Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 47

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	13
2	Robbery	6
3	Gang	1
4	Drugs	1
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	5
6	Terrorism	2
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassination	14
9	Rape Incidents	8
10	Others	1

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Baker, Lawyer, 3-Year-Old Boy Kidnapped in Enugu

Kidnappers, November 13, invaded Nsukka in Enugu State and abducted a lawyer, a baker and a three-year-old boy. It was gathered that the baker, Chief Vincent Okonkwo, was abducted along with the lawyer, identified as Josephat Nzewi, while the boy, Ewezugachukwu Emmanuel Elias, was abducted at his school. The baker was returning from a funeral ceremony at Ngwo in Udi LGA of the state in the company of the lawyer when the kidnappers attacked them, shooting sporadically. The three-year-old boy was abducted while school was in session. Reports revealed that the pupil had gone out of the class to urinate, but went missing. Police Spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said the state command had intensified efforts to ensure that the victims regained their freedom unhurt.

Police Rescue 16-Year-Old Kidnapped Boy

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ozi Obeh, November 14, announced the rescue of a 16-year-old boy, who was kidnapped around Daramola Street in Ibadan, Oyo State while on his way to school on the November 7.  The boy disclosed that he was kidnapped on his way to school and his abductors drove him and 14 others in a truck to Calabar. The boy said that the last thing he remembered was when he closed the door of the vehicle he boarded to get to school on November 7. He said when he became conscious, he was already in Calabar.

Gunmen Kidnap Retired School Principal in Bayelsa

Unknown gunmen, November 14, kidnapped a 72-year-old retired school principal, Sunday Fest, in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. The gunmen, numbering four, were said to have seized the septuagenarian from his residence in Fonibiri town at about 3.30am. According to reports, the invaders stormed the community in a speedboat and cut through the burglary proof at their victim’s home to gain access. They were said to have shot sporadically into the air to scare away the residents of the community as they dragged the old man to their waiting speedboat and disappeared into the creeks. A family source, who confirmed the abduction, expressed concern about the victim’s health. He said the septuagenarian was diabetic and not feeling fine at the time he was kidnapped.

Kidnappers of CWO’s President want N100m

The President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in Cross River State, Mrs Bibiana Elemi Edu, has been abducted by gunmen. She was kidnapped while the organisation was holding a meeting with reverend sisters at the Old People’s Home in Calabar on November 11. Elemi Edu, who is a Director with Cross River State Ministry of Heath was abducted, while waiting in her car for the reverend sisters to open the gate of the home. A witness disclosed that the boys around the area attempted to stop the abduction but the kidnappers brought out guns and threatened to shoot them. The kidnappers have reportedly made contact with her family and have demanded for N100 million as ransom. The State Police Commissioner, Ozi Jimoh, assured that the police was working to ensure her safe rescue.

Police Arrest 2 over Sale of Baby

The Ebonyi State Police Command, November 13, said it had arrested two suspects in connection with the sale of a new born baby. The suspects, Perpetua Ukamaka Eze and Peace Oko were arrested by the police and are said to have made useful statements. Police spokesman, George Okafor, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, disclosed that the suspects connived and sold a new-born baby to child traffickers in Port Harcourt for N100,000. According to him, one Elem Ifeanyichukwu of Amangballa village reported that he got his girlfriend, Oko Chinasa, pregnant and that on October 19, she secretly travelled to Port Harcourt, where she gave birth to and sold the baby with the connivance of Peace Oko, Perpetua Ukamaka Eze and one woman, called Mummy B on October 24. Okafor said on the receipt of the report, the police swung into action and arrested Peace and Perpetua, while a manhunt is on for the other suspects.

Troops Rescue 6 Kidnap Victims in Bayelsa

Authorities of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), November 12, confirmed the rescue of six persons from the den of kidnappers in Bayelsa and Rivers states. Three of the rescued kidnapped victims were staff of LEX Oil who were abducted on November 3 at Ikuru town in Andoni LGA of Rivers State. Three others were passengers seized from a boat along the Kasabubou Forupa waterways in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the Operation Delta Safe, Lt. Col Olaolu Daudu, disclosed that troops of Sector 2 deployed at Koluama conducted a raid on pirates’ hideout in Kasabubou Forupa waterways and rescued the victims.

Gunmen Abduct 61-Year-Old Woman in Lagos

Gunmen, November 11, abducted a 61-year-old woman, Mrs. Victoria Falodi, around the creeks of Ishawo, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. It was learnt that a neighbour, identified only as Baba Ayomide, had gone to the woman’s residence around 8am on that day to charge his mobile phone. It was gathered that the woman had collected the phone from him and was about entering her house when the three bandits accosted her and whisked her away while Baba Ayomide was beaten up. He was said to have been arrested after the case was reported to the police. Victoria’s daughter, Fola, said her mother and her had left the residence a few months ago after a failed attempt to kidnap her. She added that they came back thinking that the law enforcement agencies had curbed kidnapping in the area, adding that the latest incident proved that they were wrong.

Undergraduate Fakes own Kidnap to Extort Parents

Rivers State Police Command, November 15, paraded a female undergraduate, Chinwendu Udensi, for conniving with kidnappers to feign her abduction. Udensi faked her kidnap and called her parents to get N5 million naira to secure her freedom, but was arrested alongside her accomplices while waiting to receive the ransom. Commissioner of Police, Francis Odesanya, who paraded the suspects, disclosed that her brother had reported that he was called on November 6 that his sister had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Imo State. The kidnappers then demanded for N5 million as ransom. But they were arrested at Obiri Ikwerre Fly-Over, in Port Harcourt, in company of the supposed victim, when they went to pick up the money.

Police Parade Notorious Kidnappers
…Foil Attempted Kidnap of Oil Magnate, Otedola

The Nigerian Police Force, November 15, said it foiled an attempt by three suspected kidnappers to abduct Mr. Femi Otedola, a popular Lagos business man. Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah, said that the three suspects: Ikechwuku Daniel, Adeyemi Kayode and Ayodele Temitayo, had planned to demand N1 billion as ransom from Otedola. The suspects, paraded at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) head office in Abuja, were arrested following surveillance by the IG’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT). One of the suspects, Adeyemi Kayode, is a serving officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Personal Assistant to the Oyo State Commandant of NSCDC. Another suspect, who is the marksman and armourer of the gang, Temitayo, claimed to have been dismissed from 213 Battalion Maiduguri of Nigeria Army as a Private in 2015. The suspects, in their confessional statements, revealed that they had successfully carried out several high profile kidnappings. Two AK47 rifles loaded with live ammunition were recovered from them, he said.

Bus Driver, Conductor Escape Lynching after Abducting Eight Children

Two suspected kidnappers - a bus driver, Akorede Ogunjobi and his conductor, Kazeem Adelere – were on November 15, arrested at the Ifo area of Ogun State after they attempted to kidnap 8 school children. The suspects would have been lynched, but for the intervention of policemen, who took them into custody. It was learnt that the students had joined the commercial bus after school hours and the driver refused to stop for the children to alight at their bus stop but continued speeding on the expressway, while the conductor was alleged to have stood at the bus entrance to prevent the pupils from escaping. But one of the students, Akorede Aliu, a 13-year-old boy, jumped off the bus while on motion. Some minutes later, an 11-year-old boy, Ajibose Fawasi, also leaped out of the bus. A motorist was reported to have blocked the commercial vehicle’s path and forced it to a halt, while a mob quickly gathered to apprehend the suspects. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilayasu, had ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Eleweran, for further investigations.

Muslim Cleric Kidnapped in Kaduna

The administrative secretary of the Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) in Plateau State, Abdulaziz Yusuf, was, November 16, kidnapped on the outskirts of Kaduna while his way back to Jos. The cleric was kidnapped alongside his driver by the kidnappers, who abandoned the vehicle of the victim around Saminaka in Kaduna State. A spokesman of the Jos North LGA chapter of the JNI, Murtala Sani, said that Yusuf was returning from a condolence visit to the family of the former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, who died recently. The JNI, led by the Sultan, is a coalition of Muslim groups and organisations in Nigeria.

Abducted Christian Cleric Regains Freedom

A cleric, Reverend Biodun Ogunbekun, who was kidnapped on his farm at Kufi on the Olorunda-Aba road in Ibadan on November 10, has regained freedom after five days in the kidnappers’ den. Ogunbekun was kidnapped by five unknown gunmen, who attacked him on his farm. The Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Cathedral, Ibadan, Rt. Rev. Amos Ajiboye, confirmed that Ogunbekun was released on November 15. The kidnappers had demanded for N10million as ransom for his release, but it was not clear if the ransom was paid to secure his release.

Gunmen Abduct Nasarawa’s Commissioners’ Wives

Unidentified gunmen, November 18, abducted the two wives of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Tijani, from his residence. The State Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq-Bello, who confirmed the incident, said that the police was on the trail of the kidnappers and would soon apprehend them and rescue the women. Tijani said the family had not been contacted by the kidnappers. An eye witness reported that the gunmen numbering about 10 stormed the house in Nasarawa town, at about 8pm, shooting sporadically into the air before taking the women away in their vehicles.

Robbery

Villagers Lure, Burn Notorious Robbers to Death

Three notorious armed robbery suspects, lured by villagers with a new motorcycle, have been burnt to death at Uzoagba community in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State. The lynched robbers were described as notorious motorcycle robbers. A villager, November 14, disclosed that a brand new motorcycle was used as bait for the robbers and they fell into the trap. It was disclosed that a gun battle ensued when the local vigilante team and scores of youths stormed the scene to confront the robbers. The rampaging robbers were overpowered and instantly burnt to death.

Police Arrest 3 Hardened Robbers in Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a gang of three hardened robbers that had been terrorising traders and commuters along Douglas Road in Owerri. Parading the suspects on November 14, the State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed that the suspects -Anthony Ezeudo, Ifeanyi Ukwuoma and Joseph Nwaigwe- were nabbed while carrying out their nefarious activities. Items recovered from them include two locally-made pistols, four live cartridges and charms. They are said to have made useful statements to the police with regard to their operations. The police boss added that they would soon be charged to court.

Police Officer Shot Dead by Armed Robbers

A policeman attached to the Inspector General of Police (IG) Special Intelligence Response Team (SIRT), Sergeant Felix Igbasan, was, November 14, killed during a gun duel with armed robbers. The gallant officer, renowned for his bravery, was gunned down by an eight-man armed robbery gang in Abuja. He died while receiving treatment following gunshot injuries he sustained on his left leg. It was gathered that the deceased officer, alongside other members of the team, had engaged the armed robbers in a fierce gun battle. The gang, led by one Gabriel Alfa, was said to have robbed a senior immigration officer in Abuja. They eventually overpowered and arrested. Four AK47 rifles were recovered from them. The Officer-in-Charge of the SIRT unit, Abba Kyari, described the death of Igbasan as very sad loss for the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Police Intercept Armed Robbery Gang, Arrest One

The Lagos State Police Command, November 14, intercepted a three-man armed robbery gang and arrested a suspect. The anti-crime squad was said to have been alerted by the suspicious movement of the gang and when accosted, two of them fled while one, Fasola Usman (29), was arrested with a locally made double barrel gun and some charms. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said efforts were on to catch the fleeing gang members. The suspect reportedly confessed that they were on their way to rob a businessman at Idumota. He has reportedly confessed that most of the petty robbery around the area were perpetrated by his gang.

Police Kill Two Suspects in Failed Robbery Attempt

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, November 18, killed two suspected armed robbers and arrested another after a failed robbery attack on a bank customer in Ego LGA of the state.
The suspects, numbering four, were said to have trailed their victim from Delta State to a bank, where he had gone to make a withdrawal. ‎It was learnt that the robbers followed him into the bank unnoticed and shot him in the leg as he attempted to exit the bank before they snatched the money he had withdrawn. But luck ran out on them when their gunshots attracted the attention of some policemen on patrol. The police team gave them a hot pursuit. Two of the robbers were said to have been gunned down during an exchange of gunfire in the Evbomore area of Ugbowo.

Katsina Police Hunt for Fleeing Robbers

The Police in Katsina are on the trail of three members of an armed robbery gang which robbed at the Dangote Ginnery Company in Kankara, Katsina State. This follows the arrest of a member of the gang who owned up to the robbery. The 20-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Amadu, who was arraigned before a Katsina Chief Magistrate Court on November 17, said he and the three other members of the gang, allegedly robbed the company days earlier. The police told the court that a manhunt had been launched to arrest the fleeing trio while investigation into the robbery operation was still in progress. The court was told that Abdullahi and three others - Nura Kulu, Sada and Umaru - violently robbed one Mukhtar Isah Salawu in his room located within the company premises and dispossessed him of cash and phones. Security men attached to the company reportedly arrested Abdullahi while the other three escaped.

Gang Incidents

Lagos Police, Vigilante Arrest Wanted Criminal Suspects, 10 others

Two suspects, identified as Abiola Animashaun, and Godwin Odukoya, who were declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command, have been arrested alongside 10 others. The suspects were, November 11, arrested with the support of members of a vigilante group during a raid on their hideout at the Badia area of Ijora. The suspects had been declared wanted by policemen for various crimes, including robbery, vandalism and hooliganism. The DPO of Badia Police Station, Kayode Samuel Ayeni, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that the suspects, whose ages range between 18 and 20 years, were members of a notorious gang terrorising Badia and its environs. Ayeni applauded the efforts of members of the Idera vigilante group.

Drugs

Man Jailed 3 Years for Dealing in Hemp

A 47-year-old man, Nnamdi Adinaze, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for illegally dealing in Cannabis sativa, popularly called marijuana. The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, jailed the convict on November 11 after the National Drugs Laws and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, had presented the fact of the one-count charge of unlawful dealing in narcotics preferred against the convict to the court. Aernan told the court that Adinaze was arrested on August 2 at Abattoir area of Agege, with 1.8 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa. The convict had pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of unlawful dealing in banned weeds, and was subsequently sentenced to jail

Militancy/Maritime

Militants Bomb Agip, Oando, Shell Trunk-lines

Niger Delta Avengers, November 15, claimed it brought down three trunk-lines in Nembe, Bayelsa State, with supply capacity of 300,000 barrels per day to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers State. The group said that its elite strike team 03 attacked Nembe 1, 2 and 3 trunk-lines operated by Agip, Oando and Shell on November 14 in response to the ongoing naval exercise in the region, particularly in Delta State. The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the bombing of an oil facility believed to be owned by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Bayelsa State. The Commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, said he got a report that two explosions rocked the pipelines, noting that his men immediately rushed to the scene only to find out that the Egbikiba pipeline was also attacked.

Troops Arrest Suspected Oil Thief

Troops of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), while on anti-illegal bunkering patrol around Imiringi General Area in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, arrested one Ebi Youbodha with 33 jerry cans of substance suspected to be illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK on November 12. Similarly, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, while on patrol over Isaka town, Kidney Island, Alakiri and Bille in Degema LGA of Rivers State, sighted two barges loaded with illegally refined products, which were incapacitated.

Troops Dislodge Militant Camps in Bayelsa, Rivers

Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) have dislodged militants from their various camps in the creeks of Bayelsa and Rivers states. The troops stormed many creeks in the Niger Delta region, destroying illegal refineries and clamping down on suspected oil thieves. The troops were said to have discovered and destroyed an active militant camp at the creeks of Isunkiri in Bayelsa. The Media Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Col. Olaolu Dauda confirmed the development and said a similar raid took place at creeks in Rivers State. He disclosed that troops dismantled a militant camp at Harrison Kiri, Liberty, Evil forest, Virgin forest, Opuru fishing port, Wangwa fishing port and Zion city. The troops also raided Buguma Jetty and arrested three suspected militants and one Cotonou boat laden with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, he added. The troops also discovered an illegal refinery site at Borokiri general area.

NSCDC Nabs Five Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Delta State

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), November 15, said it arrested five suspected pipeline vandals in Delta State. The State Commandant of NSCDC, Beatrice Erabor, said the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state. Erabor stated that two of the suspects, John Andrew and John Matthew, were arrested in Warri South LGA while in possession of a locally fabricated boat popularly called Cotonou boat. She said that the boat was fully loaded with an estimated 70,000 litres of crude oil. The commandant said that one Frank Oweifawer was also arrested in Warri South with five drums of substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO in a speed boat. She said that each of the drums contained 200 litres of AGO. The other suspects, Friday Ichigbua and Frank Obaje, were arrested in Ndokwa East LGA with a truck containing substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO. She said that the suspects would be charged to court after further investigations.

Beninese Arrested for Vandalising NNPC Pipelines

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos state, has arrested three Beninese, Sosu Elijah, Whesu Julien and Agosu Ogungbe, for allegedly vandalising pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and stealing fuel. The suspects were apprehended alongside four Nigerians – Omosebi Olorunwa, Daniel Akinwunmi, Rafiu Balogun and Samson Adams – on November 16 at the Badagry area of Lagos state while they were smuggling the stolen fuel in 113 jerry cans out of the country. One of the suspects, Olorunwa, denied being a member of the syndicate, saying he was apprehended while returning from a hospital, where he had taken his ailing father. Another suspect, Akinwunmi, said he was going for a vigil when policemen arrested him. But the zonal spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects had made confessional statements to the police.

Terrorism

Two Killed Suicide Attacks in Maiduguri

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, November 18, confirmed that two persons were killed in Maiduguri when a suicide bomber detonated her explosives. He said police mobile personnel on guard duty opposite the Federal High Court in Maiduguri sighted three suspected suicide bombers (two females & a male) running towards their sandbag and ordered them to halt. He added that in the process, one of them detonated the IED strapped to her body, killing herself and one other male accomplice. Chukwu disclosed that the other female survivor was arrested alive and subsequently handed over to the military for necessary follow-up actions. He said Police bomb disposal unit was also mobilized to the scene to defuse unexploded IEDs on the bodies of the deceased suicide bomber.

Four Killed in Borno Suicide Bombing

The Police in Borno State, November 18, confirmed the death of four persons in a suicide bomb attack at Muna Garage, along Maiduguri-Gamboru road. The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, disclosed that a suicide bomber and two civilians were killed in the incident. According to him, in an attempt to prevent a suicide bomber from sneaking into Muna Garage, along Maiduguri Gamboru Ngala road, three persons died. He said the suicide bomber detonated the improvised explosive device strapped on him, killing himself and two members of Civilian JTF while another male suicide bomber who tried to enter the state capital through Welcome to Maiduguri axis exploded with his IED before his destination.

Political/Government Agencies

NAF Recommences Aerial Patrol of Abuja-Kaduna Highway

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recommenced aerial patrol of the strategic corridors of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially the Abuja-Kaduna axis. The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, November 13, said that the extended aerial patrol and surveillance of the Abuja-Kaduna highway to include the railway line was part of the ongoing effort to protect lives and safeguard critical national assets within the affected areas. He said that the latest patrol and surveillance efforts cover both railway terminus in Abuja and Kaduna and environs using NAF helicopters.

Murder/Assassinations

3 Suspects Arrested over Inspector’s Murder

A 35-year-old Police Corporal, Kingsley Iyieke, was among three suspects arrested and paraded by the Cross River Police Command for the murder of Inspector Edet Archibong. Archibong was killed in October during a gun duel on Nkwa Street in Calabar. The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ozi Obeh, November 14, said two suspects, who were earlier arrested by his men, gave useful information that led to the arrest of Corporal Iyieke, who he said was a cultist and participated in the clash that led to the death of two police officers. The corporal was arrested and dismissed following reports of his involvement in the incident.

20 Killed as Police, Shi’ites Clash in Kano

A bloody clash between the police and members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, in Kano claimed the life of a police sergeant and 19 members of the sect on November 14. The crisis started when the police tried to stop the Shi’ite procession. President of the IMN Media Forum, Ibrahim Musa, accused the Police of firing tear gas and live ammunition at members, who were observing the annual Arbaeen (a symbolic trek from Kano to Zaria in Kaduna State). The clash at Tamburawa, on the outskirts of Kano metropolis, was triggered by the efforts of the Police to restore order on the busy Kano-Zaria highway following reports of breakdown of law and order. The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, who put the death toll at nine, including the Police sergeant, said that a combined team of PMF, CTU, SARS and conventional police that were deployed to restore peace came under attack. Shi’ite members, who were armed with bows and arrows, catapults with metal bolts and cutlasses attacked the police team, killed a Police sergeant, and critically injured others.

Two Shot Dead, One Drowned in Well in Anambra Village

Gunmen operating on a motorcycle, November 9, shot and killed two persons in Umusioma village in Nkpor Idemili North LGA of Anambra State. They further attacked and threw another person inside a well and left another with gunshot wounds. The dead victims were identified as Uzochukwu Ezeme, a vigilante operative; Chibuzor Ajaetu, a beer parlour operator, and a 34-year-old trader. The fourth victim, Ibegbulam, who survived with gunshot wounds, disclosed that he was attacked alongside Ezeme where they were doing vigilante work. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkiru Nwode, confirmed the incident, saying that the case had been transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation.

Woman Slits Sleeping Woman’s Throat in Lagos

A national of Burkina Faso, Laday Wendipanga, has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly killing one Adepeju Disu. Wendipanga was said to have slit Disu’s throat with a knife while she was asleep on the premises of Holy Cross Cathedral on Lagos Island. The suspect reportedly inflicted several cuts on the body of the victim and dragged her corpse to a corner on the premises, where it was discovered by a member of the church, who raised the alarm. It was gathered that the police from the Lion Building Police Division removed the remains and arrested the suspect. A mechanic in the church’s vicinity, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victim was mentally ill, adding that Disu usually passed the night in the church. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

Pastor Shoots, Kills another Pastor in Osun

A pastor, identified simply as Timothy Abiola, has been arrested by the police in Osun State for allegedly shooting and killing a fellow pastor, Bamiji Ilori, at Ikire town. Police Public Relations Officer, Folasade Odoro, who disclosed this on November 13, added that the reason for the action was yet to be ascertained. The PPRO disclosed that Abiola shot his colleague with a locally-made gun, which had since been recovered by the police. She said that the suspect was arrested following a report made to the police by a relative of the deceased cleric. Investigation into the killing has started and the suspect will soon be charged to court.” She stated that the remains of late pastor had been deposited at the Catholic Hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

Man Kills Friend’s Seven-Year-Old Son for Money Ritual

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a man, Emmanuel Ishaya, for allegedly killing his friend’s 7-year-old son, Isaac Joshua, for ritual. Police Spokesman, Idrissu Kenedy, November 16, said that the suspect was arrested following a report to the police by the father of the deceased, Joshua Ebini, on the disappearance of his son on October 10. He said that information from the suspect led to the arrest of three other suspects while a fourth accomplice to the alleged crime was still at large. Kenedy said the suspects, during interrogation, confessed to the crime with each of them narrating his level of involvement. The prime suspect, Ishaya, confessed to have lured the boy away from the father’s house on a motorbike to a forest and killed him with a stick. Ishaya confessed that he removed the seven-year-old boy’s genitals and right buttock as requested by his collaborators. The remains of the deceased were recovered from where they were dumped. Kenedy said that the police was on the trail of the other suspects and that all the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations.

Man Arrested for Killing Stepdaughter for Rituals

A 63-year-old man, Korede Odubela, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly killing his 16-year-old stepdaughter, Amudat Oshimodi, for ritual purpose.
The suspect was said to have connived with another accomplice, Lekan Lawal, to commit the crime. The two suspects were paraded on November 15 by the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu. Odubela allegedly connived with Lawal to strangle Oshimodi, after which they sold her head and hands to ritual killers. The police commissioner said the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) received information about their activities and swooped on them on November 7, 2016. Odubela confessed that he connived with Lawal to kill his stepdaughter because the 16-year-old girl was always stealing her mother’s money.

Fighting Neighbours Stab Peacemaker to Death

The police in Lagos State have launched a manhunt for two neighbours, identified only as Muhammed and Samuel, who stabbed a man to death in the Somolu area of the state. It was learnt that the victim, Christian Ugbaka, was stabbed in the chest while trying to settle a fight between Muhammed and Samuel on November 8. Ugbaka attempted to settle the fight, but was killed in the process and the suspects immediately fled the area. It was believed that Muhammed owned the dagger used to stab the victim to death. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the case had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Intelligence and Investigation.

Three Cops Detained for Killing Colleague in Bayelsa

Three policemen have been arrested in connection with the shooting of their colleague over a N20,000 ‘gift’ in Bayelsa after offering security services during a funeral service. The deceased, Salvation Adaka, a Police Sergeant, was reportedly shot dead during an argument over the sharing of the largesse. Family of the deceased police Sergeant led by Morris Alagoa, said the deceased policeman was shot dead at close range by his colleague, who also attempted to dump the victim’s corpse in a bush before their plan was thwarted by the Indigenes of the community. The family of deceased in the petition signed by Morris Alagoa, said the disputed money, which led to the killing of the deceased, was not bribe, but an appreciation for the security provided during the peaceful burial ceremony held in Obunagha community. Adaka had insisted that the money should be taken to the station before being shared, but his colleagues did not like the idea and rather killed him.

Man Remanded in Ekiti for Killing Lover during Sex Romp

A 45-year-old man, Oluwatuyi Alake, has been remanded in prison custody by an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court over alleged murder of his lover, Aina Adeyemi. Police prosecutor, Sergeant Monica Ikebuilo, told the court that the accused committed the crime on October 30 at Ijero-Ekiti. She alleged that the accused on the said date, had sexual intercourse with the deceased which made her unconscious and led to her death. According to her, the accused later dumped the body of the deceased in the bush to cover up his deed. Monica added that she had duplicated his case file and sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The plea of the accused was not taken as his counsel, Busuyi Ayorinde, sought for a short date of adjournment pending the outcome of DPP’s legal advice. Magistrate Omolola Akosile consequently remanded the accused in prison custody till the advice from DPP. She adjourned the case to December 15 for further hearing.

Enugu Man, 41, Dies after Hacking Wife to Death

A 41-year-old man, Francis Uzo, committed suicide after allegedly hacking his wife, Ozoemena, to death in Enugu East LGA of Enugu State on November 15. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, November 16, said that the incident occurred after Uzo assaulted his wife over a yet-to-be established issue and inflicted several machete cuts on her. He added that the woman lost several pints of blood before she was taken to hospital where she was confirmed dead by the doctor. The police spokesperson said that when the police arrived at the residence of the couple to arrest the husband, they found his lifeless on the floor. He said that the homicide department of the police had commenced investigation into the unfortunate incident.

3 Killed as Communities Clash in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command, November, confirmed the killing of three persons in renewed hostilities between the people of Onweonweiya and Mkpumaekweoku communities in Izzi LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Jude Madu, said the Police was prepared to prevent any action that could breach the peace in the area. He disclosed that the dispute was over a parcel of rice farmland. The said farmland was razed and the police recovered three corpses from the debris. The PPRO said that the police was yet to make any arrest but added that it had commenced investigations into the incident. The State Governor, David Umahi, has ordered the state government’s take-over of the disputed land. Umahi said the measure was to forestall future bloodshed between the people of Mkpuma-Ekwoku and Ogwuzeru-Onweya communities.

2 Dead in Delta Communal Clash

Two persons were killed, while five buildings were torched at Opherin community in Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State over a lingering leadership tussle. It was gathered that the clash hit a head on November 14 when two rival factions engaged each other in an exchange of gunfire. The timely intervention of military troops prevented further carnage. President General of the community, Shedrack Etarhienyo, attributed the cause of the clash to forces in the community allegedly trying to overthrow his government. Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed that there was a clash, but did not give further details.

Cattle Rustlers Kill 6 in Niger State

Six persons were attacked and killed by suspected cattle rustlers in Kukoki community, Shiroro LGA of Niger State. The Council’s Chairman, Mark Jagaba, November 16, disclosed that the attack lasted for about four hours. He said that four Fulani and two Gbagyi were killed, while several women and children were injured. He said that members of the community reported that the suspects, numbering about 50 and armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically. Jagaba said the cattle rustlers stole over 700 cattle and undisclosed number of goats and sheep before fleeing the community. The attack came barely three weeks after nine people were killed in a similar incident in Kurebe and Kwaki Chukuba wards of Shiroro LGA. The chairman appealed to security agencies in the state to assist the vigilante group in the area to curtail cattle rustlers and indiscriminate killings of persons. Police Spokesman, Bala Elkana, said that two suspects had been arrested, while efforts were on to apprehend the others.

Rape

Man, 40, Caught Raping Two-Year-Old Girl

A 40-year-old man, Yisa Aweda, was November 16, caught raping a two-year-old girl. The Coordinator, Lagos State Domestic Violence Response Team, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed that the incident happened at Aweda’s residence in the Orile Area of Lagos State. She further disclosed that the father of the victim, in a rage, stabbed the rapist with a broken bottle when he caught him in the act. The victim’s mother found Yisa Aweda raping her daughter in her living room and immediately raised the alarm and attracted neighbours and her husband. The matter was immediately reported to Orile Police station, while the perpetrator was taken to the hospital for medical attention. The toddler was also taken to the hospital, while the father of the girl was arrested and detained

Man in Court for Sexually Assaulting Daughter

A 43-year-old man, Ishaq Gbadegesin, who allegedly fingered his daughter’s vagina and asked her to rub his penis, was, November 15, docked before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Gbaegesin pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge bordering on sexual assault. The Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Awogboro, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed, their addresses be verified and one of them must be a blood relation to the accused. Awogboro adjourned the case till December 14 for mention. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 7 at his residence. He said that the accused sexually assaulted his 15-year-old daughter by putting his fingers into the vagina of the girl.

2 Men Gang Rape Fruit Hawker

Men of Ogun State Police Command have arrested two men, Ezekiel Yusuf (29) and Musa Abubakar (25), for raping a 23-year-old woman, who hawks fruit. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, November 14, said the victim was hawking sliced fruit along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when Yusuf Ezekiel lured her into his apartment pretending that he wanted to buy pawpaw from her. According to the PPRO, her cries for help attracted the people around, who came to her rescue and subsequently reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspects. The State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had directed that the case be transferred to Anti-human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and prosecution.

Man Rapes Neighbour’s Three-Year-Old Daughter

A 24-year-old man, Blessing Agboola, was, November 16, remanded in Kirikiri Prisons by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, for defiling a 3-year-old girl. The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, remanded Agboola in prison after he had pleaded guilty for defiling the minor.  The Prosecutor, Sergeant Rafael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on October 28 at the accused residence. Donny said that the accused defiled a 3-year-old daughter of his neighbour in his room. According to him, it was the cry of the baby that alerted her mother, who caught the accused in the act. He said that the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to December 5 for sentencing.

Court Remands 54-Year-Old Man for Allegedly Raping Two Minors

A 54-year-old man, Segun Adisa, was, November 15, remanded in Prison by a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly raping two minors. Police prosecutor, Sergeant Tuesday Ganagana, disclosed that the case was reported on October 26 by one Hassana Mohammed, mother of one the victims. Ganagana told the court that the alleged rape was took place on October 22 when one of the victims, a 13-year-old girl, was hawking her wares near Lokoja township stadium. Adisa allegedly called her under false pretence that he wanted to buy a drink from her, but rather dragged her violently into a toilet, where he raped her. Ganagana said the accused was also alleged to have deceitfully called another girl, who was selling kola nuts at the stadium and dragged her also to a toilet and raped her. The Chief Magistrate Court, Levi Animoku, declined the bail application of the defence counsel and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe. He further transferred the case to the Family Court II in Lokoja and adjourned the matter to 22 November for mention at the Family Court.

Pastor Remanded in Prison for Allegedly Impregnating 17-Year-Old Girl

An Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court, November 16, ordered the remand of a 48-year-old pastor, Michael Adeniran, in prison custody for allegedly impregnating a 17-year-old girl. The magistrate, Oriyomi Sofowora, ordered that the accused be remanded for the facts of the case to be stated. She then adjourned the case till November 30. The prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Emmanuel, told the court that the accused committed the offence in June at El- Bethel Church, Ita Aka, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Emmanuel said that the accused, a pastor at El- Bethel Church, sexually abused a 17-year-old girl, which resulted into pregnancy. The prosecutor said that the pastor failed to take responsibility of the teenager in the last six months of his impregnating her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Pastor Rapes 11-Year-Old Girl in His Office

A 38-year-old pastor and six others were, November 17, paraded by the Bayelsa State Police Command for alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl and defilement of two minors, aged eight years. The cleric, Ogbomo Jerry, was arrested for defiling an 11-year-old girl in his office in Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw LGA of the state. Similarly, two carpenters were arrested on separate occasions for defiling two eight-year-old girls at Igbogene Market and Okrima compound in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw. The state Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, while parading the suspects in Yenagoa, said the pastor, who is also the Manager of Riverside Business Service, lured his victim to his office where he raped her. One of the other suspects, a carpenter, Emanso David, raped his 8-year-old victim inside his workshop and threatened to kill her if she reported the incident. The third suspect, also a carpenter, Atika Eguini, lured another eight-year-old to his house in Okriama Compound and forcefully raped her. The other suspects -Godwin Governor, Kingsley Akpas, Ebikewenemor Aripamone and Harrison Ebibo - were arrested over the rape of a 19-year-old girl.

Septuagenarian Rapes Seven-Year-Old Girl in Delta

A seventy-year-old man was, November 17, arrested in Okpanam community in Asaba, Delta State for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl. The suspect was caught in an uncompleted building having canal knowledge of the girl. According to an eyewitness, John Akpan, the suspect was caught undressed, forcing himself on the girl, when she screamed aloud that attracted people to the scene. State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect upon interrogation confessed to the crime. The police boss said the suspect is currently helping the police with further investigation and would soon be charged to court.

Others

22,430 Renounce Cultism, Return 911 Arms, Ammunition in Rivers State

The Rivers State Amnesty Programme Committee has said a total of 22,430 cultists and militants renounced cultism and embraced the amnesty offer of the state government instituted on September 16. This came as the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, announced the disbandment of all armed vigilante groups in the state and directed security agencies to profile members to ensure they did not belong to cult groups. Submitting the report of the Amnesty Programme Committee and displaying the arms, ammunition and other items recovered from the repentant cultists before Governor Nyesom Wike at the Government House Port Harcourt, on November 15, the Chairman of the committee, Honourable Kenneth Chinda, said the cultists surrendered 911 assorted arms, 7,661 assorted ammunition and 147 explosives. He also said arms recovered included six general purpose machine guns (GPMG), 70 AK-47 rifles, 44 pump action, 16 G3 rifles and five K2 rifles. Others 443 locally-made single barrel guns, 46 locally-made double barrel guns, 266 locally-made pistol, and five pistols, among others.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination in recent times have maintained a steady spot at the top of the crime index with very bad killings witnessed across the country. Three suspected killers of a Police Inspector were arrested and paraded by the Cross River State Police Command. It was revealed that a 35-year-old Police Corporal was among the suspects. In another incident, a bloody clash between the police and members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, in Kano claimed the life of a police sergeant and 19 members of the sect. Other incidents include cult wars, communal clash and invasion by herdsmen. These incidents were recorded in various regions of the country.

Kidnap/hostage incidents took a slight leap up the index. About four yet-to-be identified gunmen kidnapped a 72-year-old retired school principal in his residence. The reason for the abduction of the ailing old man is yet to be ascertained. In another incident, security operatives in Calabar rescued a 16-year-old school boy who was kidnapped in Ibadan, Oyo State. Other arrests of notorious suspects were made, while their victims were successfully rescued. The south-east and south-south witnessed most of these abduction.

Rape incidents was also high with painful attacks on children. A 24-year-old man was remanded after pleading guilty for defiling a three-year-old girl. In a related incident, a 40-year-old man was caught raping a two-year-old girl child. The father of the victim, in a feat of rage, stabbed the rapist, who was later arrested. Parents and guardians are continually urged to be protective of the children in their care to prevent them from falling preys to these rampaging rapists.

Robbery was low on the index, although some incidents caught the eye as a policeman attached to the Inspector General of Police (IG) Special Intelligence Response Team (SIRT), was killed during a gun duel with armed robbers. It was pleasing as the robbers were later arrested and four AK47 rifles recovered from them. The authorities also arrested a gang of three hardened robbers that had been terrorising traders and others in Owerri. Security agents remained formidable in the arrest of criminal gangs across the country, with some already charged to court. These were recorded across various regions of the country.

Activities of Niger Delta militant groups remain a threat to the national economy even as security agencies team up to stem the tide. Different militant groups persistently bomb oil facilities. Arrest of suspects were made, while some others were killed in battles with the military. The south-south continues to bear the brunt of militancy.

Remain watchful and law abiding. Your security is priority.