Weekly Security Report Weekly Report Week 27 Week 27
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | MAJOR INCIDENTS |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 6 |
| 2 | Robbery | 5 |
| 3 | Gang | 3 |
| 4 | Drugs | 2 |
| 5 | Militancy/Maritime Incidents | 5 |
| 6 | Terrorism | 8 |
| 7 | Political/Government Agencies | 1 |
| 8 | Murder/Assassination | 8 |
| 9 | Rape Incidents | 5 |
| 10 | Others | 6 |
|
| Review/Analysis | |
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
5 Suspected Kidnappers Granted Bail in Anambra
An Anambra State High Court presided over by Justice D.O.C. Amaechina has granted bail to five accused persons charged with the kidnapping of four persons from Uruebo village, Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi LGA of the state. The accused persons had been remanded in Onitsha prisons custody since April 1, 2016, by a Chief Magistrates court following their arrests on March 29 by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu. The accused persons were alleged to have on March 20, 2016 at a bush within the village, kidnapped the complainants, Godwin Okoye, Izunna Edogwugwu, Francis Onwuzulike and Bartholomew Obimma, and allegedly collected ransoms before releasing them. Justice Amaechina granted them bail on the ground that the defence counsel had given an assurance that the suspects would not jump bail and neither would they interfere with investigations.
Owo FMC Accountant Kidnapped
The Acting Chief Accountant of Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Kayode Asaju, was June 26 kidnapped by yet-to-be identified gunmen numbering about five. The kidnappers have reportedly contacted the family and have demanded for a ransom of N5 million. Asaju was kidnapped on his way to Abuja for an official assignment. It was learned that the victim was accompanied in his official vehicle by three other officials of the finance department, beside the driver. The driver was said to have noticed that motorists were making U-turn, following the operation of the kidnappers on the Lokoja-Abuja Road, who shot at some of the vehicles trying to escape. The driver stopped the car at a distance and all the occupants, including the victim, fled into the bush but the kidnappers caught Asaju and whisked him away. Ondo State Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, however assured that the command would work with the Kogi State Police Command to ensure that the victim was released and re-united with his family.
Kidnapped Australians, South African Regain Freedom
Seven contractors, including three Australians and a South African and two Nigerians, who were recently kidnapped have been released unharmed after four days in captivity. The contractors were kidnapped by gunmen in Cross River State. Cross River State Commissioner, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, said they were released on June 26. The state governor’s security adviser, Jude Ngajim said five expatriates and two Nigerians had been released.
Hausa Artiste Disappears, Reappears after Singing about Corrupt Politicians
A local Hausa singer in Adamawa State, Ado Daukaka, was abducted few hours after releasing a song against corruption and incompetence. One of the wives of the singer said some strangers came and asked after him on June 25 after he had gone to the mosque for the early morning prayers, and did not return for four days. According to reports, his disappearance was linked with his latest song entitled ‘Gyara Kayanka,’ where he said politicians elected on the platform of the ruling party were just deceiving people.
IGP Orders Deployment of Special Strike Force against Kidnapping in Kogi
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the immediate deployment of a Special Strike Force in Kogi State to combat the menace of kidnapping and other violent crimes within the state and its environs. Idris said the deployment of the Special Strike Force became imperative as the Nigeria Police Force can no longer watch innocent citizens suffer in the hands of criminals operating in the state and its environs. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, June 28, confirmed this.
Babcock Varsity Student Kidnapped
Gunmen stormed a hostel in Ilesha Remo area of Ogun State, June 26, and abducted Justina Anochie, a student of nursing at Babcock University. They were said to have invaded the hostel located in an isolated area off campus at about 9p.m. Their attempt to also abduct a male student in the same hostel failed as he reportedly fled. The nursing student, who wrote her final examination in May, was waiting to complete her clearance before joining her family in Abuja, when the incident occurred. Her abductors, as gathered, contacted her parents, on June 27 and demanded N5 million as ransom. They were said to have also ordered the parents to withdraw the case from the police. The Police have commenced investigation into the kidnap.
Robbery
Court Remands 2 Robbery Suspects in Prison
An Abia State Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Aba North LGA, has ordered the remand of two suspects, Divine Nwabuisi Obioma and Chibuike Anyiam at the Aba Prisons over alleged armed robbery. The duo was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and possession of illegal arms. Obioma, Anyiam and other members of their gang said to be at large had allegedly robbed a Supermarket where they dispossessed the proprietor of the supermarket and her customers of cash and other valuables. Counsel to the accused persons claimed that the court lacks jurisdiction to try the matter, stressing that there was nothing to look into and appealed that the case be quashed. Police prosecutor, Emmason Okoroafor, argued that discharging the suspects would jeopardise the state government’s effort in fighting crime and urged the court to remand the accused persons in prison due to the nature of their offences. The court, however, ordered the accused persons to be remanded at the Aba Prisons and the case file transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, for advice.
Robbery Suspects Blame Economic Downturn for Foray into Crime
Six suspects belonging to three different gangs, who were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, Sunday, blamed the economic downturn for their foray into crime, as well as the low ebb of successful operations. While the duo of 24-year-old Adeleke Rasaq and 22-year-old Lucky John, were arrested at the Abule Egba, Agbado Oke Local Council Development Area, the second gang, comprising 26-year-old Ubuke Michael and 24-year-old Obinna Okoro, were arrested in Gbagada. Others including 25-years-old Steven Raphael and 27-year-old Samali Onafuwa, were arrested in Fagba at Station Bus Stop, Ishaga. Confirming the incidents, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, June 27, said there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.
Police Kill 1, Arrest 2 in Foiled Robbery Attempt
The Police in Warri, Delta State, June 27, killed a robbery suspect and arrested two members of a three man robbery gang after they attempted to rob a commercial tricycle rider at Okumagba Layout. The robbery attempt was reportedly thwarted when the police ran into the operation during their routine patrol. It was gathered that the suspects, pretending to be passengers, boarded the tricycle but on getting to Ighogbaudu road, one of them demanded for the keys of the vehicle at gun point, but the rider exhibited bravery by resisting the attempt. Following his resistance, one of the robbers, who wore a mask, shot the tricycle rider on the leg. The gun shot sounds attracted the attention of the police who were nearby on patrol and they immediately rushed to the scene. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said the armed robbers on sighting the policemen, took to their heels and the one wearing mask, was shot in an exchange of gunfire. She said the two other gang members who fled the scene, were apprehended by a mob.
Court Remands Man in Prison for Robbery in Osun
An Osun State magistrate’s court sitting in Ile-Ife has ordered the remand of a 32- year-old Rafiu Salami, in prison custody over alleged armed robbery. The accused who was alleged to have robbed four persons while armed with various dangerous weapons, pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery preferred against him. Police prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 29, 2016, at Ile-Ife. Osanyintuyi said that the accused conspired with others now at large to commit the crime while armed with dangerous weapons like cutlasses, knives and broken bottles. He contended that the accused robbed Silifat Adeinka, Rasheed Ajibade, Titilayo Sulaimon and Abiola Olatundun of the sum of cash and other valuables.
Robbers Kill Final Year Student in Bayelsa
Rampaging armed robbers shot and killed a final year engineering student of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU). The victim, identified as Obele Wilson, was attacked along the Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, where some branches of new generation banks are located. The bandits who were armed with guns and other weapons reportedly rounded up Wilson and some bank customers at about 2pm and started dispossessing them of their cash, mobile handsets and other valuables. Wilson was said to have argued with them and in the process they shot him. He died while being rushed to a hospital.
Gang Incidents
Gunmen Attack Convoy of Deputy Governor in Ogun State
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief Yetunde Onanuga, June 27, escaped death in Ibafo when gunmen engaged the security teams accompanying her to some borderline communities between Ogun and Lagos states. The deputy governor accompanied by the service chiefs in the state had embarked on an inspection visit to Imushin, Elepete and Igbo-Olomu where some people were killed by suspected militants when the incident happened. Onanuga was attacked at the Akoka Ebute area of Ibafo, in Obafemi-Owode LGA when suspected militants opened fire on the security operatives that accompanied her. The security operatives, responded swiftly and repelled the attack. However, there was no casualty during the gun battle which lasted for about 20 minutes. Scores of people had been killed on June 24 when gunmen launched violent attacks on some communities in the state.
Cultists Kill 2 Policemen, 5 others in Rivers’ Clash
Suspected cultists in Rivers State, June 26, killed two policemen attached to the Rumuji Police Divisional Headquarters and five other persons during a clash in the area. It was learned that a war erupted between the Icelanders and the Greenlanders cult groups in Rumuji and Ovogo communities in Emohua LGA of the State, leading to the death of many persons. This war is feared to be a reprisal by the Icelanders who invaded the area in search of the Greenlanders, who had taken over the communities after their clash in May. A community source disclosed that the invading cultists, on arrival, shot dead two policemen at a check point in the area before proceeding to Rumuji and Ovogo where they killed three and two persons respectively. The bandits also torched several houses believed to be owned by members of their rival cult group.
59-Year-Old Docked over Illegal Possession of Arms
A 59-year-old man, Maurice Fangnon, was, June 28, arraigned before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, over unlawful possession of offensive weapons and illegal assembly with others now at large, with intent to breach the peace, attack members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, among others. The defendant was issued a bench warrant by Magistrate Olufunke Oshin on June 20, alongside former President-General of MWUN, Uzoije Ukaumunna and Ganiyu Ola. The warrant of arrest was sequel to their failure to appear before the court after they were served summons over the alleged tension they caused in their neighbourhood. During the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and Magistrate Oshin granted him bail in the sum of N300,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum. The case has been adjourned till August 28.
Drugs
NDLEA Destroys Delta Cannabis Farm
The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), June 27, disclosed that a cannabis farm measuring over 100 hectares of land has been destroyed in Ndokwa West LGA of the state. The Delta State Commander of NDLEA, Dennis Chidi Obiefule, made the disclosure while delivering a lecture to mark this year’s United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse. Obiefule stated that the command recorded 31 convictions in the last one year, stressing that the agency was not relenting on its oars in the fight against drug abuse across the state. According to him, the scourge was becoming more worrisome especially among youths and children, calling on parents to be more proactive in monitoring their wards from being drug addicts.
NDLEA Nabs Ghanaian for Drug Peddling In Katsina
The Katsina State command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 52-year-old Ghanaian, Eric Ansa, for allegedly supplying hard drugs to Nigeria and for export to Niger Republic. The NDLEA Commandant in the state, Maryam Gambo Sani, June 27, said the suspect belonged to an international drug syndicate. She disclosed that Ansa, along with two others, Margaret Balogun, 58 and Celestina Ezia, 42, were arrested with 758 compressed pieces of cannabis sativa weighing 785 kilograms with a street value of about N10 million. The syndicate was dislodged while they were trying to distribute their consignment to their customers in Katsina state.
Militancy/Maritime
Soldiers Arrest Two in Delta over Pipeline Vandalism
Soldiers from the 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have arrested two persons in Idheze community, Isoko South LGA of Delta State, following the alleged vandalism of a major Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), pipeline in the area. The pipeline was allegedly vandalised on June 13, 20l6 with the resultant oil spill causing a fire outbreak which led to the destruction of farmlands and economic crops in the community. Community sources, however, said they were still confused as to whether the oil spill was as a result of vandalism of the pipeline or equipment failure, noting that the incident was still subject to investigation by security agencies. One of the suspects is an indigene of the community whose house is very close to the impacted site, while the other person is the youth leader of the community. He was working in a community in Bayelsa State, when the incident happened. As a youth leader, he was called home after the oil spill and when he got home, he was invited by the soldiers. Thereafter, he was arrested and still being detained.
Militants Blow-Up Shell Pipeline in Imo State
A new militant group in Imo State, the Red Scorpions, June 25, claimed that they bombed an oil pipeline belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Oil Company, in Awara, Ohaji/Egbema Local Council of Imo State. The group, which claimed responsibility for the attack, had emerged in the week, accusing oil companies operating in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Councils, of marginalising their host communities. The group issued an order directing the companies to evacuate their workers and quickly leave their communities. They insisted that they would continue attacking their facilities as long as they continued to neglect and marginalise their communities in terms of providing commensurate developmental facilities and providing employment for the people of the areas. They accused the state and Federal Government of not doing enough to intervene in the matter.
Militancy: Operation Delta Safe Finally Kicks off
The recently launched Operation Delta Safe (ODS), a joint military operation under the Defence Headquarters, June 29, started operations in the Niger Delta region. The new military unit is headed by Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, the former Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC). Okojie who was in Lagos to formally hand over the reins of NAVTRAC to the new FOC, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, immediately left for the taskforce’s headquarters in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The ODS, a new military outfit, took over the Niger Delta operation from the recently disbanded Joint military Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield (OPS). According to the Defence Headquarters, the inauguration of the ODS is to improve security in the region and particularly, safeguard oil facilities from militancy and vandalism.
New Militant Group Threatens Government, Oil Facilities in Imo
A new militant group, calling itself the Niger Delta Red Squad (NDRS), has threatened to attack some government and oil facilities in Imo State. The fresh threat is coming few days after it hit a facility operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company in Awarra, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, had confirmed the previous attack but did not give details of the extent of damage to the facility. Spokesman of the group, one General Don Wannie, lamented that oil producing communities had nothing to show for the many years of oil exploration and exploitation. While asking the Federal Government to immediately redress the ugly situation, they warned against taking them for granted.
Navy Arrests 11 Suspected Fake Personnel
Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, the out-going Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, June 29, said that 11 suspects were arrested for allegedly parading themselves as naval personnel. Handing over the suspects to the Rivers Police Command in Port Harcourt, Ibrahim said the men used navy uniforms and paraded themselves as personnel of the Merchant Navy with intent to defraud unsuspecting individuals and companies. According to him, the suspects were caught on June 17 by operatives of the Nigerian Air Force who reported the matter to the navy.
Terrorism
2 Suicide Bombers Die in Failed Maiduguri Mosque Attack
Two suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers, June 27, blew themselves up near Sulemanti Mosque in Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, in the early hours of the day. The suspects, strapped with Improvised Explosive Devices, targeted a mosque in Sulemanti. However, the bombs went off, killing the two suspects during midnight Ramadan prayers. Police spokesman, Isuku Victor, confirmed the incident, stating that “a team of Police Explosives Ordinance Department had been deployed to the scene. A civilian Joint Task Force member, Bukar Fantami, said the suicide bombers were intercepted near the mosque premises, where they blew themselves up.
Army Rescues 5,000 Hostages, Kills 10 Terrorists in Clearance Operations
Nigerian Army, June 25, rescued more than 5, 000 hostages held captive by the Boko Haram terrorists’ group, while 10 terrorists were killed in clearance operations in the North East. However, a civilian JTF member was killed, while a soldier, policeman and another civilian JTF member were wounded during the operations. Arms, ammunition and logistics equipment in large quantities were also recovered from the terrorists. Confirming the rescue of the hostages, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, said that troops of 21 Brigade and the Civilian JTF conducted a fighting patrol to Zangebe, Maiwa, Algaiti and Mainari villages in which they killed six Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others. Similarly, troops of 7 Division Garrison Rapid Deployment Force, RDF, II, in conjunction with some of elements of Mobile Police Force and Civilian JTF, June 27, also conducted clearance operations in Mafa LGA of Borno State. During the operations, the troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Maska Lawanti in which they killed two terrorists and recovered two motorcycles. He also confirmed the death of one civilian JTF.
Troops Kill Boko Haram Elements
Troops of 192 Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade and some vigilantes, June 25, embarked on fighting patrol along Kusarha-Zalidava General Area of Borno State, and encountered some elements of Boko Haram around Zalidava-Weige villages in which they killed two Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). One of the vigilantes sustained an injury on his eye. The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, who confirmed the incident, added that troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade under the auspices of Operation SHARAN DAJI of 1 Division Nigerian Army, carried out fighting patrol to Kabaru village forest, Maru LGA of Zamfara against cattle rustlers and armed bandits. During the patrol, the troops engaged armed bandits and killed three of them. The troops recovered 20 motorcycles, four empty cases of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 4 empty cases of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. Other items recovered include 1 mobile telephone handset, some rings and a bag containing local charms.”
Scores Killed, Hostages Rescued as Troops Clear Terrorists Den in Borno
The Nigerian Army, June 25, said that scores of Boko Haram terrorists’ were killed, several arms and ammunition recovered and 16 hostages rescued when its troops backed by Airforce aircraft, launched clearance operations on Ngoshe and Gava villages close to Gwoza in Borno State. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the troops of 121 Task Force Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade, accompanied by a large number of Civilian JTF from Gwoza, embarked on a very aggressive patrol that dislodged remnants Boko Haram terrorists hibernating at Ngoshe and Gava villages. The essence of the robust patrol which was supported by the Nigeria Air Force and Cameroonian Defence Forces who provided air cover and real time Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, was to clear the remnants of the terrorists hiding in the mountainous area and rescue all persons held hostages by the Boko Haram terrorists. The troops also recovered a number of arms and ammunitions, including 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, 4 RPG Bombs, 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 1 Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle and 3 AK-47 rifles, amongst several others.
NAF Jet Foils Boko Haram Ambush on Ground Troops, Kills 15 Terrorists in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force, June 28, said that its Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole foiled a plan by Boko Haram terrorists to ambush the army’s surface forces harboured at Doron Naira, north of Borno State. A statement signed by Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, Director, Air Force Public Relations, disclosed that a Nigerian Air Force King Air A350i Beechcraft aircraft on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission sighted a group of Boko Haram insurgents in seven Hilux vehicles hiding under trees at a location along the axis of advance ground forces towards Kangarawa, north of Borno State. Following this discovery, an Alpha Jet was scrambled to attack the location. The attack was successful as 15 of the insurgents were killed and the whole vehicles knocked out. 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 terrorists.
Terrorists Disguising as Hunters –DHQ Warns
The Defence Headquarters had raised the alarm that the members of the Boko Haram were disguising as hunters and vigilante members to evade being detected as insurgents. The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said in a statement on June 27 that the insurgents, who had been smoked out of the Sambisa Forest, had resorted to dressing like hunters and vigilantes to wreak havoc on unsuspecting members of the public. He said that the insurgents, disguised as hunters and vigilante members, opened fire on some innocent people during a ceremony at Kuda-Kaya village in Madagali community of Adamawa State. He urged the citizens of the community in the operational area to be wary of accepting the services of unknown hunters and vigilante members in order to avoid hosting killers in their communities.
Camerounian, Nigerian Troops Clear Terrorists from 6 Villages
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have cleared terrorists from six villages along the Nigerian-Camerounian border in continuation of their efforts to flush out the fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists from the Lake Chad Basin Area of Responsibility (AOR). The Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, Col. Colonel Muhammad Dole, on June 29, stated that the troops of Sector 1 with its relocated Tactical Headquarters in Makary, Northern Cameroun, intensified the clearance operations along the borders between Nigeria and Cameroun to block the fleeing terrorists. The terrorists have been reported to be migrating to some villages adjacent to the Sector 1 AOR. He disclosed that the troops, acting on credible information, successfully cleared the six villages occupied by the terrorists, seized some logistic equipment and apprehended 24 suspected Boko Haram accomplices. He also listed the recovered equipment to include 20 out boat engines, two motorcycles, nine generating sets, a solar panel, a grinding machine, a handset, flags and some Islamic religious books.
Troops Kill Boko Haram Terrorists, Rescue Hostages in Borno
Troops of 26 and 121 Task Force Brigades and Battalion of Nigerian Army have killed several Boko Haram fighters and rescued 16 hostages held at Ngoshe prison in Borno State. Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, June 29, said the troops also recovered caches of arms and ammunitions, during their clearance military operations in the Cameroonian border areas with Gava and Ngoshe towns. He said the troops’ objective in Ngoshe village, was to dislodge the terrorists and clear them off from the foot of the mountains of Gwoza that extends for 16 kilometres. The recovered arms and ammunition include, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, four RPG bombs, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle and three AK-47 rifles. Other recovered arms include, a Sub Machine Gun, a locally made pistol and double-barrel gun, a Smoke Grenade, 243 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and a round of 7.62mm special ammunitions.
Political/Government Agencies
IGP Appoints New Police Spokesman
The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Don Awunah, as the new Force Public Relations Officer to replace ACP Olabisi Kolawole who was the Force Public Relations Officer from August 2015 to June 2016. Until his new assignment, Don Awunah, was the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Homicide Section of Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) Abuja. He holds B.A degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos and M.A in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Benue State University, Makurdi. He is a Fellow of Institute of Security Studies, Fellow of Institute of Corporate Administration, and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The new FPRO promised to work to increase the tempo of good relationship between the Police and the public in line with the policy thrust of the Nigeria Police Force. He could be reached on GSM No 09059202456, and email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Murder/Assassinations
Body of Lecturer Killed over Infidelity Recovered from River Katsina-Ala
The decomposing body of Godwin Abuul, a lecturer with the College of Education, Oju in Benue State, who was allegedly murdered by his wife in connivance with her siblings over alleged extra-marital affairs, has been recovered from River Katsina-Ala by police. Abuul, who went missing about two weeks ago in Gboko was killed and dumped in River Katsina-Ala. In the course of investigations, police in Gboko arrested a young man with the cloth the lecturer wore the last day he was seen and on interrogation, the suspect confessed that the deceased was allegedly killed by his wife in connivance with her siblings, who also sold his car and shared the proceeds. The mother of two was immediately arrested alongside her siblings and others mentioned in the saga. The matter had been transferred to the Command Headquarters in Makurdi for further investigation.
Herbalist Arrested over Alleged Murder of Septuagenarian
A 51-year old herbalist, whose identity has not been revealed, has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command over the murder of a 75-year-old woman, Betsy Egbeobamwonyi. Betsy was gruesomely murdered at her apartment as she was severally stabbed and her throat slit. She was lying on the bed beside her four years old grandson when she was killed. Acting Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command, Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the incident, said the police acted on intelligence reports. Onwochei appealed to the deceased immediate family and members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of other perpetrators.
Four Killed in Edo Ritual Attack
Four persons were killed and dismembered when some ritual killers invaded the town of Ubiaja, Headquarters of Esan South East LGA. The lawmaker representing the area in the state House of Assembly, Festus Udughele, confirmed this on June 28. According to him, a lifeless body of a woman was found inside a church, human skull was also discovered in a school while a lifeless body of a middle aged man was seen with his organ mutilated. He further disclosed that a student was also killed by suspected cultists during the last voter registration in the state. The State House of Assembly has called on the state police command and other security agencies in the state to as a matter of urgency beef up security at Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South East of the state.
Police Begins Manhunt for Ikorodu Attackers
The Lagos State Police Command, June 26, said it has commenced an aggressive manhunt for gunmen, who invaded Igbolomu and Ishawo areas of Ikorodu on June 24 and unleashed mayhem on residents. The gunmen were said to have come in through the waterways close to the communities, shooting sporadically. This led to the death of some people while others sustained various degree of injuries. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said an aggressive and massive manhunt had commenced against the suspected militants, adding that the investigation was going on smoothly. The CP disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Owutu responded with his men immediately he was alerted.
Bandits Kill Eight in Benue Vigilance Office’s Attack
A band of gunmen, June 26, killed eight residents after an attack on the Okpoga vigilante office in Benue State. The gunmen allegedly stormed the vigilante members’ office located at Ugwu Okpoga, headquarters of the Okpokwu LGA to wreak havoc. They were said to have opened fire indiscriminately around the office and in the process, shot and killed five men on the spot. It was learnt that three others, who were injured and were being rushed to the hospital by the Police, died before they could get to the hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the death toll. Yamu, who decried the high rate of criminality in the state, said the state command was doing all it could to ensure that the crime rate was brought under control.
Gunmen Kill Four in Kaduna Village Attack
Unknown gunmen, June 27, invaded Gurguzu village, near Maguzawa, an outskirts of Rigasa in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, killing four persons while many persons sustained varying degrees of injuries. The incident reportedly occurred after unknown gunmen, riding on bikes invaded a farm in the village and shot the farmers. Four died on the spot. The attacked forced many villagers to flee the village. The Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Igabi Local Government, Jabir Khamis, said no fewer than 500 persons had been displaced.
Bridget’s Murder: Court Dismisses Suspects’ Bail Application
A Chief Magistrate Court in Kano, Kano State, June 28, dismissed the bail application of the five suspects accused of killing Mrs. Bridget Agbahime at Kofar Wambai Market. The accused reportedly killed the 74-year-old trader on June 2, 2016, for allegedly making blasphemous remarks against Prophet Mohammed. At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Ekwe Sunday, argued that since the case was a capital offence, it would be out of place to grant them bail. After hearing their arguments, the Chief Magistrate, Mohammed Jibrin, remanded the accused persons in prison custody and adjourned hearing to July 20.
Panic in Ado-Ekiti over Mutilated Body of Man Dumped in Canal
Panic gripped the residents and passers-by at Ojudo area of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State on June 29, as they woke up to see the dismembered body of a man was apparently murdered overnight. The man, whose identity was yet to be known, was dumped in the canal with his limbs cut off by the murderers. Finding the situation very appalling and strange, the people from nearby Mugbagba, Ijigbo, Odo Ado, Ojudo and other neighbourhoods had converge on the street, close to the community’s market, causing a traffic jam as they called others to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Rape
Another Sales Girl Raped and Battered in Ughelli
Barely five days after a sales girl was raped and bludgeoned to death in Ughelli, Delta State, another sales girl has been attacked in a similar manner. The latest victim was raped and then beaten with a mallet on June 27 inside a shop at Ekuigbo community, still in Ughelli. This is the third in five days after the wife of a popular hotelier was attacked and raped inside her shop on June 24. It was gathered that the victim, who was at the point of death, was discovered naked by the owner of an adjoining shop in the same building, who then raised alarm. Sympathisers rushed the victim to Ughelli Central Hospital. It was gathered that the assailants had raped, gagged and tied the victim, leaving her for dead, before she was discovered. A witness disclosed that the assailants used a mallet they left behind in the shop to smash the victim’s head and eyes.
19-Year-Old Arraigned for Raping Five-Year-Old Girl
An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, June 29, remanded a 19-year-old student, Joseph Urama, in prison for pleading guilty to defiling a neighbour’s five-year-old daughter. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, ordered the remand of the accused at the Kirikiri Prisons and adjourned the case to August 1 for facts and sentencing. The accused is being tried for alleged defilement. The prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on June 22 at the residence of the accused. Donny alleged that the accused was caught by the victim’s mother while defiling her five–year-old daughter. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
Serial Rapist Arrested in Lagos
A suspected member of the notorious Awawa cult gang, who specialise in terrorising and raping young girls, has revealed that he had raped over girls around Dopemu area of Agege, Lagos State. The 30-year-old suspect, Jimoh Sanni, who was arrested by operatives of Lagos State Task Force alongside 14 others, confessed that he was a sectional head of Awawa Boys and had raped more than five girls around Dopemu area. It was learned that operatives of the Lagos State Task Force arrested the cult members at Dopemu area after they received intelligence report on the disturbing activities of notorious Awawa Boys. It was gathered that during the operation, which was carried out at midnight and led by SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, Chairman, Lagos State Task Force, the suspects and other affiliated group leaders fought the officers with dangerous weapons before they were overpowered.
Man Arrested for Impregnating 15-Year-Old Daughter
A 41-year-old man, Raymond Anyanwu, has been arrested for raping and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter. Anyanwu, who confessed to committing the act, disclosed that he started sleeping with his daughter sometime around January, after he lost his job. Trouble started after the victim’s aunty suspected that she was pregnant. The victim then revealed that her father was responsible for her pregnancy, and the mother decided to play it down as a family issue after her husband beat her up, warning her not to disclose the incident to anyone. But the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development learned of the development and alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect on June 22. Meanwhile, the victim’s mother had arranged for an abortion, which had been carried out before she was rescued and taken into protective custody by the government.
Man Arraign for Sexual Abuse on 3 Daughters
A 48-year-old man, Michael Ogbar, was, June 28, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping his three daughters. The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, refused to hear his plea and remanded him in Kirikiri prisons. Elias said the court had no jurisdiction over the case and therefore transferred the matter to Apapa Magistrates’ Court. The accused, who lives in Badagry, a suburb of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of defilement and rape. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Rafael Donny, told the court that the offences were committed between January and May at the accused’s residence. Donny said that the accused raped his two daughters and defiled the third daughter. “The accused sexually abused his 24, 20 and 10 year-old daughters,” he said.
Others
Kuje Jailbreak: Prisons Unveils Identities of Escapee Inmates
The Nigeria Prisons Service, June 27, unveiled the identities of two inmates who escaped from its facility in Kuje, Abuja on June 24. Service Public Relations Officer, DCP Francis Enobore, gave the names of the escapees as Maxwell Ajukwu from Delta state and Solomon Amodu from Kogi State. Two inmates were reported to have escaped from the prison at about 1930hrs though not through jailbreak. Enobore said the inmates in question were awaiting trial for culpable homicide. According to him, efforts are on in collaboration with sister security agencies and relevant bodies to recapture the fleeing prisoners.
Stepmother Remanded for Cutting off Baby’s Penis
A 22-year-old woman, Bara’atu Rabiu, has been remanded in the Minna Medium Security Prison for allegedly cutting off the penis of her rival’s one-month-old baby, Buhari. She was arraigned on June 27 on one count of attempted homicide before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Minna. Bara’atu allegedly cut off the victim’s penis at their home in Kuta town, Shiroro LGA of Niger State. It was learnt that the suspect had been married to her husband, Mohammed Rabiu, for seven years, without a child. She allegedly cut off the baby’s penis to punish her husband for marrying a second wife. The Police Public Relations Officer, Bala James, explained that the suspect wanted to kill the victim, adding that the child, who was named after President Muhammadu Buhari, survived the attack.
Woman Burns Boy’s Genitals for Stealing N100
The police in Lagos State have arrested a woman identified simply as Saratu, for allegedly burning the genitals of her seven-year-old nephew, Razak Qudus, over alleged theft of N100. The victim lived with the suspect in the Afariogun, Oshodi area of the state. It was gathered that Saratu’s neighbours reported the matter to a coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, living in the area, who in turn reported to the police. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest. The suspect allegedly rubbed pepper on the boy’s genitals and started beating him. The boy in the process fell on a burning stove and incurred burns in his genitals. The suspect has been charged to court and remanded in prison.
Drunken Cop Found Dead in His Home
The corpse of a policeman, Sergeant Godspower Okoro, has been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital, Lagos State, for an autopsy to unravel the cause of his death. PUNCH Metro learnt that Okoro, who was attached to the Alausa Police Division, was found dead in his rented apartment on Baale Street, Ojodu Berger, around 8am on Sunday. It was gathered that the policeman had returned from duty around 7pm on Friday, reportedly drunk and did not go out until he was discovered dead two days later by his girlfriend. The girlfriend, who had allegedly complained about his bad drinking habit, reportedly planned to take him to a church that morning. However, the landlord’s wife, who identified herself simply as Iya Nimota, said she last saw Okoro around 7pm on Friday when he returned from work. The woman, described the deceased as jovial and peaceful. She added that Okoro and his girlfriend had a misunderstanding on Friday after he was allegedly drunk. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Okoro’s death.
Delta Community Raises Alarm Over Killings, Kidnappings
The People of Ubulu-Uku community in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State, have raised alarm over the spate of killings and kidnappings, in the community, including the murder of the paramount ruler of the kingdom, Obi Ofulue Akaeze II, by unknown persons. The cry for help followed alleged murder of a security aide attached to the country home of one of the prominent political figures in the community, Mr. Emeka Okwudishu, who has been away from the state for several months. Family members, who had visited Mr. Okwudishu’s country home, were shocked to discover the body of the security aide, who had served him for several years, killed and dumped in the water storage tank, within the premises. A Police source who confirmed the incident, said that investigation into the killing was ongoing.
Protesters Damage BRT Buses over Death of Street Hawker
There was chaos along Ikorodu Road, Lagos State on June 29 when a mob protesting the death of a hawker vandalized several BRT buses. The street hawker was killed by a moving truck as he tried to escape arrest by officials of Kick against Indiscipline (KAI). His death sparked off a violent protest as a mob started vandalising BRT buses belonging to Primero Transport Service Limited. The bus drivers, who were taking off their uniforms, and passengers abandoned the vehicles and fled for their lives. The situation was hijacked by hoodlums, who started dispossessing women of their bags. Police sources hinted that five persons were arrested in connection with the chaos. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.
Review/Analysis
Terrorism stood tall on the crime index as the Nigerian military fights to defeat terrorism in the country. The military made some successes as it rescued over 5, 000 hostages held captive by the Boko Haram terrorists’ group while about 10 terrorists were killed. It was unfortunate as a member of the JTF was killed while a soldier, policeman and another civilian JTF member were wounded during clearance operations. The military recovered arms, ammunition and logistics equipment in large quantities from the terrorists. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has warned Nigerians to be watchful as members of the Boko Haram were disguising as hunters and vigilante members to evade arrest. The north east remains the endemic region.
Murder/assassination incidents were also high on the index with horrific murder cases on record. Ritual killers in Edo and Ekiti states had their victims dismembered, while a woman had her husband killed over infidelity. Other incidents include gunmen opening fire on various groups of people at different times. These were witnessed across the country.
Kidnap/hostage incidents took a downward plunge as the authorities remained formidable in their quest to reduce the menace of kidnap in the society. Notwithstanding, some incidents were recorded, notable is the kidnap of expatriates in Calabar, Cross River State. The workers were, however released after four days. Kidnappers also struck a students’ hostel in Ogun State and abducted a female student for whom they have demanded ransom. The south-west and south-south recorded more of this ugly scenes of kidnap.
Robbery gang incidents took a nose dive as incidents remained low. In a bid to curtail activities of armed robbers in the country, the Police in Warri killed a robbery suspect and arrested two members after they attempted to rob a commercial tricycle rider. It was also reported that a final year engineering student of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) was shot and killed by rampaging armed robbers. This was witnessed more in the south-south region.
Children, especially young girls, are consistently victims of serial sexual abuse, especially by trusted family members or neighbours. While the incidents of rape gives the authorities great concerns, the trend of fathers abusing their daughters is fast becoming a major societal problem.
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.