Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 41

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	11
2	Robbery	4
3	Gang	2
4	Drugs
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	5
6	Terrorism	4
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassination	6
9	Rape Incidents	6
10	Others	5

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Mother of Three Kidnapped In Warri

A mother of three, Mrs Rukky Erujaroh Eneru, was, on October 2, abducted by unknown gunmen while on her way to church in Warri, Delta State. Eneru fell victim to the hoodlums at Isoko Estate in Uvwie LGA where her church was located. A source claimed that the victim was forced into her dark-coloured Toyota Camry car, but was later transferred into another car for escape. It was learnt that the victim’s car was later discovered by the police and local vigilante men at the spot, where it was abandoned. The kidnappers are yet to make any contact or demand for ransom. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident and added that efforts were on to apprehend the culprits and rescue the victim.

Troops Kill 5 kidnappers

Troops of the Nigerian army, October 2, killed five members of a kidnapping gang during a shootout in Bauchi State. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of 33 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed in Forward Operation Base, FOB, Ningi, came across suspected kidnappers at Dutsen Makurdi in Ningi LGA. The suspected kidnappers opened fire on the troops, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Five of the kidnappers were killed in the gun battle.

NIS Arrests Man Attempting to Traffic Six Girls

The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it arrested a man trying to smuggle six girls to Burkina Faso for prostitution. Comptroller of the command, Ekaete Isang, October 2, disclosed that the man had travelled from Edo State with the girls to the border town of Saki in Oyo State, where he was caught trying to take them through an illegal route. She added that the command had reunited the girls with their parents, while the man was handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for prosecution.

Police Confirm Kidnap of Ex-Minister, Husband

The Kaduna State Police Command, October 4, confirmed the kidnap of former Minister of Environment, Laurentia Mallam and her husband, Pius. Police spokesman, Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the couple was abducted along Bwari/Jere axis on Kaduna-Abuja highway on October 3. Usman said that the abductors took away the former minister and her husband, but spared their driver. He assured that the Police was tracking down the perpetrators. The former minister and her husband, were, however, released on October 5 after an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom, according to sources. The kidnappers had earlier demanded for N10 million as ransom.

Gunmen Kidnap APC Chieftain in Rivers

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Nnamdi Abbah, was, October 4, kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Alakahia community in Obio/Akpor LGA of the State. The victim, who is a former caretaker committee chairman of Emohua LGA, was accosted by hoodlums while driving home at night through the Obiri Ikwerre road. The kidnappers reportedly transferred the victim to their own vehicle and abandoned his car. A relative of the victim, Chizy Enyi, said contact had been established with the abductors. But the State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the police were not aware of the incident.

Three Burnt Alive for Kidnapping Baby

Three young men were, on October 5, burnt alive by angry youths in Ezelu Okwe in Onuimo LGA of Imo state for allegedly abducting a baby boy. The suspected kidnappers were apprehended by the youths after they forcefully took the baby from his mother. The traumatised mother immediately raised the alarm, and the youths gave the suspects a hot chase, caught the three of them and burnt them alive without wasting any time. The youths meted out instant justice on the alleged kidnappers because a similar incident had taken place in the community two weeks earlier, when kidnappers had stolen a baby girl from her mother. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident.

VP, Teacher, Students Abducted in Lagos School

Gunmen who came in a speedboat stormed Igbo Nla Model College, Epe, Lagos State on October 6, abducted four persons in the school, including a vice principal, a teacher and two students. It was learnt that the abductors who shot sporadically into the air, initially took four pupils, with the vice-principal and a teacher and headed for the waterway. Two pupils were reportedly rescued by a police team which mobilised to the school. The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the abduction, saying the police and other security agencies were on an aerial surveillance of the area.

Kidnappers Shoot Former UI Vice-Chancellor

A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, was, October 4, shot by gunmen in a failed kidnap attempt in Ibadan, Oyo State. Police spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the incident. He said Bamiro was rescued by the prompt intervention of policemen from the Oluyole Division of the command, who responded to a distress call. Bamiro is the 10th vice chancellor of UI and a predecessor to the immediate past VC, Isaac Adewole, who is now the Minister of Health. Cases of kidnapping are becoming rampant in the state, according to reports.

Lecturer Kidnapped in Kaduna

A university lecturer, Saminu Aliyu Kiri, has been abducted by hoodlums at the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State. Aliyu Kiri, a lecturer with the Bayero University, Kano, was reportedly returning from an official assignment when the gunmen flagged down his vehicle. The University spokesman, Ahmad Shehu, October 6, said the lecturer was returning from an official assignment in Oyo state when the incident happened. He said that the University was aware of the incident and would initiate moves to secure his freedom.

Troops Nab Kidnapper in Kaduna

The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, October 7, said that troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, October 5, arrested two suspected kidnappers, while they were in the process of collecting ransom from a kidnap victim’s family. He said that the arrest at Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area of the state, followed a tip-off that the kidnappers had arrived Dutsen Wai to collect the ransom from the victim’s family. According to him, the troops swung into action in an unmarked car and trailed the suspects to the rendezvous for the collection. Usman listed items recovered from the suspects as Honda Accord car, one cell phone, and a notebook containing several names, addresses and telephone numbers of kidnap victims’ families and relations.

2 Serving, 1 Dismissed Officer Arrested over Emefiele’s Kidnap

Wife of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mrs Margaret Emefiele, kidnapped on September 30, has been rescued. Nine suspects, including two serving and a dismissed military personnel, have been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for their alleged involvement in the kidnap. Emefiele and three others were abducted along the Benin-Agbor Expressway. Her police escorts were said to have been overpowered by the hoodlums, who opened fire on them. The abductors demanded a N100 million ransom. A large part of the ransom had been recovered and that the IRT operatives, led by Abba Kyari, were on the trail of the three remaining members of the gang.

Robbery

Soldiers Arrest Bandits, Rustlers in Kaduna, Katsina

Soldiers fighting banditry, kidnapping and livestock rustling in the north-west, have arrested several bandits in Kaduna and Katsina states. During a clearance operation at the bandit’s dens, on October 1, some of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said that troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army conducted the clearance operations within Kaduna and Katsina States. In Katsina State, the troops carried out joint patrol at Nashambe village near Karoki in which 2 suspected livestock rustlers, Mallam Lawali Nakaduna and Yahuza Suleiman were arrested in Jibia LGA and handed over to the Nigeria Police. The troops also arrested a notorious livestock rustler and armed bandit, Gide Maikwasara, who was shot while attempting to escape.

Enugu Police Nab 2 Robbers

The Enugu State Police Command, October 3, said that it arrested two armed robbery suspects that had tormented residents of Achara Layout within Enugu metropolis. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the suspects had been disturbing the layout for over two months. Amaraizu noted that the suspects were nabbed after police operatives responded to a distress call on September 29. The suspects allegedly engaged the police in a gun duel and the ensuing gun battle resulted in the arrest of Obumneme Nwafor and Emeka Oparaugo. The police recovered locally made pistols with double mouth, two cell-phones from the suspects, who are reportedly helping the police in its investigation. A manhunt on the fleeing members of the gang have been intensified with a view to arresting them, the police spokesman added.

Police Nab Tricycle Snatchers in Umuahia

A three-man armed robbery gang has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly snatching a tricycle from its owner at gunpoint along Amakama road, a suburb of Umuahia in Abia State. It was learnt that policemen acting on a tip-off arrested the suspects in Obingwa LGA of the state. It was gathered that the suspects had chartered the tricycle at FMC junction in Umuahia but later overpowered the owner and made away with the tricycle. The suspects all confessed to the crime. The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, October 3, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

Police Arrest Five Suspected Car Thieves in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery gang, which, specialised in stealing exotic cars across the state. Detectives attached to Isolo Division first arrested one of the suspected thieves in Isolo while trying to sell the car. Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, who disclosed the arrest, noted that the suspect, Asogwa Chika, was arrested in Isolo on September 29 while attempting to sell a stolen SUV for N2million instead of the market value of N6million. Further investigation led to the arrest of the following accomplices: Bala Usman, the security guard, who stole the key to the said vehicle from his master and invited the duo of Abubakar Garba and Asogwa Chika to come and drive the vehicle away, Chike Umeh and Ekene Eze, who received the stolen vehicle and scouted for potential buyers. The five suspects would soon be charged to court, she added.

Gang Incidents

Drugs

Man Excretes 270 Grammes of Cocaine

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 47-year-old man, who attempted to export 270 grammes of cocaine to Madagascar. The suspect, Odili Onyekwere, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, during the outward screening of passengers on a Kenyan Airways flight to Madagascar. The NDLEA Airport Commander, Ahmadu Garba, October 3, said that the suspect excreted 25 wraps of cocaine, which he ingested, while under close observation. Onyekwere said he went into drug trafficking out of frustration.

NDLEA 7 Suspects with N10.7bn Worth of Illicit Drugs in Edo

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated illicit drugs valued at over N10.7 billion in Benin. The State Commander of the Agency, Buba Wakawa, October 7, disclosed that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure. Wakawa disclosed that the seven suspects were arrested with 34.2 Kilogrammes of Methamphetamine. He described Methamphetamine as more dangerous and harmful than cocaine, adding that it was not commonly known to ordinary people on the street. The commander estimated value of the seized drug at about N10.7 billion. He disclosed that the suspects, who concealed the substance in 102 cartons of HP computer printer cartridges, were arrested on September 24 along the Lagos-Benin-Asaba Expressway.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Foils Militants’ Attempt to Bomb PPMC, Warri Refinery

The Nigerian Navy, September 29, foiled an attempt by militants to bomb Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Pipeline Products Marketing Company, (PPMC) in Ekpan area in Uvwie LGA of Delta State. The exchange of fire between the suspected militants and operatives of the Nigerian Navy led to a loud explosion in one of the oil facilities. Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, confirmed the incident. He disclosed that the navy men fired at a boat suspected to be carrying explosive materials. They must have dropped it in the process and it got hit by our fire, that’s why it exploded, he explained.

JTF Foils Bombing of Shell’s Forcados Export Pipeline in Delta

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) code-named, Operation Delta Safe, October 2, foiled another attempt by suspected militants to blast the Forcados Export Line being operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Burutu LGA of Delta State. The incident took place four days after the Nigerian Navy foiled a similar attempt by militants to bomb the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Pipeline Products Marketing Company, (PPMC) in Ekpan. The hoodlums had arrived in Ogulagha community in speed boats and were about planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when they sighted a fast military patrol boat approaching. It was gathered that the militants, on sighting the military patrol gun boat, abandoned the ÏED and fled in their boats.  Spokesman of the JTF confirmed the incident.

NAF Destroys Illegal Refineries in Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), October 3, said it had destroyed illegal refineries and barges in the Niger Delta. NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft. The refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission in Bille Community of Rivers. He described the operation as very successful and added that a similar operation was carried out with remarkable success earlier in the same location.

JTF Arrests Five Militants, Destroys Illegal Refineries

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF), also known as Operation Delta Safe, said its troops had arrested five suspected militants and destroyed several illegal refineries at various locations in Delta, Cross River and Rivers states. It explained that the suspects were arrested in October. The Deputy Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the Operation Delta Safe, Thomas Otuji, disclosed this on October 6. He said some of the illegal refineries were located around Opumami and Okogho creeks of the Warri South and Warri North LGAs of Delta State.  Otuji said that the illegal bunkering sites were discovered by the JTF operatives while on routine patrols of the area.  He added that that the five suspected militants were arrested by troops of Sector 4 in the Bakassi and Akpabuyo LGAs of Cross River State in the on-going special military operation to flush out criminal elements from the state. The militants, identified as Elijah Daniel and Francis Shedrack, were said to be members of a militant group, Bakassi Strike Force, which had claimed responsibilities for criminal activities in Cross River State.

Navy Arrests 4 Crude Oil Thieves

The Nigerian Navy said it has arrested four (4) Niger Delta crude oil thieves, who specialize in illegally refining crude oil into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) even as a total of 85 large drums of such AGO’s were destroyed by the operatives of the Navy and Operation Delta Safe. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, September 30, commended youths of Ataba Community in Akwa Ibom state for providing timely information about the activities of the oil thieves, which led to their arrests and destruction of the illegal AGO. The Youths alerted the operatives of NNS Jubilee in the state on the activities of the suspects.

Terrorism

Troops Arrest Boko Haram Kingpins

Nigerian soldiers fighting terrorists in the north-east, October 2, arrested a Boko Haram kingpin and three women suspected to be logistics personnel and arms suppliers for the terrorist group. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said that a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Adamu Nuhu, was arrested at Kwaya Kusar LGA of Borno State, following a tip-off by well-meaning Nigerians. He added that three women suspected to be spouses of wanted Boko Haram terrorists and logistics suppliers were arrested at Miringa Market by vigilante members in the town, and handed them over to troops.

Troops Arrest 4 Boko Haram Terrorists

Nigerian soldiers fighting the battle to eliminate the remnants of Boko Haram in the north-east, have arrested suspected terrorists in Maiduguri and Mafa areas of Borno State. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, October 7, said that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole with assistance of the Civilian JTF, arrested the terrorists in Maiduguri and Mafa on October 6. He disclosed that one Abur Modu Magaji was apprehended by Civilian JTF at Kasuwar Shanu (Cattle Market) and handed over to troops. According to him, the suspect admitted to rustling 45 cows from Saleh Mohamed with 20 other Boko Haram terrorists at gun point. He assisted in pointing out 7 other suspected terrorists at Mafa road checkpoint. Three of the suspects were positively identified as Boko Haram terrorists group members that he had operated with in the past, while 4 others; Mustafa Fannami, Abubakar Modu, Mohammed Merai and Abur Mustafa bought cows from him out of the stolen animals.

Military Foils Female Suicide Attacks

Nigerian soldiers have foiled an attempt by three female suicide bombers to attack a military location at Gwoza in Gwoza LGA of Borno state. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, October 7, disclosed that the suicide bombers came into Gwoza through Pulka axis on October 6 but were sighted by members of vigilante team from a distance. The very observant vigilante noted that the women looked suspicious, walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers. According to him, when the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly ran toward troops aiming to detonate their explosives. He said that the troops neutralised two of the female suicide bombers, while the third one escaped into the bush. He also disclosed that troops, October 6, intercepted a male suicide bomber on the outskirts of Maiduguri and neutralised the bomb he had strapped onto himself.

Troops Kill Suicide Bomber in Borno

The troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a male suicide bomber at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, October 6, said that a soldier shot the suicide bomber when he attempted to penetrate troops’ location at Jidari Polo general area. Usman said that the suicide bomber, who was strapped with a heavy Improvised Explosive Device entered the area through Alidawari village about four kilometres to Jidari location of the troops. The Army spokesman said that a soldier shot him when the bomber refused all directives to stop. He said that a combined team of the Nigerian Army and Police Explosive Ordinance Device detonated the IED-laden vest on the neutralised bomber.

Political/Government Agencies

25 Arrested after Gunmen Attack Police Station, Kill Officers

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 25 persons in connection with the attack on Igumale Police Station in the Ado LGA of the state. The suspects were arrested on October 2 during a raid on criminal hideouts in the area. Gunmen on motorcycles had laid a siege to the station in the early hours of the day, killing three policemen on duty before gaining access to the armoury to cart away arms. The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the arrest, said the command was on the trail of the assailants. He said two policemen were killed while the inspector and a corporal were responding to treatments at the hospital.

Murder/Assassinations

25-Year-Old Man Butchers Cousin

A 25-year-old man, identified as Joseph, October 1, killed his cousin, Ekaette Edet, with an axe, an action suspected to be cult-related. The incident, which took place at Odukpani Qua town in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, came as a shock because there was no quarrel reported between the two. A relative disclosed that neighbours suddenly heard shouts from the room and by the time they got there, she was already in a pool of her blood. The suspect cut her head open with an axe and quickly fled the area. Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said that investigations were ongoing, while a manhunt was on for the fleeing suspect.

Cultists Hack Commercial Bus Driver to Death

A commercial bus driver was, October 2, attacked and killed by suspected cultists in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State. The deceased, Adewale Fakunle, was returning home at about 10pm when he was accosted by some men suspected to be cultists. The reason for the attack could not be verified. After the attack, the hoodlum abandoned Fakunle in a pool of his blood. But he was said to have managed to walk to the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, where he resided. His uncle, the traditional ruler, identified as Baale Saheed Fakunle, disclosed that the victim, who was immediately rushed to a private hospital, was rejected by the hospital. They referred the family to Ajeromi General Hospital, but he died on the way to the hospital.

One Killed as Customers Clash in Lagos Restaurant

One person was stabbed to death on October 2 in a restaurant at the Isolo area of Lagos State when some customers clashed following an argument. It was learnt that the male victim was stabbed in the chest with a broken bottle and he bled to death. It was gathered that an argument had ensued between the victim and another customer, leading to a fight during which he was killed, while two others were injured. Preliminary investigation showed that some of the customers were drunk. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing.

Gunmen Kill Police Officer in Imo State

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Celestine Onwumere, has been shot dead by gunmen, who attacked the Police Division at Orie Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State. The gunmen reportedly gained access to the police station on October 1 through the fence, opened fire on the policemen on duty and took to their heels. Onwumere was reportedly sitting in a patrol vehicle on the premises when the assailants attacked. The police officer was shot when he resisted an attempt by the gang to snatch his rifle. He was the Head of Patrol and Guard Unit of the state. He was the President-General of his community, Isuokporo in the Isu LGA, Imo State. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the death of the ASP, saying it was an armed robbery attack.

Court Remands Man in Prison for Allegedly Stabbing In-Law to Death

An Evboriaria Magistrates’ Court in Benin City, Edo State, October 6, remanded a 21-year-old man, Lucky Igbineyi, in prison custody for allegedly stabbing his brother-in-law, Blessing Obazee, to death. The Chief Magistrate, Caroline Oghuma, who ordered the remand, said that the case file should be duplicated and sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice and adjourned the case to November 18. Prosecutor Oluwaseun Olatoye told the court that the accused committed the crime on September 3 when he killed Obazee by using a knife to stab him in his stomach severally.

Woman Arrested over Alleged Plot to Kill Her Husband

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 25 suspected criminals in two weeks. Among the suspects was a woman, who allegedly paid assassins to kill her husband. The Commissioner of Police in-charge of the state, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects on October 7, said the woman was arrested for allegedly paying an assassin to murder her husband. He said the woman was picked after the assassin was arrested and he named her as the person who contracted him to kill her husband. He said another suspected assassin was also arrested at the Maza Maza area of the state where he went to kill a lady. Owoseni said eight other armed robbery suspects, including a police sergeant were arrested for robbing some Chinese nationals.

Rape

Man Lures, Rapes 8-Year-Old Girl

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in Ijaye area of the state. He was alleged to have lured the minor with cooked rice. During interrogation, the suspect, Otobong Inyang, blamed the act on his state of drunkenness. Inyang lives in the same building with the minor. Four children, including the victim, were said to have entered the suspect’s one room apartment, while he was cooking. While the others left, the little girl was left alone with the suspect, who removed her panties and raped her. Mother of the child was said to have entered the apartment only to meet her daughter alone with the suspect. She asked her daughter what she was doing, and the girl immediately opened up to her mother.

Pastor Arrested for Rape of 4-Year-Old Child

A 48-year-old pastor with a church in Sapele, Delta State was arrested by the police in Sapele Division for raping the 4-year-old daughter of his church member. The suspect, identified as Godwin, had convinced the mother to drop the girl with him for special prayers when he raped her inside his office. Similarly, one Anthony Chukwuma was nabbed for raping an eight year-old girl in Sapele. Confirming all the arrests, the state Commissioner Police, Zanna Ibrahim Mohammed, October 3, said the suspects were arrested following reports by parents of the victims. He said after interrogation, the suspects all confessed to the crime. He disclosed that the pastor confessed to raping the girl, but blamed the devil that overwhelmed him while looking at her physical features.

Nurse Docked for Drugging, Raping Patient

A 27-year-old male nurse, Olugbenga Isaac, was, October 4, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates Court, Lagos for allegedly drugging and raping a 19-year-old female patient. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 15 when he unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the 19-year-old without her consent. Ogu said that the complainant was sick and called the defendant to treat her. But the accused rather injected her with some substance suspected to be sleeping medication. When the drug took effect on the helpless victim, the accused raped her and left. The complainant regained consciousness after several hours to find herself bleeding from her vagina. The accused, however, denied committing the offence. The Magistrate, Mrs T. Akanni granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 30 for mention.

Man, 24, in Court over Rape, Assault of Teenager

A 24-year-old man, Sodiq Afefelaye, October 4, appeared before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Ajaga Agboko, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 17. Agboko said that the defendant sexually assaulted and molested the victim, causing her injuries. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Ogunbowale, ordered the defendant to apply for bail at the High Court, explaining that the magistrate’s court did not possess the jurisdiction to grant him bail. She adjourned the case to November 2 while the court was awaiting legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution.

28-Year-Old Man Defiles Three-Year-Old Girl

A 28-year-old man, Bethel Samuel, has been arrested by security operatives in Rivers State for defiling a 3-year-old girl. Samuel allegedly had forceful carnal knowledge of the toddler, who is a neighbour to his boss. The incident occurred when his boss sent him to get some money he forgot at home. The suspect, October 5, confessed to the crime, adding that he did not know what came over him before he held the girl and defiled her on October 1. The 3-year-old victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. Speaking on the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said that the suspect was arrested after the victim’s parents raised the alarm and the matter was reported to the police.

Gateman Jailed for Rape

A gateman man, Promise Iwuoala, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by an Apapa Magistrate’s Court for raping a girl in Tedi community in Ojo LGA of Lagos State. The victim’s mother said that the convict lured the child with candy and biscuit to his apartment, whenever she was at work. The single mother lamented that the convict had raped the child no fewer than three times in his apartment before the act was discovered. During the court proceedings, Promise pleaded guilty. Magistrate Adegbite Oluwatoyin sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment and ordered that the victim be taken for counselling and rehabilitation.

Others

Teenager in Court for Beating up Employer over Delayed Salary

A 19-year-old employee, John Edward, was on October 4, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates Court for beating up his employer over delay in the payment of salary. The Prosecutor, Ishola Samuel, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 1. Samuel said the accused conspired with others still at large and assaulted their employer, Solomon David, over delay in the payment of their salaries. According to him, the accused and his collaborators also destroyed a telephone handset worth N7,000 and tore their employer’s shirt, valued at N10, 000. The accused pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Miss A.R Onilogbo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to November 1, for hearing.

Police Arraign 10 Men for Rioting

The police, October 4, arraigned 10 men in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for rioting, assaulting and damaging people’s property. The accused are being tried for breach of peace, conspiracy, rioting assembly, damage and assault. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Michael Unah, told the court that they committed the offences on September 6 and 7 at Abattoir Animal Market, Agege when they conspired to riot, disturb the peace and damaged property of the residents of the area. Unah said that there was a disagreement between the two factions of the accused over demolition of some structures which resulted into a fight. The accused persons pleaded innocence of the offences and were granted bail each in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties each in like sum. The Magistrate, Mrs O A. Gbajumo adjourned the case till October 10 for mention.

65-Year-Old Prophet Charged To Court Over Illegal Firearm

A 65-year-old Prophet, Joseph Godfrey, was, October 3, dragged before the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for unlawful possession of firearms and collecting money under false pretence. Godfrey was accused of being in possession of a double barrel gun at the Kalakiri Compound in Edepie community of Yenagoa LGA. Godfrey was allegedly found in possession of a local barrel gun which was cut to a dangerous size and five live cartridges on May 13. The suspect pleaded not guilty. The lead Police Prosecutor, F.O Ogiri sought the order of the Court to fix a date for trial and also remand the accused in the Federal Prisons. The presiding Judge, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to 1st of December, 2016.

22-Year-Old Sets Pregnant Housewife on Fire

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested one Lami Clement, 22, for setting a pregnant housewife, Amina Lawal, ablaze in at Sabon Kaura, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis. Lami reportedly went to the house of the victim with a gallon of petrol, which she poured on Lawal and then set her ablaze with a lighter. The suspect said she had a relationship with the husband of the victim for three years, but he betrayed her and married Amina. Giving her own account of the story, Amina Lawal, said that on the day of the incident, she was in her house when she heard a knock on the door and she opened it and ushered in the visitor. She said after the suspect had entered the house, she brought out a gallon and poured the petrol in it on her. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mahmoud Mohammed, said Lami was arrested on September 27 and has been charged to court.

Hoodlums Attack LASTMA Officials in Lagos, Vandalise Van

Hoodlums, October 5, attacked officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority at Costain Roundabout in Lagos and vandalised one of their patrol vehicles. The hoodlums went on rampage over suspicion that one LASTMA official hit a commercial bus driver with a charm while arresting him over traffic offence. The hoodlums and commercial drivers then blocked the Costain roundabout, causing a traffic snarl on the ever busy road. An eyewitness, Kehinde Salami, said the LASTMA official stopped the commercial bus, adding “The driver was dragging the steering wheel with the officials and one of them hit the driver with hand, the driver fell down and started foaming from the mouth. This infuriated other drivers and hoodlums in the area.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high cutting across the country. Nemesis caught up with three young men, who were set ablaze by angry youths in Imo state for allegedly abducting a new-born baby boy. In a bid to curb the menace of kidnapping in the society, the military and police respectively made notable arrest of kidnappers, some suspects were killed. It was a case of the protector becoming the villain when some officers of the law were arrested along with nine other suspects for their alleged involvement in the kidnap of the wife of the CBN Governor in Delta State.

Murder and assassination has witnessed a drop in recent weeks. The authorities apprehended some suspects, while the life of a police superintendent was cut short as he was shot dead after a mob attacked the Police Division at Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State. The south-east and south-west witnessed more of this wicked crime.

Activities of rapists remain alarming as under-aged girls are continually targeted by the predators. The suspects were mostly close relatives. Parents and guardians are warned to be protective of their children, and also paying special attention to their young daughters who are naïve and exposed.

Activities of militant groups saw a slight spike even as security agencies team up to stem the tide. Arrest of suspects were made, while some others were killed in battles with the military. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), providing its traditional air support to ground troops, destroyed illegal refineries and barges within the embattled Niger Delta region.

We continue to urge you to remain law abiding and be security conscious. It remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.