Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 51

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Female Hawker Kidnaps, Sells 3-Year-Old in Imo

A banana seller in Owerri, Imo State, Chibuzor Eze, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old boy and selling him for N450,000. The suspect was said to be a friend of the boy’s family. The boy was playing around the family compound at about 8 am when the suspect allegedly took him to Owerri, where she sold him to a man, who paid her N150,000 upfront and promised to give her the balance later. A lady from the village, who recognised the boy, was said to have raised the alarm when she sighted the woman with the boy. Eze and the alleged buyer were handed over to officers at Omuma Police Division in Oru-East LGA. The boy’s grandfather, Benjamin Nkemakolam, December 10, expressed surprise that the banana seller, who he considered a member of the family, could harbour evil against his family.

10th Suspect Nabbed over Emefiele’s Abduction

The Police have arrested one Umar Abubakar, the 10th gang member involved in the abduction of the wife of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Margaret Emefiele, in September 2016. Abubakar was trailed and arrested in Minna, Niger State on December 9 following weeks of monitoring and actionable intelligence gathering by the IGP Intelligence Response Team, according to Force spokesman, Donald Awunah. The suspect has reportedly confessed to having invested his share of the ransom in a provision store, two houses and three plots of land. He was said to have spent N3 million on the store which he was running with his wife before he was arrested.

Maid Arrested after Fleeing and Dumping Employers Baby in Garden

A maid, Cynthia Shamang, has been arrested in Kaduna State for absconding with the one-year-old baby of her employer, Kachi Mbagwu. The 17-year-old was arrested alongside her father in Kaduna on December 14 and handed over to the police in Abuja. The maid had fled with the baby on December 10 after the woman left her with the baby. The maid later abandoned the baby in a garden and left her there all night. A security guard around the area rescued her the next morning and took her to the NTA station in Kaduna. The Federal Capital Territory Police Spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, confirmed the arrest of the maid, saying investigation had commenced into the matter.

Police Rescue Stolen Boy, Arrest Suspect

The IGP Intelligence Response Team has rescued a four-year-old boy, Peter Okpe, who was kidnapped at the Cassava market area of Nasarawa State. The operatives, led by Abba Kyari, tracked the suspect, Patience Benedict (25), and arrested her in Abuja on December 14. Okpe was reportedly found in the custody of Benedict and has been reunited with his parents. Benedict told the police detectives that she stole the four-year-old son of one of her friends’ neighbour to present him to another boyfriend as the son she had for him in order to lure him into marriage. The suspect stole the boy after telling his mother that she wanted to buy clothes for him. Okpe’s mother raised the alarm when Benedict did not return with the child and also refused to pick her calls.

Eight Jailed for kidnapping Delta Lawmaker

An ex-soldier and seven suspected kidnappers have been sentenced to various prison terms by a Delta State High Court sitting in Kwale for the 2009 abduction of a member of the State House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya. Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Justice, Ivovi Aruoriwo, December 13, confirmed the conviction of the suspects. Igbuya, currently the speaker of the house, was kidnapped on May 21, 2009, at Sapele and was released by his abductors after six days. Justice O. Jaloggo-Williams found the eight accused persons guilty on a two-count charge of kidnapping and demanding property with menace, and sentenced them to 10 years each with hard labour for kidnapping; and three years each for demanding N100m with menace.

Gunmen Abduct Wife of Anglican Church’s Scribe

The gunmen, who abducted the wife of the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Ayodeji Fagbemi, have contacted the family, demanding for the sum of N20 million as a ransom for her release. The victim, Ebunoluwa Fagbemi, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, who invaded her residence at Oba-Ile in Ondo State on December 12. The husband of the victim disclosed that the abductors had contacted the family and demanded N20million as ransom. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, said that the command had commenced an investigation on the matter.

2 Arrested over Attempt to Sell 4-Year-Old Boy

Police operatives in Abia State have rescued a four-year-old boy, Obinna Ozuoba, from child traffickers. The police also arrested the suspected traffickers, Rowland Egbe (30) and Chioma Ohajimmadu (50), the would-be buyer. Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who paraded the suspects on December 10, said that Rowland Egbe was arrested at Obehie in Ukwa West Council, while taking the boy to the would-be buyer, Chioma. Oyebade said on interrogation, the suspect admitted that he abducted the boy and then led the police to Chioma. The police boss vowed that his men would fight the child trafficking cartel until they were conquered. He urged persons interested in adopting children to follow the legal process. Egbe confessed that he knew the boy’s parents and the boy knew him, which was why he easily followed him.

Robbery

Gunmen Attack Bank in Imo, Cart Away Millions of Naira

Armed robbers, December 9, attacked a branch of First Bank Plc located at Amaraku Main Market in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo state, carting away millions of naira. The attack, which reportedly lasted for about an hour and a half, was carried out by eight gunmen. The robbers, who were said to have arrived in an SUV, disarmed the security men attached to the bank and immediately shot into the air to scare away customers making use of the automated teller machine before they went on to rob other customers and workers in the bank. According to the eyewitness, the armed robbers, who operated without the intervention of any security agency, carted away bags stuffed with millions of naira. The robbers were said to have destroyed gadgets and other properties of the bank in the process.

Cattle Rustlers Attack Niger Village, Steal 700 Cows

Cattle rustlers, December 13, invaded Gbaka village in the Shiroro LGA of Niger State, carting away about 700 cows, goats and sheep. But while the villagers claimed that they lost four persons in the attack, the police said there was no loss of life in the incident, which is the fourth of such attack in the state in the last one month. Some of the injured reportedly had gunshot wounds while others had deep machete cuts. An investigation revealed that the rustlers arrived in the village around 6 pm, shooting sporadically to scare away the villagers. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana confirmed the incident but said that no arrest had been made. He, however, added that the special anti-rustling squad had been mobilised to the area.

Police Arrest 85 Robbery and Criminal Suspects in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 85 armed robbery and criminal suspects in a sting operation carried out by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on black spots in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, December 14, said the raids were carried out on criminal hideouts at Atikankan, Mathew roundabout, Ijan Motor Park at Imayo Street and Odo Ado tipper Garage in Ado Ekiti. He revealed that 65 wraps of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and charms were recovered during the raids. Some suspects on the command wanted list were also arrested.

Driver Robs Passenger at Gunpoint

A 35-year-old driver, Felix Jeremiah, who allegedly robbed a female passenger of her belongings at gunpoint, was, on December 14, docked before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, told the court that the accused had, on November 27, conspired with two others to rob a passenger, Charity Edom, at gunpoint. The prosecutor said they then pushed her out of the moving vehicle. Odigie added that the accused also defrauded his friend, one Ibrahim Saabi, of N210,000 under the pretext of selling him a Toyota Camry vehicle, which did not belong to him. The accused was arrested and detained in the Police station where his first victim, Edom, who had accompanied a friend to the station, saw and recognised him. The accused, who is facing a five-count charge of conspiracy, robbery, assault, fraud and stealing, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Ikobayo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. Ikobayo adjourned the case till December 19 for mention.

Gang Incidents

Delta Youths Attack NIS Officials, Seize Riffles

Gunmen suspected to be Ijaw youths from Ogbe-Ijoh community in the Warri South West LGA of Delta State, December 10, attacked a patrol team of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), injuring one and then collected two rifles belonging to the officers. An operative of the Marine Police team, who rushed to the scene to rescue the officers, also sustained a gunshot injury. The NIS operatives were attacked by the gunmen who chanted war songs along the creeks of Fegenegbene community.

Arsonists Attack Anambra Police Station

Arsonists, December 7, attacked and set fire to a police station under construction at Mkpunando in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State. The traditional ruler of Mkpunando, Igwe Alex Edozieuno, who disclosed this, said he had written to the state Governor, Willie Obiano, and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on the development. Edozieuno said that armed thugs, numbering 15, attacked the police station and burnt it down on December 7, adding that there was nothing his people could do. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiru Nwode, confirmed the incident. She said the police had begun a manhunt for the culprits with a view to bringing them to book.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 25 for Drugs in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 13, said that it arrested 25 suspects and recovered 27.207 kilogrammes of assorted narcotics in November. The NDLEA State Commander, Abdullahi Abdul, disclosed that the major seizure was cannabis Sativa, which weighed 13.861kg. The seizures were made at different locations in the state. He listed the other drugs seized to include tramadol, rohyznol, cough syrups, among others. He said that the command also secured 10 convictions at the Federal High Court, Dutse.

3 Arrested for Concealing Hard Drugs in Hair Extensions

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 12, said it had intercepted 83.390 kilogrammes of ephedrine and arrested three suspects in connection with the seizure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. NDLEA Commander at the airport, Ahmadu Garba, disclosed that officials of the NDLEA had detected a bag and during the search, it was found to contain substances that tested positive for ephedrine with a total weight of 83.390kgs. According to him, the parcels of ephedrine were concealed amidst artificial hair. Three suspects were apprehended and are being interrogated to determine their level of culpability. The suspects include Unegbu Daniel (42), Ettah Joseph (28) and Wopara Bright (31). Preliminary investigation revealed that Unegbu Daniel, who works as a clearing agent, collected the luggage from his client and took it to the airport. The other two suspects are luggage handlers.

NDLEA Seizes Abandoned Bags with Drugs at Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 12, said it had intercepted two bags of illicit drugs that were separately abandoned at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. NDLEA Commander at the airport, Ahmadu Garba, disclosed that one of the bags containing 2.5kg of heroin was abandoned at the arrival hall during the inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Nairobi, Kenya, while the other containing 4.6kg of cannabis meant for export to London on a British Airways flight from Lagos was also abandoned at the airport. The cases are under investigation to uncover the drug cartel that is behind the illegal shipment of the narcotics.

Militancy/Maritime

Military Arrests Militants over Attacks on Oil Facilities

The Joint Military Force in the Niger-Delta, Operation Delta Safe, says it has arrested two militants responsible for recent attacks on oil infrastructure in the region. The JTF Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, December 15, said that the suspected militants, popularly identified as ‘General Eagle’ and ‘General VIP’ were arrested in the creeks. He said that the arrest of the suspects, who had admitted to being the brains behind attacks at Agip oilfields in Bayelsa, was due to the tenacity of operations launched against vandals by the joint force. The commander said that preliminary investigations had uncovered threats by text messages to oil firms and their staff to carry out more attacks if their demands for financial gratifications were not met. He said that troops, acting on actionable intelligence, raided their hideouts in Yenagoa and arrested three other suspects currently being interrogated.

Terrorism

Twin Bombs Kill 3, Injure 17 in Maiduguri

Three people were, December 11, killed in a suicide bomb attack at the gate of the Maiduguri Monday Market. The attack, by two female bombers, left 17 others injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The dead include the bombers and one other person yet to be identified. According to NEMA officials, the two teenage girls detonated explosive devices strapped around their waists at the biggest market in the state capital. The officials said the casualty figure could have been higher if the teenagers not been denied access to the vicinity of the market by eagle-eyed security operatives. The teenagers were said to have detonated the explosives strapped to them when they were accosted by security men in the market. Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, confirmed the incident.

Boko Haram Terrorists Now Disguise as Menial Workers -DHQ

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), December 13, urged Nigerians to be vigilant as Boko Haram terrorists now disguise as menial workers as a strategy to infiltrate communities and towns to carry out attacks. Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, disclosed that some fleeing Boko Haram terrorists are now disguising as menial workers to melt into communities and towns with a view to organising terrorist attack against vulnerable communities.  The Defence Headquarters advises citizens to be on the alert and be wary of these tricks of the terrorists.

Another Lt. Col. Killed by Suspected Boko Haram IED

Another senior Nigerian Army officer has been killed after he stepped on a landmine planted by Boko Haram. The officer, Lieutenant Colonel O. Umusu, who was the Commanding Officer, 118 Task Force Battalion in Borno State, was killed alongside his security detail on December 12 when he and his men were returning from Maiduguri to their location towards Baga. The incident happened between Sari and Gudumbali. Umusu is the fourth Lieutenant Colonel the army is losing between October and December.

Military Rescues 605 Women, Children from Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Army, December 15, announced that its troops had rescued 536 women and children from the Sambisa Forest between December 7 and 14, 2016. The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Lucky Irabor, further disclosed that 69 adult men were also rescued by the army to bring the number of freed captives to 605 persons. According to him, the troops have continued to make remarkable progress in the fight against terrorism in the Sambisa Forest. He added that the victims were in the military custody and were undergoing further investigation and interrogation.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Truck Drivers Protest Killing of Colleague by Soldiers

A soldier, December 9, shot and killed the driver of an articulated truck along the Abuja-Lokoja highway. Following the shooting and the ensuing commotion, most vehicles coming from the north and heading to the south were held for almost five hours as trailer drivers blocked the road in protest. An eyewitness disclosed that the incident occurred before Jamata Bridge, Koton-Karfi when a trailer carrying cows from Abuja was stopped by the soldiers at the checkpoint.  An argument had ensued between one of the soldiers and the driver, which degenerated into a fight and one of the soldiers opened fire on the driver and killed him instantly. It was gathered that the soldiers fled the scene after the incident. The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who described the incident as unfortunate, pledged a thorough investigation into the killing.

Rivers Rerun: 1 Killed in Ogoniland

One person was December 10, killed in Ogoniland during the legislative rerun elections in Rivers State. The election in the Rivers South-East Senatorial district had started as a peaceful election but later degenerated into a violent exercise. While the police denied knowledge of violence, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the cancellation of the exercise in Khana LGA, alleging connivance of the police in ballot snatching and attacks on PDP chieftains. The legislative rerun elections in Rivers State had proceeded peacefully in most polling units across the state.

33-Year-Old Kills, Buries Mother in Cesspit

The Ogun State Police command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Segun Ogunlusi, for allegedly killing his 60-year-old mother, Abimbola Ogunlusi. The suspect reportedly killed his mother on December 13 at their Molatori, Ogijo residence in Sagamu LGA and buried her in a cesspit. The suspect was said to have been arrested following a report from his younger sister, Yetunde Ogunlusi. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that Yetunde had reported to the police that she left their mother at home with her brother when she was going to work, but did not find her upon her return.  According to her, the explanation given by her brother was not satisfactory. Upon police investigation, it was discovered that the suspect stabbed the deceased to death and hurriedly buried her in a pit close to the house.

Man Jailed 25 Years for Killing Student

A member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Akinwumi Adisa, was, December 11, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour for the murder of a medical student, Anwal Shannono, in June 2011. Justice Munta Abimbola of the Oyo State High Court, who gave the sentence, said evidence showed that Adisa was guilty of the crime he was charged with. He, however, discharged three other members of the union, Olumide Oladeji, Sadeeq Adejide and Tajudeen Arowotosuna, on the ground that there was not enough evidence linking them to the crime. Shannono was shot dead and set ablaze on June 4, 2011, during a supremacy fight between factional groups of the union.

Passenger Kills Commercial Bike Rider

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a young man, Kayode Agboola, for allegedly killing a commercial motorcycle rider, Akinola Emmanuel, in Ajowa Akoko, Akoko North-West LGA of the State. It was gathered that the suspect had hired the service of the deceased to take him to a nearby village, but on getting to a bush path, the passenger allegedly killed Akinola and dumped his body in the bush before taking the motorcycle away. The suspect was arrested by the men of the Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he confessed to have stolen the motorcycle. Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Femi Joseph, December 11, confirmed the incident.

Police Probe Kidnap, Killing of 17-Year-Old in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged kidnap and murder of a teenager, Zara’u Bello, in Kimba, Jega LGA of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Ibrahim, December 11, said that some suspects had been arrested and the case transferred from Jega Divisional Office to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation. Ibrahim said that some of the suspects were still at large. He gave the assurance that the command would do its best to bring the culprits to book. The father of the 17-year-old, Alhaji Bello Kimba, said that the body of his daughter was discovered in the bush on December 7, three days after her sudden disappearance. Kimba said that the deceased was going to her sister’s house when she disappeared.

Army School Commandant Found Dead Inside Military Formation

The Commandant of Command Secondary School, Ibadan, Col. Anthony Okeyim, was, December 11, found dead in front of his apartment within the school premises. He was reportedly strangled to death by suspected assassins after he was attacked in front of his official quarter. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said that the Police was treating it as a case of murder. Police investigation had begun and the investigating team is working with Military Police investigating team to apprehend the suspects, he added.

Suspected Ijaw Youths Behead Urhobo Indigene; Raze 2 Houses

Yet-to-be identified persons, suspected to be Ijaw youths, December 10, shot and beheaded an Urhobo youth, identified as James Oghenekparabor Elvis, at Aladja in Udu LGA of Delta State. The killing is said to be in revenge for the November 25 beheading of an Ogbe-Ijoh carpenter, Samson Bebebo. The armed youths also razed two houses. Chairman of the Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee, DWLSC, Warri, Chief Boro Opudu, confirmed the incident, adding that his men were investigating to unravel the suspects. The government had deployed security agents to the warring communities to avoid further killings.

24-Year-Old Shot Dead in Lagos

A family, whose son was shot dead on November 27 at Ojuelegba in Lagos, has cried out for justice. The deceased, Afenghide George, was killed a few days after an hotelier allegedly threatened him with a gun during an argument. Father of the deceased, Matthew George-Umaigba, reported that the four suspected killers of his son were seen moving about freely in the area. The bereaved father said that his son had, on November 25, had an argument with the manager of a hotel, Civic Motel at Ojuelegba Road, Surulere. The hotel manager, simply identified as Solomon, had brought out a gun and attempted to shoot Afenghide. But the 24-year-old reportedly escaped out of the hotel. Some boys later accosted and accused him of insulting their godfather, Solomon. According to him, the matter was reported to the police. Solomon, in his statement, said that some cult boys he identified as Adams, Musa, Timaya and Idimu, killed Afenghide. A police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident and the arrest of some suspects. Badmos said the police were on the trail of other members of the gang.

Couple to Die by Hanging for Murder in Osun

An Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife, December 14, sentenced a couple, Fatai Jimoh and his wife, Lateefat, to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder of one Bukola Taiwo. The prosecutor had told the court that Fatai strangulated the victim, while his wife smashed Taiwo’s head with a sledgehammer after which the couple removed the victim’s purse and stole N48,780.00. The Principal State Counsel, Faremi Moses, brought four witnesses to court and presented a sledgehammer, which the couple used in murdering the victim and other exhibits before the court.

Bike Riders Kill LASTMA Zonal Head

Some commercial motorcycle riders, December 15, mobbed and killed the Zonal Head of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at Point Road in Apapa, Mr S. Bakare. The mob action took place after the state government vowed to commence full enforcement of traffic laws against commercial motorcycle riders plying the restricted 475 roads across the state. The government had urged LASTMA and other agencies to immediately embark on enforcement. The government’s directive might have prompted the reaction of the miscreants and bike riders, who swooped on the zonal head and his team, while they were managing traffic within the Apapa axis. The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bashir Braimah, confirmed the incident. Police Public Relation Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said that the police had commenced an investigation with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the act.

Septuagenarian Murdered in Farm

A 76-year-old farmer, Moses Atanda Omifenwa, was, December 15, killed on his farm in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The aged farmer was killed in his farm settlement at Ado-Odo in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council of the state by yet-to-be identified suspects. The victim’s son, Jide, disclosed that his 76-year-old father was killed in his farm. According to him, when the septuagenarian did not return from the farm at the expected time, they went in search of him, only to meet his lifeless body on the farm. The case was promptly reported to the police.

Police Arrest 5 Suspected Killers of DSP Alkali in Rivers State

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspects in connection with the killing ‎of DSP Mohammed Alkali in Rivers State during the December 10 legislative re-run elections. Force PRO, Donald Awunah, disclosed that the high-powered investigation team set up by the Inspector General of Police got a major breakthrough with the arrest of the principal suspects. The statement listed the suspects as Noble Nwaerema, Dike Deinpiribo, Valentine Alalibo, Onwunari J. Warmate and Iloke Stephen, all males. The FPRO noted that upon further interrogation of the suspects, it was discovered that they were active members of the group that gruesomely murdered Alkali in Omoku town. He also stated that the suspects had confessed to the crime and were cooperating with the Police to recover the severed part of the slain officer. The FPRO said an investigation is on top gear to rescue the missing orderly to the murdered officer and recover the police vehicle that was snatched during the incident. ‎

Gunmen Attacked Kaduna Village, Killed 15, Injured Others

Unknown gunmen, alleged to be herdsmen, attacked the Ungwan Rana, Gadani village, Gwagwada district of Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, killing about 15 villagers and injuring scores on December 14. A resident described the attack as perfectly planned and executed by terrorists. He said many houses and farmland were also razed down, adding that food, goods, properties and other valuables were also destroyed by the invaders. Security personnel deployed in the area have ensured calm and normalcy in the area.

Rape

Man, 46, Bags 14 Years in Jail for Raping 8-Year-Old Girl

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, December 14, sentenced a 46-year-old man, Salisu Abdullahi, to 14 years in jail for raping a minor. Justice J. K. Omotosho said that the court was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the convict carried out the act and convicted him without an option of fine. The National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) had arraigned the convict on a one-count charge, bordering on illicit sexual intercourse with an eight-year-old girl. The judge ordered Salisu to proceed to serve 14 years in jail without an option of a fine and also ordered the convict to pay N2 million fine.

Man in Court for Raping 3-Year-Old

A 31-year-old man, Kehinde Shola, who allegedly defiled a minor, was, December 13, arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court. The 31-year-old is facing a one-count charge of sexual assault. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offence was committed on November 15 at the accused residence. The accused allegedly carried the three-year-old girl to his room under the pretence of playing with her and defiled her. The Chief Magistrate B. O. Osunsanmi granted the accused bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till February 6, 2017, for mention.

Man Arraigned for Defiling Toddler

A 21-year-old man, simply identified as Chidera, was arraigned in a Surulere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl by inserting his finger into her vagina. The prosecutor, Sergeant Antonia Osayande, December 13, told the court that the accused committed the offence at the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos on December 4. The accused, who resides in the same compound as the parents of the child, was reportedly playing with the girl before taking her to his apartment, where he allegedly inserted his finger into her vagina. Osayande alleged that it was when the little girl got back home that she told her parents that the accused touched her. While the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, the Senior Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case till December 20.

Man in Docked for Sodomising 9-Year-Old Boy

A 29-year-old man, Desmond Asiegbulem, December 13, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly sodomising a nine-year-old boy. Asiegbulem is being tried for indecent treatment of a child. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offence was committed on November 11 at the accused residence when the accused called the victim into his room and shut the door. The accused defiled the victim through the anus. It was when the victim started having pains in the anus that he told his mother what the accused did to him. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused N200,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till February 9, 2017, for mention.

Man, 27, Docked for Defiling 4-Year-Old Girl

A 27-year-old man, Kazeem Adebayo, who allegedly defiled his neighbour’s four-year-old daughter, was, December 13, docked at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. Adebayo is facing a charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 6 at his residence. Inuoha said that the victim, a four-year-old girl, was left in the custody of the accused by her mother. But on her return, she saw a blood stain on her daughter’s pant and the girl told her mother what the neighbour did to her. It was in the hospital that the mother got the clear picture that her daughter had been defiled. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The chief magistrate, Mrs B. O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to February 9 for mention.

Others

200 Die in Akwa Ibom Church Building Collapse

About 200 people were, December 10, killed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State when a church building collapsed during a church service. The State governor, Emmanuel Udom, was among the top government officials and other dignitaries at the Reigners Bible Church when the tragedy occurred during a special programme organised to mark the ordination of the founder of the church, Akan Weeks, as Bishop. It was gathered that construction works on a section where the ordination service held was hurriedly completed because of the event. The state Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, who said he could not ascertain the number of those dead or those trapped in the building, expressed sadness over the development. The Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Professor Etete Peters, said that about 200 persons were brought to the hospital dead.

Security Guard Found Dead Inside Petrol Tanker

A private security guard attached to Frankies Filling Station along Enerhen road in Uvwie LGA of Delta State, was, December 10, found dead inside a petrol tanker belonging to the owner of the station, where he worked. The middle-aged man, Emmanuel Obene, who was declared missing a week earlier; was found dead in the tanker when it was about loading fuel. Sources at the filling station said that the security guard might have died in the process of trying to scoop fuel from the tanker. The deceased was the head of security before the unfortunate incident occurred. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, confirmed the incident.

Explosion Kills One in Cross River

At least one person is said to have died after an explosion occurred in a building in Adadama, Abi LGA of Cross River State on December 13. The people of Adadama and their Amagu neighbours in Nko LGA of Ebonyi State have, for several years, been engaged in violent fights over a parcel of farmland. The battle has claimed several lives and displaced many families. An indigene of Adadama, Richard Eroko, alleged that the explosive device was suspected to have been planted in the building by their Amagu neighbours in a renewed hostility in the area. Eroko alleged that several Adadama indigenes had been killed in the wake of the renewed hostilities which started and has been unabated since 2013 despite several peace initiatives by authorities in both states.

Two Killed, Vehicles Burnt in Rivers Tanker Fire

Two persons were killed when a tanker laden with petrol, December 13, crashed at the Eleme Junction axis, along East-West Road in Rivers State. The tanker, according to an eyewitness account, was trying to avoid a collision with a car when the driver lost control, crashed the vehicle into a bus parked by the roadside and exploded. It was learnt that the tanker was at top speed when the accident happened. The driver of the tanker was said to have escaped unscathed, while his conductor and a passer-by were burnt beyond recognition. Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Rivers State Sector Command, John Michael, confirmed the incident and attributed the accident to speeding. He explained that the incident happened between 1 am to 2 am, adding that while two persons died, one other person was injured. Michael stated that 19 vehicles and three buildings were affected by the inferno.

53 Burnt to Death in Edo Car Crash

The Edo State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), December 9, confirmed that about 53 persons died in multiple accidents that occurred on December 8 at Abudu Bridge, along the Benin/Agbor Road. The crash was said to have occurred when a tanker laden with a petroleum product, rammed into a bullion van, which was said to have developed a fault and was being fixed by the roadside. The occupants of the van were said to be diverting traffic when the tanker ran into them, with the other vehicles driving behind also getting stuck. Spokesman of the ‎Command, George Otoaviokhai, said five persons also sustained varying degrees of injuries. Otoaviokhai said eight vehicles- two buses, one Sienna, one Dyna truck, one tanker, one Ford bus, one Toyota Corolla and one motorcycle- were involved in the accident, which he attributed to brake failure. All the occupants in the two buses, Sienna and Corolla, were burnt to ashes.

Herdsman Chops Off Farmer’s Hand, Ear

The Police in Kogi State have arrested a Fulani herdsman for allegedly cutting off the hand and ear of a farmer in the Idah area of the State. It was learnt that the incident occurred on December 11 on a cassava farm owned by the victim, Okpanachi. It was learnt that the herdsman during an altercation with Okpanachi, insisted that the farmer must allow his cows to graze on the latter’s farmland. The suspect thereafter allegedly cut off Okpanachi’s hand and ear. A witness said the human parts were allegedly found in the herdsman’s bag, while he was about to board a taxi and escape from the area. He was arrested after some drivers in the area suspected his impatience and demanded that his bag must be searched. Following the discovery, a mob gathered and almost lynched him before he was rescued by some soldiers.

Father Batters Children over Alleged Theft of Fish

A 41-year-old father of two, Kasali Mumuni, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command after he allegedly inflicted injuries on his children by hitting up a knife and burning their stomachs over alleged theft of fish meant for his dinner. An official of the NSCDC confirmed that the suspect was arrested for inflicting injuries on his children.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained high on the index with dreadful killings. Some unknown gunmen shot and beheaded an Urhobo youth in Delta state following a protracted communal crisis. In a shocking incident, a 33-year-old man killed his 60-year-old mother and buried her in a cesspit. Other incidents include political killing, cult and communal violence leading to loss of lives. These incidents were mostly witnessed in the south-west region of the country.

Kidnap/hostage case maintained its pace on the crime index. The security agencies put up spirited efforts to apprehend suspects and rescue hostages. This was seen in the case of a 17-year-old maid, who was arrested in Kaduna for absconding with the one-year-old baby of her employer, whom she later dumped in a garden overnight. A massive arrest of kidnap gangs was recorded with several hostages, mostly children, rescued. These incidents were prevalent in the north-east and south-east regions.

The increasing trend of rape of minors in the society is becoming alarming. Trusted neighbours, relatives, and teachers, have variously been pointed out as culprits. Little boys are not spared by gay men as a 29-year-old man sodomised a 10-year-old boy. Kudos to the police as there have been an arrest of suspected paedophiles. Parents and guardians are continually advised to be very protective of their young ones to avoid them being preyed upon. Various regions of the country have witnessed a fair share of this heinous crime.

Robbery incidents took a soft pedal with few cases on record. The Ekiti State Police Command reportedly arrested about 85 suspects in a sting operation carried out with the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on black spots in the state. All tributes should go to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for their effort in the arrest of suspects, vandals and gang leaders in the south-west region.

Terrorism, which had been on the rise in recent weeks, took a nosedive with just a few incidents on record. It is calming as the military continues its offensive against terrorists’ enclaves, rescuing hostages. Terrorists were killed in their numbers as the military continues its clearance operations in the north-east with an endless recovery of weapons from various terrorist groups. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters have continued to urge Nigerians to be vigilant as Boko Haram terrorists now disguise as menial workers as a strategy to infiltrate communities and towns to carry out attacks. The north-east continues to remain most endemic region.

Every Nigerian and person resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.