Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 20

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	7
2	Robbery	4
3	Gang	2
4	Drugs	2
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	4
6	Terrorism	6
7	Political/Government Agencies
8	Murder/Assassination	13
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	5
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Abduct Urhobo Youth Leader

The youth wing president of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Comrade Ovie Igho Anthony, was, May 7, kidnapped by gunmen in Delta State. He was returning to his Abraka home from Warri after a meeting when the gun-wielding men who had laid an ambush struck along the Eku-Abraka road. Anthony was travelling with four other members of the union in their official vehicle when they ran into the hoodlums who robbed them before whisking the victim away. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, while confirming the kidnap, said that men of the anti-kidnapping team and military personnel had been dispatched to rescue the victim.

Police Arrest Suspected Female Kidnapper in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command, May 8, announced that it had arrested a suspected kidnapper, while trying to escape with her victim. Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, said the suspect, Maryam Mohammed (22), was arrested on May 6 by the police detectives attached to Soro Division. Mohammed said that the suspect allegedly kidnapped an eight-year-old girl, Azizah Shitu of Soro town, who had been declared missing since May 4. He said that the suspect was arrested at Kamfanin Kutare on Bauchi–Maiduguri Road, while trying to board a car with the victim to an unknown destination. The spokesman said that preliminary investigations had revealed that Maryam was not a first time offender. She would be arraigned in court after police investigation.

Gunmen Kidnap Naval Officer, Rating in Rivers

A naval officer and a rating have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Rumuji axis of Emohua LGA of Rivers State. The officer and the rating, whose name could not be ascertained immediately, were said to be on their way to Sapele in Delta State before they were waylaid and taken away by the unknown gunmen. The incident, according to reports, occurred on May 9. A source explained that a search for them is in place.

Police Arrests 3 Suspected Kidnappers in Bayelsa

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, May 9, stated that the suspects were arrested on May 3. He said that the trio was among the four gunmen that abducted one Immaculate Nwachukwu at Otiotio area of Yenagoa. The victim was freed during the operation and two suspected kidnappers aged 23 and 29, were arrested at Choba in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspects confessed to the crime and revealed that one Samuel Yellow invited them to carry out the operation. The suspects led the police to the house of Samuel in Yenagoa, where he was arrested. One double barrel gun, one single barrel gun, a sledgehammer and two live cartridges, were reportedly recovered from the apartment. The police spokesman urged members of the public to always volunteer useful information that would assist the command in its fight against criminals in the state

Police Arrest Abeokuta Prophet for Abduction

An acclaimed prophet, Akomolafe Ayinde, said to be the founder of Kingdom of Peace Church, Abeokuta, was, May 7, arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for alleged abduction, forced labour and sex slavery. According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the prophet’s arrest followed a tip-off that one Adebanjo Adeyinka that was declared missing six years ago, was sighted in his premises. Adejobi disclosed that when the SARS swooped on the church, apart from Adebanjo, who was in a demented state and engaged in manual labour, seven other women and children were also found in the church.

Police Parade Driver over Kidnap of Boss’s Son

A 26-year-old driver, Jeremiah Igiri, who kidnapped his employer’s 4-year-old son for a ransom of N20 million, was May 10, paraded by the Rivers State Police Command. Igiri confessed that he masterminded the kidnap when he invited two persons to take the boy. The driver said he was alarmed when he heard that the kidnappers were demanding for N20million ransom. The mother of the boy, Mrs Telalo Georgina, disclosed that it was at the Police station that her driver confessed that he was behind the abduction. The boy, who was kidnapped on April 19, was rescued after 17 days by men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) of the Rivers State Police Command.

Rivers Police Rescue Boy Abducted from Anambra

The Rivers State Police Command, May 12, disclosed that it had rescued an 11-year-old boy, Chisom Okafor, who was kidnapped in Anambra state and brought to Port Harcourt. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said Police was carrying out stop and search at Eliozu road when the SUV conveying the kidnapped boy suddenly pushed him out and fled. On interrogation the boy said he was taken hostage at Anambra when he went to buy bread for his guardian.

Robbery

Angry Mob Sets Suspected Robber Ablaze in Warri

An angry mob, May 8, lynched and burnt a suspected thief in Warri, Delta State. The suspect was mobbed after an unsuccessful attempt to rob a pregnant woman. The deceased, identified as Emma Blue, was set ablaze at the First Marine Gate junction in Warri/Sapele road, Warri South Local Council. The suspect was described as a notorious criminal in the area, who had been arrested several times and released by the police. The Divisional Police Officer, Warri B Division, Anniette Eyoh, said before he mobilised to the scene, the suspected armed robber had been set ablaze, adding that he had to file a report to the Commissioner of Police regarding the jungle justice meted on the suspect.

Lagos Police Arrest Robbery Suspect while Treating Gunshot Wounds

A suspected armed robber, Sunday Ukpe (33), was arrested in the Orisha Imude area of Ajangbadi, Lagos State, where fled to after sustaining gunshot injuries in Akwa Ibom State. He was apprehended on May 9 by operatives from the Ajangbadi police division while he was treating himself. The suspect was said to be on the list of suspected criminals terrorising Akwa Ibom, while a manhunt had allegedly been launched for him by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the state police command. Ukpe had been on the run after allegedly involving in several robbery operations in Akwa Ibom. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the suspect had confessed to the crime. Badmos said Ukpe had been taken to a hospital for proper treatment and would be transferred to the Akwa Ibom police command for further investigation.

Army Arrests 17 Suspected Cultists, Robbers in Rivers

Operatives of 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, have arrested 17 suspected cultists and armed robbers. The Army also recovered arms and ammunition, including dynamites, from the hoodlums from the various locations in the state. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Captain Eli Lazarus, May 10, said that the arrests were made during their operations in Ahoada East, Ogbogoro in Obio/Akpor, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Omuonwa and Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGAs. Lazarus listed arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested suspects and others at large as 16 AK47 rifles, five General Purpose Machine Guns, two fabrique national rifles, six pump action rifles, 11 dane guns and three G-3 rifles. Others, according to him, are three G-3 magazines, 11 fabrique national magazines, 15 AK 47 rifle magazines, 508 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 313 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two Berratta pistols, three cartridges, 14 rounds of 0.9mm ammunition and two revolver pistols.

Police Arrest Member of 3-Man Armed Robbery Gang in Warri

The Delta State Police Command, May 11, said it had arrested a member of a 3-man armed robbery gang in Warri. The police are currently on the trail of the other two members of the gang. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, stated that the suspects, who operated in a tricycle, had reportedly trailed a businessman, Roman Marskan, from a bank to Sapele road where he was allegedly robbed at gun point. Kalu explained that Dragon Police Team, acting on information, swung into action and chased the tricycle. But the robbers, upon sighting the patrol team, abandoned their tricycle and jumped into the bush. But one of the suspects, identified as Victor Ebigwe (26), was apprehended. One locally-made single barrel gun, 2 live  cartridges, one black bag with a face cap including one blue coloured tricycle, were recovered from the  suspect.

Gang Incidents

11 Arrested in Akwa Ibom for Cult, Robbery Activities

Eleven suspected cultists and armed robbers have been arrested by the Police in Akwa Ibom State with various arms and ammunition recovered from them. Five of the cultists were below 19 years of age. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, said the suspected cultists identified as a student of Maurid Polytechnic, Mbiaso in Nsit Ibom LGA of the state, were arrested during initiation of new members. Nwawe warned that any form of criminality was unacceptable in the state as there is no room for any man, woman or teenager to perpetrate crime.

Police Arrest 18 Suspects over Violent Protests in Kano

The Kano State Police Command, May 13, confirmed the arrest of 18 suspects, who allegedly destroyed the houses of two law makers from Kano, Senator Kabiru Gaya and Honourable Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya. Both lawmakers represent Gaya constituency at the Senate and the House of Representatives respectively. The Command, however, noted that an attempt by the irate youths to also attack the Yalokuka Secretariat was foiled, due to the timely arrival of security operatives at the scene. Police Public Relations officer, Magaji Musa Majiya, explained that the protesters partially razed an area housing the power generator within the building complex of Senator Kabiru Gaya’s house. The protesters also set ablaze the campaign office and poultry farm belonging to the House of Representatives member from the area, Alhaji Abdullahi Mahamud. Majiya disclosed that normalcy had been restored to the affected area and the arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Drugs

NDLEA Arraigns Man over Export of Diazepam Tablets, Injections

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on May 10 charged a 35-years-old man, Mike Ndasi, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for drug peddling. The accused is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on unlawful possession and export of restricted drug substances. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The accused was alleged to have committed the offence on February 13. The prosecutor, Augustine Agwu, alleged that the accused was arrested at the shed of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), at the Murtala Muhammed Airport for exporting about 2.75 kilogramme of Diazepam tablet, and 24.5 kilogramme of Diazepam Injection. Justice Saliu Saidu granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum. He thereafter, adjourned the case to July 6 for trial.

Police Arrest with 1,055kg of Indian Hemp

The Police in Jigawa State said they have arrested a 50-year-old man, Haladu Ishaqu, with 1, 055 kilograms of substance suspected to be Sativa Cannabis otherwise known as Indian hemp. The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, Thliza Yaro, May 6, disclosed that the suspect was nabbed in his farm at Bul-Bul village in Kazaure LGA. Yaro, who handed over the suspect and the substance to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in the state, said that the suspect was into the illicit business with his son, who remained at large. He said that the police recovered 24 bags of the Indian hemp in the suspect’s farm at the time of his arrest. He said that the son escaped on sighting policemen. Receiving the suspect and the exhibit, the NDLEA’s Deputy Commandant of Narcotics, Michael Okoh, promised to treat the case with high sense of professionalism and ensure that the man was prosecuted.

Militancy/Maritime

Militants Attack Chevron Facility in Warri

Suspected Niger Delta militants, May 6, blew up the trunk line feeding crude oil to both Warri and Kaduna refineries. The attack on the facility belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which was recently repaired, is the second in recent days carried out by a new group of suspected militants in the Niger Delta that has vowed to cripple the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Also reportedly hit in the latest attack is an oil flow station feeding the Chevron Tank-farm in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State. A gas line feeding Lagos and Abuja power plants were said to have been hit in the renewed attacks on the oil facilities in the region. Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), claimed responsibility for the latest series of attack. The spokesman of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, N.B Lamu, confirmed the attacks without giving details.

Navy Averts Pirates Attack on 3 Merchant Vessels

The Nigerian Navy, May 10, said that its personnel averted pirates attack on 3 merchant vessels in the Niger Delta. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, disclosed that the vessels were attacked around Brass waterways in Bayelsa State on 3rd and 4th of May 2016. According to him, the timely response of the Special Protective Team deployed by the Nigerian Navy successfully dislodged the pirates who fled to evade arrest.

Navy Discovers, Destroys Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian Navy, May 10, said that its personnel had discovered and destroyed some illegal refineries in the Niger Delta. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, disclosed that a naval patrol team, on May 4, discovered and destroyed 2 active illegal crude oil refineries located at NAFCON creek. According to him, the refineries had 7 storage tanks containing about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 20,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. The patrol team destroyed a warehouse used by the criminals to hide illegally refined products. The massive warehouse located at Ikpokiri community in Rivers State had GP tanks containing suspected illegally refined AGO.

Niger Delta Militants Give Oil Companies 2 Weeks to Shut Down Operations

The Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group that has claimed responsibilities for recent bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta, May 12, issued a two-week ultimatum to owners and operators of oil blocs in the region to shut down their business operations and evacuate all their staff or face a ‘bloody’ attack. The organization had recently claimed responsibility for destroying Nigeria’s oil platforms resulting in the shut-in of several barrels of crude, disruption in power supply and shortage of gas supply. NDA also attacked the Shell platform in Forcados, the Chevron Okan platform at Abiteye in Escravos, and the pipelines transporting crude oil to the Warri and the Kaduna refineries. The group’s spokesperson, ‘Col’ Mudock Agbinibo, warned Chevron Nigeria Limited not to embark on the repair of the valve blown recently, or several casualties would be recorded during any confrontation.

Terrorism

Army Clears 7 More Villages Occupied by Insurgents in Borno

The Nigerian Army, May 8, said it had cleared seven more villages occupied by Boko Haram in Borno State. The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, stated that the on-going clearance and rescue operations gained momentum as troops of 28 Task Force Brigade successfully cleared enclaves of Boko Haram terrorists along Galtha Baba, Galtha Musa, Bulakurma, Shatimari, Chukruk, Bulangaje, and Disa villages. He added that one Boko Haram terrorist was captured alive during the operation. According to him, three motorcycles, bags of grains, terrorists’ flags and uniforms have also been recovered. He listed other items recovered to include: suicide vest, a cell phone and one Dane gun. The troops also rescued 15 persons that were held hostage by the Boko Haram terrorists in the area.

18 Boko Haram Members Killed in Sambisa

The troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 16 members of the Boko Haram Sect inside the Sambisa Forest. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, May 9, said that the troops of the 21 Brigade of the 7 Division, who carried out the operation, also cleared four villages which included Bala Karege, Goske, Harda and Marka 3. Usman said that the troops killed the insurgents when they took advantage of a heavy downpour in the area to approach the location of the troops. He said the vigilant troops killed eight of them and recovered two vehicles from them. He added that eight more bodies of the insurgents were recovered after another operation in the area. He also said that the troops repelled a Boko Haram ambush at Harda and recovered several items from them. According to him, the troops recovered ‘suicide vests, high calibre weapons which included one Rocket Propelled Grenade Bomb, 18 rounds of 23mm Shilka ammunition, one Barrel of AK-47 rifle, one Extra-barrel of General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK-47 rifle magazines, metal link of 12.7mm ammunition  and a heavy-duty solar panel battery’.

Borno Community Lynches Two Boko Haram Members

Two members of the Boko Haram sect were lynched by residents at Puchi where they went to collect tax from the members of the community. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, May 9, stated that two out of three tax collectors of the Boko Haram were killed at Puchi village where they went to collect tax from the community. He said that before the troops of the 7 Division and some members of the Civilian JTF could get to the area, the residents apprehended two of them and lynched them while the third escaped.

Appeal Court Affirms 25 Years Jail Terms for Boko Haram Convicts

The Court of Appeal in Lagos, May 6, affirmed the judgment of a Federal High Court convicting and sentencing three members Boko Haram to 25 years imprisonment each. Justice Y.B Nimpar rejected the appeal filed by the convicts and upheld the judgment of the lower court. Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos had on September 30, 2014, handed down the verdict after the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, successfully prosecuted the terrorists before the court. The state government had filed charges against four accused persons for conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: acts of terrorism, concealing information about acts of terrorism and having possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. Out of the four persons charged, three were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each, while the fourth accused was discharged and acquitted.

Police Intercept Suicide Bomber at Borno State Secretariat

Policemen maintaining security duties at the entrance of Borno State Government secretariat, known as Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri, May 11, intercepted a male suicide bomber at the entrance to the secretariat. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed this, said that the suicide bomber killed himself, and a policeman who intercepted him. About 18 people sustained various degrees of injuries and have since been evacuated to hospital for treatment. The army spokesman noted that the unfortunate incident reinforced the need for more security consciousness and awareness on the part of all of us as the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers still mingle with the society.

Suicide Bomber Kills Self, Scores Injured in Failed Borno Mosque Attack

A suicide bomber suspected to be member of Boko Haram terrorist strapped with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), May 9, killed himself, with many people injured near a mosque in Sulimanti ward of Maiduguri in Borno state. It was reported that two suicide bombers had stormed the area, but the second one escaped without detonating his explosives. The suicide bomber, who disguised as a worshipper, had attempted to enter the Masalacin Kofar Shehu Councillor mosque when Muslim faithful were performing their morning prayers, but the IEDs he was carrying exploded few metres to the mosque, killing only him. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the terrorist carrying Improvised Explosive Device (IED), attempted to attack worshippers at Sulaimanti mosque during early morning prayers. Usman stated that the terrorists was however, prevented from gaining access to the mosque. Unfortunately, he said, five civilians sustained injuries during the failed attempt.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill Five Policemen in Rivers

Five policemen were, on May 9, killed by unknown gunmen in Okobe, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State. The policemen, who were heading to 30 PMF (Police Mobile Force) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State after their special mission in Yobe State, were ambushed by hoodlums at about 3am. It was gathered that the hoodlums took the policemen unaware and opened fire, killing all the five policemen, who were occupants of a police van. The hoodlums were said to have left the scene immediately. A stray bullet was also said to have hit a conductor attached to a tanker driver.  The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said the hoodlums had laid ambush on the road and attacked the policemen that were travelling back to Yenagoa. He dismissed claims in some quarters that the policemen were involved in a shootout with some members of a cult group.

Three Soldiers Feared Killed by Gunmen in Bayelsa

Three soldiers attached to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, were, May 10, killed by suspected militants in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. It was learnt that gunmen, who operated on a speedboat allegedly overran a military outpost at Foropa and gunned down three soldiers at about 1:30am. The militants were said to have carted away two AK47 riffles, a General Purpose Machine Gun and other ammunition from the Foropa checkpoint. The security outfit was said to have evacuated the bodies of the slain soldiers before dawn. The JTF spokesman, Col. Isa Ado, confirmed the killing of the soldiers.

Gunmen Attack Rivers Judiciary Complex, Kill Two

The Rivers State Judiciary complex, which houses the Rivers State High Court, has been closed down after gunmen invaded the court premises killing two private security personnel attached the institution. The cause of the killing was not been ascertained, but security operatives have been deployed in the court premises. It was learnt that the gunmen had invaded the judiciary complex on May 9 and attacked their victims leaving two dead and another hospitalised. A female security guard said the victims were killed with machete and axes. She stated that the killers had gained entrance into the court premises through the gate while the guards were asleep and pounced on them with the weapons. The Chief Security Officer in charge of the judiciary complex, Batubo Douglas, confirmed that the victims were hacked to death with sticks, machetes and axes

Police Arrests Alleged Wife Killer, Lekan Shonde

The Lagos State Police Command, May 9, arrested a middle aged man, Lekan Shonde, who allegedly killed his wife and fled. The suspect reportedly turned himself in to the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, Tunji Disu. Lekan is alleged to have strangled his wife, Ronke, to death and fled the scene leaving behind their two children in the house. After an alarm was raised by the family’s nanny, who reported for duty on May 6, neighbours were forced to break down the doors of the deceased’s flat due to loud cries of the children. Blood was said to be oozing from the nostrils of Ronke when her body was discovered. There were also bruises on her.  Confirming the arrest, Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said that marks of violence were found on Ronke’s body.

Man Kills Brother in Fight over Missing Torch

A man, Aderemi Adelaja (40), is on the run after allegedly stabbing his elder brother, Mayowa Adelaja, to death during a fight over his missing torch. Trouble started at the Oshodi, Lagos residence at about 12midnight when Aderemi charged at Mayowa, accusing him of stealing his torch. Entreaties by their mother to both aggrieved children to calm down failed as they engaged in fisticuffs. Eye witnesses said Mayowa hit Aderemi with a rod twice and in retaliation, Aderemi got a knife and stabbed him in the stomach. On noticing the magnitude of his action, Aderemi fled the scene, abandoning dying Mayowa in the pool of his blood. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said the alleged assailant was still on the run, adding that the case had been transferred to the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

Herdsmen Kill 6 in Fresh Attack in Taraba

Six people were, May 7, killed by herdsmen at Korum, Orawua and Gidan Bature communities in Taraba state. The attack was launched on the communities following the return of the farmers who were displaced by the crisis that initially erupted across Southern Taraba. The village head of Korum, Chief Emmanuel Chia, disclosed that the armed herdsmen launched an attack on the villages around 2am, killing six people. He added that several others sustained varying degrees of injuries while the entire community comprising of over 500 households, was razed. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the incident. Armed soldiers and riot policemen have now taken over the affected communities to ensure orderliness.

Five Killed in Delta Communal Clash

At least five persons were on May 7 killed, while several others were injured in Okpolo-Enhwe community following an attack by suspected youths of Igbide community in Isoko South LGA of Delta State. Sources disclosed that a land dispute, which had lingered for over four decades, sparked off the attack. An eyewitness said that trouble started between the two communities on May 5, and it was reported to the police. But armed youths from Igbide, May 7, invaded Eyara, shooting and burning houses of prominent Okpolo-Enhwe indigenes.

Two Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping, Murder

Two persons, Onyemachi Oge and Okechukwu Oma were, May 6, sentenced to death by hanging by a High court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state for kidnapping a medical doctor, Chuka Manyike, in the state. The duo alongside Chukwuemeka Levi, Idris Oken, Edeke Desmond and Ijeoma Oge were accused of kidnapping Manyinke in Abakaliki in May, 2013. Manyinke’s security guard identified simply as Peter was shot dead for attempting to prevent the hoodlums from kidnapping his boss. The sum of N3million ransom was paid before the release of the medical doctor after six days in captivity. Justice Eze Udu said the prosecution counsel proved his case against Onyemachi Oge the 4th accused person and Chukwu Oma 6th accused person in the case and sentenced them to death by hanging. He discharged and acquitted the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th accused persons. He, however, recommended that Ijeoma Oge, the 5th accused and her husband, who is at large, be charged for conspiracy and kidnapping for allowing their house to be used in keeping the victim.

Vigilance Group Leader in Ikorodu Killed

The vigilante group leader in Aga community in Ikorodu, Lagos State was, May 7, killed by suspected cultists. According to an eyewitness account, the victim, Afeez Oseni was severally shot by the yet-to-be identified assailant, while he was playing a card game with his friends. Residents reportedly spent the weekend in fear of reprisal attacks by his group members. Oseni’s death was coming a day after the authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU) said it has suspended four students for alleged involvement in cultism. The school authority alleged that the four students abducted a fellow student from his hostel for initiation.

Woman, Boyfriend, Sentenced to Death for Murder

A High Court sitting in Ebonyi state, May 6, sentenced a woman, Josephine Onwuzuruike, and her boyfriend, Ekene Onyeka, to death by hanging. The woman and Onyeka had, in 2008, butchered Josephine’s husband in in Abakaliki and kept his body parts inside a cupboard. Josephine had accused her husband of attempting to marry another wife by building a separate house other than the one they were living. She then contacted her boyfriend, who joined her in murdering her husband. Justice Benson Ogbuh found the accused persons guilty of the offence and sentenced them to death by hanging.

Man Remanded for Allegedly Killing Friend while Hunting

A 38-year-old hunter, Emmanuel Lamidi, was, May 10, remanded in Prison Custody by an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for allegedly shooting his friend while hunting. The Magistrate, Doyin Akosile, ordered that the accused be remanded in custody pending Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) legal advice. She adjourned the case till June 16, for further hearing The Prosecutor, Monica Ikebuilo, told the court that the accused committed the offence at about 11pm on May 8, at Awelewa farm, Ilawe-Ekiti. Ikebuilo alleged that the accused, on the said day, time and place, unlawfully killed his friend, Benjamin Patrick, by shooting him with a Dane gun on the chest when they went hunting together. The plea of the accused was not taken, even as he said that he mistakenly killed his friend, thinking it was an animal that he killed. His counsel, Chris Omokhafe prayed the court for a short date of adjournment as they await the advice from DPP’s office.

Gunmen Kill Three in Bori

Gunmen, suspected to be hired assassins, May 9, killed three people in Bori, the headquarters of Khana LGA of Rivers State. The assassins reportedly killed Charles Otukpor, Nekabari and Henry Kpunee while they were relaxing at a popular bar in the area. A witness reported that the gunmen stormed Prince Igbara Street in Bori where the victims went for relaxation and opened fire on them. The killings took place as hoodlums, May 8, burnt down four houses in the area, including the building belonging to one Friday Knee. The reasons for the attacks are yet to be ascertained.

Hunchback Killed by Suspected Ritual Killers

Suspected ritual killers have abducted and killed a 37-year-old man with a hunchback in Edo State. The victim simply identified as Usokpowu aka Tokyo, was a musician and professional Master of Ceremony (MC). Family sources, May 11, said the hunchback man was abducted by gunmen at his residence at Okhokhugbo community in Egor Local Council of the state. His corpse was found dead three days later in a primary school. Vital organs such as liver, private parts and the hunchback were found to have been removed by the killers.

Rape

Man Remanded in Custody for Defiling 11-Year-Old Daughter

A Gudu Upper Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory, May 10, remanded a man, Uche Uzogora, in police custody for allegedly defiling his 11-year-old daughter. The presiding officer, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, remanded the defendant in police custody, and adjourned the case till July 25 for hearing. The suspect’s wife, Blessing Akarayere, told the court that her husband Uzogora raped their 11-year-old daughter. Uzogora, pleaded not guilty to a count charge of raping a minor. The Prosecutor, Urom Otu, told the court that the complainant reported that her husband raped their daughter whom she left in his care when she travelled to her village in December 2015 and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

75-Year-Old Farmer Rapes Minor

The police in Ogun State have arrested a 75-year-old farmer, Nurudeen Koleosho, for the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl. Koleosho was said to have waylaid the girl around his farm in Shomeke community, in Obafemi Owode LGA of Ogun State on May 9 and forced her into a shed, where he raped her. The girl had gone to play in the farm with her friends on that day, but was left behind during which Koleosho approached her. He had reportedly attempted to lure her with N1,050. It was learnt that she refused to follow the suspect inside after collecting the money, which made the septuagenarian to resort to force. The girl was said to have cried home and relayed the incident to her grandmother, Bose Adebayo, who followed her to Koleosho’s house, and later reported to the police. The farmer, who initially denied the allegation, has reportedly confessed to the crime.

Police Arraign Artist for Raping Teenager

A 23-year-old man, Daniel Idahosa, appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on May 6 for allegedly raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl. Idahosa is facing a one-count charge of rape. The Prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the offence was committed at the accused residence on February 14. Aigbokhan said that the victim’s mother got to know when her daughter became sick. He said that when the victim was examined by a medical doctor, she tested positive to pregnancy. The accused pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted bail to the accused in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case till June 22 for mention.

Others

Man Killed as Policemen Shoot Indiscriminately in Raid of Lagos Street

A middle-aged man was, May 4, hit and killed by a stray bullet on Osogbo Street in the Itire area of Lagos State after policemen on a raid shot indiscriminately. It was learnt that the deceased, identified only as Elewure, was a commercial driver. The incident occurred after a hoodlum, who was caught with a gun and disarmed by residents, invited policemen from the Itire division, alleging that residents had guns in their possession. It was gathered that the policemen then raided the area, shooting indiscriminately. Some of the hoodlums were said to have also hurled pebbles at the policemen, intensifying the shooting. Elewure, who was passing by, was hit by a bullet. He died while being rushed to a hospital. Two policemen in the patrol team have reportedly been arrested by the Aguda Police Division and were being detained at the Area C Command, Surulere.

Family Protests as Man Dies in DSS Custody

The family members of Damilare Eyitayo (39) have accused the Lagos State Command of the Department of State Services of torturing their son to death. But the DSS claimed that the suspect died after jumping out of the moving van after he was arrested. The DSS added that the deceased was given the best of medical treatment, but he later died. Eyitayo was arrested on April 4 by the DSS operatives during an investigation into a syndicate that specialised in cloning the phone numbers of government functionaries. The DSS operatives had stormed Aje Street in the Iyana Ipaja area of the state in search of one Rilwanu, a suspect. It was learnt that Rilwanu had gone into hiding, but his wife led the operatives to the house of Eyitayo, who was taken to the DSS office. Eyitayo’s elder brother, Oyetunji, said although Eyitayo was Rilwanu’s friend, his brother did not deserve to be tortured to death because he was not the suspect the DSS wanted.

Four Die in Rail Crash in Kwara

Three officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and a passenger lost their lives when a cargo train from Ibadan to Kano lost control and crashed at Jebba town in Moro LGA of Kwara State. Officials of the corporation, May 8, confirmed the deaths. Senate President, Bukola Saraki, urged the management of the NRC to investigate the cause of the accident and immediately put in place a measure to prevent recurrence.

Illegal Abattoir Operators Attack, Injure Lagos Task Force Officials

Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) were on May 8 attacked and injured by some illegal abattoir operators at Idi-Araba, Lawanson area of the state. The abattoir operators had attacked and stabbed the task force officials with cutlasses and broken bottles as the officials tried to clamp down on illegal abattoirs and slabs at Oshodi and Idi-Araba. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, through the taskforce, had begun a clampdown to ensure better hygienic conditions at abattoirs and slabs in the state.

2 Killed in Petrol Tanker Explosion in Ondo State

Two persons were, May 12, burnt beyond recognition and one other injured as a diesel-laden tanker exploded on Benin-Ore Expressway in Ondo State. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the diesel-laden tanker was coming from Ore end of the Expressway and heading towards Benin in Edo State when the driver lost control and the tanker fell before it exploded. It was learnt that immediately the truck exploded two of its three occupants were reportedly burnt beyond recognition. The only survivor, who also suffered severe burns, was immediately rushed to the Ore General Hospital for medical attention. Eye-witness accounts attributed the crash to over-speeding and reckless driving. Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, confirmed the death of two of the occupants in the truck.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination maintained top spot on the crime index as wanton killings continue. Even law enforcement agents were not spared as five policemen were ambushed and killed in Rivers State while on their way to Bayelsa from a special operation. Reports from the crime scene revealed that a stray bullet was said to have hit a conductor attached to one tanker driver. In another incident, a 40-year-old man is on the run after he allegedly stabbed his brother to death during a fight over a missing torch. The police, however, made a breakthrough in the arrest of a man, who fled after allegedly killing his wife at their residence. The recent spate of attacks by herdsmen in various communities also led to the death of at least five persons. These acts of violence were witnessed in the south-west and south-south region of the country.

Terrorism took a plunge as the military continues its offensives against the activities of Boko Haram. This was seen in a failed attack by a Boko Haram suicide bomber, who killed himself only and got many others injured near a mosque in Borno state. About 18 members of the Boko Haram sect were killed by military troops, who cleared four villages in their fight against terrorist activities. The activities of the insurgents have been hampered by military troops who are determined to bring peace back to the endemic north-east region.

Activities of kidnap gangs have been reduced through the tenacity of law enforcement agents and increased vigilance of Nigerians. However, a pocketful of incidents are still on record as a youth leader in Delta State was kidnapped by yet-to-be known gunmen. It was also reported that the police in Bauchi state arrested a suspected kidnapper who tried to escape with a child. A naval officer and rating also fell victims of kidnap as they were taken by unknown gunmen in Rivers state. The south-south and south-east witnessed more of this.

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