Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 48

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	7
2	Robbery	11
3	Gang
4	Drugs	1
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	4
6	Terrorism	6
7	Political/Government Agencies
8	Murder/Assassination	12
9	Rape Incidents	8
10	Others

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

10 Rescued from Kidnappers in Kuje

Ten persons have been rescued from kidnappers den in the Kuje Area Council of the FCT. The people were held by a criminal gang which specialized in robbing, raping and kidnapping innocent citizens in the area. The predawn raid on the kidnappers’ den in the mountainous and forested area of Kuje, was successfully executed in the joint operation involving 250 personnel of the Police Mobile Force, the Command Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). FCT Police Spokesman, Anjugurin Manzah, stated that eight of the victims were rescued on November 19, while the other two were rescued on November 20 in Toto and Karu in Nasarawa State. He disclosed that an operative of the NSCDC, Anumudu Uche, lost his life during the operation. Manzah added that efforts were on to arrest the dislodged criminals

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-Minister in Kaduna

A former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, was, November 20, abducted by unknown gunmen in Kaduna. Hirse and a friend were said to have earlier visited the Kaduna family residence of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, who died recently to condole with the family of the deceased. Hirse and his friend had stopped to visit a mutual friend, Alhaji Mamman Daura, when the kidnappers struck. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen on reaching the scene ordered Hirse into a waiting car. Security sources said the gunmen might have mistaken Hirse for Daura. Daura himself was inside the house with other guests when the incident occurred. The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the abduction, said that Hirse was not kidnapped in front of Daura’s house, but along the street where Daura lives. He said the police immediately mounted a manhunt to rescue Hirse and arrest the culprits.

41 Others Rescued from Kidnappers in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command, November 23, announced the rescue of 41 persons kidnapped by armed bandits in Maru LGA of the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Shaba Alkali, said that the 41 kidnapped victims, including a police inspector, were returned safe, adding that no ransom was paid to facilitate their release. He explained that `security strategic measures’ employed by joint security personnel who mounted pressure on the hoodlums facilitated the safe return of the victims. Alkali warned armed bandits operating in the state to relocate or surrender. The abductors had earlier demanded the release of 400 cows recovered from them by the joint security patrol before they would release the 41 victims. The victims were kidnapped on November 18 by gunmen in Maru LGA of the state. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen numbering over 100 stopped three vehicles carrying passengers from Dansadau to Dankurmi and diverted the vehicles at gunpoint to an unknown destination.

3 Kidnapped as Ijaw, Urhobo Clash in Warri South-West

Three indigenes of Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, were reportedly kidnapped on November 19 and 20 as the dispute between Urhobo and Ijaw communities in the LGA worsened. Those reportedly abducted include: Gbolei Andrew, who was kidnapped at Ovwian Expressway Junction; Ebiarede Ponmo and Izonfa Abun, who were fishing along the Warri River, close to Aladja community, who were kidnapped on November 20. An Ogbe Ijoh leader, Freewei Makirigbene, informed the community about the kidnap and the matter had been reported to security agencies in Ogbe-Ijoh.

Secondary School Principal Kidnapped in Rivers

Unidentified gunmen, November 19, kidnapped the Principal of Kalabari National College, Mrs. S. Damiete. A community source, disclosed that the victim was abducted in Buguma community in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State. According to reports, contact had not been established with the kidnappers. It was gathered that the development had ruptured peace in Buguma as people now retire to their bedrooms earlier than usual.

Kidnapped Wives of Nasarawa Commissioner Regain Freedom

The two wives of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Tijjani, who were abducted from Nasarawa town, have regained their freedom. Police Spokesman, Kenedy Idrissu, November 20, confirmed the release of the women, Hajia Rabi Aliyu and Hajia Larai Aliyu. Idrissu said that the women were released by their abductors on November 19 at Mararaba-Udege village in Nasarawa town. He said the kidnappers were forced to release the women following sustained pressure from the Police search party. He said no ransom was paid and that the victims were unhurt and had been reunited with their family. However, no arrest had been made but investigation had begun to find those behind the incident. The women were abducted on November 18 from their residence by gunmen.

Police Parade Suspects for Stealing, Selling Babies

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected child traffickers. The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zanna, paraded the two suspects, Emmanuel Udeagwu and Celestina Enebeli, for child stealing and trafficking. Confessing to the crime, Emmanuel Udeagwu said he had been in the business for almost a year and that he had stolen countless number of children but has only succeeded in selling nine of them. He said that he sold the children at the rate of N250, 000 for those who were HIV positive and N300, 000 for healthy ones. The stolen babies were recovered during a police search of the home of the suspects on November 13, 2016. According to the CP, Udeagwu had confessed that he sold some of the children to one Madam Uju and Madam Cash at Asaba, who in turn, sold them to prospective buyers across the Niger.

Robbery

Police Kill 3 Robbers, Arrest 3 Others in Benue

Three armed robbery and kidnap suspects have been killed in a gun battle with police in Benue State. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, November 21, disclosed that the same gang had recently the son of the late Tor Tiv. According to him, the police acted on a tip-off that a gang of robbers and kidnappers, who attempted to kidnap the Prince Kaase Torkula, were hiding at Tyogbeda Anshan in Usongo LGA. On sighting the police team, the hoodlums opened fire. During the ensuing gun battle with the robbers, 3 of the robbers were killed, while three others were injured and arrested. Others escaped with bullet wounds. The arrested robbers were later confirmed to be members of the wanted robber and kidnapper, Terwase Agwaze’s gang. He said items recovered from the gang included one English-made Jerico pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, one locally-made Barretta pistol with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one English-made pump action double-barrelled gun with three live cartridges.

FCT Police Parade Notorious Armed Robbery Suspect

An eight man gang of armed robbers, including a woman, terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi and Kano States, whose main informant was a middle-aged woman known as Hajia has been smashed by the police. The suspects, Isah Mohammed, Hajia Rekia Musa, Ismaila Abdulmumuni, Abu-Amidu Disu, Tenimu Musa, Boniface David, Aliu Isah and Danjuma Cyprian, were said to have confessed during interrogations that they had carried out several robbery operations including an April 2015 operation in Abuja where over N200 million was stolen from some politicians.

Police Arrest 8 Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Shiroro

The Niger State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cattle rustlers allegedly terrorising the people of Shiroro LGA of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, November 21, disclosed that 21 cows were recovered from the area after the arrest. He said that the command had put in place various forms of security measures to ensure the arrest and prosecution of more criminals in the state. He explained that the suspects were arrested within the forest in the area which was believed to be hideout of cattle rustlers.

Police Foil Robbery Attack, Arrest Four Suspects

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, November 18, foiled an armed robbery attack on residents of Abegyi estate in Bwari Area Council of FCT. The robbery operation reportedly started at about 1.35am and lasted for almost two hours. A victim of the attack, Mr. Joseph Ayegba, told our correspondent that the robbers, numbering about seven scaled the fence of his residence. He said while the robbers were scaling the fence to enter his compound, his German shepherd dog in a bid to scare them away started barking. According to him, they got into his compound but he was able to alert neighbors. Another resident, Sanya Ade, said he was able to mobilise other neighbours who invited the police. Four of the robbers while others escaped. Ayegba said he identified two of the suspected robbers in police custody.

Police Arrest Four Robbery Suspects, Recover Weapons

The Enugu State Police Command, November 22, said it had arrested four armed robbery suspects operating on Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road in the Nsukka axis of the state. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that that the four suspects were nabbed through intelligence information and that an AK47 rifle and English pump action gun were recovered from them. Amaraizu said the suspects were tracked down by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command at a place called ‘one-man village’, Kwakwa, Abuja, after a gun duel on November 20. Amaraizu said that the police would continue their hunt for the other members of the gang.

Robbers Attack Sokoto Lawmaker’s Residence, Kill Guard

Armed robbers, November 20, attacked the private residence of a lawmaker with the Sokoto State House of Assembly and killed a security guard, identified as Zubairu Bello. The Police Public Relations Officer, El-Mustapha Sani, disclosed that Bello was shot dead by the robbers when they stormed the lawmaker’s house on Sama Road at about 3am on November 20. The police spokesman also said the robbers shot the guard after he told them that his boss was not around, thereby making their efforts to gain entrance into the house through the roof futile. They later fled when some policemen arrived at the scene after the lawmaker and House Leader, Garba Bello, made a distress call.

Thieves, Phone Owner Killed in Niger State

Three people have been confirmed dead and two others injured in a crisis that broke out in the Kantoma area of Suleja, Niger State on November 21. The crisis was occasioned by the theft of a handset. It was learnt that an unidentified man reportedly stole a phone from the shop of one of the deceased and when it was discovered, the man took to his heels. The deceased and others raced after the suspected thief. Unknown to them, members of the gang were around to give protection to the thief. One member of the gang, according to the report, stabbed the owner of the handset, a development that attracted sympathy from neighbours who dealt heavy blows on members of the gang. In the process, both the suspected thief and a member of the gang who were beaten to a state of coma were rushed to the hospital where they eventually died. The handset owner, who was taken to the same hospital also died there. The police brought the situation under control.

45-Man Robbery Gang Leader Names Police Accomplices

The leader of a 45-man gang of armed robbers, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and car snatchers, Oliver Honiol, November 21, disclosed that the gang’s arms supplier was an Assistant Superintendent of Police, whose name he gave as Yuguda Abbah. Abbah is said to be in charge of the armoury and exhibit keeper of recovered arms and ammunition. The gang leader said his gang got 16 AK-47 rifles from the officer and paid between N230,000 and N250,000 for each. Honiol,who was paraded with other members of the gang, further revealed that another policeman, Sergeant Habila Sarki, had introduced him to ASP Abbah. However, Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah, who paraded the suspects and the cache of recovered arms and ammunition, disclosed that ASP Abbah, Sergeant Habila and seven other police officers who had been aiding and abetting kidnapping, robbery and cattle rustling in the North-East, have all been dismissed for unprofessional conduct after facing orderly room trials and the Force Disciplinary Committee.

Police Parade Two Armed Robbery Suspects in Lagos

A 24-year-old commercial motorcycle operator and father of two, Olusaseun Idowu, arrested for armed robbery, has claimed that one of his passengers lured him into robbery. The suspect was arrested for robbery in Apapa area of Lagos State. According to him, he was hired by one Ishola, his supposed passenger, at Mile 2, who later turned out to be a robber. According to him, it was when they got to Apapa that he was told about the robbery mission, and he could not retreat at that time. He added that the Hausa youths who were doing okada business there aborted the operation and chased them with their motorcycles, which led to their arrest. Ishola confessed that he had never met Idowu before their arrest. According to him, a friend who introduced him to robbery lent him the gun he used in the operation, which he said was his first.

Police Rescue Thieves from Mob

The Cross River State Police Command, November 24, paraded five robbery suspects who allegedly specialised in stealing money and other items from a mob. The command said three, out of the five paraded suspects, were rescued from being lynched by angry mobs after they stole N250,000 from a victim along Parliamentary Road in Calabar. Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said the suspects were rescued after a distress call from concerned residents. Ugbo said the police immediately rushed to the scene to rescue the suspects from being lynched. She explained that the suspects stood in front of the First Bank branch on Marian Road to monitor those who came out with large sums of money.

Policeman, Five others Remanded for Armed Robbery

Six people, including a police officer, were on November 24, remanded at the Kirikiri Prison by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly robbing some Chinese of N6m worth of goods and cash. The magistrate, Mrs O. A. Akokhia, refused to hear the accused plea and remanded them in prison. Akokhia adjourned the case till December 22, 2016 for mention. The accused reside at Oworonshoki, Ogudu and Ikorodu, suburbs of Lagos. They were arraigned for conspiracy, robbery and stealing. The prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the offences were committed on April 12 when they robbed a Chinese woman, Vicky CAO, of cash and property. Aigbokhan also said that the accused were caught with guns and daggers. He said the offences contravened sections 285, 295 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Gang Incidents

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 11 for Drugs in Osun

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), November 18, said they had arrested 11 suspects and destroyed 2, 317 bags of cannabis weighing 30,992kgs. The agency’s spokesperson, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that some 67 bags were also transferred to Osun State Command of the agency as exhibits for further investigation. The 11 suspect were arrested during an operation inside the cannabis plantation in response to an intelligence received by the Agency on the activities of cannabis cultivators within a farmland at Orita-Ijebu forest reserve, Ikoyi area of Ikire in Ayedade LGA of Osun State. The exhibits was estimated to worth three hundred and nine million naira (N309million).

Militancy/Maritime

NAF Destroys More Illegal Oil Barges in Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in its continuous efforts to rid the Niger Delta and maritime area of the country of economic sabotage, has destroyed another set of illegal oil barges in River States. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, November 20, said two of the latest barges filled with stolen oil were set ablaze by NAF helicopters on armed patrol around Okoromabie and South-east of Port Harcourt refinery.  Famuyiwa also stated that the third barge, surrounded by canoes carrying drums, was sited at Onne. While individuals around the barge and canoes fled when fired at, he said the barge and drums did not explode, indicating the possibility of being empty.

Police Foil Plan to Blow-Up Pipeline

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have foiled an attempt by some suspected militants to blow up oil pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, at Aboh, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Zanna, November 19, said his men acted on a tip off and recovered high calibre Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) the suspects wanted to use to carry out their dastardly act. The police boss paraded 18 suspects for various crimes in the state. He revealed that two semi-automatic guns, two packets of live cartridges, four vehicles, nine bags of cement and 87 pieces of counterfeit euro currency notes were recovered. The police boss, however, assured Deltans of the command’s preparedness to combat crime in the state, enjoining the people of the state to support the police and other security agencies in the task of ensuring a secure and peaceful environment for all.

Navy Hands over Militants’ Drug Supplier to DSS

The Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected supplier of drugs and medical adviser to militants, Mr. Augustine Effiong, to the officials of the Department of State Services in Calabar. Effiong, who was said to have a relationship with militants operating in the creeks of Bakassi and Akpabuyo LGAs of Cross River State, allegedly specialised in rendering medical services to militants. The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Victory in Calabar, Commodore Obed Ngalabak, November 21, said the suspect was arrested on October 26, 2016 at the Nakanda-Idebe area in Bakassi LGA of the state. Ngalabak handed over the suspect to the Cross River State director of DSS. He said the operation was carried out by the men of Nigerian Navy Special Forces attached to the NNS Victory. Reports indicated that the suspect owned a pharmacy and worked in collaboration with militants by providing medical services to the injured members of the Bakassi Strike Force and Aston Boys militant groups.

JTF Bombards Militants’ Camps in Delta

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) code-named Operation Delta Safe, November 24, raided militants camps in the Delta State with heavy aerial and land assaults. According to reports, the camps were being set up by militants at Kosugbene village near Gbekubor around Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South West LGA of the state. Security sources disclosed that the intelligence units of the JTF had been keeping surveillance on the development of the new camps until the operatives moved in to destroy them. It was gathered that heavily armed soldiers in 10 gunboats bombarded the new camps at Kosugbene village, while the air components fired shots to pave way for safe landing of the personnel on the river. Some militants were suspected to have lost their lives in the raid. The Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu, confirmed the destruction of the camps.

Terrorism

Military Guns down Another Suicide Bomber in Maiduguri

Security operatives, November 19, intercepted yet another suicide bomber who attempted to penetrate a Transit Camp of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) along Muna Garage in Maiduguri, Borno State. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the North-east, confirmed the latest development, less 24 hours after three suicide bombers were gunned down in similar fashion. The Spokesperson of NEMA, North-east, Ibrahim Abdulkadir, said that the security operative had attempted to accost the suicide bomber after suspecting an ulterior motive with his strange behaviour. But the bomber attempted to detonate the explosive device and was gunned down by the security operative.

Two Die in Maiduguri Suicide Attacks

Two suicide bombers were killed in a failed attack in Maiduguri, Borno State on November 19. The Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said the explosion took place early in the morning, killing the would-be bombers. Chukwu said the Mobile Police personnel on duty opposite the Federal High Court in Maiduguri had sighted three suspected suicide bombers (two females and a male) running towards their sandbags and ordered them to stop. He added that in the process, one of them detonated the Improvised Explosive Device strapped to her body, killing herself and the male accomplice. He disclosed that one other suspected female terrorist was arrested alive and handed over to the military for further interrogation. He said police bomb disposal unit was also mobilised to the scene to detonate the unexploded IEDs on the bodies of the deceased suicide bombers.

Four Killed as Suicide Bombers Attack Maiduguri

A suicide bomber and two members of the youth vigilante group, popularly called the Civilian Joint Task Force, were, November 19, killed in Maiduguri, Borno State. State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, who confirmed this, disclosed that in an attempt to prevent a suicide bomber from sneaking into the Muna Garage along the Maiduguri Gamboru Ngala Road, three persons died. He said the suicide bomber detonated the IED strapped on him, killing himself and two members of the Civilian JTF, while another male suicide bomber who tried to enter the state capital exploded with his IED before reaching his destination. He assured that the security operatives are doing everything possible to maintain peace in the state. He, however, advised residents to be vigilant at all times.

Air Strikes Kill Several Boko Haram Fighters in Borno

The fighter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force have killed several Boko Haram insurgents in multiple operations in Borno State. The Director, Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, November 22, said that fighter jets bombarded a Boko Haram location at Kadari and killed an unspecified number of the insurgents. Famuyiwa further disclosed that the fighter jets also carried out airstrikes on selected Boko Haram targets at Ngoshe on November 18, 2016. The airstrikes were reportedly carried out following intelligence gathered by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft which spotted a large number of insurgents at a meeting at Kadari. He said that the attack carried out by a three-ship formation of the Alpha jet was part of the Operation Rescue Finale of the Nigerian Army.

2 Die in Maiduguri Suicide Attack

Two persons were on November 23, killed in a suicide bomb attack on Maiduguri, Borno State.  Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, disclosed that an explosion occurred at Muna garage along Gamboru Ngala road Maiduguri. Two persons, including the suicide bomber, died on the spot, while a Mercedes Benz car, which was parked by the roadside was damaged by the impact of the explosion. He said normalcy has already been restored.

Boko Haram Razes Down Another Chibok Village

Boko Haram terrorists, November 19, attacked and razed the village of Thlaimaklama in Chibok LGA of Borno state. Caretaker Chairman of Chibok LGA, Yaga Yarkawa, November 23, lamented the renewed attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists, insisting that with recent attacks on Thlaimaklama village displaced hundreds of people. The terrorists burnt down the village after looting foodstuff and livestock. According to him, there has been series of renewed attacks on communities of Kuburmbula, Tsilari, Kamdzilari, Kuburnvwu, Kautikari, Kwada, Buftari and  Kakulmari  villages bordering Damboa and Sambia forest.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

3 Suspects Arrested over Murder of Former FIRS Boss’ Mother

Three persons have been arrested by police in Edo State over the robbery attack and murder of Mrs. Grace Omoigui, mother of a former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru. The late Omoigui, a retired magistrate, was shot in the thigh during a robbery on Liberty Avenue, GRA, Benin, on October 24. It was said that the 82-year-old victim had been trailed from a bank along Sapele Road, where she had gone to withdraw some money sent by her daughter. The victim was followed into the premises of a hotel along Liberty Avenue, where they shot her and reportedly robbed her of two million naira. However, the Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, disclosed that the suspects were arrested four days after the attack. Gwandu identified the suspects as Austin Orene, Isaiah Ngbeken and Esogie Aigbede. According to the commissioner, items recovered from them included one double-barrelled cut-to-size gun, two single-barrelled cut-to-size gun and a live cartridge.

Another 25 Killed in Fresh Zamfara Attack

At least 25 people were killed on November 19 when gunmen stormed three communities in Zamfara State. The lawmaker representing Zurmi West in the state House of Assembly, Yusuf Moriki, said that the incident occurred at Dole, Tudun Bugaje and Kwangwami communities in Zurmi LGA. A group of bandits had carried out similar attacks in some communities in neighbouring Shinkafi LGA, a day earlier. However, Force Public Relations Officer, Dan Awunah, confirmed that nine people, including two policemen, were killed by the bandits in a fresh attack in Zamfara. He said the Police Mobile Force and the Counter-terrorism Unit had been deployed to the area to restore law and order.

10 Killed in Cross River Communal Clash

About 10 youths have been killed following renewed outbreak of violence between the people of Usumutong and Ediba communities in Abi LGA of Cross River State. An eyewitness revealed that trouble started on November 18 following allegation that youths from Ediba had gone to a land in dispute between both communities when a funeral ceremony was going on in Usumutong. The witness further described the incident as a reprisal from Ediba against the people of Usumutong. Reacting to the fresh round of violent hostilities between both communities, the State Security Adviser, Jude Ngaji, said security personnel have been drafted to the warring communities to restore calm.

Bandits Kill 155 Persons in Zamfara in 30 Days– Gov. Yari

Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has said that 155 persons had been killed by bandits in less than a month in the state. Yari disclosed this on Monday in a statewide broadcast on the security challenges facing the state. Yari also lamented that over 50 persons had been kidnapped during the period. He explained that 53 people were killed in Shinkafi Local Government Area; 50 in Maru Local Government Area; 37 in Maradun Local Government Area and 15 in Zurmi Local Government Area. The governor disclosed that the State Government had set up a Crisis Management Committee comprising security agents, civil servants, legislators and retired security agents. He said the body was charged with the responsibility of assessing the damages caused by the activities of the hoodlums to enable the government to assist the victims. Yari appealed to the federal government to deploy more military personnel to the state to defeat the bandits.

Man Arrested for Raping, Murdering Woman

A 60-year-old man, identified as Emma Ukwa, has been arrested by a vigilance group at Amaekpu Ohafia, in the Ohafia LGA of Abia State for allegedly raping and killing a 36-year-old woman on November 18. The suspect allegedly attacked the woman in her farm. The suspect confessed that he only wanted to have sex with the victim, but later killed her when she insisted that she would expose him. It was gathered that Ukwa was exposed when a friend of the deceased went to the farm to find out what kept her back for a long time, but found her lifeless body there. The friend had met Ukwa on her way to the farm. She came back and raised the alarm, prompting the Vigilance Group to arrest Ukwa. The suspect has reportedly been handed over to the police.

Man, Who Killed Wife, Daughter, for Psychiatric Test

A 45-year old man, Dominic Ogah, who allegedly killed his wife, Omagun, and his 16-month-daughter, Blessing, in Mpape, Abuja, may be subjected to psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental state. It was gathered that the police authorities were considering taking Ogah for mental evaluation following his conflicting and inconsistent explanations on the circumstances that led to the murder of his family. The bodies of Omagun and Blessing were found in a primary school, a few metres from their residence in Mpape in October, 2016. The deceased were stabbed to death and Ogah was subsequently arrested by detectives at his farm.

Three Sentenced to Death for Murder

Two male siblings, Shola Oni and Kayode Oni, including a son of a traditional ruler in Oshodi area of Lagos State, Ibrahim Omilade, were, November 22, condemned to death for killing one Suleiman Afolabi during a fight on a Christmas day in 2012. The trio of Omilade, Kayode and Shola are to die by hanging according to the verdict handed down by Justice Kudirat Jose of an Ikeja High Court who found them guilty of killing Afolabi during a brawl ensued among them on December 25, 2012. The Judge who gave the death verdict also sentenced the three young men for conspiracy and murder of Afolabi at EyinOgun Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, when the deceased was cut with a machete.

Police Arraign Suspected Cultists for Murder

The police, November 23, arraigned two suspected cultist before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, the Osun State, for murder. The prosecutor, Mereti Wilson, told the court that the two accused, Adebayo Saheed and Razaki Jamiu, killed two persons -Shina Akinwale and Adekunle Badmus- and also inflicted serious machete cuts on a third person. Badmus was killed on the football field of the Technical School, Osogbo on August 15 while Akinwale was killed at that Oke Onitea area. The two accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them. But Magistrate, Habibat Bashiru, ordered that the two accused persons be remanded in Ilesha Prison and adjourned the case to January 27, 2017.

Gunmen Attack Oil Facility, Kill Four NSCDC Officials

Gunmen attacked and killed four operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The NSCDC operatives were guarding a facility operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at Omoku in Rivers State when they were attacked and killed on November 21. They were shot dead by gunmen in military camouflage. The NSCDC operatives had allowed the men entry into the facility, thinking that they were military operative. However, they engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun battle on realising that the intruders were not military men, state NSCDC spokesman, Michael Oguntuase, disclosed. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Muslim Cleric Stabs Lagos Landlord to Death

An Islamic cleric, identified as Alfa Ganiyu Umaru, has been arrested and detained by the police for allegedly killing his 45-year-old landlord, Tajudeen Popoola, at the Ipaja area of Lagos State. Umaru and Popoola had been at loggerheads for some time over Umaru’s alleged immoral behaviour. He was said to have criticised the cleric for drinking and performing rituals on the ground that such acts contravened Islamic doctrines. It was said the criticism usually resulted in exchange of words between both. The matter, however, came to a head on November 20 when Popoola met Umaru and his friends drinking alcohol in front of the building. The landlord was said to have rebuked the suspect, leading to an altercation after which they both retired to their respective apartments. The deceased’s brother, Azeez, said Umaru came to Tajudeen’s apartment a few minutes later and attacked him with a shard of broken glass, leading to his death.

One Killed in Hunters, Police Clash

One person was killed on November 22 as some hunters, who claimed to be members of a Yoruba professional hunters group, Agbekoya, and policemen clashed in Oyo State. An eyewitness said the hunters were returning to Ibadan from Lagos around 10.30am when they were stopped by policemen in Ona Ara LGA of Oyo State and a heated argument ensued. The argument degenerated to a gunfight, leading to the shooting of a hunter, who later died as a result of injuries he sustained in the shootout. The National Publicity Secretary of the Agbekoya Farmers Association, Chief Olatunji Bamidele, denied that the hunters were members of the group. He said the group was impersonating the real Agbekoya group and that complaints had been lodged with the police about the existence of the impersonating group. Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said those who confronted the policemen were suspected armed robbers.

Suspected Cultists Kill Undergraduate

Suspected cultists have killed a student of the University of Abuja, Onyekachi Azubuko. The 25-year-old victim was killed behind his parents’ residence at Kubwa, a satellite town in Abuja. Onyekachi was shot dead on November 22 shortly after stepping out of the house to meet some friends. It was learnt that residents of the area were thrown into panic when they heard sporadic gunshots by unknown gunmen, who were believed to be members of a cult group.

Rape

Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Defiling Own Daughter

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Adisa Olayide, for allegedly defiling his 12-year-old daughter in Ilaro, Yewa South LGA of the state. The suspect was said to have been arrested on November 16 following a complaint from the daughter, who cried to the station and reported her father. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the little girl told the police that her mother was late, adding that her father married three wives after the demise of her mother. Oyeyemi said based on the victim’s complaint, the Divisional Police Officer, Ilaro division detailed police detectives to effect the arrest of the suspect. He said the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Rivers Government Orders Re-Arrest of Five over Gang-Rape of 15-Year-Old

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, has ordered the re-arrest of the five men who allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl after forcing her to ingest an overdose of Tramadol. She also urged the Police to ensure thorough investigation of the case. Banigo made the call on November 22 while reacting to reports that the Police had released the suspects. It was gathered that the girl was gang-raped by a group of five men at Abirima Community in Oyigbo LGA of the state. Banigo said it was wrong for suspects of such a crime to be released by the Police without investigation. The Rivers Chapter Chairman of the National Association of Women Journalists, Lillian Okonkwo, said the association would join other civil society groups to ensure that justice was done in the matter.

Man, 40, Arraigned for Raping Eight-Year-Old Girl

A 40-year-old man, Pius Oshai, was, November 22, arraigned at a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl. Oshai pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 11 after the accused lured the girl to his apartment while her parents were not around. Ruling on the bail application, Chief Magistrate Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted Oshai bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. She said one of the sureties should be gainfully employed with verified address and should provide evidence of tax payments to the court. The case was adjourned to December 20, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

Police Nab Football Academy Owner for Raping Teenage Boys

The Lagos State Police Command, November 21, arrested a 49-year-old man, Frank Darlington, the owner of a football academy at the Agege area of Lagos, for allegedly raping three 18-year-old boys. The suspect was arrested after one of his victims reported the matter to his mother. The alarmed mother immediately reported the matter the Police and Darlington was arrested. Darlington who admitted having anal sex with the boys since July last year, claimed to have stopped after he discovered that his action was affecting his boys’ performance. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said that the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Man, 56, Arraigned For Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old Girl

A 56-year-old man, Bature Musa, was on November 24, arraigned in a Federal High Court sitting in Kano for having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl. The Prosecutor, Abdullahi Babale, told the court that the accused was arraigned on a charge of rape. He said that the accused, an indigene of Agadasawa area of Dala in Kano, had unlawful carnal knowledge of the 13-year-old girl by taking advantage of her at Koki Quarters in the area. Justice Saleh Kogo, however, adjourned the case to Dec. 1 for ruling after accepting the prayer of the accused seeking leave of the court to hire a lawyer.

Police Arrest Pastor for Alleged Rape

The Ogun State Police command has arrested a pastor, Adekunle Francis, at Ipamesan, Sango Ota, for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The suspect, who was arrested on November 22, was said to have lured the girl into an uncompleted building under the pretense of praying and anointing her, but rather forcefully raped her. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the victim later reported her ordeal at the Sango Police Station and the suspect was promptly arrested. He said on interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime, attributing it to the work of devil. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Anti- Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Man Defiles Neighbour’s 3-Year-Old Daughter

A 26-year-old man, Emeka Utomi, was, November 24, arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s three-year-old daughter. The prosecutor, Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the Utomi called the girl into his room, inserted his finger into her vagina and was caught in the act by one of the co-tenants. Chief Magistrate B. O. Osunsanmi granted the accused N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till January 30, 2017 for mention. Similarly one Matthew Mbam (21), was docked at same court for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl. Mbam, according to Inuoha, invited his victim into his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand and defiled her. He was also granted bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties in like sum, and his case was adjourned to January 23, 2017 for mention.

Man Rapes Neighbour’s 10-Year-Old Daughter

A 45-year-old man, Eche Ezeani, who allegedly raped his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter, was, November 24, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. Ezeani was also alleged to have inserted his fingers in the girl’s vagina and in the process injured her. The defendant is standing trial on a three-count charge. The prosecutor, Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the incident occurred on November 4. He further stated that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Magistrate W. B. Balogun granted him N500,000 bail with two sureties. He said one of the sureties must be a blood relation, gainfully employed and show evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State. The case was adjourned to December 7 for mention.

Others

Police Recover Caches of Arms in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Fatai Owoseni, November 21, announced the recovery of caches of arms in FESTAC area of the state. Owoseni said the recovery was made at 6th Avenue and that two AK 47 Riffles, 24 AK 47 fully loaded magazines, and one Browning Pistol and magazine were recovered. Other arms recovered, he said, included 951 ammunition of 752 mm size and 1,107 ammunition of 6mm size. The Lagos CP, stated that the Police are doing their best possible to uncover the persons behind the stockpile. He, however, did not say if anyone was arrested in connection with the recovery.

Police Arrest Man with Three Guns, Five Cutlasses in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Oluwaseun Ade who was caught with three guns, five cutlasses and two cameras. The State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hilda Harrison, paraded the suspect on November 21. Harrison said that the suspect was arrested by personnel of the 32 Artillery Brigade during a ‘stop- and-search’ patrol on November 18. She said that the suspect had given relevant information to the police on how he came across the harmful items, saying that prosecution would commence after full investigation. She added that the command was beaming its searchlight on activities of all political parties to ensure that criminality was not allowed. Ade said that he was not aware that the dangerous items were in the bus, adding that he was only a photographer meant to cover a political rally in the area. The suspect stated that his co-passengers ran away immediately the items were found in the bus.

Fake DSS Officer Arrested in Delta

A 35-year-old fake operative of the Department of State Service (DSS), Chris Akpati, has been arrested. The Delta State Commissioner for Police, Ibrahim Zanna, announced the arrest of the suspect on November 20. He said the fake DSS officer was working for one Agboma Sunday. Ibrahim said both Akpati and Sunday were arrested when the impersonator went to a community to arrest with the intention of eliminating the chiefs whom Sunday accused of killing his son. The CP noted that one Okon had reported at the Kwale police division that Akpati called him on phone, introduced himself as a DSS official from Abuja and informed him that he had a petition written against him (complainant) by one Agboma Sunday in respect of his son, who was killed in the area. It was further revealed that Agboma Sunday paid N80, 000.00 to Akpati for the job.

Court Remands Four for Land Grabbing, Illegal Firearms Possession

A Federal High Court in Lagos, November 19, ordered the remand in prison custody of four men who were accused of engaging in land grabbing activities in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos and for illegal possession of fire arms. Justice Ibrahim Buba ordered their remand in the prison custody shortly after they were arraigned on six counts by the police. The police accused them of sacking seven communities at Oko-Olomi, Ibeju Lekki by demolishing several houses with the use of caterpillars. The police alleged that the defendants, while armed with guns, axes, cutlasses and charms, conspired with some persons still at large to sack the seven communities on April 17, 2016. They were also accused of beating up the residents and inflicting bodily injuries on some members of the communities.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained high on the index. It was a sad scene in Zamfara State as gunmen invaded three communities and killed at least 25 people, however, the Police have been able to deploy men in the affected areas to restore law and order. About three person were also condemned to death by hanging for conspiracy and murder, it was revealed that the deceased was cut with a machete. Other incidents include communal clash, cult wars and solitary kills. This was witnessed across various regions of the country.

Robbery incidents maintained its pace as there were trickles of attacks by armed men across the nation. The Police in Cross River State, paraded five robbery suspects who allegedly specialised in stealing money and other items from a mob. Investigations revealed that three, out of the five paraded suspects, were rescued from being lynched by angry mobs after they stole N250, 000 from a victim. The law enforcements agents did not sleep on their duty as they captured and took some robbery suspects into custody, while some were killed by the police. However, many others made good their escape. The north-central and south-west witnessed more of this callous acts of violence.

Rape incidents lingers as more suspects were arrested by the powers that be and charged to court. The prevalence remains worrisome as young girls are continually defiled by close relatives and trusted persons.

Kidnap/hostage incidents remained high with various incidents of abduction. However, it was reassuring as several victims were rescued, the authorities also ensured the rescue of more victims, with major arrests of suspects. The north-central and south-south recorded more.

Terrorism which took a nose dive last week, in this week took an upward plunge, even as the military intensifies its onslaught on Boko Haram enclaves. Terrorists’ strong holds were taken down through coordinated raids and air-strikes respectively by troops of the Nigerian military and Nigerian Air Force. In a related event, two suicide bombers were killed in a failed attack as Improvised Explosive Devices and other high calibre weapons were cleared and destroyed by the Police. It is, however, heart breaking that despite the unrelenting military onslaught, the terrorists still succeeded in carrying out their activities resulting in casualties. The north-east remain most endemic region.

The government security forces charge every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious. It is the responsibility of everyone to be a neighborhood watch. Take cognizance of your environment to keep you and your neighbor safe.

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