Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 33

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	8
2	Robbery	7
3	Gang	2
4	Drugs	1
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	2
6	Terrorism
7	Political/Government Agencies	2
8	Murder/Assassination	14
9	Rape Incidents	5
10	Others	5
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Farmer Sells Sons, 5 Others for N400,000

A 49-year-old farmer, Gabriel Ajor, was, August 9, arraigned before a Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly abducting and selling seven children, including his two sons and an eight-year-old baby, for N400,000. Ajor was alleged to have abducted and sold the children under the pretext of sending them to schools in Owerri and United States of America, USA. The accused was said to have tricked one Kenneth Omale and John Attah, parents of five of the children, into believing that he meant well for their kids. According to the prosecuting police officer, Cornet Ayabatu, the accused between March and June, criminally conspired with others now at large to commit the offence. Ayabatu said police investigation led to the arrest of Ajor, who confessed that he was paid N400,000 for the seven children by one Malik in Owerri, Imo State. The Chief Magistrate, Alhassan Husaini, ordered that the accused to be remanded at the state CID detention facility in Lokoja and adjourned the case to August 24 for further mention.

3 Pregnant Teenagers Rescued from Traffickers in Asaba

Operatives of the Police Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Delta State, August 7, rescued three pregnant teenage girls from a human traffickers’ hideout along Okpanam Road in Asaba. Two members of the trafficking syndicate -a fake nurse, who operates the baby factory and her accomplice, a fake lawyer- were paraded by the police. The victims, Esther Frank, 17; Chinyere Ude, 19, and Happiness Igwe, 20, told the police that they were brought to the hideout by the fake nurse, Uju Okonkwo, so their babies would be sold at birth. The state Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim, said the suspects were helping the law enforcement agents in investigation and would soon be arraigned in court.

Kidnappers of Bayelsa Lawmaker’s Father Demand Ransom of N70m

Kidnappers of Chief W. G. Watson Iti, father of the member representing Brass Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Alfred Belimote Watson, have reportedly demanded N70 million ransom for his release. The kidnappers were said to have contacted Alfred with his father’s phone number on August 6, requesting N70 million for his father’s release. Chief Watson Iti, a septuagenarian, was abducted same day on his way to Egweama community from Okpoama community in Brass LGA of the state. Alfred Belimote Watson confirmed the incident.

Police Arrest Kidnappers of Lagos Monarch

Five members of the gang that carried out the recent abduction of Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Goriola Oseni, have been arrested by operatives of Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The suspects, who were apprehended within Iba and Iyan-Ipaja areas of Lagos, were picked up few hours before and after the Oba was released on August 6. Oba Oseni was reportedly released after a ransom of N12million was allegedly paid to the kidnappers, whose camp is located within the Ijegemo creek in Isheri area of Lagos State. The leader of the militant gang known as Duba Furejo, AKA, General Duba, was arrested by operatives of the IRT led by Abba Kyari, at Iyana-School area of Iba, while trying to flee to his home town in Ondo State. His deputy, Ododomu Isaiah, was apprehended on August 7, in a bus park at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, while also attempting to board a bus going to Ondo State. They were said to have confessed during interrogation to have taken part in the abduction of the Oba and several others recently.

Lagos Prophet Accused of Abducting Teenager

A 26-year-old prophet with Immaculate Ministry in Satellite Town, Lagos, who allegedly abducted a teenager, has revealed that he did it to liberate the victim’s family from a spell. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, August 10, said that the suspect, David Ifunaya, abducted the victim for three weeks. She was later traced to the suspect’s home in Satellite area of Lagos, following which her parents reported the case to police. However, the suspect claimed that he did what he did to cast out a spell from the teenager. When the 16-year-old girl was approached, she stated that she was carried away by the accurate prophesy the suspect gave concerning her and her family. However, she said she was on her way to her uncle’s place on July 31, only to find herself at the prophet’s house where she stayed for eight days.

Kidnapped Lecturer Regains Freedom

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) lecturer, Professor John Okoli, who was kidnapped by gunmen on August 8, has regained his freedom. Okoli, who was released by his abductors on August 10, was taken away from his residence in Omuoko Aluu community. The spate of abduction of the institution’s lecturers had caused panic among academic and non-academic staff of the university. Confirming the release of Okoli, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, explained that Okoli regained his freedom without the payment of any ransom.

Kidnappers Kill 3 Policemen in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command, August 9, confirmed the killing of three police officers in Port Harcourt by a gang of suspected kidnappers, who were fleeing with two kidnap victims. It also said its operatives arrested six persons suspected to have kidnapped the Priest-in-charge of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Igwuruta, Reverend Father Ambrose Bani. Police Public Relations Officer, Omoni Nnamdi, who disclosed this, added that operatives of the command also rescued a 24-month-old boy, Kenedrick Kpodor. Nnamdi, however, said efforts were still on by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command to rescue the kidnapped Priest, adding that two victims kidnapped by the killers of the three police officers had been rescued.

Police Arrest 17 for Kidnapping in Bauchi

The Police in Bauchi State have arrested 17 suspects for kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes at different locations in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Mahmood Mohammed, August 9, said the command had also secured the safe release of a district head and two others, who were kidnapped about a week ago. The PPRO said that Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested six suspects in connection with the kidnapping of the District Head and two others at Tama village of Gumau district in Toro LGA of the state. Five Bajaj motorcycles and Six handsets amongst which include the one used in negotiating ransom, were recovered from them.

Robbery

Robbers Attack Catholic Priests in Imo

Three Catholic priests were, August 8, attacked by daredevil robbers, who stormed the parish house of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Umualumaku, Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State. The Parish Priest, Reverend Father Anthony Dieme, said that they lost valuables, including mobile phones, laptops, wrist watches and some cash. He said the five-man gang gained entry into the chancery at 3a.m., tied them up and demanded for N5 million.

Police Arrest Robbery Suspects, Recover Cars, Firearms in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, August 10, said it had arrested 91 armed robbery suspects, 39 cultists, nine kidnappers and eight rapists, as well as 33 policemen for extortion. The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who made this disclosure, also said they recovered weapons and ammunition. He said the police operatives also recovered 28 cars, 20 firearms, 30 rounds of ammunition, several phones and laptops, as well as gold jewelleries. Those arrested would soon be arraigned in court.

Police Smash Car Stealing Syndicate

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, August 10, paraded, a criminal gang specialising in stealing cars. Parading the two-man gang that had used master key to steal Toyota Camry cars which they sold to their customer, the CP issued a stern warning to criminals operating in Abia, saying he would make it impossible for them to engage in their nefarious activities. Oyebade said the gang met their waterloo after stealing a black Toyota Camry at Ohafia. The two suspects, who gave their names as Pastor Chibunna Onyenweaku (33) and Princewill Nnabugwu (42), said they had been friends before they went into crime.

Police Nab 7 for Robbery

The Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos State, has arrested a gang of armed robbers that hijacked trucks in different parts of Ondo, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states. It was learnt that among the seven suspects was a 54-year-old grandmother, Bola Ajayi, who was apprehended in the Ilupeju area of Lagos State for allegedly receiving some of the stolen goods. The gang members were arrested by operatives attached to the zonal command on August 1 while allegedly on a robbery operation in Ore, Ondo State. Two locally-made guns and one dummy gun were recovered from them. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Abdulmajid Ali, who paraded the gang, said investigation was on-going. The syndicate confessed to hijacking and robbing about four trailers in the last one year. They were also involved in several kidnappings in those states.  Investigation is in progress and the suspects will soon appear in court, the police assured.

Robbers Kill Cashier in Lagos

Armed robbers, August 3, shot and killed a company cashier, identified only as Genesis, at the Ilupeju area of Lagos State. Genesis was shot dead while he was heading for a bank with his colleagues’ salaries. While Genesis was shot dead, the company driver conveying him and the money to the bank sustained injuries. It was learnt that the robbers could not take away the money with the cashier before they escaped. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the case was under investigation.

Police Apprehend Six-Man gang of Robbers

The Ogun State Police Command has dislodged a six-man armed robbery gang that specialised in hijacking fuel-loaded tankers in Ogun State. The suspects confessed to have been responsible for series of kidnaps in the South-West. A member of the gang, Lukeman Akiole, disclosed that they usually kept their abducted victims in a bush along the Benin-Ore Expressway. A mother of four alleged to be one of the gang’s receivers was also arrested. A team of operatives was detailed for the operation during which six of them were arrested with the recovery of two locally-made shotguns and one dummy gun.

Robbers Attack Lagos Journalists, Kill Production Manager

Armed robbers, August 7, attacked some freelance journalists, who were returning from a programme at the Ogba area of Lagos State. The pressmen, who were in two vehicles, were ambushed by the gunmen around 2am on August 7. The journalists were ordered by the gunmen to come out of the vehicles and lie on the ground. It was learnt that while the robbers operated and shot continuously, one of the journalists, Segun Abayomi, a production manager, was accused by the robbers of standing up and they shot him in the head. The robbers reportedly collected the money, phones and other valuables of the journalists and beat them up before escaping with their loot. Abayomi, a father of three children, was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead. The other victims were said to have reported the robbery at the Pen Cinema Police Division and the Area G Command, Ogba. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. She added that two suspects had been arrested.

Gang Incidents

5-Year-Old Dies, Houses Razed in Cult Revenge Attack

Cultists killed a five-year-old boy after setting two houses ablaze at Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State on August 8. The cultists at Etekuru community were said to have killed the child, Believe Tobias, while on a mission to kill suspected security agencies’ informants in the area. The attackers, who were said to have arrived the community in four motorcycles and armed with guns and fuel, went straight to their targets’ residents. Little Tobias was sleeping on a mattress in his parents’ house when the cultists arrived, sprinkled petrol on it as well as other corners in the house before setting the place ablaze. The traditional ruler of Etekuru and Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Okwodu, expressed great shock over what he described as man’s inhumanity.

Police Arrest 20 Suspects during Cult Anniversary

At least 20 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were arrested on August 8 in Ogijo and Fakale communities in the Sagamu LGA of Ogun State. It was learnt that the suspects were apprehended by the police and local vigilantes who raided black spots in the areas to foil the group’s planned anniversary. Residents had vacated their homes for fear of being trapped after receiving reports that the hoodlums would unleash terror during the anniversary. Commercial activities were also grounded in the communities. The Secretary of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in Fakale, Idris Lawal, said the group arrested seven suspected cultists and seized a motorcycle from three other suspects. He added that the motorcycle and those apprehended had been handed over to the Ogijo Police Division. The Ogun State acting Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspects would be transferred to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.

Drugs

NDLEA Seizes 1,126.9kg of Cannabis

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kogi State Command, August 10, seized 1,126.9kg of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) worth over N5 million along Kabba-Junction on Lokoja-Abuja highway. The State Commander, Alhaji Idris Bello, who disclosed this while parading the suspect, Ismaila Abdullahi and three others, said the illicit drug was concealed in 100 big bags. Bello said Abdullahi, who claimed to be conveying 100 bags of the illicit drug from Uromi in Edo State to Kaduna for one Ibrahim, attracted the attention of NDLEA patrol team when he took a U-Turn on the highway in the bid to escape with the drugs having been tipped by a Volkswagen Sharon space bus ahead of him. According to the commander, Abdullahi and his passenger later abandoned the vehicle and ran into the bush when they could no longer cope with the hot pursuit from the NDLEA operatives but he (the driver) was caught while the passenger escaped. The suspect confessed that he had been doing business with Ibrahim for a long time.

Militancy/Maritime

Sea Bandits Kill Three Soldiers in Bayelsa

Suspected sea pirates, August 8, attacked a military checkpoint at Tombia waterside in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State, killing three soldiers. It was gathered that the pirates, allegedly made away with a gunboat belonging to the military and two K2 rifles. While some fled with the vehicle on land route, others disappeared into the creeks with the gunboat. The Joint Task Force (JTF) confirmed the attack, saying that the gunmen, believed to be militants, attacked 343 Artillery Regiment, a detachment of Operation Delta Safe deployed to Nembe Jetty in Bayelsa State. Acting Coordinator for the Joint Media Campaign, Centre, Lt Commander A Ahmed, confirmed the death of the soldiers. The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, has consequently deployed reinforcement to apprehend the perpetrators. The military authorities have vowed to apprehend the militants who attacked its base and killed the three soldiers. Meanwhile, the incident has caused panic in the coastal enclave, as the natives abandoned their homes for fear of reprisal by the military.

New Militant Group Breach NPDC/Shorelines Trunkline in Delta

A new militant group, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate claimed on August 10 that it breached a major trunk/delivery pipeline to Eriemu manifold in Urhoboland belonging to Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Shoreline Resources. The militant group, which claims to be agitating for the people of upland that are host communities to oil facilities, said they had been left out of previous negotiations between the Federal Government and riverine communities hosts to same facilities in the past. The group also threatened to blow up Warri and Port Harcourt refineries as well as Utorogun gas plants in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

Terrorism

Political/Government Agencies

Four Officers, 16 Soldiers Court Martialled in Maiduguri for Gunrunning, Murder

Four officers and 16 soldiers were arraigned by the Nigerian Army before a court martial for various offences including murder and the sale of firearms in the on-going war against the insurgency in the North-east. Inaugurating the General Court Martial (GCM), with Brig. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi as its president in Maiduguri, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Victor Ezugwu, August 10, said it was established to try offences committed by personnel within the Operation Lafiya Dole theatre of operations. Ezugwu said the court martial was convened to try four officers and 16 other ranks of the Nigerian Army who had committed various offences, adding that the court martial will be expected to achieve timely and quick dispensation of justice within the framework provided in relevant statute books.

Murder/Assassinations

Enugu Herbalist Kills 13-Year-Old While Testing Charm

A 26-year-old herbalist, Ekene Oluka, allegedly shot and killed a 13-year-old, Obumuneme Oluka, while testing his anti-bullet charm on the deceased. The incident occurred at Amagu-Uwani in Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State on August 8. It was learned that the herbalist, after covering Obumuneme’s body with his concoction, fired a shot, which went through his vital organs, leaving him unconscious. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident, adding that the command had activated a manhunt for the fleeing herbalist.

Woman Kills Co-Tenant with Rake

A housewife, Glory Justice, was, on August 8, remanded in prison by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing her co-tenant with a rake. The Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Olajuwon, ordered that the accused should be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Prosecutor, Inspector Julius Babatope, told the court that the offence was committed on July 8 at the residence of the accused. He alleged that Justice had used a rake to hit the deceased, Sunday Agadima, 42, on the head, which caused his death. According to reports, the incident occurred after the deceased instructed the accused to make sure she disposed of the waste she was gathering with the rake. Justice, who was angered by the instruction, went after him and knocked him dead with the rake. The magistrate adjourned the case to October 20.

One Killed, Another shot in Lagos Cult War

The lingering crisis between rival cult groups in Ajegunle and Ikorodu areas of Lagos state assumed violent dimension, with one person killed. Doctors were said to be battling to save the life of a 13-year-old girl, who was shot in Ikorodu, while others, including a policeman, were said to have sustained injuries. The battle, which started out on August 1 between members of the Eiye confraternity at Kehinde Street and a rival group on Ezeagu Street, continued until August 6, where dangerous weapons were used. The arrival of policemen from Ajeromi Division reportedly averted more causalities as the gun-wielding cultists fled.

Police Arrest Suspected Killers of Oyo Lawmaker

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested the alleged killers of a member of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Gideon Aremu. The lawmaker was reportedly killed by four suspected assassins, who trailed him to his Alakia residence on July, 1. His death generated controversy in the state, which prompted Governor Abiola Ajimobi to offer N5 million bounty for whoever supplied information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, August 7, said the arrest was made possible by a combined team of Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police and detectives from the state Police Command.

Guests Stab Schoolboy to Death at Birthday Party

A birthday party on Kehinde Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State turned bloody when some guests began a fight and stabbed a schoolboy, Endurance Augustine, to death on August 3. Endurance had gone to the party with some of his friends, when a fight broke out. The hoodlums, who were guests at the party, fled after stabbing the victim to death. It was gathered that two suspects, who were trying to hide the victim’s corpse, were apprehended by residents and handed over to the police. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. Two suspects were arrested at the spot and efforts are on to arrest other fleeing suspects.

Pandemonium as Police Kill Protesting Youths in Kogi

Some policemen attached to the Ugwolawo division in Ofu LGA of Kogi State, August 10, opened fire on a crowd of protesting youths. Two of the youths, identified as Okaye Omodi and Zekeri Mohammed, were shot dead by the officers, who immediately fled to their station. It was gathered that the youths were protesting the arrest and detention of some residents, including a retired police officer identified as Peter Adama. It was gathered that Adama and others were arrested on August 10 by some officers attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. A resident, Jeremiah Idege, said the operatives swooped on the community after some Fulani herdsmen reported that their cows had been killed by some residents. Idege claimed that the allegation was false, saying that the herdsmen had actually invaded and destroyed the community’s farmland. It was learnt that a few days after the mediation failed, the herdsmen reported that some cows had been killed by the residents. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, William Aya, confirmed the incident, adding that the state Commissioner of Police had gone to visit the scene.

Fisherman Kills Colleague during Disagreement

A 28-year-old fisherman, Samson Arubiewe, is in police custody after beating his colleague, Suleiman Kareem (26), to death over a disagreement during a fishing expedition. It was learnt that the duo had on August 8, gone fishing on Itegbin water in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos State when the incident happened. It was gathered that the suspect had warned Kareem not to operate within the spot he was navigating but the victim refused. It was learnt that after the exercise, the altercation resumed at the waterside and later degenerated into a scuffle. Kareem was said to have slumped after Arubiewe attacked him with a charm. A resident of the area, who identified himself only as Sodiq, said Kareem died at the spot, adding that youths nabbed Arubiewe as he made to flee the scene. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the case was under investigation.

Cultists Kill Student, Two Others in Lagos

Gunmen suspected to be cult members, August 7, invaded Abule Nla Road in the Iponri area of Lagos State, shooting and killing three youths in a restaurant. The victims comprised a polytechnic student, Damilola Adegoke, and two of his friends, identified only as Kehinde and Junior. A fourth person sustained gunshot injuries on both legs. The attackers, who reportedly came in a car, stormed the restaurant at about 8pm and promptly opened fire on the victims. It was learnt that 20-year-old Damilola died on the spot, while Kehinde and Junior were rushed to a hospital where they were also confirmed dead. The police assisted by members of the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria, reportedly arrested two of the gunmen on Ilaje and Otumara streets in the area. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the attack.

Labourers Kill Colleague over Theft of Phone

An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, August 10, ordered two labourers, Ayuba Abu and Dogo Yakubu, to be remanded in prison custody for allegedly killing their colleague, Mamudu Amidu. The defendants were said to have conspired with others at large to beat Amidu to death after he was suspected of stealing a phone. The defendants and their neighbour beat Amidu to coma at the Ogudu area of Lagos State and dropped him in muddy water. Amidu was found dead around 3am on July 9 in the water. The defendants’ plea were not taken. Prosecuting Sergeant Jimah Iseghede filed an application that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Magistrate B.O. Ope-Agbe ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice. Ope-Agbe adjourned the matter till September 13.

Two Push Truck Driver to Death

An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, August 10, ordered two men, Sodiq Fatusi (27) and Adewale Ogunsanya (19), to be remanded in prison custody for alleged murder. The defendants were alleged to have pushed a 70-year-old truck driver, Jerome Akinsola, to an oncoming vehicle that caused his death. Akinsola was checking his truck’s deflected tyre at Iyana-Ipaja on July 19 when the defendants conspired with others at large and unlawfully demanded money from Akinsola and his conductor. But Akinsola did not oblige. He was attacked and pushed him into an oncoming speeding vehicle, leading to his death. The defendants’ plea were not taken on two charges of conspiracy and murder. Prosecuting Inspector, Babatope Julius, applied that the defendants be remanded in prison custody until a legal advice from Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) came. Magistrate M.O. Olajuwo ordered the defendants to be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from DPP and adjourned the matter till October 24.

Police Arrest Killer Of 21-year-old Woman in Kano

The Kano State Police Command, August 10, arrested a 35-year-old barber, Shamsu Isah, for allegedly killing a 21-year-old woman at Karkasara quarters in Kano metropolis. Police Public Relation Officer‎, Magaji Majiya, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. Majiya said the deceased, Rejoice Isaac, was allegedly murdered on August 3 and buried her in an uncompleted building by the suspect. He said after the arrest of the suspect, he led policemen to the area where he buried the deceased after killing her. The suspect, who confessed to burying Isaac, however, denied killing her. He had attempted to rape her but as she was trying to run away, she was hit by a wood on the head and that led to her death.

Man Hacks Wife’s Lover to Death on Matrimonial Bed

The Ogun State Police Command, August 11, paraded a 32-year-old man, Ezekiel Igbokwe, who butchered his wife’s lover, Victor Olatundun, 38, when he caught him with his wife, Juliet Igbokwe, on his matrimonial bed. Igbokwe, who has been married to his wife for 12 years, said he returned from a business trip to meet the lover in his home on July 25. According to him, he got into a fight with the deceased, who was visibly stronger, so he got a cutlass from his toilet and cut him in the hand. He died while policemen were taking him to the hospital, because their car ran out of fuel. According to him, he had only planned to injure the man and then go to the police station and make a report.

Man Docked for Beating Wife to Death over Sex Refusal

An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court, August 11, ordered the remand of 42-year-old Josiah Johnson in prisons custody for allegedly beating his wife to death for denying him sex. The prosecutor, Sergeant Oriyomi Akinwale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 3. He said that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully caused the death of his wife, Mrs Julianah Johnson, by beating her to death. According to him, the husband wanted sex with his wife, but she declined, saying she did not want to get pregnant after having seven children. He told the court that the man, infuriated by his wife’s refusal, beat her to submission and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her, all of which led to her death. The plea of the accused was not taken, while his counsel, Tunde Falade, did not object to the request for a short adjournment, pending outcome of the DPP’s advice. Magistrate Taiwo Ajibade consequently remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case to September 12.

Gunmen Kill Varsity Lecturer in Benue

Gunmen, August 12, killed a university lecturer in Benue State, Dr Aondosoo Tondo. The gunmen stormed the deceased’s residence at staff quarters on campus and shot him in the presence of his wife and children. The deceased was said to be having his prayers when the gunmen stormed his official residence and shot him. They escaped without taking anything. The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Suemo Shagba, confirmed this. The PRO said the deceased was promptly rushed to a General Hospital in Gboko, where he was confirmed dead. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said that investigation had commenced.

Rape

Man, 47, Defiles Neighbour’s 18-Month-Old Baby

A 47-year-old man, Emmanuel Magbatie, has been arrested for allegedly defiling an 18-month-old girl in Owutu axis of Ikorodu, Lagos State.  Magbatie, who resides in same building as the victim’s parents, defiled the girl on August 3.  Coordinator of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, who confirmed the act, noted that the victim’s mother visited Mirabel Centre at LASUTH for appropriate medical assistance and to aid the judicial processes. She noted that the Perpetrator would be detained to allow the completion of the test and issuance of result from Mirabel Centre, after which the case would be charged to court.

63-Year-Old Man Violates Lover’s Daughter 3, Sister 11

Concerned residents of Ikot Efannga Nkpa community, Calabar Municipality LGA of Cross River State, have raised eyebrows over the release by the police of a 63-year-old alleged serial rapist, who allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of his mistress’s three-year-old daughter and 11-year-old sister. The latest incident, which is generating furor, occurred on July 17 at the residence of his mistress, Amaka Festus Chukwu. Amaka said she had found it very difficult to wake up from the nightmare of her lover causing her daughter and little sister such harm. Activist Coordinator, Civil Rights and Accountability Network Initiative, Kingsley Okoma, whose group took up the matter on behalf of the victims, that the suspect had reportedly confessed to the crime. Commissioner of Police, Ozi Obeh Jimoh, confirmed that a chief reported a case of defilement of a four-year-old girl against the suspect on July 20 and the Police arrested the suspect.

Police Arrest Pastor for Defiling 8-Year-Old

The police in Delta State have arrested one Pastor Ubaka Chukwuka of Love and Mercy Ministry in Asaba, for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl. The State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, August 8, disclosed that the victim and other children, including the pastor’s children, were playing in the cleric’s residence when he ordered his children to go outside the compound to play, while he invited the victim into his room and raped her. He said the victim started experiencing severe pain in her genitals after a week and then reported the incident to her parents, leading to the pastor’s arrest.

Woman Gang-Raped in Lagos

A young lady, in her 20s, was allegedly lured and gang-raped by a three-man gang in Agege axis of Lagos, for about seven hours. The suspects, Ugochukwu Eso, Obinna Gabriel, Chinedu Ezechukwu, Akubu Eze, Nnadozie and Godwin Balogun, have been arrested in connection with the act. It was gathered that the perpetrators confessed to the crime and claimed they had no girl in their team. They reportedly claim to have used a magic voice app to speak like ladies to the victim. The victim met one of the perpetrators, who identified himself as Vanessa, claiming she was a graduate of Coventry University, with plans to start a clothing line and, therefore, would like to work with the victim. The victim disclosed that Vanessa invited her over to meet her parents before they could seal the business deal, but met with the rapists instead. She said they beat and raped her in turns, then asked her to provide N2 million ransom.

Court Remands Man for Raping Church Member

An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, August 12, remanded a 31-year-old man, Damilare Balogun, in prison custody for allegedly raping his church member. Balogun was reported to have lured the victim to his house on the pretext of giving her a gift to make up for her birthday party which he could not attend. He was alleged to have raped the victim when she arrived at his residence. The matter was reported at the Ojodu Police Division, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Damilare, however, denied raping the complainant, saying they had been dating for some time. He was arraigned on one count of rape. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O. Olanipekun, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum. Olanipekun adjourned the case till September 19, adding that the defendant be remanded in prison pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Others

Ebonyi LG Boss, 2 Policemen Arrested for Stripping, Flogging 15-year-Old Girl

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the Coordinator of Ohaozara Development Centre, Ogbonnaya Ene Odi, for his alleged role in the dehumanizing treatment meted out to a teenager, Ukamaka in Ohaozara LGA of the state. Uzoamaka was allegedly stripped naked, dragged around on the ground and flogged under the orders of the Coordinator. Also arrested were the two policemen, who allegedly arrested and took part in the ill-treatment of the girl. The incident, which was recorded and circulated on social media, took place inside the coordinator’s sitting room. It was gathered that the arrest followed an order given to the Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, that all those involved in the incident should be arrested. The Police has since commenced investigation in the matter.

NIS Repatriates 29 Illegal Aliens from Lagos

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, has repatriated 29 illegal aliens from the state. Comptroller of NIS, Lagos State Command, Clara Okojie, advised residents of the state not to harbour illegal immigrants as they posed danger to the lives of individuals and the security of the state. To ensure that those repatriated do not find their way back into the country, the command delegated two Deputy Comptrollers of Immigration, Ahmed Hamzat, and Saleh Abdullah to supervise the repatriation.

Father Puts Pepper in 10-Year-Old Daughter’s Genitals

An Ogudu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, August 10, remanded a 37-year-old father, Okoro Odia, in prison custody for allegedly putting ground pepper in his 10-year-old daughter’s genitals for not submitting his lotto number to the agent. Okoro is standing trial on a three-count charge of indecent treatment, attempt to commit murder and assault. Prosecutor, Ihiehie Lucky, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences sometime in June and August when he unlawfully and indecently dealt with his daughter. He said the step-mother of the girl, Abayomi Maria, reported that the accused always beat up the girl. The prosecutor said the complainant told the police that Okoro had, sometime in June, used a dog chain to tie the girl to a ceiling fan and left her there. The accused, however, denied the charges. The magistrate, Mrs Temitope Oladele, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

2 Gun Runners Docked In Lokoja

Two suspected gunrunners, Ovosi Mohammed and Abubakar Salihu, were, August 9, remanded in prison custody by a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court for illegal possession of firearms. Chief Magistrate Alhassan Husaini, who gave the order, said the proliferation of firearms in the state and particularly within the court’s jurisdiction had assumed endemic proportion. According to the prosecution led by Mohammed Abaji, Salihu was arrested by the military while in possession of a Beretta pistol with Reg. No. 977792 with one round of 9 mm live ammunition. Ovosi on the other hand was arrested in Rivers State by operatives of the DSS on intelligence report. He was said to have travelled to Okene in Kogi, where he sold a Pump Action gun to one Emmanuel and Otaru. The accused were charged with criminal conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms. Husaini refused the bail application and directed that the accused be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe as he adjourned to August 31, for further mention.

25 Inmates Escape from Nsukka Prisons

No fewer than 25 prison inmates serving different jail terms, August 9, escaped from Nsukka Prisons, in Enugu State by scaling through the perimeter fence of the prison. The inmates tactfully opened the cell without the knowledge of the warders on night duty and scaled through the perimeter fence of the prison. The officer in charge of Nsukka prisons, Okonkwo Lawrence Okonkwo, confirmed the jail break. Six of the escapees have reportedly been re-arrested. It was gathered that the inmates at the ‘F’ line of the prison yard apartment which serves as the awaiting trial male, ATM cell, conspired within themselves, with an alleged hand at the prison yard who smuggled in the ladder which the inmates used to scale the perimeter fence of the yard.

Review/Analysis

Murder and Assassination remain high with very sad incidents of killings, as witnessed in the case of a housewife who irritably murdered her co-tenant with a rake. It was also a sad story as lingering crisis between cult groups assumed a violent dimension which took the life of two persons as they battled for supremacy. A 13-year old girl was also shot, while others including a policeman, were said to have sustained injuries. Other incidents include, invasion by herdsmen and solitary killings.

Kidnap/hostage also took an upward plunge on the crime index with various incidents of abduction and child trafficking, this was seen in the case of a farmer, who abducted and sold seven children, including his two sons and an eight-year-old baby under the ploy of sending them overseas for schooling. It was, however, cheering as operatives of the Police Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad were able to rescue three pregnant teenage girls from a human traffickers’ hideout in Delta State. Two members of the trafficking syndicate were detained, a fake nurse who operates the baby factory and her accomplice, a fake lawyer, were paraded by the police. This was witnessed more in the south-east and south-west region of the country.

Robbery took a downward plunge as armed robbers persistently face stiff resistance from the police with major arrests were made. It was however appalling as armed robbers attacked some freelance journalists, who were returning from a programme. During the operation, the robbers shot and killed one of the journalist, Segun Abayomi, a production manager. The south west recorded more of this ugly crime scenes.

Rape cases is increasingly becoming a trend in the society as minors remain the target. In recent times, rapists have turned their evil passion on innocent children, luring them with gift items and threatening them with death should they reveal what transpired. Trusted neighbours, relatives, and teachers, have variously been pointed out as culprits. It was a horrible scenario as an 18-month-old baby was defiled by a 47-year-old man. Kudos to the police as there have been major arrest of culprits. Various regions of the society have witnessed a fair share of this heinous crime.

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