Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 42

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapped Kano Lecturer Regains Freedom

The authorities of Bayero University, Kano have confirmed the release of its lecturer, Saminu Aliyu-Kiri, who was kidnapped in Kaduna State on October 6. The lecturer, who regained his freedom on October 7, has since been reunited with his family in Kano. The Director, Public Affairs of Bayero University Kano, Ahmed Shehu, confirmed the release of the abducted lecturer. The university spokesman, who did not state whether ransom was paid before his release, said it was by the miracle of God that the lecturer regained his freedom. Aliyu-Kiri was kidnapped along with two other persons in Kaduna State while he was returning from an official assignment in Shaki, Oyo State.

Gunmen Kidnap Nurse in Kogi

A nurse with the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Roland Omosegbon, was, October 8, kidnapped along the Kabba-Obajana road in Kogi State by unknown gunmen. Omosegbon was abducted while returning to Ajaokuta from Odo Ape with one Pastor John Ige, who successfully escaped from the hands of the gunmen with machete wounds. The kidnappers are reportedly demanding N2 million for the release of the nurse. Meanwhile, the state police command has said it has arrested 30 suspected kidnappers terrorising the state. The 30 suspects, mostly Fulanis, were arrested across the state following tip-off from members of the public.  It said the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts where dangerous weapons were also recovered. The state Police Public Relations Officer, William Ayah, said the special squad put in place was working round the clock to flush out kidnappers from the state.

Police Rescue Two Kidnapped Schoolgirls in Niger

The Police have rescued two schoolgirls kidnapped by gunmen in Rijau area of Niger State. The two girls, Serah Danjuma and Martha Daniels, were kidnapped from the Government Vocational School on October 5 after the hoodlums gained entry into the school compound through a broken fence. A distress call made to the anti-kidnapping team of the police in the area unsettled the kidnappers, who eventually escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning the kidnapped girls. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bala Elkana, who confirmed the rescue of the girls, disclosed that policemen were still in the forest looking for the kidnappers. Elkana said the girls were rescued not too far from their school, which was a little distance from Kebbi State. He said the two girls aged between 15 and 16 had returned to the school to continue their academic pursuits.

Kidnappers of APC Chieftain’s Wife Demand N40m Ransom

The kidnappers of the wife of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Samuel Ajibola, have demanded a ransom of N40m for her release. Ajibola’s wife was kidnapped by gunmen on October 7 at their residence in Ekiti East LGA. He said the kidnappers claimed that he was their actual target and demanded N40m ransom for the release of his wife. The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, said that police had begun investigation into the matter.

Kidnappers Shoot Driver for Daring to Protect Boss

A driver of a notable businessman in Ughelli in Ughelli, Delta State, was, October 4, shot by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers for daring to protect his boss. The gunmen were said to have targeted the businessman, but were stopped by the bravery of the driver, who struggled and stopped them from taking his boss away. The hoodlums, however, whisked away a yet-to-be-identified person, who was also an occupant of the car belonging to the businessman. The whereabouts of the kidnap victim and the car remains unknown.

Police Nab Gang Leader, Informant in Lagos Landlords’ Kidnap

The Police have arrested five suspects, including the gang leader and an informant, in connection with the kidnap of three landlords and their trainer in Isheri North Area of Lagos State on September 17. Police sources disclosed that one JJ, was arrested in Ore while he was spending his share of the N16m ransom, which was paid for the release of the landlords. Force Police Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, October 10, confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspects would be charged to court soon.

Kidnapped Epe, Lagos Students, Teachers Released

Kidnappers of four pupils, a teacher and vice principal of Lagos Junior Model College, Igbonla, Epe, Lagos State, have released their victims. The victims were released on October 11 in yet to be ascertained circumstances. The police confirmed the release of the victims. An 11-man gang of armed men had, last week, stormed school and whisked the victims away. They had reportedly demanded N5m as ransom for each victims.

Troops Kill 4 Suspected Kidnappers in Bauchi

Troops of 33 Brigade Forward Operations Base, Burra in Bauchi State killed four suspected kidnappers on October 10. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said that the troops killed the suspects after they laid ambush for them following a tip off. Usman said the incident happened at Sabon Kura village in Ningi LGA of the state. The kidnappers were on their way to Diwwa village for kidnapping. The troops engaged the kidnappers and after an exchange of gunfire, four kidnappers were confirmed dead, he said. He added that three Dane guns, one cutlass, three handsets, some quantity of hard drugs and local charms were recovered from them.

NAPTIP Rescues 57 Victims of Human Trafficking in Katsina

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano Zonal Command, October 11, said it had rescued 57 victims of human trafficking in Katsina State. The NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Shehu Umar, said that the 57 victims were intercepted on October 8 in two separate groups by the Nigeria Immigration Service. They were intercepted in Katsina state along Kongolom border in Mai’adua LGA on their way to Libya. Preliminary investigation had shown that the victims paid between N5, 000 and N250, 000 as fares to their traffickers to facilitate the journey to Libya. He said the victims, aged between 12 and 38, had no travel documents and were from Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abducted Romanian Engineer, Nigerian Regain Freedom in Delta

A 52-year-old Romanian Engineer, Christian Nedeclu, and a Nigerian, who were abducted by gunmen at Railway Village in Owa-Oyibo, Ika North East LGA of Delta state, have regained freedom. The two were reportedly freed on October 12 after a crack team from the Delta State Police Command in collaboration with local vigilance group launched a rescue effort. Nedeclu and the Nigerian are staff of Julius Berger Company and were attached to an ongoing project in the area when the gunmen struck and kidnapped them on October 10. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed their release. According to her, the victims were rescued by police crack team from the command who combed the area for their release. She dismissed knowledge of any ransom being paid by their employer to secure their freedom as the kidnappers had earlier demanded for ransom in foreign currency.

Robbery

Police Arraigned Robbery Suspects in Court

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and arraigned two members of a robbery gang in court for allegedly attacking a polythene producing company in Alibaba, in the Isashi area of the state, stealing a raw material evaluated at N6.4m. The suspects are 42-year-old Moruf Afolabi and one Saheed Adeoti, a new worker of the company. The suspects were arrested sometime in September 2016, three weeks after they attacked the company on August 14. A police prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, arraigned the duo before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on October 7 on two counts of armed robbery. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O. Olanipekun, did not take the plea of the defendants. She ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Directorate of the Public Prosecutions for advice. The case was adjourned till October 21, 2016, for legal advice.

Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects in Ughelli

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers, including a teenager in Ughelli. The suspects were apprehended along the Ekakpamre-Out-Jeremi road in Ughelli South Council Area of the state for illegal possession of sophisticated fire arms. The suspects, Voke Samuel (15) and Godspower Peter (18) were arrested on October 6 by the Safer High Way Patrol team attached to the Ughelli Area Command during a routine patrol in the area. A double barrel cut-to-size gun and a fabricated single barrel gun with four rounds of cartridges were recovered from the suspects who were riding a motorcycle.

Housewives Arrested in Lagos for Aiding Robbers

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos State has arrested two women, who allegedly received goods stolen by a gang of robbers in the Mile 2 area of the state. It was gathered that the women –Iyabo Azeez and Iyabo Olaiya– were arrested by the Zonal Anti-Kidnapping Unit, after a complaint was received on a container, reportedly diverted on August 23. It was learnt that the driver of the truck carrying the container – Ibrahim Musa, and an accomplice, Mohammed Jazuli – were initially arrested by the police in Katsina State. Another suspect, Tunde Omowunmi, who allegedly conspired with Musa and Jazuli, was also arrested. Our correspondent learnt that the arrest of the four led to the rounding up of the housewives, who allegedly received the stolen goods. The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had ordered the case to be charged to court.

Court Remands Two Herdsmen for Robbery

Two cattle herders, Adamu Rabiu and Bello Tukur were on October 11 remanded in prison custody after they were arraigned before a Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly robbing one Promise Eze. Chief Magistrate Levi Animoku said there was high propensity for them to disappear and escape justice if granted bail. Animoku added that the offence of armed robbery was not ordinarily bailable, and the herdsmen were nomadic by nature and of no fixed addresses. They were remanded at the Federal Prisons, Okene while the case was adjourned to October 20 for mention. The prosecutor, Sergeant Tuesday Ganagana, told the court that the suspects robbed Eze of N24,000, carted away assorted drinks from her refrigerator and escaped to an unknown destination, but were arrested following credible technical intelligence report at a drinking joint.

Ebonyi Police Kill Two Robbers in Gun Battle

The Ebonyi State Police Command has gunned down two suspected armed robbers that robbed motorist along Afikpo-Okigwe Express Highway, in Ivo LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, said the command received a distress call from patriotic citizen that a six-man armed robbery gang was operating in the area and a team of policemen led by Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ivo quickly moved to the scene where 0/C Akaeze Police Station was already engaging them in a gun battle. The gang ran off with their car and during hot chase by the police, two of the robbers were gunned down, the rest four escaped through Aninri/Awgu axis of Enugu state with bullet injuries while one AK47 rifle, five magazines and twenty rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them.

Students Lament Robbery Attack in Aba

Unidentified gunmen, October 9, attacked residents of Nwala Street in Aba, Abia State and made away with cash and property worth thousands of naira. It was gathered that the hoodlums inflicted machete injuries on some of their victims, who were mostly students of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba. A resident disclosed that the residents had already gone to bed when the hoodlums struck at about 2am. Police Public Relations Officer, Ogbonnaya Nta, said the incident had not been reported to the Police.

Three Robbery Suspects Nabbed in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has smashed a robbery/kidnap syndicate that had been terrorising residents of Ijebu-Ode and Shagamu areas. The suspects were arrested with two pump action riffles, one double-barrelled gun, one English barrel gun and three locally-made single barrel guns. The suspects, according to the spokesperson for Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, Muyiwa Adejobi, were apprehended by operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FEDSARS) in their hideout at Ipoji area of Shagamu. The trio of Abibu Onasanya, Kamorudeen Abdulahi and Olalekan Ogunbowale, were suspected to be preparing for an operation when the operatives, who acted on tip-off, swooped on them.

Police Nab Gang that Robbed, Raped and Killed 65 Year-old Woman

The Abia State Police Command, October 13, paraded 24 criminal suspects, including a gang of armed robbers that intercepted a vehicle and murdered a 65-year-old woman after she was robbed and raped along with other women returning from a business trip. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who paraded the suspects, said the 65-year-old Anthonia Dike was shot in the face at close range after the rape and robbery operation that took place along Ofeme axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. A member of the three-man vicious criminal gang, Samuel Okorie (23), who was caught by police, confirmed the heinous crime. The police said that the other two gang members were still on the run. Oyebade also said an inter-state car snatching syndicate was smashed by the police after the hoodlums had snatched a Toyota Highlander and were racing back to their base in Akwa Ibom State.

Gang Incidents

2 Killed as Police Foil Cultists Operation in Calabar

The Cross River State police command, October 11, foiled the operation of some suspected cultists in Calabar, killing two in the ensuing gun battle. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tunde Gbolarumi, disclosed that the incident occurred along Bogobori by Queen Duke Junction. In a related development, at another location in the metropolis, two police operatives were on the same day killed in a midnight attack on its patrol vans by some hoodlums, suspected to be cultists. An eyewitness reported that the suspected cultists, numbering over 20, also set two security patrol vehicles ablaze during the sudden attack. The police, however confirmed that only one of its personnel; Inspector Edet Archibong, was gunned down in the attack, while one other police personnel; Sergeant Awo Obongha sustained injury in the attack and was receiving treatment.

Ogun Police Arrest Five Wanted Cultists

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested five members of the Eiye cult group, believed to have been on the wanted list of the Command. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, October 12, said that the suspects were arrested when policemen attached to Sango Otta Division carried out raids on criminal hideouts and black spots around Ijoko area of Ota. Oyeyemi, who identified the suspects as Segun Owolabi, Sunday Alaba, Abonode Samson, Olalekan Adeyemi and Samson Udoribang, said they had all confessed to being members of Eiye confraternity. He said that the command recovered a stolen car, a parcel of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and assorted charms from the suspects.

Gunmen Attack Deputy Governor’s Pilot Car in Calabar

Dare-devil gunmen, October 13, attacked the pilot car of the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, and killed a policeman in the process. The driver of the car was also shot by the gunmen. The attack by the gunmen took place at Goldie Street when the vehicle ran into a group of heavily armed men. The pilot vehicle had led others cars to escort the deputy governor to his house. The incident occurred after they dropped off the deputy governor. Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said a policeman who was shot during the melee later died in the hospital. She said the vehicle was later recovered by the police, adding that so far, no arrest has been made.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests Drug Dealers with N2.5bn Illicit Drugs

The Cross River State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that it has arrested two men, Azuka Emmanuel (55) and Ndubuisi Okafor (23), in Cross River State for dealing in Methamphetamine Ephedrine valued at N2.5billion. The state Commander of the NDLEA, Anthonia Edeh, said the suspects were arrested in a commercial bus along Yahe-Ikom Trans International Highway in possession of 76.050 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine and 100.1 kilogramme of Ephedrine worth N2.5 billion. Edeh said it was during a search process that NDLEA operatives discovered that the Methamphetamine was carefully concealed in Golden Morn cereal packs while the Ephedrine was concealed inside Semovita packs and five industrial fillers.

Customs Intercepts Suspected Cocaine Consignment

The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted a consignment of eight bags containing substances suspected to be cocaine. The Customs Area Comptroller, Yusuf Bashar, disclosed that the substance, numbering 200 pieces, was concealed and un-manifested inside a container with cement raw materials. The container originated from New Zealand and the shipment point is from Spain. The comptroller, while handing over the consignment to narcotic officers, urged regulatory agencies at the ports to work together as a team. Head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Tin-Can Island Port, Yashim Danladi, said the substance was suspected to be cocaine based on preliminary test on the consignment. The narcotic chief added that the concealed substance would go through other laboratory tests to further confirm its contents.

Militancy/Maritime

Police Arrest Four NNPC, Refinery Officials for Vandalising Pipelines

The police have arrested four security personnel of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and some workers of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) for illegally siphoning fuel from a vandalised pipeline at the WRPC jetty in Warri, Delta State. The Naval Chief of Administration at the Warri Jetty was also identified as one of the suspects by the operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Pipelines Vandalism and Illegal Bunkering, who carried out the operation.

Navy Arrests 13, Seizes Boats with Adulterated Diesel

The Nigerian Navy has seized three boats with 47,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. A Commander in the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Saidu Garba, who disclosed this on October 8, stated that three wooden boats, 113 drums of 250 litres of AGO and 188 empty drums had been recovered from the suspects in Ibeno community of the Ibeno LGA of the state. He added that the command acted on a tip-off and that the suspects were arrested in the creeks of Ibeno.

Navy Hands over 17 Oil Thieves to NSCDC

The Nigerian Navy has handed over 17 suspected oil thieves with 47,450 litres of diesel to Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom for prosecution. The Commander, NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Commodore Saidu Garba, who spoke at the handing over on October 8, said the suspects were arrested by naval special patrol team. Garba added that 13 of the 17 suspects were arrested at Mobil Jetty in Ibeno Local Government, while four suspects were arrested at Ataba Community. He said that items recovered from the suspects, include 47, 450 litres of liquid suspected to be diesel, five Cotonou wooden boats and 188 empty drums of 250 litres each. The NSCDC commandant, Obiageli Obiagulu, who received suspects and exhibits, commended the Navy for being an effective partner in the fight against oil theft.

Soldiers Kill Suspected Militant in Gun Duel, Arrest 18

Soldiers attached to the Joint Military Task Force, ‘Operation Delta Safe’ ODS deployed in the Niger Delta to protect oil facilities said they killed a suspected militant in a gun duel and arrested several oil theft suspects on October 13. Spokesman of the ODS, Thomas Otuji, said the incident occurred during one of several operations it carried out across the Niger Delta region. According to him, troops of ODS, Sector 2, Bayelsa State, received information of a hideout of armed bandits in Ibematoro Community. Troops arrived the enclave and engaged them in a gun battle. One suspect was killed and 2 suspects arrested. Items recovered include, one AK47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62 millimetre special ammunition.

Navy Impounds 120,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil

The Nigerian Navy has seized a barge conveying 120,000 litres of crude oil believed to have been stolen from facilities in Rivers State. The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, October 13, said that the barge was intercepted on October 12 in Elem Kalabari in Okrika LGA of Rivers State by troops stationed at the naval maritime security station in the area. He added that the troops were unable to arrest crew members on board the barge as they fled the scene on sighting advancing naval gunboats.

Terrorism

Scores of Boko Haram Terrorists Killed as Air Raids on Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Air force has intensified the bombardments of the camps of the terrorists, killing scores in the process. The attack, according to sources, rattled the insurgents, who had hitherto believed that their locations were unknown to the Air Force. Director of Air Force Public Relations, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, who confirmed the ‘round the clock’ bombardment, on October 10, disclosed that the strike would continue until the terrorists’ locations in the forest were sufficiently degraded. He disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in past one week, had struck a number of Boko Haram Terrorist locations, including their logistics bases within the Sambisa Forest, killing many insurgents.

Five Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Borno Village

Five persons were said to have been killed in an attack by suspected members of Boko Haram on Kwashebe village in Jere LGA of the state, killing two residents. A member of the youth vigilante in the area disclosed that the vigilante group later combed the area, killing three insurgents, who were lurking around. The insurgents, armed with AK47 rifles and petrol bombs, invaded the village at about 8pm on October 10 and opened fire on residents. They also set ablaze houses after looting foodstuff and livestock. He said it was the quick intervention of members of the youth vigilance group that minimised the number of casualties.

8 Killed, 15 Injured in Maiduguri Explosion

A total of eight persons lost their lives and 15 injured in the explosion that occurred October 12 at Muna motor park, Maiduguri, Borno State. The explosion occurred outside the park, located on the outskirts of the town and is used by motorists that carry passengers to the Dikwa, Gamboru Ngala axis of the state. The explosion went off at the Muna garage as the convoy, with a military escort was going to Gamboru Ngala. Five persons were inside the taxi hit by the bomber. Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, confirmed that only five persons died, while five others sustained injuries. Isuku confirmed there was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion on board the taxi that was carrying five people. The explosion occurred when the taxi was attempting to join the convoy of other vehicles heading to Gamboru town. All the four female passengers and the male driver died in the explosion.

Troops Kill Two Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have killed two Boko Haram terrorists while on clearance patrol at Ladin Buta and Juwano villages in Jere LGA of Borno State. The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, October 11, said that the troops engaged the remnants of the terrorists, who were believed to be terrorising the residents through wanton killings, kidnappings and armed robberies. During the exchange of fire, two Boko Haram terrorists were gunned down by the troops, while some escaped with gunshot wounds, he added. The patrol team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazine, two fabricated 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two Mobile telephone handsets and a torchlight from the terrorists.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Commission Approves Promotion of 4 to AIG

The Police Service Commission, October 14, approved the promotion of four Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). The Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Ikechukwu Ani, said CPs, Henry Fadairo, Pius Imue, Felix Ogundeji and Ezekiel Zang, were promoted to the rank of AIGs. Fadairo, until his promotion was the CP in charge of Jigawa State. Imue was in charge of the Railway Command, while Ogundeji was Commissioner of Police, Intelligence, Force Headquarters and Zang held sway as Commissioner of Police, Air Wing of the Force Headquarters. The Commission’s decision on the promotion of the four Commissioners of Police has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Ibrahim, for implementation.

Murder/Assassinations

Man Stoned to Death in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the murder of a 60-year-old man, Philip Ugwu, by some worshippers following a land dispute in Afikpo. Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, October 10, confirmed that the incident occurred at Amebo-Ndebo village. Okafor said that the matter was reported to the police on September 30 by the wife of the deceased, Abani Ugwu. He added that one Tochukwu Okoh, an evangelist, had been arrested in connection with the incident. He said the deceased’s wife alleged that Okoh and three others attacked her husband with stones, leading to his death. The police spokesman said that the divisional police officer for the area led a team of detectives and anti-crime patrol officers to the scene and arrested the suspect. The victim had argued with the worshippers in a new generation church over the erection of a fence to demarcate their lands. His wife identified one of the attackers, who was still with a stone. The person was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police.

Mother Strangles One-Year-Old, Dumps Corpse in River

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old woman, Asabe Andrew, for allegedly strangling her one-year-old daughter, Esther, and dumping the body in a river in Gunduma. The state Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Bello, who paraded the suspect in Lafia, said the command also apprehended a total of 20 suspects for committing various offences, including armed robbery and car snatching. The police boss also disclosed that one 20-year-old Kumi Jayi was arrested for allegedly killing his friend, Hassan Adamu, for making him impotent, after using a native concoction to enhance sexual performance.

Aiye Cult Leader Killed in Power Tussle

Operatives of the Zonal Intervention Squad of the Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested two suspected members of Aiye confraternity. The suspects were involved in the fight between Eiye rival cult group in Otta and Ifo areas of Ogun State, during which over 20 lives were lost. The suspects, Sheriff Afeeri and Owoseni Wasiu, according to the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were arrested at Agosi area of Ifo, Ogun State, while planning attacks. An axe bearing the logo of Aiye confraternity, among other items were recovered from the suspects.

Gunmen Kill Police Inspector in Imo

A Police Inspector attached to a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, was, October 9, shot dead by gunmen suspected to be assassins. The incident occurred at Umudagu, Mberi, in Mbaitoli LGA of the state. The Inspector was at Chief Nlemigbo’s compound when the gunmen arrived at about 8pm. There was an exchange of gunfire between the hoodlums and late Inspector Ogbe during which the inspector was killed. The mission of the gunmen was not known and the whereabouts of one of Nlemigbo’s drivers had yet to be ascertained. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident. He added that the police were using all machinery at their disposal to unravel those behind the incident.

Police Dismiss, Arraign Killer Cop

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed Sergeant Collins Idom, who allegedly shot and killed an undergraduate, Joseph Eidonojie-Ugbeni on September 9. Idom was arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on October 10, the same day the victim was buried. It was reported that operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) were chasing a suspected internet fraudster, who had parked his car and fled upon sighting the officers. They were said to have started shooting sporadically while chasing the suspect. The deceased, who had reportedly gone out to buy a drink with his cousin, was hit by a bullet and he died on the spot. The SARS operatives took Joseph’s corpse and put in the boot of the car of the suspected fraudster and drove off. The police, in a remand application brought before the court, said Idom confessed to the crime and was identified by witnesses. The Chief Magistrate, A.O. Awogboro, ordered his remand in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Three Shiites Killed in Katsina

Katsina State police command has confirmed that three Shiites’ members were killed, while two policemen sustained injuries when the sect members attempted to attack the area command of the police in Funtua town of Katsina state during a procession. The State Police Commissioner, Usman Abdullahi, October 12, said that the policemen arrested 46 members of the sect during the incident. He said the Shiites confronted the police area command in the town with the aim of attacking the personnel on duty. Abdullahi said the Shiite members also took away the corpse of one of the three dead persons, while police discovered the two dead bodies after the incident, along with other sophisticated weapons.

Four Shiite Members Killed in Kaduna

Four members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiite were, October 12, killed in the Muslim-dominated area of Tudun Wada in Kaduna State following an attack by irate youths. The angry mob was said to have also demolished the Islamic school belonging to the Shiites in the area. The Kaduna state government had, recently, placed a ban on the IMN, describing it as an illegal organisation. The state government also directed security agencies to arrest its spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, for identifying himself and issuing a widely publicized statement for an illegal group. The government had clamped down on members of the Islamic group following persistent and massive protests demanding the release of their leader. Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who had been in detention since December 12, 2015, following his arrest during a clash between his group and the Nigerian Army in Zaria. The Shiite members alleged that the police instigated the attack on them.

Palm Wine Tapper Murdered in Enugu Community

A lone gunman, October 11, shot and killed a palm wine tapper, John Eke, at Imufu in Igboeze North LGA of Enugu State. Eke was killed by a man who walked into the room where the deceased was discussing with his aged mother and shot him several times. He died before getting to the hospital. According to the sources, the deceased was freed about six months ago after over two years in prison custody for the murder of the head of the community’s vigilante group, Chukwudi Omeh and had been living in solitude since then. Some cultists that attended the burial of Chukwudi had vowed to avenge his killing.

Herdsmen Kill Two Policemen, Steal Their AK 47 Rifles

Unknown gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, October 13, attacked policemen at a checkpoint along the Kagoro-Gidan Waya Road in Kaura LGA of Kaduna state, killing two of them while two others were said to be critically wounded. Two of the six policemen, who were manning the checkpoint, were said to have escaped unhurt. The bandits were also said to have made away with two AK47 rifles belonging to their victims. The deceased officers were of the rank of sergeant and deployed to the area to check the activities of bandits that had been raiding communities and killing people. Enoch Andong, a resident of the area, who was among those who carried the injured policemen to the Kafanchan General Hospital, disclosed that the incident occurred at about 9:30am when the gunmen swooped on the policemen and opened fire.

Rape

Man 84, Son, Grandchild Arraigned over Serial Rape of 10-Year-Old

An 84-year old man, Muazu Isa, his son and grandson, were, October 7, arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna, over their alleged serial rape of a 10-year-old orphan. The prosecutor, Inspector Anthony Idoko, told the court that the case was reported to the police on August 1. He said that the other accused persons are the man’s son, Bashir, 24, and his grandson, Ya’u. The accused was the former Village Head of Angwan Dosa in Kaduna, but was dethroned by the Zazzau Emirate Council over the rape scandal. Idoko explained that the girl was in the care of Muazu when they took turns to rape her. The Magistrate, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison, and adjourned the case to October 14 for further mention. According to reports, the accused’s own daughter caught him raping the girl and reported the matter to the local vigilante in the area.

Man, 75, Rapes Five-Year-Old in Ebonyi

A 75-year-old man, Joseph Oduma, has been arraigned before an Abakaliki magistrate’s court for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl. The Magistrate, Olughu Nnachi, declined to grant the accused bail, ordering that he be remanded in the Abakaliki Federal Prisons, pending legal advice. It was gathered that the accused and the victim were from the same village in the Ohaukwu area of the state, where he allegedly took advantage of her. Counsel to the accused, Sunday Nnunu, urged the court to consider his client’s age and grant him bail, insisting that he had a reliable surety. Ruling on the application, the magistrate said the accused could not be granted bail as the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. He ordered that the case file be transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice. The Investigating Police Officer disclosed that the defendant admitted to being guilty in his confessional statement.

Man Video-Recorded Himself Raping Girl

A 31-year-old man, Kingsley Benjamin, who allegedly has unlawful sexual intercourse with a 19-year-old girl and video recorded it, was on October 10, docked before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court. The prosecutor, Inspector Cousin Adams, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 20 at the Ajangbandi area of Lagos. Adams alleged that the accused has unlawful sexual intercourse with the girl and recorded the act on his phone. Benjamin, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Helen Omisore, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Omisore said that one of the sureties must be a close relation of the accused. She then adjourned the case till November 7 for mention.

Septuagenarian Lures, Rapes Girl, 12

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 74-year-old man, Godwin Agada, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl. The septuagenarian bicycle repairer forcefully raped the young girl in his workshop located along the old Obiaruku-Abraka road in Obiaruku after luring her with N200. The suspected rapist allegedly lured the victim through the help of her 14-year-old friend identified as Ebele, who the septuagenarian claimed he had also been having sex with in his workshop. The father of the 12-year-old victim reported the matter to the police after the teenager disclosed the rape to her father. Agada confessed to the crime. The Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu said doctor’s report confirmed the defilement.

19-Year-Old Docked for Defiling 6-Year-Old

A 19-year-old secondary school student, Samuel Abah, was, October 11, docked before an Ikeja Magistrates Court over an alleged defilement of a 6-year-old girl. The Magistrate, Mr A. T Elias, who granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000, after he pleaded not guilty to a rape charge, ordered that the accused should produce two sureties in the like sum. Elias adjourned the case to November 2 for mention. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Rapheal Donny, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 29 at his residence. Donny said that the accused unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a six-year-old girl. He said that when the accused discovered that the victim’s parent had gone out, he called the victim into his room and defiled her.

Enugu Monarch’s Son Rapes 8-Year-Old Girl

The Police in Enugu State have arrested the 30-year-old son of a traditional ruler for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl at Oduma area of Aninri LGA of the state. Police sources said that the suspect, whose name was given as Ikechi, had been involved in other rape and kidnap cases. It was said that the suspect sent the girl on an errand to buy something for him and she returned with the item, the suspect grabbed her and forcefully raped her. It was gathered that the father of the victim reported the matter to the police.

Man, 48, Charged with Defiling Eight-Year-Old Girl

A 48-year-old-man, Leonard Ekeh, who allegedly raped an eight-year-old girl in his house, was October 14, arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The prosecutor, Sergeant Antonia Osayande, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime between September 20 and 21. Osayande said the accused invited the underage girl to his room in the afternoon when most of the tenants in the building were not around and raped her. Ekeh, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of defilement and indecent treatment of a child. Chief Magistrate Ipaye Nwachukwu granted the suspect bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused, while the other must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 and also provide evidence of tax payments to the government. The case was adjourned to December 13 for advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.

NSCDC Arrests Man over Rape of Toddler in Zaria

The Kaduna State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel Francis, for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl. The suspected was promptly handed over to the police. Parading the suspect in Zaria on October 14, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ahmed Musa, said the case was reported to the division by one of its staff, Kamal Aliyu. The DPO said the girl had been taken for medical examination. He said the case would be charged to court after investigation. The accused, who admitted committing the crime, said he was under satanic influence.

Others

DSS Arrests 4 Judges, Recovers N362m

The Department of State Services (DSS), October 8, invaded the residences of some judges and arrested them over allegations of involvement in corrupt practices. The unprecedented sting operation was launched almost simultaneously in Abuja, Gombe and Rivers States. But it was an operation that was widely described as a usurpation of the job of the National Judicial Council, which is statutorily responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges in the country. The DSS said it had credible intelligence on the illicit activities of the judges, which it investigated before cracking down on them. Those arrested included two Supreme Court justices and two judges of the Federal High Courts (Abuja and Gombe Divisions). The DSS said it recovered huge amount of cash in different currencies from three of arrested judges totalling N362, 519,611 (at the prevailing exchange rates). However, the attempt to take a Federal High Court judge in Port Harcourt failed as the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, promptly intervened describing the move as illegal and lacking due process.

15 Die, 6 Rescued in Niger State Boat Mishaps

At least 15 people have lost their lives in two boat mishaps that occurred in Kontagora and Borgu LGAs of Niger State. The incident in Kontagora claimed 13 lives while the one in Borgu claimed two lives. It was gathered that the Kontagora accident occurred when some traders were traveling across the Kontagora River, a tributary of River Niger. The Borgu incident occurred when about 11 people were traveling in a canoe across the River Niger.  Two of the travellers were reported to have died while eight others were rescued. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Ahmed Inga, who confirmed the two incidents on October 7, said they occurred as a result of heavy rains which made the rivers to over flow their banks. He advised people traveling by boats to be extra careful to avoid future occurrence.

12 Arrested in Akwa Ibom for Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Others

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has paraded 12 suspected criminals arrested in the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, who paraded the suspects on October 11, warned that the state would be too hot for criminals. The suspects were arrested for various crimes including kidnappings, armed robbery, theft, rape and cultism. He said the suspects were found with locally made firearms – one long double barrel gun, three locally made pistols, two cartridges, seven sophisticated mobile phones and charms.

Angry Youths Torch Benue Police Station

Aggrieved youths, October 13, set fire to a police station at Awajir in the Konshisha LGA of Benue State over the killing of a commercial motorcyclist by the police. The killing of the motorcyclist, identified as Gabriel Saak, triggered the crisis as angry youths went on the rampage, destroying several property in the community. Trouble started when a police patrol team tried to stop some youths from collecting illegal toll in the area. A stray bullet fired by one of the policemen at the scene of the disagreement killed Saak, who was on his motorcycle. The young man was not part of those that had issues with the police, according to witnesses. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the report, said that the trigger of a police riffle was pulled by one of the youths, who engaged the police in a scuffle. Yamu said calm had returned to the community after a delegation of the Benue State Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama, visited the area.

Community Leader’s House Razed over Thief’s Death

Property worth millions of naira were destroyed when the home of Emmanuel Matemi, Mereje community Chairman, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State was set ablaze following the death of a suspected thief, who was beaten to pulp for allegedly stealing a bag belonging to a lady in the community. It was gathered that trouble started on October 9 when the suspect, simply identified as Clever, was apprehended and taken to the residence of the community chairman for allegedly stealing the said bag. It was learned that the suspect later died from injuries sustained from the beating resulting in pandemonium, which led to the destruction of property and setting of fire to the house of the community chairman by a mob. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, October 11, confirmed the incident. She added that the youth Leader of the community had been arrested in connection with the death.

Customs Kill Three Suspected Smugglers

Operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), October 13, shot three people dead at the Alakuko area of Lagos State while chasing suspected smugglers. The operatives then clashed with some policemen, who wanted to arrest them. It was gathered that the customs officers were chasing the suspected smugglers conveying rice when they shot at the vehicle, killing three persons. Policemen from the Alakuko Division were said to have tried to apprehend the customs officers, who then shot sporadically to scare away the police and other passers-by, who tried to arrest them. When they successfully evaded arrest, sympathisers and onlookers, were said to have taken to the streets in protest.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage incidents stood tall on the index but the authorities were formidable in their quest to reduce the menace of kidnap in the society. Prominent was the release of four students, a teacher and vice principal of a secondary school in Lagos, who were kidnapped by gunmen that invaded their school days earlier. Security agents also rescued two school girls that were also abducted from school in Niger state. It was cheering as the police rescued some victims who were held hostage, while the military killed about four suspected kidnappers after they laid ambush for them following a tip off. The north-east and south-west recorded more of these ugly incidents of kidnap.

Murder and assassination remained high on the index with dreadful murder incidents on record. It was a sad incident when a Police Inspector was shot dead by gunmen suspected to be assassins. In a very sad and shocking event, a woman allegedly strangled her one-year-old daughter and dumped the body in a river. Other incidents include invasion by herdsmen, tribal wars, cult and communal rattles. This incidents were witnessed across the country.

Robbery incidents took a leap up the crime index with the authorities rising up to the occasion and making several arrests. The police arrested nearly all known suspects, while some were killed during exchange of gunfire with the police. Some others were arraigned and remanded in prison custody for their crimes. This incidents were mostly recorded in the south-west and south-east regions of the county.

There was a rise in rape cases with very bad incidents on record. An 84-year-old man, his son and grandson, were prosecuted in court over their alleged serial rape of a 10-year-old orphan. In a related incident, a 75-year-old man was indicted for allegedly raping a 5-year-old girl after he admitted being guilty. Despite the ugly incidents the authorities made arrest of suspected rapist. This was recorded across the country.

Militancy maintained its place on the index as the navy, and other security organisations were formidable in discharging their duties. In a bid to rid the Niger Delta region of militancy, the military in a gun duel killed a militant and arrested several oil thieves, while the police made notable arrest of some miscreants for illegally siphoning fuel from a vandalised pipeline at the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, (WRPC) jetty in Warri, Delta State.

The government charges every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious.

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