Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 43

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Navy Parades 5 Suspects over Kidnap of Governor’s Sister

Five suspects involved in the 2015 kidnap of Nancy Dickson, younger sister to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state were, October 19, paraded in Warri, Delta state by the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta. Nancy, who was kidnapped at her shop in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state in December 2015, had since been freed by her abductors. The suspects, paraded along with nine oil thieves and four pirates at the Warri naval base, were said to have been arrested with explosives, ammunition and a machine used for local fabrication of guns at Okuama, Ughelli South Council Area of Delta State. Commodore Joseph Dzunve, Commander, NNS Delta, paraded the suspects. Dzunve said the suspects were arrested at different times and locations. Besides the suspects, six Cotonou boats laden with unspecified volume of suspected stolen were also intercepted by the navy in collaboration with men of the joint task force, Operation Delta Safe.

Soldiers Arrested with Kidnap Victim’s SUV in Rivers

An Army Lance Corporal, Abdul Yusuf, has been arrested alongside one other for the abduction of one Chief Samuel Iheanachor along Aba-Oyigbo Road in Rivers State. Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Omoni Nnamdi, October 18, disclosed this, saying the Lance Corporal of 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, was caught driving an SUV belonging to the victim. On interrogation, the soldier admitted that he and others abducted the victim and took him to a hideout in Andoni LGA. The police spokesman, said the hostage had since been released. The suspects confessed to the crime and led the operatives to Asarama in Andoni LGA where the victim was rescued and others arrested.

Police Uncover Baby Factory

Spokesman of Rivers State Police Command, Omoni Nnamdi, October 18, said the police had uncovered a baby factory at Igbo-Etche in Etche LGA of the state and arrested four pregnant girls. He said the girls confessed that they had a deal with the operators of the baby factory to pay them N100,000 or N150,000 each for babies delivered. According to Omoni, the girls confessed to have agreed with the proprietor of the factory to sell a male for N150,000 and female for N100,000. They attributed the desire to sell the babies to lack of care and denial from their fathers. In another development, he disclosed that police had arrested three persons for circulation of fake currencies, warning that residents should be vigilant as there were fake currencies in circulation in Mgbuoba axis of the state capital.

Kidnappers Arrested after Luring Schoolboy

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Felix Ogbuefi, for attempting to abduct a schoolboy in the Mangoro area of the state. It was gathered that Ogbuefi and another fleeing accomplice, who posed as businessmen, allegedly accosted the 17-year-old victim on his way home on October 17. But as the victim followed the men, some commercial motorcyclists, who knew him, raised the alarm, which attracted an angry mob. One of the men reportedly escaped on a motorcycle, while Ogbuefi was apprehended by the mob and beaten up. He was thereafter taken to the Shasha Police Division.  The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Ogbuefi’s arrest, adding that he was being treated in a hospital and would be charged to court at the end of investigation.

Police Arrest 11 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue 12 Victims in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has disclosed that it arrested 11 suspected kidnappers, and rescued 12 kidnap victims from the dreaded Falgore Forest in Doguwa LGA of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, October 18, said that due to the upsurge of kidnapping and armed banditry, especially in the southern part of the state, the command rejuvenated its anti-kidnapping squad in its bid to launch a major offensive against notorious criminals. According to him, a fierce gun duel for almost one hour ensued at the first and second gates before the main camp was penetrated. He also stated that while some suspects escaped into the thick forest with bullet wounds, during the mop-up operation, 12 victims who were taken hostage in the forest, were rescued. The exhibits recovered in the Falgore forest camp include one AK 47 riffle, two loaded magazines, 250 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, eight Bajaj motorcycles, criminal masks and personal belongings.

Soldiers Rescue Kidnap Victim in Delta

Soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, October 20, rescued a kidnap victim in Delta State. Spokesman of the ODS, Thomas Otuji, said that the suspect’s arrest was sequel to the rescue of a kidnap victim, the Chief Matron of Ughelli Central Hospital, Patience Abere, who was picked from her residence in Ughelli North LGA. The matron was abducted by three notorious armed men in her Kia Soul car. One of the suspects, Innocent Egboboh, was apprehended while two fled on sighting troops. Two locally made pistols and 3 live cartridges were recovered from the criminals, Otuji said. The spokesman added that the soldiers burnt the two vehicles in which the containers of petroleum were conveyed after the suspect attempted to bribe the men of the task force.

Troops Arrest Kidnappers in Delta State

Troops of Sector 1 of Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, trailed and arrested suspected kidnappers, Simon Agbabule and his accomplice at Okwugbude Community in Okpe LGA of Delta State. The suspects were on their way to kidnap a victim when troops monitored and apprehended them. Items recovered include one AK47 rifle, two magazines and 49 numbers of 7.62millimeters (special) ammunition, he noted. Spokesman of the ODS, Thomas Otuji, disclosed that troops during static operations, also arrested one Salisu Mohammed Zayyan, a driver of a petroleum tanker containing 33,000 litres of substance suspected to be illegally refined diesel.

Robbery

Robbers Kill Mimiko’s Security Aide

Some men suspected to be armed robbers, October 19, attacked and killed the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State. The late CSO, Idowu Oyewole, was killed at his residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The hoodlums numbering three were said to have attacked and shot Oyewole while he was with members of his family. According to the deceased’s son, Dare, his father was eating when the gunmen entered into their house at about 7pm. Dare narrated that his father was informed by one of the neighbours of the arrival of the bandits. He said his father brought out his service pistol and followed the neighbour to his apartment in order to chase the hoodlums away. There was an exchange of gunfire during which Oyewole sustained mortal injury. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, confirmed the killing and said the command had begun investigation into the matter.

Robbers Attack Reverend Father in Ogun

A Catholic priest, Italo Spagnolo, was, October 16, attacked at his residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State by two suspected armed robbers, identified as Akeem Dauda and Mojeed Yusuf. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the robbers invaded the 76-year-old catholic priest’s residence on Federal Housing Estate, Ikoto, Ijebu Ode, and stole three laptops, a plasma television set, two mobile phones, two passports and N40, 000. The priest’s vehicle was also stolen by the robbers. The suspects were arrested when they attempted to sell the car at Obada Oko. The suspects have reportedly confessed to their roles in the robbery attack.

Robbers Hijack Tanker, Divert N4.5m Fuel

The police in Lagos are on the trail of armed robbers, who allegedly hijacked a tanker laden with 33,000-litre fuel valued at N4.5m along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The robbers were also said to have abducted the vehicle’s escort, Shittu Oluwasegun. It was learnt that the product was to be delivered to a filling station in Ore, Ondo State before the tanker was hijacked in Sagamu, Ogere. The police said a man, identified simply as Lateef, from whom the tanker was hired to transport the fuel, allegedly connived with the robbers. The robbers, who were reportedly five in number, including Lateef, ambushed the tanker driver and the escort and hijacked the tanker. The case was reported to the Special Ant-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, leading to the managers’ arrest. The two suspects were subsequently brought before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on three counts bordering on conspiracy and robbery. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail by the presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.  Olanipekun, in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned till November 17, 2016.

Rivers Vigilante Group Arrests Suspected Thieves

The Diobu Vigilante Volunteer Group (DVVG) in Rivers State, October 20, arrested two out of four suspected thieves, Musa Yahuza and Afgha Sadi, who specialised in stealing tricycle popularly called Keke in Port Harcourt. Two members of the gang, who were said to have been familiar with the terrain escaped arrest. The suspects, before they were handed over to Mile 1 Police Station by the Secretary of DVVG, Prince Amatari Bipeledei, confessed that they were not armed robbers but only specialized in stealing Keke to earn a living. Sadi who identified his state as Gombe while Musa said he hails from Plateau state pleaded with the men of DVVG to give them a second chance, adding that they were lured in the business of stealing Keke by the two suspects, who escaped arrest.

Gang Incidents

Police Arraign 11 for Destroying Shi’ites’ Properties

The Kaduna State Police Command, October 20, said it had arraigned 11 hoodlums alleged to have vandalised properties belonging to some members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Kaduna. Police spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the suspects were arraigned for breach of the peace and breaking into people’s houses. He said that the suspects were arraigned before Daura Road Chief Magistrates’ Court, Kaduna on October 19. According to him, the suspects were arrested in possession of light weapons including cutlasses and sticks, and some accessories allegedly stolen from the houses vandalised by the hoodlums. He said that the command would not allow any group of persons to take the law into their hands.

Notorious Cultists, Rambo, Dies in Gang War

A notorious cultist in Rivers State, identified as Shina Rambo, has been reportedly shot dead by members of a rival cult group in Port Harcourt. Rambo reportedly died during a fierce gun battle with a rival cult group around Abuja Estate Waterfront on October 16. Rambo was allegedly behind the murder of a policeman two weeks earlier at Rex Lawson area of Borokiri during an exchange of fire between cultists led by Shina Rambo and policemen.

Police Raid Aba Black Spots, Arrest 50

Policemen from Aba Area Police Command, Abia State, have raided some black spots in Aba and arrested 50 persons suspected to be members of kidnapping and armed robbery gangs operating in the city. The raid took place at Works road, off Aba-Owerri Road on October 18. Area Commander in charge of Aba, Peter Wagbara, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, added that they were being profiled for proper identification. He assured that the police were working round the clock to ensure that residents of Aba are feel safe. Wagbara urged members of the public not to hesitate in reporting suspicious persons and activities in their areas to the police.

JTF Discovers Militant Leader’s Armoury in Benue

The Joint Military and Police Security Task Force in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, October 18, recovered 10 cartons of high calibre explosives, rocket launchers and hundreds of live ammunition from Gbishe, the country home of wanted militia leader, Terwase Agwaza. The security operatives also recovered a power motorbike belonging to Agwaza, military uniforms and helmet, handsets and two sacks of weeds, suspected to be Indian hemp from the suspects hide-out. The State Governor, Samuel Ortom, commended the Army, Civil Defence, the Department of State Services and other security agencies for their efforts to apprehend the wanted man.

Drugs

NDLEA Confiscates Expired, Contraband Drugs worth N50m in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated 65 cartons of expired Unpalido contraband drug worth over 50 million naira, following a raid on a warehouse in Zaria city. The state commander of the Agency, Mr. Samuel Azige, October 19, disclosed this while parading 7 suspects arrested for various offences related to drug peddling in Kaduna. According to him, even as the drug is banned from entering into the country, some criminal elements still bring in the drugs and sell to the citizens which will compound their health problem.

Militancy/Maritime

Airforce Bombs more Sets of Illegal Barges

In continuation of the battle to checkmate militancy, illegal bunkering and oil thievery in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), October 17, bombed two large floating barges loaded with stolen crude. Confirming the bombing, Director of Air Force Public Relations, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force had destroyed 2 additional illegal barges laden with stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta. The barges were set ablaze by NAF helicopter around Opu-Bille, Yellow Island and Bille area of Rivers State. Famuyiwa disclosed that the NAF had, in the past 2 weeks, destroyed a number of illegal refineries and oil barges in Rivers State. He assured that the NAF will therefore continue its operations to rid the creeks of criminal elements to make the region safe for genuine economic activities” he said.

Soldiers Invade Home of Ex-Militant, Hunt Occupants

A Niger Delta ex-militant, Adowei Binebi have alleged unjustified invasion of his home and harassment of his family by men of the Nigerian Army over undisclosed charges. Authorities at the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion at the Effurun Barracks confirmed that they were looking for him for questioning. Binebi is the youth president of Sokebokou community in Burutu LGA of Delta state. Soldiers reportedly raided his residence while he was at work offshore. He said he embraced the 2009 Presidential Amnesty Programme and had since the completion of his empowerment training as a diver in South Africa, been gainfully employed. The he wondered what warranted the military offensive against him. The Commander, 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Major Ahmed Abdulkadir, October 18, confirmed that the military was looking for him.

Soldiers Kill Seven Suspected Militants, Pirates in Niger Delta

Soldiers attached to the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe (ODS), October 19, said their search for militants and sea pirates had led to the killing of seven suspects in the last 48 hours. The operation, which led to the killings, arrests and recovery of weapons, was carried out in Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa States. The deceased suspects include two suspected sea pirates that were shot dead around Sonykiri Creeks, while two others escaped with injuries. Five others, who reportedly belonged to the Bakassi Strike Force, were felled in Southern Cross River after they hijacked a boat containing bags of rice and the passengers therein. The Deputy spokesman, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF, Thomas Otuji, stated that the task force also arrested three other suspects. Otuji said the arrest was made at Ikot Ene, Akpabuyo LGA in Cross River. According to him, the suspects were killed by troops from Sector 4 of the Operation Delta Safe in conjunction with some local vigilantes at Parrot Island, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River.

Navy Cracks Down on Oil Thieves, Illegal Refineries Niger Delta

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have continued the crackdown on criminals within the maritime domain. The patrol team deployed by NNS JUBILEE has arrested 13 suspects allegedly involved in illegal bunkering activities around Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were arrested in three Cotonou boats. Two of the boats were carrying 55 and 48 drums of suspected illegally refined diesel respectively, while the third Cotonou boat was carrying about 188 empty drums. The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for necessary action. Similarly, the patrol team deployed by FOB ESCRAVOS has arrested three persons suspected to be oil thieves. The team also destroyed six Cotonou boats carrying suspected stolen crude oil around Sandhill Creek in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The team recovered two wooden boats laden with 300 Metric Tonnes (MT) of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine during the raid. Meanwhile, a patrol team deployed by NNS PATHFINDER has raided Adokiakiri Creek around Okrika axis and Dutch Island at Onne in Rivers State. During the operation, the Team arrested three suspects and destroyed four speedboats laden with 100 MT of illegally refined AGO. Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, October 18, confirmed the successes of the Navy.

JTF Nabs Top Commander of Militant Group

A top commander of the Urhobo/Isoko militant group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM), has been nabbed by the operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named Operation Delta Safe. The suspect was apprehended on October 16 after diligent surveillance by JTF operatives. The suspect was said to have been arrested along with four of his foot soldiers. The militant commander is described as one of the culprits behind incessant attacks on oil and gas trunk-lines in Ughelli and its environs in Delta State. It was learnt that soldiers attached to the 222 Battalion, Ughelli, stepped up a massive manhunt for the members of NDGJM since last Saturday, after the group claimed it breached the Iwhremaro trunk-line in Ughelli North LGA on October 14.

Terrorism

13 Soldiers Wounded as Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Army Base in Borno

13 soldiers have sustained various degrees of injuries while some were reported missing after an attack on troops’ location in Borno State by the Boko Haram terrorists on October 17. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that the troops who did their best to defend the location, were forced to withdraw from the location as they were outnumbered. According to him escaping remnants of Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops location at Gashigar, border area with Niger Republic. The troops did their best to defend the location in vain. In the process 13 soldiers sustained injuries, while some are still missing in action. The temporary setback made the troops to withdraw from the location. The wounded soldiers were evacuated for treatment, while efforts are ongoing in search of those missing and clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area.

Boko Haram Razes Village in Borno

Boko Haram, October 18, attacked and burnt down a village in Borno State. A group of Boko Haram gunmen invaded Goptari village and set it on fire after looting food supplies and livestock. A resident of a neighbouring town, Luka Damina, disclosed that military troops had engaged the attackers in gun battle but were subdued by the insurgents, who outnumbered them. Witnesses, including a local chief, said a soldier was wounded during the shootout. The attack came two days after a raid on nearby Kallali village where the Islamists looted and burnt homes, sources disclosed.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Deploy More Operatives to Delta

More police operatives, including special squads, have been deployed to Delta State to stem the rising insecurity in the oil-rich state. The deployment was to reinforce the existing machinery put in place by the state police command to curb crime in anticipation of hoodlums taking advantage of the approaching Christmas to unleash terror on residents. As part of the preparations, a new Commander, Felix Aiyejumo, has also been deployed to head the Mopol Base, Warri as part of beefing up security in Warri and environs. Warri Area Commander of the Nigerian Police, Mohammed Muazu, confirmed the deployment of more operatives.

Senate Confirms 2 Supreme Court Justices

The Senate, October 18, used electronic voting system to confirm the appointments of Justices Ejembi Eko and Amina Augie as Justices of the Supreme Court. The last time electronic voting system was employed by the Senate was in 2014 during the 7th under the Presidency of Senator David Mark. The Electronic Voting system was used by the Senate to vote during the Constitution review of 2014. The confirmation of the Justices was sequel to the consideration of the report of Senator David Umaru-led Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters that the upper Chambers should go ahead with the confirmation. Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, commended the two justices and charged them to uphold and defend the tenets of their call to service.

Buhari Meets Released Chibok Girls

President Muhammadu Buhari, October 19, met with the 21 released Chibok Secondary School Girls and their parents at the State House, Aso Rock. The girls were handed over to the president by the Vice President, Professor. Yemi Osinbajo, in the presence of their parents and leaders of the Chibok community. The president acknowledged the efforts of security and other international agencies. The president said the girls’ release followed a series of negotiations between government and the Boko Haram group. The Chairman of Chibok Local Government Area, Ya’aga Yarakuwa, who spoke on behalf of the girls’ parents, thanked the president for his efforts to recover the abducted girls.

Police Boss Warns SARS against Violation of Human Rights

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore, October 18, advised the men of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other policemen in the state to adhere strictly to the stated rules of engagement with the members of the public and ethics guiding the operation of the Nigeria Police Force. Amore who spoke against the backdrop of allegation levelled against the men of the SARS in the state, urged the members of the public to resist any form of rights violation meted out against them by operatives of the Special Anti-robbery Squad and other policemen in the state. The police boss directed SARS operatives to at all times adhere strictly with the stated rules of engagement in addition to the ethics of good conduct of the Nigeria Police Force.

Customs Boss Sacks 29 Senior Officers for Corruption

Citing corruption and various acts of gross misconduct, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), October 20, said it has relieved 29 senior officers of their duties. It said the dismissed officers were among 44 senior officers who were punished for actions capable of compromising national economy and security. Ten other officers were retired from service, while the appointment of one officer was terminated. Also affected in the purge were four officers who were however, given written warnings to be of better conduct while four other officers who were investigated and tried for some offences were exonerated. The move was in keeping with the warning of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd), who had made it clear that the service would not compromise on corruption and indiscipline among the officers corps, according to a statement issued by the Customs Deputy Comptroller/Public Relations Officer, Wale Adeniyi.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill 10, Injure 28 in Benue

Less than 24 hours after the Joint Military and Police Security Task Force (JTF) in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State discovered the armoury of wanted militia leader, Terwase Agwaza in Gbishe, gunmen, October 18, gunned down 10 persons in Tor Donga, another stronghold of the militant leader in the area. The attack left over 28 persons with serious injuries. It was gathered that the armed men stormed the town on motorbikes late at night. So far no further details were made available. The Sole Administrator of Katsina-Ala LGA, Vera Akua, condemned the attack.

Father Beats Son to Death

The Ogun Police Command has arrested a 37-year–old man, Rasak Adekoya for allegedly beating his 10-year-old son, Waries, to death. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the suspect allegedly committed the offence at Ijebu-Igbo on October 11 and was arrested on October 17 following a tip-off from some residents of Ijebu-Igbo. The residents accused the man of subjecting the deceased to excessive beating over allegation of stealing. Preliminary investigation revealed several marks on the body of the deceased which confirmed torture, he added. Oyeyemi explained that the corpse had been deposited at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital Mortuary, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo for an autopsy. He said that the case had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigations. Oyeyemi said that the suspect would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations on the matter.

Wife Pays Assassins to Kill Husband

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested by policemen in the Ajah, Lagos State, for allegedly hiring assassins to kill her husband of 14 years over a disagreement which led to their separation. The woman, Chika Orji, who described herself as a frustrated housewife, however, denied planning to kill her husband, claiming that she only sent the thugs to beat him up. She was arrested following a confessional statement by one of the suspected assassins, Bright Ikechukwu, who was arrested while attempting to break into Mr. Orji’s apartment at Jakande Estate. During preliminary investigation, it was discovered that one of those hired for the botched assassination was a carpenter, identified as Ekene, who worked for Mr. Orji. According to her, her husband became a wife beater and would beat her at every given opportunity. She said that they separated three years ago and he has since refused her access to her three children. However, the arrested suspect, Bright Ikechukwu, insisted that he was contracted by Ekene to kill Mr. Orji, on the instructions of his estranged wife.

Godogodo Death Toll Hits 40, as Mob Kills 14 Herdsmen

The death toll from the invasion of Godogodo in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State between October 15 and 16, rose sharply from 20 to 40, according to sources. This is after a mob attack on herdsmen in Kaduna left no fewer than 14 persons killed in terrible manners with most of them hacked and burnt to death. A commercial bus driver, Adamu Aliyu, disclosed that the eight passengers in his vehicle, all of them Fulani herders, were forcibly brought out of the vehicle by a mob and hacked to death. Their corpses were then thrown back into his vehicle, which was then set ablaze. Another vehicle was also attacked in the same manner when it stopped to refuel. All the six people were burnt to death along with the car. However, Kaduna State Police spokesman, Usman Aliyu, said that he had not been informed of any figure higher than the previous figure of 20, but agreed that the casualty figure could be higher.

Gunmen Kill 2 in Kaduna Village, Steal 100 Cattle

No fewer than 20 armed men, suspected to be herdsmen, October 16, invaded Galwyi community, in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, killing two persons and injuring two others. They also carted away about 100 cattle, according to community sources. The state police spokesman, Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the incident, said only one person was injured. The gunmen reportedly stormed the village from three directions. Policemen from Gwagwada outpost arrived and chased the invaders into the night, but had to retreat later.

Community Leader Shoots Resident Dead while Separating Fight

A traditional ruler in the Magboro community in the Obafemi Owode LGA of Ogun State, Sanni Shofolarin, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly killing a resident of the town. It was gathered that the deceased was hit by a bullet after Shofolarin fired warning shots into the air to disperse a fighting crowd that that had gathered in front of the palace on October 17. It was gathered that the victim was far from the scene of the fight when the bullet hit him. His corpse was said to have been deposited in a morgue in the area. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation was on-going.

Two Die as Masquerade’s Supporters Clash with Youths in Lagos

Supporters of a masquerade, October 17, clashed with some youths at the Adeniji Adenle area of Lagos Island, leading to the death of two persons. It was gathered that an event, the annual celebration of the masquerade, Adakeja Masquerade, turned bloody, during which a 19-year-old, Charles Igbinovia, and one yet-to-be identified man, were killed. Several others were reportedly injured. The mayhem occurred after the masquerade ignored an order by a chief in the area that he should not celebrate the festival due the violence that was perpetrated during past festivals. It was gathered that some youths, who were loyal to the chief, tried to enforce the order, but supporters of the masquerade allegedly unleashed mayhem on the youths, resulting in the deaths. Policemen from the Adeniji Adele division reportedly went to the area to restore normalcy. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Igbinovia’s death. She added that the corpse had been released to the family for burial, while the police are taking measures to prevent reprisals and arrest the fleeing culprits.

Customs Officers Kill Motorcyclist, Arrest Protesting Brother

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, October 13, shot dead a 25-year-old commercial motorcycle operator, Saheed Omotosho at Mosalasi bus stop, Alagbado, Lagos State.  Saheed’s elder brother, Rasheed Omotosho, was also said to have been beaten up and arrested by the customs officers when he protested that the victim was killed unjustly. It was learnt that the NCS team had chased a vehicle loaded with suspected smuggled bags of rice on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. They were said to have impounded the vehicle from the smugglers at the bus stop. But as the team made to go with the contraband, some hoodlums reportedly stopped them, and started offloading the rice. It was gathered that the officers called for reinforcement, which after arriving, started shooting sporadically. An eyewitness said that bullets ripped through Saheed’s back while he was running to safety. Another witness stated that the NCS officers intensified the shootings when Policemen came to restore peace. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the incident, said the command had commenced investigation to ascertain the identities of the killer officers.

3SC Player Killed near Cultists’ Shrine –Army

The Nigerian Army, October 18, said that Mr. Joseph Izu, the 3SC footballer, who was shot on October 16 by the Joint Military Task Force operatives, was killed near a cultists’ shrine. The Commander, 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig. Gen. Hamisu Hassan, said investigation was on-going to determine what Izu was doing at the shrine. Izu, who was a central midfielder with 3SC, was on October 16, shot at a close range in Okaki community in the Ahoada West area. Hassan explained that Izu was killed when troops, who were on a confidence building patrol, moved into cultists’ hideout in Okaki village, adding that the place he (footballer) was found was isolated. He added that the Brigade would sustain the current tempo of the operations against cultists, kidnappers and other criminals to make Rivers State safe.

Rape

Employer Rapes 14-Year-Old Maid in Lagos

The police in Lagos State have arrested a man, identified only as Nathaniel, for allegedly drugging and raping his 14-year-old housemaid in the Ikotun area of the state. Nathaniel was arrested by the Ikotun Police Division on October 16. It was gathered that the suspect allegedly lured his housemaid with a cup of juice, which he laced with a sedative on October 10. He reportedly raped the minor when she fell into the drug induced sleep. It was said that when she woke up, she found that she was naked. She also reportedly found semen in her genitals. The girl reportedly fled the house after the incident, dropping a letter for the suspect’s wife to intimate her on the sexual abuse she had suffered. The teenager also confided in a neighbour, who is a pastor in the area. The pastor was said to have informed a child rights’ organisation, which in turn reported to the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Nathaniel’s arrest.

60-Year-Old Driver Rapes Mental Patient

A security guard, Abdullahi Muhammed, caught a 60-year-old trailer driver, Lawal Bankole, allegedly having sex with his wife, Tope, on their matrimonial bed at Ifo in Ogun State. The suspect was said to have fled the scene, but was later arrested after Abdullahi reported the case at the Ifo Police Division. Abdullahi lamented that Bankole took advantage of his wife’s mental condition to rape her. He explained that he had returned from a trip to Lagos Island to meet Bankole on top of his wife. A human rights lawyer, Isaac Durowoju, said the accused had been boasting that nothing would happen to him, adding that the Investigating Police Officer had not treated the case with the seriousness it deserved. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, October 19, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.

Police Arraign Businessman over Rape of Minor

A 40-year-old businessman, Cosmos Ajibo, who allegedly raped a 10-year-old girl, was, October 17, docked before a Kano Magistrates’ Court. The prosecutor, Inspector Junaidu Aminu, told the court that one Barira Isyaku reported the case to Takai Police Division on January 19. Aminu said that the accused committed the offence on January 19 in Unguwar Tsamiya Quarters, Takai LGA. He said that the accused had dragged the girl to his room when she went to buy biscuit from his shop and forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with the victim. Ajibo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape, and his counsel, Mr Casmir Agbueze, applied to the court for bail. Senior Magistrate Kabiru Abubakar, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with one surety in like sum. He said both the accused and surety shall deposit two recent passport photographs with the court. The case was adjourned to October 20 for mention.

Abia Police Nab Three Men for Raping 11-year-old Pupil

The Police in Abia State have arrested three men for defiling an 11-year-old girl in Amuvi, Arochukwu LGA following the alarm raised by the guardian of the child. The Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who paraded the suspects, said that the trio severally took turns to rape the victim before nemesis caught up with them. He said after the arrest of the amorous men, their victim was taken to the General Hospital Arochukwu for tests. The guardian of the victim, Chinwendu Ikechukwu, disclosed that one of the suspects had convinced the minor and urged her to be disobedient and provoke her guardian to beat her so that she could use the pretext to run to them any time they wanted to have amorous affairs with the girl.

Rapist Kills Pregnant Woman in Ikorodu

A pregnant woman, Afusat Kazeem, was, October 21, stabbed to death after being raped at her Ikorodu, Lagos residence. The incident occurred at Oluwoye community in Ibeshe around 2am. It was gathered that her attacker, suspected to be a member of a serial rapists’ gang, Badoo, gained access into their apartment through the window. The rapist, it was gathered, shattered the glass window at his victim’s residence and attacked the victim’s husband, Kazeem, who was said to have woken up to resist the intruder but he was left unconscious after the rapist hit a machete on his head. The criminal stabbed her before allegedly raping her. The assailant went on to attack the victim’s 6 and 5 year-old children, leaving them with injuries and a chopped ear. The rapist, it was gathered, visited a nearby compound and attacked another couple before fleeing the neighbourhood. Residents lamented that for several months, the gang had been terrorising residents of the community, raping and killing women.

Others

Truck Crushes Woman, Twin Children in Ibadan

Twelve persons, including a mother and her twin children, were feared killed in an accident that occurred at Oja-Oba Market area of the Ibadan South East LGA of Oyo State. Police put the casualty figure at four, but some eyewitnesses claimed the number of lives lost could not be less than 12. While the accident left several people injured, several commercial cars and property were crushed by an articulated vehicle. According to a source, the driver of the truck, which had just off loaded cement, lost control of his vehicle and crushed about 12 persons on the spot. It was gathered that the truck skidded off its lane to the other side of the road, crushed many people and commercial cars, popularly called Micra cars, and tricycles that were waiting for passengers. The Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed that four persons died in the accident and that the driver of the truck had been arrested and kept in police custody.

Nigerian Army Orders Probe into Killing of Footballer by Soldier

Nigerian army has ordered a full scale investigation into circumstances that resulted in the killing of a footballer, Joseph Izu on October 16 by soldiers on confidence building patrol in Okaki, Akinima, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers state. Commander 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Brigadier-General Hassan Hamisu, said the footballer, who was with 3SC Football Club of Ibadan, was allegedly found around a cult shrine raided by his men. He said the essence of the investigation being conducted by the army was to determine what the deceased was doing at the cultists’ shrine. He disclosed that Information available to the patrolling troops indicated the presence of suspected cultists in Okaki villages. The troops moved in and raided the suspected criminal hideout. One person lost his life at the hideout while several others fled. Later it was confirmed that the person who lost his life was a Nigerian footballer.

Angry Youths Set Police Station Ablaze in Zamfara

Angry youths have set ablaze the Magazu Police Station in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, following a misunderstanding between the police and the people of the village. An eyewitness said misunderstanding followed the alleged death in police custody of a suspect from the area, identified as Ibrahim Muhammad. The eyewitness disclosed that the suspect was detained for allegedly stealing a cell phone. According to him, Muhammad’s death angered the youths of the village, who went berserk and set the police station ablaze. Police Public Relations Officer, Shehu Muhammad, confirmed the incident. Muhammad said the State Police Command was already compiling a report on the mayhem.

Army Staff Sergeant Bags 3 Years Imprisonment for Assaulting Minor

A Nigerian Army Court Marshal, has sentenced Staff Sergeant, Umar Sale, to three years imprisonment for causing bodily harm to a boy in Maiduguri. The President of the court, Brig.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, October 18, said the convict would also be demoted to private as part of his punishment. The sentence is, however, subject to confirmation by the authorities. Umar was alleged to have tied up a 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Sale, on an electronic pole for several hours causing him to lose one of his hands. The teenager was accused of stealing money belonging to the soldier

Man Cuts-Off Neighbour’s Ear over Plantain

A 32-year-old man in Rivers State, Braide Chinedu, was, October 18, arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Port Harcourt for allegedly chopping off his neighbour’s ear over ownership of a plantain tree. The accused reportedly attacked his neighbour, Adelowu Ogundele, with a machete while Ogundele was harvesting plantain at their Federal Housing Estate residence in Port Harcourt. The accused, who is facing two counts of assault, is also accused of destroying plantain trees owned by one of his former neighbours, Ibitayo Elizabeth. After the charges were read, Chinedu pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate B.M.F Jamabo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N400,000 and one surety, before adjourning the case to October 23.

Falling Wires Electrocute Nine-Year-Old Pupil

A nine-year-old boy, Michael Garuba, was electrocuted to death at the Ajeromi White Sand area of Ijora, Lagos on October 16. The boy had gone to play with his peers in one of the neighbouring compounds and was on his way back home when his leg reportedly slipped from the median of the road. He was said to have held onto one of the sagged wires in the area to prevent him from falling into the swamp when he was electrocuted. A part of the wire was naked and there was power supply at that time, leading to the immediate death of the boy. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was on-going on the incident.

Would-Be Killer Arrested after Demanding Sex from Target

The Lagos State Police Command, October 14, arrested a 24-year-old man, Tayo Adeyemi, who confessed to have been hired to kill a female hotel lodger in the Alakija, Satellite Town area of the state. Adeyemi was arrested by the police after he sneaked into the hotel, White House, and demanded that his target, simply known as Rosemary, had sex with him so he would spare her life. Adeyemi was brought by two gang members on a motorcycle to the hotel to kill Rosemary. However, Adeyemi, on seeing the target, attempted to rape her after she rebuffed his pleas to have sex with him. The lady immediately raised the alarm, and the hotel management subsequently called the police. One locally-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from Adeyemi. The police said the suspect belonged to a three-man gang, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing two gang members.

Ex-Commissioner’s Son, Girlfriend Burnt to Death in Bayelsa

Mr. Mientei Ayawei, son of a former Bayelsa State Commissioner, Chief Nimibofa Ayawei, and his girlfriend, identified only as Happiness, have been burnt to death in an apartment fire on October 15 at Tombia area of Yenagoa. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained, but it was feared to have been caused by a high electricity voltage. The fire, which razed nearly all the rooms and valuables in the one-storey building, adjacent to Dannielo Pulo, a filling station owned by the former commissioner, started from the apartment where Mientei and his girlfriend were in. Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the inferno, saying the police also responded to distress calls on the inferno.

Landlord’s Son Stabs Tenant’s Wife

A newly-wedded woman, who was allegedly stabbed many times by her landlord’s son for allowing a man, considered as an enemy of the landlord, into her apartment at Ishaga Street is battling for life. The visitor was said to have been banned from entering the house by the landlord. The victim, Taiwo Kehinde, however, reported that her landlord’s son, Jimoh Yusuf, attacked her right inside her apartment with broken bottles. Neighbours alleged that the suspect was always attacking them, particularly the women. Police sources hinted that the suspect had been arrested and charged to court on October 20 from where he was remanded at the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison over failure to meet the bail conditions.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained high on the crime index. It was a very sad incident for a 10-year-old boy who was beaten to death by his father, who was later arrested after a tip-off from concerned neighbours who accused the man of subjecting the deceased to undue beating over allegations of stealing. A woman was also arrested by the police for allegedly contracting assassins to kill her estranged husband. Other incidents include invasion by herdsmen and solitary killings. The south-west and north-central region of the country recorded more.

Kidnap/hostage incidents continue to make the news across the country, while the authorities work to rescue hostages and apprehend suspects. The authorities braced up to the challenge by rescuing victims and making notable arrest of suspects. In a bid to curb the menace of trafficking in persons, the police uncovered a baby factory in Rivers State, where young pregnant ladies have their babies and sell them afterward.

Militancy in the Niger Delta region persist as militants vent their rage with government on oil facilities. Notwithstanding, the combined effort of the Nigerian Navy (NN), and other security agents have, seen the arrests of suspected key players in the destruction of oil facilities. The security agents also arrested pipeline vandals and oil thieves, while they ensured the destruction of illegal refineries in the region. Seven militants were also killed by military troops during a shootout while in search for militants in a mission tagged Operation Delta Safe (ODS).

Rape incidents took a nosedive on the index but under-aged girls remain the targets of the predators. It was a sad case for a pregnant woman, who was brutally stabbed to death after being raped in her house in Lagos. The suspect, described as a serial rapist, went on to attack the victim’s six and five year old children leaving them with injuries. It was cheering as the police was able to arrest three men who defiled an 11-year-old girl. The south-west recorded more of this evil crime.

There is a persistent call on all to remain vigilant, as we 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.