Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 39

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Lagos Police Activates Process to Rescue Four Kidnapped Landlords in Ogun

Following the abduction of four landlords by suspected gunmen in military uniforms on September 16 at Isheri, an Ogun State Community. The Lagos State Police Command, September 19, said it had activated a process aimed at rescuing them alive. The Lagos Police Command had picked up the gauntlet after the Ogun Command had denied jurisdiction of the crime area. Following their claims, the Lagos command said it would not argue over jurisdiction as it had taken the lead to ensure that the victims were rescued alive since lives are involved. According to state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, they have initiated a move aimed at ensuring that the victims were rescued alive. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded for a ransom of N1billion for their release. The landlords were having their routine physical exercise near the Lekki Gardens Estate, when the masked gunmen, numbering about eight, attacked.

Police Rescue 7 from Kidnappers

The Rivers State Police Command, September 18, announced the rescue of the last batch of 14 Nestoil workers kidnapped over two weeks ago at Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Omoni Nnamdi, said the last batch rescued was made up of seven men. The other seven had, at separate times, escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout. Men of the command reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle at the end of which they abandoned the seven hostages and fled. Efforts are on to arrest and bring them to justice, he added.

Woman Snatches 13-Month-Old Baby in Rivers

An unidentified woman in a commercial tricycle, September 12, snatched a 13-month-old baby, Chinazamepkere Eke, in Rumuokurushi community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State and disappeared to an unknown destination. The woman, who was in the tricycle got close to a six-year-old girl known as Chinyere Agbai, who was carrying the baby on her back, before snatching the victim. The distraught mother of the stolen child, Oluchi Eke, said she was in her shop where she sells provisions when she learnt that her baby girl had been stolen. The 31-year-old mother of two said it was not the first time her baby would be brought to her in the shop and wondered why a fellow woman would steal her child in such a manner. Eke, however, explained that she had reported the matter at the Elimgbu Police Station.

Kidnap Suspect Arrested after Collecting Ransom in Abia

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested a kidnap suspect identified as Ugochukwu Nwafor after he reportedly collected a ransom of N2m deposited in a vehicle along Ibeku Ngwa axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. The suspect had earlier sent a threat through text message to one Silas Kanu, demanding N2m from him or else, he would face the risk of being kidnapped. Worried about the development, Kanu reported the matter to the police. Acting on the information, police detectives played along with the hoodlums and deposited the ransom in an SUV at the request of the gang while surveillance was mounted around the area. It was gathered that one Ugochukwu Nwafor and another suspect identified only as Chinweike came out from the bush and took the ransom and ran back to the bush. Police operatives reportedly went after them and arrested Nwafor. The police also arrested one Ndubueze Frederick and Chinomso Ukaegbu in connection with the kidnap of a lawyer, Emeka Nnaji. The hoodlums, on sighting the police, opened fire on them and during the exchange of fire, police arrested the suspect and rescued the victim unhurt. The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, September 19, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

Man, Wife, Three Children Missing after Herdsmen Attack in Kaduna

The family of Evangelist Martins Oko-Oboh has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the country to help find the missing evangelist, his wife and three children after attacks on Nandu and Kabamu villages in Kaduna State by suspected herdsmen. John Oko-Oboh, the evangelist’s younger brother, who made the call on September 18, disclosed that the family had not been seen since the attack on June 24. He further appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the incessant attacks by suspected herdsmen in the country to ensure peaceful coexistence. No fewer than 38 persons were killed in separate attacks in Nandu and Kabamu villages recently.

Suspects Arrested as Police Continue Search for Abducted SARS Officer

The Delta State Police Command, September 20, disclosed that the search was still on for an officer of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Emmanuel German, who was abducted on September 13. German is the immediate past SARS Officer-in-Charge of Ughelli, Delta State. A senior police officer, said that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The victim’s vehicle was recovered the next day at Agbarho with his laptop and other personal belongings intact. But his service pistol and phone were missing. The phone was traced to a Fulani tanker driver in Warri, who claimed that the phone was sold to him by one of his colleague. Both suspects have been arrested.

Police Investigate Shooting and Abduction of Farmers in Enugu

Police have commenced investigation into the shooting of a farmer and abduction of two other farmers by gunmen in Enugu State. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, September 22, said that the incident took place at Akpakume-Nze Community in Igbo-Etiti Council Area on September 20. It was gathered that yet to be identified gunmen had allegedly shot one Lazarus Amadi, who had gone to farm. They gunmen also abducted two other farmers. Amaraizu said that police operatives in partnership with members of the community had embarked on intense manhunt and successfully rescued the abducted farmers identified as Paul Ugwu and Hycenith Eze.

Robbery

Benue Task Force Kills Leader of Deadly Robbery Gang

Operatives of the Benue State’s Joint Security Task Force have killed two members of a deadly armed robbery gang, including its leader, Atondo Bya. Three others, suspected to be members of the gang, were also arrested by the Task Force. Parading the suspects, the Commissioner of Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama, September 19, disclosed that Atondo Bya, who was killed in the operation, led the robbery onslaught on Sengev area of Katsina/Ala LGA where an eight-month-old baby, including her eight-year-old sibling, mother and 10 others were killed. The police recovered military camouflage, charms, different car number plates, and dangerous weapons from the slain leader of gang.

Robbery Victim Identifies Suspects in Bar

Luck ran against a two-man robbery gang when one of their victims sighted and identified them drinking at a bar in Lagos State. The victim immediately contacted some Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives, who promptly apprehended the suspects. The suspects, one of whom is an ex-convict, were said to have operated at Cele Bus Stop, on September 19, dispossessing their victim of cash and other valuables. The suspects Emmanuel Anyanwu, 39, an ex-convict and Kennedy Ujagbor (42), who both admitted to have attacked the victim, however, promised to return the stolen bag.

Lagos Judge Sentences 2 to Death for Armed Robbery

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court in Lagos, September 22, sentenced two persons to death by hanging for robbing a supermarket manager of N5 million. The convicts, a 20-year-old salesman, Charles Friday, and Chidiebere Ani (21), were found guilty of the offences of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery. The prosecution, led by Akin George, told the court that the convicts committed the offences on September 9, 2011 at Elobus Supermarket, Ago Palace Way at Okota, Lagos. Friday, a salesman, who worked at Elobus Supermarket, conspired with Ani, a trader from Alaba Market, to steal money from the supermarket by attacking the manager. The convicts were caught when Friday was overheard discussing the robbery with Ani on phone. When his phone was searched, messages to his accomplice were discovered. George said that Friday led the authorities to Ani, who still had the manager’s phone in his possession as well as some of the stolen money.

Troops Kill 2 Cattle Rustlers in Zamfara

Troops carrying out clearance operation of suspected livestock rustlers and bandits’ camps and hideouts, September 22, killed two suspected bandits in a raid. Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said that the bandits were killed in Gusau and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. The army spokesman said troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade of 1 Division, Nigerian Army Kaduna also carried out raids and recovered 7 rustled cattle. He added that while some of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds, the troops recovered one Dane gun, two locally made pistols and four motorcycles.

DSS Parade Robbery Suspects in Anambra

Two armed robbery suspects, Uche Ezeugo and Somadina, have been arrested by the Department of State Service in Anambra State. The suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing some laptops. The duo, in their twenties, was apprehended by the DSS at Nanka in Orumba North LGA of the state. The Anambra State Police Commissioner, Sam Okaula, September 16, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects and lauded the efforts of the men of DSS. He said the collaboration between the police and other security agencies had helped in reducing crime in the state. Okaula said the laptops had been disposed by the suspects before they were arrested. The CP said two pump action guns and one locally made rifle were recovered from the suspects, adding that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

Gang Incidents

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs 2 with Cocaine Stuffed in Intestine at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos has arrested two suspected drug traffickers. The NDLEA Head Public of Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, September 21, stated that the agency recovered 700 grammes of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine from the two suspects during the inward screening of passengers on a Royal Air Maroc flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil through Casablanca, Morocco. The suspects allegedly inserted seven wraps of cocaine each weighing 350 grammes into their alimentary canals to evade arrest. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, disclosed that the suspects, Okonkwo Francis Okechukwu (44) and Ifedigbo Chinedu Lucky (37), reportedly planned and executed the unlawful act together.

Customs Seize N20m Fake Malaria Drugs

The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized over 33 cartons of alleged substandard anti-malaria drugs and antibiotics valued at N20m. The command equally confiscated 500 bags of smuggled rice. The drugs were said to have been intercepted at the Idiroko border area, while the rice was seized after operatives of the command raided an illegal warehouse at Okere Creek, near Bawe Gbo, in the Ipokia LGA of Ogun State. The Customs Area Controller, Multafu Waindu, September 20, explained that the operatives, acting on a tip-off, invaded the warehouse, where smuggled bags of rice with duty value of N5.1m were seized. He added that the bags of rice and the fake drugs had been taken to the customs office at Idiroko.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Averts Hijack Attack on Vessel

The operatives of the Nigerian Navy, September 16, successfully repelled an attack by suspected sea pirates on a Marine Tanker, MT HANZE KOCHI, enroute Lagos from Port Harcourt. The Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Chris Ezekobe, September 19, said that the attackers made spirited efforts to board the vessel 50 nautical miles off Bayelsa State, however, they were heavily engaged and overpowered in a gun duel by naval personnel.

Navy Arrests Vessel with Stolen Crude, Destroys More Illegal Refineries

A patrol team deployed by the Nigerian Navy, FOB Bonny in Rivers State arrested a Marine Vessel, MV FB PERE IPAMO, in Bonny for alleged involvement in illegal bunkering activities. Director of Information, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, September 19, said that as at the time of arrest on September 14, the vessel was carrying about 500 metric tons of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). This comes as the NNS DELTA, Septembers 17, raided two illegal refinery sites at Lakpaje and Ubeje Creeks in Warri South LGA of Delta State. About 18,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 15,000 litres of suspected refined AGO were destroyed.

Troops Nab Militant Kingpin, Six Others in Calabar

The troops of 13 Brigade, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected high ranking militant kingpin, Victory Benjamin, alongside three other suspects. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, September 17, said the kingpin was arrested at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Ikot Ene junction in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross Rivers State. Usman said the suspects were nabbed while attempting to collect ransom from one of their kidnap victim’s relations. He also disclosed that troops of the same formation also arrested three militants with locally-made pistol and some cartridges while robbing victims around Refugees Camp at Efut Isigi in Bakassi LGA, Cross Rivers State. The DAPR said the troops have also cordoned off the residents of the most wanted militant kingpin.

Navy Parades another Suspected NDA Member

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, September 22, said that it had, in conjunction with the Joint Task Force (JTF), arrested another suspected member of Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group in the Niger Delta. Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, described the suspect, Abraham Suru, as a notorious gang leader, who has, since 2011, been involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, illegal bunkering and currently a suspected member of Niger Delta Avengers. Suru, who was caught around Sapele, Delta State, owned up to being involved in oil assets destruction, but denied being a member of the Niger Delta Avengers.

Militants Claim Attack on NPDC/Shoreline Pipeline in Delta State

Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, NDGJM, a militant group in Delta State, September 19, claimed that its strike force blew up the Afiesere-Ekiugbo delivery line, operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC/Shoreline Petroleum at Ughelli in Delta State on September 18. But Security agencies have denied knowledge of the vandalism. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, however, disclosed that the Police are working in synergy with other security agencies to get rid of all criminal elements including militants.

Army, DSS Arrest 9 Suspected Militants in Benin

Nine persons including a military officer were, September 21, arrested by security operatives at a hotel in Benin City, Edo State after they claimed to be journalists in the state to cover the September 28 governorship election. It was learnt that the suspects, who are currently in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS), were arrested in a joint operation between the men of the Nigerian Army, DSS and the Police. The military officer among them had been on the wanted list of the Army in the past one year for a yet to be ascertained offence. The officer was said to have been arrested with different types of Identification cards including military ID cards.

Terrorism

NAF Jets Bombard Boko Haram Locations in Northern Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted several air strikes at suspected terrorists’ locations on the outskirts of Tumbin Gini and Tumbin Kayewa northern part of Borno State. The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa,  said the air strikes  on September 16 were as a result of ground based intelligence and successive Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance reports obtained from several missions flown by NAF platforms. Famuyiwa disclosed that a post-strike battle damage assessment of the strikes revealed that the rendezvous of the terrorists was badly damaged with many casualties while those far from the vicinity could be seen scrambling to safety.  The DOPRI listed the aircrafts involved in the air strikes as the NAF F-7Ni and the Alpha jets.

Boko Haram Kills 6 Civilians in Ambush of Military Escort

Boko Haram Terrorists, September 19, ambushed a military escort in Borno State, killing six civilians and injuring three soldiers. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said that the remnants of the terrorists, who were foraging for food, ambushed troops, escorting commercial vehicles from Damboa to Maiduguri, at Sanda general area of the State. According to him, six civilians lost their lives in the incident, while three soldiers sustained injuries. He said that the wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while another robust patrol team was dispatched to reinforce the troops, clear the general area and pursue the terrorists. He reiterated that the victims were not killed outside or near a church as being bandied around.

Military Rescue 43 from Boko Haram

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, September 18, said the military rescued 43 abducted persons and recovered 500 cows from fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in Mafa in Borno State. The military operation on September 18 occurred after eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted some herdsmen and livestock at gunpoint at Dalakalari general area in Mafa LGA. Usman disclosed that some witnesses quickly informed the military, who swung into action and pursued the terrorists. He said the terrorists sensing danger, fled and abandoned the livestock just before Panamri village. The troops were able to rescue 43 persons and 500 cows taken by the terrorists, he added.  Usman also said that the victims and the recovered cows have been handed over to the local authorities.

Boko Haram Attacks Borno Village, Kill 8

At least eight people were, September 18, killed by Boko Haram gunmen on bicycles. The attack happened shortly after morning service in Kwamjilari village, east of the town of Chibok, in Borno state. The gunmen had stationed some of their comrades on the road leading out of the village and they shot anyone who tried to flee. The attackers then set fire to homes and farms. A witness said that soldiers were later deployed to Kwamjilari from Chibok.

Troops Recover Large Cache of Ammunition in Maiduguri

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, has disclosed that troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, following a tip off from the Civilian JTF, September 17, recovered a large cache of ammunition at a residential area of Bulabulin Ngarnam, Borno State. According to him,  the recovered ammunition include 3 sealed boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 3 jerry cans containing various calibres of ammunition, 2 sacks containing 5,998 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 1, 760 rounds of 5.56mm SS109 calibre of ammunitions. In addition, they recovered 5 empty magazines of AK-47 rifle and a magazine of Fabrique Nationale rifle. The Nigerian Army commended the patriotic zeal and efforts of the Civilian JTF in the fight to end insurgency in the north-east.

Troops, Boko Haram Clash in Borno

Nigeria’s military, September 20, said regional troops had recaptured a town in Borno State, on the shores of Lake Chad from Boko Haram. Army spokesman Sani Usman said that troops and counterparts from the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had captured Malam Fatori after a fierce battle backed by air support. He added that the terrorists reinforced around the border with Niger, while the troops were consolidating on this success. He further disclosed that several Boko Haram fighters were killed. Malam Fatori, in Borno state, was liberated in March 2015 but fighters from Boko Haram reoccupied the town after troops left. The MNJTF is made up of soldiers from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin.

Troops Kill 15 Insurgents in Abadam

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE Task Force Battle Group and Multinational Joint Task Force presently harbouring in Abadam village in Borno State, September 22, killed 15 insurgents in a gun duel that lasted for two hours while several others escaped with gunshot injury. The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, disclosed that two soldiers were killed, while four others were wounded in action. He added that the troops  recovered weapons and ammunitions from the insurgents which includes, 1 Gun truck, 1 60mm Mortar tube, 7 60mm Mortar bomb, a General Purpose Machine (GPMG),  3 damaged AK 47 Rifle, 4 Bandoliers of Anti-Aircraft rounds of ammunition. According to him, the troops have continued mop up and clearance operations of the remnants of the terrorists. They have also intensified vigilance and high level of alertness, he added.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

20-Year-Old Murdered in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the murder of a 20-year-old man, Usman Shehu, at the Kwanberu Area of Sokoto on September 17. The body of the deceased bore marks of severe torture. Police spokesman, El-Mustapha Sani, who confirmed the incident, said that police would do everything humanly possible to unravel the mystery behind the murder. The guardian of the deceased, Alhaji Ahmad Shehu, said the family was traumatised by his brutal killing. He called on the police to apprehend the fleeing killers.

Gunmen Kill Vigilante Member in Rivers

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, September 16, attacked and killed a member of a vigilante group in Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. It was learned that some unidentified gunmen had attacked some vigilante members, who were on patrol in the area and killed one of them, Nodi Nwachukwu Osam. The 27-year-old Osam was the Provost Marshall to the commander of the vigilante group before his murder. The vigilante commander in the area, Adah Nwachukwu, condemning the attack and the killing of one of his man, restated his commitment in fighting crime in the area. Nwachukwu appealed to the state government and good spirited individuals to help in providing security facilities for the group in order to face invaders.

3 Die in Cross River Communities over Land Tussle

Three persons have been reported killed over a land dispute between Alessi community in Ikom LGA and Isabang in Obubra LGA, both of Cross River State. The land dispute has been the cause of the clashes between the two villages, which had led to several killings and destruction of property. The Chairman of Ikom council, Ayiba Ojong, who confirmed the dispute, September 19, said that the land in contention was taken over by the state government many years ago as a buffer zone among all the bordering communities in the area, but has continued to remain neglected which had given the villages the opportunity to continue to farm on the land. He said that the recent squabble was caused by efforts by the contending communities to grab more land to expand their farmland, since the forest was considered government land.

Gunmen Attack LG Boss, Kill Police Orderly

A Police corporal attached to the Transition Committee Chairman of Etinan LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Cletus Ekpo, was killed on September 19 when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle. It was learnt that bullets also hit Ekpo and his driver. Cletus and his team were returning from the bank where he had earlier collected some money, but the assailants were said to have left without snatching the money. Ekpo said that the assailants had trailed him to Mbiokporo Bridge in Enen Nsit, Etinan, where they shot his vehicle at close range. Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, confirmed the incident. She said that both the chairman and the driver were responding to treatment in a hospital.

Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen in Rivers State

Two Mobile Policemen, were, September 20, killed during a gun battle with hoodlums at Ikiri area of Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the gunmen stormed a building site allegedly owned by the state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obua, and opened fire on the security men guarding the place, killing the policemen. One of the engineers, who was at the site when the bandits arrived, disclosed that the workers fled into the bush when the gunmen arrived. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the attack.

One Killed, Houses Burnt in Cross River Communal Clash

One person was, September 19, killed and two others seriously wounded following outbreak of violent clash between New Netim Town and Odukpani Qua Town in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. Over 20 houses and several cars were razed in New Netim when armed youths from Odukpani Qua invaded their community in the early hours of the day. It was gathered that the two communities had disputes over land, which led to a law suit, where new Netim won. State Security Adviser, Jude Ngaji, said that security operatives were promptly dispatched the area as soon as they received the distress call. But before the men got there, the havoc had already been committed.

Man Ambushed, Stabbed to Death in Delta

A 25-year-old man, Matthew Iyede, was, September 18, stabbed to death by three friends at Eku in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State. It was learnt that the late Matthew was ambushed by armed youths alleged to have been led by one Ese Uku. Uku was alleged to have warned the victim to stay away from a woman, who was identified to be the person Matthew had been dating. The spokesman of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident, saying that two of the suspects, Kevwe Edward (21) and Lucky Grant (19), had been arrested by the police. The vigilante group in collaboration with the police arrested two suspects in connection with the case.

Police Parade Suspected Killers of Catholic Priest

The Nigerian Police Force, September 21, paraded four suspected kidnappers for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of Reverend Father John Alex Adeyi in Benue State. The suspects, Suleiman Gina, Saidu Abdullahi, Aliyu Garba and Haruna Idi; were arrested in Enugu, Benue and Bauchi states by police detectives and paraded at the Force headquarters, Abuja. Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, said that consequent upon the unfortunate kidnap and gruesome murder of Adeyi on April 24, 2016 and after collection of ransom by the kidnappers, the IGP directed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to Justice. According to Awunah, the four suspects were trailed and arrested at different locations in Bauchi, Enugu, and Benue state between September 1 and 14, 2016. The suspects have reportedly confessed to being the gang responsible for the kidnap and gruesome murder of the priest.

Rape

Man Nabbed for Defiling 12-Year-Old Boy in Kano

A Kano Magistrates’ Court sitting in Audu Bako Secretariat, September 19, ordered the remand of a 25-year-old man, Mansir Sani, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old boy. The defendant was charged with unnatural offence, contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code. The Prosecutor, Suleiman Danladi, told the court that Yusuf Dauda of Kofar Mata Quarters, Kano, reported the case to Kano State Hisbah Board Office on August 22. The defendant allegedly lured the complainant’s stepson to the veranda of Amadu Tijjani Islamic Centre and forcefully had intercourse with the boy through his anus. He said the boy was seriously injured and was rushed to the hospital. Sani pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge read to him. The Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, ordered the remand of the defendant in prison custody and adjourned the case to September 29 for mention.

Man, 23, Remanded for Defiling 5-Year-Old Girl

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, September 22, remanded a 23-year-old man, Tobi Aremu, in prison Custody over an alleged rape of a 5-year-old girl. The Police prosecutor, Sergeant Bankole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on September 20 at Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti. He alleged that the defendant unlawfully defiled the 5-year-old girl, which led to her being hospitalised due the bruises sustained in the process. The plea of the defendant was not taken as his Counsel, Chris Omokhafe, sought for short date of adjournment pending the advice from DPP office. Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo, who frowned at the prevalent high rate of rape minors, consequently remanded the defendant in prison Custody till the outcome of advice from DPP. He adjourned the case to November 4 for hearing.

Others

18 Killed, 6,637 Houses Destroyed in Jigawa Floods

The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), September 19, said flood had killed 18 persons and destroyed 6,637 houses in about 19 LGAs in the state. It’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Yusif Sani, said that the incidents occurred during the current rainy season. He explained that the persons died in Gwaram, Dutse, Jahun, Gumel and Ringim LGAs of the state. Sani added that some of deaths were as a result of building collapse, adding that three persons also sustained injuries when some of the buildings crashed. He said the state government had already intervened by providing cash assistance to be given to the victims in phases.

Police Arrest Native Doctor with Human Parts

Men of the Abia State Police Command have arrested a 28-year-old man, who claimed to be a native doctor, for allegedly being in possession of some human parts. The Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, September 20, said that the suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of a human skull and bone. The suspect was arrested in his home in Olokoro, in Umuahia South LGA of the state, following a tip-off from members of the public. He said that the man could not give cogent account of how he acquired the items, when he was interrogated by the police. Oyebade alleged that the skull and bone were suspected to be those of a murdered victim. The suspect, however, denied the allegation, saying that the items were handed over to him by his late uncle, who was also a native doctor.

Two Students Missing in Osun State

The Families of two final year students of the Osun State University are in confusion over the whereabouts of their children, Robert Akinduro and Samuel Eke, who have been missing for over two weeks. It was gathered that Eke and Robert had gone out to meet another student and had not been seen since then. A student of the school revealed that the missing friends left their apartment on September 5 at about 10.30pm to go see someone, simply identified as Praise, and had not been seen since then. The case was said to have been reported at the Oke Baale Police Station and Parise was reportedly invited by the police. He reportedly said he did not know the whereabouts of the missing students. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Femi Oyeleye, urged anyone with information to make it available to the police to help in their investigation.

Toddler Drowns in Water Drum, Police Arrest Grandmother, Father

A two-year-old boy, Eniola Ajakaye, has drowned inside a drum of water while holidaying with his grandmother in Aboru, in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the police had arrested the victim’s father, Sunday Ajakaye, and Sunday’s 65-year-old mother, after the boy’s mother, Mary, accused them of complicity in the death. They were reportedly detained at the Oke Odo Police Division for alleged murder. A resident disclosed that Eniola drowned around 2pm at his grandmother’s residence after she left the house for a church programme, leaving him with some other children who had come to holiday with her. She was later called on the telephone that the boy was missing. People searched for him for hours without any success until they found him dead in the drum.

Police Arrest APC Members after Violent Clash in Delta State

The Delta State Police Command, September 20, arrested some members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) following a violent clash by supporters of the two factions of the party in the state. The party in the state had been engulfed in leadership crisis with a faction loyal to Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor and the other loyal to a Second Republic senator, Spanner Okpozo. Armed thugs invaded the party secretariat and allegedly molested members of the state disciplinary committee who were meeting to consider a report of anti-party activities against some members. There was exchange of gun-fire between thugs suspected to be loyal to both factions. Heavily armed policemen were immediately invited, who made some arrests. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said that the matter was still being investigated.

Woman Pours Hot Water on 14-Year-Old over Soup

A 29-year-old woman, Odor Oyinyechi, who allegedly poured hot water on her 14-year-old niece, Esther Ariserekwu, is facing trial at a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The court, however, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The accused pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault. ‎ Earlier, Prosecutor Anthonia Osanyade, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 5 at her residence. The accused poured hot water on her 14-year-old niece, Esther Ariserekwu, for mistakenly pouring dirty water into her pot of soup that was stored in the freezer. ‎The offence contravened Section 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, adjourned hearing to October 13.

Cholera Kills Six in Lagos, 39 Others under Observation

Six people have died of cholera in Isolo LGA of Lagos State. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who confirmed this on September 22, also stated that 39 other persons were under observation and receiving treatment at public and private health facilities in Isolo. Cholera is an acute diarrhoea disease with or without vomiting caused by a bacteria referred to as vibro cholerae and it is transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infected faeces. Idris, who stated that seven out of the 15 samples taken to the Public Health Laboratory, Yaba, after an upsurge of diarrhoea cases was reported in some communities in Isolo, tested positive to vibro cholerae.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination is high on the index with some very notable killings. The law enforcement agents were not spared as two policemen were shot dead during a gun battle with hoodlums in Rivers State. Other incidents include cult and communal clashes that claimed the lives of both the perpetrators and innocent persons. The police, however, made some arrest of major suspects and killed some other suspects, while many others remain at large. These incidents were witnessed in different parts of the country.

Kidnap and hostage incidents saw a rise from the previous week with various incidents of kidnap and missing persons after attacks. It is pleasing to note that some victims were rescued unhurt while suspects were arrested. Invasion by herdsmen also persist as a community in Kaduna is searching for a family after an attack by herdsmen. Meanwhile, the police have commenced investigation into the shooting of a farmer and abduction of two other farmers by gunmen in Enugu State. The south-east and south-west regions were mostly affected.

Following the resurgence of militancy and attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region of the country, the military has also stepped up its efforts to nip the tide in the bud by ensuring the arrests of suspects. Several suspects were arrested for attacks on oil facilities and military troops in the region. The Navy destroyed illegal refineries and arrested a vessel conveying illegally refined AGO in Rivers State. The Navy also foiled the hijack of a vessel off the coast of Bayelsa State after engaging sea pirates in a shootout. The south-south witnessed all of these incidents.

Terrorism took an upward plunge with some attacks on communities and an ambush on a military escort. Both attacks claimed the lives of civilians. In a clash with Boko Haram terrorists in a border town, two soldiers lost their lives. But the military remains undaunted by these attacks and has continued to raid known strongholds of the terrorist. Unrelenting air assaults has considerably weakened the capacity of the insurgents to strike, while ground troops continue to kill and make arrest of terrorist. In these raids, hostages were variously rescued, while different calibres of arms and ammunition were recovered.

Though robbery incidents was low, the authorities made good arrests of suspects, killing some in gun battles. The law also caught up with suspects, as some got the death sentence for engaging in armed robbery as prescribed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These robbery cases were recorded in various regions of the country.

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

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