Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 44

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Rescue 12-Year-Old Kidnap Victim in Ogun State

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Odele Tosin, for allegedly masterminding the kidnap of a 12-year-old girl, Eniola Oyekanmi, in the Ketu area of Lagos. The victim was said to have been kidnapped on October 21. Policemen from Mowe Division of the command reportedly rescued Oyekanmi around 1am on October 22 in a hotel at Mowe, Obafemi-Owode LGA of Ogun State. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the victim was kidnapped by the gang while she was running an errand for her parents. One of the suspects was arrested while others escaped. The victim was rescued unhurt.

Baby Factory Operator, Child Traffickers Arrested

An operator of a baby factory and a syndicate of traffickers in babies have been arrested by the Police in Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were, October 22, paraded at the State Police Headquarters, Uyo. Most of them have reportedly confessed to the crime of trafficking. Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, disclosed that security operatives arrested a woman who owns and operates an illegal maternity home in the state. The woman allegedly takes in pregnant teenagers and immediately the babies were delivered, they are sold and trafficked out of the state. The Police, in another raid, recovered a two-month old baby girl who was sold at the sum of N450, 000 through a syndicate that included the baby’s mother, agent and the buyer.

Kidnappers Kill Businessman after Collecting Ransom

Kidnappers of an Owerri businessman, Amaechi Ahanonu, have allegedly killed the man after collecting N500, 000 as ransom from his family. Yet-to-be identified gunmen had, on October 17, stormed the residence of the victim and whisked him away. It was learnt that the gunmen later established contacts with the family of the victim and demanded N10m as ransom. His family, however, could only raise N500, 000 before the abductors allegedly murdered him. The amount provided by his family was said to have provoked his abductors, who allegedly killed him and dropped his corpse on a bush path along Ndegwu/Orogwe Road in Owerri West LGA of the state.

Police Raid Bauchi Forests, Arrest 14 Kidnap Suspects, Rescue Victims

A joint security operation in some forests in Toro LGA of Bauchi State has led to the arrest of 14 armed men, suspected to be kidnappers. The operation, which comprised the police in collaboration with Danga Security and a vigilance group, were said to have raided criminals’ hideouts in the forests. The Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, Mahmoud Mohammed, October 21, said that all the suspects were arrested and weapons were also recovered. Mohammed said two persons taken hostage by the hoodlums were also rescued alive. Exhibits recovered from the suspects included five motorcycles, three fabricated guns, one rifle and four handsets. He said investigation into the matter had begun after which the suspects would be prosecuted.

LSG Docks Kidnappers of Monarch

The Lagos State Government, October 24, arraigned the key suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of the Oniba of Iba Town, Oba Yishau Goriola Oseni, before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere. The suspects, Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh, were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo on an eight-count criminal charge of conspiracy to murder, murder, armed robbery and Kidnapping. The suspects, in the attack on July 16, had murdered a security detail attached to the palace and a commercial motorcycle rider. They were also said to have attempted to kill the monarch’s wife, Olori Abosede Oseni while making efforts to dispossess her of her property at gunpoint. After the charges were read to them, they all pleaded not guilty, while the State Attorney General, Adeniji Kazeem, who led the prosecution, urged the court to remand them in prison custody pending trial. Justice Taiwo remanded the accused in prison and adjourned the matter to November 4, 11 and 18 for trial.

Woman Arrested for Kidnapping Friend’s Son

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman, identified only as Olayinka, for allegedly abducting her friend’s 13-year-old son, Sheriff Adeleke, in the Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of the state. Olayinka was arrested by the Igbogbo Police Division on October 22 after Sheriff, who had been missing for three days, was found, tied up in Olayinka’s room. Olayinka and the victim’s mother, Omowumi, who were friends, had both joined in the search for the missing teenager, and also reported the matter at the Igbogbo Police Station. It was gathered that Sheriff went missing on October 19 after he was sent on an errand by his mother. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Olayinka’s arrest, adding that investigation was on-going into the matter.

Couple, Two others Arrested for Child Trafficking

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a couple, Ayobami and Mujoidat Wahab and two other women for alleged child trafficking. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Funbi-Fagun Division in Ondo City, Olu-Ojo Ogunmoyole, who disclosed the arrest of the four persons on October 25, said the suspects were arrested with five pupils who were between the ages of eight and 10 years. He said the suspects were arrested at various locations in the community following complaints by the residents of the area. The DPO explained that the suspects always pretend that they were blind and move about with each child to beg for arms at different locations in the city. The DPO stated that the suspects would be transferred to the Ondo State police command headquarters in Akure for further investigation on the matter.

Zamfara Councillor Kidnapped

Armed bandits suspected to be kidnappers, October 25, kidnapped a serving councillor of Anka LGA of Zamfara State, Hon. Yahuza Ibrahin Wuya. Yahuza was kidnapped from his residence of Wuya village of the LGA. The council chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Gado, confirmed the incident. He said the bandits broke into the residence of the victim and took him away in the presence of his family. The chairman said the bandits who talked to him on phone, had demanded for a ransom of ten million (N10m).

Kidnapper of Four-Year-Old Boy Nabbed

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the leader of a kidnapping gang, Wale Ogunbadejo, who allegedly masterminded the abduction of a four-year-old boy, Attairu Amisu, in Ijebu Ode. Amisu was kidnapped from school on October 18 by a member of the gang, who pretended to be a relation of the boy. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, October 25, said the gang member had said he was acting on the instruction of the boy’s parents to bring him back home from the school. It was gathered that the gang later demanded for N5m as ransom to free the child. The police swung into action and their effort paid off on October 21 when Ogunbadejo was arrested and the boy was rescued unhurt.

Police Arraign Man for Illegal Detention of Woman for Sexual Purpose

The police, October 28, arraigned a middle-aged man, Dominic Abutu, in a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for unlawfully detaining a 20-year-old woman for sexual purpose. Abutu was arraigned on two charges of unlawful detention and rape. The Prosecutor, John Simon, said the matter was reported by one Jennifer Buba at the Wuse Police Station on October 20. Simon said the complainant received a call from her niece stating that she was held hostage by the defendant at his house. Simon said the defendant had invited the victim to come to his house so that he could take her to another house, where she could work as a maid. But the defendant unlawfully detained the victim against her will to have sexual intercourse with her. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Senior Magistrate, Fatima Bukar, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N200, 000 with a surety in like sum. Bukar said the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the matter to November 14 for hearing.

Robbery

Police Foil Robbery Attack on Filling Station in Owerri

Policemen attached to a filling station in Owerri, Imo State, October 23, foiled a robbery attempt by a four-man gang. The gunmen had attacked the filing station in the evening with the aim of snatching the day’s proceeds. According to an eye witness, the hoodlums drove into the petrol station but before they could do any damage, two policemen providing security at the filling station, foiled their efforts. It was also gathered that both the policemen and the armed robbers sustained injuries as they exchanged gun fire. But the stronger and more professional skills of the policemen forced the armed robbers to flee. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident. He said that nobody was killed and that the robbery was foiled. He added that the Police had launched a manhunt for the fleeing robbers.

Police Apprehend Serial Car Thief in Aba

Police operatives in Aba, Abia State have arrested a suspected serial car thief, identified as Victor Eborgu. Eborgu was arrested at Enitona Hotel, Aba following a complaint about a car that was stolen from where it was packed. The police officers acting on a tip-off, traced the suspect to the hotel and recovered two Mercedes Benz cars from where he hid them. The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime, explaining that his friend, identified only as Kalu, now at large, introduced him to the crime. He said he had stolen four vehicles, which he sold to an undisclosed buyer. Also arrested in connection with the car theft was one Chidiebere Nnamezi, a blacksmith who moulded master car keys for the suspect. The state Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, who paraded the suspects on October 24, advised car owners to ensure that they install at least one security device in their cars.

Kaduna Police Arrest Seven Suspected Armed Robbers

The Kaduna State Police Command, October 22, said it had arrested seven suspected armed robbers terrorizing residents of Kaduna. Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, said that the suspects were arrested at Unguwar Sarki and Narayi areas of Kaduna metropolis on October 13 and 14 by the State Intelligence Bureau following complaints by victims. According to him, the suspects had confessed to have committed the crime. He said that one of the suspects is still at large and efforts are on to arrest him and other accomplices. He added that investigation was on-going and the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.

Police Parade 18 for Armed Robbery in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Police Command, October 21, said that it had arrested 18 armed robbery suspects in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, stated this while parading the suspects at the command headquarters. He said the arrests were made between October 8 and 12, 2016, while they were carrying out their operations. He disclosed that the police had identified all the notorious black spots in the state and that his officers and men were being posted to the areas on a 24-hour basis. The suspects were paraded along with some recovered items, including three rifles, one locally made pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, one laptop computer and a tablet. Others are three handsets, two sharp cutlasses, two knives, 12 scrap handsets, two big sticks and cash amounting to N343,500.

Hoodlums Attack Guards for Preventing Robbery

An armed robbery gang, October 21, unleashed terror on security guards in Otumara/Ilaje community, in the Costain area of Lagos State for preventing them from robbing residents of the community. The gang members were reportedly armed with cutlasses and knives, among other dangerous weapons, and were allegedly led by one Solomon. One of the guards, who escaped from the scene, called for reinforcement and the chief security officer of the community and other guards moved to the area. The assailants reportedly took to their heels, but the gang leader, Solomon, was arrested and handed over to the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the attack, adding that the case is under investigation.

Police Smash Robbery Gang Terrorising Kogi, Akure, Benue

Policemen from the Force Headquarters have smashed a notorious robbery and kidnapping gang responsible for several kidnappings and robbery attacks on citizens of Kogi State as well as travellers plying federal highways in the state. Leader of the gang, Zakari Yau, who is said to be greatly feared in the underworld, is believed to be the number one political thug in Kogi State, wanted for many of the politically-motivated killings. Yau was nabbed in an operation between Okene and Akure, on October 23. The Inspector-General of Police’s anti-kidnapping technical team, led by CSP Abba Kyari, who led the operation to arrest Zakari, recovered several AK-47 rifles, general purpose machine guns and rocket-propelled launchers from the gang.

Gang Incidents

Violent Cult Clash Sacks Community

At least, one person was confirmed dead when two rival cult groups clashed in the Owaelu-Uratta area in Owerri-North LGA of Imo State on October 22. The violent clash started after a minor disagreement between rival cult members could not be settled. The arguments later degenerated into a clash, with guns and machetes freely used. Following the clash, residents of the community fled to neighbouring towns for safety. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the death of one of the cultists, Aka Dengo.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests Five Drug Peddlers, Seizes 2,200kg Illicit Drugs

The Borno State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested five suspected drug peddlers and seized about 2,200 kilogrammes of various psychotropic substances. The State Commander, Ona Ogilegwu, who disclosed this on October 24, said three of the suspects, Abubakar Musa, Aliase Olando and Idris Salisu were arrested at Muna Garage in Maiduguri, while others were nabbed in Biu LGA of the state. Ogilegwu said that during mop up operations, cannabis sativa, tramadol capsules, among others were recovered from the suspected peddlers. According to him, Olando was a notorious drug baron in Biu.

Vendor Bags Nine Months Jail Term for Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court in Lagos, October 25, sentenced a 31-year-old tea vendor, Adamu Dungus, to nine-month imprisonment for trafficking in 300 grammes of Tramadol, a psychotropic substance on the government’s prohibition list for drugs. The convict, who was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for a charge of drug trafficking, had pleaded guilty. The Prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 10 and that he was arrested at Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company at Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos while in possession of about 300 grammes of Tramadol. Justice Muslim Hassan sentenced the accused to nine months in jail which, he said, would start running from the date of his arrest. The court also ordered the NDLEA to destroy the exhibits.

Militancy/Maritime

Troops Foil Ship Hijacking, Arrest Vandals in Delta

Troops of Operation Delta Safe (ODS) have thwarted an attempted hijack of a vessel in the Niger Delta and separately arrested five pipeline vandals. Spokesman of the ODS, Thomas Otuji, October 22, said that troops of Operation Base 2 repelled a hijack of a vessel (MT VAJARA) by heavily armed bandits in Ramos River, around Agge area of Delta state. He said the pirates were repelled after a fierce exchange of fire with government troops. Otuji also said five people were arrested on October 17 and 18 near oil wellheads around the port city of Warri. According to him, the five suspected vandals had confessed to their plan to vandalise the wellheads. He assured that the military was committed to making the entire Niger Delta and the waterways safe for oil firms, vessels and their crew.

Avengers Blow up Chevron Export Pipeline in Delta

Militants in the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Avengers, October 25, attacked and bombed a Chevron Nigeria Limited offshore Export Pipeline at Escravos in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State. Spokesman of the group, Mudoch Agbinibo, claimed responsibility for the attack in a tweet. According to him, the action was to further warn all International Oil Companies operating in the region against repairs of previously damaged facilities, pending negotiation/dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta.

Terrorism

Hunters Kill Seven Boko Haram Suspects in Adamawa

Seven Boko Haram insurgents have been killed by hunters drafted for the fight against insurgency at Ghantsa area of Makwan Village in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. An eyewitness revealed that the attack started on October 22 when the insurgents were burning houses and shooting residents in the village. The eyewitness disclosed that while the carnage was on-going, some persons quickly alerted the hunters, who were manning their duty post. The leader of the hunters, Mallam Bukar Jimeta, immediately mobilised his men to the area and engaged the insurgents in a shootout for close to three hours. They successfully killed seven of them. While one was caught alive with gunshot wounds, others escaped into bush. Jimeta confirmed that his men killed the Boko Haram insurgents but refused to speak further on the issue. In another incident, a military officer confirmed that there was an attack on October 23, resulting to the killing of a terrorist. He said some weapons and ammunitions were recovered from the insurgents.

Troops Arrest 21 Suspected Terrorists

Troops of the Nigerian army have arrested 21 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State. Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, October 22, stated that the suspects were arrested in connection with alleged aiding and abetting of cattle rustling. He noted that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, in conjunction with other security agencies arrested the suspects as part of measures to stop the menace. He added that the crime of cattle rustling served as another means of funding Boko Haram terrorists’ activities. Usman advised the public to report any known or suspected illegality with regards to Operation Lafiya Dole to security agencies.

Some Missing Soldiers Back to Base after Attack by Boko Haram

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, October 26, said that a sizeable number of the 39 soldiers that were declared missing after a Boko Haram attack in the border town of Gashigar in Borno State, had returned. Maj-Gen. Irabor, admitted that a few soldiers were yet to be found. He assured that the military was still engaged in the operation to uproot the terrorists from the area. He said the military had recorded progress in its quest to apprehend collaborators of the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east. He added that the suspects were undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the crime.

Troops Arrest 9 More Suspected Boko Haram Collaborators

Nigerian troops have arrested another nine suspects said to be aiding the Boko Haram sect in the north-east, bringing the number of those nabbed to 30. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, October 25, disclosed that the suspects included two officers, two soldiers, two policemen and 26 civilians. Usman said that investigation carried out on the 21 suspected collaborators and saboteurs earlier arrested led to the nabbing of the nine. He added that many more suspects would be arrested and prosecuted based on evidences against them and their level of culpability.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassination

Police Stray Bullet Kills 5-Year-Old, One Other in Bayelsa

A team from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), October 22, shot three persons in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.  While two of the victims, including five-year-old, died from the bullet wounds, doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa were battling to save the third victim. The SARS operatives were reportedly on a raid on cult gangs engaged in violent battles when shots fired by them hit the three innocent victims.  Residents of the area said the police, who were responding to a distress call on the cult-related violence in the area, however, could not arrest any of the suspects, who all fled on sighting the security operatives. The SARS team immediately left the scene after confirming that their shots killed some innocent persons, it was learnt. The police admitted that their men actually fired the shots, but said only one person died at the hospital, while the other two were still being treated. The state police command noted that the officer who fired the shot that hit the three persons was currently in detention.

Native Doctor Arrested for Murder

A native doctor has arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for murder. The suspect was, October 22, paraded at the State Police Headquarters, Uyo. The State Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, disclosed that the native doctor killed his lover’s 14-year-old son for undisclosed reasons and hurriedly buried the body. Mani said, that the police, based on a tip-off, swooped on the native doctor at the point he went to exhume the corpse of the deceased. The Police Commissioner said the skull of the boy was recovered and taken for autopsy while the native doctor had confessed and has been charged to court.

Delta Community Protests Herdsmen’s Invasion, Killings

Hundreds of protesters from Ossissa community in Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State, October 24, barricaded the Asaba-Ughelli expressway to express their anger over incessant attacks by herdsmen, which had allegedly led to the death of at least two persons in the community. The protesters claimed that they resorted to the public demonstration as efforts to get the government to check the invasion of their community and farmlands had yielded no results. They described the October 23 attack by the herdsmen and the killing of two persons, as the last straw. The protesters, mostly women, lamented that the violence of the cattle herders have kept many people away from their farms as the strangers not only herd their animals into people’s farms by also attack youths and sometimes rape women in their farms.

One Killed, 12 Houses Torched in Kogi Violence

A farmer was killed and 12 houses were torched following a clash between members of a vigilante group and locals at Ejinya Abakpa and Ejinya Eheche communities in Ankpa LGA of Kogi State on October 20. The incident, which began on October 20 when a man identified as Noah Ado was stopped by members of a vigilance group in the area but refused to do so, raged through the weekend. It was further gathered that the said Ado ran to his room and brought out a gun and in an effort by men of the vigilance group to disarm him, he pulled the trigger and shot a farmer, who died while being rushed to the hospital. Angry youths from the community of the deceased farmer mobilised to Ejinya Eheche village where the incident happened and set 12 houses ablaze, forcing residents of the village to flee their homes. Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident, adding that policemen have been deployed to the affected communities to restore normalcy. He said investigation is ongoing into the incident.

Benue LG Boss Remanded in Prison for Alleged Murder

The Sole Administrator of Buruku LGA of Benue State, Mr. David Yiman, was, October 25, remanded in prison custody by a Makurdi Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged involvement in the murder of one Aondosoo Tondo (50). The suspect was arraigned alongside Kosuvenyi Kungwa and Emmanuel Nyajo, for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The police told the court that the Divisional Police Officer, ‘B’ Division, Gboko LGA, had received information that on August 11, gunmen numbering about three, broke into the official residence of Aondosoo Tondo, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Mkar and shot him on the abdomen. He later died at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where he was receiving treatment. According to the Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector Hyacinth Gbakor, during police investigation, the trio was arrested for conspiring with many others, now at large, to commit the said crime. At the mention of the case, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Isaac Ajim, in his ruling, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Medium Prison, Makurdi, and adjourned the matter to January 2017 for further mention.

Tricycle Operator Killed, Dumped in Uncompleted Building

The corpse of a tricycle operator, Sule Muhammed, was, October 21, found in an uncompleted building in Awka, Anambra State. Muhammed was allegedly hacked with an axe on the head and other parts of his body. His tricycle was dumped around the uncompleted building. The deceased was declared missing by his wife and elder brother after he failed to return home on October 20. His body was found by a team of policemen and some indigenes of Kogi State resident in Anambra. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiruka Nwode, confirmed the incident. She said an axe, suspected to have been used in killing the deceased, was found close to his body. Nwode assured that the police would arrest his killers.

One Killed as Transport Unions Clash in Minna

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that one person was killed and another seriously injured following a clash between two transport unions at a Motor Park in Minna. The clash was between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed the death on October 22. He added that the police had invited the two leaders of the union for thorough investigation in order to bring the culprits to justice.

Man Killed as Hoodlums Go on Rampage in Mushin

One person was, October 22, killed when hoodlums engaged in supremacy battle, unleashed mayhem on residents of Lawani and Ojelade streets at the Mushin area of Lagos State. The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Segun Akube, was shot dead by the hoodlums. A resident revealed that the hoodlums attacked Lawani and Ojelade streets and smashed concrete blocks on Akube’s head before they shot him dead. They also stole money from Akube’s boss. A resident of Lawani Street alleged that the victim was killed by hoodlums working for one Toba, a former member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). He claimed that Toba’s boys raided the area in a bid to take over the community. Policemen had been patrolling the area to prevent further mayhem.

Police Arrest Banker over Assassination Attempt on Husband

The Ogun State Police Command, October 26, arrested one Oluchi Onyebuchi over an alleged assassination attempt on her husband, Onyebuchi Tochukwu. The state Commissioner for Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, explained that the 32-year-old woman had contracted three men to assassinate her husband with whom she was engaged in a bitter custody battle over the only child of their union. Oluchi is alleged to have gone to her estranged husband’s residence and hid machetes, iron rods and acid to be used in the operation. Also arrested in connection to the crime were two suspected assassins; Chigozie Nworie and Kingsley Ofotele, who confessed to their roles in the plot. The third suspect escaped arrest. Oluchi, however, denied plotting to kill her ex-husband. But the police investigators punched hole in her claim pointing out that there were call logs which gave details of Oluchi’s communication with the assailants.

Attempted Murder of Enugu Ex-Commissioner: SARS Arrests Masterminds

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), October 27, arrested the alleged masterminds of the attempted murder of Enugu ex-commissioner, Beloved-Dan Anike. The former commissioner was attacked over land issues in Umuchigbo-Iji-Nike community by the suspects, Francis Anike and Andrew Okolo on October 19. Francis Anike is the Chairman of Umuchigbo-Iji-Nike community and relative of the victim.

Rape

65-Year-Old Man Rapes Two-Year-Old Girl

A 65-year-old man, Emeka Asibirionwu, has been arrested for allegedly raping a two-year-old girl at Oriendu, near Umuahia in Abia State. The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, October 24, said that the suspect was arrested on September 28 after the victim’s mother raised the alarm on sighting her daughter crying, while blood and fluid were gushing out from her genitals. He said the victim’s mother had kept the toddler in the custody of the suspect, who was her neighbour, when the incident happened. The suspect, however, denied the allegation. He added that he declined the demand that he should provide the money for the victim’s medical treatment because he knew he was innocent of the allegation.

Teacher Arrested for Forcing Teenager to Engage in Oral Sex

The Lagos State Police Command, October 25, arrested a teacher with a private school in Ikotun for allegedly forcing a female student to engage in oral sex. The 20-year-old teacher, Enilolobo Olamilekan, was said to have lured the 12-year-old student to his house and taken advantage of her. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the suspect would be charged for indecent assault. Badmos urged parents, especially those with female kids, not to be careless in leaving their children without exercising due diligence in protecting them.

Police Arrest 35-Year-Old Man for Raping Girl, 14

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Mohammed Dan Abbas, for defiling a 14-year-old-girl in the Barkin-Salle area of Minna. The suspect, lured the victim to his room, pretending that he was going to assist her. It was learnt that minor, who was hawking some wares, had lost some money and was crying when Abbas came across her and promised to refund the money if she could follow him home to collect it. But at his residence, Abbas forcibly had carnal knowledge of the girl and threw her out of the room thereafter. The girl was said to have bled from her genitals which made her parents to know that she was defiled. Her parents stormed the residence of Abbas, who did not deny that he had carnal knowledge of the girl. Subsequently the police were brought into the matter leading to the arrest and detention of the suspect.

24-Year-Old Arrested over Rape of Teenager

A 24-year-old man, Olalekan Imran, has been arrested for raping a 17-year-old student of St. Charles Grammar School. Imran was arrested by the Police for allegedly raping the pupil within the premises of the school. The student had accused Imran of forcefully having sexual intercourse with her on October 26. The victim added that Imran had threatened to punish her for wearing a shirt on top of her uniform and she started pleading with him to pardon her, but he allegedly dragged her inside one of the offices and raped her. The suspect, who initially denied raping the girl, later admitted that he had sex with her, but that it was consensual.

Two Men Docked for Raping 10-Year-Old Boy in Kano

Two men were, October 28, arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Kano for allegedly having anal intercourse with a 10-year-old boy. Labaran Abdullahi (25) and Sani Umar (35), are facing a two-count charge of unnatural offence and public nuisance. The prosecutor, Anthony Edward, told the court that one Sagir Muhammad and two members of Vigilante Group attached to Bachirawa Quarters reported the case to the Police in February. The suspects were caught having anal intercourse with the 10-year-old boy, who was rushed to Waziri Shehu Gidado Hospital Kano for treatment. The two suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Ibrahim Khaleel ordered that the two men be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to November 29, for hearing.

Cleric Remanded for Turning Young Girls to Sex Slaves

A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court, October 27, remanded a 32-year-old cleric, Elijah Ebimone, in prison for allegedly abducting three girls and turning them to sex slaves. The Prosecutor, Inspector Daniel Suende, told the court that a team of detectives received information about the activities of the cleric on October 20 and immediately launched an investigation into the matter. The prosecutor said that the cleric went to Delta State in June and took the three girls to Makurdi. Suende said that the man had deceived the girls’ parents into believing that he was assisting the girls to travel to Ukraine to seek greener pastures. Ebimone had allegedly been abducting young girls and using them as sex slaves, impregnating all of them at different times and also causing them to miscarry the pregnancies. The Magistrate, Mrs Theresa Wergba, ordered the remand of the accused and adjourned the matter to December 28 for further mention.

Others

Lagos Policemen Shoot Teenager, Attack Brother with Cutlass

An 18-year-old boy, Samuel Omojuwa, was allegedly shot by a policemen attached to the Ketu Police Division in Lagos State, while his elder brother, David, was attacked with a cutlass by another member of the three-man police team on Omojuwa Street on October 23. It was gathered that the policemen had attempted to arrest a commercial motorcycle rider for allegedly breaking a traffic rule. The rider, whose motorcycle was reportedly confiscated, was said to have struggled with the officers. The policemen allegedly hit the motorcyclist with a cutlass, which drew the ire of his colleagues. The incident was said to have created confusion in the area. It was learnt that David, the son of a community leader, reportedly approached the policemen in a bid to mediate in the crisis. But one of the policemen allegedly attacked him with a cutlass. His younger brother, Samuel, who witnessed the incident, abused the officers, causing a policeman to fire a shot, which hit him in the leg. Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, however, denied that the policemen shot Samuel and attacked David with a cutlass. She stated that the report from the division was that some hoodlums went on the rampage and attacked the police team.

Man Arraigned for Assault on Policeman

A 30-year-old man, Tunde Ajani, who allegedly beat up a policeman, was, on October 25, docked before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Ajani is facing two charges of breach of the peace and assault. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Kokoye Olusegun, told the court that the accused committed the offences on September 9 at Layeni Police Station. Olusegun said Ajani assaulted a police officer, Paul Okonkwo, by pulling his uniform and punching him, while performing his lawful duty. The complainant said he was trying to explain an issue concerning the conduct of the accused to him, when he got angry and started rough handling him. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Senior Magistrate, Mr M.A Etti, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to November 4 for further hearing.

Troops Discover 25 Human Skulls, Arrest 44 IPOB Members

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, says its troops have discovered 25 human skulls in some militants’ shrines in Cross River State. The ODS also said its troops arrested 44 members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra in Bayelsa State. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, October 27, said that troops of Sector 4 of the outfit in Cross River, acting on a tip-off, carried out raids in Ikot Ene Idem, Abakpa and Ikang Inam in Bakassi and Akpabuyo LGAs of the state. He said during the cordon-and-search operations, the troops discovered four militant shrines with 25 human skulls in various stages of decomposition, a complete human skeleton and several other human body parts. Daudu said the shrines were destroyed as troops continued the search for the perpetrators of the heinous acts against humanity.

Gang Cuts Off Man’s Limbs, Arms in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), October 27, said that it arrested a 25-year-old man, Uzairu Abdullahi, for allegedly amputating the limbs and arms of one Shafi’u Ayuba. The State Commandant, Babangida Aliyu, disclosed that Abdullahi and four others committed the act on September 27. He stated that the suspect led the gang and committed the offence only 16 days after he was released from the Sokoto Central Prison. He assured that the command was striving to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued on the rise as gunmen took hostages across the country. Vicious kidnappers turned murderers when they killed a businessman because the family was unable to raise the complete amount they had demanded as ransom. Betrayal was also on record as a woman took her friends son captive and even joined in the search for the boy, whom she tied and locked up in her apartment. Children were variously taken hostage, but were eventually rescued from the kidnappers. Security agents, unwavering in their determination to stop the trend, raided the hideout of some kidnappers and, under heavy gunfire, rescued hostages and arrested suspects. Through airtight intelligence by security operatives and vigilance by observant citizens, a number of kidnap attempts were foiled.

Murder/assassination remained high on the crime index. Hoodlums engaged in supremacy battle, unleashed mayhem in the Mushin area of Lagos, killing a 30-year-old man, whose head was smashed with concrete before he was shot dead. In Bayelsa State, reckless shooting by Police operatives resulted in the death of two innocent persons, including a 5-year-old child. It is sad to note that families now plot to have close relative assassinated as witnessed in the case of an estranged wife, who paid assassins to kill her husband. The plot was foiled as security agents promptly arrested some of the assassins. These incidents were recorded in various regions of the country.

Robbery incidents took a leap up the crime index as trickles of attacks were witnessed across the nation. The authorities remained fearless in the fight against armed robbery making major arrest of suspects and killing a few during gun battles.

Rape incidents also maintained its place with a little stride up the crime index. The police made arrest of nearly all suspects, some victims suffered and were rushed to intensive care units for treatment. It is very sad to note that all victims on record were minors, including little boys. This was witnessed across the country. Parents and guardians are urged to be protective of the children in their care to prevent them from falling preys to these rampaging rapists.

There is a persistent call on all to remain vigilante, as you can stop a crime by taking preventive measures. Report all threats to the appropriate authorities for investigation. You may save a life.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding.