Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 15

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Herdsmen Abduct Catholic Priest in Enugu

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Aniako Celestine, the priest in charge of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ukana, Udi LGA of Enugu State, was, April 2, kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen while on his way from his home town, Ezeagu. It was gathered that the herdsmen have demanded a ransom of N10 million through his mobile number. The activities of herdsmen in Enugu State have become a source of worry to residents across the state. State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the abduction of the priest, saying the police was on their trail.

Police Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers in Delta

Six people suspected to be members of a kidnap gang have been arrested in the Uvwie LGA of Delta State. It was learnt that the hoodlums numbering 12 attacked their victim and his family at his residence in Effurun and dispossessed them of money and thereafter kidnapped the owner of the house and his brother. One of the victims was later released to go and raise the ransom of N1m for the other victim. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, April 2, confirmed the arrest of the six suspects in connection with the kidnap. According to Kalu, when the police stormed the hideout of the hoodlums, they abandoned their victim and fled. However, the police successfully nabbed six of them. Efforts remain in top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects, she added.

Police Arrest Female Pastor for Abducting Week-Old Baby

Policemen in Lagos State have arrested a female pastor for allegedly abducting a 9-day-old baby. The pastor, who was identified as the Founder of Word Encounter Ministry, Ijaiye, Mrs Esther Ozuem, was arrested by policemen after she reported a case of child abandonment in her church. The case, however, took a new twist following police investigation. It was discovered that Ozuem allegedly stole a member’s new born baby and made it look as if the baby was abandoned in her church. The mother of the baby, Christiana Ebele (24), alleged that her son was stolen by her pastor after she went to her for financial assistance. Although the said Pastor had registered the baby at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with the name Ozuem and her mother’s name as Chinyere Ozuem, she however maintained that she was merely taking care of the baby after the mother abandoned the child and fled.

JTF Rescues Kidnapped Soldier in Bayelsa Creek

The Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, April 4, disclosed that its troops have rescued a kidnapped soldier in the creek of Otakeme community in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col. Isa Ado, who confirmed, said the soldier was kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in the creeks of Nembe on March 24. According to him, troops deployed in Nembe LGA of the state also arrested a medical worker, who specialized in treating wounded militants and sea pirates that sustained gun injuries during shoot-out with security operatives.

Police Arrest Fleeing Robbers Involved in Accident

An operational vehicle of a fleeing four-man robbery gang collided with a car in Isolo area of Lagos State, resulting in the death of one of the passengers. The hoodlums positioned their vehicle on Ire-Akari road, where they dispossessed unsuspecting commuters of cash, phones and other valuables. In the process, a team of anti-robbery policemen from Isolo division on patrol intercepted them. The bandits were said to have zoomed off in a bid to evade arrest. However, on reaching Pako, it collided with a Volkswagen car. The impact of collision, as gathered, flung one of the hoodlums out of their vehicle. Effort by one of the robbers to bring the injured colleague back into the operational car resulted in the arrest of both of them, as they were abandoned by others. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, April 4, confirmed the arrest.

Kaduna Police Arrests 15 Kidnap Suspects, Rescues Two Victims
… Declares State of Emergency against Kidnapping

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects, including those terrorising Kaduna-Abuja Express Way where three pastors were recently kidnapped and an Army colonel killed. The police also rescued two kidnap victims, Mansur Musa and Elijah Afolabi. The police commissioner, Umar Shehu, April 4, disclosed that some of the suspects were in possession of foreign currencies and valuables suspected to have been snatched from their victims. Some of the suspects paraded before newsmen confessed to being members of kidnapping gangs operating along Kaduna-Abuja express way. The State Police Command had, on March 28, declared a State of Emergency to stem rising cases of kidnapping in the state. The command’s spokesman, Zubairu Abubakar, said that a special team of anti-kidnap squad had been formed to track and dislodge the criminal gangs.

Soldiers Killed, Two Expatriates Kidnapped in Bayelsa

A gang of heavily armed kidnappers, April 5, killed two soldiers and abducted two expatriates along the Ogbia-Nembe Road, Bayelsa State. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the kidnap of the two expatriates. JTF Spokesman, Col. Isa Ado, April 7, confirmed the death of two soldiers in a gun duel with suspected kidnappers and assured that the force remained resolute in fishing out those behind the act. He said that the troops, while in pursuit of the suspects, killed one and made some arrests. It was learnt that one of the soldiers attempted to resist the plan by the hoodlums to forcibly take away the expatriates, a development that resulted in the exchange of gunfire and the killing of the soldier. The security operatives were said to have run into an ambush laid by the kidnappers.

Hotelier Kidnapped by Gunmen in Army Uniform in Ilorin

An Ilorin-based hotelier, Chief Boniface Ifeanyi Okoli, was, April 4, kidnapped by gunmen in army uniform in Ilorin, Kwara State. Okoli, the proprietor of Bovina Hotels, was said to have been kidnapped in his shop along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, between 6pm and 7pm. The state Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, who confirmed the incident, said three persons had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Man Kidnaps Niece for Ransom

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 20-year-old Olayinka Taiwo, who allegedly kidnapped his three-year-old niece, Omolade Abdulsalam, and demanded N500,000 as ransom from her parents. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, April 5, disclosed that the victim was kidnapped on March 30, 2016 in the Egbeda area of Ibadan. He said after kidnapping the girl, her abductor called her mother, Kemi Abdulsalam, and demanded N500,000 as ransom. The mother promptly reported the incident to the police and the anti-kidnapping squad of the command immediately commenced investigation. The location of the victim was discovered and the operatives stormed the hideout where one of the suspects, Olayinka Taiwo, was arrested and the victim was rescued unhurt on March 31.

Police Arrest 2 for Selling Male Child for N250, 000

The Enugu State Police Command, April 5, disclosed that it had arrested two suspected human traffickers, Nkiruka Ekebo and Nkechi Amaka, for allegedly selling a two-year-old boy for N250,000. The State Commissioner of Police, Ekechukwu Nwodibo, disclosed that one Okechukwu Sunday had, on March 16, reported that two children, male and female of his elder brother, were missing. According to him, police operatives swiftly swung into action and arrested Nkiruka Ekebo on March 17. The other suspect was also arrested after the first arrest was made. He further disclosed that the female child was recovered, adding that it was later discovered that the male child, identified as Akachukwu Okechukwu was already sold for N250,000 to one Chito Ogbogu, who is still at large. Efforts are on to track down and arrest the suspect.

NSCDC Arrests Man for Abducting 2 Children in Taraba

The Taraba State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has arrested one Adamu Bello for allegedly abducting two children. The state commandant of the NSCDC, Kamilu Isah, April 5, said the suspect was arrested with two children in Angwan Yandan area of Jalingo. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been in this business of abducting and selling of children for a long time. He added that the suspect admitted to have committed the crime and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded. He urged parents and caregivers to keep watch on their children and peers to protect them from the unfortunate act.

Police Arrest Three Kidnappers in Delta

The Delta State police command, April 7, announced the arrest of a four-man gang of kidnappers, whose victim was forced to disclose the pin number of his Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) card, with which they withdrew his money. Police Spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, explained that the victim, James Otobo, reported to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that the suspects had on April 1, lured him to the NNPC filling station, Ibusa, from where he was forcefully taken to the kidnappers den. The victim narrated that the suspected kidnappers took his ATM card and forcefully obtained the pin number from him, which they took to the bank to withdraw money from his account. Otobo added that the suspect collected his personal effects before releasing him.

Robbery

Bauchi Hunter, Police Kill Five Robbers, Recover Arms

The police anti-robbery squad, in collaboration with renowned hunter, Alhaji Ali Kwara, has killed five armed robbers and recovered arms in Bauchi. The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this on April 3. According to him, following an intelligence report, the renowned Kwara, in collaboration with a team of police personnel, raided a criminal hideout in Kunjin/Lodio forest in Zaki LGA and had a fierce gun battle with suspected armed robbers. Five of the suspects were fatally wounded. Exhibits recovered at the scene of the incident included four AK47 rifles, one locally made revolver hand gun, one Hundred and Sixty Four(164)rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, Nine rounds of .9mm ammunition, Seven empty magazines, two expended ammunition and cash sum of N17,000. The suspects terrorised the surrounding communities, killed many people and assigned levy on the villagers.

2 Robbery Suspects Lynched in Benue

Two robbery suspects were, April 2, burnt beyond recognition by an irate mob in Ikpa Mbatyerev in Gboko LGA of Benue state for attempting to rob a businesswoman of her valuables. It was learned that the mobbed suspects were part of a five man robbery gang that attacked the home of the business woman. According to the source, the armed men had stormed her house at about 10pm, threatening to kill her and her children if she did not surrender all the money in her possession to them. The woman immediately raised an alarm, which attracted neighbours and members of the local vigilante group in the area. Sensing danger, members of the gang took to their heels, but two of them were not so lucky, as the villagers caught them and beat them to death after which their bodies were set ablaze.

Robbers Kill Guard at Phone Shop in Edo

Suspected Armed robbers have killed a 52-year-old security guard attached to a phone shop in the Oredo LGA of Edo State. The deceased, Abdullahi, and another guard were on night duty when the incident occurred in the early hours of April 4. The whereabouts of the second guard remained unknown. The robbers were said to have invaded the premises and tried to gain entry into the shop by breaking one of its windows. It was gathered that Abdullahi had attempted to stop the robbers, but was overpowered. The assailants were said to have bound the victim’s hands and legs and tied a piece of cloth around his nose and mouth.

Gang Incidents

Four Killed as Rival Cults Engage in Supremacy Battle

Four people, including a 20-year-old man, were, April 2, killed in Ilorin, Kwara state when two rival cult gangs engaged in a supremacy battle. Suspected cultists had recently struck at Ikokoro/Sakamo area of Ilorin and killed one person. The current incident, feared to be a reprisal, happened at Babaoko, Ita-Amodu and Agbo-Oba areas of Ilorin. During the melee, dangerous weapons, like cutlasses, guns and daggers, were freely used by the cultists. Police spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident. Okasanmi warned cultists to stay away from the state, stressing that anyone caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Court Remands Seven Suspected Cultists for Murder

Seven members of two rival cult groups in Lokoja, Kogi State, were, April 4, remanded in Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe by a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court over the murder of three persons in cult battles. The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, gave the order following the arraignment of the accused persons for the murder of Omale Usman, Musa Muhammed and Segun Folorunsho. They were charged with criminal conspiracy, membership of unlawful society, attempted culpable homicide and culpable homicide. Police prosecutor, Ganagana, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences on March 22.

Gunmen Attack Police Station in Rivers

Gunmen, April 5, attacked the Police Divisional Headquarters in Ngo, Andoni LGA of Rivers State, shooting sporadically into the station. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the incident, said no life was lost. He added that more policemen had been deployed in the place. The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Andoni LGA, Ere Victor, said the hoodlums stormed the police divisional headquarters at about 4am and began to shoot at the building. Victor disclosed that the police authorities responded promptly with the deployment of about 150 mobile policemen to rescue the situation. He added that some of hoodlums came back later with dynamites, but were repelled by the mobile policemen that were already on the ground. The reason for the attack is yet to be confirmed.

Parade 13 Suspected Cultists in Kwara

The Kwara State police command, April 4, paraded 13 suspected cultists that were arrested for allegedly involving in various cult clashes in Ilorin. Cult clashes had recently claimed the lives of four persons in the Ilorin metropolis. The clashes were said to have been sparked by a supremacy battle between the two gangs. Items recovered from the suspects included one cut-to-size gun; one locally made pistol and five cartridges. State police commissioner, Sam Okaula, disclosed that three persons lost their lives during the recent street brawls between the two gangs in Ilorin. Okaula said the state police command had earlier declared two of the arrested suspects wanted.

10 Killed in Rivers Community Cult War

About 10 persons were killed between April 3 and 5 in Rumuodogo 1 community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. Four persons were killed after cultists clashed in a supremacy battle after cult group, April 5, invaded the community in a reprisal attack over the killing of two of its members by a rival gang on April 3. Six more persons were killed in later part of the day on April 5. Two cult groups, Icelanders and Deygbam, have been locked in a supremacy battle resulting in several deaths. The incessant violent clashes have forced residents to flee the community for safety. State Police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, said the police were aware of the incident and four suspects had been arrested. Muhammad added that peace had returned in the community.

Soldiers Gun Down Three Suspected Cultists

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), April 5, gunned down three suspected cultists during a fierce gun battle at Obuburu community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA of Rivers state. Community sources disclosed that the soldiers first encountered cultists in the community in a gun battle about a month ago but they could not dislodge the hoodlums from the area. The soldiers had to go back to reinforce before storming the place again on April 5. The military reportedly deployed Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and other superior fire power for the battle to dislodge the cultist from their den. The Assistant Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, confirmed the military operation.

Cultists Engage Soldiers in Gun Battle in Rivers State

Suspected cultist, April 3, engaged soldiers in a heavy gun battle in Ubete community in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the shootout began after soldiers raided some of the criminal hideouts within the area on April 2. Sources said the soldiers had stormed four some LGAs in the state, with a view to flushing out armed criminals from their hideouts. It was gathered that the armed youths, who appeared not to be scared by the heavy presence of soldiers in the areas, had engaged the security operatives in a gun battle. Confirming the shootout between the soldiers and suspected criminals, the Assistant Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade, Captain Eli Lazarus, said the Army had embarked on an operation in Ahoada West.

Drugs

Police Discover Marijuana in Car Tyre, Arrest Notorious Suspect

A notorious drug lord, who carefully and in an ingenuous manner hid marijuana inside a car tyre, has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command at Abbi in Ndokwa West Local Council of the State. Police Spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest on April 1, explained that the suspected drug dealer, Harrison Ofesi, was in possession of two truck tyres fixed with rims, suspected to have been stolen. Kalu said that based on information, detectives swung into action on March 23, arrested Ofesi and recovered the two stolen tyres.

NDLEA Parades 7 Men Arrested with Hard Drugs in Aba

The Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has paraded 7 men arrested with suspected psycho-tropical substances in the month of March in Aba. The State Commander, Bamidele Akingbade, April 6, said that they were caught at various locations in the state with psycho-tropical substances weighing a total of 14.23kg. He said that the suspects were found to be in possession of psychotropic substances which includes Cocaine, Heroin and Indian hemp at the time of their arrests. Akingbade said that the suspects would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.

NDLEA Intercepts Congo-bound Illicit Drugs, Arrests Two Suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), April 7, intercepted 28 packs of Tramadol weighing 21.99kgs and 1.8kgs of cocaine, which were to be smuggled to Congo Brazzaville and arrested two suspects. While 27-year-old Afube Henry was identified as an automobile parts dealer, the other suspect, 36-year-old Chijioke Raphael, was said to be a factory worker in Dubai. Confirming the arrests, NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, said the seizure was made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. Chijioke w was arrested for attempting to export 21.99kgs of Tramadol hidden inside a Disc Jockey rack box meant for export to Congo Brazzaville. Afube said he only acted on his elder brother’s instruction.

NDLEA Impounds N200m Heroin at Kano Airport

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Malam Aminu Kano International Airport Command, has intercepted 10.6kg of high grade heroin worth N200 million. The NDLEA Kano Airport Commander, Ambrose Omoru, April 7, disclosed that the substance was intercepted on April 1, during an inward examination and clearance of luggage of Ethiopian Airline flight from Moputo, Mozambiwue enroute Addis Ababa to Kano. He added that the item was neatly concealed in eight submersible water pump machines inside two cartons wrapped with Vodacom transparent cellophane leather. He noted that drug merchants had devised the new means of sending illegal narcotic drugs through unaccompanied luggage. According to him, the consignor had checked in the luggage in Maputo Airport and declined to board a connecting flight in Addis Ababa to Kano. He restated the commitment of the agency to fighting drug trafficking in the country.

Militancy/Maritime

Nigerian Navy Arrests Crude Oil Thieves, Destroys Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 11 crude oil thieves and destroyed several illegal refineries in the Niger Delta creeks. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, April 1, disclosed that the achievement, which was in line with the directives of Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, was recorded between March 21 and 28. He noted that operatives of the Nigerian Navy arrested 11 persons at various locations, while equipment used for illegal oil refinery and pipeline vandalism were destroyed. He added that some of the arrested culprits have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution. The Naval Spokesman also restated the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to ensure that maritime criminals and operators of illegal refineries are decisively dealt with as a deterrent to others wishing to sabotage critical national economic assets.

Nine Arrested for Oil Bunkering

At least nine suspects were, March 30, arrested for alleged oil bunkering by the Nigerian Navy in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The Naval Base Operation Officer, Commander Shehu Taisu, said the suspects were arrested with explosive devices which they used to blow up oil installations in the creeks of Warri. Taisu explained that on searching the boat, officers and men of the navy base found detonating cords, explosive powder, cutlasses, batteries and bale of red and white materials. The suspects, however, have denied any connection with the boat.

Navy Seizes Boats Laden with Stolen Diesel

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder have confiscated two wooden boats used to convey about 100,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen diesel worth N20.4m. Base Operations Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Ugochukwu Ajulu, April 3, stated that three suspects were arrested on board one of the wooden boats seized in Rivers State. Ajulu said the boats were impounded during a routine patrol of the creeks and waterways by troops in Akuku-Toru LGA of the state on March 31. The second boat which had over 100 drums laden with illegally refined diesel was seized while it anchored at Aiteo jetty near Abonnema. About 5,000 litres of diesel was also stored in a compartment on the boat, he added.

Troops Kill Suspected Militant, Recover Arms in Bayelsa

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, April 6, said its troops have killed a suspected militant implicated in the killing of two Nigerian soldiers and arrested suspected sea pirates who kidnapped an expatriate along the Ogbia-Nembe Road, Bayelsa State on April 5. The JTF spokesman, Col. Isa Ado, disclosed that the JTF troops, during a manhunt for the suspected criminals along Soku Gas plant, were engaged in an exchange of gunfire with suspected militants. One suspect was killed, while three suspects, who claimed to be victims of the pirates attack, were arrested. Equipment recovered during the encounter, according to the military, included two AK 47 automatic assault rifles and 10 magazine loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition.

Terrorism

Nigerian Army Kills 9 Terrorists, Rescues 21 Hostages

The Nigerian Army has killed nine of the terrorists, rescued more hostages and cleared more of their hideouts in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 2, disclosed that the troops of 155 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army, during clearance operations on March 31, discovered and destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory and cleared terrorists’ hideout in Wulwuta village, ahead of Jere, Bama LGA. The troops also killed nine terrorists while one of the soldiers was wounded in action. The troops reportedly recovered a laptop, solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and six ready IEDs pressure plates. Other recoveries include a loaded pistol with registration number D557954, 3 rounds of 7.65mm, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions and combat boots, amongst others. The Army Spokesman disclosed that the unit also rescued 21 persons held captives by the terrorists, and they have been moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further care and screening.

Shekau’s Deputy Arrested in Kogi

The military, April 2, confirmed the arrest of the leader of the Ansaru Islamic Sect, Khalid Albarnawi, who was described as the second in command to Abubakar Shekau in the hierarchy of the Boko Haram terrorists group. Albarnawi was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lokoja, Kogi State. The Ansaru leader, Albarnawi, who reportedly trained in Algeria, is believed to highly be influential in the terror network with contacts to other Jihadi groups in North Africa and the Middle East. Ansaru was formed as a splinter group of the Boko Haram in January 26, 2012 and it claimed responsibility for the November 2012 attack on the Special Anti-Robbery Squad Headquarters, Abuja.

Nigerian Military Rescues 275 Hostages, Kills 15 Terrorists in Borno

The Nigerian military has rescued about 275 hostages and dislodged terrorists from their enclaves in some parts of Borno State. The troops also killed 15 terrorists, and recovered several items, weapons and weapon making materials. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who disclosed this on April 4, stated that the military recorded many successes at different operational areas in Borno State. Usman said troops from the 152 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with those from Sector 1 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) had carried out clearance operations in suspected terrorist hideouts around Madawaya general area and cleared an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making factory.

Military Arrests Six Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 4, stated said the troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) accompanied by some Civilian JTF on fighting patrol to Boboshe, Garna, Kyare, Kadawu, Gineba and Ajiri arrested six Boko Haram terrorists and recovered IED making devices on April 3. The fighting patrol team found Boboshe village virtually empty, but recovered eight industrial gas cylinders and five regular gas cylinders at a primary school being used to make IED, he said. The army spokesman explained that the patrol team captured three Boko Haram terrorists at Kadawu and recovered four motorcycles, three bicycles; one solar panel and two liquid herbicides. He further added that the troops also captured three and recovered seven locally made guns from the terrorists at Garna.

Political/Government Agencies

Policeman Sanctioned for Demanding N2,000 from Vendor

Lagos State Police Command has sanctioned the policeman, who allegedly demanded N2,000 from a Newspaper vendor. The vendor, Ifeanyi Friday, had, on March 29, gone to the Kester divisional police headquarters to make a report of assault by Newspapers agents in Lagos. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said that the complaint against the policeman’s action had been dealt with appropriately by the officer in-charge of sanctioning. She did not, however, expatiate on the nature of the sanction. The 34-year-old vendor, who was beaten up by six newspaper agents on March 28, got the shocker of his life when he went to make entry at Kester Police Station, Lagos Island only for the officer on duty to demand N2,000 for case entry.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest Killer of 9-Year-Old Girl

Operatives at the D9 Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, have apprehended a leader of a gang of hoodlums that killed a 9-year-old girl in Mushin area of Lagos State in 2007. The suspect, Wasiu Akinade, popularly called Oloriesho, was arrested on March 29 when the SCID operatives trailed him to his hideout at Tollgate area of Mushin. It was gathered that a shootout ensued between the operatives and some hoodlums who attempted to prevent the police from arresting the suspect. Oloriesho had been on the police wanted list for several gang-related killings and other violent crimes in Mushin and environs. Five members of the gang were arrested in January 2016 and an AK47 belonging to the police which was snatched from a policeman murdered at Isolo area of the state, was recovered from the suspects. The suspects provided intelligence that aided the police in apprehending Oloriesho.

Assailants Kill Sons of Calabar Cleric

Two sons of the presiding pastor of the Independent Baptist Church in Calabar, Reverend Nicholas Wayih, have been killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The two sons, identified as Archibong and Ekpenyong, were said to have had a prolonged struggle with the armed men before they were gunned down by the gunmen, who entered their residence in the early hours of the day of March 29. A close source to the Wayihs disclosed that the clergy’s two sons were said to have engaged the seven armed men in physical battle after they had gained entry into the residence between 1am and 3am. The state Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, who confirmed the incident, said the police was currently investigating the matter.

Herdsmen Kill Pastor in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command has attributed the death of a Christian cleric, Pastor Geoffrey Ogagaghene, and six other persons to the March 30 raid of Ohali-Elu town in Ogba/Egbema by a group of armed men suspected to be herdsmen. State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed that Pastor Ogagaghene was inflicted with machete cuts, which led to his death. The Police said that the herdsmen’s raid of the community was as a result of an alleged stealing of a cow by some youths in the community, which was not reported to the police.

Two Feared Killed in Delta Communal Clash

Two men, Owomake Omogomugho (43) and Prince Ometobor (24), were, March 31, shot dead while 18 others were wounded following renewed violence between the warring factions in Ibrede Town, in Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State. The youth president of the community, Gideon Imegwu, disclosed that some fishermen were going to fish in Utue, Onyema and Onomisa lakes when gunmen suspected to be members of Ugboh family ambushed and shot at them, leading to the death of the two while 18 were injured. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the police had arrested some persons, while investigation is on-going.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill Five in Benue

Five persons in Wannune area of Tarka LGA of Benue State were, April 3, killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the area. According to a source, the villagers were murdered in their farms by the marauding herdsmen. In anger, youths of the area blocked the busy Makurdi-Gboko federal highway to protest the murder of their kinsmen. The youth further demanded the recovery of the corpses which are still being held by the herdsmen. Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, said herdsmen in the area alleged that two of their members and five cows were killed, causing them to stage a reprisal.

Man Stabs Wife’s Lover to Death

A 25-year-old farmer, Mohammed Tanko, was on April 5 remanded in prison for allegedly killing his wife’s lover in Kwara State. Tanko was charged before an Ilorin Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stabbing to death one Boka, who he suspected to be having an extramarital affair with his wife. The Prosecutor, Corporal Abideen Oderinde, told the court that on February 25, the accused assaulted Boka because he suspected him having sexual intercourse with his wife, Daya. A fight ensued between them and Mohammed Tanko stabbed Boka with knife and he died instantly. The prosecutor said the accused is facing a one-count charge of culpable homicide. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, M. F. Adebola, ordered the remand of the accused at Federal Prison Oke-Kura, Ilorin. Adebola adjourned the case to April 14, for further mention.

Two Killed in Edo Communal Clash

At least two persons were, March 30, killed following a communal clash between Uneme-Ekpedo and Bekuma-Okpameri communities in Akoko Edo LGA of Edo State. It was learnt that trouble began when four persons from Bekuma-Okpameri were allegedly attacked by a member of the neighbouring community, recently. The recent clash is suspected to be a reprisal attack. Some Uneme-Ekpedo youths, who were angered by the incident, were said to have later stormed Bekuma-Okpameri, setting houses ablaze and attacking residents randomly. Over 40 houses, including the palace of the Oba of Bekuma-Okpameri, HRH Oba Moses Alabi, were set ablaze. The Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, while confirming the incident, said that five police teams had been dispatched to the affected communities as parts of investigations to unravel the cause of the crisis and arrest the perpetrators.

Missing Children Found Dead on Church Premises

Two children, Ayomide Innocent (4) and Isaac Ayegbo (6), that were declared missing on April 3, were found dead on April 5 inside the premises if a church in the Lambe area of Ogun State. The decaying bodies of the children were found inside the vehicle of Christ Crusaders’ Deliverance Ministry located opposite the residence of the children’s parents, who are neighbours. It was learnt that the children were playing outside Ayegbos’ residence, which was opposite the church, when they went missing. Isaac’s father, Abiodun Ayegbo, was said to have reported the duo’s disappearance to the police on the same day. The intervention of armed policemen deployed in the area prevented an angry mob from setting the church ablaze. Abiodun’s brother, Kunle Ayegbo, said he found the slippers Isaac wore on the day he went missing inside a bus on the church premises, adding that about eight pairs of sandals were also found inside the bus. He urged the police to thoroughly investigate the matter to unravel those responsible for the dastardly act.

One Killed as Hoodlums Open Fire on Protesters

There was chaos in the Ikorodu-North Local Council Development Area of Lagos State after some armed hoodlums opened fire on protesting residents of Isiu community on April 1. A man from the Hausa community in the area was reportedly shot dead. The Lagos State Police Command said three suspects had been arrested and investigations were on-going. The residents were protesting against the forceful takeover of their farmlands by some hoodlums when the incident happened. Policemen from the Area N Command were said to have intervened to prevent an escalation of the crisis. The Chairman, Isiu-Eweye Development Association, Opeyemi Taiwo, explained that the community held the protest to express their grievance over the activities of the hoodlums, adding that they embarked on the protest to call for government’s help.

Hoodlums Attack, Kill Man Buying Fuel in Lagos

Unidentified hoodlums, April 1, stormed the Total Petrol Station on Kano Street, in the Oyingbo area of Lagos State and slit the throat of a man, who was there to buy fuel. The victim, identified only as Sijuade, was stabbed in the eyes before the hoodlums killed him. In a related incident, some gunmen in the same area, April 3, attacked and killed another young man, identified as Toheeb. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the deaths. She added that the police had intensified patrols in the area while efforts were on to nab the killers.

Police Nab Suspected Killers of Tricycle Riders in Enugu

The police in Enugu State have arrested a two-man gang suspected to be behind the recent killing of tricycle riders in Enugu. The bodies were exhumed from an uncompleted building at Ugwuaji along the Enugu Port-Harcourt road. The reported disappearance of three tricycle riders led to the discovery of other decayed bodies in an uncompleted building in March and subsequent arrest of the two suspects. It was discovered that the gang had already killed seven persons and made away with their tricycles. The state Commissioner of Police, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, who paraded the suspects on April 5, noted that the duo of Nonso Azubuike and Kennedy Ihunegbo started the crime of killing and robbing commercial tricycle riders in Abuja in 2014 before they moved to Nasarawa State. They had a failed operation in Keffi the same year when a man they thought they had killed raised the alarm leading to the arrest of Nonso who managed to get out of the case before both of them relocated to Enugu.

NSCDC Officers Kill Petrol Hawker

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), April 6, shot and killed a suspected illegal fuel hawker, while three others sustained gunshot injuries around the Forte Oil Petrol Station on 21 Road in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State. The incident occurred when the NSCDC men, on a task force to curb the activities of black marketers, invaded the area. It was learnt that following an altercation between the task force and some fuel sellers, the NSCDC men opened fire on the fuel sellers. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the man was shot dead during indiscriminate firing from NSCDC personnel. She added that the police had commenced investigation to identify the civil defence operatives. But the spokesperson for the NSCDC, Mefor Chibuzor, denied that the officers killed the man.

Court Remands Alleged Killer of 25-Year-Old Man

An Akure Chief Magistrate Court, April 7, ordered the remand in prison of a 30-year-old man, Sunkanmi Gabriel for allegedly stabbing a 25-year-old man, Ojo Akintoye, to death with a broken bottle. The accused person was brought to the court on one count of murder. According to the prosecution, the 30-year-old accused person committed the offence at Oloko junction, Akure, the Ondo State capital on March 4. Police prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him send the duplicate file of the case to the Director of Public Prosecution, for legal advice. The presiding magistrate, Victoria Bob-Manuel, ordered the remand of the accused person in Olokuta prison custody pending the outcome of legal advice from the DPP. The magistrate adjourned the case till May 2, 2016.

Wife, Accomplice Arraigned in Court for Killing Husband with Knife

A woman, Grace Bassey, alongside her accomplice, Benjamin Otu, were on April 7, arraigned before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s court for the killing of her 49-year old husband, Lucky Bassey, at their Iyana Ipaja residence in Lagos State. The deceased was allegedly killed by Grace, after she used a kitchen knife to slice his throat while sleeping. He was reportedly held down by Otu until he bled to death. The woman reportedly confessed to the murder and implicated one Benjamin Otu as her accomplice. During interrogation, Otu confessed to the act and told the police he assisted Grace by holding Lucky on the bed before she slit his throat.

Rape

Man Arrested for Raping 8-Year-Old Child

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Okwuome Henry, for raping his neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter. The victim was invited by Okwuome to his apartment under the pretext of sending her on an errand. He however, was said to have forced the unsuspecting girl into his bed, where he had carnal knowledge of her, with a warning not to tell anyone about what transpired. The girl’s mother, who sighted blood stains on her cloth while washing them later that night, and sought to know the source. Upon inquiry, the victim revealed what transpired, upon which Henry was arrested by the police. The suspect, who was arraigned in Court on April 1, had pleaded not guilty. Although the case was adjourned till April 25, 2016, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs J.O.E Adeyemi granted him bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties, who must show evidence of tax payment for four years.

Man, 20, Remanded for Raping Boy

A 20-year-old man, Precious Ereta, was, April 4, was remanded in prison custody for allegedly raping a five-year-old boy through the anus. The Chief Magistrate, Ibiere John, ordered that case file be sent the DPP and adjourned till June 29, 2016. It was gathered that the incident occurred on March 29, 2016, at Rumuekini community in Choba, Rivers State, where the accused and the victim’s parents were residing. A source said the charge against the accused had not been read in court, but noted that the act was an offence, which was punishable by law.

Man, 30, Arraigned for Rape

A 30-year-old man, Odion Igiogbe, was, on April 6, docked before an Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin City, Edo State, over the alleged rape of a 28-year-old woman. The Prosecutor, C.S.O. Nnamdi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 15 in Benin. Nnamdi alleged that the accused raped the woman by having unlawful carnal knowledge of her, without her consent. The prosecutor said that the accused is facing one-count charge of rape. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mr W.E. Aziegbemhin, granted the accused bail in sum of N250, 000 and a surety in like sum. Aziegbemhin said that the surety must be a worker in any government establishment. He adjourned the case till April 19, for hearing.

Police Arrest Man for Raping 10-Year-Old Girl

The Ogun State Police command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Wahab Abdul-Aziz, for forcefully having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 10-year-old girl in an uncompleted building in Sparklight Estate at Isheri Olofin on April 4. The girl, who was sent on an errand by her mother, was lured into the abandoned building before being raped by the suspect. The mother of the victim reported the incident to the police, and he was arrested by the police. The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime. The state Commissioner of Police directed that the case be transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence for proper investigation and prosecution. The commissioner encouraged rape victim to always report such to the police.

Man Docked for Allegedly Defiling 10-Year-Old Girl

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, April 8, remanded a 28-year-old man, Chinonso Kalu, in prison for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter. The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, remanded the accused in Kirikiri prison and adjourned the case to April 18 for ruling on bail application. The Prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the offence was committed on March 23 at the accused’s residence. Aigbokhan said that the accused called the girl into his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand. According to reports, the cry of the girl alerted her mother and the accused was caught in the act. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Others

Ogun Police Uncover Suspects Ritualists’ Den

The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered a Ritualists’ den in Iyana-Ilogbo axis of Sango-Ota area of the state, and arrested two suspects. Men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad swooped on the building, acting on a tip off, and arrested the two suspects, identified as Babatunde Taofeek and Hammed Hassan. It was further gathered that inside the den were a decomposing body of a male victim, clothes, shoes, wigs, machetes, and bags. The den was discovered after two victims in the custody of the ritualists’ escaped from the building. An attempt by the ritualists to recapture them led to the discovery of the den. Prompt response by the police led to the arrest of the suspects while two other persons suspected to be members of the gang were reported to have escaped. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.

SARS Nabs Three Gunrunners in Abia State

Operatives of the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Abia State have arrested three persons for allegedly manufacturing and selling guns. The suspects; Allwell Anyanwu, Udo Nwanmuo and Ejiofor Kanu, were arrested in their different villages by the police following a tip-off. Some items recovered from the suspects included assembled guns, oxygen gas cylinder, pipes of various sizes and a hammer. It was gathered that the suspects had been in the business for over 10 years. The State Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, who commended men of the SARS for their prompt response, April 3, stressed that the lives and property of people in the area and environs would have been in danger if the weapons were not recovered from the suspects.

Police Nab Two Gunrunners in Akwa Ibom

Two suspected gunrunners have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. The suspects, who were paraded on April 6, were reportedly going to Bayelsa State to supply guns. Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, said the suspects were arrested along Itu road in Uyo. According to the police, the suspects had been trading on locally made Berretta English pistol. One of the suspects confessed that they were travelling from Ogoja to supply the guns to their agent in Bayelsa State when the police arrested them along Itu road. According to him, the business of gunrunning was lucrative.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination remains on the rise as wanton killings continued around the country. Armed Fulani herdsmen continue to kill and maim innocent civilians as they convey their cattle’s from one village to the other. Killings from communal clashes, assassination by unknown persons and family members abound. A sad case was the incident of a cleric losing two sons in one night when armed men invaded their residence in Calabar. The authorities also made a show in killing and arresting suspected killers. Others remain on the run. The south-west and south-east region of the country witnessed more of this heinous crime.

Kidnap/hostage incident, which was on the low last week, saw a sharp rise this week. Herdsmen and yet-to-be identified gunmen remained vicious as they separately kidnapped a catholic priest and one hotelier. But the law enforcement agents successfully dislodged some syndicates and arrested suspects in mammoth figures. Some kidnap suspects were killed as the military and other security operatives worked to rescue a victim. This was witnessed across the country.

Gang related incidents took a leap up the crime index as deaths resulting from cult wars swell. Young men were brutally killed in fierce battles and reprisals between rival cult groups, where dangerous weapons were freely used. It was also recorded that unknown gunmen attacked a police station shooting sporadically. It was cheering as the police who were heavily armed doused the tension and arrested some suspected gang leaders while others remained large. This was witnessed across various communities in the south-south, south-west and north-central regions.

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.