Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 36

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Army Arrests 3 Suspected Kidnappers in Bauchi

Troops of 33 Brigade, Nigerian Army, deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Toro in Toro LGA of Bauchi State have arrested three suspected kidnappers in the state. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, August 25, said two of the suspects were arrested at Badiko village in Toro LGA following a tip-off. Usman gave the names of the suspects as Dayibu Abdullahi and Nasiru Adamu. He said the soldiers had also recovered a bag containing N439,000 and some personal effects from the suspects. Preliminary investigation revealed that the amount was their share from a paid ransom of a recent kidnap incident, he added. He said the other suspect, Jibrin Dakam, was caught by the troops at Magama, also in Toro LGA. Dakam had escaped from their den at Jenge following the military Operation FOREST KUNAMA at Lame-Burra forest, recently. Usman further disclosed that troops deployed at “Kano 2” checkpoint arrested a suspected armed bandit named Adamu Saleh. Saleh was found in possession of eight rounds of 7.62mm (Special), two cell phones and local charms.

Kidnappers Abandon Victim as Truck Driver Blocks Escape Route

Nemesis caught up with a gang of kidnappers in Aba, Abia State as a truck driver reportedly blocked their escape route as they were fleeing with their victim at Uratta. The victim, Merit Ikechukwu, was said to be on her way to work when a gang of kidnappers blocked her car, blindfolded her and drove in her jeep through a bush path in the area, but residents of the area alerted soldiers on patrol, who quickly stormed the area and joined in the pursuit of the kidnappers. As the kidnappers escaped through the bush path on top speed, they came face to face with a truck driver, who had suspected the speeding Highlander jeep was stolen blocked the bush path. It was gathered that on sighting the truck, which had blocked their path, the kidnappers, who were being pursued by soldiers and members of the community, abandoned their victim and escaped into bush. While searching the surrounding bushes, the soldiers arrested a suspect identified as Prince, who claimed to have gone to the area to recover a debt. However, the suspect was later identified by the victim as the man who drove her jeep before she was blindfolded. The soldiers also recovered the Toyota Highlander Jeep and rescued the victim.

Thugs Attack Obaseki’s Campaign Train, Five Abducted

Political thugs have reportedly attacked the campaign train of the Edo State APC governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, and abducted five persons. The incident was said to have occurred on August 27 at Illushi, near Ubiaja, in Esan South East LGA of the state. The APC candidate described the act as shocking and an act of desperation on the part of the PDP. He urged security operatives to fish out the perpetrators. He said the matter had been reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters at Ubiaja, Esan South East.

Gunmen Kidnap Rivers Chief, Demand N20m as Ransom

Unidentified gunmen, August 29, abducted a chief in Ubima community in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State and demanded N20 million as ransom. Chief Sabinus Obuah was kidnapped alongside his son and wife by the bandits, who stormed his residence. A source disclosed that the kidnappers later abandoned the wife and son and made away with Obuah. The source disclosed that contact has been established with the abductors, adding that the kidnappers were demanding N20 million as ransom to secure Obuah’s release.

Kidnapping Suspects Arrested by Police

The Cross River State Police Command, August 29, paraded two brothers suspected to be kidnappers. The police also paraded 13 other persons arrested for allegedly committing various offences. The state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi Obeh, said the kidnapping suspects, Patrick Etok and Richard Etok, were arrested for attempting to kidnap one Okon John, said to be Managing Director of Peace Garden Hotel in Calabar. He said the brothers were arrested after the police received a distress call which alerted them of the attempt to kidnap the hotelier. The commissioner said the other suspects were arrested on different days, at different spots for allegedly committing various offences bordering on armed robbery and kidnapping.

Gunmen in Military Uniform Abduct Three Lagos Landlords

Yet-to-be identified gunmen in military uniform, on August 27 and 29, abducted three landlords at the New Haven Estate, Igbelaju, in the Iba area of Lagos State. Two of the landlords were reportedly abducted while going to their workplaces. It was gathered that a woman, identified only as Mrs. Nwoche, was abducted from her residence on August 27, while residents were still in shock over the attack, the gunmen struck again on August 29 kidnapping two other landlords driving out of the estate. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the attack. She said operatives of the command were already on a rescue mission.

Soldiers Kill 2 Suspected Kidnappers in Aba

Soldiers attached to the 144 Battalion, Asa Ukwa West council area of Abia State have killed two kidnappers as their gang made to escape from a foiled kidnap operation at Umukanma village in Ugwunagbo council area. The gang is suspected of being behind the death of a respected elder in the community whom they accused of divulging information about their activities to the security agencies. Investigations revealed that one of the leaders of the group, identified as Okechukwu, broke out from his former gang and formed a new one with which he carried out kidnapping and armed robbery attacks in the area.

Robbery

Robbers Hijack Petroleum Products, Kill Drivers

The President of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Kassim Ibrahim, has said that the killing of petroleum truck drivers and hijacking of their products by armed robbers and kidnappers has hampered smooth distribution of the products to some northern and western states. The NARTO boss, August 25, lamented that the negative development had become a serious challenge to the association in the supply of petroleum products to the areas. The NARTO president also identified the deplorable conditions of the roads across the country as also affecting the smooth operation of the association.

Truck Kills Robber While Raiding Passengers in Lagos

A suspected armed robber was, August 26, crushed to death by a truck at the Ojo Lowo bus stop in the Ijanikin area of Lagos State while allegedly attacking some bus passengers. It was gathered that the suspect, along with other hoodlums, had, at about 10.30pm, stood at the bus stop to attack bus passengers. But while the robbery was on, a police patrol team from the Ijanikin division came to the area, which made the robbers flee in different directions. It was learnt that an oncoming truck crushed one of the hoodlums and he died on the spot. Apart from the deceased, another hoodlum, identified as Bassey Eyo, was arrested by the police while other members of the gang escaped. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. She added that effort was on to arrest other suspects and to recover their arms.

Police Kill Six Suspected Notorious Bandits

The Rivers State Police Command, August 27, killed six suspected robbers and kidnappers in Ekpeye community in the Ahoada-East LGA of the state. It was learnt that among the deceased was one General Igbudu, who was a notorious armed robber and kidnapper. The hoodlums were said to have chased an 18-seater bus in the Ahoada area of the East-West Road when policemen from the Ahoada Police Division were alerted. It was learnt that the bus, which was travelling from Benin to Port Harcourt, somersaulted in the process, leaving three passengers dead. The bandits, who were reportedly armed with several AK47 rifles, opened fire after noticing a team of policemen coming after them during the incident that occurred at about 8.40pm. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the leader of the gang, General Igbudu, was responsible for many killings in the Ahoada community. He pointed out that the police recovered four AK47 rifles, 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Tokarev pistol and two military fez caps from the suspects. Following this killing, there was wild jubilation in the Ahoada area.

Two Suspects Shot Dead in Robbery Operation

Two suspected bank robbers were, August 26, shot dead by policemen in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State. The robbers were about dispossessing some women, who had stepped out of a bank, when the police from the FESTAC division were alerted. The four-man gang reportedly exchanged gunfire with the police operatives, leading to the death of two suspects. Two others escaped. A policeman disclosed that the robbers had stationed one of them at the bank’s Automated Teller Machine as an informant. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the killings, adding that some other motorcycle robbers were arrested by operatives in the Lekki, Ajah and Egbeda areas.

Police Parade 11 Robbery Suspects in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command, August 29, paraded 11 armed robbery suspects in Calabar. The state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, who paraded the suspects, said they were arrested in different parts of the state. He said 15 live ammunition, 10 rounds of .9mm live ammunition, six locally-made pistols, and four live cartridges were found with them. He attributed the recent feat to the grace of God and the support gotten from the public as well as sister security agencies in the state. While soliciting more support from the public, Ozi-Obeh urged residents in the state to always constitute themselves into vigilante groups in order to complement the effort of the police. He promised to sustain the relative peace which the state had enjoyed in the last one month, urging residents to always avail the police useful information that will aid her in the fight against crime.

Hoodlums Kill Local Vigilante Commander in Kaduna

Hoodlums, August 29, killed a 27-year-old commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force in charge of Kakuri community in Kaduna South LGA of Kaduna State, Buhari Amodu Tanko. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, said that the deceased, Buhari Amodu Tanko, was murdered by hoodlums while attempting to stop them from stealing from the premises of the defunct textile firm located in his catchment area.

Police Nab Four Notorious Armed Robbery Suspects in Lagos

The Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, has arrested a four-man gang that had allegedly been terrorising residents of the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The suspects –Akin Ayotunde, Isaac Ogbonna, Sola Dede and Sodiq Lawal– specialised in lurking around houses at night and switching off their victims’ generators before attacking them. They, however, met their Waterloo on August 25 after invading the apartment of one Bello Hakeem in the Igbe area and made away with his car and many other valuables. Hakeem said two days after the incident, a friend called him that a car that looked like his own had been put up for sale. He said operatives from the SCIID, Yaba, were alerted and the suspects were rounded up. The police also arrested the receiver of some of the stolen items, Akeem Lawal, who claimed that the suspects lied to him that the goods were imported. The Police Public Relations officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Troops Arrest 5 Notorious Armed Bandit in Delta

Following intelligence report, troops of the 222 Battalion, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army involved in the field training exercise of Operation CROCODILE SMILE, August 31, arrested five suspected armed bandits along the East-West road between Ughelli to Patani in Delta State. The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said a robust patrol team was dispatched to raid suspected criminal hideouts at Ehweru community in Ughelli North LGA and the team was able to track down and arrest hoodlums known for terrorising commuters plying the East-West road between Ughelli to Patani. They also recovered 1 locally made gun, 1 dagger and a cutlass from the suspects. He assured that the troops will continue to maintain vigilance, carry out raids and patrols as part of the training exercise in the general area as part of their routine activities to improve proficiency and professionalism.

Gang Incidents

Police Nab 42 Touts, Recover 74 Vehicles from over Illegal Taskforce

The Aba Police Area Command has recovered 74 vehicles and arrested 42 suspects as it clamped down on illegal taskforce teams extorting money from motorists on major roads in the city. Police Area Commander in charge of Aba, Peter Wagbara, August 27, disclosed that the suspects were nabbed at the Fire Service Station, Factory road, rail crossing, and in the premises of the State Ministry of Works, all in Aba. The 74 vehicles were recovered at the places, where touts had converted to their operational base. He urged motorists whose vehicles were confiscated by the illegal taskforce to report to the Area Command office with proof of ownership and recover them at no cost. Touts had taken over major roads in Aba where they arrest motorists demanding all sorts of illegal levies. Motorists who refused to accede to their demands would have their vehicles confiscated and taken to the Ministry of Works and Fire Service station where they are made to pay fees ranging from N10, 000 to N15, 000. On several occasions, the process of the forceful seizure of vehicles from members of the public had caused accidents on the road, with some passengers sustaining injuries. Angered by the development, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu directed the Police Area Commander in Aba to ensure that illegal taskforce teams operating in the city were taken out.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Military Kill 5 Militants, Arrests 23 Suspects

The Nigerian military has commenced an onslaught against to rid the Niger Delta region of all criminal activities, militancy and sabotage of the nation’s economic infrastructures. This is coming after the Nigerian Army amassed troops, arms and ammunition for the special exercise code-named Crocodile Smile in support of the larger Operation Delta Safe within the nine states of the region. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, August 27, said that the troops have carried out a precursor operation to Exercise ‘Crocodile Smile’ and killed five militants that attacked the troops, while numerous others were injured and 23 suspects were arrested. He noted that the operations, which was conducted on August 26, was carried out by the Special Forces at the militants’ camps. He listed the items recovered from the camps to include two AK-47 rifles, 11 pump action guns, a locally made revolver pistol, 292 cartridges of live ammunition, 199 rounds of AK-47 rifle ammunition, four electricity generating sets and a camp gas cooker.

Soldiers Arrest 15 Suspects in Niger Delta

Nigerian army soldiers conducting training and clearance operations against Niger Delta militants in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states, August 28, arrested 15 suspected oil vandals in different operations and destroyed several illegal oil refineries. The troops have also taken new deliveries of fighting equipment including 3 scorpion ranks, Main battle tank and Ambushed Protected Vehicles. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army involved in the field training exercise nicknamed “Crocodile Smile” mounted on gunboats and speedboats and have been making tremendous progress as they also raided suspected criminal hideouts in the creeks around Ajaosolo, Okogho, Opumani, and Obodo general area. The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Bomadi, he added.

JTF Busts Oil Bunkering Syndicate, Seizes Volumes of Fuel Products

Operatives of Sector One of the Joint Task Force code-named Operation Delta State, Effurun, Delta State, August 25, busted an illegal oil bunkering syndicate and seized 310,000 litres of illegally refined diesel estimated at over N52.5 million. Twelve suspects were arrested while seven tankers loaded with the products were also impounded by the soldiers. Commander, Sector One of the JTF, Colonel Alhassan Mohammed, made the disclosure on August 31 while handing over the suspects and the seized tankers to officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the Sector’s headquarters for further investigations and prosecution. He said since the Operation Delta Safe was reactivated, his men had been working silently busting the activities of illegal oil bunkerers burning down their illegal refineries in the swamps and creeks of its Area of Responsibilities (AOR).

Residents Panic, Flee as Soldiers Storm Gbaramatu

Hundreds of residents of Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, have fled their communities and relocated following the deployment of fierce looking soldiers at the weekend. The Ibebenemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, August 29, said some of military men were terrorizing the communities, shooting indiscriminately.

Militants Bomb another Oil Facility in Delta State

Niger Delta militants have blown up another major oil delivery line belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company at Ogor-Oteri in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. The explosions were heard on August 30 during a downpour. A militant group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group’s spokesman, Aldo Agbalaja, asked oil companies operating in the region to evacuate their staff from Warri and Port-Harcourt Refineries to avoid being hurt in further attacks in the coming days. They advised all indigenes living in the vicinities of the facilities to relocate for the time being. The group accused militant groups that are willing to negotiate with the Federal Government under the arrangement by Chief Edwin Clark of being only after the money.

Troops Raid Militant Camps in Delta, Recover Arms and Ammunition

Troops of 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have raided suspected oil bunkerers and militant camps at Afiagbene in Burutu LGA of Delta State but found nobody. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, August 30, said that the troops carried the raid in collaboration with the Navy. Usman said the raid was part of the field training exercise on the day 4 of the ongoing operation nicknamed, ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in the Niger Delta. He said the troops, however, recovered two generators, one locally made double barrel gun, one Dane gun, three live cartridges and two pumping machines, and 4X50 litres of liquid suspected to be crude oil at Ayakoromo junction.

Terrorism

Boko Haram: Security Taskforce in Plateau Places Citizens on Red Alert

Major General Rogers Nicholas, Commander of Security Taskforce in Plateau State, August 26, charged the citizens to remain on the alert and watch out for strange faces among them, noting that the call became necessary to avoid fleeing members of Boko Haram that still pose some sort of security risks, from settling down among them. The General stated this in his maiden media briefing on current security developments in the state. He stated that Plateau citizens need to be on the alert and be very vigilant of their environment because there are feelers that members of Boko Haram who have been displaced from the North-East might make Plateau state their safe haven.

Troops Kill Notorious Bandits, Cattle Rustlers

The troops of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on operations to curb the menace of livestock rustling, armed banditry and other forms of criminality have killed an armed bandit, arrested some, cleared camps and recovered livestock in Kaduna and Zamfara States. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, August 29, said that the troops arrested a notorious cattle rustler, named Isah Fulani, at Mararrabar Jos area of Kaduna State. He added that the troops had also killed the leader of a livestock and armed banditry gang called Guruguru Magaji at Tashar Nakau, Ikara LGA, in a fierce exchange of gun fire. The troops recovered a revolver pistol and six locally fabricated 9mm rounds of ammunition from him. He further disclosed that the troops at Anchau, Kubau LGA of Kaduna State also arrested two impersonators that parade themselves as members of a non-existent vigilante group harassing and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public in the area.

NAF Helicopter Bombards New Boko Haram Camp in Northern Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft has bombarded the new camps established by the Boko Haram terrorists in the northern part of Borno State. The NAF spokesman, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, August 30, said a night operation successfully destroyed a new Boko Haram Terrorist camp located between Malam Fatori and Kangarwa in Northern Borno. Famuyiwa said the new camp is about 4 to 6 kilometres away from the terrorists location attacked earlier on August 20, 2016 by NAF Mi-17 helicopter within the same vicinity in a similar night operation that led to the death of about 300 insurgents. He stated that “the post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) mission revealed that surviving terrorists had converged on the new location.” The information, he said, was later confirmed to be true by series of follow-up Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that led to the strike.

NAF Jet Attacks Boko Haram Leadership Location in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), August 31, said that its fighter aircraft carried out precision attacks on fleeing commanders and other leadership of Boko Haram terrorists on August 29, noting that the group of commanders and leadership suffered heavy casualty. According to NAF, the leaders of the terrorists group, who escaped with severe injuries from the helicopter gunship attack, had gathered at a new camp in Northern Borno State for their murderous plans when the aircraft hit them directly. Director of Air Force Public Relations, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, gave details of the attacks. He added that the latest strike followed the trail of this piece of intelligence to neutralize these suspected leaders of the sect who are high value targets.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Man Sets Wife, Children Ablaze

A 43-year-old woman, Gbemisola Edward, and her 11-year-old daughter, Dolapo, have died following severe burns after her husband, Joshua, set them ablaze, along with his seven-year-old son, Samson. Joshua set his family ablaze after a disagreement between him and his wife over sale of property. Gnemisola’s son, Babatunde, who escaped by a whisker, said his stepfather had wanted his mother to sell their three-bedroomed apartment, but she refused. According to him, the scream of his mother woke him up from sleep, but as he wanted to put out the fire, his stepfather poured petrol on him as well, but he managed to escape and reported at the Ifo Police Station. Joshua fled immediately after the incident, while the victims were rushed to the hospital. The Ogun State Police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the command had launched a manhunt for the killer husband.

Gunmen Kill Human Rights Activist in Rivers State

A human rights activist and lawyer in Rivers State, Ken Atsuwete, has been murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. Atsuwete was taken by the gunmen from his residence in Aluu Community at about 5am, before being shot and dumped in a nearby drain. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Omoni Nnamdi, August 29, confirmed the incident. Spokesman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, insisted that the murder of Atsuwete was politically-motivated and called on the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure that they unravel those behind the heinous crime.

Police Stray Bullet Kills Driver in Lagos

A police stray bullet, August 28, hit and killed a commercial bus driver in Lagos. The incident occurred when a policeman, who was said to be escorting a jeep, fired some shots into the air apparently to disperse vehicles, which had blocked the road. But a bullet hit and killed the bus driver at Doyin bus-stop in Orile area of Lagos. When the Policeman realised what happened, he reportedly fled the scene, leaving the vehicle he was escorting. However, he was later arrested. Boys in the area swung into action and arrested an occupier of the jeep whom they handed over to policemen at Orile division. The killing of the policeman caused bus drivers to boycott the Okoko-CMS route to protest the alleged killing of their colleague by a mobile policeman. The deceased, identified simply as Fatai, left behind a wife and five children.

Gunmen Continue Killing Spree in Imo Community

Gunmen, suspected to be cult members, August 29, killed two persons in Assa community, in the Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State. This is coming on the heels of the killing of nine persons in the same community two weeks ago. Youths, who belonged to different cults, were said to have engaged in supremacy battle over royalties paid by multinational oil companies operating in the community. Most residents have reportedly fled to neighbouring towns and villages. A community leader, Celestine Ogbuji, appealed to the government to deploy military men in the area.

Police Arrest Two Land Grabbers for Murder

The Ogun State Police Command says its operatives have arrested two land grabbers suspected to have murdered one Taofeek Bakare at Ilogbo, in the Sango Ota area of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspects –Sharafa Adeyemi and Sunday Jamiu– were arrested on August 31 after policemen from the Sango Area Command got information that the land grabbers were about to launch another attack on the community. Items recovered from them are one double-barrelled gun, one single-barrelled gun, 94 live cartridges and charms. Oyeyemi said the Commissioner of Police had ordered the transfer of the case to the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Father Demands Justice for Son Killed by Police

The Father of a 17-year-old boy, Innocent Kokorifa, allegedly killed by a police team in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on August 18 has demanded justice from police authorities and the government. The grieving parent, Daniel Kokorifa has also accused the police of trying to shield the team that allegedly killed his son. The deceased’s father, an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said his son was innocent and never had any criminal records. Innocent was shot dead in a mysterious circumstance by the police Anti-Vice/Anti-Kidnapping team along Air Force Road in Yenagoa. The victim was said to have been on an errand for his mother when the police allegedly killed him and deposited his remains at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) mortuary, Yenagoa. But the state police command had in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Butswat Asinim, claimed that the victim died in a gun battle between a three-man notorious armed robbery gang and the police team. About four policemen have been detained in connection with the alleged killing, according to reports.

Fleeing Driver Kills Man after Bashing His Tricycle

A tricycle rider, Christian Ugochukwu, was, August 31, crushed to death by a truck at the Secretariat end of CMD Road, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos. The truck driver, John Monday, had bashed the victim’s tricycle earlier, and refused to stop. The victim was reported to have parked his tricycle and chased the truck. He reportedly caught up with it at the Secretariat bus stop and hung to its side door. The driver reportedly flung the door open and Ugochukwu fell. He was subsequently crushed to death by the truck’s back tyres. A witness said a crowd mobilised and chased the truck driver, adding that he was caught at a filling station in the Otedola Bridge area. The driver and his conductor were rescued from the mob by policemen. The Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court at the end of investigations.

Man Kills Step-Mother in Akwa Ibom

A 25-year-old man, Edikan John, August 27, killed his stepmother in Esit Urua community, in the Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State, and promptly fled the community. The victim’s widower, Julius John, said he had asked his wife to join him in bed that evening, but she said she wanted to take fresh air outside. Julius said while asleep, he was aroused by a shout from his wife. He added that he later discovered that the victim had been hacked to death by his son, Edikan, who was yet to be found after the incident. John said the matter had been reported to the police.

Rape

Man, 28, Rapes 2-Year-Old Girl

A 28-year-old tailor, simply identified as Itua, was almost lynched after he was caught raping a 2-year-old girl. The mother of the baby, Mrs. Ajibade, was reportedly going out with the baby, but left her to urinate behind their residence, only to return to find that her daughter had vanished. The suspect, whose shop was located opposite Ajibade’s home, initially denied seeing the toddler. However, the girl appeared later pointing at genitals and, at the same time, calling ‘Itua’. The mother then checked the girl, only to find the severe damage and bleeding at her genitals. A mob gathered and apprehended him. A resident disclosed that Itua had been caught several times defiling children, but would beg to be freed. Itua confessed to the police that he only inserted his fingers into her vagina but did not rape her. However, doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja, are battling to save the life of the girl, following severe injuries she sustained to her genitals and internal organs.

3 Suspected Cultists Gang Rape Teenager in Ikorodu

Two suspects, who allegedly gang raped a 14-year-old girl within a school premises in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, have been arrested by the police. It was gathered that the victim was ambushed on her way back from school, when one of the alleged suspects took her earpiece before dragging her into his room where she was reportedly gang raped. It was learned that the suspects took turns to rape the victim, while one of them used a phone to record the act. Three other suspects, Afeez, Kabiru and Ramon are currently at large while Olabisi Olasunkanmi and Jamiu are being investigated by the police. The victim alleged that her mouth was covered to prevent her from shouting as they took turns to rape her, while Jamiu used a Tecno phone to video the act.

Guard Arrested for Molesting Employer’s daughter

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old security guard, Ossai Sylvester, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in the Victoria Island area of the state. Sylvester, an employee of the girl’s parents, was arrested on August 29 for allegedly sucking the breast of the victim and inserting his finger into her vagina. The guard, had on August 27, allegedly lured the girl to a secluded spot in the house and sucked her breast. He also dipped his left finger into her private parts. He has reportedly confessed to the crime. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Sylvester’s arrest.

Pastor Rapes 13-Year-Old Boy in Awka

A pastor with the Jesus Miracle Ministries, Awka, Anambra State, Ekene Adaoji, has fled after allegedly raping a 13-year-old boy. The victim said the suspect tricked him by asking him to stay behind after a vigil, and when he insisted on going home, the pastor applied a substance on my eyes which made him fall asleep. When he woke-up, he noticed that his trousers were torn and his anus was damp, and that he also felt pains in his anus. According to him, he quickly ran home to report what had happened. A relative of the victim, Ngozi, said after the victim told them about what happened, they rushed to the church only to discover that the pastor had fled. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Nkiru Nwode, said the police had launched a manhunt for the pastor, while the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Court Remands Catholic Priest for Alleged Rape

A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, August 29, remanded the parish priest of the Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Reverend Father Anthony Ochigbo, in police custody for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl. Ochigbo was arraigned on one count of rape. It was learnt that the victim’s mother, one Grace Obong, had attended a programme at the suspect’s parish with her two daughters, aged 10 and eight. At the end of the programme on August 16, the suspect was said to have urged Obong to leave the two girls behind to spend the night with him, to which she agreed. But when she returned the following day to pick them, she reportedly discovered an unusual movement from the 10-year-old. The police prosecutor, John Ijagbemi, told the court that the victim confessed to her mother that the suspect raped her over the night, prompting the mother to make a report to the police. The priest, however, pleaded not guilty. The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, adjourned the case till August 30, 2016, for ruling.

Guard Abducts, Rapes 14-Year-Old for Days

A 55-year-old security guard, Yekini Ogunjobi, was, August 30, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court for alleged unlawful detention of a teenage girl in his apartment for four days. The police said Ogunjobi raped the 14-year-old victim, during her incarceration before she was rescued from the apartment in Agege. The girl, an apprentice tailor in the neighbourhood, was sent on an errand on Esuola Street, when the suspect summoned her. She was reportedly hypnotised and lured into a room by the suspect, who allegedly raped her for four days before her rescue on July 28 by the police. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and elected to summary trial. The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. Elias adjourned the case till October 6, 2016 for mention.

Pastor Drugs, Rapes Woman Seeking Prayer Solutions

An Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, August 31, ordered the remand in prison custody of a pastor, Korede Olamide (37), for allegedly raping and robbing a woman, who had met him for prayer solutions to her problems. Korede is also accused of unlawfully detaining the victim and putting a sedative in her drink. The accused had promised to her solve her problems with prayers. He was arraigned before Mrs O. Sule-Amzat on a six-count of unlawful detention, maliciously administering poison, rape, causing a person to engage in sexual intercourse, provoking breach of peace and stealing. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the accused committed the crime on August 20. Ihiehie said that during police investigation, a video of the illicit act was found on the phone of the accused with other previous videos of similar treatment of victims. The accused pleaded guilty to unlawful detention, maliciously administering poison, rape and stealing but denied causing a person to engage in sexual intercourse and provoking breach of peace. The case was adjourned to October 6 for sentencing and for bail of the accused on the fourth and sixth counts.

Police Arrest Fraudster who Lures, Rapes Female Victims

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, one Falose Oluwoye Nifemi, who posed as a banker on the social media space, to first lure his female victims, then rape them. The fraudster, was said to have been luring young ladies with fake business proposals and ends up raping them in the process at his FESTAC Town residence. The suspect owned up to the act, adding that he did not know that the last victim was a friend to his previous victim. The lady quickly invited the police leading to his arrest. The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the incident, described him as a serial Facebook rapist, who was arrested while attempting to rape another of his victim. Owoseni said already about five girls had accused him of chatting them up on Facebook, soliciting for sexual friendship.

Others

Police Nabs Herdsman with AK47 Rifle in Enugu

A 20-year-old herdsman, Ibrahim Adamumale, has been arrested by the Police in Enugu for allegedly being in possession of an AK47 rifle. The suspect was also found with 24 rounds of live ammunition. The Spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest on August 30, said the suspect, who revealed that he lives at Hausa quarters in 9th-mile area and had some cows at Affa-Udi bush. He added that the suspect, before his arrest, had fired about six shots into the air to evade being nabbed.

Anambra Community Declares 4 Chiefs Missing

The Abagana Welfare Association in Anambra State has declared four prominent traditional leaders of the community missing after the police invasion of Abagana community following the land dispute between the people and Ukpo community. Those allegedly missing include High Chiefs Amobi Ezekwe, Eugene Anene, Stephen Ezediegwu and Charles Nwazojie. This was even as police sources said in Awka that the traditional chiefs who were arrested on August 19 in their residences over alleged conduct likely to cause a breach of peace were helping detectives in their investigations over the issue. The community stressed that the land feud between the two communities was before the Court of Appeal in Enugu, adding that despite the pendency of the case, hundreds of thugs were mobilized into the disputed land last June to bulldoze several properties, farmlands and economic trees belonging to members of Abagana community.

18-Year-Old Job Seeker’s Eyes Removed by Best Friend

An 18-year-old job seeker, Hussein Emmanuel, has had his eyes plucked out by his friend, David Arafat, who promised to assist him secure a job in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The victim is an indigene of Sara village in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. A source said Hussein’s best friend, David, delayed the proposed journey to Port Harcourt from Bauchi by two days to carry out his plan. It was learned that David connived with one Jerry and led Hussein to a nearby river in Sara village, where they attacked him with a chain on his neck and removed his two eyes. Police Public Relations Officer, Mahmood Mohammed, said the case was still under investigation.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents are still high on record with very sad incidents as was witnessed when the life of a 43-year-old woman and her 11-year-old daughter, were cut short after her husband, set them ablaze, along with his seven-year-old son in Ogun State. Other killings include, cult and communal clashes. Invasion by herdsman seem to have taken a nosedive following recent actions by the authorities and community vigilante groups.

Rape also took an upward plunge with very bad incidents on record as a 28-year-old tailor was almost lynched after he was caught raping a 2-year-old girl. Some of the incidents were so brutal and left the victims, who were mostly minors, hospitalised under intensive care. The south-west region of the country witnessed most of these dastardly acts. Parents and guardians are urged to be extra vigilant in protecting their young ones from falling victims to rapists.

Robbery attacks took their toll on the citizens as activities of criminal gangs lingered. This was witnessed in a case where some robbers hijacked petroleum products and also killed the driver of the vehicle. However, incidents were drastically hampered by police activities as they made arrest of gang leaders and suspected armed robbers. Others, sadly made good their escape with their loot. However, the police have assured that they remain on the trail of the fleeing suspects. The south-west and south-east recorded more of these criminal activities.

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high with various incidents of abduction. The case of a chief who was abducted by unidentified gunmen was recorded in the Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State with a ransom of N20 million demanded for his freedom. While few suspects were apprehended, most others successfully took their victims away. The security agencies have vowed to apprehend perpetrators and rescue the victims unhurt. These incidents were recorded across the regions of the country.

Militancy and maritime incidents maintained its place on the crime index as military troops continue offensives to purge the region of vandalism and economic sabotage. In a bid to rid the Niger Delta region of all criminal activities, the military troops carried out major operations, killing five militants that attacked the troops, while numerous others were injured and 23 suspects were arrested. Attacks on pipeline lingers as a militant group, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Movement (NDGJM), claimed responsibility for breaching an Ogor-Oteri major delivery line in Delta State. The Niger Delta region continue to bear the brunt of militancy.

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

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding and report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities for investigation.