening fire on their victims.

3 Shot Dead as Gunmen Invade Rivers Community

Three persons were reportedly shot dead in Aminigboko community, Abua-Odua LGA of Rivers State. The unknown gunmen invaded the community on March 26, shooting sporadically. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said a unit of anti-riot policemen had moved into the area to restore order. Police spokesman, Ahmed Mohammed, however, said he was not aware of any death in the incident, adding that calm had been restored to the area with the deployment of a unit of mobile policemen.

2 Killed, 12 Missing in Delta Community Clash

At least two persons are reported to have lost their lives, several others wounded and 12 missing following renewed hostilities between members of Ugbo family and the people of Ibrede community in Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State, over a disputed piece of land. Trouble started when members of the feuding parties engaged in a heated argument after they accosted themselves on the land, a development which degenerated into brutal attacks on March 26. President-General of Ibrede community, Finbarrs Onomerhike, said he was told that his people were on their way to Otue Lake in neighbouring Akarai community when they were ambushed by the Ugbo family. A representative of the Ugbo family, however, alleged that it was the community people that shot at Ugbo people. He said that 12 family members remained missing. He accused the community of flouting a March 25, 2014 injunction by the High Court in Kwale, which he alleged restrained everybody in the Ibrede community, except the Ugbo family, from carrying out fishing activities in the lake.

Man Arrested over Brutal Murder of Middle-aged Woman

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected killer and two others over the brutal murder of a 48-year-old widow, Nkemelem Dorothy Onahor, on March 26 in Agbor. Onahor was on her way to Oke community to attend a burial ceremony in her late husband’s family compound when the suspected assassins attacked and hacked her to death. The prime suspect, simply identified as Christian, had earlier smashed her car’s windscreen, forcing the woman to alight from her car to ask for the reason for the aggressive act. It was further gathered that the suspect and the late husband of the woman hailed from the same Oki community and were friends. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the suspect, after dismembering the victim, assembled her body parts into the booth of her Car. But as he made to drive away from the scene, he was stopped for interrogation by curious motorcyclists operating within the area. The motorcyclists saw parts of the body of the woman in the booth and handed the suspect over to the police.

Community Uncovers Seven Corpses in Pit

At least seven dead bodies were, March 28, discovered inside a pit at Obibi community in Etche LGA of Rivers State. The decomposing corpses were discovered by a farmer while on his way to his farm. The farmer perceived an offensive odour in the bush and traced its source. He later discovered several dead bodies in an abandoned pit in the area. A community source alleged that the unidentified bodies were discovered after a fresh violence that broke up in the area on March 25. The killings were thought to be related to cult violence. Reacting, the Rivers State Police Command said it was aware of the development and had commenced investigation.

Gunmen Kill One in Rivers

One person was, March 31, shot dead in Buguma, headquarters of Asari Toru LGA of Rivers State. Caretaker Committee Chairman of the LGA, Soboma Jackrich, who confirmed the sad incident, described the deceased, simply identified as Godknows, as a complete gentleman. Godknows, popularly called Babadiba, was the Senior Special Adviser on Business Development to Jackrich. The council Chairman urged the Police to uncover those behind the mindless murder. It was gathered that the late Godknows was allegedly threatened by some persons earlier in the week, an issue he and many others dismissed as vain threat. His corpse was found in the early hours of the day, riddled with bullet wounds.

Man Killed in over Cow

A young man was, March 29, killed in Rumuche community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State, over a cow allegedly given to his group. The 23-year-old Uchenna Akor was allegedly dragged out of bed at about 10pm by armed men, suspected to be cultists. A community source disclosed that Akor was shot in the presence of his mother, while she was pleading with the killers to spare him. Akor allegedly sold the cow without the knowledge of others. A source feared that the killing was cult-related.

Traditional Ruler Detained for Murder

A traditional ruler and two others have been arrested and detained by the Imo State Police Command for allegedly killing one Joseph Ihueze over a parcel of land in Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State. The deceased, who was reportedly insane, inherited a large portion of land from his father, but the traditional ruler and two other persons killed him to enable them take over the land, according to community sources. The killing of Ihueze, however, irked youths who revolted against the traditional ruler, causing tension in the area.

Arepo Residents Protest Alleged Extra-Judicial Killing of Three by Military

Residents of Arepo area of Ogun State, March 30, took to the streets to protest the alleged killing of three men by military men who are in the area to curb the menace of vandals. The protesting residents, who claimed that the slain men were innocent, revealed that they were picked up in a bar by some naval personnel and taken to the bush where they were allegedly shot dead. The deceased were identified simply as Body, Mohammed and Chicago. According to widow of one the victims, Motunrayo Mohammed, the military men picked up the slain men on March 27, and their whereabouts was unknown until their corpses were found in the bush. While the acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, denied the involvement of military officers in the killing, police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident but said that investigation had commenced into the matter.

Rape

Man Rapes 14-Year-Old Girl, Attacks Victim’s Father

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Chinego Wasiu, for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl at the Boundary, Ajegunle area of the state. Wasiu, who was arrested after the rape, allegedly led a gang of thugs to the victim’s house to beat up her father. Wasiu was said to have threatened to inflict injuries on the victim’s family over the incident. According to reports, the girl was sent on an errand on the night of March 21 when she was attacked and raped by the suspect, who warned her not to disclose the incident to anyone. It was gathered that the family, however, reported the matter and the police launched a manhunt for the suspect, who later led a gang of hoodlums to brutalise the victim’s father with broken bottles, threatening to kill the family members if they followed up the matter with the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Wasiu’s arrest and the manhunt for his accomplices.

School Proprietor Jailed for Raping Pupil

An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti, March 29, sentenced a school proprietor, Babatunde Ibitoye, to 10 years’ imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old pupil of his school. Ibitoye, the owner of God’s Grace Nursery and Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, committed the offence on June 10, 2013. In her verdict, Justice Toyin Abodunde, said evidence by the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict had sexually abused the victim, who was his pupil as of the time. Ibitoye was caught on the June 10, 2013, in a bush near Fayemi Market, where he was said to have sexually abused the victim under the guise that he was taking her home after the school hours. Some auto mechanics operating within the vicinity suspected him and immediately trailed him to the bush where they caught the convict raping the pupil. He was apprehended and handed over to the police. The state government immediately ordered the closure of the school.

37-Year-Old Barber Rapes 7-Year-Old Girl

The Police in Lagos State have arrested a 37-year-old man, Adelopo Yusuf, who allegedly raped a seven-year-old girl at the Mushin area of the state on March 29. The victim disclosed she had gone to the suspect’s barbing salon to wait for her siblings after school as her apartment was still locked. Yusuf, who allegedly accompanied her to her parents flat, which was still locked, then laid her on a bench, pulled off her pant and had canal knowledge of her. He reportedly cleaned her up with a rag before taking her back to his shop. However, the bubble burst after the little girl narrated what transpired between her and Yusuf to her sibling, who went on to inform their parents. Yusuf was said to have initially denied, until doctor’s report confirmed the rape. Consequently, Yusuf was arrested. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said the case was still being investigated.

Driver, Conductor Rape Lagos Job Seeker

The police in Lagos have arrested a commercial bus driver, identified only as Akeem, and his conductor, Sodiq, for allegedly robbing and raping a 22-year-old lady in the Costain, Iponri area of the state. Akeem and Sodiq, along with two others still at large, had, on March 10, allegedly picked the victim from the Obalende area and were supposed to head for the Victoria Island, but rather diverted to the Costain, Iponri area, assuring their victim that they were only taking a different route to the Island. But when the bus got to Costain, under the bridge, the four allegedly robbed and raped the lady. The victim immediately reported the matter to the Police and a manhunt for the suspects began. The suspects were caught on March 29 by members of a vigilance group in the area, who were also informed about the matter. An executive of the vigilance group, Ishola Musbau, stated that the suspects were apprehended at a hideout in Itumara, Costain.

Others

Security Operatives Stop Shiite Procession in Katsina

A combined team of security operatives, March 30, stopped members of the Shiite group from their annual procession of Maulud in Katsina State. The Shiite members were about to converge on the Katsina Central mosque to commence the procession when the joint security operatives barricaded the entrance to the mosque and dismantled a podium said to have been mounted inside the mosque by the Shiite members. In his reaction to the scenario, Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who promised that his administration would not trample on the rights of any citizen, warned that his administration would not fold it arms and watch any group take over public places for their own use. The Shiite leader described the action of the security operatives as an unprovoked attack, noting that the Shiite members were scared.

3,800 Shops Burnt, 15 Injured in Kano Inferno

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, has disclosed that a total of 3, 800 shops were razed following the fire incident at Sabon Gari Market in Kano, Kano State. Alhaji Sani explained that 15 persons sustained injuries during the incident. He pointing out that they had all been taken to hospital for treatment. According to him, more than 90 per cent of the market was burnt in the March 26 inferno. He said the agency in collaboration with the state government was working to ensure that the victims were treated and discharged from the hospital. The Director General noted that lack of access roads had prevented fire fighting vehicles from gaining smooth access into the market.

Army Arrests 6 over Ibi Communal Crisis

The Nigerian Army has arrested six suspects over the ongoing communal crisis in Ibi LGA of Taraba. Lt.-Col. Chima Egemole, the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion, Takum, paraded the suspects and arms and ammunitions recovered. Egemole, March 26, disclosed that two peace meetings were held in Ibi recently as directed by the military high command but the rampaging youths continued to foment trouble in the area. The commanding officer said a 24-hour curfew had been imposed on Ibi while manhunt for the remaining hoodlums was in progress. The seized arms and ammunitions include three AK47 assault rifles, two AK47 magazines, 104 rounds of 7.2MM, 19 rounds of 5.5 MM, four single barrel guns, and 11 cartridges. Egemole, thereafter, handed over the six suspects and the arms and ammunitions to the police in Takum for further investigation and prosecution.

Enugu Community Decries Arrest of 76 Villagers after Feud with Fulani Herdsmen

About 76 persons are feared missing after some uniformed men, described as soldiers, invaded Ugwuneshi community in Awgu LGA of Enugu State. The 76 were reportedly arrested on March 24 by “men in military uniform” over a clash with Fulani herdsmen. The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Godwin Nwobi, alleged that Fulani herdsmen, who settled in the community, had been using their cattle to destroy their farmlands over the years, leading to protests by the community youths. But after the protest, the community got information that two women, who went to farm, had been abducted by the herdsmen. According to him, the community gathered to discuss modality of dispatching some people on rescue mission, when they were rounded up by men in military uniform who arrested and carried 76 of them away in trucks. He appealed for the intervention of the State Government, to secure the release of the villagers who he said were taken to Umuahia Prison. But the Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade Ohafia, Major Sydney Mbaneme, denied any arrest by the military. The Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 9, Police Command, Emma Jiakponna, also said he was not aware of the incident.

Suspect Dies Jumping from Building to Evade Police Arrest

A middle-aged man, Njamasi Richard, March 28, jumped from a two-story building in the Abesan Housing Estate, in the Ipaja area of Lagos State and died, while trying to evade arrest. The man, who was married with children, jumped off from the building at about 11pm when policemen from the Ipaja division came to arrest him for alleged fraud. Richard was suspected of defrauding one Ajagunjeun of N24m. Richard was initially rushed to a private hospital for treatment and immediately referred to the Igando General Hospital where he died the following day. The Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. She added that Richard’s corpse had been deposited in a morgue while investigation was ongoing.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination remained high on the crime index with indecent hideous killings carried out across various strata of the society. Cases of extra judicial killings were also on record with a community protesting the wanton killing of three young men by Nigerian military men in Ogun State. Many more lives were cut short in lone killings, communal clashes, and even raids on a whole community. Despite the daring nature of criminals, the authorities remained steadfast, apprehending some culprits and suspected killers. These spiteful incidents were witnessed in the West and Southern parts of the country.

Terrorism incidents dropped as the military made major gains in the fight to rid the country of Boko Haram terrorists. Activities of the terrorist group were hampered by watertight offensives from the Nigerian military troops as they cleared major terrorist enclaves. The military troops were also ruthless in their strikes against terrorist activities in the state as they killed large members of the boko haram group and rescued a huge number of hostages kidnapped by the terrorist group. The north-east remains most endemic region.

Robbery and gang incidents both took nosedives as activities of gang members were caught short by massive arrests initiated by the Nigerian police. Robbery gangs took to the streets in an attempt to cart away with valuable goods and items belonging to the public and various banks but the police were fully prepared for the outcome as they took the robbers and suspects unaware killing a few and arresting others. However cult attacks and reprisals led to deaths of suspected cultists, who were in caught in their supremacy battles. The south-south and south-west witnessed 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.