Weekly Security Report Weekly Report Week 24 Week 24
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | MAJOR INCIDENTS |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 4 |
| 2 | Robbery | 7 |
| 3 | Gang | 2 |
| 4 | Drugs | 1 |
| 5 | Militancy/Maritime Incidents | 7 |
| 6 | Terrorism | 6 |
| 7 | Political/Government Agencies |
|
| 8 | Murder/Assassination | 15 |
| 9 | Rape Incidents | 8 |
| 10 | Others | 4 |
|
| Review/Analysis | |
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
Gunmen Kidnap Journalist, Daughter in Ogun
A journalist in Ogun State, Nofisat Oshin, and her 15-year-old daughter were, June 2, kidnapped by gunmen in Ijebu Ode LGA of the state. Oshin is the Director of Information, Odogbolu LGA of the state and wife of former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tokunbo Oshin. The woman was allegedly abducted while she was heading home in her car with her daughter, Afolabi. They were said to have accosted by the gunmen along Akobi Street in Ijebu-Ode. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the abduction and said the command had swung into action in a bid to rescue the victims.
Security Rescues Three Kidnapped Victims in Kaduna
Three kidnapped persons were, June 2, rescued from kidnappers by the Kaduna State security outfit, Operation Yaki. The victims are all of Idon village in Kachia LGA of the state. The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kaduna State Governor, Samuel Aruwan, June 3, stated that the rescued persons had been reunited with their families. Aruwan urged residents to continue to volunteer information to the Operation Yaki for prompt action, claiming that the rescue of the victims was made possible following a distress call received by the security outfit’s control room. He noted that the armed bandits, however, escaped with bullet wounds. He said one AK47 rifle with three rounds of live ammunitions and Indian hemp, among others, were recovered from them.
Islamic Cleric Abducts, Rapes Dubai Returnee
The police in Ogun State have rescued a 24-year-old woman from an Islamic cleric five months after he allegedly abducted her from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos State. The suspect, Olalekan Anifowoshe, was said to have kept the victim, who had just returned from Dubai in a rented apartment in the Atan-Ota area of the state and allegedly raped her during the period. A Good Samaritan, who saw her in the month of May, was said to have informed her family and the case was reported to the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest. Simbiat and the 42-year-old suspect were neighbours in the Surulere area of Lagos, where the suspect’s wife and children also resided. The victim disclosed that anytime she demanded to see her parents, he would beat her up and boast that she had reached her “final destination.” Simbiat, alleged that Anifowoshealso collected her jewellery valued at N250,000 and a cash sum of about N480,000. The suspect admitted committing the acts and promised to return the money and jewelleries. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, June 6, confirmed that the suspect had been charged to court.
Woman Docked for Child Theft
The Lagos State Police Command, June 6, arraigned a 36-year-old woman, Awosoka Abiodun, before a magistrate’s court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly stealing a child on May 16. According to reports, the woman accosted two children, Michael and Solomon Chibueze, who were on their way to their mother’s shop. She gave the elder one, Michael, N20 to go and buy biscuit, but when he returned, he could not find his younger brother and the said woman. Michael quickly raised the alarm and that attracted passers-by who took him to the police. All efforts made to locate the said woman proved abortive. But a month later, the woman was spotted at the same place. She pretended to be a beggar, while playing with some children. The defendant, who initially pleaded guilty, later changed her plea to not guilty. The Magistrate, B. O. Osunsanmi, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The matter was adjourned till September 26.
Robbery
Robbers Lay Siege on Calabar, Kill Policeman, Snatch Cars
Armed bandits, June 3, killed a Police Inspector during a robbery operation at a popular hotel in Calabar, Cross River State. The robbers also shot another policeman at the same hotel before making away with his gun to another part of the city where they attacked a security operative at a bank, also snatching his weapon. The armed robbers went on to snatch at least 7 cars as they laid siege to the city for about 3 hours before retreating to their hideout. A witness reported that the hoodlums successfully dispossessed the hotel customers of their belongings for over one hour before the arrival of the police team, whose leader was killed. Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, confirmed the robbery operations.
2 Arrested for Robbing Customs Officer
A two-man armed robbery gang was, June 5, arrested by men of Fegge Police Division after they robbed a Customs officer at Fegge in Onitsha, Anambra State. The Customs officer was said to have come into town from his work place and was riding on his motorcycle when the suspects pushed him off his bike and robbed him at gunpoint. They were, however, caught by the police with the help of onlookers. The Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Fegge Police Station, Rabiu Garba, said that the suspects would be charged to court.
Publisher Survives Violent Robbery Attack
Gunmen, June 5, invaded the Lagos, residence of a Newspaper publisher, Sam Amuka, dispossessed him of money and other valuables, and physically assaulted him. The bandits, numbering five, used iron rods and other dangerous weapons to brutalise the 81-year-old publisher. The hoodlums reportedly stormed the one-storey building located on Adebayo Mukuolu Street at about 1.30am and gained entrance to the house after they scaled the fence and cut the burglar proof of one of the windows with chisel. It was gathered that when they could not open the entrance door leading to his bedroom, they broke the ceiling and succeeded in getting in.
Police Foil Robbery Attack on Supermarket, Arrest Suspects
A patrol team attached to the Surulere Police Division of the Lagos State Command, June 6, foiled a robbery attempt at a supermarket and arrested three of the suspects. The trio, identified as 22-year-old Dada Ramoni, 25-year-old, Rilwan Wasiu and 26-year-old Afeez Azee, had attempted to rob a supermarket at Ogunlana Drive, Surulere. After foiling the intended robbery attack, the policemen recovered one locally made double barrel short gun with cartridges.
Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect, Recover Arms
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery suspect and recovered arms and ammunition. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said the suspect was apprehended on June 7 by a surveillance team of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command through a tip-off by a concerned citizen. Butswat, identified the suspect as 22-year-old Festus Solomon. He said during the arrest, two locally-made pistols loaded with two cartridges and 11 live cartridges concealed in a woven cap were recovered from his vehicle. Butswat said the suspect confessed that he and other accomplices on the run came from Delta State to carry out an operation. Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Landlord, Son Arrested for Robbing Tenant
A 59-year-old landlord and his son have been arrested in Lafia, Nasarawa State, by the police for allegedly being in possession of firearms and robbing a tenant. The State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, explained that the first suspect, the landlord’s son, broke into the room of the tenant, Enyeribe Chinma, through the ceiling and robbed him of his cell phone and other valuables at gunpoint. Shehu alleged that the suspect shot the victim on the head, but that the victim survived the wound. According to the commissioner, the victim alerted the Police at about 5.30am, and the suspect was arrested. He said during investigation, a revolver pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, Tecno cell phone and a flash drive were recovered from the suspect. He said that the suspect confessed to the crime and claimed that the gun belonged to his father.
DSS Arrests Nine-Man Cattle Rustling Gang
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano State have dislodged a nine-man gang of suspected cattle rustlers. The state Director of DSS, Abdullahi Chiranchi, said the international cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping and car-snatching gang had been terrorising Kano, Kaduna and residents of Niger Republic. According to him, those who were arrested include some persons that broke into the house of a former National Security Adviser, Mukthar Mohammed. The DSS Director explained that a Nigerian, Suleiman Mohammad, who was one of those arrested, was allegedly supplying arms to his gang from Niger Republic. The suspects were arrested at different locations in the state, while some of them were trailed and arrested in other states. Among the things recovered from them are four pistols one pump action gun, 37.9 rounds of ammunition, jewelleries, expensive clothes and cash. Chiranchi disclosed that two out of the four specially-made pistols recovered from the gang belonged to Nigerien security officials.
Gang Incidents
Cultists Invade Police Station, Kill 11 in Rivers State
Gunmen, June 5, engaged policemen in Rumuji Divisional Police Headquarters in Emohua LGA of Rivers State in heavy shooting, and succeeded in chasing officers on night duty away and freeing detainees in the police cell. The hoodlums, having gained access into the station also carted away guns and other weapons from the police armoury. After the invasion of the Police station, the cultist went on to kill over 11 persons in 3 communities. A resident disclosed that seven people were shot dead in Ovogo community, two in Rumuji and two others in Rumuewhuo communities. Police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the attack, but did not mention casualties.
Police Kill Four Notorious Cultists in Rivers
Four notorious cultists were, June 8, killed by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command during a gun battle around Ogbakiri Junction in Emohua LGA of the state. The incident took place as the suspected cultists mobilized to attack the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Annex Office within the area before a detachment of policemen opened fire on them. It was gathered that the policemen had positioned themselves some yards away from the SARS Annex Office. The hoodlums were said to have fired back while the police got more reinforcement. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed that one of the four hoodlums died in the hospital after confessing that they were members of the gang that attacked a police station in Emohua LGA. Items suspected to be dynamites were recovered from the hoodlums.
Drugs
Woman Docked over 1.72 kg Cocaine Peddling
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), June 8, arraigned a 35-year-old woman, Dorothy Ifeyinwa, in a Federal High Court in Lagos over trafficking 1.72kg of cocaine. Ifeyinwa, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial judge, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum. The judge said that one of the sureties must be an officer not below Grade Level 15 in the civil service, and must depose to an affidavit of means. The prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, alleged that the accused committed the offence on April 11 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. He said that during the outward clearance of an Emirate Airline flight from Dubai, 1.72 kg of cocaine was discovered in the possession of the accused person.
Militancy/Maritime
Ogun Police Arrest Six Pipeline Vandals
The Ogun State Police Command, June 4, disclosed that it had arrested six suspected pipeline vandals in various locations in the state. Those arrested include four notorious militants operating around the Ikorodu-Arepo axis. The four suspects were arrested on June 3. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the suspects were under interrogation at the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Magbon in Abeokuta. He said the suspects had made useful statements that would assist in the investigations and the arrest of other suspects. The group is linked with the killings of security men and vandalism of pipelines in the Arepo axis.
NSCDC Arrests Alleged Leader of Agip Pipeline Bombing
Operatives of the anti-vandal unit of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested the alleged leader of the armed gang that recently bombed the Tebidaba-Brass trunk line in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. The suspect, Suoyo Nathan, was reportedly arrested on June 6 in the swamp. Security operatives remain on the trail of two other suspects involved in the bombing. A senior official of the NSCDC disclosed that the suspect was arrested with the assistance of NAOC surveillance team and would be prosecuted after investigations.
Navy Arrest Militant Leaders in Delta State
The Nigerian Navy said it had arrested a militant kingpin allegedly responsible for the recent attacks on NNPC and Chevron oil facilities in the Niger Delta region. Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Raimi Muhammed, June 7, said his men also arrested another militant leader who spearheaded an attack on Shell Petroleum Development Company’s 48inch crude pipeline in Forcados. It was gathered that the militants’ coordinator illegally operates about 35 abandoned oil well heads and crude oil pipelines in Okpoko and Obodo creeks in Warri South West LGA of Delta state. Commodore Mohammed said the suspects were arrested in collaboration with other security agencies.
Soldiers Arrest Ijaw Chief, Others over Bombing of Shell Facilities
Soldiers, June 5, swooped on oil-rich Ogulagha community in Burutu LGA of Delta State, arresting six persons in connection with the June 2 bombing of Forcados 48 Export Line belonging to Shell Nigeria Petroleum Company. Among those seized were Chief Peter Tuasinde; chairman of Ogulagha community, Captain Prebor Solomon and Public Relations Officer of the community, Henry Agedigba, who went to find out from the Joint Task Force (JTF), why they raided the community and apprehended his kinsmen. Also arrested were a staff of a Catering Company in Forcados Terminal, John Borme; a businessman, Clement Ibada, and Ejor Burutu, who reportedly showed them the houses of the persons they mentioned. It was learned that soldiers of the JTF invaded the community on suspicion that some members of the community were involved in blowing up the crude oil pipeline. Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for the attack.
Niger Delta Avengers Blow up Chevron Oil Well
The Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group claiming responsibility for recent vandalism of oil installations in the Niger Delta, June 8, blew up another Chevron oil well, Dibi Flow Station, in Warri North LGA of Delta State. A prominent activist from the area, Comrade Graham Abulu, confirmed the incident. A senior military officer also confirmed the development. A source said a technical team has already been dispatched to the spot of the incident to assess the damage.
Militants Blow Up another Pipeline in Warri
Niger Delta militants, June 9, blew up another pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) at Chanomi Creeks in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. It was discovered that the militants stormed the facility in the night and used dynamite to blow up the crude oil pipeline at Kurutie. The pipeline supplies crude oil to Warri and Kaduna Refineries. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, but the suspicion is on Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), which had claimed responsibility for a series of recent attacks on oil facilities.
Militants Claim Agip Oil Facility Attack
A Niger Delta militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), June 10, claimed a fresh attack on a pipeline operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. The group claimed that it blew up the Obi Obi Brass trunk line belonging to Agip Eni. The militants have vowed to reduce Nigeria’s oil production to zero. Security sources said the incident, which happened at about 3 o’clock in the morning, sparked fire on the facility. The state Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Desmond Agu, confirmed the incident.
Terrorism
32 Troops, Several Insurgents in Deadly Clash at Bosso
Thirty-two soldiers were, June 3, killed in a clash with Boko Haram terrorists on Niger’s border with Nigeria. Niger’s defence ministry, June 4, stated that hundreds of assailants attacked a military post at Bosso on June 3, killing 30 Nigerien and two Nigerian soldiers. Sixty-seven others were wounded in the incident. The ministry further disclosed that several insurgents were also killed in the attack. The ministry assured that the defence and security forces carried out a counter-attack on June 4 which enabled them to retake all positions in the town of Bosso. The situation is under control and calm had returned, he added.
Troops Kill 11 Boko Haram Terrorists, Lose Soldier
The Nigerian Army said that troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade and 112 Battalion, June 2, killed eleven Boko Haram terrorists, losing a soldier while 3 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries in several attacks carried out to flush out remnants of the terrorist sect. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, said that the troops ambushed Boko Haram elements at Sabsawa-Boarding road and BOCOBS-Ngurusoye road in Borno state killing 3 terrorists and arrested one of them between 1st and 2nd June 2016. Earlier in the same day, troops of 112 Battalion on patrol from Mafa to Dikwa were ambushed at Ajiri village, by Boko Haram terrorists who killed one soldier. The team killed 8 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered arms and ammunitions at the ambush site. The recovered items include, 1 Rocket Propel Grenade (RPG), AK-47 Rifles, 2 Rocket Propel Grenade bombs, 3 AK-47 Rifle Magazine and 120 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The troops also discovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) concealed by the edge of the road which were safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Device (EOD) team.
Troops Kill Top Boko Haram Leader, 18 Others in Borno
The Nigerian Army troops, June 3, killed a top leader of Boko Haram and 18 members of the sect in its on-going battle to rid the north-east of terrorism. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said troops of the 22 Brigade Garrison, 153 Task Force Battalion of 7 Division and 8 Task Force Division and Nigeria Air Force Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance, as well as some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out the operation that resulted in the killing of the insurgents at their stronghold of Chukungudu. Usman said the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Gana, who was killed, belonged to the Amir cadre of the group. He said the troops encountered some Boko Haram terrorists at Muskari, Gilam and Hausasi before getting to their target at Chukungudu. The troops also destroyed an Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) factory and detonated four primed IEDs. Usman added that the troops also recovered from the insurgents two anti-aircraft guns, one AK-47 rifle, a pistol, a rocket propelled gun bomb, an AK-47 magazine, 267 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) metal links ammunition and 23 rounds of 12.7mm belt ammunition, a canter truck, a gun truck, a Land Rover vehicle and a Toyota Hilux vehicle.
DSS Dislodge ISIS Cell in Kano
The Department of Security Service (DSS) has busted ISIS training Cells in Kano state and arrested five persons on their way to Libya and other Africa States. The State Director of DSS, Abdullahi Bello Chiranchi, June 8, said that the arrest was a significant breakthrough in frustrating moves by terrorist to make Kano an ISI training ground. Chiranci revealed that those arrested were indigenes of Kogi State moving to Libya, Morocco and other places that might have traces of ISIS fighters. The DSS, however, failed to offer details of those suspected ISIS members on transit to Libya.
Troops Clear Boko Haram Enclaves, Rescue 197 IDPs
The troops of 26 Battalion, 151 Task Force Battalion, 155 Task Force Battalion and some elements of 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army, June 8, carried out a joint clearance operation to destroy remnants of Boko Haram terrorists camps and enclaves in several villages in Bama LGA of Borno State. The security forces succeeded in rescuing about 197 hostages and displaced persons in the area. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said that villages included Kircha Goniye, Wujjah Alkelu, Kita Jiddum, Jameri, Geri Gana, Gere Kura, Jabe while others cleared by the troops were Hasana Jere and Chachile. During the operation, Usman said, the troops came in contact with elements of the terrorist group during which two of the terrorists were killed. He said that the troops further recovered five Dane guns, two mobile telephone handsets, three Boko Haram terrorists’ flags and a generator as well as several vehicles.
Troops Kill Fleeing Terrorist
Troops of 22 Brigade Garrison on blocking position, June 8, encountered a convoy of Boko Haram terrorists on motorcycles during which they killed one Boko Haram terrorist and recovered three motorcycles, a bag containing cash sum of N466,000.00. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, confirmed this development.
Political/Government Agencies
Murder/Assassinations
10-Year-Old Boy Abducted, Killed in Kano
The Kano State Police Command has confirmed that suspected kidnappers abducted and slaughtered a 10-year-old boy in Kano State. Police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majia, June 7, identified the victim as Musa Salisu. Musa was abducted by unknown assailants on June 6 at Naibawa quarters of the metropolis when he was sent on an errand. The police spokesman also confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder. An uncle of the deceased, Abubakar Kafinta, disclosed that they did not know that the boy was abducted until they got a call from an unidentified person, who informed the family about the unfortunate development. He explained that the abductors had demanded N500,000.00 ransom, to secure the boy’s release or else they will take his life. According to Kafinta, the matter was promptly reported to the police.
Pirates Kill IYC Official in Ambush
Suspected sea pirates, June 4, ambushed a boat and killed an executive member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Diepreye Peters. The incident occurred along the Brass waterways in the Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. Peters was the secretary of IYC in Brass. It was learnt that the gunmen ambushed and shot at the boat conveying the victim and forced its occupants to flee into the mangrove. One of his friends, Sam Dogitimi, disclosed that the victim fought against illegal oil bunkering in the area. Travellers have constantly been robbed, maimed and killed by sea robbers along Brass waterways.
Gunmen Kill Naval Officer, 18 Others in Rivers
Gunmen suspected to be cult members, June 5, killed 19 persons, including one naval personnel, in Aluu community in Ikwerre LGA and Obite community in Etche LGA of Rivers State. A naval officer was among those killed when members of two cult groups stormed the communities and engaged each other in a free-for-all. The gunmen, believed to be of Greenlanders cult, invaded Aluu in reprisal against a rival group, Icelanders, and killed 15 persons, including a nursing mother. One naval personnel, who was among the Joint Task Force (JTF) team that went to the area to bring the situation under control, was hit by a bullet from the cultists. Many others were injured during the attack in the Aluu community. It was gathered that the cult members also killed some innocent persons and left several others with bullet wounds.
Herdsman Stabs Farmer to Death
The Nasarawa State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a herdsman, who allegedly stabbed a farmer to death. The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Lawan Bashir-Kano, said that the suspect, on June 1, stabbed Malam Nasiru Mohammed to death in his farm after the herdsman’s cattle strayed into Mohammed’s farm at in Kokona LGA and destroyed crops. He said that on seeing the level of devastation, Mohammed attempted to alert the villagers but was hounded and stabbed severally by the herdsman. He said that the command in collaboration with the vigilance group in the area, was able to arrest the suspect on June 3. He said the suspect had confessed to the crime and would be handed over to the police.
Cultists Kill NYSC Member in Bayelsa
A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, James Onuh, serving with Bayelsa State Ministry of Works was, June 4, killed by gunmen in Obele, a suburb of Yenagoa. Onuh, a civil engineering graduate of University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, died when gunmen, suspected to be cultists, accosted him close to his residence, and shot him at close range. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he died. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident. He added that the police were on the trail of the suspects.
4 Arrested over Colonel’s Murder
Four suspects, allegedly involved in the killing of an Army Colonel, Samaila Inusa, in Kaduna State, have been arrested. It was gathered that two of the suspects, Abdullahi Adamu, a prison warder, and Emeka Okeke, leader of the gang, were arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response, Team, IRT, while two others, Ibrahim Kabiru and one Ebele were arrested by operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB). Colonel Inusa, 44, who was serving at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, as Chief Instructor, was abducted and killed by unknown gunmen on March 26 in Kaduna. Adamu, a close associate of the alleged gang leader, Okeke, was in possession of the late Colonel’s phone when he was arrested. Force Public Relations Officer, Bisi Kolawole, said the arrests were made following discreet, sustained and painstaking intelligence efforts by security operatives.
Police Arraign Dismissed Corporal for Killing Inspector in Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed a corporal, Daramola Tosin, from service for allegedly withdrawing N300,000 from the bank account of an Inspector, Lateef Shuaib, whom he killed and buried in a bush near the Osi police station in Ekiti LGA of the state. The command also arraigned the dismissed officer at a magistrate’s court in Ilorin. Investigations revealed that on May 6, while Inspector Lateef Shuaib was defecating inside the bush, Tosin, callously and viciously traced him into the bush and shot him with his AK47 rifle and buried him inside the bush. The magistrate ordered that the dismissed officer should be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Mandalla in Ilorin and adjourned the case till June 21 for further mention.
Gunmen Kill Edo APC Youth Leader
Unknown gunmen, June 6, killed a youth leader, identified as Sunny Omokaro, in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State. Omokaro, said to be a member of the All Progressives Congress, was reportedly shot dead at Ikpoba Hill. It was learnt that the assailants stormed his wife’s shop at night and shot him, few minutes after he returned from a political meeting. The gunmen, who were suspected to be armed robbers, had forced their way into the shop in order to escape arrest by some policemen. Omokaro was said to have told the robbers to leave his shop before they allegedly shot him at a close range and fled. The Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, confirmed the incident, adding that the matter was being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Headless Body of Bike Rider Found near Auchi Poly
The headless body of a commercial motorcyclist was found in front of Campus II of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State. The severed head of the victim was found some distance from his motorcycle by the road side. It was, however, not clear whether it was a case of murder or ritual killing. Some witnesses claimed the victim was killed by a hit-and-run lorry. The Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Moses Bature, who confirmed the incident gave the name of the victim as Clement. The Unit Commander, said the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary, but added that the cause of the death was yet to be ascertained.
Lagos Arraigns Monarch, Son over Murder
Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Lagos State High Court, June 8, remanded the traditional ruler of Temidire community in Agbado Oke-Odo area of the state, Alhaji Nojeem Abioye and his son, Wahab Abioye in prison custody over their alleged involvement in the killing of one Rasaki Olatunji. The two men were arraigned before the court on two count charge of conspiracy to commit a felony to wit; Murder. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against them by the Lagos State government. According to the prosecution, the deceased was reportedly murdered during a riot on July 20, 2015 in Oko-filling area, Alagbado, Lagos State. The riot was organized by the community leader, Alhaji Nojimu Abioye and the people in that community.
Gunmen Attack Hostel, Kill 5 Benue Varsity Students, Security Man
Gunmen suspected to be members of a cult group, June 8, killed five students and a security guard at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM). The incident happened at a private owned hostel in the south-core campus of the institution. The attack was propelled by a clash between some rival students’ cult groups. Some others believed that the gunmen were Fulani militia that have been terrorizing the agrarian areas of the state. The information officer of UAM, Roseline Waku, confirmed the killing of 5 persons. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu confirmed that men of the police command had been deployed to the university to maintain law and order.
Woman Throws Child into Pit at IDP Camp
A woman in one of the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, Borno State, has been arrested for killing her baby. The state Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, June 8, disclosed that a 30-year-old woman at Dikwa IDP camp, caused the death of her baby by throwing him into a pit on June 1. The woman was arrested in Dikwa town after fleeing the camp. Abdullahi said the suspect had been handed over to the state Police Command in Maiduguri for prosecution.
Two Brutally Murdered in Calabar
Two young men were, June 8, brutally hacked to death in Calabar, Cross River State. The killings are feared to be a continuation of the raging cult war which has claimed several lives in the city this year. The first killing took place at Etagbo/Akim Road junction close to the University of Calabar exit gate when a young man was attacked with axes and left to die in a pool of his blood. The second killing occurred along Mayne Avenue/Palm Street when a gang of six young men chased another young man from his residence at Murray Street through several streets down to Mayne Avenue where they caught up with him and hacked him to death. The victim, Emmanuel Abuichi, was said to be the “hit man” of the rival cult that hacked him to death.
Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Igbo Woman in Kano
The Kano state police command has disclosed that it had arrested some suspects involved in the June 2 killing of an Igbo woman, Bridget Agbahime, in Kano. Agbahime was said to have disallowed some Muslims from performing ablution in front of her shop in Kofar Wambai area of Kano metropolis, following which she was accused of blasphemy and mobbed to death. The killing was said to have happened in the presence of the woman’s husband, Pastor Mike Agbahime. The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has called for calm on the incident and assured that justice will be done. The prime suspect and 4 others believed to have masterminded the killing, were June 10, arraigned in court for breach of public peace and murder. They all pleaded not guilty to charges against them. The police prosecutor, Usman Jibril, pleaded the court to adjourn the case to enable them complete investigation. The Magistrate, Muhammad Jibrin adjourned the case to June 28 and directed that the suspects should be remanded in prison.
Gunmen Kill Residents after Missing Target in Ogun State
Residents of Banku Estate in the Obafemi Owode LGA of Ogun State have deserted the community after unidentified gunmen killed five residents and injured three others. It was learnt that the gunmen had invaded the community on June 8 while in search of a community leader, simply identified Bashorun. But when the gang did not meet their target, the gang leader was said to have ordered them to open fire on everyone in the area. Workers in a block-moulding factory and other residents were said to have been shot dead, as the assailants moved from house to house. A police source said the entrance into the community was blocked with cars parked by frightened residents. The killings were reported to be connected with a dispute over land between Bashorun’s gang and a rival group. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.
Rape
3 Men Docked over Rape of 16-Year-Old Girl
Three men, Akinpolu Ayobami (20), Oseni Buli (20), and Sunday Oyedeji (29), June 6, appeared before a Magistrates’ Court in Modakeke, Osun State for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Ona Glory, told the court that they committed the offence on May 9 at the Oke-dio Area of Modakeke in Ife North-East LGA. The accused persons were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl. The prosecutor told the court that the accused persons conspired and lured the 16-year-old into an uncompleted building where they defiled her. The Magistrate, Mrs Bose Awosan, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each in like sum. Awosan adjourned the case till June 22.
Kano Court Remands Man in Prison for Raping 13-Year-Old Boy
A 23-year-old man, Ahmed Musa, who allegedly had anal sex with a 13-year-old boy, was May 13, remanded in prison on the order of a Kano Magistrates’ Court. Musa, who lives at Rijiyar Lemo Quarters in Kano, is facing a charge of sodomy. The accused pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Fatima Adamu, who refused the accused bail, said he should be kept behind the bars until the next date of adjournment. The prosecutor, Sale Muhammad, told the court that a man, Adamu Shuaibu of Rijiyar Lemo Quarters, Kano, reported the incident at Rijiyar Lemo Police Station on May 2. According to him, about two months ago, the accused lured the boy into his shop at the quarters and had anal sex with him. The boy sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The case was adjourned to July 12 for mention.
Father Rapes 10-Year-Old Child
Justice Kudirat Jose of Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja was told how a commercial driver, Ajayi Gbadegesin, 40, had raped his daughter for 18 months. Led in evidence by the state prosecutor, Babatunde Oguntemowo, a witness, Babatope Adamolekun, disclosed that on May 12, 2014, he saw a 10-year-old girl begging a woman for money, and sought to know why the girl was not in school. According to him, the victim narrated how she lost her mother and how her father had been having sex with her for more than one and half years. Adamolekun told the court that with the help of four other people, they got the victim’s father and forced him to the police station in a tricycle. The DPO directed that the matter be charged to court immediately after seeing a medical report, which confirmed that the girl had been sexually molested. The suspect, Gbadegesin, admitted having sex with his daughter and was remanded in Kirikiri Prison. Justice Jose adjourned the matter till October 6 for continuation of trial.
Man Rapes, Kills Woman in Lagos Community
A woman in Oke Ota community Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Grace Obinna, was, June 5, raped and killed by a man simply identified as Badoo. Badoo, a notorious rapist, is alleged to have raped two other women in the area, cutting them with knives afterwards. It was gathered that Badoo broke the window into Obinna’s apartment and went into the room of the victim while her husband was away. The assailant was said to have raped Obinna and hit her head with weapons. It was learnt that when neighbours and local vigilance group members, who heard the victim’s cries, got to the room, the man had fled, while Obinna and her baby were in a pool of blood. It was gathered that the woman was rushed to two hospitals, but was rejected. She was confirmed dead at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. The matter was quickly reported to the police, while the suspected is said to have threatened to wreak more havoc in the community. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said the command had commenced investigations.
49-Year-Old Nabbed over Rape of Student
A 49-year-old man, Wasiu Arogege, is currently being questioned over the rape of a 19-year-old undergraduate. It was gathered that the victim, who also operates a restaurant and bar, became acquainted with Arogege some time ago and he reportedly promised to help her with N20,000 to buy an oven to boost her business. He then invited her over to his residence for the money. But he only gave her N2000, pledging to give her the N20,000 in two instalments. Trouble began when the victim, who had thanked him for his gesture, decided to take her leave. The man allegedly refused her to leave and beat her into submission before raping her. The suspect, who claimed that she was his girlfriend, admitted beating her up because she refused to have sex with him.
Man Rapes 3 Minors in Lagos
A 19-year-old shoemaker, Sunday Cosmas, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for raping 3 girls aged five, eight and ten years in Ikotun area of the State. The suspect, who visits his girlfriend that resided in the same compound with the children, raped the three minors in the same location but at different occasions. It was learned that he started raping the eldest victim in 2015. Cosmas went ahead to defile two other victims in May 2016. It was gathered that two of the victims are siblings. It was also revealed that the victims were always present when the suspect made love to his girlfriend in her apartment. Trouble started after one of the victims innocently told her mother that she stopped going to Aunty Ibukun’s house because Cosmas usually sleeps with her. A neighbour whose daughters had complained of a similar occurrence confirmed the allegations. The aggrieved parents immediately raised an alarm and the suspect was arrested.
Class Teacher Defiles 4-Year-Old Female Pupil
A 27-year-old class teacher is being interrogated by the Police for allegedly defiling a female pupil of Light Bearers Private School, located at Iyana-Isashi area of Lagos state. It was learned that the teacher of the nursery two pupil, reportedly defiled the child on June 2 during school hours. Trouble started after the victim’s mother noticed blood stains on her daughter’s pants after she returned from school. Her mother said that the girl initially refused to open up because her teacher had threatened her not to tell anyone. But with much pressure, the girl disclosed that it was her teacher that inserted her fingers inside her bum-bum in class while others were sleeping.
Court Remands Man, 30, For Allegedly Raping 4 Minors
A Kano Magistrates’ Court, June 9, remanded a 30-year-old man, Habibu Yuguda, in prison custody for allegedly raping four young girls. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Inspector Shuaibu Musa, told the court that three complainants, Yusuf Musa, Abdullahi Yahaya and Yahuza Sale, all of Gezawa in Kano, reported the matter at the Gezawa Police Division in Kano. The prosecutor explained that the accused gave the girls –ages 11 and 12 years- a ride in his car and took them to his house at Kofar Fada Village and forcefully raped them. The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Maryam Sabo, ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case to July 19 for further mention.
Others
One Dead, Several Displaced in Aladja, Ogbe-Ijoh Communal Clash
One person was reported killed and scores of residents injured, while several persons have been displaced in the renewed hostilities between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta Sate over the lingering boundary dispute. While Aladja, is a community in Udu council area, Ogbe-Ijoh, is the local government headquarters for Warri South West. It was gathered that renewed hostilities began on June 1 over a pot of charm that was allegedly prepared by some persons from Ogbe-Ijoh and deposited in the disputed land, which was destroyed by Aladja youths. Secretary, Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Governing Council, Aaron Oweizi-Ebiye, alleged that the incident was as a result of an earlier attack by youths from Aladja community, who had, on several occasions, invaded Ogbe-Ijoh community. In a counter claim, the chairman of Aladja Governing Council, Dogene Elias, said that Ogbe-Ijoh youths had been trying to take armed battle into their community.
Army Arrests Four Fake Military Personnel In Rivers
Four fake military personnel were paraded by the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt. One of the fake military personnel, Abba Ibrahim, was said to be parading himself as a captain in the Nigerian Army, while defrauding unsuspecting members of the public. Ibrahim, who is also involved in illegal oil bunkering, was arrested in Bodo on June 1 with illegally refined oil and a Toyota Hilux van. The suspect, who was dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2008, was first arrested in 2011, charged to court and jailed after he paraded himself as a Lieutenant. He was later released on bail, but he went back to his crime and was arrested after parading himself as a Captain in the Nigerian Army.
Lagos Police Arrest Fake Cop for Extortion
The Lagos State Police Command, June 8, arrested a man, Austin Okwuokei (32), for impersonating and parading himself as a policeman at the Costain area of the state. Dressed in police uniform, the suspect was said to have been successfully extorting money from unsuspecting motorists. He was said to have been picked up by detectives attached to Iponri Police Division, based on a tip-off, and when he was accosted by some policemen, he could not identify himself. Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the suspect would be charged to court for impersonation
Muslim Youths Attack 41-year Old Carpenter for Not Fasting
A carpenter, Francis Emmanuel, was June 7, attacked and brutalized in Kakuri area of Kaduna State by some Muslim boys for not fasting. Emmanuel, who sustained deep machete cuts on various parts of his body, was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The 41-year old man said he was taking his lunch in a restaurant when the boys numbering about six accosted and attacked him with dangerous weapons querying him for not fasting.
Review/Analysis
Murder/assassination incident, which recorded a decline recently has seen a sharp rise this week. The authorities continue to work tirelessly to prevent wanton killings, but killers appear more daring with gruesome killings of record. The law enforcement agents also turned the gun on themselves as a rogue policeman killed and buried a police inspector he had stolen from. While the military in the north-east battle terrorist to save lives, a woman in the camp of Internally Displaced People killed her new baby and dumped the baby in a pit before fleeing the camp. Day light killings and invasion of communities by cultists appear to be the order of the day in south-south as gangs viciously go after their rivals. The authorities continue to make arrests and hunt for fleeing suspects.
The recent spike in rape of minors is worrisome. Rapists continue to unleash terror on innocent children, who fearfully remain silent as the rapists threaten them with death. Very sad is the case of a 10-year-old girl that was severally raped by her father. The police continue to arrest suspects. These sad incidents were mostly recorded in the south-west, and a few in the north.
The activities Niger Delta militants continue to negatively affect oil production in Nigeria as they remain unrelenting in the bombing of oil facilities. The military, in a bid to quell the resurging attacks, have deployed troops in the region. While suspects have been arrested, this move appears to have little or no effect as the attacks on oil installations continue. Vandals and oil thieves also continue to wreak havoc on oil pipelines.
As armed robbery gangs become more ferocious in their attacks, the authorities remain a stronger match, arrest suspects and stopping them in their tracks.
The Nigerian military continues its offensives against the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, killing a wanted Boko Haram leader. Many terrorist enclaves were cleared, while hostages were rescued. Troops continue to kill the insurgents in their numbers, while a number of the insurgents are reported to have surrendered to the military.
The authorities have consistently called for public support in providing timely and credible information to reduce crime in the society. Let us join hands to build a safer society for all.