Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 17

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	RATE
1	Kidnap/Hostage	6
2	Robbery	5
3	Gang	4
4	Drugs	1
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	2
6	Terrorism	8
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassinations	12
9	Rape Incidents	5
10	Others	5
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Suspect Nabbed as Abia Government Demolishes Kidnappers Den

The Abia State Government, April 16, demolished four buildings at Etitiama Mkporo in Ohafia LGA of the state. The buildings, located in Ndinkefa compound in Amafo autonomous community, Mkporo, were allegedly used by suspected kidnappers to harbour a victim, who was kidnapped from Aba. However, luck ran out on the kidnappers as villagers, who noticed strange movements around the building, reported to the traditional ruler of the community, who in turn alerted the military. The Security Adviser to the Governor, Captain Awa Agwu (retd) said that the action was in line with Abia State Law prohibiting kidnapping.

Gunmen Kidnap NNPC Staff in Kaduna

A staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Yusuf Abdulkadir, was, April 16, kidnapped in Kaduna. Abdulkadir was abducted at his Rigachikun residence in Igabi LGA at about 10pm and whisked away to an unknown destination. The man was reportedly trailed to his house by the kidnappers, who dragged him out of his car at gun point. The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, had recently dispatched the Assistant Inspection General, Ballah M. Nasarawa to address and nip in the bud, rising cases of kidnappings and other criminal activities in Kaduna State.

Herdsmen Abduct Auditor in Enugu, Demand N5m Ransom

An Enugu state auditor, Ogbobe Stephen, was, April 16, kidnapped by suspected herdsmen along Nsukka-Adani express road, Enugu. The abductors have reportedly demanded N5 million as ransom for his release. Stephen, alongside six others, had gone to his village, Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani LGA, for a town hall meeting, and was on his way back when he was attacked by the herdsmen, who had blocked the busy Nsukka-Adani road, waiting for unsuspecting victims. The kidnappers flagged down the car conveying the six men, ordered the them to lie face down, tied-up three out the six for about 45 minutes before untying two and dragging the victims into the bush.

Gunmen Kidnap Wives of Kano Politician, Kill Two Vigilantes

The Police in Kano State have confirmed that gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, abducted two women, who are wives of a prominent politician in Kibiya LGA of the state. The spokesman of the police, Musa Magaji Majia, disclosed that the incident occurred on April 18 when the kidnappers stormed the residence of the politician, Alhaji Garba Umar Fammar, around 2am. It was reported that about 40 heavily armed men arrived the town on motorcycles, firing several shots into air to scare people before whisking the two wives to an unknown destination. Two members of the vigilante group in the town also lost their lives during an encounter with the invaders.

Police Arrest Fleeing Buyer of Five Babies in Oyo

A 60-year-old woman, Asabi Adebayo, who allegedly purchased five babies in Rivers State, has been arrested by the Oyo State police command. The babies, including two males and three females, are aged between four months and 2 years. The suspect had perfected plans to fly the babies abroad for sale. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who paraded the suspect and the five babies on April 21, explained that the woman would have escaped with her plans but for the patriotism of the officials of the orphanage, who promptly reported the matter to the Police. The babies were taken to the state Ministry of Women Affairs, while the suspect was assisting the police to ascertain the true source of the babies. Oyebade vowed to ensure that the said woman in Port Harcourt, who allegedly sold the babies at N1m each was also apprehended.

Delta Varsity Staff Kidnapped by Suspected Fulani Herdsmen

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, April 19, abducted a staff of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. The state Police Command spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the victim, John Ogeleke, was abducted at gunpoint while travelling in his vehicle towards Ogume town from Kwale. It was gathered that four Fulani men allegedly ambushed the DELSU staff armed with guns, knives and sticks. The gang of kidnappers was said to have emerged from the bush along Ogume road, forcing the vehicle to stop before seizing Ogeleke and whisking him away into the bush. According to Kalu, a combined team of security operatives including police from Kwale division and men of Dragon 25 police special patrol squads were being assisted by local vigilance members and reinforcement from police divisions around Kwale.

Robbery

Police Arrest Seven Suspected Robbers

The Ogun State Police Command, April 17, said that it had arrested five suspected armed robbers, who specialised in snatching cars in Ota in the Ado Odo/Ota LGA of the state. The robbers were arrested on April 16 along the Owode-Idiroko Road. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspected armed robbers were arrested at their hideout following a tip-off. According to him, the suspects had confessed to belonging to a car snatching syndicate, saying they had been terrorising the Ota area and Ogun State at large. Adejobi said items recovered from them included one unregistered Bajaj motorcycle, a locally-made bullet-proof vest, charms and suspected stolen goods.

Policeman Arrested over Alleged Robbery

A Police Constable, Victor Omorokai, has been arrested in connection with a robbery operation on April 16 at Shagamu in Ogun State. It was gathered that some policemen, numbering four, allegedly attacked a 20-feet container loaded with auto spare parts. They reportedly tied the trailer driver and his conductor, and dumped them in a bush around Ijebu-Ode before diverting the truck to Okokomaiko in Lagos State, where the auto parts were allegedly sold for N30m. The truck was, however, traced to Lagos through its tracking device. The occupants of the truck reportedly opened fire on the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that intercepted the truck. But they were overpowered and a suspect arrested, while others managed to escape. Omorokai, attached to Federal SARS, Ikeja has reportedly confessed that the operation was led by one Inspector Taiwo attached to the same unit, adding that the loot was with Taiwo. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.

Police Parade 33 Suspected Car Thieves

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, April 19, paraded 33 suspects for stealing cars and engaging in other criminal activities. The suspects were paraded alongside the 16 vehicles of various brands that were recovered from them. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Bala Ciroma, explained that the arrest and recovery were as a result of proactive intelligence gathering and discrete operation carried out by the command. He also noted that the suspects would be charged to court after a comprehensive investigation is carried out. The command advised car owners to fix security in their vehicles to also forestall cases of car theft.

Police Nab Robbery Kingpin in Lagos

The leader of a notorious gang, involved in the killing of 16-year-old Seun Babalola at Idi-Araba, Mushin area of Lagos State in 2015, has been arrested by the Police. The suspect, Wasiu Akinwade, a.k.a Oloriesho, allegedly led the hoodlums that shot the young man, in the head in his grandmother’s shop. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, described Wasiu Akinwade as the kingpin of a criminal gang that had been terrorising Mushin, Oshodi and its environs and had been involved in the murder of several persons. The suspect, however, denied the allegation.

Police Inspector Accused Dismissed for Connivance with Robber

Festus Omotosho, aka Ijaya, a police inspector with Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State, has been fired by the leadership of the force for his alleged connivance with a suspected robber, Akeem Popoola. The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed Omotosho’s dismissal on April 20. The dismissed policeman has been transferred to the Ogun State Police Command, which arrested Popoola, for criminal investigation. Popoola had disclosed that Omotoshogave him phones to sell to unsuspecting members of the public, and would later arrest them, claiming that the phones were stolen items. He said each of their victims had to part with money to avoid being charged with buying stolen property. Popoola, who was arrested for robbery and burglary, said he had participated in three operations with Ijaya before he was nabbed on April 6.

Gang Incidents

Police Nab Suspected Cultist with Weapons

A suspected cultist, Muhideen Ibrahim (29), who was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command on April 19, has confessed that he conveyed guns to the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign venues during the 2015 electioneering on the Lagos Island. The Denton Police Division arrested Ibrahim from a hideout in the Ijora Badia area. It was gathered that a locally-made pistol and two expended cartridges were recovered from him. Ibrahim had been on the police watch-list since 2015 for his alleged involvement in murder and violence on the Lagos Island. It was learnt that another suspected cultist –Sodiq Kolade– had earlier been arrested by the police for alleged possession of guns. He was said to have denied the allegation, but confessed that he knew those who had guns. Kolade was said to have led the police to Ibrahim’s hideout where he was arrested. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the command would not relent in ridding the state of criminals. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the APC, Joe Igbokwe, however, said the suspect’s mental state should be examined, adding that the party did not breed hoodlums.

Task Force Arrests Notorious Kingpin, 15 Others in Lagos

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offenses Unit has arrested a notorious kingpin, Tunde Aigboje, popularly called ‘tallest’ and his gang members, numbering 15, who usually terrorize residents and motorists around Gbagada and Oworonshoki area of the state. Spokesman of task force, Adebayo Taofiq, said the suspects were picked up during an operation aimed at clearing Gbagada of all illegal shanties constructed by hoodlums and miscreants. He said the operation was carried out after serving due notice, but met stiff resistance from the hoodlums, who attacked the security operatives attached to the task force with dangerous weapons. An officer of the taskforce, Duncan Daniel, had his five fingers decimated with bottles and cutlasses.

Cultists Nabbed in Ogun State

Police operatives in Ogun State have arrested two suspected cultists after the initiation of some young boys at Imosan Ijebu. The suspected cultists were arrested when some of the newly initiated members reported to the Police that the cultists forced them into the bush for initiation, Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed. He added that two suspects, Obasanjo Segun (25) and Musari Saheed (25), were said to be among the ring leaders that masterminded the initiation. Adejobi said the suspects had confessed to belonging to the Aiye Confraternity. He said the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had directed that the suspects in the two cases be transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for proper investigation.

Armed Hoodlums Invade Farm Settlement in Ibadan

Some hoodlums, including herdsmen, April 19, invaded a farm belonging to a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Ayodele Adigun, and forced settlers in the place to flee their residence. The invaders, numbering about 20, stormed the farm settlement at Lagun, in Lagelu LGA of the state around 9pm, armed with dangerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles. Two of the residents, Haruna Usman and Olanipekun Ogunkolade, said the hoodlums had two sophisticated guns each while robbing them of their valuables. The farm manager disclosed that the incident was the first occurrence since they settled on the farm settlement.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests Woman with Wraps of Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), April 16, arrested a woman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, who faked pregnancy with wraps of substances, suspected to be cocaine. NDLEA’s spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the 41-year-old woman, Dorothy Onyekas, faked a pregnancy with 86 pellets of cocaine. The drug was intercepted during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai. The substance has a total weight of 1.720 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of N20.6 million, he added. The NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, said that the wraps of cocaine would have been easily mistaken for pregnancy, but was detected by NDLEA officers.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Dislodges Pipeline Vandals, Oil Thieves in Lagos

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, April 16, foiled the operations of pipeline vandals in Solou, Kamoru and Imola communities in Lagos, forcing them to abandon over 20,000 fifty litres jerry cans that were to be used to siphon petroleum products. Some of the jerry cans filled with siphoned petroleum products were recovered in an abandoned wooden boat in Ilado-Odo area. The recovery puts into spotlight over 8000 litres of recovered stolen petroleum products from vandals along that axis, in two days. The recovery was made during a raid of the communities by the Navy in its resolve to checkmate excesses of crude oil thieves. A route which links the farewell buoy, a location on sea where oil tankers wait for clearance from relevant authorities was discovered with pipes were connected from the oil tankers to a wooden boat in which were over 200 drums.

Five Feared Dead as Soldiers, Vandals Clash

At least five suspected vandals were, April 19, killed following heavy shooting between military operatives and pipeline vandals at the Ibafo area. The incident happened after the vandals that stormed Ibafo from Arepo, encountered the soldiers, who were part of the joint taskforce on anti-pipeline vandalism. The Ogun State Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, however, said only one person was killed in the clash. The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations in charge of 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Kingsley Samuel, however, said they were not aware of the shooting, while the Command Information Officer of the Western Naval Command, Lieutenant Commander Abdulkadir, said the operation was carried out by personnel from the Defence headquarters.

Terrorism

Troops Discover Boko Haram Sentries, Underground Food Storage

The Nigeria military has uncovered Boko Haram’s observer posts, as well as a network of underground food storage facilities in Bama, Borno State. The acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed that the troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B and 22 Task Force Brigade made the discovery on April 16 when they conducted simultaneous dawn raids on suspected terrorists hideouts at Biggoro, Warpaya and Aura in Bama LGA of the state. Usman said the essence of the operation was to stop the reported criminal activities of remnants of Boko Haram hiding in the three villages. The troops discovered well concealed observation posts on trees in the villages constructed by the terrorists to give them early warning of troops movement or approach. The army spokesman said the troops killed two Boko Haram terrorists and also recovered three AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunitions.

Soldier Killed as Terrorists Ambush Acting GOC

The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu, and his convoy were, April 19, ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on his way to visit troops in Bama LGA of Borno state. The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, confirmed that one soldier lost his life and 2 others were injured during the ambush. He added that the military cleared the ambush, killing some of the terrorists and recovered vehicle and weapons from them. The Acting GOC continued his operational visit to Bama, while the body of the late soldier and the wounded were evacuated to Maiduguri.

30 Terrorists Killed, 24 Soldiers Wounded as Boko Haram Attacks Military Base

Troops of the 113 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Borno, April 18, successfully repelled an attack on their base in Kareto, killing over 30 Boko Haram terrorists, while scores escaped with injuries. The terrorists, numbering almost a hundred, attacked the military positions, launching IEDS and shooting from different angles. But the troops fought back gallantly. The military confirmed that 2 officers and 22 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack, but no life was lost. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, confirmed that the troops successfully repelled the attack and killed quite a number of the terrorists. He added that the situation had since been brought under control and reinforcement sent. The injured officers and soldiers have been evacuated to Military Hospital, Maiduguri for treatment. Usman attributed the successful defeat of the terrorists to timely response of the troops involved and provision of air cover by the Nigerian Air Force.

Troop Recover Large Cache of Arms in Borno

The Nigerian military, has in the course of its on-going clearance operations against the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, discovered another large cache of arms in Borno State. The Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Leo Irabor, April 17, disclosed that the troops and some Civilian JTF, acting on a tip off, went on a clearance patrol to Borgozo-Alargano general area where they discovered a large cache of arms and ammunitions, including 36 boxes of .51mm calibre, 5 x 20 Lyra beefcake mixture of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, large quantity of 7.62mm (Special), ammunition and one 81mm mortar tube that were concealed by the terrorists. Irabor said the patrol team also cleared remnants of Boko Haram that were dislodged from Alagarno forest hibernating at Kadari, Camp Abu Fatima and Gursum.

Nigeria Military Repels Boko Haram Attack, Rescues 455 Hostages

The Nigerian military has successfully repelled an attack by the Boko Haram terrorists against their positions in parts of Borno state, and rescued 455 hostages. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the terrorists had, in the early hours of April 15, armed with five gun trucks, motorcycles and two Golf cars laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Sambisa forest, attempted an attack on 121 Task Force Battalion at Pulka. But the vigilant troops successfully repelled the attack and killed seven Boko Haram terrorists, wounded several others and recovered 4 AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 rifle magazine and 92 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) belt ammunition.

Troops Capture Boko Haram Spy, Kill 27 Terrorists

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 16, said that troops of 3 Battalion caught a suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ spy near the Battalion Headquarters at Gamboru Ngala, Borno State. According to him, the suspect confessed on interrogation that he was sent to spy on the troops from Wulge. Consequent upon this, the troops reportedly organised a fighting patrol to Wulge and Walamari, where they had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists in which they killed 27 of them, recovered five motorcycles and 8 bicycles. They also cleared 12 terrorists’ camps and recovered an AK-47 rifles as well as a Dane gun. Usman noted that the troops also rescued 455 persons and escorted them to Gamboru Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camp. He however confirmed that they lost one of the Civilian JTF.

Boko Haram Gives Loans to Youths as Bait for Membership

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that Boko Haram terrorists have devised a new means of recruiting unsuspecting youths through the offer of loan facilities. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, April 20, disclosed that the terrorists have resorted to providing loans to young entrepreneurs and artisans in the North-east as a way of inducing them for recruitment. According to findings, “after such loans, the beneficiaries are given the option of either joining the group or risk being killed if they failed to pay the loan as at when due, whereas the payment would have been surreptitiously programmed to fail by the benefactor. The Defence spokesman advised members of the public, especially those in the North-east, to constantly be wary and conscious of various tactics of the Boko Haram.

Boko Haram Gunmen Attack Yobe Village, Kill 11, Burn Houses

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen on horseback killed at least 11 people in an overnight attack on a village in Yobe State. A member of the civilian vigilante group assisting the military in the north-east, Aisami Mamman, disclosed that the attack on Zango village, in the Gulani district happened between April 19 and 20. He added that the insurgents came around midnight, firing gunshots into the village, causing residents to flee into the bush. The whole village was burnt. Eleven people were killed and several others were injured, six of them critically. The hit-and-run attack has been a recent trademark of the Islamic State group affiliate but such incidents have become fewer because of the unrelenting military offensive in the northeast.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Declare Ex-Niger Delta Agitator, Ndigbara, Wanted

The Rivers State Police Command has declared former Niger Delta agitator, Solomon Ndigbara, wanted. Police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, April 22, said Ndigbara is wanted for the alleged arson he planned and executed on February 22, 2016 on a property worth millions of naira in Bori, Khana LGA. The army had declared him wanted for alleged killings, kidnappings and other crimes in Ogoni land. The attempt by the army to effect his arrest at Yeghe on February 22 has become as subject of controversy as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress are locked in a battle of public opinion. While the PDP has said the army was being manipulated by the APC to use its presence to rig the outstanding elections in the area, the APC has said the military presence was to forestall the use of Ndigbara by the PDP to further their aims in the rerun elections.

Murder/Assassinations

Unidentified Cultists Shoot, Butcher Man in Lagos

Yet-to-be identified cultists, April 16, shot and killed a man, identified as Lekan Eje, at Olufiditi area, Ojo Road in Lagos State. The deceased was shot and hacked by the assailants, who left him in a pool of his blood in front of a confectionery shop. According to an eyewitness account, when the cultists first stormed the street at about 7.20pm, they had released some gunshots, which scared away the residents as intended, before they zeroed in on Eje. It was gathered that one of the gang members, shielding his face with a hood, had approached Eje and held him by the collar, shouting that he was the one they wanted. When some of the street urchins attempted to mediate, another gang member walked up and shot in the air, thus scattering the crowd.

Vigilante Leader Arrested over Shooting Death of 6-Year-Old

The Police in Ebonyi State have arrested a vigilante group leader, Peter Nwokpo, for killing a six-year-old girl, Chinaemerem Nwite, in Umuhuali Community in Ishielu LGA of the state during a funeral. The vigilante leader (Nwokpo) and his team had been invited to the burial to assist in maintaining law and order. A victim, who sustained injuries during the incident, Ahamefula Usulour, disclosed that the vigilante leader went to the burial with pump action gun, cocked it and shot into the air. Usulour alleged that Nwokpo attempted to shoot more into the air but that it didn’t go through like the first one, making him to point the gun directly to where people were staying and began shooting, killing the six year old girl. According to him, the suspect was reportedly drunk when he began shooting. Police spokesman, George Okafor, confirmed the incident.

Suspected Cultists Kill Victim with Stones in Osogbo

A 25-year-old man, simply identified as Deji, was, April 17, killed at Tinumola Estate in Osogbo, Osun State by suspected cultists, who trailed him to where he had gone to drink. Some residents of the area said the victim was tricked to the area where they smashed his head with stones. He was said to have died on the spot. It was not clear what led to his killing. His corpse was said to have been picked by a team of policemen on patrol and deposited at the mortuary.

Gunmen Storm Rivers Communities, Kill Four

Yet-to-be identified gunmen struck in three LGAs of Rivers State, killing four persons, including two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was leant that the gunmen attacked some communities in the Gokana and Eleme LGAs on April 14, and Ikwerre LGA on April 16. The slain PDP members, identified as Lekia Nzeregbara and Fred Teedom, were shot and killed in Ogale in Eleme LGA and Bomu in Gokana LGA, respectively. Teedom was said a youth leader in Bomu town and the PDP Vice Chairman, Ward 8 in the Gokana LGA. The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Gokana LGA, Austin Sor, while decrying the killings, called on the police to fish out those behind the dastardly act. A group of hoodlums shot and killed two persons in Elele, in the Ikwerre LGA, and abducted one person. It was learnt that the hoodlums, suspected to be cultists, who were clad in black attire, came into the place in a tinted car and operated without restraint.

Man Stabs Brother to Death in Abakiliki

The Ebonyi State Police Command, April 16, confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Titus Agashi, for stabbing his younger brother to death. Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, who confirmed the arrest, noted that the police had yet to ascertain the reason for the stabbing. Okafor said that the matter was reported to the police on March 22, explaining that the incident occurred at Nwogayi Market in the Izzi Local Government Area of the state. A source disclosed that the suspect stabbed the victim on the chest during a heated argument on a family issue.

DSS Arrests Five Suspects over Abduction, Murder of Corps Member

The Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested five suspects alleged to be behind the abduction and murder of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Sampson Worlu. The suspects, who allegedly murdered the hostage after being paid a ransom of N1.5 million for his release, are already facing charges at a magistrate court in Port Harcourt. They reportedly disappeared after the abduction and collection of ransom until they were tracked by men of the DSS. The corps member was serving in Imo State before his abduction at Rumuokoro roundabout in Obio Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The five kidnap suspects were remanded in prison by a Port Harcourt magistrate’s court for kidnapping, killing and burying their victim. The defendants are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnap, and murder preferred against them.

Gunmen Attack, Kill Commercial Bus Passenger

Yet-to-be identified gunmen driving a Toyota Camry along Ikorodu road in Lagos, April 15, blocked the path of a commercial bus, dragged out a passenger and killed him. It was gathered that the four men, wielding guns, cutlasses and daggers, simply returned back to their vehicle after the killing. The victim was identified as Olusola Bamidele (40). The men reportedly left him in a pool of blood and drove off in their car. Other passengers took to their heels, while the driver and the conductor took the victim to the Ikorodu General Hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival. It was learnt that policemen from the Owode Onirin division later deposited the corpse in a mortuary. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were making efforts to arrest the suspects.

Hoodlums Kill 2 Policemen, Steal Service Rifles in Imo State

Suspected armed robbers, April 19, shot and killed two policemen at Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. The policemen, an inspector and a corporal, were attacked by the armed men while on duty at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) office at Umuagwo. An eyewitness disclosed that the police officers were overpowered by the armed men and shot after their rifles were seized. The attackers later escaped with the riffles. Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo Police Command, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident.

Corpse of Missing Motorcyclist Found in Woman’s Room

The decomposed corpse of a man, believed to be that of a commercial motorcyclist, who was said to have been missing since January 5, was found in the inner room of a woman, Beatrice Idoro, in Eku community of Delta State. Members of a vigilance group in Ekpan, April 14, reported the shocking discovery to the police, and the police acted prompted, arresting the woman. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed that the deceased was allegedly killed on April 5 by the said Beatrice and the corpse kept in her inner room before it was discovered. Kalu said, adding that the alleged information was confirmed and two suspects, including the woman were arrested.

Ex-Rivers LG Boss Remanded in Prison for Murder

A Port Harcourt Magistrates’ Court, April 20, remanded former Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA, Ojukaye Flag Amachree, in prison for alleged murder. Amachree, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was arraigned in court by the Police for the killing of Smart Soberekon, in Buguma on April 11. Ojukaye, alongside others still at large, is facing two counts charge of felony and murder. Ojukaye, who was docked before Magistrate I.O Agbesore, was remanded in prison until April 22 for ruling on the issue of jurisdiction.

Four Killed in Benue Communities

Four persons have been killed in the wake of violence in two neighbouring communities - Okpoga and Ingle- in Okpokwu LGA of Benue state between April 18 and 20. Trouble started when the leader of a gang, which was been terrorising Okpoga community, was arrested and detained at the police headquarters in Makurdi. Members of the gang, who accused the vigilante group in the area of reporting their leader to the police, mobilized and killed a member of the vigilante group, thereby sparking off retaliation from the vigilante group, which in turn killed a member of the gang. But the Ingle people, on discovering that the deceased member of the vigilante group in Okpoga was a native of Ingle, staged a reprisal and killed a commercial motorcycle rider. Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, confirmed all four deaths and assured that police patrol teams have been dispatched to forestall further breakdown of law and rider.

Scorned Lover Stabs Two, Kill One in Lagos

A love scorned man, Alex Onuora, and his accomplice Alia Ogor, April 19, stabbed two twin-brothers after their sister refused to have an affair with him. One of the twins, Elvis Mekwa, bled to death, while the other, Kene, remains hospitalized in critical condition. According to reports, Onuora and his friend, Alia, had engaged the brothers in a fight over their sister in the Ikotun area of Lagos State. Onuora allegedly used a broken bottle to stab Elvis on the neck and he bled to death. Trouble started when their sister rebuffed an approach by Onuora to lure her to have sex in the hotel where they went to drink. In anger, Onuora reportedly assaulted the girl, who then reported him to her brothers. When the twins approached Onuora, an altercation ensued and ended in violence. Onuora reported has reportedly fled the area to evade arrest. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, said investigations had commenced.

Rape

Man 20, Arrested for Defiling 10-Year-Old Girl

A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl at Sparklight Estate, Isheri Olofin, in Ifo LGA of Ogun State. The suspect, Wahab Abdul-Aziz, was apprehended for forcefully having carnal knowledge of the 10-year-old in an abandoned building within the Estate. It was learnt, that the girl, who was sent on errand by her mother, was lured into the building and forcefully defiled by Wahab. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident on April 15, said that the State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had directed that the case be transferred to the operatives of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence (DCII), Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution. Ali advised owners of abandoned or isolated structures to work on them or make them clean to debar criminals from using them.

Motorcyclist Lures, Rapes 13-Year-Old Girl in Hotel

A 40-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Uche Imo, has been arrested by the police for luring and raping a 13-year-old girl in a hotel in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos. The manager of the hotel, identified as William, who was accused of aiding the act by persuading the girl to get into the hotel room with the suspect after she initially declined, was invited for interrogation. Imo, a father of five, had reportedly raped the victim in the facility four different times since December 2015. The mother of the pupil said she knew about the ‘sexual relationship’ between her daughter and Imo on February 14, 2016. The suspect, who confessed to having sex with the girl, saying the hotel manager was aware of it, however, pleaded not guilty before the court when he was arraigned. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Adegbite, granted bail him in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

30-Year-Old Scrap Collector Rapes 12-Year-Old

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old scrap collector, Nurudeen Owolabi, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in the Bariga area of the state. Owolabi was said to have tricked the girl into his apartment on April 14, where he raped her and warned her not to reveal the incident to anyone. It was gathered that the victim’s mother was said to have noticed a whitish substance on her genitals and after much prodding, Ngozi opened up on the incident. The case was immediately reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The suspect confessed to the act.

Tailor Rapes 8-Year-Old, Arrested in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Badmos Olajuwon, for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in the Somolu area of the state. Olajuwon, who works as a fashion designer, lived next door to the victim’s grandparent. It was gathered that the suspect allegedly raped the girl inside her grandmother’s bedroom. The suspect allegedly sneaked into the room where the eight-year-old girl was, covered her mouth and raped her two times on April 16. He was said to have threatened her to keep the matter a secret. Favour reportedly opened up to her parents that Olajuwon raped her, and the matter was reported to the police. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigation was on-going on the matter.

Court Jails Septuagenarian 7-Years for Rape in Osun

An Osun State High Court sitting in llesha has sentenced a septuagenarian, Moses Adeniyi, to seven years imprisonment for raping minors. Adeniyi, a Chief in Ilesha, was accused of raping two girls, ages 13 and 14 years, in his hotel, Prince Way Hotel, in the town in 2010. Adeniyi, who was first arraigned on March 28, 2011, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Judge, Justice Kudirat Akano, in her judgment, said the prosecuting counsel had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt. Akano said the convict was guilty of the charge and consequently sentenced to seven years imprisonment. The Prosecutor, Tijani Adekilekun, said that the convict raped the minors in his hotel in Ilesa in May 2010 after giving them a lift on their way from school.

Others

Military Arrests 92 Suspected Herdsmen in Nasarawa, FCT

Troops from the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, April 17, arrested about 92 suspected herdsmen within Abuja and Nasarawa State. The Assistant Director Army Public Relations (ADAPR), Guards Brigade, Captain Bashir Jajira, who disclosed this, said that about 36 suspected herdsmen, who claimed to be on a mission to recover their alleged stolen cattle, were stopped on their track at the check point bordering FCT and Nasarawa State. Jajira said another 56 set of armed herdsmen were arrested by soldiers in Dantata, along airport road in Abuja. He said there were those arrested at the Keffi entry point by the soldiers at the check-point in two vehicles, a Diana pick-up truck and Toyota Camry saloon car, with assorted arms and ammunition. The spokesman said after a thorough checking of their vehicles, several weapons were recovered including: pump action gun, 19 cartridge Dane guns, 118 cartridge ammo, 28 cutlasses, three jack knives, 14 sticks, seven touch lights, certificate of occupancy, assorted charms and hard drugs.

6 Killed as Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc in Adamawa

At least six persons were killed as strong rainstorm ravaged Shelleng and Guyuk LGAs of Adamawa State. It was gathered that more than 2,000 residential buildings and other structures were seriously damaged. The member representing Shelleng in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Shelleng had raised a matter of urgent attention on the floor of the House on the need for quick government intervention. He told the House that more than 3,000 families had been rendered homeless by the devastating rains.

Women, Children Killed in Cross River

Several children, women and aged people were, April 15, killed in Inyima village in Yakurr LGA of Cross River following a communal conflict between the community and neighbouring Onyadama community in Obubra LGA. The conflict caused the destruction of several houses and farmlands, rendering many people homeless. The Chairman of Obubra LGA, Kieran Mfam, disclosed that the conflict started when a young man from Inyima, shot and injured an Onyadama man in the bush over a piece of land. Following the shooting, angry Onyadama people staged a reprisal attack on Inyima. State Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, visited the warring communities, urging the people to stop the fight.

Niger Police Ban Fulani Herdsmen from Carrying Guns

The Niger State Police Command has waged a fresh war against Fulani herdsmen in a bid to check kidnapping and cattle rustling. The police have therefore outlawed the carrying of arms and ammunition by the herdsmen under any guise. The decision of the police to ban the carrying of arms by the herdsmen followed an increase in the number of firearms recovered from the pastoralists in the last six months.  The state police spokesman, Bala Elikana, April 19, disclosed that in the last six months, 20 AK-47 rifles, 70 Dane guns, 30 double barrel guns and 1,000 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the herdsmen. The police spokesman said any of the herdsmen who contravene the directive would be arrested and prosecuted under the fire arms act of the country.

Plateau Police Command Confirms Outbreak of Violence in Kanke

Plateau State Police command, April 20, confirmed the violence in Kanke LGA of the state, which led to the destruction of 24 shops and seven homes, with four motorcycles and a car burnt. The State Commissioner for Police, Adekunle Oladunjoye, said the violence broke out on April 17 between the people of Kudu and Dawaki villages during a traditional festival. The Police command has beefed up security within Jos metropolis and its environs to forestall further breakdown of law and order. While parading 27 suspected criminals, Oladunjoye said that operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), while on a stop-and-search along Riyom/Ganawuri road, accosted seven youths and 504 rounds of 7.6 mm live ammunition, three motorcycles suspected to be stolen, four locally constructed AK 47 butts and nine handsets were recovered from them. Investigation revealed that the groups were conveying the ammunition from Ganawuri axis to unleash terror on innocent persons around Riyom and Barkin Ladi and other places as raining season has set in.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination incidents have consistently maintained a top spot on the crime index. Activities of cult groups, communal wars and unchecked anger by individuals have continued to claim lives. The trend becomes worrisome with gruesome killings on record, even as security agents continue to apprehend suspects. Killers get emboldened by the day, with street killings by suspected cultist, who attack their targets in public places as seen in the incident of a passenger, who was dragged out of a commercial bus and killed. Despite the recent cult activities, the authorities were able to arrest a few while others remained large. The south-west and south-south witnessed more of these dastardly acts of violence.

Terrorism incidents, which took a downward plunge last week, saw a rise as the Nigerian military troops tenaciously clears Boko Haram enclaves. The terrorists in a most daring attempt, attacked a military base in Borno State, but were tactically repelled by the gallant troops, that killed over 30 of the terrorists, while scores escaped with injuries. In another daring attempt, the insurgents made bold to ambush the convoy of the acting GOC 7 division, who was on a mission to visit troops in Borno state. The ambush was successfully cleared, but sadly a soldier was lost in the ambush. The military, in several operations and encounters, killed Boko Haram terrorists and also recovered three AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunitions. Hostages were equally rescued. The north-east continues to bear the brunt of terrorist activities.

Kidnap/hostage incidents saw a drop even as activities of kidnappers persist across the country. Political figures, clerics and the elites in the society were all victims of kidnappers. Suspected Fulani herdsmen, who have recently gained notoriety for killings, were also involved in kidnapping as they abducted an auditor in Enugu State, demanding ransom for his release. It was also reported that the Abia state government, in a bid to reduce the spate of kidnap in the state, demolished four building allegedly used by kidnappers to harbour their victims. The police were able to arrest a suspected human trafficker, who bought five babies in Port Harcourt and took them to Oyo State. The south-west and south-east recorded more of these heinous crimes.

Robbery incidents remained low as the authorities hampered the activities of criminals in various regions of the country, arresting suspects and even policemen as accomplices in robbery operations.

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.