Weekly Security Report Weekly Report Week 26 Week 26
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | MAJOR INCIDENTS |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 7 |
| 2 | Robbery | 4 |
| 3 | Gang |
|
| 4 | Drugs |
|
| 5 | Militancy/Maritime Incidents | 6 |
| 6 | Terrorism | 7 |
| 7 | Political/Government Agencies | 1 |
| 8 | Murder/Assassination | 10 |
| 9 | Rape Incidents | 1 |
| 10 | Others | 9 |
|
| Review/Analysis | |
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
90-Year-Old Man Kidnapped in Ekiti
A 90-year-old man, Ajagunna Adalumo, father of a popular hotelier, Oluwole Adalumo, was on June 22, kidnapped from his residence at Oke-Ijebu, Ikole-Ekiti in Ekiti State. A relative of the victim, Bimbo Ajayi, disclosed that the kidnappers struck at about 8pm and tricked the old man outside before dragging him into their waiting vehicle. The matter was immediately reported at the Police station. The police assured that the nonagenarian would be located and regain freedom from his abductors.
Abducted Otukpo Catholic Vicar Found Dead
The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, who was kidnapped about three months ago, Rev. Fr. John Adeyi, has been found dead at Otukpo in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State. The decomposing body of Adeyi was found behind the office complex of Ogbadibo Local Government Education Authority. Adeyi was abducted at Odoba village, along the busy Otukpo-Enugu road after mediating in a crisis between the parishioners and the parish priest of Odoba. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the decomposing remains of the cleric was discovered in Otukpa. The State Governor, Samuel Ortom, vowed that his abductors and killers must be brought to justice.
Five Expatriates Kidnapped, Two Nigerians Kidnapped in Deadly Attack
Five expatriates and two Nigerians were on June 22 kidnapped at the Idundu axis of the Calabar-Oban road by yet-to-be identified armed men, numbering about 30. The incident occurred around 6am when the foreigners and their Nigerian colleagues working for MacMahon Construction Company were on their way to work. The company is said to be one of the major contracting firms to Lafarge Holcim, owners of UniCem. The workers, who were conveyed in four MacMahon vehicles, were escorted by a security pickup that had four armed policemen when they were attacked. One of the expatriates, an Australian citizen, alongside the driver of one of the vehicles, was said to have escaped, while another driver, Mathew, was killed. An eyewitness, Akan Akpan, said the kidnappers came out from the bridge where they had kept their boat steaming before taking the victims away. The state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, said that the police was currently working with the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the victims were released unharmed.
False Parents of Abducted IDP Girl Arrested by Military
The Nigeria military in Maiduguri has apprehended the abductors of a missing five-year- old girl, who was carried away from Malkohi camp in Adamawa State. The girl, who was rescued alongside other women and children from Sambisa forest by the Nigerian military in May 2015, has been living with the alleged wife of one of the Boko Haram commanders at Sambisa forest before a military clampdown led to their rescue. However, upon rescue by the military, Asabe, the alleged Boko Haram commander’s wife continued her claim of little Precious (later renamed Yanna ) being her daughter and eight other children as relatives before camp officials at the Malkohi camp. Maria David, mother of the abducted girl, said the girl was found in Gamsire village, near Damboa, along with other children at the home of a relative of Asabe, her claimant.
33 Kidnappers Arrested Inside Mosque in Kogi
A crack team of police detectives from Abuja has arrested 33 suspected kidnappers in a mosque at Odo-Ape along Obajana-Kabba road in Kogi State, while holding a meeting for their next operation. The kidnappers were exposed by a police detective planted in the group. The police detective was the one who allegedly summoned an emergency meeting of all the kidnappers on the highway to discuss how to tackle the issue of Police breathing down their necks. The meeting was to hold immediately after prayers on Friday. However, the crack team from Abuja was called in during prayers after two of the three doors of the mosque had been shut. All suspected kidnappers were identified and handcuffed and taken to Abuja. Even the ones who shot and killed people during their operations were also identified by the undercover police officer. The Special Adviser on Security to Kogi State Governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), confirmed the arrest
Kidnapped Victims Regain Freedom
Two kidnap victims in Kogi State, have been released. The victims, John Orenibi and Salman Idris, were kidnapped along Lokoja- Okene road on June 18. They were released by the kidnappers after allegedly receiving N1.5 million as ransom. Orenibi said he and three other persons namely Salman Idris, Kolade Fagbemi and Idowu Omole were on their way from Abuja to Ogidi when they came across some six masked men heavily armed with dangerous weapons before Mark Farms. He noted that the suspected kidnappers had already robbed passengers in a Siena bus parked by the road side, adding that immediately they saw them coming in a Hilux van the kidnappers flagged them down. He further said that despite the fact that the six kidnappers were masked, their physical looks and intonations were that of Fulani men.
Police Kill Two Kidnappers in Lagos
Policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), June 17, clashed with suspected kidnappers at the Elepete area of Ogijo, and at the end of the gun duel killed two suspects, while one sustained gunshot injuries. Acting on a tip-off, the police had stormed the community on learning that there were some strange persons behaving suspiciously. Going undercover, operatives from SARS moved in to the community and arrested one Victor Worimegbe near the creek and during interrogation, he confessed that he is a member of a kidnap gang that has come for business. He then took the operatives to Topkatt Hotel where other gang members were lodged but an attempt to round them up resulted in the gun duel. The suspects, on sighting the operatives, opened fire while trying to create an escape route. Their plans were foiled by the police who returned fire and succeeded in subduing them. Police Public Relations officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.
Robbery
Robbers Kill Bank Customer, Cart Away Money
A four-man robbery gang, June 23, shot and killed a 26-year-old man in the Apapa area of Lagos State. The victim, Kingsley Chukwu, who was a private security guard, was reportedly on his way to deposit an unspecified amount in the bank on Commercial Road when he was trailed by the gunmen, who rode on two motorbikes. Chukwu was shot at a close range by one of the robbers, while another forcefully collected the bag containing the money from him before they made their escape. A witness, who identified himself as Kareem Maju, said Chukwu was rushed to a private hospital in the area, but was rejected on the grounds that a police report was required before he could be treated. According to the witness, the operation was so fast, and it was over even before policemen from some of the banks arrived the scene. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the incident and assured that investigation had begun.
Police Kill Notorious Armed Robbery Kingpin in Aba
The Police in Aba, Abia State, have shot dead an armed robbery and kidnapping kingpin, who had been terrorising the city. The robber, popularly called Onye Army, was shot dead after his gang had robbed a victim of N3.5 million, which he withdrew from one of the new generation banks along Azikiwe Road. As they made to escape through the market, the gang saw a stationary police van, alighted from their car and riddled it with bullets, not knowing that the police had laid an ambush. In the ensuing gun battle, Onye Army was shot dead, while other members of the gang fled. Items recovered from the gang included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, a Toyota Camry car and an undisclosed amount of cash. Police Public Relations Officer, Ogbonnaya Nta, June 23, confirmed Onye Army‘s death. He urged members of the public to always assist the police with useful information, which could lead to the arrest of the fleeing hoodlums.
Man Lynched over Phone Theft
A member of a five-man robbery gang, simply identified as Chidozie, was, June 21, lynched by a mob for stealing mobile phones in the Mount Zion area of Calabar, Cross River State. It was gathered that Chidozie and his gang members allegedly attacked a teacher and dispossessed her of valuables, including her phones, when they met their waterloo. An eyewitness disclosed that the mob that had been on the lookout for the robbers, who had been terrorizing the area, did not spare him because he refused to accept that the phone was with him. They beat him to death and then set him ablaze. Residents expressed joy at the killing of Chidozie, who they reported had just been released from prison.
Troops Kill Nine Cattle Rustlers, Recover Arms in Zamfara
The troops of the Nigerian Army have killed nine suspected cattle rustlers at Maru LGA of Zamfara State. The Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, June 21, said that the troops of the 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade, who carried out the raid also recovered some arms and ammunition from the rustlers. According to him, the troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 rifle magazines, five rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a machete and 24 motorcycles after a thorough combing of the general area. Usman said that members of the local vigilance group at Yargada Village, Gusau LGA apprehended another bandit in the state. Buoyed by this success, the troops’ morale is very high and are determined to continue to enhance the general security of their respective areas of operation through patrols, raids and clearance operations.”
Gang Incidents
Drugs
Militancy/Maritime
6 in Court for Operating Illegal Refinery
Six suspects were, June 23, remanded in Prison custody by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State over alleged operation of an illegal refinery in Ogbia LGA of the state. The accused -Convention Jaham, Abombi Jaham, Mike Azikiwe, Okoye Morris, Ebikemie Perekpohehei, and Promise John- are standing trial on a two-count charge of constructing and operating an illegal refinery. The accused persons were arrested by men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at Ebelebiri-Agba community on May 26 while allegedly operating the illegal refinery. The accused all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Aliya Nganjiwa, however, ordered the accused persons remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter to July 18 for hearing on bail application.
Navy Recovers Suspected Pirates’ Vessels, Destroys Illegal Refineries
The Nigerian Navy has arrested some pipeline vandals and recovered suspected pirates vessel. The navy said it also recovered a vessel, MT Dejikun, used by suspected pirates. The Director of Navy Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, June 21, said that the NNS Delta carried out a raid at Ogbe-Igoh community in Warri, Delta State, and destroyed an illegal refinery site and one Cotonou boat containing about 50MT of stolen crude oil and 6 X 15, metal tanks containing illegally refined AGO. “No suspect was apprehended as they fled the site before the arrival of the Nigerian Navy patrol team.”
Navy Arrests Pipeline Vandals, Recovers Pirate Vessel
The Nigerian Navy has arrested an unspecified number of pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta. The Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, said in a statement on Tuesday that the Navy also recovered a pirate vessel, MT Dejikun, alleged to have been used by the hoodlums to hijack MT Maximus four months ago. The Naval spokesman added that the operatives of the service carried out a raid at Ogbeh-Ijoh community, Warri, Delta state and destroyed an illegal refinery in the area. According to him, the Navy also destroyed one Cotonou boat which contained ’50 metric tonnes of stolen crude and metal tanks containing illegal refined AGO. Ezekobe said that no suspect was arrested as the culprits fled the scene before the arrival of the naval team.
Army Arrests Ex-Militant Leader in Delta State
Soldiers suspected to be from the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, Edo State Capital, have arrested an ex-militant leader, Aboy Francis Muturu, at his residence in Bomadi Town of Delta State on June 17. The ex-militant kingpin was among those to have voluntarily embraced the amnesty programme initiated by the erstwhile President Musa Yar’Adua. It was gathered that General Aboy as he is fondly called was immediately whisked to an unknown destination and has been kept incommunicado from family members. A prominent Warri lawyer and National coordinator, Conference for the Actualisation of Human Rights, Omes Ogedegbe, has threatened legal action against the Nigerian Army over the arrest, which he described as provocative and illegal.
Police Confirm Attack on Shell Facility in Imo
The police have confirmed an attack on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Andrew Enwerem, told journalists in Owerri that the police received report of the attack on June 23. The spokesman for SPDC, Precious Okolobo, disclosed that the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which runs through Awara, Imo State at the Assa-Rumuekpe line, has been shut for repairs since June 8, following a leak. A community source in Awarra disclosed that the incident occurred at about 5.30am. He said the explosion created a huge flame at the site and could not confirm if there was loss of life. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Soldiers Kill Boat Driver in Bayelsa
Soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, June 20, shot and killed a boat operator in the waterways of Bayelsa State. The young man, from Olugbobiri in Southern Ijaw LGA of the state was allegedly cut down in error by the security operatives after mistaking him for a militant. It was learnt that the victim worked with one of the oil servicing firms in the region before the encounter with the security operatives. The troops were reportedly patrolling the waterways in search of militants when they mistook the occupants of the speedboat operated by Ernest for hoodlums and fired at it. A source noted that the banned 200 horsepower boat engine attracted the troops who attempted flagging down the boat which was moving from Brass to an undisclosed location. The occupants of the boat on noticing the patrol boat and armed uniform soldiers, however, suspected them to be another gang of pirates that had in recent times attacked commuters in the waterways.
Terrorism
Military Kills Ten Terrorists, Arrests Two
The military, June 17, said it shot dead 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists after a successful ambush at the border town of Gamboru-Ngala in Borno State. The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, who disclosed this, added that the military had also recorded tremendous success in its clearance operations in various parts of the state. He noted that the troops at Logomani ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists following information about their movement toward Muska village in Ngala LGA of Borno. As a result, 10 of them were killed and two others were captured, while two civilian captives were rescued from the terrorists during the operation. The theatre commander said items recovered from the terrorist included six AK47 magazines, 56 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bundle of detonating cord and a manual booklet on how to make Improvised Explosive device (IED).
Military Kills 15 Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno Air Raid
An Alpha jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed 15 Boko Haram terrorists (BHTs) during an aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission near Doron Naira village in Borno State. Spokesman of NAF, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, June 20, said the terrorists were sighted in seven Toyota Hilux vehicles before they were killed while hiding under a tree. According to him, the Nigerian Air Force King Air A350i Beechcraft aircraft on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission sighted the terrorists, after which an Alpha Jet was scrambled to attack the location. The casualty figure was confirmed by ground forces who subsequently consolidated on the gains of the air effort to pursue and inflict further casualty on the fleeing wounded members of the terrorist group. The troops also confirmed two gun trucks were among vehicles destroyed by the Alpha Jet as two AK-47 rifles, two RPGs and caches of assorted munitions were recovered.
Military Kills Seven Terrorists
Troops of 22, 28 and 114 Task Forces Brigade and Battalion of Nigerian Army, June 19, killed seven Boko Haram terrorists and arrested of 11 others during clearance operations in the Bitta-Damboa and Dikwa-Marte axis of Borno state. The troops along the Bitta-Damboa road safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Madube village. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, in a statement, said that the troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Bulajani village and successfully cleared and pursued the fleeing terrorists in the area. He added that the troops ran into an ambush which was eventually cleared, while returning from the patrol fight and five soldiers were wounded. The troops killed four Boko Haram terrorists, while an unconfirmed number of escaped with gunshot wounds, he further disclosed.
Military Arrests 11 Terrorists
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, June 20, said the troops in the north-east encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Sinabaya village which is left of Marte-Kaje the road in Dikwa LGA of Borno state. During the encounter, they killed three and apprehended 11 suspects. He added that the arrested suspects have been moved to the Brigade Headquarters for preliminary investigation and subsequent handing over to the Joint Interrogation Committee. He further disclosed that arms and ammunition were also recovered in the clearance operations along the Marte-Kaje road. The recovered ammunition, according to him, includes an AK-47 rifle with registration number N37113 and five AK-47 rifle magazines. Others include a 36 hand grenade, three rounds of 7,62mm (Special) ammunition, four motorcycles, three bicycles, a magazine pouch and a mobile telephone handset.
Troops Carry Massive Clearance of Terrorists from Konduga Axis
Nigerian troops have carried out massive clearance operations against Boko Haram terrorists in Konduga town in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, June 23, said that 103 Battalion, 7 Division, carried out the clearance operations in conjunction with Civilian JTF based in Konduga. According Usman, the troops “carried out massive clearance operations of suspected hideouts in Kursori, Bashirari, Malatari, Goneri, Kajimari, Lawan Kolori and Yale villages within Konduga LGA of Borno State. During the operation, he said, the troops recovered a logistics Canter vehicle, 36 hand grenades, 16 Dane guns and two AK-47 rifle magazines, among others.
Troops Intercepts Families of Boko Haram Terrorists
The Nigerian military has intercepted families of the Boko Haram terrorists escaping the onslaught and clearance operations in Sambisa forest towards the northern part of Borno State. This is coming as the troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has launched Operation Gama Aiki, aimed at stopping the relocation of the terrorists towards the northern part of the state as well as flushing them out from the Lake Chad basin area bordering Chad and Niger Republic. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, June 22, said that the troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion deployed at an Observation Post, had sighted a group of persons approaching its Check Point at Liwanti village along Damboa-Bulabulin road, Borno State. It was discovered that the 69 of them were indeed family members of Boko Haram terrorists escaping from Sambisa. Usman said that the troops recovered 15 bicycles, five Dane Guns and other personal effects from them. He also said that further and thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain other information from them.
Military Scraps Operation Pulo Shield in Niger Delta
…Commences Operation Delta Safe
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has scrapped its military programme in Niger Delta codenamed ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ with immediate effect and replaced it with Operation Delta Safe. The Director of Defense Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said that the decision is in line with the DHQ’s initiative to restructure the Joint Task Force for better service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness. Abubakar also said that the change is in line with the vision and mission of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, to contain the current security challenges in the Niger Delta, especially protection of critical national assets and provision of security in the area. Under this arrangement, he said, the Joint Operational Areas of the new outfit have been delineated into three sectors and five Operational Bases covering the entire Niger Delta, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States. He also disclosed that the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe would be in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
Political/Government Agencies
Buhari Appoints Idris as Acting IGP
President Muhammadu Buhari, June 21, appointed Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Ibrahim Idris, as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to replace Solomon Arase, who recently retired from service having attained the required 35 years of service. With the retirement of IGP Solomon Arase, the six Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, DIGs, who served under him are to be retired. It was gathered that the status of this set of Assistant Inspectors General of Police, would be decided by the Federal Government, as regards who among them would to be appointed Deputy Inspectors Generals of Police, or be asked to proceed on retirement. The appointment of the DIGs will, however, reflect the six geo-political zones of the country.
Murder/Assassinations
Sales Girl Raped, Killed in Delta State
A sales girl was raped and bludgeoned to death inside the building material store where she worked at Afiesere community, Ughelli, Delta State. Her lifeless body was discovered on June 21 by her employer who came to the shop, following reports that the shop had not been opened for business all day. A resident of the community disclosed the mutilated body of the victim was discovered naked inside the inner room of the shop. According to him, the girl may have been attacked and killed in the morning by someone close to her. Confirming the incident, a senior police officer, said police had commenced investigation.
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill 26 in Benue
Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked four Benue communities killing over 26 persons, injuring many others and razing several houses and huts. The attacks came on the heels of the June 18 invasion of Dusa villages in Turan council ward of Logo LGA, where a Village Head and five others were killed. The villages affected in the latest attacks were Uzaar in Tombo, Anyii, still in Logo LGA, and Vase in Ukum LGA. The hoodlums attacked Uzzar and Anyii on June 20 killing 8 persons and Vase on June 21 where 12 persons were hacked to death. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the attacks.
13 Killed as Armed Hoodlums Attack Lagos Communities
No fewer than 13 people were feared dead during two separate attacks by suspected militants who invaded Elepete community in Igbo-Olomu, Agric area of Ikorodu. It was gathered that 10 of the victims were killed on June 23, while the remaining were killed the following day. The first incident occurred at Ola-Imam area of Elepete when the gunmen engaged some security volunteers in a battle while the second incident occurred at Phase 1 area. The attacks were a continuation of reprisal attacks on Elepete and Muti communities by hoodlums, which started on June 20.
Two to Die by Hanging for Murder
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ikole Ekiti, June 22, sentenced two persons to death by hanging for murder. Justice Abiodun Adesodun held that the convicted persons, Segun Adeyemo and Gboye Babaniwura, were guilty of murder as charged. The convicts, had on 13th of September 2011, intentionally murdered one Sikiru Amadu and Yeti Abubakar with dangerous weapons at Iluomoba Ekiti in Gbonyin LGA. Counsel to the convicted persons, Mr. Bode Kowe called three witnesses to prove the innocence of his accused. But Justice Abiodun Adesodun, after the arguments of both parties held that the convicted persons were guilty as charged and sentenced them to death by hanging.
Soldiers Allegedly Beat Man to Death over Boss’s Missing Money
A 26-year-old man, Declan Obi, was allegedly beaten to death in Etekwuru community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State by suspected soldiers. It was reported that one Evans Njemanze, boss to the deceased, allegedly invited some soldiers stationed in the area to investigate Obi over an alleged missing N350,000 from the coffers of his company. The deceased’s brother, Athanasius Ochima–Obi, said his brother’s death was as shocking as it was brutal. However, the military has denied the involvement of its men in the brutal attack on Obi. The Brigade Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Brigadier-General Kay Ishaku, insisted that his men were not part of the plot.
Gunmen Kill Ex-Councillor in Rivers State
Gunmen, June 21, shot and killed a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abua/Odua LGA of Rivers State. The gunmen reportedly trailed their victim, Allain John-Morrison, who was a former Councillor of Ward 1 in the council to Okobuo area where he was shot and also beheaded. Confirming the incident, the APC chairman of Abua/Odua council, Gift Igoma, said John-Morrison was shot dead along Abua/Ahoada Link Road by suspected assassins. The commercial bike rider, who was carrying the victim, told the police that three men on military uniform double-crossed him on the way and shot his passenger. The police have commenced investigation into the incident.
Several Killed as Vandals Attack Ogun Community
Many people were killed when yet-to-be identified gunmen swooped on Elepete and Igbo Olomu communities in Ogijo area of Ogun State on June 23. The communities are not to be far from Imushin, a community where 15 people were killed in a similar manner on June 17. In the latest attack, several of the victims were landlords. Due to incessant armed robbery attacks in these areas, the landlords were said to have mobilised themselves, formed a vigilante group, and were on patrol when the attackers struck. The attackers, suspected to be vandals, were returning around 11pm from the creeks where they had allegedly gone to perpetrate their illegal business, opened fire as they arrived at Elepete after they mistook the vigilance group, for law enforcement agents. A community source said about 30 corpses had been recovered from various points. The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said only two people were killed in the attack.
28-Year-Old Man to Die by Hanging for Killing Yoruba Leader in Kano
Justice Kabiru Auta of a Kano High Court, June 22, sentenced the killer of a Kano-based business tycoon, philanthropist and Yoruba leader, Alhaji Ganiyu Akanbi Bello, to death by hanging. The accused person, Abubakar Abdulrahaman (28), was found guilty on one-count charge of culpable homicide, punishable by death, while he was discharged and acquitted in another charge of armed robbery. Abubakar was accused of murdering Bello on June 5, 2014 in his residence at the GRA Nassarawa, opposite Kano Race Course, when he stabbed the deceased in the heart with a kitchen knife. The prosecution, led by M.M. Sulaiman of the state Ministry of Justice, and assisted by the nominal complainant counsel, J.I. Macaulay of Kehinde Olaitan Chambers, called seven witnesses and tendered several exhibits. The exhibits included, the knife he used to stab the deceased and his Blackberry phone. Making his last plea for the accused person, his counsel from the Legal Aid Council, B. Adama, urged the court to temper justice with mercy because of his aged mother, wife and children.
20 Feared Dead as Gunmen Invade Lagos Communities
A group of gunmen, June 20, invaded two communities – Elegbete and Igbolomu – in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, killing at least 20 persons. The Lagos State Police Command debunked reports that the invasion by the gunmen claimed 20 persons as alleged by some residents. According to a resident, at least 20 persons, including community leaders, were killed in the calculated attack. But a detachment of soldiers has been deployed to the two communities to restore order. He described the invasion as a reprisal, which he said was carried out after a taskforce on oil theft and pipeline vandalism allegedly killed two gunmen and arrested four others in a hotel in Elegbete. He explained that the reprisal was launched after the gunmen successfully carried out armed operations on the two communities. After the operation, the gunmen went to a hotel. But some community leaders provided information about the whereabouts of the gunmen to the security taskforce in the area.
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three in Ogun
Suspected Fulani herdsmen, June 19, invaded Ilewo-Orile community in Ogun State, killing three persons, including two brothers. It was gathered that two of the victims, identified as Amosun Ogunronbi, and Owolabi Ogunronbi were siblings, while the third victim was simply known as Philip. A community source lamenting that their community had witnessed similar attacks by rampaging herdsmen. According to reports, Philip was killed on June 17 after suspected herdsmen accosted him and snatched his motorcycle, mobile phone and some money. His corpse was discovered lying by the road side by his wife. The source also disclosed that the murder of the Ogunronbis occurred earlier, but in the same manner.
Rape
Man Arrested for Having Sex with Twin Daughters
A middle-aged man, Isiaka Kareem, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly having raping his twin teenage daughters. The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, who paraded the suspect in Asaba on June 20, claimed that Kareem, a native of Abeokuta in Ogun State, had forcible sexual intercourse with his twin daughters aged fourteen years and had been indulging in the act for over five years. Although the accused man claimed that he was framed up particularly because he was considered too strict with the children, the police commissioner said that the suspect had confessed to the crime. The 14-year old twins had reported at the police A Division in Asaba that their father had been assaulting them sexually since 2010 and that all efforts made by them to make him stop his evil act proved abortive.
Others
Court Remands Man for Bathing Policeman with Hot Soup
An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 33-year-old man, Imole Emmanuel, in prison custody for pouring hot soup on a police corporal, Kayode Akingbade. Emmanuel was slammed with three counts of assault and conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace. It was learnt that he also attempted to snatch the corporal’s service rifle. Policemen were said to be on surveillance around Baptist College area on Ilawe Road and the suspect was ordered to leave their area to allow the cops carry out their operation. Akingbade was said to have dashed to the canteen to eat about 30 minutes later only for the suspect to trace him there and carry out the attack. At the sitting held Monday, police prosecutor, Bankole Olasunkanmi, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him study the case file and assemble his witnesses. Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo ordered the defence counsel to approach the court with written bail application for the accused. He ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till July 7.
Cross River Kids Branded Witches Escape Lynching
Two children were on June 17 rescued at Ikot-Abasi-Effiom community in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State by a Calabar-based child’s rights organisation, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative. The group was in the community to screen a movie when its attention was drawn to the fate of the children. A source, Sunday Nta, disclosed that two children, aged 10 and seven, were about to be lynched by members of a church when the group rescued them. The children had been branded witches following an allegation by a family member that they had repeatedly attacked her in her dream and snatched her baby from the womb. The church, led by a prophet, bundled the kids into the bush for torture. It was gathered that an uncle of the boys, who rushed to the scene where the kids were already tied to a tree, made contacts for their rescue.
7 Die in Lagos Fuel Tanker Explosion
Seven persons were feared dead with several others injured after a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of petroleum product exploded at Ibafo, along the Lagos-Ibadan Express way, on June 22. According to reports, the tanker collided with a heavy log, skidded off its lane and fell on the expressway, spilling its content. Road side hawkers of petroleum products, occupants of some shanties at Kara area of Ibafo were affected. Eyewitnesses said some of the victims were scooping the spilled content when the fire started. Users of the ever busy expressway were trapped for over 10 hours, as the resultant gridlock stretched from Arepo-Prayer city to Mowe. Assistant Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mowe Unit, Dare Ogunjobi, who confirmed the incident, however, did not give the number of casualties.
Police Checkpoint Accident Claims 4
Four persons were, June 22, killed in Aba, Abia State when a truck lost control a checkpoint mounted by police at Ogbor Hill Waterside Bridge. The truck’s brakes failed and it rammed into a commercial bus and tricycle, killing a driver and three passengers. It was gathered that three passengers in the bus and driver of the tricycle died on the spot, while five other passengers, who sustained serious injuries, were taken to a nearby hospital. Eyewitnesses claimed some policemen from the Eziama Division had mounted a checkpoint in the area, leading to a gridlock, which the truck ran into. Angered by the incident, a mob attacked the police team and vandalised their vehicle. A detachment of policemen was later deployed to the area to bring situation under control. Police Public Relations Officer, Ogbonnaya Nta, who confirmed the incident, however, denied that it was caused by the police checkpoint.
24-Year-Old Escaped Detainee, Re-Arraigned for Damaging Police Cell
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, June 21, remanded a 24-year-old man, Seun Olamilekan, at the Kirikiri Prisons, Lagos, after pleading guilty to breaking police cell. Olamilekan, whose was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, damage and escaping from lawful custody. After pleading guilty to the charges, the Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje, said the accused should be kept behind bars pending judgement. The prosecutor, Inspector Essien Ndarake, hadtold the court that the accused committed the offences on May 31 at Alagbado Police Station, Lagos. He said the accused, with another still at large, damaged the cell’s burglar proof in a bid to escape. The case was adjourned to July 5 for facts and sentence.
Rivers CP Charge DPOs to Curb Killings, Cultism
The new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Foluso Adebanjo, has threatened to remove any Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in control of an area where cultists, armed robbers and other hoodlums embark on a killing spree. Adebanjo, June 23, warned cultists and armed robbers to repent or leave Rivers State, adding that his command will not spare any suspect involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism. He said the DPOs must be ready to also work at night in order to apprehend criminals in the state or be ready to be changed, that his command would not tolerate the killings, kidnappings and armed robberies in the state.
US Deports 41 Nigerians over Drug, Immigration Offences
At least 41 Nigerian men were on June 22 deported from the United States over issues ranging from drug, police and immigration offences. Nine of the deportees were sent back to Nigeria for drug-related offences, 26 for Police-related offences while six were deported for immigration offences. The spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Deputy Controller of Immigration King Ekpedeme, confirmed the deportation. The deportation is coming barely a week after 162 Nigerians who had been stranded in Libya returned to Nigeria voluntarily.
Army Reopens Madagali-Gwoa Road
The Nigerian Army, June 19, announced that it had re-opened the Madagali-Gwoza Road linking Borno and Adamawa States. The road was closed several months ago due to the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents. The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, disclosed, explaining that the road was re-opened to allow for humanitarian services for victims of insurgency. He said that the army decided to re-open the road following improvement in the security situation in the area.
Court Sentences Malaysian-bound Stowaways to Prison, Community Service
Four Malaysian-bound serial stowaways who were recently arrested and charged to court by the maritime component of the Nigerian Police, have been convicted and sent to prison, as well as community service, for conspiracy and boarding illegally. The stowaways who were identified as 24-year-old Ahmed Azeez, 33-year-old Tunde Yagba, 33-year-old Ajose Kehinde and 25-year-old Adewale Sunday, were convicted by the court and given different sentences ranging from imprisonment to community service. While the duo of Azeez and Sunday were sentenced to six weeks community service each for being first time offenders, Tunde and Kehinde were both sentenced to six months imprisonment each without an option of fine for being habitual offenders. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Police Command, Sadik Olatunde, said they were convicted on two count charges for illegally stowing away on the MV Maesrk Casablanca cargo vessel. The stowaways were arrested and paraded on May 31, 2016 by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in- charge-of Maritime Police Command, Musa Katsina.
Review/Analysis
Murder/assassination took an upward plunge as victims count their loss. Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked four Benue communities killing over 26 persons, injuring many others and razing several houses and huts. In a related event, the lifeless body of a sales girl was discovered by her employer who came to the shop, following reports that the shop had not been opened for business all day. The victim was allegedly raped and beaten to death inside the building material store where she worked at Afiesere community, Ughelli, Delta State. Gloomy was the case in Abua/Odua LGA of Rivers State were about 3 unknown gunmen who disguised in military uniforms shot and beheaded a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Allain John-Morrison, who was a former Councilor. The south-west and south-south recorded more of this dastardly acts of violence.
Kidnap/hostage incidents maintained its place on the crime index as the spate of kidnap swells. This was seen in the case of a Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, who was kidnapped about three months ago, and later was found dead at Otukpo in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State. However, it was cheerful as a crack team of police detectives from Abuja arrested about 33 suspected kidnappers in a mosque while holding a meeting for their next operation. It was revealed that the kidnappers were exposed by a police detective planted in the group. This and many more was the case especially in the south-west and north-central region of the country.
Terrorism also maintained its spot on the crime index as activities of terrorist groups was hampered by military onslaughts. In a bid to clear out boko haram enclaves, the 103 Battalion, 7 Division, carried out clearance operations of suspected hideouts in Kursori, Bashirari, Malatari, Goneri, Kajimari, Lawan Kolori and Yale villages within Konduga LGA of Borno State, this was in conjunction with Civilian JTF based in Konduga. During the operation, the troops recovered a logistics Canter vehicle, 36 hand grenades, 16 Dane guns and two AK-47 rifle magazines, among others. In a related story, troops of 22, 28 and 114 Task Forces Brigade and Battalion of Nigerian Army killed seven Boko Haram terrorists and arrested 11 others in a clearance operation in the Bitta-Damboa and Dikwa-Marte axis of Borno state. While returning from the patrol fight, five of the soldiers were wounded as they ran into an ambush which was eventually cleared. Four of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed during the ambush, while an unconfirmed number of terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds. The north-east remains most endemic region.
Militancy/maritime incidents took a nosedive as the authorities were hot on the heels of pipeline vandals and militancy within the affected regions. The Nigerian Navy was able to arrest some suspected pipeline vandals as they carried out a raid in Ogbe-Ijoh community, Warri, delta state. In a related event, the navy also destroyed an illegal refinery, a cotonou boat which contained 50’ metric tons of stolen crude and metal tanks containing illegal refined AGO. Attacks by militant groups on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State created panic within the community, as a result of the huge flames on the site, loss of life could not be ascertained. The south-south recorded more.
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.