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

Week 25

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY


S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

9

2

Robbery

7

3

Gang

4

4

Drugs

5

Militancy/Maritime Incidents

3

6

Terrorism

11

7

Political/Government Agencies

8

Murder/Assassination

5

9

Rape Incidents

6

10

Others

5

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Thwart Kidnap Attempt on Expatriates in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command, June 12, disclosed that its operatives aborted an attempt by suspected hoodlums to forcibly seize foreigners living at the Expatriates Quarters at the Onopa area of the state. Members of the criminal gang, who reportedly stormed the area in several speedboats, got to the quarters at about 11.50pm and scaled the fence into the residential area, but were effectively repelled by the police team. Police spokesmane, Asinim Butswat, disclosed that the hoodlums retreated after an exchange of gunfire with the security operatives on guard duty. Butswat, noted that men of the command were currently on the trail of the hoodlums.

Police Parade Suspected Abductor of Reverend Sisters, Others

The Ondo State Police Command, June 11, paraded some suspected criminals including one Philip Isiga, alleged to have participated in the recent kidnap of two reverend sisters and their driver. The two sisters and their driver were abducted on May 15 along the Benin-Ijebu Ode Expressway at Kajola village in Odigbo LGA of Ondo State but were released after a week in captivity. The state Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, who paraded the suspects, vowed that the police would ensure that the state was free from all forms of criminalities. She enjoined the people to always report crimes and suspicious movements.

Police Arrest Kidnap Kingpin in Akwa-Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a kidnap kingpin and leader of a notorious cult group, Deybam Men Confraternity, Godwin Edet Okon, who allegedly tortured and killed an Addax Petroleum Oil Field Staff in 2006. State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Cordelia Nwawe, June 10, disclosed that the police had been investigating the case since 2006. She added that the suspect had confessed to the 2006 crime of kidnap and murder of the man, who died in their custody. Operative of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that searched his premises discovered two human skulls, one of a man and the other of a woman as well as locally-made firearms.

Police Rescue Abducted 60-Year-Old Woman

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued an abducted 60-year-old woman. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Cordelia Nwawe, disclosed that the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), June 10, rescued Adiaha Thomas, who was kidnapped from her residence. According to her, the police swung into action and gave the kidnappers a hot chase forcing them to abandon the victim. She, however, reiterated that the police remained on the trail of the suspects.

Soldiers Rescue Kidnap Victim, Kill 5 Suspects

Five suspected cultists believed to be members of the Icelander cult, were, June 12, killed in Obelle, a community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State, by the military during a shootout. The military also rescued five victims that were held hostage by the gang around Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. The Army, following the recurrent killings and other cult-related activities that were threatening the peace in Rivers State, June 12, trailed the hoodlums to their camp in Obelle, leading to a shootout. In the process, five out of six hostages escaped from the kidnappers’ den. The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, confirmed that five cultists were killed and two criminal camps destroyed.

Gunmen Kidnap Judge, Kill Orderly in Kogi

Unknown gunmen, June 12, kidnapped a judge of Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Isiyaka Momoh-Jimoh Usman in Kogi State. The Incident occurred along the Itakpe-Kuroko Road in Okehi LGA while the judge was returning to Lokoja from his country home. The suspected Kidnappers shot the police orderly killing him on the spot while the driver of the Judge sustained bullet wounds. The policeman was shot when he tried to stop the kidnappers from abducting the judge. The kidnappers made away with his service pistol. The information Officer of the Kogi State Ministry Justice, Saqeeb Saeed, who confirmed the incident, also confirmed that the judge was released in Okene on June 14. The judge has since reunited with his family.

Man, Wife, Others Arrested over Serial Kidnaps in Ondo

A couple, Ayodeji and Adebimpe Muyijimi, has been arrested by detectives in Ondo State for masterminding series of abductions, including that of the two Catholic reverend sisters and their driver along the Ore-Shagamu Express way. State Police Commissioner, Hilda Harrison, June 15, disclosed that Ayodeji and Adebimpe Muyijimi have confessed to the crimes. It was revealed that Ayodeji often gives information on would-be victims to the gang. The wife, Adebimpe, is said to be the armourer of the gang. The gang leader, Godwin Ufoma, was arrested alongside the couple. The commissioner said efforts were in top gear to arrest other members of the gang.

Suspected Child Kidnapper Nabbed in Lagos

A 17-ar-old girl, Chizoba Maduegbunam, was, June 16, caught by residents, while attempting to abduct a child at Oto-Awori. It was gathered that the community members took the suspect to the Oni-Ijanikin palace. Confirming the report, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said a woman was caught in Ijanikin trying to steal a child. The Ijanikin Division of the Lagos State Police Command is currently investigating the incident.

Kidnapped Journalist, Daughter Regain Freedom

The Director of Information, Odogbolu LGA of Ogun State, Nosifat Oshin, and her 15-year-old daughter, Afolabi, that were recently abducted regained their freedom on June 17. The mother and daughter spent two weeks in captivity. Nofisat is the wife of a former deputy Speaker in the State House of Assembly, Dr Tokunbo Oshin. It was not clear whether the family paid any ransom to the kidnappers. Oshin and her daughter were kidnapped on June 2, in front of the family home in Ijebu-Ode while trying to drive inside their compound. Dr Oshin confirmed their release, adding that the victims had been taken to hospital for medical attention.

Robbery

RRS Nabs Ex-convict For Robbing Foreigners in Lagos

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested an ex-convict after he robbed a Portuguese couple in traffic around Ijora, Lagos. The suspect, 22-year-old Samuel Meme, was arrested after he had robbed a Portuguese couple and occupant of another car in traffic at Marine Bridge, Ijora. The suspect, who disclosed that four of his gang members are currently serving different jail terms in Kirikiri prison, carried out the operation alongside one Wasiu, who escaped arrest. In his confession, he disclosed that he was only released from prison where he had spent three months and that four of his gang members were still serving terms in Kirikiri Prison.

Ex-Convict Paraded for Robbery

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, June 10, paraded an ex-convict, Lekan Adewale, for armed robbery. Adewale, who had been on the police wanted list, confessed to belonging to a three-man gang of armed robbers that had been responsible for series of armed robbery operations in Ibadan. The Police also disclosed the arrest of a two-man armed robbery gang in Ibadan. The suspects are Kelvin Eluwa (31) and Adegboyega Tunji (31). According to the police, the alleged bandits scaled the fence to gain entry into the house of their victim at about 8pm and hid in the compound till early morning when their victim came out before attacking her and her family.

Armed Robbers Kill Bank Customer, Gang Member in Lagos

A six-man robbery gang, June 16, attacked and killed a man, who had gone to withdraw an undisclosed amount from a bank at Odunade, Alaba area of Lagos. The suspects as gathered stationed their operational bikes close to the bank. On sighting the man coming out of the bank, three of them reportedly accosted him and shot him at close range, before collecting the money from him. A mobile policeman, who attempted to rescue the victim, was reportedly shot in the hand, after he had shot one of the bandits in the leg. The injured robber was later killed by his cohorts in a bid to make their escape swift. However, three of the suspects were arrested by the police team that had laid ambush for them at Orege in Ajegunle. Three of the suspects, according to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Dolapo Badmos, were arrested and had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS for further investigation.

Police Arrest Nasarawa Monarch for Robbery

A 50-year-old district head of Dagachi Bukan-Sidi, Lafia, Mohammed Agabi, has been arrested by the Nasarawa State Police Command for his alleged involvement in armed robbery activity. The state Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, parading the suspect on June 10, said the district head was arrested alongside four gang members at his residence, while trying to sell the guns and other items in his possession. It was further learnt that the monarch supplied guns to the other gangs terrorising locals. Items recovered from them included 132 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition for AK-47 rifles, one bulletproof jacket, two axes and one cutlass with charms. Shehu added that the command had also arrested four armed robbers, who were students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi for allegedly breaking into the apartments of one Mr. Tukur Habakkuk and one Mr. Musa Kashim.

Car Snatcher Nabbed in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, June 10 disclosed that detectives from Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), June 8, acted on a tip-off and arrested a notorious car snatcher, Joseph Okon. Okon was arrested with one green Golf 3 S-Wagon and a black Toyota RAV4, suspected to have been stolen from their rightful owners. He said the police, in conjunction with the Fulani Vigilante group at Wamba, arrested one Muhammed Musa of Wulaji village on June 6, suspected to be a “one-man gang,” who had been terrorising citizens in the area. Items recovered from the suspect were one Dane gun and a cutlass.

Dismissed Soldier Arrested for Robbery

A dismissed soldier has been arrested in connection with the abduction of a private security guard and a botched robbery plot in Lagos State. The suspect, Emmanuel Audu (28), in the company of two others, were alleged to have abducted the guard in Maza-Maza area of Lagos and taken to Monkey Village in Kirikiri, where he was beaten up and money collected from him. The suspect, who was paraded by the Lagos State Command spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, on June 15, admitted to have been dismissed from the military in 2013, but claimed to have been reinstated in 2015. Badmos stated that the suspect would be charged to court.

Man, Son Remanded in Prison for Burglary

An Ado Ekiti Magistrate’s court, June 17, remanded a man, Taiwo Adebiyi (61) and his 20-year-old son, Tope, in prison custody for alleged burglary. The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Oriyomi Akinwale, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on June 12. He alleged that the accused on the said date unlawfully broke into the house of one Bolajoko Daramola and stole money and other valuable property. The plea of the accused was not taken while their counsel, Gbenga Bejide, requested an adjournment pending the DPP’s advice. Magistrate Taiwo Ajibade consequently ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody. She adjourned the case to July 4 for mention.

Gang Incidents

5 Die during Cult Initiation, 7 Arrested

Five suspected cultists were, June 11, killed while scores sustained various degrees of injuries during an initiation at Obosi in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State. Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, which took place behind the Community Secondary School. The incident became public when the school’s security raised the alarm over a corpse that was dumped close to the school gate when it was raining. It was learned that the corpse was reportedly dumped by unidentified persons in a black SUV, who sped off when the security men were moving closer to know what was dumped. The principal of the school, Ada Efobi, said that the police was promptly invited. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ibrahim Musa, confirmed the death of one and arrest of seven, adding that investigation was ongoing. It was gathered that the seven suspected cultists were arrested and on interrogation, they revealed that the 5 persons died during the initiation process.

Soldiers Raid Cultists’ Bases, Kill 5 Suspects in Rivers

Troops of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army have raided suspected cultists ‘camps at Iba and Obelle Communities in Emohua LGA of Rivers State, killing five suspects and recovering weapons. The five suspected cultists were gunned down by the army during the shootout that lasted for about six hours. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Eli Lazarus, June 13, said the operation followed a tip-off concerning the hideout of the cultists in the communities. According to him, five suspected cultists were killed, two pump action rifles and 26 phones were also recovered. Three of the suspected cultists’ camps were destroyed during the operation, he said. He said the current operation of the military against cultist and criminals in the state would be sustained.

Police Gun Down 8 Hoodlums in Rivers

Eight suspected hoodlums have been gun down by the Police in Rivers state. The Police said that the suspected hoodlums were shot dead in a fierce gun battle on June 14. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said three of those killed were kidnappers who abducted the Paramount ruler of Ubimini community in Emohua LGA, HRH Eze Edi Igwe Mathias, on May 28. The monarch was rescued in Umapu community, Imo state. He said one AK47 rifle was among items recovered from the hoodlums. The police spokesman added that 5 hoodlums were also shot dead by the Police in Elele after they attacked the Elele Prison farm. One AK 47 riffle, 2 special riffle and three locally made guns were among items recovered from the hoodlums.

Task Force Nabs Cult Kingpin, others

Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences, June 15, arrested the leader of the notorious Awawa Boys cult group. The suspect, identified as Tobi Akinbayo (28), and two other suspected members were apprehended at Aluminium Village, at the Dopemu, Agege area of the state. Chairman of the Task Force, Olayinka Egbeyemi, while parading the three suspects, confirmed that the nefarious activities of the dreaded group had posed serious challenge to his agency and other state security services. He stated further that reported cases of rape, armed robbery and killing of innocent citizens by the cultists had become worrisome to security agencies in the state. Egbeyemi said wraps of Indian hemp, also known as cannabis, were recovered from the suspects.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Niger Delta Militants Bomb Agip Pipeline in Bayelsa

A pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State has been bombed by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers on June 10. The militants attacked the trunk-line with dynamites. The attacked facility, identified as Obi-Obi Brass Trunk-line, is said to be a major pipeline of NAOC. The Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for the attack. The state Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Desmond Agu, confirmed the incident. Agu said the security agency had started meeting with traditional rulers in various coastal communities as part of measures to resolve the crisis in the state.

Navy Arrest Suspected Pipeline Bomber

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has said that operatives of the JTF and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta June 14, arrested three suspected coordinators of several pipeline bombings across the region. One of the arrested suspects reportedly confessed to being part of the group that bombed the Nigerian Petroleum Developing Company (NPDC) crude oil pipeline at Escravos in Delta State. Niger Delta Avengers, had claimed responsibility for the NPDC attack at Escravos crude export pipeline. Ado said that several bomb related items were recovered from the vandals who bombed the Escravos facility. Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, confirmed that the navy arrested three suspects. But the villager alleged that the persons arrested were just youths who had gone to fetch woods to set fishing trap.

Court Sentences Two to 6 Years Imprisonment for Oil Theft

Justice E.A Obile of Federal High Court, Calabar, June 14, sentenced two persons to six years in prison each without an option of fine for oil theft. The convicts, Paul Etim and Edet Okon were arrested on November 27, 2011 and arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They were tried on two-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony and illegal dealing in petroleum product without license. Justice Obile said the sentence takes effect from the first day of their arraignment. The judge also ordered that the wooden boat recovered from the convicts be released to the Nigerian Navy for destruction.

Terrorism

Troops Kill 10 Boko Haram Terrorists, Arrest Two Others

Troops of the Nigerian Army engaged in the on-going Operation Lafiya Dole, have killed 10 Boko Haram terrorists and apprehended two others during recent clearance encounters in parts of Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, June 11, disclosed that the troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Task Force Brigade recorded the success on June 10 based on actionable intelligence and information. Usman said the military were informed that terrorist elements earlier dislodged at Chukungudu and Hausari villages during recent clearance operations were migrating towards Muska village in Gamboru Ngala LGA, and conducted fighting patrol operations in the general area, where they encountered some Boko Haram elements. During the encounter, the troops killed 10 Boko Haram terrorists, captured two alive and rescued a woman with her baby. He said the troops also recovered several equipment, arms and ammunition that include six AK-47 rifle magazines, 56 rounds of 7.62m (Special) rounds of ammunitions, a bundle of detonating cord, a manual on how to prepare Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two rifle magazine pouches, a Techno IPad, a Nokia mobile telephone handset and Gionee mobile telephone handset.

Military Clears Remnants of Boko Haram in Borno Village

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, June 11, disclosed that the troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Task Force Brigade conducted another fighting patrol to Wumbi village based on received information on the presence of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the area. Usman revealed that the patrol team recovered 157 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 37 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

Father of Three Boko Haram Kingpins Arrested in Borno

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), June 12, announced the arrest of a Boko Haram kingpin, who confessed that three of his children were also “arrow heads” of the sect. The Borno State Commandant of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed that the man was apprehended in Askira Uba LGA of the State on June 7. Abdullahi described the suspect as a recruiter as well as supplier of arms and explosives to Boko Haram terrorists. The commandant said the suspect had been handed over to the army for further investigation. Security agencies have to a large extent succeeded in bringing insurgency under control

Troops Destroy Eight Boko Haram Camps in Borno

The troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed eight camps belonging to the members of the Boko Haram sect at Yajiwa, Alagarno Forest in Borno State. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, June 10, stated that troops of 156 Task Force Battalion of 29 Task Force Brigade, members of the Civilian JTF and members of local vigilante in the area, destroyed the camps during a clearance operation. Usman said that the troops recovered several items from the insurgents which included two primed Improvised Explosive Devices, three pressure plates, 36 hand grenades, two Dane guns, seven motorcycles and five empty cases of 12.7mm rounds of ammunition. He said that the troops also recovered a damaged mine detector, a vehicle and camel bag during the operation. He said that the recovered IEDS were successfully detonated by the Explosive Ordinance Device Team of the Army.

Boko Haram Kills Four Women in Borno — Vigilantes

Boko Haram, June 10, killed four women in an attack on a remote village in Borno State. A local vigilante operative disclosed that fourteen Boko Haram gunmen on seven motorcycles stormed Mairari village, 80 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital and picked four women from their homes and slit their throats. The women were aged between 27 and 45. According to reports, the terrorists went into four homes while residents were breaking their fast, brought out the four women and slaughtered them. Residents believe the killings were targeted as it was suspected that the gunmen were after the husbands of the slain women. Residents further revealed that Boko Haram has been forcing indigent people to join its fighters or get killed.

Boko Haram Kills Four Youth Vigilante Members, Abducts Four Women

Suspected Boko Haram members operating on six motorcycles, June 14, attacked Kutuva village killing four local youth vigilante members and abducting four women from the village. According to the army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, local vigilantes in Kaya village mobilized immediately and trailed the terrorists up to their suspected hideout in the south of Sabon Garin Bale, where they engaged the terrorists. But unfortunately they escaped into the bush with the abducted women. The vigilantes, however, destroyed the terrorist’s camp and recovered all hoisted Boko Haram terrorists’ flags, 3 Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle magazines, 2 AK-45 rifle magazines and 24 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. The vigilantes also rescued an 11-year-old girl who stated that she was abducted by the terrorists from Batha village.

Troops Kill 6 Boko Haram Terrorists, Clear 7 Villages

Nigerian troops prosecuting clearance operations against remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the north-east, have killed six terrorists, cleared seven villages of Boko Haram camps and rescued some captives in several operations. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of the 155 Task Force Battalion, carried out a clearance operation at Kircha Dungus village and environs on June 15. They encountered pockets of the Boko Haram terrorists and killed 4 of them, while others fled leaving behind 4 women and a child. The troops recovered a pair of military desert camouflage uniform and a Boko Haram terrorists’ flag hoisted in the village. In a similar operation, troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B, attached to 21 Brigade cleared 7 villages of Boko Haram. During the advance to Jenere, the troops encountered some Boko Haram terrorist’s that engaged them in fierce battle. The troops killed 2 terrorists and continued with their patrol to Jenere-Hausari, where they discovered that the Boko Haram terrorists now evolved new tactics of evading surveillance by drones and aircrafts. They also discovered that the terrorist hide in makeshift camps covered with shrubs.

17 Boko Haram Members Surrender in Borno

The army also disclosed that 17 suspected Boko Haram terrorists have surrender after they claimed that the fire power of the military, in the ongoing onslaught to dislodge remnants of the group, was becoming unbearable. A team of local vigilante in Damboa, led by Sarkin Yaki Ali Gwoza, intercepted some persons along Njaba road, south of Damboa town while on patrol. The people reportedly confessed that they were Boko Haram terrorists group members that were forced to the terrorist group against their will. They further revealed that they were on their way to Damboa to surrender to the military. But a further scrreening by the military confirmed 17 of them as hardened Boko Haram terrorists trying to escape and infiltrate the society.

Troops Rescue 53 Hostages, Kill Two Terrorists, Arrest One

Troops of the Nigerian Army have continued in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, June 15, said the troops of 114 Task Force Battalion of 28 Task Force Brigade, embarked on aggressive patrol to dominate and secure the road linking Izge and Bitta. During the operation, Usman said the patrol came across 43 persons that escaped from one of the Boko Haram terrorists’ hideout in Madube, adding that the escapees comprised of 10 men, 14 women and 19 children. He further stated troops of 115 Task Force Battalion of the same Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilante groups, also carried out patrols to Pegana, Joma, Wambiyar, Dille, Pumpum, Zah, Miya and Pugula communities and cleared them of Boko Haram terrorists.

Boko Haram Kills 24 in Adamawa

Boko Haram insurgents have launched an attack on Kuda -Kaya village in Madagali LGA of Adamawa state on June 16 killing 24 people. Locals disclosed that the insurgents in their hundreds invaded the village at about 10pm shooting indiscriminately at anyone on sight. The village is located on the fringe of the Sambisa forest. The incident occurred while the villagers were observing wake keep for a dead member of the community. The member representing Michika/Madagali federal constituency, Adamu Kamale, confirmed the incident. Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Police Command, Othman Abubakar, confirmed only 18 deaths.

Police Arrest Wanted Boko Haram Commander in Adamawa

The Police in Adamawa State have arrested a wanted Boko Haram commander in Gombi LGA of the state. The suspected commander was allegedly sighted by a policeman at a security checkpoint. The policeman reportedly removed his uniform and trailed the suspected Boko Haram terrorist who went to a bank in an attempt to withdraw money. An eyewitness report said the terrorist in an attempt to avoid being caught up by the security camera of the ATM machine asked a waiting customer to help him withdraw from the ATM machine which further aroused the curiosity of the policeman who mobilized the Bank’s security details to arrest the suspect. Confirming the arrest, the Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar, added that the police were interrogating the suspect.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Acting Chief Registrar Murdered at Residence

The acting Chief Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Olufunke Omotuyi, was, June 8, brutally murdered by yet-to-be identified persons at her residence. Her murder has unsettled officials of the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja as it is feared to be connected with the on-going supremacy battle on at the MLSCN. The crisis reached a peak with the termination of the former Chief Registrar’s appointment by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and the appointment of Omotuyi to take over the leadership of the council in acting capacity. Omotuyi was killed in the early hours of the day and few hours to the commencement of the World Accreditation Day, an event she was billed to chair in Abuja. The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has called on the Nigerian Police, must do all they can to ensure that the killers are fished out.

Alleged Wife Killer Dies after Poisoning Self

The father of five who allegedly poisoned his wife and slit her throat at residence in Lagos on May 27, is dead. The deceased, Jafaru Sougie died at the Police Hospital Ikeja after fruitless effort by doctors to save his life. Sougie was reported to have eaten from the poisoned food with his wife, Roselyn, in a bid to rule out any suspicion. After allegedly slitting his wife’s throat, he was said to have taken some black substance which was meant to neutralise the poison. But when one of his children, Richmond (16) woke up to ease himself, he met his father vomiting some black substance in the bathroom and immediately rushed to their room to alert his aunt, one Veronica Imomoh. However on reaching the bedroom Veronica met her sister dead in a pool of her blood. She raised the alarm which alerted neighbours, consequent upon which Jafaru was arrested. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the deceased never recovered from the poisonous substance he took as he was also not taking his medications.

One Killed in Ondo Cult Clash

One person was, June 13, killed during a violent clash that ensued between two rival cultists groups in Akure, Ondo State. The deceased, who is said to be one of the leaders of his own group, was killed by members of the other group to avenge the killing of their own member recently. The man was drinking at a beer parlour when he was called out only to be ambushed as he stepped out. The attackers stabbed him several times while one of them brought out a gun and shot him dead. The Police Public Relations Office in the state, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident. He described the deceased as a notorious cult leader. The police spokesperson, however, said nobody had been arrested in connection with the murder.

Two Students Feared Killed during Water Protest

Two students of the Federal College of Education, Technical, Gombe State were feared killed during a violent protest in the school on June 9. A combined team of men of the Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army were called up to contain the protest before the sad incident which resulted in sporadic gunshots. The breakdown of law and order during the protest made the authorities of the school to immediately close the school to avert further violence. The Gombe State Police  Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Usman, said a number of the students were arrested after men of the 301 Artillery Regiment of the Nigeria Army assisted the Police in calming the situation.

11 Killed as Cultists Invade Omoku

At least 11 people were, June 15, killed at Omoku town, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State by suspected cultists. It was learnt that two people, including a popular medical doctor, were kidnapped by the invaders during the raid. It was gathered that some cult members invaded the area unleashing mayhem on the residents, and killing 11 people. It was reported that the gang invaded the area with heavy gunfire, causing injury to several persons, including the Special Adviser to the Caretaker Chairman of ONELGA on Sports and Youths Affairs, Smart Igwe. The gunmen returned the next morning, killing four more people. The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that three suspected cultists died in the clash.

Rape

65-Year-Old Apprehended for Turning 11-Year-Old into Sex Slave

A 65-year-old man, Akinlolu Ogunlade, has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command for harbouring and raping an 11- year-old girl for four days. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who described the suspect as a serial rapist, alleged that the suspect specialised in abducting teenage girls and keeping them in his hideout as sex slaves. According to the police boss, the girl had left home on May 27 at about 8pm for a church vigil at Abidi-Odan area, Akobo, Ibadan but did not return home on and all efforts to locate her whereabouts proved abortive. But on May 30, police detectives, based on information, traced the victim to the hideout of the suspect at Abidi- Odan area of Akobo, Ibadan where she was rescued and the suspect was arrested.

Serial Rapist Arrested over Rape of 13-Year-Old

The Lagos State Police command, June 11, arrested a man, simply identified as Wasiu for abducting and raping a 13-year-old girl. The suspect is feared to be a serial rapist, who abducts, rapes and threatens teenage girls. His most recent victim, a 13-year-old girl, revealed how she was abducted and raped by the suspected serial rapist on May 24. The girl revealed that she was sent on an errand by her mother when the suspect attacked her and dragged her into his room, beat her up and repeatedly raped her for several hours. It was gathered that several teenage girls had suffered same fate in the neighbourhood. Wasiu is also said to be the leader of a dreaded confraternity in the area. Confirming his arrest, spokesperson for Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmos, said that he would be prosecuted in court.

Cultist Rape 12-Year-Old Girl

The leader of the notorious Awawa cult group at the Dopemu are of Lagos State, Tobi Akinbayo, has confessed that his group was responsible for some crimes in the area, including the rape of a 12-year-old girl in one of their operations on May 5. Akinbayo disclosed that Awawa Boys is an umbrella name and that they only have branches at different parts of the state and that he is the leader that controls Dopemu and its environs. The girl reported that Akinbayo jumped the fence to enter their room, gagged her with the scarf on her head before raping her. She said her mother, who could not do anything for fear of being attacked, quickly took her to Abeokuta, where she was treated. The mother of the girl disclosed that the cultists had threatened to kill her and other children if she reported to the police.

33-Year-Old Man Rapes 5-Year-Old Girl

The Ebonyi State Police Command, June 15, said it had arrested a 33-year-old man, Nweke Monday, for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Amuzu Amuda community of Ezza North LGA of the State. The state Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, said the defilement of the five-year-old was reported to the police by the youth President of the community, Uchechi Elechi. Nweke reportedly lured the girl to an abandoned SUV, where he raped her. According to him, the victim was rushed to a hospital, but her parents have refused to officially report the matter to the police for fear of being stigmatised. Okafor vowed that the culprit would face the law.

4 Arraigned in Court over Gang-Rape of 13-Year-Old

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl in Umunaga Agu-Ugwu Uburu in Ohaozara LGA of the state. The four suspects were arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court on June 15. The suspects, Emmanuel Okereke, 27; Chukwuebuka Okoro, 22; Christopher Nwaeze, 31 and Obinna Njoku, 25, were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on rape. The suspects, who pleaded not guilty, were remanded in Abakaliki Federal Prisons. Also, one Henry Ngwuta has been arraigned by an Abakaliki Magistrate’s Court for alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl. The suspect, Ngwuta, in a one-count charge, was said to have, on May 10, at Onoko village in Ishinkwo, Onicha Local Government Area, raped the girl.

Teacher Arraigned in Court for Defiling 4-Year-Old Pupil

The School Teacher, Violet Emu, that allegedly defiled a 4-year–old pupil of her class, was, June 16, arraigned in court by the Police. The class teacher of the nursery two pupil, reportedly defiled her during school hours on June 9. It was also reported that the girl, who relayed the incident to her parents, was taken to a non-governmental organisation, Mirabel Centre, where she was tested. The medical result had revealed that the toddler was violated. Emu, who was arraigned before Magistrate Osunsanmi on one count of defilement, pleaded not guilty. Osunsanmi ordered that Emu should be remanded at the Kirikiri prison until her bail terms were perfected. The matter was adjourned till September 8, 2016 for trial.

Others

2 Chinese Arrested over Attempt to Smuggle Elephant Tusks

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has arrested two Chinese nationals over attempt to take prohibited items on the export list out of the country. The items consist 678 pieces of elephant tusks and eight sacks of Pangolin weighing over 381 kilogrammes. The Customs Area Comptroller of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Frank Nduka Allannah, June 10, said that the suspects have been remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Customs at the Lagos Airport pending further investigation. The impounded items consisting scales of Pangolin, the most trafficked endangered animal that eats its own flesh was meant for export where it would have been used for Chinese medicine.

Enugu Women Lament Harassment by Herdsmen

The women of Ibute Nze, a town in the Udi LGA of Enugu State have cried out over persistent attacks and harassment by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the community. The women gathered at the village square to protest against the development. The women, who turned out in large numbers, June 10, said they had had enough of rape and destruction of their farms by the herdsmen, with their farms being invaded three times in a week. They also accused the herdsmen of raping some of the women and young girls who they accosted in the farms. The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Nodilim Onwukwe Nze, who explained that the threat was reported to the police, expressed regrets that no action had been taken on the complaint.

Seven-Year-Old Dies in Lagos Church Inferno

A seven-year-old girl, Priscilla Adesina, June 11, died after fire razed a section of the Faith Revival Apostolic Church at the Egbeda area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the fire started around 1.30am after her parents left home to attend a vigil in the church. They reportedly locked the door from outside, making it difficult for her to escape from the room. The girl’s father was said to be a resident pastor of the church. The girl was said to have inhaled fumes and was found dead after the fire was put out by fire fighters from the Ikotun station of the Lagos State Fire Service. The Assistant General Overseer of the church, Pastor Emmanuel Adenuga, said the congregation made frantic efforts to extinguish the fire immediately it was noticed. He said the immediate cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, though a generator was put on in the apartment.

Man in Court for Assaulting Policeman

A 26-year-old trader, Uchenna Okeke, was June 14, docked before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating up a policeman. Okeke is being tried for breach of peace and assault. The Prosecutor, Inspector George Nwosu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 11 when Okeke unlawfully assaulted a policeman in uniform for preventing him from killing his lover. Nwosu said that the complainant while performing his official duty sighted the accused beating up a woman and dragging her on the ground. The police corporal rushed to the scene to prevent the accused from committing murder, but the accused transferred his aggression to him, hitting him with a stone on his head which resulted to bleeding. The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. The Magistrate, Mr A.A Adesanya, adjourned the case till July 6 for mention.

Man Remanded in Prison for Beating Woman to Coma

An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State, June 15, remanded a 30 year-old man, Oladipupo Akeem, in prison custody for allegedly assaulting a woman. The Prosecutor, Corporal Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 24. Abdulkareem alleged that the accused assaulted one Tosin Akindele by beating her to a state of coma. He alleged that the complainant remained critically unstable in the hospital. The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I Adelaja, ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till June 16 for consideration of bail.

Review/Analysis

Terrorism shot to the top of our crime index. Hundreds of Boko Haram insurgents attacked a village in Adamawa State killing about 24 persons. Even local vigilante members fell to the attacks as four of them were killed in a heavy gun battle. The terrorist, relentless in their attacks, also abducted four women. It was however cheering as an 11-year-old kidnapped girl was rescued from the captivity. Military troops in a clearance operation were able to rescue about 53 hostages and in the process killing two Boko Haram members. The north east continues to bear the brunt of terrorism.

Kidnap/hostage incidents took an upward plunge, however, security agencies remained on top of the situation, rescuing hostages. The military rescued five victims that were held hostage by a gang around Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. The military also killed five cult members responsible for various kidnappings in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. The Police in Akwa Ibom State arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin who had been on the wanted list since 2006 for kidnapping and murder. The south-south and south-east region of the country witnessed most of these.

Robbery incidents maintained its place on the crime index as the police authorities continued foil activities of criminal gangs. However, it was a sad case as some group of armed men attacked and killed a man who was on his way back from the bank after a withdrawal, a police officer was also shot and wounded by the same gang. The south-west had more of these incidents.

The prevalence of rape of minors remains worrisome as young girls continue to be preyed upon across the country. A 65-year-old serial rapist, who specialised in abducting and raping minors was arrested for harbouring and raping an 11-year-old girl for four days. The police arrested about four suspects who gang-raped a 13-year-old girl in in Ebonyi state. This crime was witnessed more in the south-west and south-east regions of the country.

Murder/assassination took a nose dive. But cultists, especially in Rivers State continue to invade town and villages. Sad was the case in Omoku community of Rivers State were cultists attacked and killed 11 people after a heavy gunfire.

Parents are urged to be especially protective of their children against predators in the form of rapist and kidnappers.

Every Nigerian and persons resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.